Monday December 18 Ag News

RESISTANCE, SAFETY ARE KEY FACTORS IN PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING

Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2018, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions. Around 200 statewide sessions will be held January-April.

After completing the Pesticide Safety Education Program training, licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted use pesticides (RUPs) in their farming operations. More than 3,500 private applicators statewide are eligible for recertification in 2018.

Separate training opportunities will be held for dicamba products XtendiMax, FeXapan and Engenia, now classified as RUPs. Information related to that training is to be available in early 2018.

As farming and farming products and tools continue to become increasingly sophisticated, producers need new information, as well as refresher information, to help them make the best decisions for safety and economics, said Clyde Ogg, Nebraska Extension pesticide safety educator.

Nebraska producers are extremely knowledgeable and conscientious about safety and pesticides, Ogg said.

“The training serves to reinforce the techniques our producers are doing right, and boosts their understanding of some of the more technical aspects of pesticide safety,” Ogg said.

“Training helps participants better understand such topics as herbicide resistance and the newly revised federal Worker Protection Standards,” Ogg added. Other topics include pesticide drift, Nebraska pesticide laws and regulations, the pesticide label, personal safety, environmental protection, integrated pest management, pesticides and application, application equipment and equipment calibration.

“It is important to better understand how weeds become resistant to pesticides, to manage resistant weeds and prevent that from occurring in the future,” Ogg said. Participants will use the updated EC130 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management to learn how to use label information such as chemical group numbers as well as nonchemical techniques, to reduce development of pest populations resistant to pesticides. The comprehensive guide is included with registration.

Another new development for 2018 will be an overview of the newly revised federal Worker Protection Standards. The last part of the revision goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018. One example is that aside from immediate family members, people under age 18 will no longer be able to handle (mix, load and apply) pesticides.

“The revised federal law is designed to minimize contact and exposure to pesticides,” Ogg said. “Extension is helping our producers to be aware of these new regulations and how they can keep their employees even safer.”

Those needing recertification in 2018 will be notified in two ways. One is through the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the other is through Nebraska Extension.

Private applicators needing recertification in 2018 may expect a notification letter from NDA by mid-December. The letter includes a bar code that eliminates the need to complete the standard NDA application form.

"Those eligible for recertification will also be notified by their local Nebraska Extension office about recertification training sessions in their area," Ogg added.

Applicators should check their licenses for the expiration date. If it expires in 2018 and they have not yet received a letter from NDA, contact the agency at 402-471-2351, or 877-800-4080.

Extension provides the educational training for recertification, while NDA is responsible for licensing. The cost of Extension training is $40 per person; NDA licensing is a separate fee.

For a list of training sessions, sites and dates, contact a Nebraska Extension office or go online to http://pested.unl.edu  where applicators will find a link to the 2018 private pesticide training dates. That link shows education sites for private applicators listed by county. Preregistration is required for some, though not all, locations. Dates may still be added in later December.

Yet another option of becoming certified or recertified is by completing a self-study course. The self-study is available in either a hard copy manual or online. This manual is available at Extension offices. The online course can be purchased at http://marketplace.unl.edu at the pesticide education section. The cost for either self-study course is $60.

"After completing private applicator training, certification applications will be sent to NDA, which will then bill the applicator for the state license fee," Ogg said.

For inclement weather and possible cancellations, listen to a local radio or television station, or call the training site.

For more information, visit http://pested.unl.edu.



Crop Production Clinics at Five Sites this January  

Nebraska Extension Crop Production Clinics will be conducted at five sites this January to provide research updates and educational information focused on local agriculture. Programs for each of the clinics are customized, often featuring extension presenters from the area or who have conducted research in the area.

“We strive to provide practical, profitable, environmentally sound, high-impact training for agricultural professionals and producers,” said Chris Proctor, weed management extension educator and clinic coordinator.

Topics will be in the areas of soil fertility, soil water and irrigation, insect pests, plant diseases, weeds, cropping systems, agribusiness management and marketing. View programs for topics offered at each location.

CPC 2018 Schedule
Jan. 10 – Gering:  Program  Register
Jan. 11 – North Platte: Program   Register
Jan. 15, 16 – Norfolk: Program  Register  (Two one-day sessions)
Jan. 18 – Lincoln: Program  Register
Jan. 24 & 25 – Kearney: Register for NCMC  (Two one-day sessions, part of the NCMC Conference)

Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training. Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and additional training is required for its purchase and use.  More here.... https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2017/crop-production-clinics-five-sites-january.



 Array of Topics, Training Offered at Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 24-25  

From dicamba challenges and growing weed resistance to new technologies, cover crops, and more, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference offers the latest information to help Nebraska growers farm more effectively and profitably. Registration is now open for this year’s conference, which will be Jan. 24-25 in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center.

"This conference highlights high priority issues identified by Nebraskans in meetings across the state," said Chris Proctor, extension weed science educator and program coordinator. "Researchers, guest speakers, and extension faculty in a variety of fields will be providing focused, research-based presentations to address an array of ag topics important to Nebraska farmers."

"This two-day structure allows participants to engage in a lot of topics in a short time while also offering opportunities for participants to talk with the presenters or other farmers," Proctor said.

