Spring groundwater levels show declines as the drought lingers on
2022 was the driest year on record for a large portion of the Lower Elkhorn NRD, and increased demand for groundwater use from all sectors took an expected toll on groundwater inventories. In a proactive measure and in response to the acute drought that took a commanding grip in northeast Nebraska, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) implemented restrictions on wells, pumping over 50 gallons per minute, until the drought decreases its intensity.
The LENRD has been conducting annual monitoring of groundwater inventories across its 15-county district since 1976. How does the LENRD monitor our groundwater supplies? There are 240 “observation wells” the district uses to measure the depth to groundwater from the surface of the land. These wells are measured in the spring, before the pumping season begins, to see how much the water levels have recovered from last year’s irrigation season and again in the fall after pumping has ceased to evaluate the amount of in-season decline. LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “While drought conditions are beginning to show signs of decreasing their hold in portions of the area, many of the wells our staff measured this spring are showing declines; though still at manageable levels as long as the drought doesn’t extend itself into subsequent pumping season.”
According to the report from the UNL School of Natural Resources’ Conservation & Survey Division, about three-fourths of the state’s 4,787 observation wells experienced a decline in groundwater levels from spring 2021 to spring 2022, and it will be interesting to see next year’s report which will include comparison data from spring 2022 to spring of 2023. It is worth noting that most of the data included within these annual reports is collected by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, which includes the Lower Elkhorn NRD.
In 2022, Norfolk and Wayne recorded their driest years on record; records that were first recorded in 1854 for the National Weather Service’s Karl Stefan Airport station. In April of 2022, most of the LENRD was in a severe (D2) drought. As the summer continued, much of the district transitioned into an extreme (D3) and an exceptional (D4) drought. As a result, the LENRD board approved the recommendations presented by the district’s Ad-Hoc Drought Response Committee, to limit municipal water supply wells to 250 gallons per day per capita for any city or town in a D3 or D4 designation, while irrigation wells (that do not already have an allocation) will be limited to 15 inches per acre for each certified irrigated acre, for any well located in a designated D3 or D4 area. Bruckner said, “The decision from the board to impose allocations for this year was to protect the health and welfare of the public during the drought, but also to minimize negative impacts to groundwater supplies. Given the tendency of drought conditions to extend into multiple calendar years, the district felt compelled to take proactive measures in the event the acute condition decided to linger into 2023, or worse yet, into 2024 and beyond.”
Drought conditions have eased in some areas since the beginning of the year, but 98% of the state remains in varying degrees of drought. Bruckner added, “We would like to see more rain in the coming weeks, and hopefully this precipitation will provide sufficient improvement to bring some areas out of allocation. However, if the drought lingers on, producers will need to be prepared for the pumping limits this summer and possibly next year as well.”
Currently, the entire district, except the NW 1/3 of Pierce County are still in the D3 or D4 drought as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated on a weekly basis. If drought conditions are downgraded to a D2 designation for a period of 14 consecutive days, the drought-imposed restriction would be lifted for those wells and locations within that D2 designated area.
NC Webinar: Clarifying Ear Implant Labels
Happening Tuesday, May 2
Do you implant suckling calves, stockers, or cattle on feed? Starting June 2023, unless a product is labeled for reimplantation, only one implant may be used per production phase.
As this will change many producers’ implant programs, Nebraska Cattlemen will be hosting a webinar titled, Clarifying Ear Implant Labels, on Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. CT. We will hear from industry experts Dr. Alfredo DiConstanzo - NE Extension Educator, Dr. Jess Sperber NE Extension Feedlot Specialist, and Dr. Dan Thomson, DVM, about these important regulatory changes to ear implant usage and OTC antibiotics.
For questions, please contact Bonita Lederer at blederer@necattlemen.org. Register here... https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mVEMVCg0R8SWke21mtuYWA#/registration. They hope you will join!
USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Extension to Present on Drought Assistance During May 4 Webinar
Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Extension will participate in a webinar on Thursday, May 4, to review drought assistance programs and management principles for producers experiencing drought conditions. The webinar is part of UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability webinar series devoted to topics for farm and ranch management, profitability, economics and farm survival. It will begin at 12 p.m. CT, and those interested in participating can register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars or directly at https://go.unl.edu/cap5-4.
Nebraska FSA’s Pat Lechner, chief of the Price Support, Conservation and Environmental Programs staff, will provide a reminder to producers of what information is needed to apply for key FSA drought assistance programs. He will be joined by Nebraska FSA Farm Loan Program Specialist Ben Herink, who will discuss drought disaster designations and the triggering of the FSA emergency loan program. UNL Agricultural Economics Extension Educator Shannon Sand will cover management principles and recordkeeping needs for producers under drought conditions.
“FSA county offices already are busy implementing drought assistance programs such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program,” said Nebraska FSA Acting State Executive Director Tim Divis. “This and other programs available through FSA are designed to help producers mitigate some of the impact of the ongoing drought. This webinar will provide listeners with a good overview of those programs.”
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in the webinar should contact the Nebraska FSA State Office at (402) 437-5581 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, or email bobbie.krizwickham@usda.gov by Monday, May 1.
You're invited to the 2023 Water and Natural Resources Tour
When: June 19-22, 2023
Where: Northeast Nebraska
From Monday, June 19, to Thursday, June 22, attendees will explore Northeast Nebraska and gain first-hand experience with the water management practices, history, and innovation of that region of the state. Tour stops include the Norfolk Riverfront development, the Bazile Groundwater Management Area, Gavins Point Dam, Ashfall Fossil Beds and much more.
The 2023 Water and Natural Resources Tour is being hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.
2023 Water and Natural Resources Tour Agenda Overview
On Monday, June 19, we’ll meet in Norfolk at the Norfolk Lodge & Suites (Divots Conference Center). Get checked in for the tour and enjoy a welcome reception with the other tour participants. The reception will include a tour of Divots Brewery, a tasting flight, and a light meal. We will stay at the Norfolk Lodge & Suites on Monday night.
On Tuesday, June 20, we’ll tour the Norfolk Riverfront Development, Nucor Steel, and Ashfall Fossil Beds. We’ll also visit the Bazile Groundwater Management Area and experience the first reverse osmosis plant in Nebraska and the Bazile Demonstration Farm. We will return to the Norfolk Lodge & Suites on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, June 21, we’ll visit Neligh Mills, Handlebend Copper, and Niobrara State Park. The tour will make its way north and will stay in Yankton, South Dakota on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, June 22, we’ll spend the morning at Gavins Point Dam and, weather permitting, will get out on the water at Lewis and Clark Lake. We will also visit Bow Creek before returning to Norfolk around 4 pm. The tour officially ends when we return to Norfolk on Thursday afternoon, and if you choose to stay in Norfolk on Thursday you will need to arrange your own lodging.
Registration Details
$685 per person, single occupancy room
$600 per person, double occupancy room
Registration includes: all meals, hotels, commercial transportation, on-board refreshments, and activities from Monday evening through Thursday at 5:00 p.m. The tour will begin and end in Norfolk, NE. Transportation to and from Norfolk, NE is not included with registration costs.
To register please print the registration form linked below, fill it out, and mail to Tricia Liedle at 2021 Transformation Drive, Suite 3220 Lincoln, NE 68508.
Registration will be open until May 10. More information can be found on our website https://watercenter.unl.edu/registration-open-2023-water-and-natural-resources-tour.
We hope to see you there!
Flood Joins House Republicans in Atrazine Letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan
U.S. Congressman Mike Flood joined Congressmen Mark Alford (MO-04), Tracey Mann (KS-01) and about three dozen of their Republican colleagues in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“It is completely unacceptable for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to suggest in a rule that atrazine use be cut by nearly 80% without first considering feedback from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and agricultural producers. Any EPA scientific advisory panel reviewing this rule must at least include producers from geographically diverse areas of the country and consider their feedback in good faith,” the Republican lawmakers said. “Food security is national security. Crop protection tools registered through FIFRA, like atrazine, are vital to the sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of our nation’s food supply, which is why the integrity of a science-driven FIFRA process cannot be undermined.”
