Friday August 4 Ag News

21st Annual Capital City Ribfest - August 17-19, 2017
Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE

2017 Ribfest Live Auction - Saturday, August 19, 2017

Make plans to join us at the 21st Annual Capital City Ribfest on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the Festival Space Parking Lot north of Pinnacle Bank Arena. This major pork promotion is a great opportunity for you to see the investment of pork checkoff dollars at its best. Back by popular demand is the Live Auction during our VIP Event.

Social Hour: 4:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m.
Live Auction: 5:30 p.m.
Live Music: 7:00 p.m.

Tickets and gate passes will be mailed. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra at (531) 500-3505 or sandra@nepork.org. RSVP's by August 11, 2017.



 Smith Releases Media Schedule for August 7-9

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released his media schedule today for August 7-9.  The events listed below are for planning purposes only and are not open to the public unless otherwise noted.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7     

Arthur
3:00 p.m. MT
Arthur County Mobile Office (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
A mobile office allows constituents to meet directly with Congressman Smith about federal issues and take advantage of the services available through his office.
Arthur County Library
205 Fir Street, Arthur

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

Curtis
8:30 a.m. CT
Coffee with the Medicine Creek Chamber of Commerce
Curtis Senior Center
119 Center Avenue, Curtis

Elwood
10:30 a.m. CT
Coffee at the Gosper County Senior Center (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)

Gosper County Senior Center
406 Ripley Street, Elwood

Holdrege
12:00 p.m. CT
Lunch with the Holdrege Chamber of Commerce
Taste of Texas BBQ
302 East Avenue, Holdrege

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

Ashland
7:30 a.m. CT
Speak at Nebraska Chamber Legislative Summit
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland

Falls City
2:30 p.m. CT
Coffee with Falls City Chamber of Commerce (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
117 E. 17th Street, Falls City



The Temperature to Thaw Colostrum is just as Important as Colostrum Itself
Kim Clark, UNL Dairy Extension Educator

It is no secret that colostrum provides the antibodies a calf needs to build immunity.  The antibodies, specifically called immunoglobulins in colostrum, are absorbed in the calf’s small intestine in the first few hours of life.  After the first four hours of life, the absorption of immunoglobulins decreases.  Therefore, it is important that newborn calves receive colostrum within four hours of birth.

In many cases, high quality colostrum is frozen for use when calves are born.  The quality of the colostrum is measured when it is fresh, placed into a bag for freezing and then labeled with the quality of the colostrum and the date the colostrum was produced. High quality colostrum is measured using a Brix refractometer and should read 22% or greater. Anything less than 22% is lower quality and does not help the calf build up immunity.  The quality of colostrum is equally, if not more important, as providing the calf colostrum in the first few hours of life.

It is a common practice, when a calf is born to remove frozen colostrum from the freezer to thaw in hot water and then continue to perform newborn calf cares.  The water temperature to thaw the colostrum should be between 120° F and 140° F (49-60° C).  Water temperature above 140° F (60° C) is inactivating the immunoglobulins in the colostrum, thus decreasing the amount of immunoglobulins absorbed in the small intestine.  When we test the quality of colostrum, we measure the amount of total immunoglobulins.  We do not have instruments to measure the amount of active and inactive immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins may be deactivated if the water temperature gets too hot, which is why we do not recommend a water temperature above 140° F (60° C) for thawing.

Typically, water heaters are set to produce water of 170 -180° F (77-82° C).  If we would thaw colostrum with water from a water heater and then measure the quality of the colostrum, the quality will measure the same as when it was fresh, but the amount of active immunoglobulins will be decreased. Therefore, the quality of the colostrum has decreased and calves are not receiving the antibodies they need for immunity.  If you are using water from a hot water heater, fill a 5 gallon bucket about 1/3 full with hot water and mark that line on the inside of the bucket.  Stick a thermometer in the water and begin adding cold water until the temperature is between 120° F and 140° F (49-60° C).  When the water temperature is in that range, make another mark on the inside of the bucket.  The first mark shows how much hot water to put in the bucket first, and the second mark shows how much cold water to add to ensure a safe temperature to thaw colostrum.  A good rule of thumb is if the water is too hot for you to stick your hand into, it is too hot to thaw colostrum.

As the newest calf is born and you prepare newborn calf cares, keep in mind these three reminders.
1)     Feed high quality colostrum (22% Brix or greater) within four hours of birth.
2)     The water temperature to thaw colostrum should be between 120-140° F (49-60° C).
3)     Measuring colostrum quality measures the total amount of immunoglobulins; the number of inactive immunoglobulins increases as the colostrum becomes too hot thus reducing colostrum quality fed to the calf.



