Wednesday December 28 Ag News

Nebraska Fuel Stations and Drivers Raise $15K for Breast Cancer Research

In the past five years, fuel retailers across Nebraska have joined forces to raise more than $45,000 for cancer research as part of Fuel the Cure – a campaign that also educates others about healthier fuel options. During October, when drivers chose higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15, E30 and E85 at participating retail locations, gas stations donated 3 cents for each gallon sold toward cancer research. Ethanol is a natural, plant-based octane booster used to displace some chemicals in gasoline which have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Ethanol producers, including Siouxland Ethanol in Jackson and E-Energy in Adams, also donated to the cause. This year, Fuel the Cure raised $15,662.99 with donations going to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha and Nebraska’s American Cancer Society.
 
“Several medications, whose research was funded through the American Cancer Society, saved my life,” said Jenn Klein, a wife, mother, and breast cancer survivor. “I’m thankful funding was available to discover treatment before I needed it. Beating cancer wasn’t easy, but we have come so far in regard to treatment, that I was not alone, and I had hope throughout.”
 
When Klein was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32, her cancer cells were growing and dividing at a rate of about 80%. Treatment was needed immediately. A funded researcher discovered two of the four chemotherapy treatments she underwent.

Everyone is at risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, known as aromatics, used for octane in gasoline. These carcinogens make up 25% of a gallon of gas. You are exposed at the pump, from vehicle exhaust, and when these aromatics are released as greenhouse gases (GHG). According to Cancer.org, the link between benzene and cancer has largely focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says benzene causes cells not to work correctly. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, causing anemia. Also, it can damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells. Another major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke. Learn more about the health risks of the aromatics in gasoline at fueledbynebraska.com/pink.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies these chemicals as toxic air pollutants known to cause cancer, adverse reproductive effects, and other health issues. In 1978, the EPA’s Clean Air Act waiver allowed the use of 10 percent ethanol in gasoline to support efforts to reduce air pollution. The EPA still blends ethanol into the fuel supply to support these efforts. Ethanol is a natural, plant-based octane booster used to displace some of these chemicals which have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Overall, according to Harvard and Tufts universities, ethanol reduces GHG by nearly 50%.Choosing the right ethanol blend for your vehicle is important. Fueledbynebraska.com explains each blend and has a biofuel finder for locating retailers near you.
 
“Ethanol producers and sellers have been the biggest proponents of providing an environmentally friendlier way to power our vehicles for many years,” said Jessica Sodeke, communications and outreach manager for the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “We commend these retailers for making higher ethanol blends available and giving consumers a choice in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Supporting Fuel the Cure is a step beyond, because the funds are directly impacting the lives of Nebraskans.”
 
Drivers who choose ethanol at the pump often see a price break, and their use of ethanol supports Nebraska’s rural communities and the state’s economy. To find a location near you, visit fueledbynebraska.com.
 
“Fueling up with higher blends of ethanol, like E15, E30 and E85, is one of the easiest ways consumers can reduce their carbon footprint and create a healthier environment for everyone,” Sodeke said.
 
E15, also called Unleaded88, is approved for use in passenger vehicles 2001 and newer. Nebraska has approximately 200,000 registered flex fuel vehicles, which can run on any blend of ethanol up to E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or a yellow gas cap.
 
Fuel the Cure founders: Nebraska Ethanol Board; Nebraska Corn Board; and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, are already preparing for Fuel the Cure 2023 and would encourage Nebraska fuel retailers who sell higher ethanol blends to reach out to Jessica Sodeke, communications and outreach manager, at Jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov for information about participating. Donations to the Buffett Cancer Center or American Cancer Society are also accepted from others interested in supporting this cause, including cancer organizations and ethanol facilities. Fuel the Cure sponsors the Lincoln Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk as well. To sign up to be a part of our 2023 walking team, please reach out to Sodeke.



Five Nebraska Farmers Union State Convention Sessions Are Available On YouTube

At their 109th State Convention held earlier this month at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) filmed five of the sessions and now have them available on YouTube links in the press release below and their website: www.nebraskafarmersunion.org.

