Weekend Ag News Roundup - October 31

 More efficient nitrogen use is the goal of LENRD’s new cost-share program

The protection of our groundwater is one of the main responsibilities given to Nebraska’s NRDs.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff work diligently to come up with ways to develop, manage, and conserve our water now and for future generations.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “We are always striving to find programs that fit our mission and to encourage citizens to stop and think about how they can take the next steps to reach their management goals.”

At their October meeting, the LENRD board of directors approved a chemigation equipment cost-share program.  This program is intended to introduce landowners to, and provide a one-time cost assistance for, equipment needed for application of fertilizer through irrigation systems.  This program is designed to spoon-feed fertilizer to the crop at the optimum time, reduce fertilizer losses, and reduce the risk of nitrogen leaching into the groundwater.

Becker continued, “Our goal with this program is to provide a tool for producers to apply their nitrogen more efficiently.  One of the requirements of the program is that the applicant has not previously done chemigation.”

The eligible components would include LENRD approved chemigation equipment needed on irrigation systems for applying liquid nitrogen fertilizers, including the mainline check valve and the fertilizer injection pump and/or chemical injection valve.

“The cost-share will be 50% of the total cost of the equipment, not to exceed $1,500, and is a one-time use program,” said Becker.

In other action, the board accepted a bid to complete concrete work at the shop and shower house at Maskenthine Lake, and the sidewalk project at the Maple Creek Recreation Area.  The board also accepted a 3-year lease contract for a skid steer loader and approved the trade-in of the Chevy Tahoe.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails.  The next board of directors meeting will be Tuesday, November 23rd at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Crop Inputs and Cost of Production Workshop on Thursday, November 11th at ENREEC near Mead
Aaron Nygren, NE Extension Educator

Nebraska Extension invites you to attend a free Crop Inputs and Cost of Production Workshop on Thursday, November 11th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building (ARDC) at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center near Mead. The location address is 1071, County Road G, Ithaca, Nebraska.

At the meeting, Nebraska Extension crop and agricultural economics extension educators will cover the forces that are driving high input costs and commodity prices, discuss fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results and current prices, and provide information on utilizing cost of production budgets in decision-making. Attendees are welcome to bring their latest soil tests.

The workshop is free, but space is limited to 45 participants. Masks will be required for all in-person participants. If you would rather watch virtually, the meeting will be livestreamed at the same time, with the link available after registering.

Registration is required by November 10th. Participants can register online at cap.unl.edu/crop-inputs or by calling 402-472-1742.  




Applications Open for Corn and Soy Ambassador Program

The Corn and Soy Ambassador Program is a year-long program for college students who are interested in learning more about the industry and becoming better advocates for agriculture. Each year up to 10 students are selected to participate in the program.

Throughout the year, students will take part in three seminars and a summer tour. The first meeting covers state and federal policies affecting the corn and soybean industries. The second meeting will focus on the role of checkoff programs in promoting corn and soybeans. The final meeting gives the students a glimpse of advocacy and leadership opportunities after they graduate. Meetings will take place in the Lincoln, NE area. The summer agribusiness industry tour will include different areas of the industry including, manufacturing, production, and processing. These stops will hopefully give students more insight into potential jobs and internships in the industry.

During the course of the program, students are also asked to spend time to promoting the state’s corn and soybean grower associations and checkoffs at promotional events such as Husker Harvest Day and Soybean Management Field Days. Following the completion of the program students will be recognized at the annual meetings of the corn and soybean associations, and each will be presented a $500 scholarship to help them with school expenses. Funding for portions of the program is provided by the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board.

» CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION - http://necga.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Corn-Soy-Ambassador-App-2022.docx.pdf
» CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION & DEADLINES - http://necga.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Corn-Soy-Ambassador-Program-Details-2022.pdf



Economic impact of African swine fever to Iowa farmers discussed in upcoming webinar

This summer, African swine fever (ASF) was discovered for the first time since 1984 in the western hemisphere. To understand the economic implications of an outbreak, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and the Iowa Pork Producers Association have partnered to bring experts together to discuss the impact of a potential ASF outbreak in the United States and Iowa.

The ASF impacts webinar will air live on Monday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. central time. Iowa Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa State University professor of economics and finance, Dermot Hayes, and state veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand will detail the most recent information pertaining to ASF and provide perspective into the detrimental effects it could have on Iowa’s strong agricultural economy.

While not a human health issue, ASF could devastate Iowa agriculture across both livestock and grain sectors as well as trade. “ASF has the potential to be used as a reason to stifle purchases of U.S. pork globally and potentially negatively impact commodities other than pork,” says Dr. Sam Funk, IFBF’s senior economist. “Markets looking to limit U.S. soybean, corn or beef trade could paint shipments with a negative image as being from a country impacted by the animal disease. Furthermore, shifts in the market positions could jeopardize Iowa’s economic well-being as a leader in protein production.”

