Monday March 20 Ag News

 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on National Agriculture Day

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement in celebration of the annual National Agriculture Day, which will take place on Tuesday, March 21:

"On this 50th National Ag Day, we recognize the contributions of American farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, forest landowners, and all agricultural producers in providing our nation – and this world – with its food, fuel, and fiber.

“Throughout our history, Americans have faced unprecedented challenges, but we have always been able to endure thanks in large part to the unwavering efforts of those who work the land. Because of the efforts of our agricultural communities, here in America we all benefit from a rich abundance of safe and nutritious food, which allows us to thrive as one of the few nations on earth that is food secure and not dependent on any other nation for basic food needs. American agriculture is able to lead the world into a climate-smart future as farmers, ranchers and producers take seriously their responsibility to be stewards of our land and water and take part in every day climate smart practices that improve soil health and water quality.

“Rural America is the backbone of this country, and the strength of our agricultural and rural communities supports the vitality and prosperity of our entire country while bolstering our national security and competitive edge. Last year marked record export numbers for the agricultural sector, showing that there is a global desire for the high-quality foods produced here at home and that our agricultural industry understands their role in feeding the world, with productivity and with compassion.

“At USDA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding market opportunities, ensuring an agricultural economy that benefits the many and not just the few, and meeting the moment for the opportunities before us. As we look toward another year of agricultural leadership, innovation, and growth, let us shine a light on all that our agricultural and rural communities do for our great country.”



Nebraska Cattlemen Condemns WOTUS Implementation

Today, in response to the Biden administration’s irresponsible Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule taking full legal effect in Nebraska, Nebraska Cattlemen released the following statement:

President Steve Hanson stated, “As the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule takes full legal effect, cattlemen across Nebraska face the undue burden of having water features on their operations subject to federal regulation. Nebraska Cattlemen supports the efforts of NCBA to fight back against unnecessary federal government overreach impacting Nebraska’s beef cattle producers.” He continued, “Nebraska Cattlemen thanks Congressmen Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) for voting to overturn the WOTUS rule in the U.S. House of Representatives and for standing in solidarity with Nebraska’s cattle producers.

Background
Nebraska’s farms and ranches utilize 44.8 million acres, 92% of the state’s total land area. Cattle graze approximately 22 million of those acres. Nebraska farmers and ranchers realize the magnitude of protecting water as a precious resource. Nearly 80,000 miles of rivers and streams add to Nebraska’s bountiful natural resources.

On February 7, 2022, Nebraska Cattlemen submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opposing the agencies’ proposed rescission of the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (the 2020 Rule). Further, in April 2022, Nebraska Cattlemen signed onto an amicus brief calling for a clear and limited WOTUS rule ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing of oral comments in the case of Sackett v. EPA.

For more information on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) lawsuit, which sought a preliminary injunction to prevent the federal government from implementing Biden’s WOTUS rule, please visit www.NCBA.org.



NCBA Concerned with District Court Decision to Let Harmful WOTUS Rule Stand

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed strong disappointment in a decision by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas to deny a nationwide preliminary injunction that would have halted the Biden administration’s harmful Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule from taking effect.

“This latest WOTUS rule will place more burdens on family farms and ranches, drive up costs, and prevent cattle producers like me from making investments in our land,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “While we appreciate the court’s injunction of the rule in Texas and Idaho, we are strongly disappointed in the decision to keep this WOTUS rule in place in 48 states and I am proud of NCBA’s efforts to continue the fight against this rule.”

The Environmental Protect Agency finalized the latest WOTUS rule at the end of 2022. NCBA and its litigation partners filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the rule on January 18, 2023. NCBA sought a nationwide preliminary injunction, which would have prevented the federal government from implementing the WOTUS rule until the entire case is decided. Instead, the court granted a limited injunction in only two states—Texas and Idaho.

“The court’s decision to keep the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule in place is concerning and irresponsible,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “Without a nationwide injunction, the rule takes full legal effect today and will become an immediate burden on our nation’s cattle producers. NCBA will continue efforts to defend our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”



Judge Halts 2023 WOTUS Rule in Two States

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on a U.S. District Court ruling to halt the 2023 Waters of the United States Rule in Texas and Idaho.

“AFBF is pleased the District Court ordered EPA and the U.S. Army Corps to halt implementation of the troubled 2023 WOTUS Rule in Texas and Idaho. The judge recognized the new rule likely oversteps EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act, which creates uncertainty for the farmers and ranchers who must navigate the complicated regulations.

