Wednesday July 6 Ag News

 In-person Trainings Scheduled for Ag Budget Calculator Program

The University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability has scheduled training workshops for July and August for its new online Agricultural Budget Calculator program. Locations, dates and times for in-person, hands-on workshops are as follows:
    Tuesday, July 12 – Gage County Extension Office Meeting Room, 1115 West Scott, Beatrice, 1-3 p.m.
    Tuesday, August 2 – Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S 13th St., Norfolk, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
    Tuesday, August 16 – Ag Center (fairgrounds), 1308 Second Street, Holdrege, 5:30–7 p.m.
    Thursday, August 18 - Lancaster County Extension Office, Lincoln, 10 a.m.-noon.
    Wednesday, August 24 - Platte County Extension Office, 2715 13th Street, Columbus, 1-3 p.m.

The Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) is a free enterprise-budgeting and decision-making tool that is designed to assist agricultural producers in determining their cost of production and projected cash and economic returns for various farm or ranch enterprises.

“We’re continuing to develop the Ag Budget Calculator program. Producers can enter and track their cost of production information and utilize the features to help in their risk management and decision-making while using ABC”, said Glennis McClure, an extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

McClure, who works closely with the ABC tool and has followed its development, will facilitate the workshop. During part one of the workshop, participants will learn how to use the ABC program to create and/or update crop budgets for their farms or fields on their owned and/or rented ground and create their own cost of production and anticipated return reports.

Part two will provide details and hands-on demonstrations of combining enterprise budgets using the “whole farm” component of the program and more on using other features, including breakeven, crop comparison and risk analysis.  

Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to work on their own budgets. Mobile lab computers will be available as needed.

The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required by at least two days prior to the workshop date, at https://cap.unl.edu/abc or by calling Stacey Bonham at 402-472-1742.



Grant applications now available for Nebraska's Independent Processor Assistance Program

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is now accepting applications for grants through the Independent Processor Assistance Program, which is designed to improve and expand Nebraska’s meat processing capabilities.

The NDA will award approximately $9.8 million in grants to small- and medium-sized processors for modification or construction of buildings; packaging, processing, and storage equipment; technology to improve logistics or enable e-commerce; and workforce training.

Sen. Tom Brandt, who introduced legislation to create IPAP in 2021 and again to secure funding for the program earlier this year, welcomed the NDA’s announcement.

"We started working on the Independent Processor Assistance Program two years ago with the Center for Rural Affairs and Nebraska Cattlemen Association in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to create more capacity and strengthen food security,” Brandt said. “We were successful in that collaboration with the inclusion of the allocated ARPA funding of $9.8 million in LB 1014, and I look forward to our small and medium processors receiving the assistance they need."

Johnathan Hladik, policy director for the Center, said he’s pleased to see IPAP come to fruition.

“For two years producers and processors across rural Nebraska have fought hard to get this program approved and established,” he said. “Their work, along with that of the Legislature and staff at NDA, will be a direct benefit to the households across Nebraska looking for more affordable and higher quality food options.”

The deadline to apply is Aug. 12.

Eligible processors must operate as either a USDA-FSIS facility or a federally regulated custom-exempt slaughter and processing facility, while also complying with federal regulations. The operation must be located in Nebraska and be registered in good standing with the Secretary of State to conduct business in Nebraska. Additionally, the processing facility must employ fewer than 25 people and have less than $2.5 million annually in existing sales revenue.

The application, as well as information about eligible expenses and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/meat_processors. Once completed, the application may be submitted via email to breanna.wirth@nebraska.gov or mailed to Nebraska Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 94947, Lincoln, NE 68509.



Iowa Farmers are Encouraged to Update the Hay and Straw Directory

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers a free directory to connect farmers who sell hay or straw with local producers who are interested in purchasing it. Organizations associated with promoting and marketing hay and straw can also access the free, online tool. The Department encourages users to update their listing every year.

To search by product and county, visit the online directory here https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/haystraw/. Anyone can view the hay and straw directory, but only Iowa sellers are included on the list.

If you are a farmer interested in selling hay or straw and need to update your information, create an account in the online system, or reach out to Judy Allison at 515-281-8604 or judy.allison@iowaagriculture.gov, to do so.



Be an Informed Voter! Meet the FY23 Corn Board Candidates

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will elect farmer leaders to fill positions on the NCGA Corn Board during Corn Congress on Thursday, July 14, in Washington, DC.