“Working to prevent and prepare for a potential foreign animal disease outbreak is a top priority for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. An effective response from state, federal and industry stakeholders is the best way to protect our livestock, economy, export markets and food chain if a foreign animal disease breaches the U.S. border,” said Secretary Naig. “We want to make sure stakeholders throughout the supply chain understand our response plans so we can minimize disruptions for producers, retailers and consumers.”

To register for the webinar, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/events.

In addition, IDALS has scheduled five livestock farmer focus groups this winter to discuss farmer needs and preparedness related to foreign animal diseases within the poultry, swine, cattle, dairy, sheep and goat industries. Locations include Webster City (Dec. 14), Carroll (Jan. 12), Sioux Center (Jan. 13), Washington (Jan. 18) and Independence (Jan. 19). For more information on these meetings, visit iowaagriculture.gov/fad-stakeholder-focus-groups.



2021 Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting — 'Our Farms. Our Future.' — invites farmers to discuss farm business, rural vitality

As Iowa farmers continue to deal with the lasting impacts of a global pandemic, they also seek to look forward, using what they’ve learned to become more resilient in the face of obstacles. This forward thinking is the root of “Our Farms. Our Future.”— this year’s theme for the 2021 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) annual meeting, Dec. 7-8 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines.

The IFBF annual meeting will feature agricultural experts to discuss topics pertinent to farms as a business and way of life. Eastern Iowa farmer and Successful Farming magazine contributor, Jolene Brown, will bring her 30 years of consulting experience to share how to create a positive transition for farm labor, management, leadership and ownership. Missouri farmer, national radio broadcaster and five-time Oscars in Agriculture recipient, Andrew McCrea, will focus on how to give rural communities a “Total Town Makeover” to standout, provide unique experiences and retain and attract residents. Other speakers will include Greg Peterson, also known as Machinery Pete from his popular RFD-TV show, and American Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Affairs Sam Kieffer will provide pertinent policy updates to attending Iowa farmers.

Throughout the meeting, awards will be presented to the recipients of IFBF’s Young Farmer Leadership Award, Distinguished Service to Ag Award and more. Graduates of IFBF’s Ag Leaders Institute will also be recognized. Tuesday evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Barn Owl Band, and Wednesday morning, IFBF members will hear from President Craig Hill, who after 10 years of service in the president’s office, will be retiring from his role. “It’s been an honor serving with and for farmers from across the state—listening to key issues, striving for solutions and advocating for policies to protect the family farm. I’m glad we will be able to convene in person at this year’s annual meeting to recognize another year of challenges overcome and honor many of the incredible farming leaders who are at the foundation of this influential and impactful organization,” says Hill.

Following Hill’s speech, farmers will hear from Staff Sergeant Keni Thomas who was part of a special operation to find and capture a criminal warlord which resulted in an 18-hour firefight later recounted in the well-known book and movie, “Black Hawk Down.” Staff Sergeant Thomas will tell the incredible story of extraordinary individuals fighting to bring each other home and the importance of leadership at every level, even if the only person you are leading is yourself. He has been a regular guest on major news networks as a military analyst, has been awarded the American Patriot Award and is the national spokesman for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which provides college education to children of special ops personnel who died in combat or training.

Click here for more information, a detailed agenda or to register to attend the 2021 IFBF annual meeting... https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/News/IFBF-Annual-Meeting.



Farmers National Co. Reports Record Amount of Farmland Sold in '21

Farmers National Company and its agents marketed and sold a record amount of land during the company's fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2021.

"Our agents and staff handled over three quarters of a billion dollars of real estate sales the past 12 months topping the previous record set in 2013," according to Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate. Activity was brisk for Farmers National Company all year long with the number of sales up 10 percent over the past three years, nearing a previous record number of transactions. Higher land prices and increased buying demand propelled a few more sellers into the land market. This was especially true across much of the grain belt as recent inheritors, trusts and family groups decided to sell the farm or ranch and capture the stronger prices."

Sales activity picked up as the year went along in most all areas with average quality farmland and pastureland picking up interest, too. This was evidenced by the 55 percent increase in the total acres sold by Farmers National Company in fiscal year 2021.

"Even with the strong demand to buy good farmland over the past year, it still takes local knowledge of the land market and a comprehensive marketing strategy to obtain the best sales price for a tract of land. Farmers National Company has been especially successful bringing together the local expertise of its agents with a widespread and effective marketing program that brings in all interested buyers to foster the competitive bidding for a property," Dickhut said.

Increased sales activity this year for Farmers National Company was also created by agent's ability to offer and recommend various types of competitive bidding, including a full complement of online and live auctions.

"Being able to offer live auctions, simulcast live and online auctions, and written bid sales in addition to private treaty listings has given Farmers National Company agents the tools to best handle sales for many more landowners," Dickhut said.

Land sales activity looks to be brisk for the fall and early wintertime period.



2021-22 National FFA Officer Team Elected During 94th National FFA Convention & Expo

Students from Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin were elected by National FFA Delegates today to serve as 2021-22 National FFA Officers.

