Tuesday August 31 Ag News

 Late Season Soybean Gall Midge Update

Soybean gall midge (SGM) injury and pressure varied considerably across its geographic range with the largest concentration of injured soybean fields occurring in east-central Nebraska this season. To date, a total of 140 counties have been identified as infested with SGM through the presence of orange larvae on soybean and sweet clover. Of this total, 26 new counties were identified this year with the largest number of new county detections occurring in Minnesota.

Nebraska Update
Justin McMechan, Assistant Professor, Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist
Thomas Hunt, Professor, Research and Extension Entomologist

Soybean gall midge caused significant injury at all east-central Nebraska research sites in 2021. Adult emergence was first detected on May 31st with adult emergence from overwintering sites (last year’s soybean fields) and continued until July 21st. The duration of adult emergence from overwintering sites is troubling for management with an average of 36 days across 14 sites in east-central Nebraska. This is longer than the 19 and 26-day average duration of overwintering emergence observed in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Adult emergence from this year’s soybean was first detected on June 29th with consistent adult activity occuring during the season with the exception of August 8th and 10th. Based on the insects' lifecycle, it is likely that soybean gall midge completed two full generations on this year’s soybean. Adult activity has decreased over the past few days and is likely to end in early September if it is similar to previous years.

A U.S. soybean germplasm field screen for SGM funded by the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) had significant pressure and presence of SGM this year. In east-central NE, both research sites showed significant pressure with greater than 99.9% of plots infested with SGM. The significant injury and high frequency of infested plants provides an opportunity to identify potential sources of resistance to SGM in soybean. A wide variation in plant response to injury was observed in the field and additional analyses will be conducted this fall and winter. A 2021 Nebraska Soybean Board funded planting date project evaluating larval number, plant injury, and yield had significantly greater number of larvae on soybean planted on April 22 to May 12th compared to those planted on May 22nd or June 1st. Several other field projects on timing of foliar insecticides, seed treatments, at-plant insecticides, and methods of foliar application are being conducted this year with the full results shared this fall and winter. Studies on the biology and ecology to evaluate the movement of adults, seasonal larval abundance are also being conducted. Of the field studies conducted, most notable was the identification of hilling (Figure 2) or covering the base of soybean plants early in the season as a potential strategy for soybean gall midge. This study was conducted at three sites in east-central Nebraska with easily observable differences in larval number and plant death. This strategy may be difficult for a number of growers to use but it highlights how essential the base of soybean plants are to insects' ability to cause significant injury.

Field surveys through funding from the NCSRP have identified 6 new counties in Nebraska with soybean gall midge on soybean. Two additional counties were identified with orange larvae found on sweet clover, a known host for soybean gall midge. No significant field injury from soybean gall midge was observed in these new counties. Several counties in east-central, as well as some fields in north-east Nebraska, showed considerable injury from soybean gall midge.

Iowa Update
Erin Hodgson, Professor, Extension Entomologist

This year, 19 counties in western Iowa have been sampled by the Hodgson Lab so far. All have soybean gall midge but at relatively low infestation levels. While sampling, they can find larvae but plants don’t always look infested. Agronomists and farmers have also reported finding larvae along field edges, but near fields that were previously infested. The lab will continue to sample and move more centrally this month.

Current Management Considerations:
-    Identify this year’s SGM infested fields so possible management action can be planned for adjacent fields planted to soybean in 2022

-    If significant infestation has occurred in this year’s soybean fields, schedule the heaviest fields early in your harvest cycle to prevent harvest loss resulting from plant lodging or breakage.

​Go to soybeangallmidge.org for more information and updates.



East Coast Football Team Looks to "The Good Life" for Great Nutrition.
 
The Nebraska Beef Council recently partnered with the Campbell University football program, the North Carolina Beef Council, and Crystal Zabka-Belsky, registered sports dietitian from Omaha, to bring a taste of the Beef State to the Tar Heel State. The collaboration focused on beef as a premier protein for fueling and performance, coupled with skill development and hands-on meal preparation to implement effective nutrition habits for athletes throughout the training season and beyond.

“Beef is truly a performance protein,” said Mitch Rippe, director of nutrition and education for the Nebraska Beef Council. “Our goal was to provide student athletes with practical and easy-to-use nutrition strategies that they can implement in their daily lives. These strategies, coupled with the high-quality protein beef provides allows these athletes to train hard and recover effectively.”