The letter raised concerns regarding the scope of a scientific advisory panel (SAP) that is examining issues related to atrazine herbicide. Specifically, it asked the EPA to:
(1) hold the atrazine FIFRA SAP meeting in person;
(2) broaden the scope of the atrazine FIFRA SAP to include newer studies, some of which were completed at EPA’s request and;
(3) consider geographically diverse candidates and candidates with experiences in agriculture, agronomy, and agricultural sciences.
The letter was co-signed by the following Members of Congress:
Ashley Hinson (IA-02)
Jason Smith (MO-08)
Sam Graves (MO-06)
Elise Stefanik (NY-21)
Brad Finstad (MN-01)
Bill Posey (FL-08)
John Rose (TN-06)
Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Julia Letlow (LA-05)
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01)
Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)
Mary Miller (IL-15)
John Duarte (CA-13)
Mike Boat (IL-12)
Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Jake LaTurner (KS-02)
Brett Guthrie (KY-02)
Adrian Smith (NE-03)
Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large)
Glenn Grothman (WI-06)
Pete Stauber (MN-08)
Mike Carey (OH-15)
Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
Ron Estes (KS-04)
Claudia Tenney (NY-24)
Barry Moore (AL-02)
James Baird (IN-04)
Zach Nunn (IA-03)
Derrick Van Orden (WI-03)
Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-09)
Rick Crawford (AR-01)
Michael Guest (MS-03)
Ronny Jackson (TX-13)
Kelly Armstrong (ND-At Large)
Frank Lucas (OK-03)
DOES IT PAY TO FERTILIZE YOUR PASTURE
– Shannon Sand, NE Extension
Given the increased moisture that parts of Nebraska have experienced some producers may be asking themselves should I fertilize my pasture?
Before answering this pasture fertility question, somethings to consider:
• What type of forage do I have?
• What sort of increase in forage can I expect if I fertilize?
• How much fertilizer will I need?
• How much will it cost?
Then, consider some common reasons for fertilizing pasture:
• Increased nutrient density of the forage
• Increased production
• To support more grazing livestock
The last couple of years have seen quite a high level of volatility in the fertilizer market with prices dropping about 10% just the past month while prairie/grass hays have maintained values around $200 per ton.
According to University research on sub-irrigated grazed hay meadows, a suggested fertilizer application of 70 lbs. of N, 25 lbs. of P and 20 lbs. of S per acre resulted in an average grass increase of about three quarters of a ton per acre. So, a $150 potential hay value increase only requires $56 per acre of fertilizer investment plus application costs. Thus, this would be a 3:1 ROI ratio (return on investment).
Nebraska grazing research shows one pound of additional calf or yearling gain for every pound of nitrogen fertilizer applied. However, this fertilization rule-of-thumb assumes that the amount applied is within general recommendations, which are based on the potential amount of extra grass growth expected. This is affected mostly by moisture.
Some things to look at before deciding:
• Cost of fertilizer for your pasture
• Pasture production and how much it can support.
• Expected cattle prices.
• Your own historical margins
Knowing these things can help producers to make an informed decision on whether fertilizing is worth it. In some parts of the state where they have received a fair amount of moisture and given the current futures market and basis, as well as the other factors previously mentioned it might be a very effective strategy to invest in and help producers capture some additional gains. For others it just may not be feasible for their current situation.