“The District Court ruling also undermines the agencies’ rationale for pushing through this new rule before the Supreme Court rules in Sackett v. EPA. These legal challenges send a clear message to EPA that it should rewrite WOTUS to limit its scope to navigable waters. Farmers and ranchers share the goal of caring for the natural resources we’re entrusted with, but we need rules that don’t require a team of attorneys to interpret.”



Scheduling Early Breeding Soundness Exams for Bulls Due to Extreme Winter Conditions
Karla H. Wilke – UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management
Hannah Smith – Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Extension Educator

Nebraska and much of the Great Plains have experienced above normal snowfall coupled with extremely cold temperatures and high winds resulting in -20 to -60° F wind chills this winter. Extreme cold can result in frostbite to extremities in cattle including the testicles, which in turn can have a negative impact on spermatogenesis.

Routinely having a veterinarian perform a breeding soundness exam 4-6 weeks prior to the breeding season on all bulls scheduled to be turned out with cows is a good idea. In light of weather events this winter, producers may want to schedule the exams earlier than normal so any bulls the veterinarian deems below acceptable could be scheduled for a re-test, and plans could still be made to replace any bulls that do not pass and are not expected to pass a re-test, prior to the breeding season.

Infertile bulls or bulls with poor quality semen can cause producers to have an increased number of open cows and/or a reduction in the number of calves born early in the calving season.

Spermatogenesis (sperm production) takes 61 days to complete. Conditions during that time such as extreme temperatures, illness, body condition, or poor nutrition can all impact the quality of the semen produced. Therefore, if the bull still has the capacity to produce sperm, improved conditions later in the spring may subsequently improve bull fertility. If irreparable damage was done during the winter weather, the bull will need to be replaced.

The NebGuide G2332 Breeding Bull Management (unl.edu) has helpful information on managing bulls year round. In the winter, providing a windbreak, hay or crop residue bales for bedding, and a balanced diet can help prevent loss of fertility. The aforementioned NebGuide has example diets for bull maintenance, however, producers can also contact UNL beef extension personnel for assistance with ration balancing.

Consider opportunities to test bulls earlier than normal by coupling this with scheduled visits the vet already plans to make such as pregnancy diagnosis of fall cows or routine brucellosis vaccinations for replacement heifers. Knowing how the bulls test well ahead of the breeding season will give producers more options for improving semen quality or making replacement decisions.



IANR / Ag Builders Engagement Tour

UNL – IANR and Ag Builders are undertaking an engagement tour to hear from farmers, ranchers, and others who attend the various events. The sessions are free and open to the public, RSVP is requested (click on the town for the link).   Stops on the tour include:    

Dinner and Round Table Discussion - Wayne
April 4, 2023
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Elkhorn Valley Bank and Trust
411 E 7th St, Wayne, NE  
https://nuramp.nebraska.edu/ems/event.php?EMSEventUUID=265a576a-6425-4bc1-84e0-fd41566fdc58

Lunch and Round Table Discussion - Fremont
April 5, 2023
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Fremont Golf Club
2710 N Somers Ave, Fremont, NE  
https://nuramp.nebraska.edu/ems/event.php?EMSEventUUID=35e3e84c-184f-4c38-b7f7-d43334086d07

Lunch and Round Table Discussion - Columbus
April 26, 2023
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
The Evans House
2204 14th St, Columbus, NE  
https://nuramp.nebraska.edu/ems/event.php?EMSEventUUID=05be0d36-f240-4aa4-b2ba-67c8541b87c0



Farm Service Agency Taking Applications for Assistance with Disaster, Pandemic Revenue Losses

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of two financial assistance programs designed to address revenue losses associated with natural disasters and the pandemic. The Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) currently are both open for application at FSA offices across the state.

“Because ERP 2 and PARP look at losses from a revenue-based standpoint, they are different from other FSA-administered programs,” said Tim Divis, the acting state executive director of Nebraska FSA. “These are producer certification programs, and most of the information necessary to complete applications will come from producers’ personal financial records. Those interested in these programs are encouraged to begin working with their county FSA office now, ahead of their busy spring season.”

