Monday July 26 Crop Progress Report + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending July 25, 2021, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9% very short, 37% short, 53% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 9% very short, 40% short, 50% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 18% fair, 53% good, and 23% excellent. Corn silking was 84%, near 85% last year, but ahead of 78% for the five-year average. Dough was 14%, behind 24% last year, and near 17% average.

Soybean condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 15% fair, 59% good, and 23% excellent. Soybeans blooming was 85%, near 88% last year, but ahead of 77% average. Setting pods was 52%, near 50% last year, and ahead of 34% average.

Winter wheat harvested was 88%, near 91% last year, but ahead of 82% average.

Sorghum condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 22% fair, 53% good, and 22% excellent. Sorghum headed was 20%, well behind 40% last year, and behind 30% average.

Oats condition rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 34% fair, 48% good, and 9% excellent. Oats harvested was 68%, behind 78% last year, and equal to average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 18% fair, 69% good, and 12% excellent. Dry edible beans blooming was 60%, near 59% last year. Setting pods was 15%, near 14% last year.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 4% very poor, 12% poor, 59% fair, 23% good, and 2% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

Hot, dry conditions and minimal rain allowed Iowa farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 25, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included applying fungicides and insecticides and harvesting hay and oats.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 14% very short, 39% short, 46% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 20% very short, 40% short, 39% adequate and 1% surplus. The shortage of moisture was especially evident in northwest Iowa, where topsoil was rated 70% short to very short and subsoil was rated 84% short to very short. In some parts of the State creeks have gone dry due to lack of rain.

The lack of precipitation is causing some stress on crops, especially in the northern third of the State. Corn silking or beyond reached 80%, equal to the 5-year average. Corn in the dough stage reached 21%, three days ahead of normal. Iowa’s corn condition was rated 65% good to excellent. There were scattered reports of corn in the dent stage.

Eighty-five percent of soybeans were blooming, 6 days ahead of the five-year average. Over half of Iowa’s soybeans were setting pods, also 6 days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent.

Oats coloring or beyond reached 94%, two days ahead of normal. Forty-eight percent of oats for grain have been harvested, 1 day ahead of the 5-year average. Iowa’s oat condition rated 64% good to excellent.

The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 83% complete. The third cutting was reported at 8% complete, equal to the 5-year average. Hay condition rated 60% good to excellent.

Pasture condition was rated 44% good to excellent. High temperatures and humidity are impacting livestock and some producers are still fighting pinkeye in cows and calves.



U.S. Corn, Soybean Conditions Down From Last Crop Progress Report

Corn and soybean conditions were slightly downgraded by USDA in its latest weekly Crop Progress report.  

U.S. corn condition was rated 64% good to excellent, down 1 percentage point from 65% the previous week, and down 8 percentage points from this time last year.  USDA pegged corn silking at 79%, as of Sunday, July 25. That puts the current silking pace 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 52%. Corn in the dough stage was also running just slightly ahead of normal at 18% compared to the average of 17%.

Soybean condition was rated 58% good to excellent, down 2 percentage points from 60% the previous week, and down 14 percentage points from this time last year. Development of the soybean crop was running slightly ahead of the average pace, too. NASS estimated that 76% of the crop was blooming as of Sunday, 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods was pegged at 42%, 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.

USDA had spring wheat condition rated 9% good to excellent, as of Sunday, July 25. That's 2 percentage points lower than last week and down a whopping 61 percentage points from this time last year.  Ninety-seven percent of the spring wheat crop was headed, equal to the five-year average.

Meanwhile, winter wheat harvest has passed the five-year average of 81% for this time of year, reaching 84% complete as of Sunday, July 25.
 
Sorghum headed was 42%, equal with the five-year average. Sorghum coloring was pegged at 20%, 1 percentage point behind average. Sorghum condition was rated 66% good to excellent, down 2 percentage points.

Cotton squaring was 78%, 6 percentage points behind the average. Cotton setting bolls was 37%, 5 percentage points behind the average pace. Cotton condition was rated 61% good to excellent, up 1 percentage points from the previous week.

Rice was 44% headed, 5 percentage points behind the average pace. Rice condition was rated 73% good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from the previous week.

