Tuesday December 14 Ag News

NE Cattlemen urge help for KY Cattlemen affected by tornadoes

As you have likely heard, Kentucky was struck with devastating weather last week. Three tornadoes touched down, with the main tornado covering over 200 miles. Over 25 counties have been majorly impacted. The lands and towns are unrecognizable. The destruction you see on the news in the rural towns spill over into Kentucky's agriculture lands.

At this time, there are two ways our friends in Kentucky are requesting immediate help:

    You can donate to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation. All donations will be used to help their local producers in need of farm supplies. These donations can be made by calling 859-278-0899, through Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=56JBAJJYC3RDQ or by mail at:
KY Cattlemen’s Foundation
Attn: Tornado Relief
176 Pasadena Drive - Suite 4
Lexington, KY 40503

    Materials – Anyone wishing to donate materials are asked to coordinate with the Hardin County Extension Office. A list of materials needed in farming communities is attached here. All materials can be dropped off at the Extension office and they will be distributed accordingly to other Extension Offices in the areas affected. You can call the Hardin County Extension office at 270-765-4121 or drop things off at:
111 Opportunity Way
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

If you are able to help our friends in Kentucky, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Please share this with those that are wishing to donate.



2021 Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Information Shared Virtually

For growers who couldn't make it to Soybean Management Field Days (SMFD) this summer or for those who attended and need a refresher - SMFD presentations were recorded and are available at enrec.unl.edu/2021soybeanmanagementfielddays.

The SMFD presentations are provided to growers to view whenever and wherever is most convenient. The series includes 17 video modules discussing everything from soybean gall midge to Nebraska cropland values.

“I am glad we are able to reach more soybean farmers across the state with these virtual presentations from the 2021 Soybean Management Field Days,” said Scott Ritzman, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB). “I hope that the valued partnership between NSB and Nebraska Extension continues to bring high-quality, non-biased research and information to soybean growers’ operations.”

The field days and virtual sessions are sponsored by NSB in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and are funded through Nebraska soybean checkoff dollars.

“It was wonderful to host Soybean Management Field Days in-person this year across the state and to see so many productive conversations around maximizing soybean grower productivity and profitability,” said Catherine Jones, NSB market development coordinator. “We know farmers have busy schedules and we have learned from the virtual transition the world has made, so we are providing videos of the presentations.”

“We hope the combination of these videos and the grower’s booklet will help soybean growers learn about important topics from the 2021 field days,” said Aaron Nygren, extension educator with Nebraska Extension. “If you missed out, you can still catch the valuable information and if you have follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Presentations include:
    Soil Water Considerations with Cover Crops in Irrigated Soybeans
    SMFD Research on Soil Water Use with Cover Crops in Irrigated Soybeans
    Water Use and Planting Considerations in Irrigated Fields with Cover Crops
    Yield-Increasing Soybean Production Practices: Planting Date, Row Width, seeding Rate
    Nebraska Cropland Cash Rental Rates in 2021
    Nebraska Cropland Lease Trends in 2021
    Nebraska Cropland Values in 2021
    Pricing Decisions and Opportunities
    Understanding the Soybean Market
    Fall Planted Cover Crops and Benefits in a Soybean System
    Interseeding Cover crops into Soybeans
    Arthropod Management in Cover Crops
    Soybean Gall Midge: Understanding a New Pest of Soybean
    Soybean Gall Midge: Management Tactics for a New Pest
    Soybean Disease Update
    Frogeye Leaf Spot of Soybean Disease Update

https://enrec.unl.edu/2021soybeanmanagementfielddays/



PRESCRIBED BURNING FOR CONTROL OF CEDAR TREES
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Forage & Range Specialist

Eastern red cedar trees are a significant and expanding problem across many pasture and rangeland acres in Nebraska.  When fire is planned and controlled properly, it can be a very useful tool to control these unwanted plants.

It is estimated that a single cedar tree with an 8-foot diameter could reduce forage production by 3 pounds.  If you had a density of 200 trees per acre, that would translate into nearly a 1/3 loss in forage production because of the effects of area coverage, moisture use, and shading.

In addition to cedar tree impacts on forage production, excessive cedar trees will also dramatically alter habitat for many wildlife species that are adapted to a grassland environment.  While mechanical cutting or shredding and herbicides are options to control cedar trees, a prescribed burn is by far the most economical approach.

Safe and controlled prescribed burns don’t just happen.  It takes preparation, planning, and an understanding of how fire reacts in certain weather conditions, with particular fuel loads, and on various types of topography.

