Monday July 17 Ag News

July 26 Workshops on Farmland Cash Rent/Leases and Ag Estate Planning

Two workshops, Farmland Cash Rent/Leases and Ag Estate Planning Primer, will be hosted by Nebraska Extension in Dodge and Washington counties on Wednesday July 26, 2017 in Blair at the Washington County Extension Office located at 597 Grant Street.

The morning workshop on Farmland Cash Rent and Leases will run from 9:00 am to Noon followed by a free lunch. This workshop is designed to help landlords and tenants put together a lease that is right for both parties involved and help maintain positive farm leasing relationships. Topics for discussion at the leasing workshop include:  Latest information about land values and cash rental rates for the area and state; lease communication, determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord; lease terminations, including terminating handshake or verbal leases; legal issues related to land ownership; and flexible lease arrangements.

The Ag Estate Planning Primer Workshop in the afternoon will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. The 90 minutes will be filled with information about the importance of starting that estate planning process, appropriate family communications, considering the legacy you’d like to leave, and other important reasons to get a plan in place. The sooner you start making estate plans the better.   Participants in past workshops always say the workshop is great, but they wished they would have attended one sooner.   It is also very helpful to have representatives of several generations of the family present at the workshop. The information provided will be appropriate for all families. Examples related will include planning information for small businesses and farming operations.  The workshop will not substitute for appropriate legal advice, but hopefully get participants prepared for the process to make more efficient use of legal services as appropriate.  

The workshops and lunch are free, but preregistration is encouraged to ensure there is enough lunch meals and handouts. Attendees can register for one or both workshops online at http://croptechcafe.org/registration or by contacting Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Cropping Systems Extension Educator for Dodge and Washington counties at 402-727-2775, nathan.mueller@unl.edu. For more information, visit this webpage for these workshops at http://croptechcafe.org/july26workshops.



Several Corn Diseases Developing Across Nebraska
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, NE Extension Plant Pathologist

Several diseases, as well as other problems that look like diseases, have been confirmed in corn samples from around the state. Some diseases are difficult to differentiate from each other and from abiotic causes, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them and confirm your diagnoses before making treatment decisions.

Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Streak (BLS)
BLS has been confirmed in samples from several counties across Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado.  Diagnosis can be difficult as the narrow interveinal streaks look similar to some other diseases, such as the fungal disease gray leaf spot, and some abiotic damage that is also common right now.

Goss’s Bacterial Wilt and Blight
Although the disease has been scarce in Nebraska in recent years because of widespread use of disease-resistant  hybrids, the pathogen is still present and taking advantage of wounds created by recent hail and other severe weather events. The large lesions can look similar to the fungal disease northern corn leaf blight, so look for dark freckles near lesion edges and shiny bacterial exudate on the leaf surface.

Holcus Spot
Another bacterial disease, Holcus Spot, has been more common, and sometimes more severe, than in previous years. This disease is rarely a threat to yield and doesn’t require treatment. Some hybrids may be more sensitive than others. Symptoms can resemble those caused by drift of a gramoxone herbicide such as Paraquat.

Fungal Diseases
Gray Leaf Spot (GLS)
GLS has been confirmed in a few locations in southern Nebraska. The rectangular gray lesions caused by GLS begin on lower leaves and move up the plant with continued moisture and high relative humidity. Consider its severity and height on the plant (primarily its proximity to the ear leaf and above), as well as hybrid ratings, when making fungicide treatment decisions.

Common Rust
Brick-red to brown rust pustules can develop on the top or bottom leaf surfaces. The common rust fungus can grow well at lower temperatures than southern rust and so it is more common during the first half of the growing season (now). This can lead to confusion because of its similar appearance to the more yield-threatening southern rust that develops mid- to late-season.

Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB)
The fungus causing NCLB prefers moist, cool conditions. The disease is most common in eastern Nebraska counties and occurs sporadically in central Nebraska. Large, cigar-shaped lesions can be one to several inches long (Figure 6). Susceptible hybrids can benefit from timely fungicide applications if disease becomes severe as it can lead to blighted leaves and yield loss.