Another Successful Year for Nebraska Cattlemen During the 2017 Road Trip

Nebraska Cattlemen staff traveled across the state for the 4th year in a row en route to eight towns from east to west during the annual NC road trip. Location stops for staff included Fremont, Albion, Cairo, Nelson, Oxford, Gothenburg, Anselmo and Alliance.

The NC road trip is designed as an educational opportunity for members and guests with an interest in Nebraska's cattle industry. This year, topics included beef trade to China, updates to the federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, a review of the 2017 legislative session in Nebraska as well as an update on property tax reform and relief. The road trip also incorporated a new segment, Affiliate 101, which focused exclusively on membership.

"It was a great opportunity to catch up on federal regulations and the latest from the state legislature. I appreciate Nebraska Cattlemen's keeping members current on upcoming issues and changes facing the cattle industry." Stated Kelly Terrell, Gothenburg, Nebraska Cattlemen YCC Participant.

"It was an honor to be a sponsor of the 2017 NC Road Trip this past July.  I was extremely impressed with the talent, knowledge and commitment of the NC Staff.  They were well-prepared and provided a concise breakdown of the issues facing our industry and organization. Thank you for letting Samson Verified be a part of your 2017 Road Trip." Said Scott Mueller, Samson Verified Beef.

NC would like to thank the following sponsors for this year's Road Trip: Samson Verified, IMI Global, Aurora Cooperative, Cappel Sales, Fontanelle Hybrids, Titan Machine, Boone County Bank, Ford Farms, Cattlemen's Nutrition Services, South Central Cattlemen, Banner Capital Bank, First Central Bank, First State Bank, First Bank and Trust, South Central State Bank, Laird Feeds, Broken Bow Animal Hospital, Evans Feeds Co, VC Howard Hay Company / Howard Transportation and Zoetis

Nebraska Cattlemen staff enjoys the opportunity each July to connect with members near and far. Attendance continues to grow each year and NC looks forward to planning for 2018.



NE Cattlemen Events being planned for State Fair

Nebraska Cattlemen's Day:  The Nebraska State Fair will host its 5th annual State Fair Cattlemen's Day in cooperation with the Nebraska Cattlemen Association and the Sandhills Cattle Association. This day celebrates the Nebraska Beef Industry. Tickets to the State Fair Cattlemen's Day barbeque are available through the State Fair Livestock Office by calling 308-384-0624 or by email at: sspiehs@statefair.org

Beef for Troops:  The Farmer-Stockman Council of Nebraska Cattlemen will once again be honoring veterans and active duty service members at the Nebraska State Fair in the Beef Pit!  Gift certificates for beef are purchased with donated funds and randomly given to veterans and active duty service members who come by the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair.  If you wish to make a monetary contribution to the Beef for Troops program please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen at 402-475-2333 or Bonita Lederer 402-450-0223 blederer@necattlemen.org.  Checks need to be received by Nebraska Cattlemen on or before August 15...
Nebraska Cattlemen
ATTN: Jen Critser
1010 Lincoln Mall, Ste. 101
 Lincoln, NE 68508
Memo Line on your check "Beef for Troops"

NE CattleWomen - Consumer Promotion and Education Committee:  Help is needed at Nebraska's Largest Classroom at the Nebraska State Fair on Monday, August 28, Tuesday, August 29 and Thursday, August 31... 8:30-3:00.  You can work a 4 hour shift or the full day.  Spend time visiting with fair attendees as they walk through the Nebraska State Fair Livestock Birthing Pavilion.  Volunteers are needed each day 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.  Work a shift when you are attending the fair and help share your love and knowledge of the industry.  Contact Gina Hudson at 402-469-3157 if you're interested.



Farm and Ranch Clinics This Month

Farmers and ranchers are invited to attend a FREE clinic.  The clinics are one-on-one, not group sessions, and are confidential.  The Farm Finance clinic gives you a chance to meet with an experienced Ag law attorney and Ag financial counselor.  These clinic staff specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. 

August Clinic Dates and Locations:
North Platte - Thursday, August 10, 2017
Fairbury - Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Lexington - Thursday, August 17, 2017
Norfolk - Thursday, August 24, 2017
Valentine - Friday, September 1, 2017

To register for a FREE clinic or to receive more information about our services, call Michelle and the Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258.



SHOOT HOOPS, PLAY “PLINKO!” IN THE AG BUILDING DURING THE IOWA STATE FAIR

    Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged visitors to the Iowa State Fair to play “Plinko!,” shoot hoops and learn more about Iowa agriculture by visiting the “Ag Park” on the first floor of the Agriculture Building. Kids will also have the opportunity to experience “driving” through rural Iowa and see how all roads lead to agriculture with our simulated truck experience.

