Friday September 29 Ag News

NEBRASKA SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 GRAIN STOCKS

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 258 million bushels, up 19 percent from 2016, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 91.0 million bushels are stored on farms, up 8 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 167 million bushels, are up 26 percent from last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 23.0 million bushels, up 42 percent from last year. On-farm stocks of 5.00 million bushels are up 133 percent from a year ago, and off-farm stocks, at 18.0 million bushels, are up 28 percent from 2016.

Wheat stored in all positions totaled 92.8 million bushels, down 2 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 8.10 million bushels are down 48 percent from 2016 but off-farm stocks of 84.7 million bushels are up 7 percent from last year.

Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 1.46 million bushels, down 11 percent from 2016. On-farm stocks of 60,000 bushels are down 29 percent from a year ago, and off-farm holdings, at 1.40 million bushels, are down 10 percent from last year.

On-farm oat stocks totaled 1.30 million bushels, up 30 percent from 2016.



IOWA GRAIN STOCKS REPORT

Iowa corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017, totaled 504 million bushels, up 20 percent from September 1, 2016, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Grain Stocks report. This is the highest Iowa corn stocks have been on September 1 since 1993. Of the total stocks, 32 percent were stored on-farm. The indicated quarterly disappearance from June - August 2017 totaled 642 million bushels, 7 percent above the 599 million bushels used during the same period last year.

Iowa soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2017, totaled 53.2 million bushels, up 46 percent from the 36.5 million bushels on hand September 1, 2016. Of the total stocks, 28 percent were stored on-farm. Indicated disappearance for June - August 2017 is 124 million bushels, 16 percent less than the 147 million bushels used during the same period last year.

Iowa oats stored on-farm on September 1, 2017, totaled 2.25 million bushels, up 18 percent from September 1, 2016.



USDA:  Corn Stocks Up 32 Percent from September 2016
Soybean Stocks Up 53 Percent
All Wheat Stocks Down 11 Percent

Old crop corn stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 2.29 billion bushels, up 32 percent from September 1, 2016. Of the total stocks, 787 million bushels are stored on farms, up 25 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 1.51 billion bushels, are up 36 percent from a
year ago. The June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 2.93 billion bushels, compared with 2.97 billion bushels during the same period last year.

Old crop soybeans stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 301 million bushels, up 53 percent from September 1, 2016. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 87.9 million bushels, up 112 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 213 million bushels, are up 38 percent from last September. Indicated disappearance for June - August 2017 totaled 665 million bushels, down 2 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Based on an analysis of end-of-marketing year stock estimates, disappearance data for exports and crushings, and farm program administrative data, the 2016 soybean production is revised down 10.6 million bushels from the previous estimate. Planted area is unchanged at 83.4 million acres, and harvested area is revised down 40,000 acres to 82.7 million acres. The 2016 yield, at 52.0 bushels per acre, is down 0.1 bushel from the previous estimate. A table with 2016 acreage, yield, and production estimates by States is included on page 17 of this report.

All wheat stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 2.25 billion bushels, down 11 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 489 million bushels, down 33 percent from last September. Off-farm stocks, at 1.76 billion bushels, are down 3 percent from a year ago. The
June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 668 million bushels, down 10 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Durum wheat stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 63.9 million bushels, down 30 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 31.1 million bushels, are down 53 percent from September 1, 2016. Off-farm stocks totaled 32.8 million bushels, up 24 percent from a year ago. The June - August 2017 indicated disappearance of 27.3 million bushels is down 31 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Barley stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 180 million bushels, down 22 percent from September 1, 2016. On-farm stocks are estimated at 89.4 million bushels, 32 percent below a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 90.2 million bushels, are 10 percent below September 2016. The June - August 2017 indicated disappearance is 68.7 million bushels, 4 percent below the same period a year earlier.