Northern Corn Leaf Spot (NCLS)
NLCS, which causes oval to brown lesions on leaves or in the midribs, is rarely a serious problem in hybrid dent corn. However, it can be very serious in some susceptible inbred lines.  In hybrids the disease is rarely severe enough to treat with fungicides; however, it may be necessary in some seed corn production.

Physoderma Brown Spot
This disease is normally not severe, except on susceptible hybrids in wet conditions that favor infection. The yellow lesions on the leaf blade may be quite widespread across entire leaves or in bands. The pathogen requires standing water on plant parts, so lesions can develop in a banding pattern across the leaf after they emerge through the plant’s whorl during alternating wet/dry periods. Lesions may develop in both the midrib and on the leaf blade with appear very different. On the leaf blade, the small yellow/brown lesions may be alarming and appear similar to southern rust pustules, but they will lack the colored spores on the surface that can be wiped away. Lesions that develop in the midrib are often larger than those on the leaf blade and are usually black in color. Management of Physoderma brown spot is rarely necessary, although infection can be concentrated at a node, weakening it and leading to later stalk breakage.

Common Smut
The common smut fungus is probably present in every field and infects corn through silks or wounds, such as those created by recent hail storms where the disease is developing now on leaves.  The fleshy galls are smaller, wart-like and more difficult to recognize on leaves, but can occur anywhere on the plant. Smut most commonly occurs on ears.  Fungicide treatments are not effective in controlling common smut.

Abiotic Problems
Scald
Other symptoms have also been quite common in fields now, such as those caused by abiotic (non-living) causes.  Many of these symptoms are consistent with scald or sunscald that can develop in some scenarios. For example, during dry soil conditions with high temperatures and high wind scalding can occur on leaves that first become discolored and then bleached.  The affected areas may look like patches of interveinal white striping, too, but lack any pathogens. Tassels may also be affected and loss of functional leaf area may result in more stalk rot later in the season in the same areas of the fields.

Sample Submission
Submit samples to the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic for help identify plant diseases if you are unsure.  Once a disease has been identified, that information can be used to select seed for the next crop. Producers can work with seed company representatives to identify the best hybrids for their fields.

Further Resources
For more information on any of these diseases, visit the Plant Disease Management section of CropWatch, which includes disease and treatment information for the state’s leading crops. More information will be provided in later issues summarizing research results and ongoing projects focused on bacterial leaf streak.



 Smith to Hold Farm Bill Listening Sessions in Broken Bow, Beatrice, and South Sioux City

As part of his 2017 Farm Bill Listening Tour, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host August listening sessions in Broken Bow, Beatrice, and South Sioux City.

The Farm Bill Listening Tour provides Third District constituents an opportunity to visit with Smith, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the future of agriculture policy.  Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach will also join the discussions.

“Sound agriculture policies are a crucial part of ensuring farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to succeed,” Smith said.  “As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill, I look forward to receiving direct input from Third District producers.  Getting these policies right will help producers overcome challenges they face and ensure the Third District remains the top-producing agriculture district in the country.”

Broken Bow Farm Bill Listening Session
Tuesday, August 1
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites
2750 S. 27th Avenue, Broken Bow, NE
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

Beatrice Farm Bill Listening Session
Thursday, August 3
Homestead National Monument Education Center
8523 W. State Highway 4, Beatrice, NE
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

South Sioux City Farm Bill Listening Session
Wednesday, August 23
City Hall
1615 1st Avenue, South Sioux City, NE
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

Information about the Farm Bill Listening Tour is also available on Smith’s website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/FarmBillTour.  For questions about these events, please contact Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.



Gary Zoubek Receives National Hall of Fame Award

At the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) national meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah last week, Gary Zoubek was awarded the Hall of Fame Award for the North Central Region. This is the highest honor an Extension agricultural professional can receive from NACAA. Every year one recipient is selected from each of four U.S. regions.