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations.  Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways.  They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
 
Meet the Candidates
Dan Wesely, Morse Bluff, Nebraska
Wesely farms both corn and soybeans, working with his neighbor in eastern Nebraska. As neighbors, they found themselves in the same places with the declining health of their fathers. Thus, they found ways to work together and independently using modern technology.

Through his experiences on the Corn Board and prior, Dan brings the insight he gains into the needs of the American farmer to his work. This understanding drives him to run for reelection to the Corn Board, where he will continue working to positively impact the future of agriculture for all his fellow farmers. For Dan, this means being there for all corn producers, not only those from his home state, and keeping a calm, professional manner even in stressful situations.

Notably, Dan was awarded the prestigious Member of the Year award in the past year. This honor recognizes the dedication, collaborative leadership and ability to achieve results.

If reelected, Dan will work to protect existing and build new demand. He would accomplish this, and many other goals, by doing the hard work in a caring, positive manner.

Other Candidates
Matt Frostic
Frostic farms 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, edible beans and sugar beets in east-central Michigan. On his farm, they also have approximately 550 head-finished beef cattle on feed.

Kelly Harsh
Kelly Harsh farms more than 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans in central Ohio with her husband. A strong proponent of maximizing yield through soil health, she strives to enhance yield potential and efficiency on each acre through the use of a variety of precision processes.

Mike Lefever
Lefever raises exclusively no-till dryland corn on his farm southwest of Haxtun, Colorado. In addition to working his own land, he also helps his neighbor plant and harvest an additional 2400 acres of corn. While he farms in multiple places, he consistently adopts precision technologies that allow him to grow more using less.
 
J.R. Roesner
Roesner currently farms with his brother in six counties in southwest Indiana. Together, they raise corn, soybeans and wheat as well as operate an excavating and tile installation business. A unique voice with an unconventional educational background in mechanical engineering.

Jay Schutte
Schutte, along with his brothers, farms the operation his parents started in central Missouri in 1952. Today, they farm 2,800 acres split evenly in a corn and soybean rotation. They also background approximately 800 head of beef cattle, with the inventory turning 2.5 times per year.

Brian Thalmann
Thalmann farms 2,350 acres of corn and soybeans in south-central Minnesota. In addition to his traditional farming operation, he owns and operates a seed conditioning facility that cleans approximately 200,000 units of Stine soybeans every year.



SHIC Board of Directors Sets New Focus on Finishing Phase Biosecurity

At their June 29, 2022, meeting, the Swine Health Information Center Board of Directors voted to proceed with a revision of its 2022 Plan of Work to fund a new program on finishing phase biosecurity. SHIC’s Board approved reallocation of $1 million from the 2022 budget for the program to be developed in response to disease data from its Swine Disease Reporting System and other recent finishing phase disease outbreak investigations. SDRS data is shared monthly with SHIC stakeholders on its website and in its newsletter.

“SHIC’s structure allows us the ability to react quickly to needs in the industry and reprioritize our efforts, all with the goal of protecting the health of the US swine herd,” remarked Daryl Olsen, DVM, chair of the SHIC Board of Directors. “Needs were identified and a plan to place new focus on finishing phase biosecurity was presented, earning the Board’s approval and support to find the answers.”

The new program will specifically address the finishing phase of swine production, an area where recent data and SHIC Rapid Response Teams’ investigations illustrates an ongoing industry vulnerability. In turn, the vulnerability in the finisher increases disease pressure on the breeding and farrowing phases, where biosecurity measures have historically been focused. Examples cited include: 1) Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 15 outbreaks in Iowa-based finishers, 2) evidence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus outbreaks in finishers preceding outbreaks in sow barns, and 3) nursery and finisher sites being implicated as sources of increased porcine epidemic diarrhea virus outbreaks. This led SHIC to recognize the need for a new focus on the finishing phase of production. The program will concentrate on cost-effective new technologies and research into biocontainment, bioexclusion, and transport biosecurity.

“Measurable data makes it clear there are patterns in biosecurity gaps at the finishing phase of production needing to be addressed,” commented Megan Niederwerder, DVM, PhD, Associate Director of SHIC. “We were able to quickly but carefully develop a research program in response to this industry challenge with a goal of identifying solutions for producers and veterinarians to close the biosecurity gaps and protect the health of their herds.”

As part of the proposed program, SHIC will create an advisory group to help develop specific, researchable questions for the topic areas of transport biosecurity, bioexclusion, and biocontainment. They will also collaborate and communicate across the pork industry, ensuring there is coordination and no overlap in investigations for research to provide the greatest return on investment.