    “The State Fair is a wonderful showcase of Iowa agriculture and we are excited to have fairgoers stop by and have some fun and learn a bit about how important agriculture is in our state. I hope Iowans will stop by our booth to have some fun, but also take the opportunity to engage in a conversation about our exciting and diverse agriculture industry,” Northey said.

    The Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Egg Council, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Iowa Pork Producers, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council will also be present in the “Ag Park” and have information available about Iowa agriculture.  The Iowa Egg Council will be offering eggs on a stick to fairgoers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the fair.

    In the Varied Industries building the Department will also have a display to educate Iowans about the activities of the Department and continue the tradition of weighing fairgoers on a scale certified by the Weights and Measures Bureau.  The Department will also be handing out tech cloths with www.CleanWaterIowa.org on them, a website that was created to help all Iowans learn about what they can do to help protect water quality. The cloths can be used to clean phone screens or glasses.

    The Iowa Century Farm and Heritage Farm Awards will be presented on Thursday, Aug. 17 starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Livestock Pavilion.  Everyone is invited to attend and help recognize the families receiving the awards.  Century Farm awards recognize farms that have been in the same family for 100 years and Heritage Farms awards recognize farms that have been owned by the same family for 150 years.

    There are 354 Century Farm winners and 119 Heritage Farm winners that will be recognized this year.  The awards are sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau.  The full list of families being recognized is available at www.IowaAgriculture.gov under “Hot Topics.” A full list of all past Century Farm recipients is available at www.iowacenturyfarms.com.

    On Wednesday, Aug. 16 starting at 10:00 a.m. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Northey and Iowa DNR Director Chuck Gipp will recognize 81 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award winners.  The awards will be presented at the Penningroth Center inside the Cattle Barn and recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

    The awards recognize the exemplary actions of farmers that improve and protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.  Hagie Manufacturing sponsors a luncheon for award winners following the ceremony at the Farm Bureau shelter that Northey will also attend.  A full list of award recipients is available at www.IowaAgriculture.gov under “Hot Topics.”

    At 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15 the Department will be recognizing the winners of the 2017-2018 From the Farm to You Calendar drawing contest in the Agriculture Building.  Kids from across the state submitted pictures for the calendar.  Copies of the calendar are available to fairgoers at the Department’s booths in the Ag Building and the Varied Industries Building.

    Northey will also participate in the 2017 Governor's Charity Steer Show on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 4:00 p.m., in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.  Northey will be showing a steer owned by Jayden Jorgensen from Charles City.  Immediately following the competition the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

    “More than 1 million visitors attend the fair each year and it is a great opportunity to learn more about what we do on our farms and why.   Seeing the animals in the livestock barns, visiting the animal learning center, seeing the 4-H and FFA students compete or just enjoying some of the amazing food, everyone at the fair will be able to experience the very best of Iowa agriculture,” Northey said.

    The Iowa State Fair runs from Aug. 10 to 20 at the state fairgrounds in Des Moines.



Governor’s Charity Steer Show celebrates 35th year at Iowa State Fair

The 2017 Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show will mark the 35th consecutive year the beef industry has raised funds to help families who utilize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

This year, the show ring competition takes place Saturday, Aug. 12, at 4:00 p.m., in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair. Celebrities will lead 25 steers around the ring, vying for the championship designation, showmanship honors, and the People’s Choice award. Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Both the show ring event and the auction are open to the general public.

Since the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association began the Governor’s Charity Steer Show in 1983, the effort has raised more than $2.97 million for the Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City Ronald McDonald House Charities. The houses provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children being treated in area hospitals and have served nearly 45,000 families. 

Each of the 25 steers are owned by Iowa youth who have cared for the animals and participated in other shows with them. The youth prepare the animals for the show and assist a celebrity in the show ring. Sponsors reimburse the youth for the cost of the animal and choose the celebrity.

Youth participating in the 2017 Governor’s Charity Steer Show will also learn additional information about the beef industry on Thursday, and volunteer some time with the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Des Moines on Friday, Aug.11.

Participants in this 35th anniversary event include Governor Kim Reynolds, who will host the show. Mark Core and his daughter Bailey Boyert of Pleasantville will serve as the official steer show judges for this year’s event and Cassie Johnson of Cushing has been selected to serve as the event’s Showmanship Judge.

Emcees for the event include Bob Quinn of WHO Radio and Michelle Rook of WNAX Radio. The auctioneers are Phil Schooley of Bloomfield, Will Epperly of Dunlap, Russele Sleep of Bedford, and Jared Miller of Leon. Assisting the auctioneers catch bids in the ring are Tom Rooney of The Midwest Marketer; Mike Sorensen, Ross Butler, and Austin Brandt of Livestock Plus; and Jason Lekin from Tama Livestock Auction.