Zoubek demonstrated excellence while serving as an educator, mentor, and friend to many over his 43-year Nebraska Extension career in Holt, Antelope, and York counties. Over his career, Gary has collaborated in numerous projects, always seeking research-based ways to make farmers profitable yet environmentally and economically sustainable. This is evidenced by his work with the “Ten Easy Ways to Boost Profits $20/acre” effort and contributions to CropWatch. While in retirement, he has helped with Nebraska Extension’s “Strengthening Nebraska’s Agricultural Economy” effort.

One of Gary’s strengths has been his leadership in building strong teams and in teamwork. He is most recognized for his teamwork in the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network (NAWMN) since 2005. The NAWMN has helped irrigators reduce pumping while maintaining yields, ultimately saving water, energy, and money. The NAWMN has grown to over 1400 collaborators managing over 2 million acres. Participants report an average of 2.2 inches of water saved per acre per year, resulting in more than 1 million acre inches of water savings and fuel savings of more than $50 million.

Gary is well known in Nebraska for his service within the Nebraska Corn Grower’s Association and in recruiting new members (receiving 1st and 2nd place honors in 2014 and 2013, respectively). In 2015, he was recognized by the York County Corn Growers for Outstanding Service and was also recognized at the state level, receiving the Golden Ear Award for his service to Nebraska’s corn industry.

Gary exemplifies excellence in all he has done throughout his Extension career in service to farmers, the agricultural industry, service to NACAA, and in service to many organizations to which he belongs. Congratulations to Gary Zoubek on this most deserved NACAA Hall of Fame award!



GRAZING SUDANGRASS, PEARL MILLET, AND SORGHUM HYBRIDS
NE Extension Forage Specialist Bruce Anderson

               Summer annual grasses planted this spring soon could be ready to graze.  Let’s review grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards.

               It’s been said that rules are meant to be broken.  One rule that I suggest you never break, though, is this one: never turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-type pastures.  Why?  Because they may eat so rapidly that they could get a quick overdose of prussic acid and die.

               All sudangrass and sorghum-type hybrids can produce a compound called prussic acid that is potentially poisonous.  Prussic acid, which also is called cyanide, is nothing to fear, though, as long as you use a few precautions to avoid problems.

               The highest concentration of prussic acid is in new young shoots, so let your grass get a little growth on it before grazing to help dilute out the prussic acid.  Let sudangrass get at least 18 inches in height before grazing.  Sorghum-sudan hybrids usually have a little more prussic acid risk, so wait until they are 20 to 24 inches tall.

               Now – pearl millet does not contain prussic acid so if you planted millet these grazing precautions aren’t needed.  Pearl millet can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.

               Nitrates also can accumulate in these grasses.  However, as long as you avoid grazing too short, nitrates should not be a problem.

               Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system.  Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that your animals can graze down to about eight or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days.  Repeat this procedure with all paddocks.  If some grass gets too tall, either cut it for hay or rotate animals more quickly so grass doesn't head out.

               A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain can give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.



Southwest Iowa Pasture Clinics Offer Site-specific Information

Beef cattle producers in southwest Iowa are invited to a new type of field day in five locations this summer. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Chris Clark said the Southwest Iowa Pasture Clinics will address a wide variety of pasture management topics for producers who want to optimize livestock and forage production practices and weed management strategies. There’s no cost to attend any of the locations.

“Each pasture clinic will cover information about beef cattle, forage and watering systems, and will highlight features and challenges specific to the site. All are hosted by Iowa State extension specialists,” Clark said. “All programs are in the evening with a meal included. The time and session length varies by location.”

He said each clinic is designed to be interactive and will include a resource guide. To ensure adequate meal count and material availability, preregistration is required for each location. Contact the hosting county extension office as early as possible.