These members were selected from 37 candidates vying for the honor. Candidates take part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee leading up to the selection. The new team was announced during the seventh general session of the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Cole Baerlocher, an agricultural education major from Washington, was elected national president. He attends Oregon State University.

Jackson Sylvester, an agriculture major from Delaware, was elected national secretary. He attends the University of Delaware.

Cortney Zimmerman, an agricultural communications major from Wisconsin, was elected central region vice president. She attends South Dakota State University.

Erik Robinson Jr., a criminal justice major from Georgia, was elected southern region vice president. He attends the University of Georgia.

Josiah Cruikshank, a business administration and mechanical engineering major from Oregon, was elected western region vice president. He attends Oregon State University.

Mallory White, an agronomy major from Kentucky, was elected eastern region vice president. She attends Murray State University in Kentucky.

Each year during the National FFA Convention & Expo, six students are elected by delegates to represent the organization as national officers. Delegates elect a president, secretary, and vice presidents representing the country's central, southern, eastern, and western regions.

Throughout their year of service to the National FFA Organization, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders; thousands of FFA members and teachers; corporate sponsors; government and education officials; state FFA leaders; the general public; and more. The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and the next generation of leaders.



Tariff Agreement with EU Reopens Doors for US Agriculture Exports

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the agreement to end a Section 232 tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.

“Today’s agreement between the United States and the European Union is welcome news for America’s farmers. While the dispute centered around steel and aluminum, farmers were swept up in the turmoil as the EU clamped down on U.S. agricultural exports like orange juice, butter, cheese, pork, nuts and many more. It’s crucial that we now restore those trade relationships.

“As we continue to recover from the impact of the global pandemic, America’s farmers need the stability and predictability of strong trade agreements to grow exports and provide healthy, affordable food to our international neighbors.”



American Dairy Coalition Invites Producers to Participate in FMMO Class I Pricing Method Poll

American Dairy Coalition -- a grassroots organization with a regionally diverse producer board – has asked producers to participate in a two-minute, six-question poll on the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class I pricing method. The poll is designed for dairy farm owners, partners, and managers.

"A Senate Subcommittee hearing in September, chaired by Senator Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), revealed agreement that Federal Milk Marketing Orders need reform, and it confirmed producers’ concerns about how the legislated change in Class I pricing method impacted FMMO pooling and producer risk management strategies," said ADC CEO Laurie Fischer.
 
She pointed out that the ADC board, along with several state and regional dairy organizations, have publicly supported the idea of asking Congress to legislatively return to the previous Class I skim pricing method of using the 'higher of' Class III or IV advance skim pricing factors until an FMMO hearing process thoroughly evaluates proposals.

“We understand the current ‘average-plus-74-cents’ method is finally returning some benefit to producers’ milk checks, but producers contacting ADC continue to have significant concerns as to what will happen in the future. No one can be certain if-and-when the toggling in and out of the Federal Orders will begin again to cause catastrophic income losses through negative PPDs on milk checks,” Fischer added. “Yes, we see some light at the end of the tunnel, but producers also see the risk in running their dairy operations under a milk pricing formula that is well known to allow toggling in and out of the Orders, regardless of how it impacts mailbox milk checks.”

According to industry experts, upside benefit of the new method is 74 cents on Class I, which is around 20 cents on the blend price nationally, but at the same time, they point out that there is no limit to the downside risk if market disruptions push Class III and IV apart by more than $1.48 per hundredweight.

“This poll gives dairy producers the opportunity to show how the Class I pricing change affects them in terms of planning and risk management and to give their preference -- whether they support a return to the ‘higher of’ while an FMMO hearing process gets going, or do they just want to see a hearing process start while leaving Class I as it is using the ‘average plus method?” Fischer said. “We expect to continue seeking producer input through future polls and surveys on aspects of federal milk pricing.”

Visit this link, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MilkPricePoll.  



NFU Supports Build Back Better Framework, Urges Passage

Today, the Build Back Better Framework for the budget reconciliation bill was released, including landmark investments to help family farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and the entire economy. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports this framework and urges Congress to finalize and pass the legislation.

NFU President Rob Larew issued the following statement:
“The agreement announced today is a tremendous step toward addressing many of the challenges we face as a nation.

“Family farmers and ranchers are an essential part of the climate solution. We are pleased the framework invests in programs to help accelerate implementation of climate-smart practices on farms and ranches, and demonstrates support for biofuels. These efforts will also help to make farms more resilient in the face of extreme weather events and other natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

“The framework includes a multitude of investments to help rural America, including establishing the Rural Partnership Program (RPP), improving quality and affordability of health care, and ensuring more children have access to healthy meals year-round.

“We appreciate that the tax provisions in the framework are focused on making sure the highest income Americans pay their fair share, and changes to the tax code do not include elimination of the ‘stepped-up basis’ at death.

“Once more, this framework is an important and critical opportunity to improve the lives of millions and, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, should be passed into law."