Higher Prices Are Good But Wide Profit Margins Are Better
Elliott Dennis, Extension Livestock Economist, Dept of Ag Econ, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Feeder and fed cattle prices have continued to rise throughout the first part of the year. Reduced cattle supplies and relatively stable beef demand have helped support higher prices. Fed and feeder cattle prices have reached all-time heights, at least nominally. In low inflationary environments comparing nominal prices across time would be less problematic. Contrary to previous sentiments, inflation has not been transitory. Inflation, as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy (Chain-Type Price Index), has increased significantly in the last 3 years and thus comparison across years should be done using real prices – adjusting nominal prices by inflation. Real prices indicate that we have yet to surpass prices producers received for feeder and fed cattle in 2013-2015.
The Federal Reserve raises interest rates when the economy starts overheating (i.e. too much inflation) and cuts rates when the economy looks weak (i.e. high unemployment). Before Covid-19, the Federal Reserve was holding the federal funds rate at around 0% and was still buying billions of dollars in bonds every month. As inflation began to rise, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates which are then passed down to other banks and ultimately to borrowers. Livestock producers have not been immune to higher rates but have more recently felt these during this last loan renewal cycle. Feeder cattle interest rates did not begin to significantly rise until the middle of 2022. Rates were around 5.5% in Q2:2022 and have now since risen to over 8%. Similar operating loan rises are present in cropping operations. This is the highest interest rate for feeder cattle since 2008 and unless the Federal Reserve significantly ratches back on raising the funds rate, it could surpass those levels set in 2008. Ultimately, higher interest rates squeeze profit margins and producers will seek to reduce these impacts. Previous studies have found that interest rates reduce feeder cattle prices. On average, a 1% increase in the interest rates would decrease feeder cattle prices by 1.14% (Marsh 2001). Another change could be a change in the length cattle are on feed and weights cattle are placed in feedlots. It is typical for cattle feeders to have loans on the feeder cattle and half the feed. Reducing the number of days on feed by placing heavier cattle would reduce total interest burdens.
Another way to reduce the impact of higher costs, such as those from higher inflation, is by becoming more efficient in the operation. Efficiency tends to be thought of in terms of animal management and performance. The interest and use of precision livestock management has increased in the last five years ranging from animal health detection such as Cattle Sense © in feedlots and virtual fencing in cow-calf. Many other technologies have been and will be available to producers. Some technologies will also help in solving long-run concerns about labor. Labor costs have also risen significantly above long-run trends beginning in the middle of 2020. This trend holds across different major livestock-feeding regions. The rise in wages is in part due to a limited labor supply in rural areas as well as field crop and livestock producers competing for a fixed labor supply. Once employees are found, making sure there is adequate training and incentives to stay is necessary. In either case, rising costs in finding and keeping good farm labor remain a persistent concern.
Last year, prices began to rise but total profit was limited due to higher feed and supplement/mineral costs. This was true for both cow-calf and feedlot producers. This year both feeder cattle interest rates and labor costs have risen significantly above the long-term trend lines. Higher labor costs will be persistent in the next coming years but could slowly be replaced with technology. Higher interest rates will persist as long as inflation remains higher. Until it is brought under control the Federal Reserve will likely not cut interest rates and thus the cost of raising cattle will be higher. The significant rise in cattle prices along the supply chain has been encouraging. But as in every year, higher prices are nice but wide profit margins are better.
Certified Angus Beef Cook-Off Contest entries due May 25
Entries are open for the American Angus Auxiliary-sponsored 40th All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-Off Contest. All interested contestants must enter by May 25. The contest will be held July 4 at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Grand Island, Nebraska.
The Cook-Off Contest provides an opportunity for National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members to display their knowledge of the beef industry and skills in the kitchen while enjoying friendly competition with fellow participants. All contestants must be members of the NJAA and each team must consist of two to six members of a state junior Angus association.
"We are excited to host and celebrate the 40th All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off Contest, which serves as the oldest NJAS educational contest," said Anne Lampe, American Angus Auxiliary beef education committee co-chair. "I am always amazed at the creative ways NJAA members put recipes, presentations and skits together to educate consumers about Certified Angus Beef®."