July 18, 5:30-8 p.m, Brad Z Ranch, 1454 Hwy 44, Guthrie Center. Contact: Guthrie County Extension Office, 641-747-2276

July 25, 5-8 p.m., Stockwell Farms, 2879 Linwood Ave, Bedford. Contact: Taylor County Extension Office, 712-523-2137

July 27, 5-8 p.m., Shelby County Extension Office 906 Sixth Street, Harlan for meal at 5 p.m., then Schwarte Farm, 1505 2200 St., Defiance. Contact: Shelby County Extension Office, 712-755-3104

Aug. 7, 5-8 p.m., Advanced Beef Genetics, Fairview Rd, Wiota (1/8 mi E of N28). Contact: Cass County Extension Office, 712-243-1132

Aug. 23, 5-8 p.m., Frazee Farm, 1080 230th St., Emerson. Contact: Mills County Extension Office, 712-527-3316

For general information about the clinics, contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or email at caclark@iastate.edu .



Charcoal Rot Is A Hidden Threat to Soybean Yield

The persistent hot weather in many areas of the country this growing season may be conducive to the development of charcoal rot disease in soybean. Farmers, agronomists, crop consultants and specialists are encouraged to scout for this particular disease now. Although charcoal rot is most severe in years and areas experiencing hot, dry weather, this disease can also cause losses when ample moisture is present, making it a hidden threat to yield.  

“The fungus generally infects soybean seedlings early in the growing season, yet foliar symptoms may not appear until mid-season or later during reproductive growth stages,” said Kiersten Wise, associate professor and extension grain crops specialist at University of Kentucky. “Symptoms generally develop as a result of an external stress, such as drought or high temperatures and are easy to confuse with several other diseases and disorders, including soybean cyst nematode injury, early senescence and drought stress.”

The causal fungus spreads from the roots to the stem, filling tissues with small, dark, round fungal structures called microsclerotia. These structures clog vascular tissue, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant, which is more apparent in drought-stressed areas.

“It is important to determine if charcoal rot is present because microsclerotia can survive in soil for several years and the fungus can infect a number of rotation crops, including corn, cotton and grain sorghum, which limits the effectiveness of tillage and rotation for managing the disease,” said Daren Mueller, associate professor and extension plant pathology specialist at Iowa State University.

To determine if charcoal rot is present, remove symptomatic plants from the soil profile and either split the lower stems or gently remove the outer bark of the plant to look for microsclerotia.

“Producers with confirmed fields containing charcoal rot-affected plants should work with seed dealers to select less susceptible varieties and avoid planting at high populations to reduce competition for water among plants,” said Tom Allen, extension plant pathology specialist at Mississippi State University. “Genetic resistance is limited, but may be available.”

Foliar fungicides are ineffective at preventing or reducing disease development. Irrigating soybeans can help reduce water stress, but may not prevent charcoal rot development in fields with a history of the disease or in situations where irrigation is poorly managed.

Research Efforts
The United Soybean Board and North Central Soybean Research Program have funded research to help understand charcoal rot. Through these projects, resources have been developed that can be used by soybean farmers and other agriculture allied personnel to help diagnose and manage charcoal rot. In general, effective management begins by properly diagnosing the disease. However, when observed in field situations, in-season management practices are not available and an integrated management approach should be used for subsequent seasons. As a result of the funded research projects, several publications have been developed to provide information on properly diagnosing charcoal rot as well as best management practices to reduce yield losses.
Charcoal Rot Resources

    For details on the appearance of charcoal rot and disease development, diseases and disorders with similar symptoms, and general charcoal rot management, please see the publication “Charcoal Rot” available from the Crop Protection Network.

    A description of how to distinguish charcoal rot from the zone lines associated with Diaporthe diseases, can be found in the publication, “Soybean Stem Zone Lines: Fact and Fiction” available from the Crop Protection Network.

    For a comprehensive summary of the findings of charcoal rot research published to date, please see the Journal of Integrated Pest Management article, “Advancing our Understanding of Charcoal Rot in Soybeans”.