Emergency Relief Program Phase 2
Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 (ERP 2) provides financial assistance to producers who suffered a loss in revenue on eligible crops due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar years 2020 and 2021. Eligible crops include both traditional insurable commodities (excluding crops intended for grazing) and specialty crops that are produced in the United States as part of a farming operation and are intended to be commercially marketed. Livestock and animal by-products are ineligible commodities for ERP 2. The loss in 2020 and 2021 allowable gross revenue will be determined by comparing it to allowable gross revenue in a benchmark year, either 2018 or 2019, as selected by the producer.

Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program
Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) provides financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities, both crops and livestock, who suffered at least a 15 percent loss in gross revenue in calendar year 2020 due to the pandemic. Payments to producers will be based upon a comparison of the producer’s allowable gross revenue from 2020 to a benchmark year, either 2018 or 2019, as selected by the producer. The PARP payment will be reduced by other applicable pandemic assistance payments earned by the producer.

Application Resources
Resources available to assist producers with understanding and completing applications can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne. This includes producer information packets, step-by-step application worksheets and a link to a recorded webinar, where Nebraska FSA program leaders explain each program and how to apply for assistance.

“Producers are asked to review available program information and gather financial records to complete their application or applications,” Divis said.

The application period for these programs is open through June 2, 2023. Those interested in learning more can contact their county FSA office.



FALL DORMANCY IN ALFALFA
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
 
The time for spring planting alfalfa is just around the corner and two traits often confused, are fall dormancy and winter survival.  Let’s look at fall dormancy today.
 
Fall dormancy is a measure of an alfalfa plant’s ability to regrow in the fall after harvest and spring following winter. It is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 11 with 1 being most dormant and 11 the least.  Higher dormancy means a harvested plant will focus its resources in the fall on building reserves to survive the winter and less on new growth.
 
This tendency toward slower regrowth manifests throughout the year, with less dormant varieties typically recovering faster in the spring and producing overall higher yields.  Another role dormancy plays is keeping plants from starting growth during the random warm-ups in the fall and winter months. Plants that break bud during these periods are subject to winterkill.
 
Finally, fall dormancy can impact the harvest timetable.  Lower dormancy rated alfalfa plants will regrow slower after harvest as well.  This translates into more time to remove forage from the field before “windrow disease” and field traffic become a concern.
 
In the past, fall dormancy traits were linked with winter survival. With new varieties, this isn’t always the case, so fall dormancy needs to be evaluated on its own.
 
Variety selection depends upon your management, production goals, and ability for a stand to make it through winter without sacrificing additional yield.  If you have regular issues with stand winterkill, a lower rated variety with improved dormancy.  In Nebraska, we recommend dormancy ratings 1 through 5.



Expert Study Finds Carbon Sequestration Vital to Future Profitability of Iowa Corn Production

Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) today released phase two of its deep dive into the ramifications if Iowa prevents carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects from moving forward, finding that farm income could drop by more than $1 billion annually.

The study found corn leaving Iowa without added value would jump from 6% to 44% by the end of the decade. Regions of the state will experience up to a 75 cent per bushel reduction in local corn basis prices, and the typical ethanol plant premium of 16 cents per bushel would disappear.

As a result:
• Lower basis would cause the profit on corn production to plummet on average by 85% compared to the status quo.
• Farm income would drop $43,000 for a typical 1000-acre farm split 50/50 between corn and soybeans.
• Statewide net farm cash income would decline by $1.1 billion per year.

DIS concluded: “Ethanol production in the state of Iowa has brought tens of billions of dollars in increased economic activity to the state and has been a significant factor in the rise in net farm cash income for Iowa’s farmers. That economic activity could be lost if Iowa’s ethanol plants are not enabled to be competitive with ethanol plants in other states that have access to carbon capture and sequestration via pipelines or direct injection into deep, underground saline formations.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) commissioned DIS to conduct an all-encompassing economic impact study based on a scenario where Iowa ethanol plants are excluded from using CCS while pipelines in the surrounding states go forward. The first phase of the study found that current market and policy dynamics would result in Iowa ethanol production becoming noncompetitive. As production migrates out of state by the end of the decade, Iowa ethanol production could contract by 75% with Iowa farmers losing local markets for over 1 billion bushels of corn annually.

“Ethanol production has done more to increase farm income than anything else over the last twenty years,” stated IRFA executive director Monte Shaw. “If Iowa legislators adopt laws that prevent ethanol production from remaining competitive in the state, they are also imposing an 85 percent pay cut on farmers who produce corn. This would be as unwise for the state as it would be unwelcome for our farmers. IRFA continues to ask all Iowans to unite behind a fair and equitable path forward for CCS projects in this state.”