This annual contest encourages NJAA members from each state to gather their best recipes, prepare a Certified Angus Beef® beef dish and perform a skit to entertain and educate the audience. The cuts selected for this year’s contest are as follows: the steak division is teres major, the roast division is top sirloin cap and the other category is ground beef and will be a throwback to the very first cook-off, "The Great Ground Round Cook-Off."
The contest consists of three age categories: 8-13; 14-17; and 18-21. All ages will be determined as of January 1. Mixed teams may be entered but will be classified by the oldest member of the team. The contest will be judged by a panel of three judges. Winners in categories of showmanship, recipe and overall excellence will be awarded special prizes.
Entries for the contest must be submitted online at https://forms.gle/dXeiVmVJJ1gfoRxi6. For more information about the contest, contact Anne Lampe at 670-874-4273 or amlampe.al@gmail.com or Anne Patton Schubert at 502-477-2663.
Nebraska Women in Agriculture selects “The Four Winds” for June book club
“The Four Winds,” by Kristin Hannah, has been selected for the next Nebraska Women in Agriculture book club, which will conclude with a virtual discussion on June 7 at 2 p.m. Central time.
The book tells an incredible journey of survival, hope and what we do for those we love, set against America’s Great Depression of the 1930s and the Dust Bowl, considered to be the worst environmental disaster in American history. It’s about the strength and resilience of women, the value of female friendship and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.
The virtual discussion will be led by Soni Cochran, disaster education coordinator with Nebraska Extension. She leads the Nebraska Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) team and is a member of the Rural Family Stress and Wellness team, Nebraska AgrAbility and a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor. In her roles, Cochran serves on several task forces and working groups. Her office is in Chadron.
The oldest of seven, Cochran grew up on a family farm in southeastern Nebraska where she learned the value of hard work and gained an appreciation for rural life, science and nature. She is married and has three adult children, a stepson and four grandchildren. Since 2004, Cochran has served in the 155th Composite Squadron, Nebraska Wing, Civil Air Patrol. She loves hiking, camping and fly fishing.
Please note: A small portion of the book contains some explicit and sensitive content. Please be advised that portions of this book may be upsetting.
Registration is now open and is free but required. Register at: https://go.unl.edu/fourwinds.
The first 20 registrants will have a complimentary copy mailed to them. If you are not within the first 20 registrants, you can also purchase the book through your favorite book retailer or borrow it from the Libby app when you use your local library card. This book is offered as both a written and audio version through Libby.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021-70027-34694.
Breaking New Ground with Yield Contest’s Newest Opportunity
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is proud to announce the expansion of the National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC) to include a new pilot class focused on nitrogen management. The pilot allows corn growers to continue experimenting with practices that reduce inputs to optimize economics and environmental stewardship, while creating opportunities for current participants to pilot new practices, and new participants to join the contest.
NCGA will partner with Verdesian Life Sciences to bring this new opportunity to corn growers for the 2023 contest, which launches on May 1.
The pilot parameters are simple: growers will decide what nitrogen forms to use and when to apply, but total nitrogen applied must be 180 pounds or less. 2023 participation will be limited to the first 100 growers located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, or Wisconsin.
“One thing I know about corn farmers . . . they are #AllIn. They love to push themselves to be their personal best,” said NCGA President and Minnesota farmer Tom Haag. “This nitrogen management pilot allows for new players to become involved in the National Corn Yield Contest, and for our already-successful NCYC champions to apply their skillsets to a different challenge.”
Although the National Corn Yield Contest is in its 58th year, it is still adept at taking cues from the continuous advances being made across the ag industry. Sustainability has been front and center for growers and stakeholders, and the new pilot class also aims to help NCGA achieve its 2030 goals.
Verdesian believes that nutrient use efficiency is the next frontier in crop yield and quality, which aligns with the NCGA’s goals and goals for the pilot class. Together, NCGA and Verdesian seek to shed additional light on innovative best management practices (BMPs) that show promising yields with limited nitrogen inputs.