Cattle Industry Wraps Up Summer Business Meeting

More than 700 of the nation’s cattle industry leaders wrapped up another successful Summer Business Meeting in Denver today, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s board of directors formally adopting policy positions on issues like international trade, tax reform, and modernizing the Endangered Species Act.

“It’s been a great week for America’s cattle industry, and meetings like this allow us to network, share best practices across the beef supply chain, and come together to adopt the policy positions that we’ll fight for in Washington, D.C.,” said NCBA President Craig Uden. “I’m proud of everybody who took the time away from their busy operations to help set our industry’s direction for another important year.”

Highlights of the week included the announcement of results of the checkoff-funded 2016 National Beef Quality Audit and the celebration of six regional finalists for the 2017 Environmental Stewardship Awards. This year’s finalists, announced at a reception on Thursday evening, are Blue Lake Farm, LLC, operated by Rusty and Jessie Thomson, Sharon, S.C.; SFI, Inc., Seth and Etta Smith, Nemaha, Iowa; Sterling Cattle Company, Jimmy and Theresa Sterling, Coahoma, Texas; Flying Diamond Ranch, Scott and Jean Johnson, Kit Carson, Colo.; Jim O’Haco Cattle Company, Jim and Jeanni O’Haco, Winslow, Ariz.; and Munson Angus Farms, LLC, Chuck and Deanna Munson, Junction City, Kan.

Joint Committees and Subcommittees met on Thursday and Friday to develop proposals for 2018 checkoff-funded research, education and promotion programs. Also on Friday, NCBA policy committees met to determine priorities and discuss strategies for 2018.

“NCBA is the cattle industry’s oldest and largest national organization in large part because we remain a grassroots-run association where our members come together to set our direction,” Uden said. “In the coming year, we will remain committed to expanding our access to markets around the world, to securing a full and permanent repeal of the onerous death tax, to protecting our access to public lands, and to securing funding for a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank in the 2018 Farm Bill.”

The cattle industry’s next large-scale meeting will be the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona.



 CHS reports fiscal 2017 third-quarter results

CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported a net loss of $45.2 million for the third quarter of its 2017 fiscal year (three-month period ended May 31, 2017), compared to net income of $190.3 million for the same period one year ago. Consolidated revenues for the third quarter were $8.6 billion, compared to $7.8 billion for the third quarter of 2016, representing a 10 percent increase.

"Despite the economic challenges in agriculture and energy, several of our underlying businesses are having a solid year," said CHS President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Debertin. "Unfortunately, we've experienced three negative one-time events this fiscal year that have resulted in charges leading to a loss in the third quarter and a significant earnings decline for the year to date. In response to these events, we are implementing measures to better identify risk management gaps in some of our processes and when necessary enhance our ability to effectively manage our risks."

Pretax income for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2017, was $40.0 million, compared to $407.9 million for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2016. The decrease is primarily the result of charges related to a Brazilian trading partner entering into bankruptcy proceedings under Brazilian law, loan loss reserve charges, of which a significant portion relate to a single large producer borrower, and asset impairment charges.

Revenues for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2017, were $24.0 billion, compared to $22.2 billion for the nine-month period ended May 31, 2016, an increase of 8 percent.

"Throughout the world, agriculture and energy markets remain unpredictable and our owners and customers depend on us, so it's our job to be prepared to succeed in any economic environment," said Debertin. "That's why we're committed to improving our risk management practices across our businesses. Additionally we are refocusing on the areas we know best and in parts of the world where we need to be to serve the U.S. farmer. We will do this based on the core values and tenets CHS has built on for more than 85 years: trust, partnership and opportunity."

The CHS Energy segment experienced a loss before income taxes of $9.3 million for the three months ended May 31, 2017, compared to income before taxes of $109.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2016. Results were primarily due to significantly reduced refining margins and a $32.7 million charge incurred due to a cancelled capital project. The company's propane, transportation and lubricants businesses experienced decreases in earnings compared to the same period a year ago.