USDA to gather data about farm labor

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey in April. The survey will collect information about hired labor from more than 850 Iowa farmers. NASS will publish the data May 24 in the Farm Labor report available on the NASS website at nass.usda.gov/Publications. Survey recipients who do not respond by April 19 may be contacted by NASS to arrange an interview.

In the survey, NASS asks producers to answer a variety of questions about hired farm labor on their operations, including total number of hired farm workers, total hours worked, and total wages paid for the weeks of Jan. 8-14 and April 9-15, 2023. Survey recipients can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

“Agricultural labor data are critical for producers when hiring workers and estimating expenses,” said Greg Thessen, Director of the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office. “The data that farm operators provide through NASS’s Agricultural Labor Survey also allow federal policymakers to base farm labor policies on accurate information.”

USDA and the U.S. Department of Labor use the survey data to estimate the demand for and availability of seasonal agricultural workers, establish minimum wage rates for agricultural workers and administer farm labor recruitment and placement service programs.

“By asking about two separate time periods each time we collect these data during the year, we are able to publish biannual data and capture seasonal variation,” said Thessen. “This approach reduces the number of times we survey farms, while ensuring that accurate and timely data are available.”

Producers are encouraged to visit youtu.be/6oWSOjGTQzU for further information on and assistance completing this survey. All previous Farm Labor publications are available on the NASS website at nass.usda.gov/publications/publications. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Office at 800-772-0825.



Custom Farm Rate Results Released for Iowa

Many Iowa farmers hire some custom machine work in their farm business or perform custom work for others. Others rent machinery or perform other services.

In order to help producers and custom operators examine the market, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publishes the Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/pdf/a3-10.pdf.

This year’s survey, published in March, includes 88 responses and 2,454 custom rates for tasks related to tillage, planting and seeding, spraying, harvesting, farm labor and more. Additions to the survey for 2023 include ground (broadcast) spraying with a self-propelled, tall-crop sprayer and liquid fertilizer high clearance application with drop hose and Y spray nozzle.  

Most custom rates saw an increase of 10-15%. Custom planting ranges from $12.50 to $45 per acre, depending on the type of planter and setup. Combining corn shows an average of $41.60 per acre and combining soybeans averages $40.00 per acre, an increase of 13.2% and 11.0%, respectively. Table 1 shows historical prices for select operations. This year’s publication as well as previous reports can be found on the Ag Decision Maker website.

The survey may lag increases in diesel prices and other inputs that change more frequently. This means that for custom farming practices that involve these inputs, the cost may be even higher. The current survey assumed diesel prices would be $3.39 a gallon in 2023, based on forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The information in the survey is meant to be a starting point for farmers and agribusiness to engage in conversations and negotiations. The survey is not meant to set the rate for a particular practice or operator. This is an opinion survey and represents the responses of participants.

This survey is only possible with the participation of Iowa farmers, custom operators and farm managers. To join the survey list for 2024, email the survey authors. For more information, Plastina can be reached at 515-294-6160 or plastina@iastate.edu, and Ann Johanns can be reached at 515-337-2766 or aholste@iastate.edu.



February Milk Production in the United States up 0.8 Percent

Milk production in the United States during February totaled 17.7 billion pounds, up 0.8 percent from February 2022. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,877 pounds for February, 7 pounds above February 2022. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.42 million head, 37,000 head more than February 2022, and 12,000 head more than January 2023.

Iowa: Milk production in Iowa during February 2023 totaled 458 million pounds, up 6 percent from the previous February according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during February, at 240,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 14,000 from February 2022. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,910 pounds, unchanged from last February.



CHS Names Sarah Bovim Vice President, Government Affairs

CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today announced the appointment of Sarah Bovim as vice president, government affairs. Bovim brings over 17 years of experience to CHS, leading government affairs and public policy for Whirlpool Corporation and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest U.S. food and drug retailers.

Before working in the private sector, Bovim served as a senior U.S. trade negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) during both Democratic and Republican administrations. She led negotiating teams that shaped international trade policy and provided insights and perspectives to Congress and executive branch officials on how government action affects business. She has also worked as an economist for the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration and The World Bank.

Bovim succeeds Jim Zappa as head of government affairs, who will retire on April 3, 2023. Zappa joined CHS in 2015 as general counsel and held various leadership roles within the organization.