“The partnership between Verdesian and NCGA on this nitrogen efficiency class aligns perfectly with our goal to promote practices and technologies that empower farmers to be sustainably profitable. Nitrogen efficiency is critical for both near-term yield gains and long-term sustainability at both the grower and industry level,” said Brady Eilers, Vice President of Global Marketing for Verdesian.
For more information on the new NCYC Nitrogen Management pilot class, visit ncga.com/NCYC.
USDA Cold Storage March 2023 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2023 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 10 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 8 percent from last month and up 35 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2023 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 9 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 9 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 5 percent from last month and up 10 percent from March 31, 2022.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2023 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down slightly from March 31, 2022. Butter stocks were down 1 percent from last month but up 3 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks on March 31, 2023 were down 7 percent from last month but up 20 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month but up 5 percent from a year ago.
Colorado Governor Signs Nation’s First Agricultural Right to Repair Bill into Law
Today Colorado became the first state in the nation to enshrine farmers’ “right to repair,” as Governor Jared Polis signed Consumer Right To Repair Agricultural Equipment into law. This legislation requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent businesses with the necessary software, parts, manuals, and other tools they need to repair agricultural equipment.
In response, Farm Action Local Leader and right to repair advocate Willie Cade issued the following statement:
“I was honored by Governor Polis’s invitation to attend the signing of the Consumer Right To Repair Agricultural Equipment. This bill, spearheaded by Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone, restores farmers’ rights to fix and maintain their own property — without artificial barriers placed by overzealous, opportunistic corporations. These rights have been enjoyed by generations of American farmers, and I am proud to see them restored to the hardworking men and women who feed us.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of a coalition of advocates and organizations, including Farm Action, iFixit, National Farmers Union, Repair.org, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, and U.S. PIRG, Colorado’s lawmakers understand that the right to repair is a necessary and fundamental component of a fair and competitive economy.
“For too long, a handful of manufacturers have stifled the spirit of self-sufficiency and innovation in rural America. Across every sector of the American economy, corporations have cornered lucrative repair markets by placing restrictions on who can fix the products they sell — crushing consumer rights along the way.
“In agriculture, this situation has forced farmers into long equipment transports, resulting in losses of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential yields. It has also harmed rural economies via the collapse of small business mechanics and repair shops, which are not permitted access to the tools they need to fix their neighbors’ equipment.
“Now, on to the rest of the 49 states!”
Farm Action will continue to bring attention to the right to repair, working to educate legislators and agencies like the FTC.
Keeping Corn from Frequenting the Phosphorus Buffet Line
When it comes to food, plants can "eat" more than they need—just like the diner who can't resist another stop at the buffet line despite already feeling full. Indeed, with respect to phosphorus, corn plants will keep taking up the nutrient 25 to 80 percent beyond what's needed to reach their full grain yield, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in West Lafayette, Indiana, have found.
The corn plant's gluttonous appetite for phosphorus is known as "luxury consumption," and in extreme cases, it can decrease grain yields. Up until recently, though, corn's luxury consumption had only been demonstrated in studies with nitrogen and potassium. However, no direct links to phosphorous had yet been established, according to Chad Penn, a soil scientist with the ARS National Soil Erosion Laboratory in West Lafayette.
To investigate the matter, Penn and Purdue University graduate student Matt Wiethorn and Purdue agronomy professor James Camberato used a state-of-the-art "grow room" and hydroponics system. This enabled the researchers to precisely control the root environment of corn plants and the timing of phosphorous applications to them in pots filled with sand. More significantly, it allowed the researchers to monitor the bioavailability of phosphorous to corn plants more easily than growing them in field plots.
"This system demonstrated that it could produce corn that is the same as field-grown corn, both physically and chemically," noted Penn. "Developing it was a huge hurdle in being able to do this research on corn's luxury consumption of phosphorus," he added.
The researchers began the study in 2019, using several corn hybrids, and published the results in the January 2023 issue of the journal Agronomy.