The CHS Ag segment, which includes domestic and global grain marketing and crop nutrients businesses, renewable fuels, local retail operations, and processing and food ingredients, generated a loss before income taxes of $221.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 2017, compared to income before taxes of $24.2 million for the same period in fiscal 2016. Grain marketing earnings decreased primarily due to a $230 million charge driven by a trading partner in Brazil entering bankruptcy proceedings under Brazilian law. The wholesale crop nutrients and renewable fuels businesses experienced decreases due to lower margins. The processing and food ingredients business earnings decreased primarily due to impairment charges taken on certain assets during the three months ended May 31, 2017. Country Operations earnings increased due primarily to increased volumes.

The Nitrogen Production segment generated income of $8.7 million during the third quarter, compared to $25.0 million during the same period last year. The decrease is primarily due to lower production margins.

The company's Foods segment, previously reported as a component of Corporate and Other, generated pretax earnings of $7.0 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $17.0 million in the same period the previous year. The decreases were primarily due to reduced margins at Ventura Foods, LLC, the investment that makes up the Foods segment.

The Corporate and Other segment generated pretax income of $5.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $18.9 million during the same time period the previous year. Earnings in this category are primarily derived from the company's equity investment in the Ardent Mills, LLC, wheat milling joint venture and our Business Solutions operations.



Cattlemen Applaud Administration's Stated Goals for Renegotiating NAFTA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today said the Trump Administration’s overall goals for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are beneficial to the U.S. beef industry because they encourage the continuation of terms that have benefitted the industry for decades – specifically duty-free access and science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The Administration this afternoon sent their goals to Capitol Hill.

“As we have said before, it is difficult to improve upon duty-free, unlimited access to Canada and Mexico—and we are pleased that USTR’s objectives for NAFTA include maintaining existing reciprocal duty-free market access for agricultural goods,” NCBA President Craig Uden said. Uden said NCBA will continue to support the inclusion of strong sanitary and phytosanitary standards in NAFTA.

NCBA has been an outspoken supporter of NAFTA because the terms of NAFTA developed Canada and Mexico into two very important export markets for U.S. beef. NCBA has expressed concern that any changes to the terms of NAFTA that impact beef and cattle trade may jeopardize the industry's current access to Canada and Mexico.

While there may be calls from other segments of agriculture and other industries to update or renegotiate the terms of NAFTA, NCBA strongly encourages the Trump Administration to focus its efforts on those specific areas and leave alone the terms of NAFTA that have greatly benefitted the U.S. beef and cattle industry.

NCBA will continue to advise the Trump Administration and Congress to not repeat the mistakes of the past by using NAFTA to resurrect failed government marketing programs, such as Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL).

“As we learned from history, MCOOL failed to deliver higher values for producers or a safer food supply,” Uden said. “It did, however, result in further consolidation in the U.S. beef industry and the potential for $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, not repeat them.”



U.S. Wheat Organizations Comment on NAFTA Renegotiation Objectives

The Trump Administration released its objectives for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) today and U.S. wheat farmers, who are facing low prices and increasingly aggressive wheat exporting competitors, are encouraged to see that the interests of agriculture are an important part of the Administration's priorities.

“Because NAFTA helped make Mexico one of the most important export markets for U.S. wheat, our main priority right now is to do no harm to wheat trade,” said David Schemm, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and a wheat farmer from Sharon Springs, Kan. “We are happy to see that the objectives call for maintaining existing reciprocal duty-free market access for agricultural goods. Mexican buyers import more of the wheat my neighbors and I grow than any other country and we can’t afford to risk interrupting that positive relationship with our customers.”

Wheat farmers agree with the Administration that renegotiation can set the stage for a stronger NAFTA and set standards for trade agreements going forward. A good place to start is with the updated rules on sanitary and phytosanitary health and safety standards that the three countries already agreed to as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiation.