You can begin to learn how to conduct a safe, legal, and effective prescribed burn by attending one of several prescribed fire training workshops held during January through March.  Pheasants Forever, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and other conservation partners sponsor the workshops that will be held at various location across Nebraska.



PSC SCHEDULES HEARING IN COMPLAINT AGAINST SOUTH DAKOTA GRAIN DEALER

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing for 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 in an October complaint (GDC-446) filed against Banghart Properties LLC, a.k.a. Fearless Grain Marketing Storage and Arbitrages, a.k.a. Fearless Grain Marketing, a.k.a. Fearless Grain of Gettysburg, South Dakota.

The Complaint alleges that Banghart operated as a grain dealer without a license in violation of Neb. Rev. Stat. §75-903 and 75-904 and by taking possession of grain without issuing written communication compliant with Commission rules.

The above scheduled hearing will be held in the Commission hearing room in Lincoln and via WebEx. Information on connecting to the hearing via WebEx can be found on the PSC meeting/hearing information page of the PSC website https://psc.nebraska.gov/administration/psc-meetinghearing-information-page.



UNL's Green named to national panel on land grants and ag

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have provisionally appointed University of Nebraska–Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green to a blue ribbon panel to investigate how land-grant institutions can help U.S. agriculture overcome new competitive challenges, pressures on environmental systems and consumer demands.

The ad hoc study committee, which includes representatives from land-grant universities, colleges, state governments and historically Black colleges and universities, will explore how to increase the impact of land-grant research, education and extension with enhanced coordination, collaboration and integration. In establishing the panel, the academies acknowledge the role land-grant institutions play in addressing national challenges and global food security.

“For generations, land-grant institutions like the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have provided agriculture with the latest research and the best information throughout countless changes in the industry,” Green said. “With agriculture facing unprecedented changes relating to climate, population growth and the economy, land-grant institutions will need to up their game. I am honored to be part of this group identifying the very best coordination and collaboration practices to enhance the impact of land-grant research.”

Green is one of 12 members chosen for the panel, and the only university chancellor or president. They were selected based on their expertise, deep knowledge of the history and function of the land-grant system, and to represent the geographical and institutional diversity of the land-grant system, including large, medium and small universities and colleges established as land-grant institutions.

By July 5, 2022, the committee is to prepare a report recommending actions to enhance the success and impact of inter-institutional activities. Because the panel is to work under a compressed timeline, it will focus on case studies from previous Multistate Research and Extension Activities, Coordinated Agricultural Projects of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative and other regional initiatives involving research, education and extension.

Selected case studies are to be used as guidance for a framework of principles for fostering successful coordination and collaboration among land-grant institutions to achieve outcomes such as meeting national priorities, building human resource capacity, supporting commercial innovation and creating economic, environmental and social benefits. Before issuing its final report, the committee will present a conceptual overview of its framework of principles to stakeholders during a multi-day virtual workshop early in 2022. The workshop will be open to the public.



Cybersecurity Concerns for Farmers and Agribusiness

Farmers and those employed in the agricultural industry should be mindful of the risks involved with internet security and what they can do to keep themselves and their companies safe.

With so much activity being done online, farmers share the same risks as those employed in other industries – sometimes even more so.

According to Doug Jacobson and Ally Frickel, electrical and computer engineering specialists at Iowa State University, the farming sector is sometimes targeted by cybercriminals because of farming’s critical function – supplying the food and fiber that humans and animals depend upon.  

Farmers and the food industry cannot afford to be without their computer system for long, a fact some cybercriminals have used to their advantage.

In an effort to educate farmers and companies, Jacobson and Frickel recently wrote an article for the “Acreage Living Newsletter” – a publication of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – that covers some of the basic cybersecurity things farmers should be doing.

“These attackers kind of tend to roll from sector to sector and it seems like farming and ag is kind of the new sector,” said Jacobson, who is a university professor of electrical and computer engineering. “They are going after organizations they think have the capability to pay and the business model they feel requires them to pay.”

Individuals can be just as susceptible as large companies, and even though cybersecurity is regularly in the news, it can still become easy to fall prey.

“I think now more than ever it’s a great time to educate people and remind them of the risks that are out there,” said Frickel, a program specialist in electrical and computer engineering. “I think the attackers are getting more creative and in some cases going after those in a more critical, life-or-death enterprise.”

The article covers several mitigation tactics related to email use, malware, authentication passwords, and the importance of creating backups of important files.

Not only do backups help in the event of a cyberattack, but they also help in the event of a natural disaster, or a lost or stolen computer device.