Oats stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 71.8 million bushels, 9 percent below the stocks on September 1, 2016. Of the total stocks on hand, 33.7 million bushels are stored on farms, 10 percent lower than a year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 38.1 million bushels, 7 percent below the previous year. Indicated disappearance during June - August 2017 totaled 27.9 million bushels, compared with 43.0 million bushels during the same period a year ago.

Old crop grain sorghum stored in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 33.5 million bushels, down 8 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 4.28 million bushels, are up 14 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 29.3 million bushels, are down 11 percent from September 1, 2016. The June - August 2017 indicated disappearance from all positions is 51.2 million bushels, down 5 percent from the same period a year ago.

Old crop sunflower stocks in all positions on September 1, 2017 totaled 649 million pounds, up 57 percent from a year ago. All stocks stored on farms totaled 134 million pounds and off-farm stocks totaled 515 million pounds. Stocks of oil type sunflower seed are 495 million pounds; of this total, 115 million pounds are on-farm stocks and 379 million pounds are off-farm stocks. Non-oil sunflower stocks totaled 154 million pounds, with 18.9 million pounds stored on the farm and 135 million pounds stored off the farm.



NEBRASKA SMALL GRAIN ACREAGE AND PRODUCTION

Winter wheat production is estimated at 46.9 million bushels, down 34 percent from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The area harvested for grain totaled 1.02 million acres, down 22 percent from 2016. Planted acreage totaled a record low 1.12 million, down 18 percent from a year earlier.  The yield is 46.0 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year.

Oat production is estimated at 1.72 million bushels, up 14 percent from 2016. Area harvested for grain, at 35,000 acres, is up 40 percent from last year. Planted acreage totaled 110,000, down 19 percent from a year earlier. Average yield is 49.0 bushels per acre, down 11 bushels from 2016.



IOWA SMALL GRAIN SUMMARY

Oat production is estimated at 3.23 million bushels, down 1 percent from last year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Small Grains 2017 Summary. Oats planted, at 115,000 acres, is down 4 percent from last year. Harvested area for grain is 42,000 acres, down 2 percent from 2016. Oat yield, at 77.0 bushels per acre, is up 1.0 bushels from last year.

Winter Wheat production, at 544,000 bushels, is down 49 percent from last year. Planted acreage, at 16,000, is down 36 percent from 2016. Winter wheat harvested area for grain is 8,000 acres, down 53 percent from last year. Winter wheat yield, at 68.0 bushels per acre, is up 5.0 bushels from 2016.



USDA Small Grains Summary - September 2017

All wheat production totaled 1.74 billion bushels in 2017, down 25 percent from the revised 2016 total of 2.31 billion bushels. Area harvested for grain totaled 37.6 million acres, down 14 percent from the previous year. The United States yield is estimated at 46.3 bushels per acre, down 6.4 bushels from the previous year. The levels of production and changes from 2016 by type are winter wheat, 1.27 billion bushels, down 24 percent; other spring wheat, 416 million bushels, down 22 percent; and Durum wheat, 54.9 million bushels, down 47 percent.

Oat production is estimated at 49.4 million bushels, down 24 percent from 2016. Yield is estimated at 61.7 bushels per acre, down 4.3 bushels from the previous year. Harvested area, at 801,000 acres, is 18 percent below last year.

Barley production is estimated at 142 million bushels, down 29 percent from the revised 2016 total of 200 million bushels. Average yield per acre, at 72.6 bushels, is down 5.3 bushels from the previous year. Producers seeded 2.48 million acres in 2017, down 19 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 1.95 million acres, is down 24 percent from 2016.



SAMPLE AND TEST HAY BEFORE WINTER FEEDING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               How will you know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding your hay and silage?  Or how much supplement to feed?  Find out by following instructions for sampling and testing.

               Correct sampling techniques, followed by lab tests of forage quality, are necessary for cattle producers who want to get the most value from their forages and profit from their animals.

               Maybe the most important step in sampling hay, and sometimes the most difficult step, is deciding which bales and stacks should be included in each sample.  Ideally, each sample should include only bales that were produced under nearly identical conditions.