Oats were rated 36% in good-to-excellent condition, up 1 percentage point from the previous week. Barley was 96% headed, equal to the five-year average. Barley condition was rated 22% good to excellent, down 5 percentage points from the previous week.



Corn and Soybean Disease Update: Southern Rust, Frogeye Leaf Spot, and Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot
Tamra Jackson-Ziems - NE Extension Plant Pathologist

Corn

Southern Rust
Southern rust was confirmed on a corn leaf sample July 20 from Nemaha County in southeast Nebraska. Southern rust activity has increased in the southern states for a few weeks as very wet conditions persisted. Last week it was confirmed in eastern and central Kansas. Winds from the south will continue to move fungal spores into and throughout corn fields in Nebraska. We will likely see additional disease development and spread under the forecasted warm and humid conditions in the coming days. Corn fields, especially in southern Nebraska, should be scouted regularly to monitor for southern rust development and spread that may need to be treated with a foliar fungicide.

Southern rust pustules can be orange or tan in color and are mostly produced on the upper leaf surface. The fungus is favored by warm temperatures in the 80’s F and high relative humidity. In contrast, common rust pustules are dark brick red or cinnamon brown and usually larger than those of southern rust. Common rust pustules usually start on the upper leaf surface, but usually push through to the bottom to produce more spores there, as well. Cooler temperatures in the 70’s F are generally more favorable for common rust, so we generally see common rust development earlier in the season. Although, common rust is a lesser threat to field corn production as most hybrids have genetic resistance to the disease. On the other hand, fewer hybrids have resistance to southern rust, and under favorable conditions, the southern rust fungus can worsen and spread rapidly.

Soybean

Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot
In spite of earlier dry weather conditions, Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRSR) has developed in some fields that received rain in recent weeks. The fungal-like organism causing PRSR, Phytophthora sojae, requires moisture to produce swimming zoospores that infect soybean roots. PRSR causes the most damage as a seedling disease, but can develop and kill plants throughout the entire system, differentiating it from other seedling diseases.

Identification — PRSR can cause plants to wilt, regardless of moisture availability, because it causes severe root rot. Affected plants may also have a prominent dark lesion on the lower stems. Unfortunately, plant symptoms may also appear similar to those caused by the soybean gall midge. You can tell them apart by checking for the presence of root rot — a common symptom of PRSR — versus the presence of stem lesions containing the orange larvae of soybean gall midge. Differences in distribution may also help to tell them apart. PRSR can develop in single plants randomly scattered around the field or in low, wet areas, whereas soybean gall midge most often affects plants on the edges of fields.

Management of PRSR can best be achieved by combining several available strategies:
    Use of soybean fungicide seed treatments specifically for PRSR control
    Note that products with mefenoxam or metalaxyl must be used at higher rates to control PRSR
    Variety selection
    Select varieties with one or more Rps genes for race-specific resistance, especially those with Rps3-a.
    You can also select varieties with the best PRSR field tolerance scores that provide additional control across multiple races

Frogeye Leaf Spot
Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) of soybean has begun to develop in some areas of Nebraska. Be sure to scout soybean fields for this disease, as well. Symptoms of FLS include the development of small, round to elliptical grayish lesions with dark borders. Lesions develop in the upper leaves first. Group 11 QoI fungicide resistance has been confirmed in this pathogen in several Nebraska counties and other states. If you determine that a fungicide application is necessary to manage FLS after scouting fields, be sure to use a product with a combination of active ingredients representing more effective fungicide classes, such as Groups 1, 3 and 7.



Webinar planned for grain producers recovering from storm damage

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will host a webinar focusing on decision-making strategies for farmers dealing with storm damage at noon on July 29.

Severe weather has recently caused extensive damage to crops and storage bins across the state. The webinar will discuss crop insurance, marketing and grain storage decisions that many farmers in affected areas are facing and provide strategies for achieving profitability.

The panel discussion will include experts from the university’s Agricultural Economics and Biological Systems Engineering departments. It will be hosted by Jessica Groskopf, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension.

It is presented as part of the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s weekly webinar series, held every Thursday at noon.