Frickel said she plans to provide additional articles in the future, to help address the unique experiences farmers are having with cybersecurity.

The full article, Farmers and Cybersecurity, is available online. The authors’ key takeaways are listed below:
-    No legitimate organization will ever ask for your bank information, social security number or password.
-    Use multifactor authentication.
-    Consider using cloud-based backup to protect from cyberattacks and natural disasters.
-    If you need the help of a tech person, there are many qualified people who can help.

Additional topics in the most recent “Acreage Living Newsletter” include the Master Gardener Winter Series, the Driftless Region Beef Conference and the Small Farm Sustainability Podcast.



NMPF Thanks Sen. Baldwin for Prodding FDA Nominee Califf on Dairy Labeling

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) thanked Senator Tammy Baldwin for her continued advocacy for accurate labeling and public health in her questions for Dr. Robert Califf during today’s hearing on his nomination to be commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Labeling integrity needs to be a top-of-mind issue for Dr. Califf as he moves toward his second stint as FDA commissioner. The ground has shifted since his previous tenure in the Obama administration, both as dairy imitators proliferate and the abuse of lax labeling enforcement creates nutritional confusion for consumers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “FDA has pledged to offer guidance on this issue within months. Given this, we thank Senator Baldwin for pressing for urgent action today in her questioning.”

In response to a question from Sen. Baldwin, D-WI, asking him whether and when the FDA will begin enforcing its own labeling standards, Dr. Califf said he would make the issue a priority should he be confirmed as FDA commissioner.

There is “almost nothing more fundamental about safety than people understanding exactly what they’re ingesting, so I am committed to making this a priority if I am confirmed,” Dr. Califf said. Video of the exchange with Sen. Baldwin is here.

The National Milk Producers Federation has been speaking out on FDA’s lack of enforcing its own rules against mislabeled plant-based imitators for four decades and is encouraged by recent, long overdue FDA attention to the issue. For more background on NMPF’s position and statements of support from public-health organizations, click here. An NMPF “road map” outlines how the agency can adapt existing standards to reflect the current marketplace and protect labeling integrity. The organization has also repeatedly called on the FDA’s ombudsman to look into the agency’s lack of enforcement of current rules on product labeling for dairy labels and alternatives.



Analysis on America Falling Behind on Trade

Today, ahead of a virtual meeting on the competitiveness of American ag exports and the need to regain lost ground to international competitors, Farmers for Free Trade released a new analysis compiled by the Corn Refiners Association that shows the U.S. lagging behind competitors in reducing global trade barriers. The findings, which track trade agreement since 2010, shows that rival trading nations have outpaced the U.S. in cutting bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements.

Key finding in the analysis include:
-    While the U.S. has completed four trade agreements since 2010, including the modernization of an existing agreement, China has entered into ten new agreements, Japan has entered into seven, the EU has entered into eight, and Canada has entered into eight.
-    Beyond the sheer number of new trade agreements, several key U.S. trade partners are outpacing the U.S. in the level of trade benefitting from lower tariffs and reductions in non-tariff barriers contained in formal trade agreements. The EU and China for example, are experiencing lower tariffs and other reduced trade barriers on an estimated $553 billion and $420 billion in total trade, respectively, through comprehensive trade pacts in the last decade, compared with $171 billion for the United States.
-    Our trade partners are pressing forward with new trade agreements without us.

“The United States’ self-removal from the game to set the rules for trade in the Asia-Pacific, South America, or other promising regions of economic growth and rising consumer demand encourages potential partners to move forward without us and ensures that our trade rivals will define the path of global trade rules, standards, and practices,” the report concludes. “When the U.S. engages and pursues market access through bilateral and multilateral trade agreements it demonstrates global leadership and ensures that the United States leads the way on setting global trade rules.”



RFA Thanks Senators for Introducing ‘Defend the Blend’ Bill to Stop Retroactive RFS Cuts

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for bipartisan legislation filed today to prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from reducing the minimum applicable volume of biofuels in transportation fuel once the obligations are finalized for any given year. RFA also thanked the bill’s initial cosponsors, Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).

“This bill comes at a critical time,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Just last week, EPA proposed an unprecedented retroactive reduction to the 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) that were finalized more than two years ago. The RFS was created to provide long-term market certainty for our nation’s ethanol producers and farmers. Going back in time to slash RFS volumes—long after they have been finalized—undermines the purpose and intent of the program and destabilizes the marketplace. We thank Sens. Klobuchar, Grassley, Duckworth and Ernst for working together to ensure the integrity of the RFS is being maintained and EPA is being held accountable.”

The same legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives last month by Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI).