"Sarah brings tremendous experience, strong relationships and deep knowledge managing a broad range of regulatory and legislative issues that will help CHS represent the voice of our farmer and cooperative owners across the U.S.," said Brandon Smith, executive vice president and general counsel. "I also want to thank Jim Zappa for his tremendous contributions to CHS over his eight years at the company."



Firestone Ag Salutes and Thanks Farmers during National Ag Week

Firestone Ag, a business of Bridgestone Americas, is saluting U.S. farmers and ranchers in celebration of National Ag Day, March 21, 2023. During National Ag Week, Firestone Ag encourages everyone to think about where their food comes from and to use social media to thank America’s farmers and ranchers for farming hard.

A new video from Firestone recognizes the legacy shared by hundreds of thousands of farmers and ranchers across the country reflected in the heartfelt and passionate comments of a young, seventh-generation female farmer. The video was captured during Firestone Ag’s 2022 Rock the Crop Concert with Nashville-based country artist Dillon Carmichael, in celebration of U.S. agriculture. 2022 is the second year the farm tire manufacturer and musician collaborated to unite music and agriculture in honor of America’s hard-working farmers and ranchers.  
 
“Firestone is very appreciative of the work farmers do to feed the world, and we’re pleased to say Thank You, salute farmers and help share their efforts with a broader audience in this simple way during National Ag Week,” said Tony M. Orlando, president, Bridgestone Integrated Agriculture Tire Business, Americas, Europe, Middle East, India, Africa. “We invite everyone to stop for a moment to contemplate the important role farmers have and to make an effort to thank farmers in their own way or to simply share these tributes and sentiments locally.”
 
Firestone Ag’s week-long salute to farmers will begin on Ag Day, Tuesday, March 21, with tributes found on Firestone Ag’s YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
 
Firestone Ag has been tied closely to farmers since 1932 when Harvey Firestone introduced the first practical pneumatic rubber tire for tractors. During the past nine decades, Firestone has been the agriculture industry’s leading provider of tire and track technologies designed to help farmers farm hard and operate successful, sustainable farming operations.
 
Rock the Crop began during summer 2021, when Firestone Ag sought a way to champion farmers after a long and difficult growing season. Indiana farmer Carey Garwood won the inaugural sweepstakes, and Carli Nichols who farms with her family near Brush, Colorado, was the winner in 2022.  
 
Firestone Ag’s 2023 Ag Week salute to farmers aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which serves as an axis to drive management while earning the trust of future generations. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment consists of 8 values starting with the letter “E” (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment) the company commits to implement together with employees, society, partners and customers to create a sustainable society. The Ag Week campaign aligns with Emotion: Committed to inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility and Economy: Committed to maximizing the economic value of mobility and business operations.



Golden Harvest accelerates forward with sponsorship of NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Sammy Smith

Golden Harvest today announced its sponsorship of NASCAR driver Sammy Smith. The partnership with Smith is part of Golden Harvest’s 50th anniversary celebration as a seed company, focused on farmer success and reinforcing its commitment to bringing proven corn and soybean products to market faster.

Golden Harvest is proud to sponsor Smith, a native of Johnston, Iowa, and already a proven winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The partnership kicks off with the March 25 race in Austin, Texas, extending throughout the entire 2023 season and includes Golden Harvest® branding on Smith’s car and suit, exclusive at-track activities for Golden Harvest customers, and a special appearance by Smith at a key farmer event later this season.

“I am excited to have Golden Harvest partner with me for the 2023 season,” Smith said. “Racing and farming require the same skills ― both need precision and accuracy to perform.”

Speed, precision and power not only enable NASCAR drivers to win races, but these characteristics also drive the Golden Harvest research and development program to provide better products faster to farmers’ fields.

As part of its commitment to customer success, Golden Harvest is expanding its corn and soybean breeding programs. This brings more quality products to market faster with more desirable traits thanks to increased trait introgression, ensuring farmers are receiving the best solution for every acre.

“As Golden Harvest continues to evolve, our focus will always be on customer success,” said Golden Harvest Head of Marketing, Kramer Farney. “Our support of Sammy Smith emphasizes that commitment, increases exposure for our farmers and allows for us to engage with local farmers at each race.”   

“Through strategic investments in research and development and state-of-the-art facilities, Golden Harvest is enhancing the precision and power of its seed portfolio,” said Farney. “We are putting a powerful engine behind our seed portfolio to bring more high-performing products to customers faster and drive growth for both Golden Harvest and our customers.”