Tuesday February 15 Ag News

EPA renews Enlist One and Enlist Duo Registrations with amended labels
Mitiku Mamo, Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Extension Educator

Enlist One and Enlist Duo are post emergence herbicides that are used to control broadleaf weeds in corn, soybean, and cotton crops, including those weeds that are resistant to other herbicides. Enlist One (2,4-D Choline) and Enlist Duo (2,4-D Choline + Glyphosate) first registered in 2017 and 2014, respectively. Enlist One provides control of broadleaf weeds while Enlist Duo provides control of grass and other broadleaf weeds. Both products are being used, mainly to control glyphosate resistant broadleaf weeds such us waterhemp, marestail, and palmer amaranth.

Registration for the two herbicides was renewed, with amended labels, in January 2022 for seven years, with geographic restrictions. The registration for the products will automatically expire on January 11, 2029. The label prohibits use of Enlist Duo in 217 counties in 21 states and Enlist One in 169 counties in 14 states for the 2022 growing season. Nebraska, with 32 counties is one of the States most affected by the restrictions. The prohibitions are based on EPA’s identified risks to listed species that use corn, cotton, or soybean fields for diet and/or habitat.

For counties in Nebraska, where the herbicides can still be used, the new label prohibits application of the two enlist products if runoff producing irrigation and/or rainfall events are expected within 48 hours of application to mitigate potential risk to non-target species outside the target area. Enlist herbicides may be applied when weeds are no taller than 6 inches and any time after soybean emergence through the R1 growth stage, when soybean crops are in bloom, to mitigate potential risk to insect pollinators. There is also a required 30 ft downwind field buffer to protect sensitive areas. Corteva is also required to provide mandatory training.

The counties affected by the restriction account for only about 3% of corn and 2% of soybean production in the country. Nebraska counties that are affected by the restriction include Antelope, Blaine, Boone, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Custer, Dawson, Frontier, Furnas, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Hayes, Holt, Hooker, Howard, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Merrick, Nance, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Sherman, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler.
 
For more information https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022-CW-News/2022-02-04-enlist-nebraska-counties.pdf



PLANNING FOR COVER CROPS TO BE FORAGE
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator

Cover crops have become more than just a practice to receive a payment. Grazing, haying, or ensiling has become very popular. To make it work well, planning is necessary.

Whether forage is wanted this spring or fall or even next spring, decisions now may affect what is grown. If fall grazing is needed this year from oats to turnips, radishes to ryegrass, what is planted and timing of planting matters. Traditional corn and soybeans won’t typically fit a system that needs fall forage. Once seeded, our forages need about six weeks of growth before grazing. A typical corn/soybean rotation doesn’t provide enough growing days after harvest. Why are we talking about this now?

Herbicide carryover is another reason. What herbicides are applied on the primary crop, may affect the growth of the forages planted later in the summer. The long residual of some chemicals can prevent or damage growth. Some herbicides have very long restrictions for replant or rotation. Make sure the chemicals selected work well with a secondary crop or forage.

One way to ensure good growth on forages for fall in a traditional row crop system is to airseed, plant while the corn or soybeans will allow machinery through the field, or use a shorter season crop. While this may reduce yield, the benefit comes from having forage. Just be sure that the yield reduction doesn’t push the operation into the red.



USDA TO SURVEY FARMERS’ PLANTING INTENTIONS FOR 2022

As the 2022 crop production season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will contact producers nationwide to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season.

“Each year, the agriculture industry eagerly awaits USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, which provides the first survey-based estimates of U.S. farmers’ planting intentions for the year,” said NASS’ Northern Plains Regional Director, Nicholas Streff. “The March Agricultural Survey provides the factual data that underpins these projections, making it one of the most important surveys we  conduct each year.”

NASS will mail the survey questionnaire in February, asking producers to provide information about the types of crops they intend to plant in 2022, how many acres they intend to plant, and the amounts of grain and oilseed stored on their farms. NASS encourages producers to respond online or by mail. Those producers who do not respond by the deadline may be contacted for a telephone interview.

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Survey results will be published in the Prospective Plantings and quarterly Grain Stocks reports to be released on March 31, 2022. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications. For more information call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at 800-582-6443.



MIDWEST DAIRY OFFERS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Nebraska Division is offering six college scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500. New this year is the expansion of offering the scholarships to graduate students and applicants who are employed by a Nebraska Midwest Dairy checkoff contributor.