               Obviously, the place to start grouping is to separate different types of hay, like alfalfa or CRP or corn stalk or meadow hay.  But each cutting of hay probably is different from the other cuttings also, so there is another separation.  And no two fields or meadows are ever exactly the same, especially if they were cut more than two days apart, so that makes another grouping.  And what if part of the field was rained on before it was baled?  The hay made without rain damage probably will be different from hay with rain damage.

               After you’ve made all these separations, which could result in quite a few groups of similar bales, then and only then are you ready to sample.  From each group gather a dozen or more cores from different bales or stacks and combine them into one sample.  Be sure to use a good hay probe that can core into at least one foot of the bale.

               Finally, send these samples to a certified lab for tests of energy content and protein, maybe nitrates, and any other nutrients of interest to you.

               Then use this information to feed your cattle as profitably as possible.



NC seeks YCC nominees

The goal of the Nebraska Cattlemen Young Cattlemen's Conference is to deliver a strong foundation of industry knowledge to young and emerging leaders.  YCC is a two year program that provides the leadership tools these producers need to build a successful future.

Affiliates and board members are encouraged to nominate one individual they would like to encourage to get more involved in the beef industry. Current class members believe that if you're looking to get involved in the cattle industry you have passion in, the YCC program is the first step in making a great difference for you and your peers.

Nomination deadline is October 30!

More Information Here... http://nebraskacattlemen.org/youngcattlemensconference.aspx.



Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship To Be Awarded

College students enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students at a fully accredited Nebraska college, university or technical college in an agriculture related degree program are encouraged to apply for the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship.

The deadline to apply is October 25. Applications will be reviewed, and selection notifications will be sent by November 1. Students may apply for the scholarship online by visiting the youth tab on www.nepork.org.

The Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to one deserving applicant each year.

The scholarship is named for Larry E. Sitzman, who retired in 2016 as Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Sitzman learned  patriotism, service to our country, and respect for our leaders  from his parents. While  in  high school, he heard John F. Kennedy’s inaugural  address, in which he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you,  ask what you can do for your country.” This address increased his desire to serve.

Agriculture has always been his passion. Throughout his life he has provided service in various forms and from different positions of leadership. Sitzman is known for sharing his voice defending perspectives and asking challenging questions. He served on many state and national agricultural boards before being named the Director of Agriculture for Nebraska in 1991. He ended his working role as Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association in 2016.  Today, Sitzman serves as an active volunteer leader  at the Veterans Administration in Lincoln.

Academics, agriculture, military, and other forms of public service  have all improved in some measure due to the leadership, service, and voice of Larry E. Sitzman. Upon his retirement, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association established this scholarship in his honor.

Eligibility Requirements:
·    Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a fully accredited Nebraska college, university or technical college in an agriculture related degree program
·    Must have at least one full year of study remaining toward a degree
·    Must have plans to work in the agriculture industry upon graduation

Selection will be based on qualities of leadership and participation in collegiate or extracurricular activities related to the agriculture industry.

Remember, the deadline for applications is October 25. Go to www.nepork.org to apply online.
For more information, contact Kyla Habrock: kyla@nepork.org



Nebraska Corn 2018-2019 Internship Opportunities Announced

Nebraska Corn is excited to announce its annual internship program for the 2018-2019 season. Through the last several years, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association have provided real-world experiences and opportunities for college interns. These students work directly with Nebraska Corn’s partners the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the National Corn Growers Association.

Each year, Nebraska Corn offers seven internship opportunities. Five of those seven are summer internships located outside of the state. The other two experiences are year-long internships located in the offices of the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

Applications are due Friday, November 3, 2017 by 5:00 p.m. CT. For more information on individual internships or for application details, see the program descriptions below.

