Monday December 20 Ag News

Grazing on solar sites can enhance value, keep land in agriculture use

As solar projects across the nation continue to expand, solar grazing has emerged as a valuable tool, according to a new fact sheet recently released by the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Using livestock to manage vegetation at solar sites can enhance site value by keeping land in agricultural use, providing new income streams for local farmers, and adding environmental benefits such as decreased erosion and enhanced soil health,” said Heidi Kolbeck-Urlacher, senior policy associate for the Center.

Solar grazing is the use of livestock, usually sheep, to manage vegetation at solar sites. It takes the place of traditional mowing, offering numerous environmental and financial benefits and meeting clean energy and agricultural goals simultaneously. Solar grazing is considered a form of agrivoltaics, which is a term used to describe combining agriculture with renewable energy. Other types of agrivoltaics include producing hay, berries, vegetables, and honey at solar sites.

“Making the Case for Solar Grazing” addresses the economics and environmental benefits of solar grazing, offers steps for the planning process, what developers and farmers should consider when developing a contract, the appropriate seed mixes to consider, and recommendations to policymakers that incentivize beneficial practices.

Kolbeck-Urlacher said for project developers, contracting with local farmers to use solar grazing as a management tool can reduce operations and maintenance costs.

“Including solar grazing as a goal in the beginning stages of project planning will allow developers to tailor sites for optimal grazing management,” she said. “Solar grazing is most successful when deployed as part of a strategic, rotational grazing plan.”

To view “Making the Case for Solar Grazing” visit cfra.org/publications.



RFV and RFQ
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
 
Forage tests today contain two values summarizing feed quality.  While similar, understanding the unique differences of each is important to accurately value a forage. Today we will look at Relative Feed Value or RFV and Relative Forage Quality or RFQ.
 
For many years we have used a forage testing system that measured two different types of fiber called NDF and ADF. We used NDF to estimate how much hay cows would eat and we used ADF to estimate how much energy they would get from that hay. Then we combined those values to give an overall estimate of forage quality that we called RFV, which stands for relative feed value.
 
RFV did a fair job of estimating digestibility of legume hay, but its major flaw is assuming all fiber has the same digestibility. We know that is not true, and it especially misrepresents the forage quality of grasses. Grasses have more fiber than legumes but grass fiber usually is more digestible than legume fiber. For many years, there was no other forage test available at an affordable cost that was any better.
 
Eventually, low-cost tests were developed that did a good job of measuring digestible fiber. Forage scientists and animal nutritionists have worked together with these tests to also revise the intake and energy estimates so results from these tests predict how animals will truly perform much more accurately. With these new tests, a new overall estimate of forage quality was developed, which is called RFQ, or relative forage quality.
 
While this new RFQ test is especially useful when testing grassy hays, it also has been proven to be better with alfalfa and other legumes. So when you test forages in the future, look for labs that offer relative forage quality. Your numbers will be more accurate.



Midwest Dairy Awards Scholarships to 2021 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors

Early in 2021, Nebraska college students were selected to serve as the Midwest Dairy Ambassadors. Throughout the year, a group of four promoted the dairy community and supported Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at a variety of industry and consumer events in Nebraska.

Events that the ambassadors attended and served as advocates included NEBRASKAland Days, Classic Dairy 25th Anniversary Open House (UD Grant supported), Cream of the Crop Dairy Show, Omaha Baseball Village Booth during the College World Series, Nebraska State Fair, Nebraska Extension Ag Literacy Festivals and more. Among the four ambassadors, they totaled 40 activations and reached well over 10,000 consumers during their year-long experience. In addition, this group was skillful and committed to promoting dairy through several social media opportunities.