Cooper noted that EPA’s proposal to revise the 2020 RVO to account for COVID-related market anomalies is completely unnecessary, as the annual RVO already includes a self-correcting mechanism that causes actual renewable fuel volume requirements to adjust lower with reduced gasoline and diesel consumption.
 
In addition, he pointed out that EPA itself is previously on record saying retroactive revisions to annual RVOs “would inappropriately render the standards a moving target” and “…would be inconsistent with the statutory text and would introduce an undesirable level of uncertainty for obligated parties.”



ACE Supports the Defend the Blend Act  

Today the Defend the Blend Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), bipartisan legislation to prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from retroactively reducing Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) levels once they are finalized, including the 2020 RVOs. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“ACE thanks these bipartisan Senators for introducing the Defend the Blend Act to help ensure EPA and oil refiners follow the law when it comes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. In light of last week’s proposed retroactive cuts to the 2020 biofuel blending obligations, this bill makes clear that going back in time and revising targets that already self-adjusted not only goes against Congressional intent but is likely illegal. We need EPA to quit playing politics when it comes to administering the program and instead look to it as an important tool to immediately make progress toward decarbonization goals for the transportation sector.”

Last month, Reps. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced companion legislation (H.R. 6071) in the House.



Growth Energy Supports Bipartisan Defend the Blend Act in U.S. Senate

Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor thanked Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for introducing the Defend the Blend Act in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from retroactively reducing past Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) which have already been finalized.

“We’re grateful to Senators Klobuchar, Grassley, Duckworth and Ernst for introducing the Defend the Blend Act in the Senate, legislation that would offer more certainty in the marketplace, especially after EPA’s recent proposal to retroactively lower 2020 RVOs,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was put into place to blend more low-carbon biofuels into our nation’s transportation fuel supply, and it includes a built-in mechanism that adjusts for changes in fuel demand. Retroactively reducing RVO levels is completely unwarranted and unnecessary, adds uncertainty to the marketplace, and exceeds EPA’s legal authority.”



CLAAS of America Introduces Used Equipment Program

CLAAS of America announces CLAAS USED, a pre-owned equipment program for North America that combines the performance and efficiency of a CLAAS machine, with professionally inspected and protected “Certified” units and special low-rate financing through CLAAS Financial Services.

Supply chain disruptions and financial constraints have affected many growers across North America. Now, growers can get the right CLAAS equipment — from combines and tractors to forage harvesters and hay tools — at a price that fits their operation. The CLAAS pre-owned equipment can be accessed through CLAASUsedEquipment.com.

“Every operation has different equipment needs, but today's business-minded ag professional should not have to compromise on efficiency or the bottom line,” says Allen Miller, North American Remarketing Manager. “By combining the superior power and efficiency of CLAAS machines at a pre-owned price with a one-year protection plan and excellent low-rate financing, growers who take advantage of the CLAAS Certified Pre-Owned program can have the best of both worlds.”

Buy with Confidence
To uphold confidence in all purchases, CLAAS has incorporated a Certified Pre-Owned equipment standard within the CLAAS USED program. All certified machines have been inspected, repaired and approved based on rigorous criteria by CLAAS Certified Technicians. This gives growers the kind of performance, efficiency and engineering that is expected from a CLAAS machine. Certified Pre-Owned equipment includes the following benefits:
-    Comprehensive machine inspection performed by CLAAS Certified Technicians.
-    Repairs made with CLAAS ORIGINAL parts.
-    One-year drive-train protection plan, with the option to upgrade to a comprehensive protection plan.

New Protection Plans
The CLAAS USED program also provides affordable protection for pre-owned combines, forage harvesters and tractors with flexible protection plans.
-    CLAAS USED Drive Train Protection comes standard on all CLAAS Certified Pre-Owned machines. It's also available for purchase on select CLAAS used combines, forage harvesters and tractors that meet strict age and hour requirements.
-    MAXI CARE Comprehensive Extended Protection is an optional layer of coverage for CLAAS Certified Pre-Owned machines meeting the strictest inspection standards. This added protection is available for purchase on select CLAAS used combines, forage harvesters or tractors.

Shop Online
CLAASUsedEquipment.com is the one-stop portal for browsing CLAAS Pre-Owned equipment. Whether looking for a combine, forage harvester, tractor, baler or hay tool, growers can find their next machine in minutes. Easily search for pre-owned CLAAS equipment to find the right fit for any operation and connect with dealerships for questions and purchases.

Great Financing Offers
Right now, growers can also get 0% financing for 24 months on CLAAS Pre-Owned LEXION Combines and JAGUAR Forage Harvesters.