NeFU President John Hansen said, “All five sessions videoed underscored this year’s convention theme: ‘Building Rural Communities Since 1913.’ Our organization’s mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers, and our rural communities. We take on the tougher issues through education and advocacy. We had an excellent set of speakers this year that gave us much food for thought.”

National Farmers Union (NFU) Government Relations Report with Layla Soberanis. Layla’s power point presentation recapped the many issues NFU worked on last year, is actively engaged in currently, and examined changes ahead as the House Majority changes, and its impact on the House Ag Committee and the 2023 Farm Bill. NFU engages on about 25 issues per year that impacts farmers. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/Gh7iccDuLvs

NeFU member Julie Hindmarsh moderated the “NeFU Foundation Poultry Litter and Stream Health Report” session with researcher Matt Sutton from the University of Nebraska Omaha and Graham Christensen, President GC Resolve and NeFU Board of Directors. This ground breaking water research with power point presentations took a strategic look at the potential water quality impacts from the Costco litter land applications. The preliminary research data showed there enough linkage between poultry-based contamination and stream water denigration that additional water quality research is warranted. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/D3CzWvIIwHo

Jonathan Leo moderated the “Identifying, Quantifying, and Addressing Risks of water Quality Contamination in Nebraska” panel discussion with Dr. Eleanor Rogan, Interim Chair of the UNMC Departments of Health Promotion and Environmental, Agricultural & Health, and Dr. Jesse Bell, Director of the Water, Climate & Health Program at UNMC and Director of Water, Climate and Health UNL’s Daugherty Water for food Global Institute. These two experts detailed their recently released research into the links between nitrogen, Atrazine, and pediatric cancer in Nebraska. These were powerful power point presentations that raises serious questions about the safety of our rural drinking water. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/huAV9t0FVEk

NeFU President’s Award Winner Bryce Anderson, retired DTN Senior Meteorologist and nationally known weather expert’s “Making Sense of Extremes” power point used NOAA data to show that since 1980, the U.S. has had 332 extreme weather events in excess of $1 billion in damages amounting to $2.275 trillion, and Nebraska has had 54 extreme weather events in excess of $1 billion. His graphs showed the frequency of such extreme storms is dramatically increasing in recent years. Anderson said practices that build healthy soils that increases moisture storage capacity was common sense “no brainer” thing to do as well as use more renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions that fuel extreme weather. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/3hna94zOekQ

NFU Historian Tom Giessel from Larned, Kansas’s power point mixed history and humor to owed how Farmers Union at the state and national levels uses all three sides of its Farmers Union triangle: education, cooperation, and legislation to build strong rural communities, including organizing more cooperatives than any other organization in America. He stressed Farmers Union’s “can do” approach. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/eYP4AozZzws



DAKOTA Farm Show Features Equipment, Services and Seminars!

The USD DakotaDome in Vermillion, SD is set to kick-off the new year by hosting the Dakota Farm Show, January 4, 5 & 6 (Wed-Fri). The annual three-day event is expected to bring thousands of area farmers to the warm and comfortable USD DakotaDome to view the latest in agricultural products & services.

This year’s event will also include educational seminars presented by SDSU Extension and Southeast Research Farm on the first two days of the show (Wed/Thur). Wednesday’s seminars will feature topics related to agronomy and soil health. Thursday’s seminars will focus on livestock management, self-care and community vitality. Complete and up-to-date seminar information is available at the event website at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

“The show is a great way for way area farmers to kick off the new year and see the latest in agriculture and gain new information from the top-notch seminars,” said show manager, Penny Swank.

Sanford Health will also be providing health screens at the Show. Basic screens are free, with more advanced screens available for a fee. This year’s show once-again features an online interactive floor plan. Attendees can review exhibitors and the floor plan at www.DakotaFarmShow.com.