Among the guest speakers will be Kevin Bradley, a research and extension specialist in weed management of corn, soybean, and wheat at the University of Missouri. Bradley, who is studying the occurrence of off-target dicamba movement across the Corn Belt in 2017, will speak on “The dicamba dilemma. Where do we go from here?” He’ll look at some of the reasons for off-target movement following dicamba applications to Xtend soybeans and provide recommendations for how to move forward in 2018.

In a compact, two-day format, the Nebraska Crop Management Conference brings together experts from Nebraska and surrounding states to provide research-based information important to today's farming operations. Twenty-seven sessions offer information related to crop production, soil and water management, pest management, agricultural economics, and climate analysis. (To view the agenda and more detailed information on all the sessions, visit the conference website.) The conference also provides an opportunity to interact with farmers and ag professionals from across Nebraska as well as commercial and private pesticide license recertification, CCA credits, and chemigation training.

Anyone attending the pesticide applicator license recertification sessions will also meet the requirements for dicamba applicator training. Dicamba is now a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) in Nebraska and the additional training is being required for its purchase and use.
Registration

Session Line-Up
With 27 sessions participants can engage with speakers and other farmers around a number of timely topics. Sessions include:
    The Dicamba Dilemma. Where Do We Go From Here?
    The Good, the Bad and the Ugly when Spraying the New Phenoxy Herbicides Formulations in Xtend and Enlist Soybeans
    The Rise of Multiple-Resistance in Nebraska’s Weeds and Effects of Dicamba Micro-Rates on Sensitive Crops
    Getting Started with Drones in Agriculture
    TAPS - Farm Management Competition
    Nebraska On-Farm Research Network: Your Farm, Your Answers
    Can Sustainability be Measured in Nebraska Cropping Systems?
    Fix it, Don't Disk It: Controlling Ephemeral Gully Erosion
    Effective Financial Resource Management
    Economics of Variable Rate Irrigation over the Lifetime of the Equipment
    Effective Grain Marketing in 2018

As well as the latest updates on diseases and insects reducing Nebraska crop yields and how to manage them and changes in the pesticide laws and applicator requirements.

Registration is now open for the conference. Cost is $150 for the full conference or $80 for one day for those registering by Jan. 15. Cost is $165 for the full conference and $95 per day for those registering after Jan. 15. The fee includes all educational sessions, lunches, and recertification (if needed).

Up to 7 CCA credits will be available for one day or 14 credits for attending both days of the conference. The following CCA categories will be offered: soil and water management, nutrient management, crop management, pest management, and professional development.

For more information about the conference contact: Chris Proctor at caproctor@unl.edu or 402-472-5411.



NCGA Announces 2017 Yield Contest Winners

Improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices helped corn growers achieve ever-higher yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2017 National Corn Yield Contest. Again, this year, five national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark.

The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 53rd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.

 “The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations.  Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 386 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 175.4 bushels per acre in 2017. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 542.2740.

 “So many corn farmers initially join the National Corn Growers Association for the chance to participate in the National Corn Yield Contest,” said John Linder, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “Yet, as they become more familiar with the breadth of activities NCGA carries out on the behalf of farmers, these members become increasingly involved and supportive. Just as the contest promotes the on-farm techniques developed by many single growers to benefit all corn farmers, NCGA’s grassroots efforts join the single voices of members together to create positive change and real opportunities for our industry.”

For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2018 in Anaheim, Calif.

Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.



CWT Assists with 2.1 million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 12 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms USA and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold). These cooperatives have contracts to sell 1.687 million pounds (1,340 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 440,925 pounds (200 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from December 2017 through March 2018.

This brings the total CWT-assisted member cooperative 2017export sales to 71.958 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 5.687 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 21 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 792.124 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.



Anniversary of RFS2 Marks 10 Years of American Innovation

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Growth Energy's CEO Emily Skor released the following statement:

“Ten years ago, Congress altered the trajectory of U.S. energy policy and sent our country in a new direction, one focused on regaining our energy security but also on encouraging the further development of our renewable fuel resources. It’s easy to forget what a watershed moment that was. When we look at America’s energy landscape today, the impact of this visionary, audacious effort to inject change into what had been a monopolistic system is evident. The vital and increasing role of biofuels in America’s fuel supply are yielding real-world results that touch people’s lives every day. Our air is cleaner. Our reliance on foreign oil is reduced. Farmers in this country’s heartland are hard at work ensuring that we have the resources to produce more biofuel that powers this country forward.

“The homegrown companies that founded America’s biofuel industry have also destroyed the myths designed to hold back innovation and big thinking. Since the RFS was enacted, we’ve completely torn down the so-called 10 percent blend wall and shown that high biofuel blends improve engine performance and our environment. In fact, Americans have driven over 2 billion worry-free miles on E15 alone. According to the USDA, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent compared to conventional gasoline.

“But we aren’t about to stop and rest on our laurels. The men and women of America’s biofuel industry are passionate about what they do and are more committed than ever to ensuring that our nation’s fuel supply becomes cleaner and greener. Breakthroughs in advanced cellulosic technology have us poised to once again change the game, improve efficiencies, and innovate the earth-friendly biofuels production process once again.

“One decade ago, we set out together on a journey to make our country stronger and more responsible. On this keystone anniversary, our industry remains passionate about what the next 10 years holds. We are ready to meet the future, and with the steadfast commitment of our champions in Congress as well as the support of the administration, low-cost, low-carbon renewable fuels will continue to move America forward.”