2018-2019 Internship Opportunities
Communications Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Location: Lincoln, NE
Duration: May 2018-May 2019

Communications & Market Development Internship
Host: Nebraska Corn Board
Location: Lincoln, NE
Duration: May 2018-May 2019

Marketing & Communications Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Duration: Summer 2018

Public Policy Internship
Host: National Corn Growers Association
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2018

Promotion & International Relations Internship
Host: U.S. Meat Export Federation
Location: Denver, Colorado
Duration: Summer 2018

International Relations Internship
Host: U.S. Grains Council
Location: Washington, D.C.
Duration: Summer 2018

International Agricultural Relations Internship
Host: U.S. Grains Council
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: Summer 2018

To learn about the past internship experiences, read their blogs on the Nebraska Corn Kernels blog... http://nebraskacorn.blogspot.com/.



Iowa Hosts Korean Bioethanol Advisory Team to Learn about the U.S. Ethanol Industry

A U.S. Grains Council (USGC) trade team of Korean grain buyers, researchers, scientists, end-users and government officials visited Iowa last week as part of a learning journey to get in-depth information about the U.S. ethanol industry. This team’s visit included stops at the Iowa Corn office, Jolene Riessen’s family cattle and row crop farm, Quad County Corn Processors ethanol plant in Galva, Golden Grain Energy ethanol plant in Mason City, and Denny Friest’s row crop and hog farm in Radcliffe. They also met with representatives from Kum & Go and the American Lung Association to learn more about ethanol.

“Most of the delegation had never visited a farm before,” stated Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove. “They seemed amazed by our large farm equipment and the fact that it takes so few people to farm a lot of acres. . Farms in their country consist of one-acre plots and farming remains very labor intensive. The country doesn’t grow its own corn, relying on U.S. imports for their needs. We showed them samples of shelled and cracked corn, silage, and distillers grains. Some had concerns about feed and fuel, but we explained how distiller’s grains are a by-product of the ethanol process and how they are tremendous feedstuff for our cattle operation.”

South Korea is the third largest importer of U.S. corn and U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) thus far in the 2016/2017 marketing year (Sept.-July). And South Korea has purchased 42 million gallons of U.S. ethanol in 2016/2017 with one month remaining in the marketing year. Current U.S. ethanol exports are for industrial use in South Korea, making wider use in the transport fuel sector another area of potential growth.

“We fed them ribeye sandwiches for lunch,” said Riessen. They were impressed by the flavor of the Iowa corn fed beef. “They told us how ribeyes are a popular cut of meat in Korea. We explained how we feed our cattle corn which gives the meat that tremendous flavor.”

The U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) which provides duty-free access for U.S. corn, sorghum, DDGS and ethanol exports has been an important part of the trade relationship between the two countries. The combination of market access, attractive prices and USGC market development work ensures the continued partnership between the United States and South Korea.



Secretary Perdue to Host Regulatory Reform Listening Session

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will host a regulatory reform listening session on Monday, October 2nd to receive input on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) regulatory reform efforts following President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs. Secretary Perdue will participate in a discussion with stakeholders and members of the public regarding the ways effective regulatory reform can be accelerated within USDA.  The listening session will take place at the USDA Whitten Building, Williamsburg Room, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.

This event will be held in conjunction with similar events held at all other agencies to showcase the Administration’s strategy for regulatory reform and significantly increase the pace of reform across the federal government.



Brazil Raises Tariffs on U.S. Ethanol Exports

According to recent reports, Brazil has imposed a 20 percent tariff on U.S. ethanol imports. The tariff is a 2-year tariff rate quota (TRQ) and will take place when imports from the United States surpass 158 million gallons.

The action has caused agricultural trade organizations representing biofuels and grain interests to urge lawmakers to take immediate action against this decision.

The TRQ could ultimately affect the two countries' agreement to expand worldwide ethanol demand and trade, and cause Brazilian consumers to pay more for ethanol.

Brazil, one of the leading importers of U.S. ethanol, imported 279 million gallons of ethanol from the United States last year, up over 140 percent from 2015, and representing 25 percent of total U.S. ethanol exports.

Year-to-date imports of ethanol to Brazil from the United States are currently at 310 million gallons, three times more than this time last year.