The new interdisciplinary center opened June 28 to support informed economic decision-making in agriculture through research, extension and education. For more about the center, and to register for the July 29 webinar, visit https://cap.unl.edu.



Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium is November 19-21, 2021

The annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Complex on November 19 - 21, 2021. The symposium is designed to introduce youth to careers opportunities and current issues in the beef industry, as well as offer education and practice in the use of leadership skills.

Showcasing Beef:  A Culinary Challenge
    eligible if you are a 10th, 11th or 12th grader (regardless of whether you've attended NYBLS before)
        get more in-depth information about the beef industry
        interact with faculty and learn about genetic markers, reproduction, environment/manuare management, and antibiotic resistance
        develop and market a beef product and work with a professional chef from Omaha Steaks
        learn more about career opportunities in the beef industry

If you're selected to participate, a $75 registration fee will be needed.  This covers the cost of hotel, meals, and materials.

At the Sunday luncheon we will conclude with this group and they will present their new products and marketing plan to a panel of judges. Parents and guests will also get a chance to taste their products!

Application deadline is August 1.  

For more information, contact:
Ashley Benes, 402-472-9184 or ashley.benes@unl.edu.  Or click here... https://animalscience.unl.edu/nebraska-youth-beef-leadership-symposium.  



SUMMER HEAT AND FORAGE GROWTH
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Range and Forage Specialist

As we move into the heart of the summer, hot temperatures are common.  How these temperatures affect our pasture and forage plants depends on the type of plants we are dealing with.

The two primary plant classifications are warm-season and cool-season, and this is based on basic plant physiology and their specific photosynthetic pathway.  Practically speaking, and as their names suggest, every plant species has a specific temperature range in which it maintains growth.

When it gets hot, 90 plus degrees, cool-season plants such as bromegrass, orchardgrass, fescues, needlegrasses, and wheatgrasses all struggle and will have a very slow growth rate, even if there is plenty of moisture.  If conditions are very dry, these cool-season grasses might completely stop growth and go into a summer dormant state.

High night temperatures also have forage quality implications for cool-season plants. They can cause rapid respiration rates, burning off valuable nutrients that plants accumulated during the day.

Warm-season grasses are just the opposite.  Millet, sudangrass, sorghums, and our native bluestems, gramas, switchgrass, and other warm-season grasses thrive when the temperature is around 90 degrees.  Their metabolism runs at peak efficiency when it is hot, so they grow rapidly while maintaining reasonable forage quality and good root growth.

As you graze or hay, be aware of the stress weather is putting on your forage.  When it’s too hot, allow plants a longer recovery period before the next grazing.  And don’t expect high feed values or good animal gains when the nutritional goodies are burned right out of the plants.

Proper expectations and management adjustments can limit the stress from hot weather.  



Students Gather to Ensure the Future of Agriculture

This week, 44 FFA members will gather in Indianapolis to discuss how agriculture will play a pivotal role in their future. It’s all part of the New Century Farmer conference – an opportunity for FFA members who plan to remain in production agriculture to work on their secession plans for success.

“This program helps us continue to grow the next generation of leaders who will not only change the world but continue to provide food, fiber and resources for future generations,” said Kate Wehby, educational specialist for the National FFA Programs and Events Division. “We’re excited to bring this program back as an in-person event this year and offer the opportunity to learn and grow together while expanding their networking pool.”

During the week, participants will visit with producers around the state, learn from industry leaders, see innovative agricultural technology and network with others who also plan to stay in production agriculture.

Those attending the conference this year include: Darren Borba from California; Emily Kern from Connecticut; Abby Edwards from Delaware; Cody Emerson and Joshua Jantz from Florida; Brodina Bousselot from Iowa; Sundee Holtman, Saydee Longhurst and Shalani Wilcox from Idaho; Chandler Bruns, Katie McCauley and Garrett Williams from Illinois; Ethan Fetzer from Iowa; Jill Allen and Jaclyn Bryant from Maryland; Logan Penegor from Minnesota; Paige Dameron and Dee Stark from Missouri; Alexis Canen and Todd Lackman from Montana; Tanner Carrick and Sarah Smart from North Carolina; Kaydie Brandl from Nebraska; Sydney Gavienelli and Steven Williams from New Jersey; Cale Sherwood from New York; Douglas Reer and Kayla Wyse from Ohio; Hannah Jackson and Colton Johnson from Oklahoma; William Horning from Pennsylvania; Isaac Kolousek from South Dakota; Conner Watts from Texas; Shelby Autry and Madison Phillips from Tennessee; Hunter Hilbert and Felicity Zimmerman from Virginia; Jessie Hooker from Vermont; Catherine Karb and Elisha Wade from Washington; Allison Schulist and Jodie Weyland from Wisconsin; and Jason Bechtle from West Virginia.