SHIC, launched by the National Pork Board in 2015 solely with Pork Checkoff funding, continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America’s pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.



Urea Prices Drop 11% as Fertilizer Prices Slip Lower

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to be mostly lower the fourth week of June 2022, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This trend has been in place for five weeks now. Prices for all but one of the eight major fertilizers were lower compared to last month, with only one fertilizer down considerably. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Urea was 11% lower compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $867 per ton. The nitrogen fertilizer dropped below $900/ton for the first time since the last week of February 2022 when the price was $887/ton. DAP had an average price of $1,039/ton, MAP $1,053/ton, 10-34-0 $904/ton, anhydrous $1,466/ton, UAN28 $611/ton and UAN28 $702/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly more expensive compared to last month but nothing sizeable. Potash had an average price of $885/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.94/lb.N, anhydrous $0.89/lb.N, UAN28 $1.09/lb.N and UAN32 $1.10/lb.N.

Most fertilizer prices are considerably higher than one year ago. 10-34-0 is 45% more expensive, MAP is 46% higher, DAP is 54% more expensive, urea 60% higher, both UAN28 and UAN32 is 67% more expensive, potash is 86% higher and anhydrous is 101% higher compared to last year.



Avian Flu Outbreak Reducing 2022 Turkey Production

The return of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2022 has affected poultry sectors, including commercial flocks of broilers (chickens raised for meat), egg-laying hens, and turkeys. In the turkey industry, 5.4 million turkeys have been depopulated because of HPAI exposure. This is equivalent to about 2.5 percent of all turkeys that were commercially slaughtered for meat in 2021.

While HPAI outbreaks in commercial facilities have diminished, losses that occurred in the spring have affected USDA's turkey production forecasts for the remainder of 2022. HPAI's impact on production is expected to be most significant in the second and third quarters of 2022. Second-quarter production is forecast at 1.29 billion pounds, about 8 percent below the same quarter in 2021. Similarly, third-quarter production is forecast to be about 6 percent below the same period in 2021.

The industry starts to raise young birds in July for its November production. USDA projects turkey production to rebound close to previous year levels by the fourth quarter, which includes the Thanksgiving holiday.



May Sets Third Consecutive Monthly Milk-Price Record

The USDA-reported national average all-milk price for May was $27.30/cwt, topping the April price by $0.20/cwt for a new monthly record, the third consecutive month of all-time-high prices.

The May DMC feed cost eased back by two cents from April’s record to $14.79/cwt, boosting the May DMC margin by $0.22/cwt to $12.51/cwt, the highest monthly margin since the DMC program began in January 2019.

The milk price outlook for the remainder of 2022 has been weakening slightly in recent weeks, as high dairy product wholesale prices have caused a spike in retail dairy price inflation, generating concerns about whether consumers may respond by buying fewer dairy products. All current projections of the DMC margin continue to anticipate that it will remain above the $9.50/cwt maximum coverage level under the program for the remainder of 2022.



June CWT-Assisted Dairy Export Sales Totaled 6.5 Million Pounds

CWT member cooperatives secured 51 contracts in June, adding 5.6 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 254,000 pounds of butter and 600,000 pounds of cream cheese to CWT-assisted sales in 2022. In milk equivalent, this is equal to 62 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go customers in Asia, Central America and Middle East-North Africa, and will be shipped from June 2022 through January 2023.

CWT-assisted 2022 dairy product sales contracts year-to-date total 53.4 million pounds of American-type cheese, 348,000 pounds of butter, 5.6 million pounds of cream cheese and 28.5 million pounds of whole milk powder. This brings the total milk equivalent for the year to 754 million pounds on a milkfat basis.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.



Comparing the Size of U.S. Farm Income to Large Companies
Randy Dickhut, Senior Vice President - Real Estate Operations, Farmers National Company
 
Last week it was noted that U.S. gross cash farm income is forecast to be $512 billion in 2022. This is the aggregate revenue generated by the 2,019,000 farms in the country.

How does the gross cash income for all farms in the U.S. compare to large companies? A recent Agri Marketing magazine article listed 2021 revenues for selected ag-related businesses and several large corporations.

Ag Companies
Cargill - $134 billion
BASF - $79 billion
Archer Daniel Midlands (ADM) - $71 billion
Bunge - $59 billion
John Deere - $44 billion
CHS - $38 billion
Nutrien - $28 billion
Corteva - $16 billion
 
Large Corporations
Walmart - $573 billion
 Amazon - $470 billion
Apple - $366 billion
CVS Health - $292 billion
 
It is important to also realize that the scope and impact of the $512 billion farm income create multiple businesses and employment throughout the economy making food and agriculture a much more significant overall part of the nation's GDP.