New Class of Pioneer Brand Seed Products Poised to Drive Farmer Success

Pioneer today introduced a diverse new class of 87 corn and soybean seed products to the U.S. market for 2022. These advancements, powered by elite genetics derived from the Corteva Agriscience global germplasm library, build on the strong agronomic characteristics and yield potential of previous classes and launch trailblazing new products.

“Our approach to product development puts farmers’ needs at the forefront. First, our breeders search and screen one of the world’s largest germplasm libraries to develop products capable of performing in a variety of conditions and environments,” said Judd O’Connor, President, U.S. Commercial Business, Corteva Agriscience. “We rigorously test promising hybrids and varieties across multiple years, including pre-commercial IMPACT™ (Intensively Managed Product Advancement Characterization and Testing) trials before choosing only the top-performing products for the Pioneer® brand.”

Exclusive Varieties of Pioneer® brand A-Series Soybeans with the Enlist E3® Trait Announced

The launch of Pioneer® brand A-Series soybeans with the Enlist E3® trait offers new varieties that combine the world-class genetics of Pioneer brand A-Series soybeans, the company’s highest-yielding varieties, with Enlist® technology, the most advanced trait technology available in soybeans. Corteva Agriscience and M.S. Technologies jointly developed and own the transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans.

In extensive 2021 testing and trials across geographies, A-Series soybeans with the Enlist E3 trait delivered a 2.0 bu/A yield advantage1 vs. all competitors.

“Pioneer is committed to delivering varieties with Enlist E3 soybean technology,” said Jeff Thompson, Global Soybean Research Lead, Corteva Agriscience. “This aligns with farmer preferences, with Enlist E3 soybeans already at approximately 35% penetration in the U.S. for 2021 — a trend we expect to continue as we progress our plans to introduce the Enlist E3 trait with our A-Series soybeans. The Enlist E3 technology in A-Series soybeans combines a superior weed control system with exclusive Pioneer genetics and is expected to maximize yield potential and profitability on our customers’ farms.”

In all, Pioneer is advancing 37 new soybean products in 2022, most with the Enlist E3 soybean trait, covering a broad range of maturities from 00.5 to 7.0. Pioneer brand A-Series soybeans, which are specifically developed to push yield boundaries and help maximize productivity, feature 32 varieties, including:

    28 varieties of Pioneer brand A-Series soybeans with the Enlist E3 trait, the latest addition to the Pioneer soybean portfolio, an exclusive combination of proven high yield potential and advanced herbicide trait technology.
     
    2 Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybean varieties, specialty soybeans that offer a profitable way for farmers to help meet rising consumer demand for healthier cooking oils.
     
    2 conventional soybean varieties, which provide more choices to farmers in specialty soybean markets.

Broad New Class of Pioneer® Brand Corn Products Showcase Elite Germplasm
Farmers will have a wider selection of Pioneer® brand corn products than ever before to help drive success in 2022, thanks to this year’s diverse advancing class, which boasts 50 new corn products from 31 new genetic platforms built on elite Pioneer germplasm. All were developed to provide farmers with high yield potential options across myriad field conditions and a full range of maturities, from 69 to 117 CRM.

“This class further diversifies and enhances our product lineup, including multiple advancements in specialty corn markets that most other seed brands do not invest in,” said Luis Verde, North American Corn Product Development Lead, Corteva Agriscience. “At the same time, it’s raising the bar with yield potential, plant health and consistent performance to give farmers confidence that the seed they select will perform when planted on their acres.”

Spanning the past three years, the 2021 class has averaged an impressive 10.4 bu/A yield advantage over competitors in more than 63,000 on-farm and IMPACT™ trial comparisons.2 The 2022 class will build on those achievements with new offerings that include:

    10 Pioneer® brand Qrome® products, which are the most optimized balance of yield potential, agronomic performance and insect protection in the Pioneer corn product portfolio.
     
    4 Pioneer® brand Optimum® AQUAmax® products with key native traits that deliver a yield advantage in water-limited environments and offer top-end yield potential under optimal growing conditions.
     
    2 Pioneer® brand Optimum® Leptra® insect protection hybrids that provide superior protection against above-ground pests, protect grain quality and help maximize yield.
     
    2 white food-grade and 2 waxy products, expanding the industry’s leading portfolio of end-use products and demonstrating the Pioneer commitment to innovation in specialty corn markets.
     
    3 brown midrib (BMR) silage products offering outstanding fiber digestibility for higher feed consumption among high-producing cows.

Learn more at Pioneer.com/US.