Monday May 1 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 30, 2023, there were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 37% very short, 41% short, 22% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 45% very short, 38% short, 17% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 30%, ahead of 25% last year, and near 29% for the five-year average. Emerged was 1%, equal to last year, and near 2% average.

Soybeans planted was 16%, near 17% last year and 13% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 18% very poor, 33% poor, 35% fair, 12% good, and 2% excellent.

Sorghum planted was 1%, near 2% average.

Oats planted was 84%, near 87% last year, but ahead of 77% average. Emerged was 43%, near 46% last year, and equal to average.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

Cool and relatively dry weather offered farmers 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 30, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. While planting progress continues at a decent pace, the colder than normal temperatures and dry weather have not done any favors for crop emergence.

State level moisture supplies are still tightening up with the lack of precipitation. Corn, soybean, and oat planting continued this week.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.

Twenty-nine percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, 11 days ahead of last year but 1 day behind the 5-year average.

Sixteen percent of soybeans have been planted, 11 days ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average.

Eighty-five percent of the expected oat crop has been planted, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Twenty-nine percent of the oat crop has emerged, 1 week ahead of last year and 1 day ahead of the average.

Some reports of cattle being let out to pasture were received again this week, although pasture regrowth is slow with the current weather pattern. Overall, livestock conditions continue to be good.



USDA Crop Progress Report: Rains Boost Wheat Conditions Slightly, Row-Crop Planting Advances by Double Digits

Corn and soybean planting progress moved ahead by double digits last week, and winter wheat conditions edged slightly higher nationwide thanks to much-needed rain across parts of the Southern Plains, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress Report on Monday.

CORN
-- Planting progress: Nationwide, corn planting moved ahead 12 percentage points last week to reach 26% as of Sunday, April 30. That is 13 percentage points ahead of last year's 13% but equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop progress: 6% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, up just 3 percentage points from the previous week and just 1 percentage point ahead of the average of 5%.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: Soybean planting moved ahead 10 percentage points last week to reach 19% as of Sunday, 12 percentage points ahead of last year's 7% and 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 11%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: Nationwide, winter wheat was rated 28% good to excellent, up 2 percentage points from 26% the previous week and 1 percentage point of last year's rating of 27% good to excellent.
-- Crop development: 25% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday, up 7 percentage points from the previous week and 2 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 23%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 12% of the spring wheat crop was planted as of Sunday, up 7 percentage points from the previous week but 10 percentage points behind the five-year average of 22%.
-- Crop progress: 2% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, up just 1 percentage point from the previous week and 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 6%.



Governor Pillen Declares May is Beef Month in Nebraska
 
At a ceremony in Lincoln on Monday, Governor Jim Pillen proclaimed May as “Beef Month” in Nebraska highlighting the importance of Nebraska’s beef industry to the state’s economy.  He was joined by Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton, Nebraska Beef Council Vice Chairman Jeff Rudolph and Nebraska Cattlemen president Steve Hanson.

Rudolph said the proclamation event is a great reminder of how important the beef industry is to both producers and consumers in the state.

“People in Nebraska in particular, when they think of celebrating, they gravitate towards beef in the form of steaks or burgers on the grill,” said Rudolph. “So with the grilling season coming, May is Beef Month is a great opportunity to have a great beef meal.”

Nebraska consistently ranks as one of the top cattle-producing states in the country. Agriculture is the number one industry in Nebraska and cattle production represents the largest segment of the industry. There are more than 3.5 times as many cattle as people in Nebraska totaling 6.8 million head. The Ogallala aquifer and the grazing lands of the Sandhills provide a unique mix of natural resources that when combined with the rich family traditions dedicated to agriculture, make Nebraska an ideal state for raising beef.

Rudolph, whose family raises cattle near Gothenburg, Nebraska, also talked about how his family celebrates May is Beef Month, at home.

“We celebrate every month, or every week, with beef at the center of our meals and in our lives as it’s our livelihood as well.” Rudolph said. “We definitely take advantage of the weather getting better in Nebraska to really enjoy it.”

According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, beef from Nebraska is distributed around the globe with the state’s beef and veal exports totaling over $1.83 billion in 2022. Common destinations for the exported beef include Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The Nebraska Beef Council will continue the Beef Month celebrations with the launch of the Nebraska Beef Passport Program. Now in its third year, the program highlights over 40 restaurants and meat processors throughout the state that offer outstanding beef products. Passport holders earn points when visiting the participating locations and can redeem the points for prizes from the Nebraska Beef Council. Passports are free and are available now at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org.