Among the study's findings, the corn hybrids needed an average of 580 milligrams of phosphorous per plant to reach their maximum grain yield. Beyond that, "excess phosphorus uptake caused a decrease in grain yield, which was attributed to reduced movement (translocation) of copper and zinc from the corn plant roots to grain," said Penn, whose team published a companion paper in Agronomy.
Penn noted that the research is a first step towards determining whether current phosphorus application recommendations can be refined based on what the corn plant actually needs for optimal yield and how much of the nutrient is already present in the soil (the type and condition of which can vary from one location to another)."Knowing the target phosphorous uptake value of 580 milligrams per plant can be used in developing more robust and precise soil phosphorus fertility recommendations in the future," he added. More broadly, such adjustments can contribute to natural resource sustainability since phosphorus fertilizers come from materials mined from finite geologic supplies in different parts of the world.
Penn's other research on nutrient management practices includes co-developing the P-trap, a software application that farmers and others can use to design, build and install in-field phosphorus removal systems to help reduce some of the "left-over" phosphorous that can escape the field as runoff and potentially compromise water quality.
AGCO Production Supervisor Wins Women in Manufacturing's 2023 Women MAKE Award
AGCO Corporation, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, today announced Women in Manufacturing, has named Maria Aleman, production supervisor at AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas facility, a recipient of the 2023 Women MAKE Award . This prestigious honor recognizes women leaders in the manufacturing industry and encourages them to lift up the next generation of female talent to pursue manufacturing careers.
“Maria is an outstanding professional who works diligently to make a positive difference for her co-workers and community,” said Tim Millwood, AGCO Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. “She is a terrific role model for women in manufacturing, exemplifying AGCO’s dedication to delivering high-quality products to our farmers and ensuring ongoing employee safety and development. We are very proud of her award-winning accomplishment.”
Ms. Aleman started her AGCO career as a material handler on the production floor, then worked her way up to production supervisor. She is widely regarded as a collaborative leader and active safety champion.
“There is no doubt that the 2023 Women MAKE Awards Honorees and Emerging Leaders are immensely talented and accomplished,” said Cornerstone Building Brands President and CEO and Women MAKE Awards Chair Rose Lee. “They serve as excellent role models who are committed to inspiring and supporting women and girls of all ages. Their example is how we will create an industry that is as diverse as the communities we serve.”
Women in Manufacturing, a division of the Manufacturing Institute, celebrates women in science, technology, engineering and production careers at all levels who have made outstanding achievements in their companies and communities. The Women MAKE Awards, formerly called the STEP Ahead Awards, provides women with the tools and motivation to pay it forward and inspire the next generation. Since the program was launched in 2012, 17 AGCO women have been honored by the Manufacturing Institute for demonstrating excellence and leadership in the manufacturing industry.
IoT Technology Firm Launches New Product To Check Water Tank Levels
LoneStar Tracking is pleased to announce the release of its satellite water tank monitoring system. The device operates anywhere on the globe. Four water level measurements are taken each day. The device is helpful for farmers and ranchers who must ensure that their livestock has access to fresh water at all times. In addition, the software notifies the rancher if the water level drops below a certain point. Therefore, to check the water level, traveling to individual water trough locations is unnecessary.
[LoneStar Tracking - AgTech Satellite Water Tank Monitoring]
"Precision agriculture technologies like satellite water tank monitoring systems are revolutionizing how we farm"
The company was founded in 2016 by Thomas Remmert and Ryan Kelley. It has grown steadily over the years, expanding its product line and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Today, the company offers a comprehensive suite of GPS tracking solutions for animals, livestock, wildlife, and equipment. The company provides automated tank monitoring, tank level sensor, electric fence monitoring, and temperature/humidity monitoring.
Thomas Remmert explained, "Precision agriculture technologies like satellite water tank monitoring systems are revolutionizing how we farm, enabling us to use water and other resources more efficiently, increase our crop yields and quality, and reduce costs. In today's world, it's essential for farmers and ranchers to adopt modern technologies to stay competitive and sustainable."