2023 DAKOTA FARM SHOW EXTENSION SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Sponsored by SDSU Southeast Research Farm & SDSU Extension

January 4: Morning Session - Agronomy
9:00 AM: Rye Basics; Brad Rops; Operations Manager, SDSU Southeast Research Farm
9:30 AM: Tar Spot on Corn; Connie Strunk; SDSU Extension Field Specialist—PlantPathology
10:15 AM: Insects of Concern in Southeast South Dakota; Soybean Gall Midge and Dectes Stem Borer; Phil Rozeboom; SDSU IPM Coordinator
10:45 AM: Corn P and N Research Updates; Jason Clark; SDSU Extension Specialist—Soil Fertility

January 4: Afternoon Session - Soil Health
1:30 PM: Biological Agronomy; Anthony Bly; SDSU Extension Field Specialist—Soils
2:00 PM: Soil Microorganisms Link Crop Management and Performance; Mike Lehman; USDA Soil Microbiologist
2:45 PM: Till vs No-till; Long-Term Research at the Southeast Farm; Peter Sexton; SDSU Southeast Research Farm / Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

January 5: Morning Session - Livestock Management
9:30 AM: Drought Management in Feedlot Operations; Warren Rusche; SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate
10:30 AM: Turning Corn into Beef - Research Update; Zachary Smith; SDSU Assistant Professor— Ruminant Nutrition
11:15 AM: Feeding Hybrid Rye to Grow - Finish Pigs; Caitlyn Sullivan; SDSU Student

January 5: Afternoon Session - Self Care and Community Vitality
1:00 PM: Stress Management; Andrea Bjornestad; SDSU Associate Professor/Extension Specialist— Mental Health
2:00 PM: Agritourism Opportunities in South Dakota; Peggy Schlechter; SDSU Extension Field Specialist—Community Vitality

The Dakota Farm Show runs January 4, 5 & 6, 2023 at the DakotaDome (University of South Dakota Campus) in Vermillion, South Dakota. Admission and parking are free. Show hours are 9am – 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am – 4pm on Friday.



The 2022 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Outstanding Commercial Producer Announced
Robbins Land and Cattle, is no stranger to ICA

Since taking part in the Iowa Cattlemen’s Leadership Program in 2014, Justin Robbins and his wife, Lacie, have been active members of the organization, serving in many leadership and volunteer roles.

Justin has been the ICA District 8 Director since 2017 and part of the ICA Membership Committee and Foreign Animal Disease Committees since 2015. He has served on the Greene County Cattlemen’s Board since 2014 and is currently serving as president.

Despite all of these commitments, Justin, Lacie and their son, McKinley, are also dedicated to improving their rural Scranton cattle operation.

The Robbins have approximately 200 head of purebred Angus and commercial cows and finish approximately 75 head a year in their feedlot. The other calves are marketed after weaning.

Within their operation they use performance records, including identification of cows and calves as well as birth, weaning and yearling weights. Carcass data is also utilized to continue to improve their genetics.

In order to manage all of this data, the farm has invested in electronic animal identification (EIDs). “Electronic identification helps make the process more efficient when running those animals through the chute,” says Justin.

For more than 15 years, these records have been used to choose herd bulls. “We select certain genetics for the feedlot performance side of our business and other sires to help produce our replacement heifers,” says Lacie.

The Robbins family is part of a cooperator herd with two ranches in the western United States and primarily purchase bulls from those ranches. The family also raises their own bulls and has hosted seedstock sales on the farm in addition to consigning bulls to the ICA’s Bull and Heifer Evaluation Program in the past.

The operation utilizes artificial insemination (AI) to further improve herd quality and says that improved sire selection has been one of the most profitable improvements to their operation.

On the female side of the herd, performance records have been used for 10 years to make decisions regarding culling and replacement heifers. According to Justin and Lacie, disposition is one of the most important criteria used to select replacement females, in addition to feet, udders and maternal blood lines. When culling, the family looks at production, weaning weights and again, disposition.

In addition to AI, embryo transfer is used to produce seedstock for their own operation as well as their cooperator ranches.