Nebraska Cattlemen on May is Beef Month Proclamation

Today, Nebraska Cattlemen hosted Governor Pillen in its Lincoln office as he signed a proclamation declaring May 2023 as Nebraska Beef Month.

Nebraska Cattlemen President, Steve Hanson, stated:
“As the beef cattle industry is the backbone of our state’s economy, every segment of the beef industry takes great pride in producing an unmatched, world-class product to feed families.

“In fact, when asked what makes Nebraska’s beef industry so successful, I always answer – it starts with family. An overwhelming majority of farms and ranches in Nebraska are family-owned and operated. From pasture to plate, the multifaceted beef cattle community works together to provide consumers with the highest quality product.

“Thank you, Governor Pillen, for recognizing the importance of the beef industry and the many dedicated Nebraskans who work day in and day out to make our success possible.”



UNL students organize symposium with eye on the future of livestock, protein production  

Graduate students in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Animal Science have organized a May 9 symposium featuring leaders in the fields of animal science, nutrition and range and forage sciences to discuss the future of animal agriculture as worldwide demand for protein grows.  

Tryon Wickersham, professor of animal nutrition at Texas A&M University, will be the keynote speaker at the symposium, titled “Sustainable Protein: The Future of Nutrition.” His talk will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Wickersham, along with UNL faculty and graduate students. Chancellor Ronnie Green will moderate the panel discussion. This event will take place on UNL’s East Campus.  

Panelists will include Galen Erickson, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science; Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of meat science; Mitch Stephenson, associate professor of range and forage sciences; and Leila Venzor, meat science doctoral student.  

“Livestock production has long been a cornerstone of human nutrition, and it will be only become more important as the world population grows and demand increases,” said Tom Burkey, interim head of UNL’s Animal Science Department.  “Continuing to improve the sustainability of livestock production and to promote resilience of the landscapes that support animal agriculture will be critical to meeting growing demand for nutritious, high-quality protein.”

Burkey credited Animal Science students, including Sam Watson, who is pursing a doctoral degree in meat science, with organizing the event after realizing there was a lack of public awareness about the nutritional benefits of animal protein, as well as of the livestock industry’s efforts to improve efficiency and resilience.  

“As future professionals in the meat science and livestock industries, our students believe it is critical to do their part to share science-based knowledge about all aspects of animal agriculture,” Burkey said.  “It’s a positive story, but one that many people, even in Nebraska, could benefit from learning more about.”

Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, said the symposium presents a learning opportunity for students throughout CASNR and across UNL, as well as for the general public.

“In Nebraska, agriculture is our state’s largest industry, supporting one in four Nebraska jobs,” she said. “This symposium presents a wonderful opportunity to learn about the science behind the very important livestock sector of this critical industry.”  

The event will take place in the Animal Science Complex, room B101. The symposium will begin at 4 p.m. with opening comments, followed by Wickersham’s keynote address and the keynote panel. The panel will conclude at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow.  



Nebraska celebrates Renewable Fuels Month in May

Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, especially for Nebraskans. The month of May usually marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels.

Both biodiesel and ethanol help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

Ethanol is the third largest Nebraska agriculture commodity, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans $275 million per year. Nebraska is also the second largest producer of ethanol in the country.

Biodiesel adds 70 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Increased demand for soybean oil to make biodiesel also increases the supply of soybean meal, leading to lower animal feed prices paid by poultry and livestock farmers. Biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to regular gasoline.

“Nebraska agriculture is well-positioned to greatly impact the country’s transition to be less carbon-intensive. While new technologies find their footing, corn and soybeans grown right here in Nebraska will continue to feed and fuel the world for a long time,” said Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “Nebraska is blessed to not only have the land, the tools, and the natural resources for a thriving agriculture industry, but also the farmers and producers who continue to nurture the commodities that, over many decades, have made Nebraska what it is—an agriculture powerhouse. Please celebrate this hard work with us throughout May. Fill up with biofuels, save money, and tell others of the importance of renewable fuels to our state and communities.”