As a result of their successful participation in the program, each ambassador has been awarded a $1,000 college scholarship from Midwest Dairy. The 2021 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors included:
Abigail Langdon, from Clarkson, Nebraska, is an agribusiness major with a banking and finance option at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. This year was Abigail’s second year as an ambassador.
Whitney Hochstein, from Wynot, Nebraska, is a graphic design and entrepreneurship major with a minor in foods and nutrition at Wayne State College
Faith Junck, from Carroll, Nebraska, is an agricultural and environmental science communications major at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Jordan Wilbur, from Kenesaw, Nebraska, is an agriculture education major with a leadership option at University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

In a recent exit (conclusion of program) survey completed by the 2021 Midwest Dairy Ambassadors, 100 percent of the 19 respondents found the Midwest Dairy Ambassador Program a valuable experience and would recommend the program to their peers. In addition, all 19 respondents indicated that the program was a positive to excellent experience.  

A few testimonials from the Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors included:
- “I learned how to communicate to consumers young and old about the dairy industry…(and) gained a lot of experience talking to consumers and make relations about dairy in their lives.”
- “I learned more about … new practices that are arising… (and) learned more about connecting with business professionals within dairy and other agricultural industries.”

Midwest Dairy’s Dairy Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for students who are passionate about dairy, are enrolled in post-secondary school, and possess strong communication abilities. To learn more about the Midwest Dairy Ambassador program, visit www.midwestdairy.com (Ambassador Program found on the Young Dairy Leaders tab).



Cattlemen finalize policy priorities at Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit

Cattlemen from all four corners of the state met last week to determine policy priorities for 2022. The Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting, held Dec. 15 and 16, was the culmination of our policy development process.  This year’s event returned to in-person attendance.

Cora Fox, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association director of government relations, says, “Meeting face-to-face is valuable, as it provides members the opportunity to debate policy and ask questions. This better informs the positions we take on important issues.”  

Producer members participated in the policy committee meetings. The policies set by members in Altoona reflect feedback provided by our membership throughout the past year. In 2022, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will pursue the development of a mandatory country of origin labeling that complies with trade obligations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In addition, we will maintain a strong presence throughout the regulatory processes related to Waters of the U.S. and Product of the U.S.A. labeling of beef. These priorities join a robust policy portfolio that includes: cattle market reform, fake meat, and tax issues.   

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association remains committed to our mission to “grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” And as usual, decisions aren’t simply made once a year - our ear is to the ground continuously. In fact, we’re providing several opportunities for face-to-face engagement with our members at our upcoming cattle producer forums in January.



ICASA Grant Examines Feedlot Heart Disease in Beef Cattle

In recent years, researchers and veterinarians have noted an increasing incidence of feedlot cattle affected by untreatable and fatal congestive heart failure, a condition known as feedlot heart disease (FHD). The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA) is awarding a $433,720 grant to Colorado State University and RTI LLC to reduce the risk of this disease in feedlot beef cattle by improving methods to identify affected animals, understand the genetic underpinnings of the disease and develop mitigation strategies for the condition. In-kind support and matching funds are provided by Genus/ABS Global, Cactus Research, Veterinary Research and Consulting Services LLC and Hy-Plains Education and Research Center for a total award amount of $998,398.

Beef cattle feeding operations in the United States supply about 21 percent of beef globally. The cattle in these feedlots have been selected over time for increased production levels (growth and marbling) to meet consumer demand. The incidence of FHD has increased in recent times with production levels. Currently, the causes of FHD are unknown, making it difficult for producers to address the issue.

Animals experiencing FHD often exhibit symptoms similar to respiratory disease, which is traditionally treated with antibiotics. However, unlike many respiratory diseases, FHD does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Thus, correctly identifying whether animals are affected by FHD, or respiratory disease will help ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics.

“Feedlot heart disease is not only a concern for animal health and welfare, but also producer economics,” said Dr. Tim Kurt, scientific program director at FFAR. “This research is essential to better understanding feedlot heart disease and providing producers with the tools and information they need to get to the root of this challenge.”

Led by Dr. Scott Speidel of Colorado State University, researchers are developing metrics to identify FHD in cattle. Preliminary data suggests that about 30 percent of animals in the current study are experiencing FHD by the time of harvest.

Researchers are collecting data from cattle to analyze the relationship between pre- and post-weaning performance and feedlot heart failure. These data and results will provide cattle feeders recommendations to better identify and manage cattle that are predisposed to FHD and enable more accurate administration of antibiotics for only those cattle that would benefit from it.