During the event, players were tasked with building balanced performance meals featuring beef. In a pre-session survey, one-third of the athletes indicated that their lack of knowledge when it came to preparing beef, along with their perception that beef is an expensive protein, led them to seek alternative meal options. The Beef Checkoff helped offer education sessions to over 100 student athletes on the Campbell football team focusing on the nutrient availability and cost-per-serving analysis of various beef dishes. As a result, over 95% of players stated they now consume beef at least two to three times per week with 93% of players indicating they are now very likely to incorporate more beef into their weekly meals.
 
While the program took place in North Carolina, Campbell’s head coach, Mike Minter, is a former Husker and two-time national champion (’94 & ’95) who played 10 years in the NFL and understands the benefit beef plays in fueling, performance, and recovery.  

“It was great to partner with the two states that were instrumental in my football career,” said Minter. “Our Campbell Football program takes pride in community collaboration and providing opportunities for not only enhancing performance but also building essential life skills. This experience did both. We look forward to continued collaborations aimed at bringing cutting-edge sports science opportunities to our players.”  
 
Based on the success of this program and benefit to student athletes, the Nebraska Beef Council is working on additional sports nutrition programming opportunities with colleges, universities, and high school athletic programs across the state to feature beef as a premier protein for athletic performance and fueling.   



Ricketts Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced recent appointments he has made to fill Nebraska’s boards and commissions.  Among those announced on Tuesday.....

The following appointees are unpaid and are not subject to Legislative confirmation:

Nebraska Brand Committee
Duane Gangwish, Lexington

Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board
Jodi Cast, Beaver Crossing
David Crook, Humboldt
Joyce Racicky, Mason City

Grain Sorghum Development, Utilization, and Marketing Board
Michael T. Baker, Trenton

Nebraska Grape and Winery Board
James Ballard, Raymond
David Hanna, Lexington
Max A. McFarland, Lexington
Terrence Ryan, Gibbon
Michael Schilling, Pawnee City

Nebraska Wheat Development, Utilization and Marketing Board
Kent J. Lorens, Stratton
Jared Sayer, Cambridge

The following appointees are unpaid and subject to Legislative confirmation:

Environmental Quality Council
Kurt Alan Bogner, Norfolk
Joseph Citta, Jr., Columbus
Tassia Falcon da Silva Steidley, Lincoln
Robert C. Hall, Wahoo
Lance A. Hedquist, South Sioux City
Jessica A. Kolterman, Seward
Kevin Peterson, Osceola
Marty Stange, P.E, Hastings
Amy Staples, Broken Bow
Alden Zuhlke, Brunswick

Thank you to the many Nebraskans that give generously of their time and talent to make a difference in our state.  These appointments will provide crucial insight and expertise to their respective boards, committees, and commissions.  To learn about openings and apply to serve on a board or commission, go to https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.



Crop Residue Exchange Links Growers and Grazers

Most of the rangeland north and west of the state of Nebraska is currently in severe or extreme drought condition. Many livestock producers in these regions are appealing to states like Nebraska for access to available forage and winter feed resources. The Crop Residue Exchange at https://cropresidueexchange.unl.edu/ is designed to facilitate connections between livestock producers looking for forage and crop producers with available crop residues or other forage resources. This interactive, online exchange assists corn and other crop producers to market crop residue and other available forages to cattle producers for grazing.

After establishing a login account, farmers can list cropland available for grazing by drawing out the plot of land available using an interactive map and entering basic information about the type of residue or forage, fencing situation, water availability and dates available. The mapping tool enables listings for the entire state of Nebraska and much of neighboring states Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.

Land available for grazing is described as "Residue Type" (corn, wheat, sorghum, pasture or other). Pricing can be listed as a "cost per acre" or a "cost per head per day". Farmers provide their preferred contact information. Livestock producers can search the Crop Residue Exchange database for grazing available within a radius for the location of interest, but must be logged in to view the contact information attached to each listing. Livestock producers can also save their search and receive notifications when new listings are posted that meet their search criteria.

With dry conditions in much of the western U.S., reports of livestock producers looking for fall and winter forage are accumulating. Crop producers who have previously listed crop residue available for grazing are encouraged to log in and update their listings on the Crop Residue Exchange for the 2021-22 fall and winter grazing season. Crop producers new to the Exchange are encouraged to consider utilizing the Exchange to connect with livestock producers to create a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Crop Residue Exchange is made possible with funding support from Nebraska Extension, the Northern Plains Climate Hub and the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Beef Systems Initiative.