The conference, which begins today, was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants selected to participate in 2020 were invited to attend the 2021 event.

New Century Farmer is sponsored by Case IH, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and our media partner, Meredith Agrimedia.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.



Celebrating 35 Years of Beef Checkoff Successes

As the Beef Checkoff celebrates its 35th anniversary, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is shining a light on the successful promotion and research programs that drive the demand for beef. Many consumers recognize the Beef. It’s What’s Dinner. brand and iconic “Rodeo” music, however, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to bring beef from pasture to plate.

With 78% of consumers agreeing that beef is great tasting and a great source of protein1, no matter how you slice it (across the grain, please), beef is delicious and nutritious. And, although consumers may be familiar with well-known cuts like Ribeye, Sirloin and Brisket, many may not realize how years of product development research have identified new and innovative favorites such as the Flat Iron Steak and Petite Tender, adding value to the chuck and middle meats.

The Product Quality Research program includes the study of beef quality, muscle traits and characterization, carcass traits, muscle tenderness and yield, flavor and palatability, and new technologies. The overall goal of this Checkoff-funded research is to improve beef quality, consistency, value and demand.

“Product development research has been extremely beneficial to producers over the years,” said Dr. Torri Lienemann, Nebraska producer and co-chair of the Safety & Product Innovation Checkoff Committee. “By identifying new cuts and improving the customer experience, overall carcass value has increased, and that value would not have been captured without Checkoff funding.”

The chuck and round represent the largest portions of the beef carcass, however, in the early 2000s the value of these two primals was on the decline. Research was funded through the Beef Checkoff to find ways to increase the use of cuts from these primals, which would subsequently increase their value. An NCBA-managed project ranked muscles throughout the carcass by tenderness then tested moist and dry cooking techniques, which helped to identify “hidden” cuts that could potentially be marketed to consumers. One of the most popular products to come out of this work was the Flat Iron Steak.

After identifying this new cut, the challenge became getting foodservice and retail buy-in, introducing it to consumers and educating the public. Checkoff funding assisted with those efforts as well with NCBA developing promotions with retail partners, offering cutting charts and videos for the industry, and working closely with foodservice operators to drive demand for the new product.

Since tenderness is one of the primary quality indicators consumers look for in their steak when dining out2, restaurants soon realized that the Flat Iron, which is extremely tender, well-marbled and a flavorful piece of meat that is also affordable for customers, is a good menu option. As the cut drew attention on restaurant menus across the country, consumers started asking for it by name at grocery stores as well. Aided by consumer word of mouth, the cut’s popularity grew organically from there.

Finding new ways to fabricate the underutilized chuck created more opportunities for profitability across the value-chain, demonstrating the power of research and product development. Now the once unfamiliar muscle has a well-known name, recognized by consumers on restaurant menus and in meat cases across the country. For more information, visit www.beefresearch.org.




NCGA Seeks Action Team, Committee Members, Leadership

The National Corn Growers Association is seeking applications from members interested in working on 2022 NCGA action teams, which begin Jan. 1, 2022. This service provides growers an opportunity to play an active role in shaping their industry’s future and becoming a part of the national agricultural leadership community.

The action teams specialize in important subject areas, including Ethanol; Market Development; Member & Consumer Engagement; Production Technology Access; Risk Management & Transportation; Stewardship; and Sustainable Ag Research. Positions are also available on Standing Committees, which include CornPAC and the Resolutions Committee.