Online application DEADLINE - TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022
For online application and more information, go to:
https://www.midwestdairy.com/young-dairy-leaders/dairy-scholarships/nebraska-scholarships/

Scholarship levels include:
    Full-time undergraduate and graduate students with minimum second year enrollment at an accredited college. Preference will be given to those pursuing a career within and/or supporting the dairy industry. Scholarship levels include one (1) $1,500 and two (2) $1,000 awards.
    Full-time undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited college. Scholarship level includes three (3) $500 awards.

Additional scholarship eligibility includes:
    Applicant must contribute to Midwest Dairy checkoff as of January 1 of the current calendar year by one of the following:
        Applicant, or applicant’s parents/guardians/grandparents/sibling, must own a dairy farm located in the state of Nebraska.
        Applicant must be employed on a dairy farm located in the state of Nebraska and be recommended by the producer employer.
    Former recipients of the scholarship may re-apply in subsequent years, providing they remain eligible.

 

MIDWEST DAIRY UNDENIABLY DAIRY GRANTS

Apply for up to $3,000 in One Calendar Year
FUNDING CYCLES/APPLICATION DEADLINES: March 1 / May 1 / August 1
For details and application information, go to: https://www.midwestdairy.com/for-farmers/undeniably-dairy-funding/

Applications will be evaluated and approved in the three funding cycles. These are competitive grants and funding is subject to availability. Applications will be evaluated based on information provided in the application and alignment with identified eligibility requirements. There is no guarantee that full funding will be received with your application.

WHO CAN APPLY:
·        Dairy farmers contributing to Midwest Dairy checkoff
·        Organized dairy groups that have an active dairy farmer contributing to Midwest Dairy checkoff serving on the board.
·        Agriculture organizations (FFA, Farm Bureau, 4-H, etc.)

IDEAS FOR ENGAGEMENT:
    Bring dairy to unexpected places
    Look for opportunities to bring dairy to new places. You could partner with a local brewery on a brew and moo event, host an interactive exhibit at an urban health fair or food festival, or work with community education organizations or a local retailer on a wine and cheese experience.
    Host on-farm events
    Open your dairy and connect with your community. You could host a farm-to-table event inviting local influencers, an ice cream social for school educators, or a breakfast on the farm for your surrounding community.
    Engage with K-12 youth
    Bring dairy into schools, bookstores, libraries, YMCA or other community education/youth focused program. You could provide dairy-themed ag literacy kits or books (see Discover Dairy for ideas), partner with schools to provide food service equipment, or sponsor programs connecting youth with local dairy ambassadors or princesses.
    OTHER IDEAS or NOT SURE?

If none of those above interest you, you have other ideas or you just don’t know where to begin, contact me (tbehnken@midwestdairy.com / 531-207-4291). I can help you dream of an opportunity for you in your community.  In addition, more creative ideas can be found at: https://www.midwestdairy.com/resource/community-engagement-guide/

Food Pantry Grant (Available Spring 2022 – coming soon)
This grant is for a food pantry in need of refrigeration to help serve dairy foods to people in your community.

School Equipment Grant (Available Spring 2022 – coming soon)
This grant is for a school district to support their school meal service to help grow dairy sales.



Platte Valley Cattlemen Ladies Night is Feb 21
Brian Steffensmeier, PVC President

First of all, thanks to everyone who attended our January membership meeting in Columbus. We had a great turnout and had some new members join. We would also like to thank everyone for coming to our Annual Banquet that we held in Humphrey on February 12th.

Our next meeting will be Monday, February 21st, 2022 at Wunderlich’s in Columbus.  This is our ladies’ night, so bring your bride along for supper. Our social hour will start at 6:00 PM. We want to thank 143 Vintage (Samantha Wietfeld) and First National Bank for sponsoring the social hour. The meal will be at 7:00 PM. We want to thank Columbus Sales Pavilion for sponsoring the meal.

Our speaker for the night will be Joan Ruskamp with CommonGround. CommonGround is a national movement of farm women who want to share information about farming and the food we grow.

Please join us. We look forward to seeing you on Monday, Feb. 21st, 2022 at Wunderlich’s.



UNL to host virtual landlord/tenant cash rent workshops

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will host two virtual 2022 cash rent workshops to address the financial resiliency necessary for agricultural operations to sustain risk while remaining profitable.

“Building Farm and Ranch Resiliency in the Age of Financial Uncertainty” will be presented March 24 and 25 via Zoom. The March 24 workshop will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. CDT, and is geared toward those owning and working on land in the eastern part of the state. The presentation on March 25 will run from 9 to 11:30 a.m. CDT, and is aimed at those in the western and central regions.

The workshops will cover 2022 cash rental rates, land values, leasing strategies, landlord-tenant communication, farm and ranch succession planning and an overview of farm programs for landowners.