FALL CONTROL OF WINTER ANNUAL BROMES
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Specialist

 Was cheatgrass, sometimes called downy brome, or wild oats abundant in your pastures this spring?  Although difficult, they can be controlled and your pasture revitalized.

Winter annual bromes often invade thin or overgrazed pastures in fall and early spring.  Livestock dislike grazing them after they become mature and over time they can take over and make large patches in a pasture.

Recent research by the University of Nebraska evaluated herbicides for controlling cheatgrass.   Products containing rimsulfuron and imazapic (Plateau®) can provide good control of cheatgrass from a single application, but control can vary widely from year to year depending on when the application is made, maturity of cheatgrass plants, and the weather patterns.  A one-time management operation, utilizing grazing, mowing, or a non-residual herbicide, like rimsulfuron or imazapic, usually does not have a lasting impact on the cheatgrass in the seedbank. To reduce the seedbank, control needs to be close to 100%, and repeated over several years.

Rejuvra™ is a new rangeland herbicide product from Bayer that works differently from existing cheatgrass herbicides. Rejuvra™ has limited activity on emerged plants and only controls seedlings as they germinate, so it is best to apply Rejuvra™ in early fall before seeds germinate.  This herbicide can provide control up to two years post application.

In warm-season grass pastures and rangeland, there is another option.  You can use glyphosate herbicides after top growth of these grasses has died due to a hard freeze or two.  This can kill emerged annual brome seedlings without harming the desirable grasses.  However, do not use glyphosate in cool-season pastures because it will injure or kill the pasture grasses as well.  With any herbicide, always read and follow label directions.

With these herbicide options and proper grazing management, your pastures can develop thicker stands of the more desirable grasses.  It takes a long, dedicated process to recover pastures overtaken by winter annual bromes.  



NDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN ANNUAL POULTRY PHOTO CONTEST

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Poultry Photo contest. The annual contest, open to Nebraska 4-H and FFA members from around the state, highlights the diversity of the poultry industry in Nebraska.

“At NDA, we enjoy opportunities to work with youth in Nebraska to start conversations about agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “The 4-H and FFA members who entered our photo contest this year submitted colorful and creative photos to let all of us see some of the many different breeds and varieties of poultry being raised in Nebraska.”

NDA is displaying the winning photos online in a 2022 calendar that includes information on biosecurity measures that backyard poultry owners should take to keep their flocks healthy.

The students who submitted winning photos are: Clare Bauman of Lincoln; Jacob Bauman of Lincoln; Kelsey Bunn of North Bend; Addison Foutch of Friend; Noah Jelinek of Waverly; Isabella Klein of Cozad; Elisa Oberg of Farnam; Janae Oberg of Farnam; Jon Oberg of Farnam; Kayla Rupe of Ragan; Charlotte Sanio of Lincoln; and Jake Schroeder of Center.

NDA teammates judged the entries, looking at originality, composition and photography skills.

The 2022 calendar with the winning photographs can be viewed and downloaded from NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian.



NeFU Provides Guidance to USDA on Investments and Opportunities For Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) provided written guidance to USDA relative to how to utilize the additional funding that is being made available by the Biden Administration to expand the capacity of small meat processing facilities.

In their comments, NeFU offered their strong support of the “overarching and comprehensive comments offered by National Farmers Union.”  

NeFU said in their letter, “NeFU strongly supports President Biden’s Executive Order on competition, and the need to develop a more diverse and secure food supply chain and agricultural economy.”

In addition, NeFU also offered general support for the “letter offered by Michael J. Boehm, Ph.D., University of Nebraska Vice President, and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor and their request for funding for workforce education and development as well as paperwork assistance for smaller meat packer compliance.”

NeFU ’s comments made it clear the additional funding should not go the large USDA inspected meat packers. NeFU supported proportioning financial funding to expand the capacity and diversity of our meat processing system to include the following kinds of meat processing:

·         Existing small USDA inspected meat processing plants that are already comfortable with the additional scheduling and paperwork required to operate a USDA inspected plant. Many of these plants need incentives to modernize and expand their current facilities.