Calving occurs twice each year, during the spring and fall. Justin says, “As we started this process, we realized it didn’t just help spread out the workload, but the bulls and cash flow.” This plan allows Justin to maximize pasture usage and herd management.

The operation utilizes rotational grazing throughout the growing season, then grazes corn stalks and bean stubble with cover crops as long as possible. A total mixed ration (TMR) is fed as needed, but no implants or feed grade antibiotics are used.

For several years, the Robbins family has been finishing out their steers and working with a local locker to process them for retail cuts that can be sold direct-to-consumer. These cuts can be sold as individual packages and shipped nationwide. Justin and Lacie recently began raising Berkshire hogs on their farm in order to offer their customers pork, as well.

From pasture to plate and farm to fork, the Robbins family works hard towards continuous improvement, which has resulted in a regenerative, diversified, profitable operation to be proud of.



Dairy Goat Webinar Series Continues into 2023

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team will continue its dairy goat webinar series in 2023 with all webinar dates and topics listed below. All webinars will be from noon to 1:15 p.m. and are free to attend.

Webinar Dates and Topics
Jan. 5 – Dairy Goat Financial Analysis, Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Feb. 23 – Feeding Your Future, Robert VanSaun, extension veterinarian, Penn State University, and Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.Dairy goats.

March 23 – Feeding Forages to Dairy Goats, Gail Carpenter, assistant professor, state dairy extension specialist, and Fred Hall, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist.

April 20 – Health Challenges in Dairy Goat Kids, Roselle Busch, assistant extension specialist, UC-Davis Veterinary Medicine.

Sept. 21 – Producer Perspectives, panel TBD

Oct. 26 – What Do We Know about Dry Treating Dairy Goats? Michelle Buckley, post-doctoral associate at Iowa State University.

Nov. 16 – TBD

Dec. 21 – Milk Quality Investigations, Cathy Bauman, assistant professor, Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, Ontario.

There is no fee to attend the program; however, registration is required.

This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural and Food Research Initiative Competitive Program, Antimicrobial Resistance number: 2020-04197. Register in advance for this meeting at https://go.iastate.edu/2023DAIRYGOATWEBINARS or contact Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, at jbentley@iastate.edu, 563-382-2949.

Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Information will also be provided about future webinars, as dates and topics are announced.



Average Retail Prices for All Eight Fertilizers Now Lower

Average retail fertilizer prices have begun to move noticeably lower for the fourth week of December 2022, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices for all eight major fertilizers are now lower compared to last month.

Three fertilizers were significantly lower compared to last month. DTN designates a substantial move as anything 5% or more. MAP, potash and urea were all 6% less expensive compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $909 per ton, potash $790/ton and urea $757/ton. Potash has moved below the $800/ton level for the first time since the second week of December 2021. The price at that time was $796/ton.

The remaining five fertilizers were slightly less expensive looking back to last month. DAP had an average price of $890/ton, 10-34-0 $751/ton, anhydrous $1,360/ton, UAN28 $578/ton and UAN32 $681/ton. DAP, meanwhile, moved below the $900/ton level for the first time since the fourth week of February 2022. That week, the price was at $879/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.82/lb.N, anhydrous $0.83/lb.N, UAN28 $1.03/lb.N and UAN32 $1.06/lb.N.

Fertilizers are now mixed in price from one year earlier. This week, six fertilizers are lower while the other two are higher. UAN32 is 1% higher compared to last year, while DAP is 3% more expensive. UAN28 is 1% lower, both MAP and potash are 2% less expensive, both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are 5% lower and urea is 17% less expensive looking back to a year prior.



Application Period Open for National FFA Scholarship Program

The National FFA Organization has opened the application period for its 2023 college scholarship program.

Program coordinators say applicants must be less than 23 years of age at time of application and must be a current FFA member who plans to attend post-secondary school in the U.S

More than 1,800 scholarships are available. Online submissions are due by Jan. 12.

For more information, go to: https://www.ffa.org/ to access the application and criteria.