Qualified applicants must be an NCGA member or prospective member and/or contribute to their state checkoff program, if applicable. Ideal candidates should have an interest or expertise in a particular area relevant to the team focus.

Action Teams represent a cross-section of corn production. The teams may utilize staff, growers and industry members to serve as resources, as determined by the action team chair.

For the Action Team Application, which includes descriptions of the revised team portfolios, click here https://dt176nijwh14e.cloudfront.net/file/391. The deadline for receipt of applications in the state corn association offices, where applicable, is August 6. State offices will then coordinate applications and submit them directly to NCGA by August 13. Interested parties can contact Kathy Baker at the NCGA office with questions at (636) 733-9004.



Things to Keep in Mind as a Big Talk Begins
NMPF

Even though dairy farming is an every-day, 24-hour profession, it isn’t often that a specific day or a specific event makes much of a difference in how it’s done.

But this week is a little different. The United Nations is holding its preliminary round of official meetings in a Food Systems Summit that’s examining the very nature of farming itself and could lead to policy changes around the world in the name of producing healthy food more sustainably and responsibly. Unsurprisingly, anti-animal-agriculture activists out in full force, making claims about dairy and its environmental impact in an attempt to monopolize headlines and win hearts and minds, even though their claims don’t hold up to closer scrutiny.

That’s unfortunate, because U.S. dairy plays an essential role in advancing sustainable food systems, and that’s’ what the world needs to know. U.S. dairy farmers use 30 percent less water, 21 percent less land and have a 19 percent smaller carbon footprint, per gallon of milk, in 2017 versus 2007. That leadership in global sustainability is becoming only more crucial as the industry continues working to reduce its environmental impact even more, from its Net Zero Initiative to become carbon-neutral (or better) by 2050 (or earlier) to everyday, on-farm stewardship.

Providing adequate nutrition to the world is too important to let a distorted debate mislead consumers about the value of U.S. dairy products. So, in the spirit of an intelligent global discussion, a few things to keep in mind as the UN begins its Summit.

    Global diets need foods produced at the highest level of nutritional and environmental standards. U.S. dairy, along with the nation’s entire agriculture sector and food supply chain, has significantly reduced its environmental impact in recent decades while reducing waste and increasing production. And dairy’s taken an extra step, through its FARM Program, to ensure that science-based stewardship informs on-farm principles for exceptional care of animals and the planet. A nutritious diet demands a diversity of food products; a sustainable diet is one where every type of agriculture plays a positive role.  

    Technological advances play an essential role in feeding the world more sustainably. Just like in medicine, food systems perform best when they include science, innovation, and technology. Modern farming and food-production practices advance sustainable food systems while efficiently meeting nutritional needs. From methane digesters to improved feed mixes, dairy is a leader in technological adoption for good.  

    There is no “one-size-fits-all” food system. Historical, cultural and personal considerations; diverse production and manufacturing systems; differing levels of economic and industrial development. They all mean that there is no one diet, one approach to farming, or one set of public policies that universally apply to global food production or consumption. U.S. dairy itself reflects this diversity, with large, small, conventional, organic and other types all co-existing – often in the form of cooperatives that themselves hold great promise as a model for agricultural development worldwide.   

    Rules matter in food systems as trade builds healthy diets. International trade improves food security and food safety worldwide. It increases the accessibility, availability, and affordability of food. But the food system needs rules that promote those goals to work best. U.S. dairy supports and promotes rules-based trade, whether it be fair and accountable trade agreements or common-sense approaches to naming cheese.

We hope the UN finds these thoughts helpful, and we stand ready to support science-based, practical ideas from the UN that work for farmers and consumers while making the food system better. Food systems are too important to fall prey to misinformation, and a global discussion should be robust and sincere. The dairy community is looking forward to being part of the Big Talk – and to continue its contribution to global solutions.



USDA Announces $16.6 Million in Funding Opportunities to Support Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $16.6 million in available funding to community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities that help socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (also known as the 2501 Program). The 2501 program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

“USDA is committed to removing barriers to access,” said Dr. Lisa Ramirez, director of the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. “The 2501 program helps connect historically disadvantaged groups with USDA financing and programming.”