Massey Ferguson Celebrates 175-Year Anniversary

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, proudly celebrates the 175th anniversary of its Massey Ferguson® brand.  As the first company to sell agricultural products on a global scale, Massey Ferguson has provided straightforward, dependable solutions for generations of farmers. The brand celebrates this milestone anniversary with a renewed dedication to farmer-focused innovation, embodied by the Massey Ferguson 8S Series tractor and the rest of the MF S Series lineup.

“For 175 years, the farmer has been at the heart of everything we do,” said Darren Parker, vice president of Massey Ferguson North America. “We are, and always have been, agricultural problem solvers dedicated to providing the right equipment, at the right price, for individual farming operations. Our equipment is born to farm — delivering new cutting-edge ag advancements every decade and offering the sustainability and performance farmers need not just for today, but for the next hundred years.”

A Legacy of Farmer-Focused Innovation
From industry first to industry staples — like Harry Ferguson’s historic 3-point implement hitch system — over the past 175 years, Massey Ferguson has embraced innovation to produce dependable, economic farming implements for a wide range of applications and environments. Ours is a story of ingenuity, grit and a deep understanding of the farmers we serve. When Daniel Massey recognized the benefit of industrially manufactured implements and established Massey Manufacturing Co. in Ontario, Canada, in 1847, he began a legacy of farmer-focused innovation that carries through to our current equipment lineup. Our product line began with some of the first mechanical threshers, and we remained at the forefront of the ag industry with:
    The first mass-produced, self-propelled combines and combine harvesters
    Some of the first four-wheel-drive tractors
    First electronic hitch control systems
    And much more

However, it was Harry Ferguson’s TE 20, released in 1946, that truly embodies the spirit of Daniel Massey’s original company. This light, reasonably priced tractor could replace machines one and a half times its size, increasing productivity, versatility and ease of use. As part of the newly created Massey Ferguson brand, Harry Ferguson helped usher in a new generation of straightforward, dependable design. Today, our engineers continue to push the boundaries of performance, productivity and comfort with revolutionary equipment releases in HHP, CUE, material handling, hay and forage, planters and more.

Dependable Farmer Experience
Throughout our 175-year history, Massey Ferguson has made strategic acquisitions and investments to meet the needs of a dynamic industry. We have always focused on providing the right equipment at the right cost for the region and application by leveraging the best components of our portfolio to benefit our customers. These investments include:
    Partnership with “Sunshine” stripper harvester, which drastically improved productivity.
    Acquisition of Wallis Tractor, featuring the U-frame, which brought us closer to self-supporting frames.
    Partnership with Perkins Engines, builders of the most sustainable engines at the time.
    Acquisition of Landini, the Italian manufacturer of the first track-type tractor.

In 1994 Massey Ferguson joined the AGCO Corporation brand portfolio. This partnership allows us to combine resources across the family of AGCO brands to provide the most dependable, hardworking equipment for Massey Ferguson customers across the globe. Additionally, it provides access to world-class services, including AGCO’s GenuineCare and AGCO Protection. Farmers can focus on the field, not equipment maintenance, confident their assets are protected by the financial strengths of a global brand.

Straightforward Equipment Solutions
Over the decades, Massey Ferguson has continued to grow by providing solutions to those who wish to increase productivity, dependability and agricultural sustainability. Few brands can boast the wealth of knowledge and decades of experience that have resulted in powerful, dependable components at the forefront of the ag industry. The MF 8S Series is the culmination of 175 years of our progress — and our farmers’.

As North American agriculture changes to meet more stringent health and safety guidelines, operator comfort has become a key focus. Our exclusive Protect-U™ design puts a 9.4-inch gap between the engine and the cab. This results in less noise — just 68 dBa — and less vibration. A streamlined hood design and all-in-one aftertreatment system paired with a 360-degree view, offer improved visibility in all operations. The MF 8S Series leverages our selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to provide 40% less emissions from previous stages and fuel savings at lower engine revs, all while delivering a straightforward compliance that doesn’t lead to downtime. Additionally, cutting-edge technology, like our Datatronic™ 5 terminal and smart farming systems, allows farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing their carbon footprint.