·         Existing custom slaughter operations that want to modernize their operations and become USDA inspected facilities so they can sell directly to retail outlets including restaurants and grocery stores as well as sell across state lines.

·         Existing custom slaughter operations that want to modernize their operations but do not want to become USDA inspected facilities. Many of these facilities provide critical services to local communities but do not want to take on the additional scheduling, paperwork, reporting, and inspection requirements needed to become USDA inspected plants.

·         New federally inspected or USDA inspected custom slaughter plants with a preference for cooperatively or community owned facilities.

·         Mobile processing units that can help meet local needs for communities without local meat processing facilities. These kinds of facilities are particularly good at meeting free range poultry processing needs.

“NeFU State President John Hansen said, “The Biden Administration has provided us with an historic opportunity to expand both the capacity and diversity of our meat packing system. That is good for meat producers and meat consumers.  When small plants modernize, they become more efficient while expanding their capacity.”



Naig Submits Comments to Boost Livestock Processing Capacity and Small-Scale Meat Lockers

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to their request for information on strategies to increase competition and production capacity in the meat processing industry. In their request for information, the USDA announced $500 million to support these efforts and strategies.

In the letter, Secretary Naig focuses his comments on three areas where the USDA can provide support in a meaningful way:
-    Increasing the amount of mid-sized meat processors, providing producers with additional markets to have livestock processed.
-    Ensuring that facilities under state inspection are not excluded in future USDA programs.
-    Boosting small-scale meat lockers and facilities that are currently in existence with additional technical and financial resources to increase processing capacity and grow their businesses.

“One of my top priorities as Secretary of Agriculture is listening to folks in the agricultural community and being a strong voice for them. I have spoken with countless livestock producers and locker owners over the last year about the needs they have and the challenges they face. The strategies outlined in my letter are based on those conversations and will significantly improve issues related to price transparency, strong livestock markets and access to working capital,” said Naig. “Iowa is a national leader in livestock production and processing so it’s critical that our agricultural community’s voice is heard on this topic. I am hopeful that the USDA will review this stakeholder feedback closely and focus on issues that benefit those who are most impacted.”

Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have taken a leading role in addressing the challenges that Iowa’s meat lockers face. In 2020, the Department utilized $4 million of CARES Act funds, allocated by Gov. Kim Reynolds, to create a grant program that helped more than 200 small meat and poultry processors purchase equipment and upgrades to increase their processing capacity and improve efficiencies. Seeing the success of this program, Iowa state lawmakers replicated the grant program and created an annual appropriation to fund these projects into the future. Additionally, Secretary Naig is chairing the Artisanal Butchery Task Force that is charged with studying workforce issues in the meat processing industry



Carcass Challenge Recruitment is Underway

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is looking for steers to enter in the 2022 Carcass Challenge. This program is Iowa’s only statewide fed steer contest and brings together all sector’s of Iowa’s beef industry—seedstock, cow-calf, backgrounder and feedyard—as each play a key role in determining final cattle performance and carcass quality.

The Carcass Challenge was created to showcase Iowa’s beef genetics, feedyard management and modern technology. This gives seedstock producers a chance to see how their genetics stack up against other cattle breeders across the state.  

The Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP) class has begun recruiting steers for the 2022 program. Commitments need to be made by mid-October. In early November, the donated 650- to 750-pound steers will be delivered to Sieren Beef owned by Mitch Sieren, near Harper, Iowa, in Keokuk County. Steers will be fed in deep-bedded and slatted-floor barns for 180 to 200 days, to about 1,400 pounds.

Prizes are awarded to donors at the end of the feeding period, after carcass data is collected. Donors are rewarded for steers placing high in retail value per day on feed, average daily gain, ribeye area, marbling score and chef’s choice. The awards are presented at a banquet held the first part of June. The YCLP class gains leadership and learning through the recruitment process. Donors include individual ICA members, allied businesses, county associations, breed associations and other entities wanting to compete for the $5,000 top prize.  

Money raised through this program generates additional non-dues revenue to grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education. For more information on the Carcass Challenge program, visit www.iacattlemen.org or contact Jennifer Carrico at jennifer@iacattlemen.org or 641-680-1480.



NCBA Secures Extension of Critical Exemption for Livestock Haulers

Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers. Livestock haulers continue to need this flexibility for the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the continued disruption of COVID-19. This extension comes after consistent advocacy by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).