LoneStar Trucking is a leading provider of GPS tracking solutions and automated monitoring solutions for businesses, organizations, and individuals across the globe. LoneStar Tracking has established itself as a trusted partner for clients in various industries, focusing on reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly technology.
Reliable and accurate data is essential to making informed decisions in today's fast-paced business environment. That's why LoneStar Tracking is committed to providing customers with the highest quality IoT solutions. The products are designed to be easy to use and integrate seamlessly with existing systems, giving clients the data they need to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve their bottom line.
LoneStar Tracking is based in Houston, Texas, and its product line is assembled in the United States. The company has the technology and expertise to help customers achieve their goals. In addition, its team of experts is committed to exceptional customer service—any farmers or ranchers interested in adopting modern technology to improve ranching or farming practices.
World’s First Tastings of Lab Grown Beef and More Alt-Proteins at Vegan Women Summit’s Future of Food Showcase
The Vegan Women Summit (VWS) is proud to announce the world's first showcase of women founders in the future of food on May 19th in Brooklyn. This showcase will allow select attendees, including press, consumers, and investors, to be among the first in the world to try lab-grown wagyu beef, mycelium chicken breast, and next-generation plant-based oysters, eggs, and sashimi. These women-founded products are not yet available on the market with many debuting to the public for the first time.
The showcase will include several innovative, women-founded brands pioneering the use of cell-cultured and plant-based alternatives. This includes Ohayo Foods' WagyuMe cultivated wagyu burgers, Bosque Foods' mycelium chicken breast, Neggst's eggs, Pearlita Foods' oysters on the shell, and Impact Foods' tuna sashimi. The showcase is an in-person extension of VWS’ annual pitch competition, VWS Pathfinder, which has reached over 1,300 women founders across 31 countries since launching in 2020. Bosque Foods and Neggst are alumni of the pitch competition from past years.
"We are thrilled to debut our future of food showcase at the Vegan Women Summit - with a full roster of women-led products," said Jennifer Stojkovic, Founder and CEO of VWS. "Our goal with this showcase was to bring together the most innovative and exciting brands pioneering sustainable and ethical solutions to the food industry. Not only are we proud to be debuting these cutting-edge technologies to the public, but every single brand is led by women – in an industry full of male CEOs. Our attendees will have the opportunity to taste some of the latest and most exciting cell-cultured and plant-based animal alternatives from women founders – some for the first time in history!"
Ohayo Valley will bring their cultivated WagyuMe Burger, which is a blend of plant-based meat and wagyu cells, to the public for the first time. The European-based Bosque Foods, which develops whole-cut meat and seafood alternatives from mushroom mycelium, will be showcasing their clean-label chicken breasts, made of 80% mycelium and natural ingredients, while European-based Neggst will be showcasing its egg alternative. Pearlita Foods will be offering plant-based clam chowder and oysters on the shell, and Impact Foods will be bringing plant-based tuna sashimi. This will be the first time all of these brands will be featured at The Vegan Women Summit – and the New York City debut for each brand.
"The Vegan Women Summit is a cultural epicenter for the alternative protein industry that brings pioneers and the public together to build a better food system,” said Dr. Jessica Krieger, CEO of Ohayo Valley. “Women have played a central role in pioneering this industry, but are often forgotten in retellings of its history. We can't fix the food system without supporting women, which is why it's so important to develop an exciting and effective community such as VWS. This is the reason I, as a female founder, can't think of a better event to publicly debut our cultivated WagyuMe Burger."
Limited samples of each will be available for attendees with a lottery to win a tasting ticket. Beyond the showcase, over 1,000 VWS attendees will experience nearly 100 speakers and activations from the industry's most cutting-edge brands in the future of food, fashion, beauty, and beyond from around the world. This year's event features a hybrid of indoor and outdoor stages, including a festival-style courtyard, marketplace, networking alley, food trucks, and a premium activation space for brands. All genders are welcome to attend.
The Vegan Women Summit will take place on May 19th, 2023, in New York City.
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