They will be presented by Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist with Nebraska Extension, and Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm succession and land management. They will help operators and landowners to understand financial trends to minimize shocks, develop strategies to facilitate transition, mitigate legal risks and utilize effective management practices to reduce uncertainty.



NeFB, Ricketts Remind Nebraskans to Claim Their Property Tax Relief Credit

The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) and Governor Pete Ricketts are reminding Nebraskans to claim their property tax relief through the state’s refundable income tax credit based on property taxes paid to K-12 schools. Governor Ricketts and Nebraska Farm Bureau were strong advocates for the Legislature’s passage of LB 1107 in 2020, which established the new credit to provide property tax relief for owners of real property.

“LB 1107 delivered historic property tax relief for Nebraska’s hardworking men and women,” said Governor Ricketts.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue said those who were unaware or opted not to claim the credit last year can still do so. They will want to take a closer look when filing their taxes this year, due to the significant increase in state dollars allocated for the tax relief in 2021. Last year, on average, Nebraskans could expect to see tax relief equivalent to 6 percent of the property taxes they paid to K-12 schools through the credit. This year that tax relief is equivalent to more than 25 percent.

“We estimate on average the tax credits will be worth $718 per household in property tax relief for residential property owners,” said McHargue. “Finding how much the credit is worth to you is as simple as grabbing your property tax statement, finding the amount of taxes you paid to local schools based on the real property you own, such as your home, farm, or commercial business, and multiplying that amount by 25 percent.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau has developed a three-step guide to help Nebraskans claim the credit, which is available on the Nebraska Farm Bureau website at www.nefb.org. Nebraskans can also visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s website at revenue.nebraska.gov for more information.

“Providing property tax relief continues to be one of my highest priorities as Governor, and that priority is shared by the Nebraska Farm Bureau. While we want Nebraskans to claim the credit and secure their tax relief, there is more work left to do,” said Ricketts.

The Nebraska Legislature is currently considering legislation (LB 723) introduced by Sen. Tom Briese of Albion to ensure the amount of state dollars allocated to the refundable income tax credit for property taxes paid to schools stays at or near its current funding levels and does not roll back to a lower amount in future years. The legislature is currently dedicating $548 million in funding to the tax relief program.

“I encourage Nebraskans to let their state senator know that property tax relief must continue to be a top priority and that means ensuring that funding for this tax relief program continues to grow, not go backwards,” said Ricketts.

In echoing the governor’s support, McHargue noted that Nebraskans can also help protect the property tax relief provided by the state by encouraging their peers serving on local government and school boards to hold the line on spending, particularly in areas where property valuations have climbed significantly, creating a windfall allowing those entities to collect more property taxes.

“Controlling spending at the local level is key to reducing property taxes and preventing erosion of the property tax relief the Legislature has provided through the tax credit for property taxes paid to schools,” said McHargue. “We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Ricketts, the Legislature, and local elected leaders to provide property tax relief for Nebraskans.”



Dairy Beef Short Course to Be Held March 29 in Sioux Falls

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for Tuesday, March 29 as part of the pre-educational events for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota in rooms 8, 9 and 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The short course is a collaboration of dairy specialists and beef specialists from South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, North Dakota State University and University of Nebraska Extension Services.

Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the focus of this year's program is Surviving Today – Opportunities to Evaluate.

"The Dairy Beef Short Course is the longest running program focused on dairy beef," Hall said. "This short course has the reputation for presenting cutting-edge material from presenters leading the national discussion on dairy beef."
Program details

Speakers and topics will include:
    Dan Thomson, professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State, "Applying Lessons Learned from Cattle Feeding Across the U.S. to Dairy Beef Feeding."
    Lee Schulz, associate professor in economics and livestock economist at Iowa State, "Economic Considerations for the Dairy Beef Market."
    Richard Zinn, University of California-Davis, "Metabolizable Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition of Calf-Fed Holstein Steers."
    A producer panel discussion on "Management from Maternity to Harvest" will feature Adam Maassen of Iowa, John Moes of South Dakota, Greg Moes of South Dakota and Jeff Bullerman of Minnesota.

Registration and networking begins at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10 a.m. A complimentary lunch will be served from 12:15-1:15 p.m., and the program will wrap up by 3 p.m.
Registration details

The registration fee of $35 per adult covers the short course, lunch and the proceedings. College students may register for $20. Preregistration is requested by March 21 and limited to 130 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

Preregister online at https://go.iastate.edu/VPGDUD or register by mailing the registration fee to ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County, ATTN: Fred Hall, at 400 Central Ave., NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041. Include your contact information and any dietary restrictions.

For more information, contact Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu or visit the I-29 Moo University online.