IFBF offers 'Winning the Game' workshop to aid in post-harvest marketing

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is partnering with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach to bring the “Winning the Game” series to 10 locations across the state. The goal of these workshops is to assist farmers in creating post-harvest marketing plans to put into practice in a no-risk environment.

“Crop marketing plans and tools take on increased importance in these times of continued tight crop margins. This workshop will help farmers focus on moving grain from storage to the market and using market indicators to make a decision,” said IFBF Commodity Services Manager Ed Kordick.

This year’s featured lesson, “Launch and Land Your Post-Harvest Marketing Plan,” will guide participants through six different marketing styles that explore seasonal patterns. A realistic market simulation will help farmers experiment with various exit strategies and further their understanding of the purpose of a “carry” and why it is important in crop marketing.

“This workshop offers practical education based on historical market factors.  The simulation lets farmers practice the techniques during the workshop,” said Kordick. Past participants not only noted the information presented as being valuable and easy to understand, but most planned to implement the concepts learned at the workshop.

Thanks to local sponsorships, the seminars are free of charge; however, space is limited. Registrations will be taken at the door, but pre-registration is appreciated for participant materials.

Dates and locations.....
8/21 9:00AM   Western Iowa Tech Community College - 200 Victory Drive, Cherokee Ia. 712-225-6196
8/21 6:00PM   Iowa Lakes Community College - 3200 College Drive, Emmetsburg Ia. 712-852-2865
8/23 6:30PM   Franklin Co. Farm Bureau - 1323 Olive Ave., Hampton Ia. 641-456-4767
8/24 9:00AM   The Watering Hole (formerly Center Inn) - 209 Mail Street, Readlyn Ia. 319-352-3667
8/25 1:00PM   Peosta Community Center - 7896 Burds Road, Peosta Ia. 563-556-5275
8/28 1:00PM   Swan Lake Education Center - 22676 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll Ia. 712-792-2364
8/29 6:30PM   Story County Extension - 220 H. Ave, Nevada Ia. 515-382-6551
8/30 6:00PM   Clarinda Lied Center - 1140 E Main Street, Clarinda Ia. 712-542-5171 
8/31 6:30PM   Lynn Dunn Memorial Building, Linn County Fair Grounds - 201 Central City Road, Central City Ia. 319 393-3276
9/7 6:30PM   New London Community Hall - 112 West Main Street, New London Ia. 319 385-3174 or  319 752-2729



GOOD NEWS ON WEST COAST PORT LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
National Pork Producers Council newsletter

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) this week announced it expects a three-year contract extension with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) to pass with a 67 percent approval vote from its members. This is positive news for the U.S. economy and pork industry as the agreement eliminates the possibility of any near-term disruption of West Coast port service. In 2015, a nine-month labor dispute at ports from Seattle to San Diego slowed the flow of U.S. exports. As a member of the Ag Transportation Coalition and of the Ports Coalition, NPPC continues to work for port accessibility and continuity of service.

AGRICULTURE COALITION URGES TRUMP TO INCLUDE RURAL REPRESENTATIVES ON INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL
In a letter sent today to President Trump, the Rebuild Rural Coalition, which includes 200 organizations – including NPPC – offered its support for the Presidential Advisory Council on Infrastructure and asked that it include representatives with specific experience and expertise in rural infrastructure. The council has been charged with studying and making recommendations on needed infrastructure projects in several sectors, including surface transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, water resources, renewable energy generation, electricity transmission and broadband. “Our nation’s rural towns, cities and counties face unique challenges, and the Coalition strongly believes the Council will benefit from a diverse perspective,” wrote the coalition, whose organizations represent rural communities, U.S. agricultural producers, rural businesses and rural families.



June Ethanol Exports Up From Year Ago

The U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday that U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $194.4 billion in June, up $2.4 billion from May. Imports totaled $238.0 billion, down $0.4 billion from May. USDA later provided more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel and distillers grains.

USDA said that U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 92.7 million gallons in June, up 71% from a year ago. Canada took over the top spot from Brazil as the top destination, accounting for 27% of the total with Brazil second. U.S. ethanol exports were up 28% in the first half of 2017 from a year ago. 

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 31,833 metric tons in June, up 3% from a year ago. Canada continued to be the dominant destination for U.S. biodiesel exports in June, once again taking 92% of the total. In the first six months of 2017, U.S. biodiesel exports were down 13% from a year ago. 

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 889,114 metric tons in June, down 12% from a year ago. Mexico was the top export destination again in June, accounting for 20% of the total and followed by South Korea, Turkey and Canada. In the first half of 2017, exports of U.S. distillers grains were up 4% from a year ago.