For more than 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, the 2501 Program has helped reach socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program to include assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers. The 2018 Farm Bill increased mandatory funding for the program through fiscal year 2023. With 2501 Program grants, nonprofits, institutions of higher education and federally recognized Indian Tribes can support socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers through education, training, farming demonstrations, and conferences on farming and agribusiness, and by increasing access to USDA’s programs and services.

Since 2010, 534 grants totaling more than $138 million have been awarded. Among recent FY 2020 grantees, North South Institute in Sunrise, Florida received a 2501 grant for demonstrations and training to help African American and veteran farmers and ranchers create resilient, sustainable farming operations. The New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico trains Hispanic farmers and youth in how to use acequias (communal irrigation canals) for small-scale farming, and assists farmers in applying for USDA programs.

Eligible 2501 Program applicants include not-for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and a range of higher education institutions serving African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.

The deadline for applications is August 25, 2021, at 11:59pm EST. See the request for applications for full details.

Learn more about this funding opportunity through upcoming webinars:
Session 1: July 28, 2021, at 2 p.m. EDT
Web conference link - ems8.intellor.com/login/839760
Follow the prompts to connect audio by computer or telephone. If you are unable to join the web conference or require a non-U.S. phone number, use our teleconference link, access code: 5066171#

Session 2: August 10, 2021, at 2 p.m. EDT
Web conference link - ems8.intellor.com/login/839761
Follow the prompts to connect audio by computer or telephone. If you are unable to join the web conference or require a non-U.S. phone number, use our teleconference link, access code: 7821646#



Angus members achieve 1 million genotypes

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), a subsidiary of the American Angus Association®, has reached their 1 millionth mark in Angus genotypes. This was a monumental accomplishment for the Angus breed, says Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI.

"It has taken just a little over a decade for Angus breeders to reach this impressive milestone," said Retallick-Riley. "This is a testament to the pioneer mindset Angus breeders have always hung their hats on. The early adoption of genomic technology has led Angus to this point and will lend to future tools designed specifically for users of registered Angus genetics."

AGI began including genomics in the genetic evaluation in 2010 with the idea of using this technology to enhance accuracy, evaluate for traits at earlier ages and predict difficult-to-measure traits for Angus breeders. In addition to its large genotype database, the American Angus Association is home to the largest beef cattle breed phenotype database in the world. With that knowledge, the pace of adoption of genomic technology has increased.

In the first four years of collecting genomic samples, AGI hit their first milestone of collecting 100,000 genotypes. In 2018, AGI had another breakthrough of accumulating half a million genotypes. While it took eight years to collect the first 500,000 genotypes, it only took three years to collect the next half of a million. Currently, around 3,000 genotypes enter the evaluation each week.

As for the future of genomic testing at AGI, the company has hopes it can continue to make significant advancements to further enhance the beef cattle industry economically. With this amount of data in hand, AGI is looking at ways to leverage this database to create novel solutions to real-world problems. Retallick-Riley says, Angus producers should be excited about what the future holds.

"The value of genomics is here," said Retallick-Riley. "While we continue to optimize these solutions to ensure accurate genetic tools, I have no doubt that the next ten years with genomics will only continue to drive genetic progress and profitability for our independently owned farming and ranching families."



July 2021 Dairy Market Report Now Available

Positive aspects of the current U.S. dairy industry situation outlook include a 4.7 percent annual increase for total commercial use of milk in all products, domestic and export, during March–May, when measured on a milk equivalent of total solids basis. Of total use, domestic use was 1.9 percent higher, while exports grew by over 19 percent. Although many year-over-year comparisons are currently less informative than usual given last year’s pandemic, growth in total commercial use exceeded growth in both milk and milk solids production during the March–May period. That growth, plus the heat and drought situation in the western states, should start to improve milk prices and margins, although the current situation continues to reflect higher production earlier in the year.

Read the full report here: https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-market-report-july-2021/.



NACD CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY WITH VILSACK, DUCKWORTH

On Sunday, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) celebrated its 75th anniversary in Chicago, Illinois, where the association was founded in 1946.

“I think the founding members of NACD had incredible foresight when creating our organization to realize that our strength lies in collaboration, in championing the message of locally-led conservation on a national level with a unified voice,” NACD President Michael Crowder said.