Attendees who plan to go to the Central Plains Dairy Expo Welcome Reception are encouraged to register for that event ahead of time also at https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration/.



State agriculture officials announce their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill

As discussions for writing the 2023 Farm Bill begin, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture will direct its policy advocacy efforts regarding the bill towards 10 specific policy areas. At the hybrid 2022 NASDA Winter Policy Conference today, members charged the organization to participate in Farm Bill conversations involving the following:
     Agriculture research
    Animal disease
    Conservation and climate resiliency
    Cyber security
    Food safety
    Hemp
    Invasive species
    Local food systems
    Specialty Crop Block Grants
    Trade promotion
 
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the importance of the Farm Bill and NASDA members’ ability to provide unique perspective.
 
“The next Farm Bill must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most. Often the officials closest to farmers themselves and as co-regulators with the federal government, NASDA members are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions for the 2023 Farm Bill.”
 
Read more about NASDA’s policy work at NASDA.org/policy.



NGFA announces speaker lineup for 126th annual convention

During the National Grain and Feed Association’s (NGFA) 126th annual convention on March 13-15, top agribusiness leaders will gather at the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, S.C. to address upcoming opportunities for grain, feed, processing and export markets.

“Focusing on ‘Adapting, Advocating and Advancing’ in 2022, NGFA’s members and industry leaders will gather together to explore the most important issues facing the industry in the year ahead, including immediate challenges in the agricultural supply chain,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “We’ll also be reflecting on the ways our industry will continue adapting to new challenges, including workforce shortages and a changing political landscape. I’m also looking forward to welcoming emerging leaders to our convention this year, including the new class of the NGFA Committee Apprentice Program (CAP) and our first National Grain and Feed Foundation scholarship winners from the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) student society.”

Confirmed convention general session speakers include:
--Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc.
--JoAnn Brouillette, managing partner and president of Demeter LP and chairman of the NGFA Board of Directors
--Pat Bowe, president and CEO of The Andersons, Inc.
--Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales and elections analyst for CQ Roll Call

More general session speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The convention also includes a Transportation and Technology Open Forum on March 13 featuring experts on rail, transloading, ports and ocean freight, including:
--Stephen Paul, vice president of supply chain logistics at Ray-Mont Logistics
--Ted Johnson, director of marketing for agricultural and food products at CSX
--Micah Mallace, senior vice president for sales and marketing at South Carolina Ports  Authority
--Thomas Mathiesen, vice president of sales for the South Atlantic at Hapag Lloyd

View the convention schedule https://imis.ngfa.org/Convention, which includes information on NGFA business meetings, the golf tournament to benefit the National Grain and Feed Foundation and networking events.



Zoetis Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 and provided full year guidance for 2022.

The company reported revenue of $2.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2021, which was an increase of 9% compared with the fourth quarter of 2020. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $414 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, an increase of 15% and 16%, respectively, on a reported basis.

Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $474 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, an increase of 8% and 10%, respectively, on a reported basis. Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 excludes the net impact of $60 million for purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition-related costs and certain significant items.

On an operational basis, revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 9% compared with the fourth quarter of 2020, with no impact from foreign exchange. Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 5% operationally, excluding the impact from foreign exchange.

For full year 2021, the company reported revenue of $7.8 billion, an increase of 16% compared with full year 2020. Net income for full year 2021 was $2.0 billion, or $4.27 per diluted share, an increase of 24% and 25%, respectively.

Adjusted net incomefor full year 2021 was $2.2 billion, or $4.70 per diluted share, an increase of 21% and 22%, respectively, on a reported basis. Adjusted net income for full year 2021 excludes the net impact of $203 million for purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition-related costs and certain significant items.

On an operational basis, revenue for full year 2021 increased 15%, excluding the impact of foreign exchange. Adjusted net income for full year 2021 increased 19% operationally, excluding the impact of foreign exchange.

“In 2021, Zoetis delivered its strongest performance ever, thanks to our innovative, diverse and durable portfolio, and the talent and commitment of our colleagues,” said Kristin Peck, Chief Executive Officer of Zoetis. “We grew revenue 15% operationally, which is once again above the expected market growth rate in the $45 billion animal health market. We also grew our adjusted net income faster than revenue, at 19% operationally, while continuing to support investments in our latest product launches and future pipeline of innovations.”

“Looking forward, we believe this momentum sets us up for a strong 2022. We expect to continue growing revenue faster than the market in the coming year, driven by continued strength in petcare; expansion of our diagnostics portfolio internationally; and significant growth in both livestock and companion animal product sales in emerging markets, including China and Brazil. As a result, we are guiding to full-year operational growth of 9% to 11% in revenue,” said Peck.