Results from this study will equip producers with the information and tools needed to identify which beef cattle are most likely to be affected by feedlot heart disease and adapt selection and management techniques to reduce its occurrence. Ultimately, this research will improve sustainability of beef production through increased animal welfare, the reduction of disease incidence and reduced use of antibiotics.

“This grant enables us to conduct critical research that has the potential to reduce feedlot mortality and improve overall animal welfare and performance,” said Speidel. “It’s a win-win in terms of enhancing animal welfare and supporting producers.”

FFAR created ICASA in 2019 to facilitate research that promotes the judicious use of antibiotics, advances animal health and welfare and increases transparency in food production practices. ICASA improves antibiotic stewardship by building cross-sector partnerships among participants representing all stages of the US livestock supply chain.



Placements and Marketings Expected Higher
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&MAgriLife Extension Service

The December Cattle on Feed report will be released on December 23rd. This last report of the year will come out against a backdrop of the larger than seasonal increase in fed cattle prices over the last few weeks and rising feeder and calf prices.

Feedlot marketings are expected to be about 4.5 percent larger than November, 2020. There was one more slaughter day this November implying slightly lower daily average marketings than last year. If correct, these marketings would also be larger than in 2019.

Placements are expected to be up around 4.5 percent from last year. Other than last year, that would be the smallest November placements since 2016. Fewer feeder cattle were imported from Mexico during the month while slightly more were imported from Canada. Placements in the expected range would follow the normal pattern of declining sharply from October’s placements.

The combination of marketings and placements leaves the number of cattle on feed slightly below last year. On feed inventories typically increase from November to December and the December inventory is often the highest for the year.  December 2021 should be an exception to that with on-feed inventories in February being larger.  



November Milk Production in the United States down 0.4 Percent

Milk production in the United States during November totaled 18.0 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent from November 2020.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,922 pounds for November,
3 pounds above November 2020.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.39 million head, 47,000 head less than November 2020, and 10,000 head less than October 2021.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during November 2021 totaled 451 million pounds, up 3 percent from the previous November according to the  latest  USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service  -  Milk  Production  report. The average  number of milk cows during November, at 225,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 6,000 from November 2020.  Monthly production per cow averaged 2,005 pounds, unchanged from last November.



High Plains Ponderosa and Shell create fuel now, and a net-zero tomorrow

In an innovative collaboration that’s pointing dairy – and transportation – toward a net-zero future, Royal Dutch Shell and High Plains Ponderosa are working together to construct their first integrated dairy manure to renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in Plains, Kansas. Greg Bethard, General Manager, CEO and CFO of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, says that in addition to the carbon reduction, sustainability at the dairy means longevity and economic viability.

“It is gratifying to contribute to reducing carbon load in the atmosphere while making positive enhancements to our dairy and our business,” Bethard says. “That is a win-win for everyone.”



Modified Prop 12 Rules Remain Flawed; More Time Needed

In comments submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) said, despite modification to proposed rules for Proposition 12 (Prop 12 or the law), the proposed rules remain flawed and more time is needed for compliance.

“Until CDFA publishes final rules, no one can adequately prepare to comply with a law with criminal sanctions and that authorizes civil litigation,” said Mark Dopp, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer at NAMI. “Rather than apply ‘band aids’ to address some challenges, NAMI suggests CDFA go further and afford everyone in the supply chain, from hog producers all the way to foodservice and retail entities, the 28-month preparation time the law, and the voters, contemplated before enforcing any aspect of Prop 12 or its regulations.”

Although CDFA modified the proposed rules and are to be applauded because they account for complexities in the supply chain or they bring the proposal more in line with the law, unfortunately, many parts of the May 2021 proposed rules remain intact and flawed. NAMI identified these flaws in its July comments and during the August public hearing.

Prop 12 directed CDFA to promulgate regulations implementing the law by September 1, 2019. The rules are yet to be finalized even though some provisions take effect January 1, 2022.