Owners of vehicles 2001 and newer can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15 (15% ethanol) and will often enjoy significant savings per gallon. Owners of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can also lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) or higher. Find locations near you at biodieselne.com.

Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work, and in your community this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.

During Renewable Fuels Month, Fueled by Nebraska and the Nebraska Soybean Board will host giveaways, student contests, radio interviews, fuel promotions, and more. To participate, visit facebook.com/fueledbynebraska.

Important Renewable Fuels Month Dates
• May 4: Gov. Jim Pillen will declare May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska
• May 8, 15, 22, and 29: Tune into our weekly Renewable Fuels Month segment on Pure Nebraska. Watch 10/11’s Pure Nebraska live weekdays from 9-9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
• May 17: Renewable Fuels Month student contest deadlines

Fueled by Nebraska is a partnership of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska to ensure strong markets for biofuels.



Weed Scientists from Across the Nation Recognized by Peers

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and its affiliates recently singled out nearly a dozen of the nation’s most accomplished weed scientists for Fellows awards – a recognition honoring their outstanding contributions to the profession.

“These are individuals who have advanced weed science through innovation, research, teaching, publishing and outreach,” says Carroll Moseley, Ph.D., president of WSSA. “We are delighted to honor them both for their commitment and their impact.”

The awards were presented during the most recent annual meeting of each weed science organization, as indicated below:

Weed Science Society of America (WSSA)
Antonio (Toni) DiTommaso, Ph.D., is a weed science professor and chair of Soil and Crop Sciences at Cornell University where he focuses on the biology, ecology and management of agricultural weeds and invasive plants. He is coauthor of the widely acclaimed book Manage Weeds on Your Farm: A Guide to Ecological Strategies and of the second edition of Weeds of the Northeast. He also is editor of the journal Invasive Plant Science and Management. DiTommaso is a past president of the Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS). He has received numerous teaching and advising awards, including recognitions from NEWSS, WSSA, the Crop Science Society of America, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Peter Porpiglia, Ph.D., is global vice president of product development and technical support at AMVAC Chemical Corporation. He has focused his career on developing and leading research teams in a wide range of agricultural and horticultural disciplines. He previously worked at Syngenta and UPL legacy companies and at Kumiai Chemical Company. He has been involved in the commercialization of over two dozen novel products. Peter has served on the WSSA board and has been active in all the regional weed science organizations. He also has used his commercial and technical experience in weed science to guide graduate students at Ohio State, Iowa State and Cornell universities.

North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS)
Stott Howard, Ph.D., has spent more than three decades as a scientist with Syngenta Crop Protection. He now heads the Heartland Region for the company’s Crop Protection Field Development organization. He has worked with chemists on the discovery of new herbicides and has served as a global technical manager responsible for strategies promoting effective use of herbicides in corn, cotton and soybean crops. Prior to joining Syngenta, Stott spent five years as an extension weed scientist with Washington State University at the Western Washington Research and Extension Center in Mt. Vernon. He has been an active member of NCWSS for 18 years and served as its president in 2020.

Stevan Z. Knezevic, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he teaches integrated weed management. He is recognized both nationally and internationally for three areas of research and data analysis: the critical period of weed control, dose response and flame weeding. He has earned two dozen previous awards, including an “Innovation Award” from the International Propane Association and Research Council for his work on a new flame weeding machine. He received a “Best Extension Publication” award from the American Society of Agronomy for his Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska and an Outstanding Young Scientist in Crop Protection award from the American Society of Agronomy.

Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS)
Shawn Askew, Ph.D., is a professor, researcher and extension specialist at Virginia Tech where he specializes in turfgrass. He has pioneered new weed management solutions that have been widely adopted across the U.S. and parts of Asia – used by golf courses and other sports fields, as well as in lawn care and sod production. He is a highly sought-after speaker and has been recognized throughout his career with numerous awards. Among them are the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services award for Outstanding Performance in Pesticide Safety Education and awards from WSSA for his extension work and efforts as an early career weed scientist. He also has previously served as president of NEWSS.

Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS)
Gary Schwarzlose, MS, is a principal field agronomist with Bayer Research and Development where he evaluates early phase herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and seed growth chemistries in various cropping systems. He also leads a team that evaluates new software applications and delivers training in how to use software for trial and data management. Gary is a past president of the Texas Plant Protection Association (TPPA), the American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES) and the SWSS board. Among his most recent awards are a TPPA lifetime achievement award and a special achievement award from the West Texas Agricultural Institutes. He also was recently named a Fellow of APRES.