Thanks in part to NCBA's continued push on this issue, livestock haulers have been operating under an HOS exemption since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a strong safety record.

"We are grateful to FMCSA for the extension of this exemption, which will provide livestock haulers continued flexibilities under hours-of-service regulations. I believe FMCSA's continuation of this exemption indicates their confidence in our producers to keep doing their work safely and effectively, while keeping the grocery store shelves stocked with beef. NCBA will continue to work toward additional, more permanent flexibility under HOS, and we appreciate FMCSA's open dialogue on this issue," said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera.

The most recent extension will continue through midnight on November 30, 2021.

Current HOS rules allow for 11 hours of drive time, 14 hours of on-duty time, and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility beyond the current hours-of-service. Unlike drivers moving consumer goods, livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks when drive time hours run out without jeopardizing animal health and welfare.




NCGA to EPA: Don’t Saddle Farmers with Unnecessary Water Regulations

Federal regulations on remote bodies of water will hurt farmers without providing any significant improvement to water quality, an NCGA leader told the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today.

“They [EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] must not assume that achieving desired water quality outcomes means that remote water features must be made waters of the U.S.,” said Andy Jobman, Nebraska farmer and chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The facts simply do not support this assumption as it applies to farms, conservation practices and farmland water management.”

Jobman’s remarks were made during a public meeting hosted by the EPA to hear from stakeholders on their perspectives on defining "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act, in light of the agency’s intention to revise the definition.

During the hearing, Jobman expressed support for the goals of the Clean Water Act to restore and protect the water quality integrity of jurisdictional waters.
 
“Corn farmers are committed to protecting this resource for the benefit of their crops, their communities and the planet,” he said. “We sincerely wish that we were not going through another WOTUS rulemaking where this artificially drawn ‘jurisdictional line’ in our watersheds will again be hotly debated and litigated. Instead, we want to focus on working together to support our water quality protection efforts on our farms.”

The definition of WOTUS is critically important to farmers, which is why NCGA has participated in numerous rulemakings and litigation on this issue over the years.

NCGA is also a long-time member of the Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC), which represents a large cross-section of the nation’s construction, transportation, real estate, mining, manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, energy, wildlife conservation and public health and safety sectors. The Coalition’s members are committed to the protection and restoration of America’s wetlands and waters. They work collectively to advocate for clear regulation that draws bright lines between federal and state waters that will help further those goals.

NCGA is submitting recommendations individually and as a member of WAC in response to EPA’s notice soliciting pre-proposal feedback on defining WOTUS.



NCBA Condemns Court Decision Striking Down Navigable Waters Protection Rule

Yesterday, the U.S. District Court in Arizona struck down the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), a regulation that corrected the disastrous 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and provided key protections to farmers and ranchers.
 
“The Navigable Waters Protection Rule limited federal overreach and provided regulatory certainty to our nation’s cattle producers,” said NCBA Chief Environmental Counsel Scott Yager. “The NWPR was a solution to the far overreaching 2015 WOTUS rule but yesterday’s court decision adds further confusion to an issue that has been complicated by decades of activist-driven litigation. NCBA is disappointed in this decision and will continue advocating for regulations that protect the ability of cattle producers to invest in their land and care for their cattle.”
 
The Biden Administration had previously announced its intent to repeal and replace the NWPR. While NCBA discouraged the repeal of NWPR, the Biden Administration pursued a deliberative, transparent outreach strategy, allowing for American cattle producers to have a voice in the process.
 
Background
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration announced their intent to repeal and replace the NWPR. The Administration planned a three-phase process including listening sessions with the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers, a repeal rule for NWPR, and a new WOTUS rule. The first public comment phase began in August and NCBA, state affiliates, and numerous cattle producers submitted comments to the Agencies.
 
Last month, the U.S. District Court in South Carolina dismissed a similar case, which allowed the NWPR to remain in effect until a repeal rule was finalized by the Biden Administration. That decision ensured regulatory certainty for cattle producers while the Biden Administration moved through the rulemaking process. Yesterday’s court decision is the first time a federal court has vacated the NWPR.



Ruling Threatens Progress Made in Clean Water Efforts

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the District of Arizona court ruling to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Rule.

“AFBF is extremely disappointed in the ruling to vacate the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Farmers finally had environmentally responsible regulations that brought clarity to clean water efforts. This ruling casts uncertainty over farmers and ranchers across the country and threatens the progress they’ve made to responsibly manage water and natural resources.