Behnam Confirmed as Chairman of CFTC

The Senate has confirmed Rostin Behnam as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

The CFTC oversees and helps safeguard the futures and swaps markets used by agricultural producers to manage financial risks.

Behnam has been a CFTC commissioner for the past four years and has served as acting chairman since Jan. 21, 2021.

Previously, he was senior counsel for the Senate agriculture panel and prior to that an adviser to the committee on policy and legislative issues since 2011.



USDA Expands Partnerships for Conservation Through CREP

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leveraging its authorities under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to bring in new types of partners and ultimately expand opportunities in voluntary conservation for the Nation’s agricultural producers and private landowners. In direct response to feedback from state agencies, Tribes, non-profits and other groups, USDA has updated CREP’s rule regarding matching fund requirements, and invested in additional staff to work directly with partners for streamlined, partner-driven conservation efforts. 

CREP is part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and enables USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), through Farm Service Agency (FSA), and partners to co-invest in partner-led projects. CREP also plays an important role in USDA’s broader climate change strategy, bringing together producers, landowners and partners for climate-smart land management.

“CREP is one of the most flexible tools we have for locally-driven, partner-led efforts to reward producers and drive important environmental and climate outcomes,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We look forward to working with new, diverse partners who can shape CRP to address priorities most important to them and to local communities, from water quality and conservation to wildlife habitat and climate outcomes. The CREP changes in this rule will remove barriers and provide partners with increased flexibility to participate in this powerful program.”

Matching Funds
A Dec. 6, 2019, rule required that 50% of matching funds from partners be in the form of direct payments, which made it more difficult for diverse types of groups to participate as partners in CREP. With this rule change, partners can now provide their negotiated level of matching funds in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or technical assistance. This change allows for greater flexibility and opportunity for additional partners to participate in the program.

This change was enacted through a Dec. 13, 2021 rule in the Federal Register.  

The rule also updated policy to now provide a full annual rental rate to producers who are impacted by state, Tribal or local laws, ordinances and regulations that require a resource conserving or environmental protection measure. The previous rule reduced the rental payment made to producers who were covered by such laws.   

Additional Capacity to Support Partners and Producers
In order to implement these changes, FSA has hired three new CREP staff members, using a regional approach to work closely with potential and existing partners and expand program availability. The team members include:
-    Evelyn Whitesides, focusing on Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Caribbean Region (Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands).
-    Kim Martin, focusing on Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.
-    Patrick Lewis, focusing on Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pacific Basin, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

“We want to build capacity so that we can better reach partners, including those who we may not have worked with before,” Ducheneaux said. “We’re taking action to reduce barriers to access and opportunity for historically underserved producers and landowners, and by engaging more partners, we’re working with groups that provide a direct link to these communities.”

These investments in CREP staffing build on other recent outreach and education efforts by FSA, including a  $4.7 million investment announced this year to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers on a variety of CCC and FSA programs, including conservation programs.

Currently, all CREP partners are States; however, FSA is strongly encouraging Tribes and non-governmental organizations to consider partnerships. This program is a great vehicle for their conservation-focused efforts.

About CREP
Currently, CREP has 34 projects in 26 states. In total, more than 860,000 acres are enrolled in CREP.

Eligible partners include States, Tribal groups, and non-governmental organizations. Potential partners interested in CREP should contact their FSA State Office or one of the new CREP team members listed above.



NSP Announces 2021 Sorghum Yield Contest Winners

National Sorghum Producers is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster winner Kasey Gamble from Kiowa County, Kansas, with the top yield in the contest at 244.03 bushels per acre—the highest dryland yield on record in contest history west of the Mississippi River.

“National Sorghum Producers congratulates the winners of the 2021 sorghum yield contest,” NSP Board of Directors Chairman Kody Carson said. “You will see from the results striking top-end yields. We are proud of these achievements and look forward to recognizing the winners at the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans.”