Larry Steckel, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Tennessee where he holds a weed science extension and research appointment. His extensive applied research program focuses on the biology and management of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth, junglerice and horseweed in row crops. Larry has received numerous awards for his research – among them a Conservation System Cotton Researcher of the Year award from the National Conservation System Cotton and Rice Conference and an Ag Research Impact Award from the University of Tennessee. Larry also has a highly regarded, nationally recognized extension program that helps farmers, consultants and county agents navigate challenging weed management problems.  

Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS)
Brad Hanson, Ph.D., works at the University of California-Davis where he is a professor of cooperative extension and conducts basic and applied research on weed management issues faced by growers and land managers. Among his many awards and honors are a 2016 recognition by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources as an Outstanding New Academic and a 2020 Graduate Advising and Mentoring Award from UC Davis Graduate Studies. He is a former associate editor for the journal Weed Technology. Brad has served on the WSWS board and on a number of committees. He also has been very active in both WSSA and the California Society of Weed Science.

Corey Ransom, Ph.D., is an associate professor and extension weed scientist at Utah State University. He has been recognized as a Graduate Research Mentor of the Year by the College of Agriculture and as a Teacher of the Year by the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate. Corey served as WSWS president in 2020-2021 – a particularly challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has chaired the annual meeting site selection committee, the research section and the necrology committee, served as a student paper judge, and served on the WSWS board as the constitution and operating procedures representative. He has been an active member of the WSSA and local weed science organizations in Utah and Oregon.

Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS)
Honorary members are the APMS equivalent of the Fellows awards presented by WSSA and its regional affiliates. At its most recent annual meeting, APMS presented honorary member awards to two individuals:

Joe Bondra, recently deceased, was a well-respected leader in the aquatic plant management industry.  He began his career in the 1990s at Cygnet Enterprises, Inc. where he helped grow the company into a leader in aquatic plant management product distribution. He later became president and owner of the company. Joe demonstrated his commitment to the industry through his involvement with multiple societies and committees, including APMS, the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, the Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), the Pesticide Advisory Committee for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Michigan Aquatic Managers Association.

William H. Culpepper founded SePRO Corporation in 1994 – a business focused on the development of sustainable plant protection and water resource management products. SePRO rapidly became a leader in technologies to protect and restore water resources. Bill currently serves as the company’s board chair. He also founded RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), which is a leading voice for the specialty pesticide industry. Bill has generously supported research initiatives, especially at his alma mater, North Carolina State University, where he received the Watauga Medal—the organization’s highest nonacademic honor. He also has been honored by CropLife Americas with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world.  For more information, visit www.wssa.net.



SURVEY EXTENDED: new Nebraska custom rates survey related to livestock services

Many farmers and ranchers make inquiries to Nebraska Extension about prevailing rates paid for various kinds of custom farm services. In addition to the regular biennial custom rates survey, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability has launched a new survey designed to provide market rate information for the Nebraska livestock industry. Producers and operators that perform and provide custom services for others, or that utilize custom services and pay others, are invited to participate in the survey.

Anyone interested in participating in the livestock-related custom rates survey can request a printed copy and return envelope to complete the survey or register to receive the online survey version link at: cap.unl.edu/customrates/livestock. Your area beef systems extension educator or county extension office staff may also assist in obtaining a survey or the online link.

Completed surveys are requested by mid-May, 2023.

Services covered in the survey include charges for pasture maintenance, fencing and trenching services, livestock processing fees and yardage rates, hauling fees, custom feed preparation, haying services, facility and equipment rental rates, manure pumping, hauling and application charges.

Even if only one or just a few custom services are utilized or performed by an individual operation, providing the rate information for services that you utilize or that you charge is important. Individual survey responses are kept anonymous and confidential. Nebraska regional information and state ranges and averages will be published.

By completing the survey, you will help ensure that the most accurate information possible is provided to Nebraska livestock producers and those that provide related services. The survey should take only a few minutes to complete. The livestock-related custom rates survey may become a biennial survey in opposite years of the regular biennial custom rates services survey and report, which tends to be more crops-oriented.

If you have questions about the survey, email or call: Glennis McClure, UNL Department of Agricultural Economics, gmcclure3@unl.edu or 402.472.0661.