“We are proud to celebrate 175 years of serving the global agricultural community,” Parker said. “It’s a fantastic milestone. We appreciate the support and loyalty of generations of Massey Ferguson customers as well as those who are discovering the benefits of our straightforward, dependable approach to design with our newest models. From rural lifestyle to production ag, our equipment is built for those who are born to farm.”

For more information on Massey Ferguson, the MF 8S Series or the company’s full lineup of tractors and agricultural products, visit www.masseyferguson.com.



New trial data offers options to minimize historic corn rootworm threat and maximize corn yield potential in Nebraska as state braces for another heavy season

As Nebraska farmers brace for high corn rootworm (CRW) pressure following a major resurgence in the Corn Belt in 2021, Golden Harvest is releasing new Agronomy in Action trial data showing that Duracade™ traited hybrids paired with a soil-applied Force® brand insecticide provide excellent CRW control and yield benefits.

Nebraska reported particularly high western CRW populations in 2021 as part of a study conducted by the Regional Corn Rootworm Monitoring Network – an indication there will be high pressure again this summer. To help farmers prepare for the threat, Golden Harvest is sharing new Agronomy in Action trial data and adding two new experienced members to its leading agronomy team ― Jamie Kathol in eastern Nebraska and Luke Curl in the western part of the state ― to help farmers evaluate available CRW management tools and create long-term management plans.

CRW is a highly adaptable pest, requiring a tailored, multiyear plan that rotates diverse management practices. Corn rootworm is often called the "billion dollar pest" as it can create huge problems for farmers throughout its life cycle. Larvae feeding on roots can lead to reduced yield potential, root lodging, reduced stalk strength, among other concerns. Adult beetles can clip silks, reduce pollination, and then lay eggs that create and worsen problems the following season.
Golden Harvest trials show strong performance against CRW, as well as yield benefits. Source: Syngenta.

Force + Duracade hybrids offer yield benefits
In fields where there is low to moderate CRW pressure, new Golden Harvest trial data indicates farmers should use either Force brand insecticides or Duracade hybrids – such as Golden Harvest corn hybrids G11V76-D or G10L16-DV – to effectively control CRW. In fields with higher CRW pressure, farmers should consider using a Force brand insecticide with Duracade hybrids. The trials showed this approach offers farmers potential yield benefits of as much as 41 bushels per acre (bu/A) over untreated, non-traited options.
Hybrids with the Duracade trait paired with a Force brand soil-applied insecticide offer yield advantages to farmers versus single or no control measures. Source: Syngenta.

"DuracadeViptera is one of the top hybrid options available to farmers today because it uses a unique mode of action, so it's offering something new and different to fight CRW," says Kathol, Golden Harvest agronomist. "It also provides best-in-class protection against above-ground pests for peace of mind throughout the season. When paired with Force, this is a no-brainer for farmers seeing high CRW pressure."

Consider seed treatments for additional benefits
Higher 1250 rates of CruiserMaxx® seed treatment can also offer additional protection against early season CRW larvae, according to the trial. Golden Harvest trials found on average almost 0.25 of node rating improvement from increased rates compared with lower seed-applied insecticide rates. Larger root score improvements ranging from 0.38 to 0.41 were observed in trials with greater rootworm pressure.
Hybrids with higher rates of CruiserMaxx seed treatment offer increased root node protection. Source: Syngenta.

Many Duracade hybrids are now available with rates of CruiserMaxx Corn 1250 seed treatment, a combination of separately registered products.  

Build a long-term CRW management plan
While each field is different, Kathol and Curl agree there are easy steps that every farmer can take to begin building a CRW management plan, beginning with assessing the threat in their fields. Curl recommends using sticky traps – a common, low-cost way to quantify adult beetle pressure in the later part of the summer. The number of beetles trapped is a strong indicator of the likely amount of pressure farmers will see the following year.

"Having that type of data is absolutely critical so you know what to expect next year," says Curl, Golden Harvest agronomist. "It helps us adjust CRW management plans proactively, based on what we're actually seeing in the field."

Get in touch with Golden Harvest agronomists
The best long-term plans to manage CRW are flexible and require fine tuning, Kathol and Curl say. The newest members of the Golden Harvest agronomy team are eager to dig in with customers in Nebraska and offer their expertise to support farmers.

"Luke and Jamie are outstanding additions to our team of agronomic experts here at Golden Harvest," says Andy Heggenstaller, head of agronomy for Syngenta Seeds. "We are thrilled to welcome them to the team and ensure top quality support for our farmers in Nebraska as they deal with corn rootworm and other threats."