Top yields are highlighted in three different categories ranging from the eastern to western U.S. regions. The 2021 first place national winners of the NSP Yield Contest are Tom Vogel from Hartley County, Texas, in the Irrigated West category with a yield of 241.18 bushels per acre – Pioneer 85P75; Mike Scates from White County, Illinois, in the Irrigated East category with a yield of 182.24 bushels per acre – Pioneer 84G62; David Knoll from Charles Mix County, South Dakota, in the Dryland Tillage West category with a yield of 170.21 bushels per acre – Pioneer 89Y79; Harry P Johnston from Fulton County, Pennsylvania, in the Dryland Tillage East category with a yield of 221.50 bushels per acre – Pioneer 84G62; Kasey Gamble from Kiowa County, Kansas, in the Dryland No-Till West category with a yield of 244.03 bushels per acre – Pioneer 85P44; and Chris Santini from Warren County, New Jersey, in the Dryland No-Till East category with a yield of 234.90 bushels per acre – Pioneer 84G62.

The national winners will be recognized further in March 2022 during Commodity Classic in New Orleans.

To see a complete list of the NSP Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit sorghumgrowers.com/yieldcontest.



NASDA overcomes pandemic obstacles to turn Caribbean and Latin American Buyers Mission into success
 
When the pandemic struck, it upended all norms and routines of business. But it certainly didn’t mean that business came to a halt. Instead, it challenged leaders across the world to find solutions in unprecedented circumstances.
 
NASDA is quite used to unearthing value from unexpected situations. And the 2020 Caribbean and Latin American Buyers Mission was the latest challenge.
 
The longstanding Caribbean and Latin American Buyers Mission event was cancelled in June of 2020. This put export opportunities to the Caribbean and Latin American markets in jeopardy. Instead, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) pivoted and partnered with Food Export USA on its annual buyers mission at the America Food & Beverage Show, a virtual event in November of 2020.
 
The mission was attended by a total of 40 suppliers and 17 buyers, representing 12 different countries. These one-on-one chats provided U.S. exporters with a wide range of vital opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin American markets in the midst of the pandemic.
 
While some are skeptical of virtual events, the online face-to-face meetings fostered productive relationships. The data backs up the approach. These buyer-seller introductions led to:
-    $2.5 million in export sales as a direct result of the mission
-    An additional $9.7 million expected in export sales (based on initial survey results)
 
This is just one of the many success stories NASDA has helped orchestrate in recent years. Through the American Food Fair and the USA Pavilion at the Americas Food & Beverage Show, NASDA provides opportunities for small- and medium-sized food and beverage companies to maximize their international growth. In just the last three years, NASDA’s trade promotion activities have led to over $65 million in projected export sales and 125 companies acquiring new export markets for their business.
 
The successes will continue in 2022. The next American Food Fair at the National Restaurant Association Show will take place May 21 – 24 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, and the next USA Pavilion at the Americas Food & Beverage Show will take place September 12 – 13 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.



Realizing No-Till Benefits Requires Residue Management

No-tillage crop production is increasingly popular as growers seek to reduce costs and enroll in new conservation programs. While reducing tillage offers several benefits, including trapping more soil moisture and reducing erosion, avoiding residue problems requires proper management.

“Being able to maintain and keep any sort of residue on a field would have been unheard of 40 years ago,” said Matt Montgomery, Pioneer Field Agronomist. “Back then, soil would have been completely rolled over and all you would see are bare fields.”

Corn residue resists decomposition, which can create excess residue. Residue that is not incorporated in the fall will largely remain intact in the spring. In general, more corn residue decomposes when tillage is done in the fall than in the spring.

Whether tillage or stalk chopping was performed in the fall, it is important to bury residue as early as practical in the spring if the goal is to reduce high residue loads.

Residue can also be managed at the planter. Planter-mounted devices, such as coulters, clearing discs, sweeps, brushes and rolling fingers, can cut and move residue to clear a 6- to 10-inch path in front of the planting units. This can minimize the detrimental effects of residue in the row area while maintaining the residue benefits on the surrounding field.

“We may not have been handed our fields in great condition, but we want to ensure we’re handing off fields better to those generations coming after us,” Montgomery said. “Starting clean and staying clean will help us hand off a better, more fertile field to future generations.”