USDA CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS TO SERVE ON THE 2024-2026 AMERICAN EGG BOARD
 
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees to serve on the American Egg Board (AEB) including individuals from the Western States area (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming).
 
AEB is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates and administers the egg research and promotion program authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974.  Board members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.  The diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of the industry in experience of members, marketing strategies, methods of production and distribution, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring diverse perspectives. AEB’s mission is to maintain and expand the markets for eggs.  For more information about the board please contact Barbara Josselyn at (202) 713-918 or email Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov
 
To be eligible for nomination, individuals must be producers or representatives of producers and own more than 75,00 laying hens and be nominated by a certified eligible organization. Producers who own less than 75,000 hens are eligible provided they have not applied for exemption and are paying assessments to AEB.
 
All nominations should be submitted by May 26, 2023 to debbie@agamsi.com



Geographic Technology Provides Landowners with Precise Tools When Making Land Management Decisions

As soil temperatures warm and planting continues, landowners across the state are faced with decisions as critical and multi-faceted as the land itself. While Iowa’s topography may not be as dynamic as in some states, even minute differences throughout a field can be augmented by the flow of water and wind.

According to Lee Burras and Bradley Miller, agronomists at Iowa State University, advances in geospatial technology coupled with more traditional farming knowledge have allowed researchers and landowners to understand the land more intimately than ever before.

Insight into Miller’s research is available on Iowa State’s Geospatial Laboratory for Soil Informatics, which provides more information and resources regarding integrating geospatial technology and traditional soil science.

Miller, who began his career working in water quality, has seen firsthand how soil can be impacted by the flow of water across a field. As he explains, water flow across a field is largely determined by the broader landscape of the field.

“Working in water quality, I began to really realize that in order to understand water quality issues, we need to understand the landscape where the water flows through, including the land use for that soil,” he said.

However, he quickly realized that the resources available to researchers such as himself and the landowners impacted by these issues were somewhat behind the times. “The soil maps we had weren’t quite good enough to meet our needs,” he explained, “so from there, I became a geographer.”

Using geospatial technology has provided Miller with unique insight into fields and soils, as it gives him the ability to analyze patterns in the land to predict where different soil properties exist throughout a field. This insight becomes especially powerful when coupled with more ‘traditional’ knowledge surrounding soil productivity and conservation, ideas Burras is well-versed in.

“Everyone who is attempting to grow something in Iowa is attempting to grow something in a certain place,” Burras explained, “so the first thing you want to do is know the soil in its place. Is the landscape a hill? A valley? How deep is the A-horizon, or the black, organic soil zone?”

By analyzing these soil properties, agronomists and landowners can better understand how to increase yields and mitigate environmental impacts.

“Each root in a field is experiencing a different environment,” said Burras. “Ultimately, the farmer is trying to maximize yield, and with modern geographic technology, we can manage things like seeding rates and fertility in a more and more refined way. What may seem like a small difference from a traditional mapping point of view can make a big difference at the root zone of the crop.”

Although technology can serve as a powerful tool, the wealth of knowledge possessed by farmers also plays an important role in land management decisions.

“Farmers are really good about knowing their fields,” said Miller. “Even if they don’t fully know why, working fields year after year allows farmers to see the differences in soil, so they start making inferences about where that variation is.”

For more information on geospatial technology and soil science, visit https://glsi.agron.iastate.edu/or contact Miller at millerba@iastate.edu.  



From fields to faucets, improving Iowa's water

May 2023 marks 10 years since the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy was released to improve your communities' water. To recognize the anniversary, The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance and partners are hosting four themed field days across the state of Iowa to educate communities about water quality practices that have an impact all the way from the field to the faucet.

“We have a lot to be proud of - from 3 million acres of cover crops, to 15 million acres of no-till, strip till and conservation tillage, to a 650 percent increase in new edge-of-field practices year-over-year,” said Sean McMahon, Executive Director of IAWA. “Just as important to note, though, is the work that we still have to do over the next decade and beyond – particularly for nitrogen loss reduction.”

The Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science-based framework to reduce nutrients in water. For agriculture, the goal is a 45 percent decrease in nitrogen and 29 percent decrease in phosphorus. The Iowa NRS turns 10 on May 29, 2023.