The national association hosted a 75th Anniversary Celebration at the Hancock Center, which featured remarks from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, as well as a historical presentation from Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Historian Joe Otto.

“NACD and NRCS have forged an important bond that has helped to deliver conservation to millions of acres across our country, and over the years much has been done to reduce soil loss, to improve water conservation, and to advance the conservation of natural resources and wildlife across America’s working lands,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Happy 75th anniversary, and please know that all of us at USDA look forward to working with you to advance conservation for years to come.”

“Creating real change starts at the local level,” Senator Duckworth said.  “The work groups like NACD do with leaders in agriculture, conservation, environment, education and industry to promote responsible management and conservation of natural resources helps to make our country a better place.”

“I also applaud NACD’s commitment to community outreach, efforts to work with underserved communities, and its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” she said. “I want to congratulate the National Association of Conservation Districts on their 75th anniversary and thank them for giving these districts a platform to be heard.”

“Although many things in our society have changed in the last 75 years, NACD is still leading with that foundational mentality all these years later: as the national voice for all conservation districts, supporting voluntary, incentive-driven natural resource conservation programs that benefit all citizens,” President Crowder said. “And I can say that we’ll continue to carry on that message over the next 25, 50, 75 years and beyond.”



 ASA Confirms U.S. Soybean Growers to Lead WISHH

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Kevin Scott has confirmed the election of ASA's World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) officers and committee members for fiscal year 2021-2022. New to the WISHH Committee are Doug Darling (MI) and Denny Mertz (MO). George Goblish (MN) is reappointed. Officers are Chairman Gerry Hayden (KY), Vice Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL), Treasurer Bob Haselwood (KS), and Secretary Morey Hill (IA). In addition, Daryl Cates (ASA), Ed Beaman (USSEC) and David Williams (USB) will serve on the WISHH Committee as ex-officio representatives for their organizations

Scott emphasized gratitude to outgoing WISHH Committee Members David Lueck (MO) and Jim Wilson (MI) for their valuable leadership and countless hours of volunteer service during their terms on WISHH, a program committee of ASA.

“U.S. soybean growers have greatly benefited from Jim and David’s willingness to lead WISHH in its unique role of connecting trade and development for U.S. soy in Africa, Asia and Latin America,” said Scott.

Lueck championed WISHH’s role in aquaculture feed, including the installation of the first in-pond aquaculture raceway in Cambodia, a Missouri soybean checkoff investment. He also hosted WISHH trade teams at his Missouri farm. Wilson brought exceptional business skills to WISHH as treasurer, serving on the executive committee and taking an active role in WISHH’s strategic planning. Before the pandemic, both traveled with WISHH to personally meet with strategic partners for food and feed.

“We also welcome Bob Haselwood, an experienced soybean industry leader, who will assume the role of WISHH treasurer,” Scott said. “Bob and the other WISHH Committee members are trailblazers in helping create new markets for U.S. soy and also making U.S. soy protein available as a nutritious and affordable solution for global food security.”

From Sri Lanka to Ghana to Guatemala, soy food and feed businesses that work with WISHH have demonstrated their commitment to global food security and trade. Many of WISHH’s strategic partners are recognized as essential operations by their governments during the pandemic. Some are running their lines at full capacity, and at the same time, implementing additional food safety, worker health and other requirements. WISHH is supporting them by sharing scientific and technical resources, as well as contributing to food and feed entrepreneurs sharing ideas among countries.

The full slate of U.S. soybean growers who serve on WISHH includes: Gerry Hayden (ASA-KY), Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL), Bob Haselwood (KS), Morey Hill (IA), Tim Bardole (IA), Craig Converse (SD), Doug Darling (MI), Scott Gaffner (IL), George Goblish (MN), Denny Mertz (MO), David Niekamp (IL), Adam Redmann (ND), Dawn Scheier (SD), Bob Suver (OH), Craig Williams (IN) and Bill Wykes (ASA-IL). Daryl Cates (ASA) is an ex-officio member on WISHH on behalf of ASA, along with USB Representative David Williams (MI) and USSEC Representative Ed Beaman.