“Three courts have previously refused to dismantle the NWPR, including last month when a federal court in South Carolina refused a similar request from plaintiff groups. Unfortunately, this Arizona court simply accepted the plaintiffs’ assertions as true and did something that no other court has done in vacating the NWPR.

“We are reviewing the ruling to determine our next course of action. Farmers and ranchers deserve consistency and a rule that is fair and doesn’t require a team of attorneys to interpret.”



August 2021 Dairy Market Report Now Available

https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-market-report-august-2021/

Low milk prices and high feed costs – a.k.a. depressed margins – are slowly bringing U.S. milk production back in line with demand. Daily average production was down almost 2 percent from the spring flush high in April, a larger-than-usual drop.

Futures markets have taken notice, ending the long slide in their collective estimate of calendar year 2021 average milk prices beginning in mid-May. Rising cheese prices have been a key driver of this recent recovery. Although milk production is being channeled disproportionately into American-type cheese, growth in commercial use of such cheese hit double-digit percentages during the second quarter, while use of other types of cheese grew by fully half this amount. Domestic use of milk in all products showed a 1 percent gain, while exports continued their march toward a new record as a percent of domestic milk solids production.

Still, the price recovery is fragile: The delta-variant-driven fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic is casting growing uncertainty over future demand. Product prices realigned themselves in July for the second month to produce federal order class prices that again generated positive producer price differentials in the component pricing orders.



Nomination Deadline for FARM Excellence Awards Extended

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today announced that the deadline to nominate farms and FARM Evaluators for a FARM Excellence Award has been extended to Friday, Sept. 3.

Award categories include Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development, and FARM Evaluators. Farms or evaluators can be nominated by fellow dairy farmers; members of their communities; extension, cooperative or processor staff; veterinarians; themselves or others.

Nominated farms must have a current FARM Program evaluation in the respective category area and must be in good standing with the program. Evaluators who are nominated must be FARM Program certified in any of the program areas as of Aug. 31.

Winners in each category will receive a hotel room and travel for two individuals to attend the Dairy Joint Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nov. 15-17. Visit the FARM Excellence Awards page for more details https://nationaldairyfarm.com/farm-excellence-awards/.




RMA Revises Dates for the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage and Apiculture Insurance Programs

Agricultural producers now will have until December 1 to make coverage decisions and complete reporting activities for the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Pilot Insurance Program (PRF) and Apiculture Pilot Insurance Program (API). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is making this change and other updates to these two policies based on feedback from stakeholders.

“We want to offer flexibility to our nation’s producers, which is why we are always listening to our customers and looking at ways to improve the process and products we provide to them,” said RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy. “The date changes will provide additional time to help producers who are busy preparing their operations for the winter.”

PRF and API are both Rainfall Index crop insurance policies designed to aid agricultural producers in case of a lack of precipitation that affects available forage for livestock and honeybees. The plans consider a decline in rainfall by comparing it with the historical average precipitation for the same area during the same period of time. PRF is designed to help protect a producer’s livestock operation from the risks of forage loss.  In 2020, producers insured almost 160 million acres and nearly 32,000 policies to protect $2.9 billion in liabilities. API provides a safety net for beekeepers’ primary income sources of honey, pollen collection, wax, and breeding stock.  In 2020, producers covered about 1.8 million colonies under 3,300 policies to protect $250 million in liabilities.

RMA is revising the dates for the sales closing, acreage/colony reporting, cancellation, and termination of the PRF and API insurance programs from November 15 to December 1. For PRF, RMA is also increasing reporting flexibility by allowing the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) acreage report (form FSA-578) to be used in conjunction with other documents to verify insurable interest.

Other changes to the plans include:
    Revising the definition of “veteran farmer or rancher” to allow a legal entity, comprised only of the veteran and their spouse, to qualify as a veteran farmer or rancher when a qualifying veteran has a non-veteran spouse; and

     Allowing a producer to report acreage as certified organic, or as acreage in transition to organic, when the producer has requested an organic certification by the acreage reporting date.

Other Livestock Insurance Options
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), which is available for Feeder Cattle, Fed Cattle, and Swine producers. It provides protection against declining market prices. Recent changes to LRP have resulted in substantial increases in program participation and livestock producers are encouraged to explore these risk management tools. More information on LRP and other livestock programs can be found on RMA’s livestock webpage.