“The United States, Canada, and Mexico are all strong advocates of free trade and science-based regulations,” said Mike Miller, chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and a wheat farmer from Ritzville, Wash. “We should go big in this negotiation and agree to align around those gold standard rules. That will ensure that all three countries can’t throw out regulations that are just flimsy excuses to restrict trade.”

NAWG and USW also want to see a change in Canada’s restrictions on cross-border trade.

“We believe wheat should be allowed to cross the border and be treated equally,” Miller said. “Today Canadian wheat can move into our handling system freely, but U.S. wheat farmers don’t have the same opportunity in Canada. NAFTA renegotiation is a good context with which to address this issue.”



Conaway Applauds Trump Administration’s NAFTA Plan

House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) today applauded U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer’s newly-released NAFTA objectives detailing the administration’s plans to expand market opportunities and tighten enforcement of trade obligations to protect U.S. agriculture producers. Upon the release of the plan, Chairman Conaway made the following remarks:

 “As the administration looks to highlight American-made products this week, there is no better way to do so than by charting a path to economic advancement for America’s farmers, ranchers and foresters. The administration’s objectives for renegotiating NAFTA clearly demonstrate a commitment to protecting existing market access while outlining several ways to level the playing field. I’m looking forward to working closely with the administration to achieve the best deal possible for American agriculture.”



CWT Assists with 1.4 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 5 requests for export assistance from member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 1.373 million pounds (623 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from July through October 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 44.312 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 3.013 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 17 countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 476.781 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Amidst a Severe Economic Downturn for Farmers, Congress Must Create a Functional, Adequately Funded Farm Safety Net

As American family farmers and ranchers navigate the most severe economic downturn since the 1980s farm crisis, the National Farmers Union (NFU) Board of Directors is urging the U.S. Congress to allocate more money to the farm safety net to make it work for family agriculture.

Family farmers and ranchers provide an essential service in growing high quality food, fiber, feed and fuel for the country; and agriculture serves as the backbone of America’s rural economy, the board noted in a resolution passed today. However, it continues to be put on the chopping block.

“The productivity of America’s family farmers and ranchers provides our country with national security, renewable wealth, and vibrant rural communities,” noted the NFU Board. “The farm bill is to provide the nation with a safe, affordable food system for its citizens. We should increase the dollars in the agricultural budget to make effective farm legislation.”

The Board noted that the dialogue around the consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill has once again shifted to budget savings, rather than what is needed to make farm programs effective. Agriculture has already contributed $130 billion to budget savings through the 2014 Farm Bill.

“The circumstances in farm country threaten the next generation of agriculture,” the NFU Board noted. “Young and beginning farmers who have lower levels of equity are quickly faltering under these economic conditions.”

The board pointed to several indicators of rural economic health that suggest urgent action is needed. Median net farm income is forecast to decline for the fourth consecutive year and expected to be negative, representing a 50 percent decline in four years. Grain commodity prices have dropped by half and are below the cost of production. The 2017 debt-to asset ratio is the worst the agriculture industry has seen in three decades. And farm lending has dropped by 40 percent from just one year ago.

“Unfortunately, American family farmers and ranchers are in the midst of a farm crisis and there is no end in sight,” said the NFU Board. “These are the very circumstances that farm programs were created to address. The farm safety net is failing to address these very dire farm economics.”

The Board pointed to the dairy industry, where dairy farmers are suffering greatly and lack a sufficient safety net. Milk prices dropped by one third from 2014 to 2016, and they remain significantly below the cost of production. Cash receipts have dropped 31 percent in the same time period.

The current dairy farm safety net, the Dairy Margin Protection Program, has failed to provide dairy farmers with meaningful support. “Reform efforts are underway,” the NFU Board said. “However, enactment of a meaningful dairy safety net must include farmer-led supply management to balance production with consumer demand.”