USDA Announces $11 Million in Grants Awarded to Strengthen Markets for U.S. Agricultural Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $11 million awarded to 21 grant projects to strengthen and explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. The funding is made possible through three funding programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): Acer Access and Development Program (Acer), Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), and Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP).

    Acer, authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill to increase market opportunities for the domestic maple syrup industry, awarded $5.4 million to eleven projects.

    FSMIP awarded $1 million to five projects to explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving marketing system efficiency and performance. FSMIP was authorized by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

    The Micro-Grants Program awarded $4.6 million to agricultural agencies or departments in Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Hawaii through a non-competitive application process, which was authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and is specifically designed to realize USDA’s commitment to support communities across the U.S. that have significant levels of food insecurity and import significant quantities of food.

“These awards support innovation and resilience in agricultural food systems. The newly-funded projects in these three grant programs support critical activities that will open up new market opportunities for producers and processors and increase local food consumption in food insecure communities. Through our partnerships with states and local groups, we are building better back the tools to help both producers and consumers,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jennifer Moffitt.

AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural products market opportunities, while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services and Congressionally funded grants.

To learn more about AMS’s investments in enhancing and strengthening agricultural systems, visit www.ams.usda.gov/grants.



Massey Ferguson’s 5S Delivers Best in Class for Hay and Livestock Producers

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, supports livestock and hay producers with the newly redesigned Massey Ferguson 5S tractor.

The 5S Series, available in three models ranging from 115 to 145 HP, will debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, and will be available for order and delivery in 2022. The redesigned series delivers tremendous value and capabilities for hay and livestock producers.

“The superior maneuverability and versatility offered by the straightforward and dependable 5S makes this tractor the best choice for work on the farm, in the field or on the road,” Darren Parker, vice president of Massey Ferguson North America, said. “The 5S really blows the competition away with its high-performance driveline, high levels of comfort and wide choice of equipment and options. It can truly tackle any challenge or task on your farm.”

Built for ultimate comfort, the 5S is designed for straightforward operation, outstanding visibility and great power in any application. The series offers efficient drivelines to achieve higher productivity and promises to keep operating costs low, all while delivering more power and torque.

“With substantial power, maximum agility, well-engineered quality and a new distinct style, the 5S is a true utility player on the farm,” Parker said.

Here’s what sets the MF 5S Series apart:
    Ultimate comfort for a more productive workday
        The 5S Series features an easy-to-access cab with large windows and a narrow, steep-nosed hood to provide superior visibility.
        Perfect ergonomics and a new armrest design put controls easily at hand, and new front axle suspension ensures a comfortable ride.
        A wide range of specifications available through Classic and Deluxe trims mean operators can choose the best option for their comfort and performance.
        An optional LED light package provides outstanding visibility for working at night.
    Low operating cost
        The 5S Series features an AGCO Power™, 4-cylinder, 4.4-liter engine that complies with Tier 4 Final emission rules using the compact All-in-One aftertreatment system.
        All models deliver more power and torque with reduced fuel and DEF consumption.
        An electronic wastegate turbocharger further improves performance and reduces emissions.
    Efficient drivelines deliver high productivity
        The 5S Series features proven transmission technology with either the Dyna-4™ (16x16) or Dyna-6™ (24x24) for seamless shifting.
        Super-Eco operation attains 25 mph at low 1,530 RPM, helping to significantly cut fuel consumption and increase driving comfort.
    Equipped to work faster with more implements
        A wide choice of hydraulic systems offer open and closed center systems providing up to 15-29 gallons per minute of flow.
        Double up operations with the new front linkage design offering lift capacities up to 6,600 pounds while the stronger, rear linkage lifts up to 10,300 pounds.
    Perfect loader partner
        The 5S combines great maneuverability and a choice of three hydraulic systems to provide exceptional pressure, flow and response.
        The series also provides ultimate visibility with its slim dashboard and narrow steep-nose hood.
        Left-hand Power Control lever changes direction, shifts speeds and selects neutral, while a choice of joysticks operate the loader, as well as change direction and speeds.

Massey Ferguson, dedicated to offering innovative and intuitive technology that provides growers with the latest precision agriculture tools to increase profitability and efficiency will have a full display of its current lineup, including the 5S, at the Farm Progress Show, booth 333. For more information go to http://www.masseyferguson.us/.