“National Farmers Union urges Congress to act quickly to allocate additional resources to the safety net for all of America’s family farms and ranches,” the resolution concluded.



Fewer Crop Insurance Claims in 2016

Favorable growing conditions and record yields for corn and soybean marked 2016 along with fewer loses, according to a report in the latest edition of Crop Insurance Today magazine.

Only seven states – all of which are in the Northeast – had loss ratios greater than 1.0, noted "2016: The Year in Review" authors Mechel Paggi, Frank Schnapp and Laurence Crane of National Crop Insurance Services. (Note: any number above 1.0 means that insurance claims paid out exceeded premiums received for policies).

"This reflects a welcome change from recent years where drought and other extreme weather events drove up indemnities to historic highs," the authors noted. "The year-over-year variability of the returns is a reminder of the risk assumed by crop insurance providers in delivering this essential safety net for American farmers."

It's also a reminder of the risks and unpredictability farmers shoulder every day, which is exactly why so many purchase crop insurance to protect their businesses.

And the authors noted that farmers had plenty of skin in the game in 2016, paying $3.5 billion from their own pockets to purchase 1.2 million policies. Of those policies, 218,000 had claims to cover losses, a lower amount that past years.

While the overall conditions improved in 2016, weather was varied across the nation and produced damaging events.

Fall was a record warm season with worsening drought in the Southeast that resulted in wildfires. Hurricane Matthew, and tropical rainfall, brought record flooding to the Atlantic region.

The 15-page report details precipitation for each state by season, crop yields and production, commodity prices since 2000, and more. Some highlights:
-    2016 saw the most acres of soybeans planted in U.S. history
-    Peanut production continued to trend up
-    Rice acres were up 22 percent from 2015
-    Cotton rebounded to 10.1 million acres

"Looking to the future, the American public is assured that crop insurance will be in place to provide financial stability for the many small, family farms that comprise the core of U.S. production agriculture," the authors concluded. "Crop insurance will ensure that when the repeated disasters of recent years strike again, as they most assuredly will, U.S. farmers will be able to bounce back to produce again at high levels the food, feed, fiber and energy crops on which the U.S. and world population have come to expect and depend."



Syngenta receives China import approval for Agrisure Duracade® corn trait, expands corn hybrid portfolio

Syngenta announced today that it has received notification of import approval from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture for its Agrisure Duracade® trait (Event 5307). The approval covers corn grain and processing co-products, including dried distillers grains (DDGs), for food and feed use.

“Obtaining this regulatory approval opens up new opportunities within our portfolio,” said David Hollinrake, president of Syngenta Seeds, LLC. “Moving forward, growers can expect expanded access to the full depth and breadth of our genetic portfolio with more choice and exciting new hybrids that offer elite genetics plus the latest in corn rootworm control technology.”

Corn rootworm costs U.S. growers more than $1 billion annually due to yield losses and costs of control measures. Agrisure Duracade, which features a unique mode of action, helps deliver control of corn rootworm for a healthier corn crop with higher yield potential. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study on Agrisure Duracade showed a 99.7 percent reduction in adult beetle emergence, higher than any other current rootworm product on the market.*

Syngenta will continue to offer Agrisure Duracade for the 2017 and 2018 planting seasons under its grain-use marketing program.

“We will continue to provide support to Agrisure Duracade growers, ensuring confidence in grain marketing options,” stated Hollinrake. “With this approval, we are working to identify additional accepting locations, offering even more opportunities to market Agrisure Duracade grain.”

The Agrisure Duracade trait has completed the Food and Drug Administration consultation process, received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency and has been fully deregulated by the USDA since 2013.

Agrisure Duracade is available from Golden Harvest® Seed Advisors™ and NK® seed sellers in the Agrisure Duracade 5122 E-Z Refuge® and Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge trait stacks. The Agrisure Duracade trait is also available in hybrids from distributors of Catalyst®, Innotech™ and Phoenix® brand seed, and in addition is licensed by many independent seed companies.