The events are focused on educating communities – both urban and rural – about practices to reduce nutrient loss upstream of municipal water facilities. IAWA, Polk County, the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, and the Iowa Pork Producers Association are hosting.  

Below is a short summary of the "Defining Decade Field Day Series." IAWA requests that you RSVP to plan for meals and space. All are family friendly.
    On May 5th in Eastern Iowa, check out a wetland, cover crops, and precision technology at Tim Recker’s farm. Recker is a big advocate of planting crops into “knee-high rye.” Recker and neighbors are providing short tractor rides to learn about precision technology. Lunch is provided.  
    On May 12th in the Okoboji area, check out cover crops and Montag equipment at Chuck White’s farm. If you come to the farm tour, you get tickets for one free beer, a slice of pizza, and a tour at West O Beer. West O explains the connection between farm conservation, water quality, and great tasting beer.  
    On May 16th, hop on a bus in Cedar Rapids for a tour of two farms and a drinking water facility. Learn about how the city is working with farmers upstream to improve drinking water sources. Tour highlights include cover crops, prairie strips, and wetlands. Lunch is provided.  
    On May 24 in Slater outside of Des Moines, bring the family for a hayrack tour of a farm that features bioreactors, saturated buffers, cover crops, no-till, prairie strips, and kernza. Check out an open house of conservation displays and information from a dozen local partners. Snacks will be provided.

For more event details and to RSVP, visit IAWA’s website https://www.iaagwater.org/iowas-defining-decade-field-days-may-2023-2. To learn more about the first decade of the Iowa NRS, go to IowaNRS10.com.



International Trade: Why It’s Important to U.S. Pork Producers
 
In honor of World Trade Month, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is highlighting the important role international trade plays for U.S. pork farmers and the U.S. economy.

“U.S. pork farmers have built a global reputation for providing domestic and foreign markets with high-quality, safe, and affordable pork products,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC’s President-elect and pork producer from MN. “To grow exports and support high-paying jobs in rural communities, the United States must open new and expand existing markets through trade agreements, trade and investment framework agreements, and market access deals.”

Exports are vital to the U.S. pork industry. In 2022:
    The U.S. exported $7.6 billion worth of pork to more than 100 foreign destinations.
    Exports account for more than $61 in value for each hog marketed annually in the United States.
    U.S. exports support more than 155,000 U.S. jobs supported and contribute over $14.5 billion to the U.S. economy.

NPPC advocates for the social, environmental and economic sustainability of U.S. pork producers and their partners by supporting reasonable public policies allowing them to export pork products globally. NPPC works to safeguard existing markets and for greater market access to high-quality, affordable pork products for consumers through trade agreements and trade initiatives that eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to U.S. pork exports.

“It is important that the United States maintain current markets but extend preferential trade agreements to smaller and lesser-develop countries,” added Stevermer. “Over the past decade we have seen how dependent we have become to foreign markets – we export more to the 20 countries we have a free trade agreement than to the rest of the world combined. Trade market access can make enormous impacts for American pork farmers making the U.S. more globally competitive by boosting exports, supporting jobs, and offering nutritious and affordable pork products.”

To learn more about NPPC’s take on trade priorities, go to: https://nppc.org/pork-industry-issues/international-trade/.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 490 million bushels in March 2023. Total corn consumption was up 11 percent from February 2023 but down 4 percent from March 2022. March 2023 usage included 91.7 percent for alcohol and 8.3 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 5.71 million bushels, up 70 percent from February 2023 and up 32 percent from March 2022. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 438 million bushels, was up 10 percent from February 2023 but down 3 percent from March 2022. Corn consumed in March 2023 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.70 million tons during March 2023, up 9 percent from February 2023 but down 9 percent from March 2022. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.30 million tons in March 2023, up 12 percent from February 2023 but down 6 percent from March 2022.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 292,483 tons during March 2023, up 18 percent from February 2023 and up 17 percent from March 2022. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 187,120 tons in March 2023, up 1 percent from February 2023 but down 18 percent from March 2022.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.94 million tons (198 million bushels) in March 2023, compared with 5.31 million tons (177 million bushels) in February 2023 and 5.79 million tons (193 million bushels) in March 2022. Crude oil produced was 2.34 billion pounds up 12 percent from February 2023 and up 3 percent from March 2022. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.81 billion pounds during March 2023 increased 9 percent from February 2023 and increased 1 percent from March 2022.

Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the first quarter 2023 was 225 million bushels, down 2 percent from the fourth quarter 2022 grind of 229 million bushels and down 2 percent from the first quarter 2022 grind of 230 million bushels. First quarter 2023 total flour production was 105 million hundredweight, down 2 percent from the fourth quarter 2022 and down 2 percent from the first quarter 2022. Whole wheat flour production, at 4.50 million hundredweight during the first quarter 2023, accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the first quarter 2023 was 1.62 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the first quarter 2023 was 1.59 million hundredweight.

Flour Milling Products 2022 Summary
All wheat ground for flour in 2022 was 929 million bushels, up 2 percent from 2021. The total flour production was 430 million hundredweight, up 2 percent from 2021. Total whole wheat flour production in 2022 was 19.2 million hundredweight, down 3 percent from 2021.

Durum wheat ground for flour and semolina production in 2022 was 63.6 million bushels, down 1 percent from 2021. The durum flour and semolina production was 30.6 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from 2021.  Durum whole wheat flour and semolina production in 2022 was 422,000 hundredweight, down 40 percent from 2021.

In 2022, Rye ground for flour was 1.63 million bushels, down 8 percent from 2021.  Rye flour production was 738,000 hundredweight, down 9 percent from 2021.



USDA Announces Modifications to the Annual Forage and Rainfall Index Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the Annual Forage Insurance Program to make it more sustainable and to allow producers more flexibility. This includes allowing producers to choose the areas which they insure, rather than being required to insure all eligible acres. The changes will take effect for the 2024 crop year.

 “Our goal is to make sure that the policies we offer are sustainable and meet the needs of producers” said Marcia Bunger, Administrator for USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). “RMA’s modifications will ensure the program is available in the future and at the same time new flexibilities will allow the policy to be more tailored to the producers own operation.”

The Annual Forage insurance program is a rainfall index area-based plan that provides coverage to acreage planted each year and used as feed and fodder by livestock. The rainfall index does not directly measure an individual producer’s annual forage production or loss. Rather, it measures the normal precipitation deviation that occurs in and around the insured area, which is correlated with forage production. The Annual Forage insurance program include all counties in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas.

The modifications to the Annual Forage pilot program include:
    Allowing producers to insure the acres they choose – no longer requiring all eligible acres to be insured.
    Modifying the program design from four growing seasons to 12 growing seasons.
    Moving the Acreage Reporting Date to the fifth day of the month after the month of planting, which creates 12 acreage reporting dates.
    Adding planting dates to designate the planting month and corresponding acreage reporting date.
    Allowing producers in Kansas and Nebraska to have coverage in growing season 10 through 12 and a corresponding growing season at the start of the next crop year, which is consistent with other states where the insurance is offered.
    Updating the Rainfall Index Basic Provisions to incorporate existing guidance on the record requirements in double cropping situations when one of the crops follow a different plan of insurance.

The Annual Forage Insurance Program began in 2014. Producers have enrolled for coverage on more than 6.2 million acres.



NMPF Submits Milk-Pricing Plan to USDA, Moving FMMO Modernization Forward

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today submitted to USDA its comprehensive proposal for modernizing the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system, the product of two years of examination and more than 150 meetings held to build consensus behind updates to a program that last saw significant changes in 2000.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives need a modernized Federal Milk Marketing Order system that works better for producers,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “By updating the pricing formulas to better reflect the value of the high-quality products made from farmers’ milk, by rebalancing pricing risks that have shifted unfairly onto farmers, and by creating a pathway to better reflect processing costs going forward, we are excited to submit this plan as a path toward a brighter future for dairy.”

Upon official acceptance, USDA will have 30 days to review the plan and decide whether and how to move forward with a federal order hearing to review the plan. Highlights include:
    Updating dairy product manufacturing allowances (the “make allowance”) contained in the USDA milk price formulas;
    Discontinuing the use of barrel cheese in the protein component price formula;
    Returning to the “higher of” Class I mover;
    Updating milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas; and
    Updating the Class I differential price system to reflect changes in the cost of delivering bulk milk to fluid processing plants.

NMPF will pursue two other components of its Federal Order proposal, approved unanimously by the organization’s Board of Directors in March, outside of the federal-order hearing process, as they don’t involve changing federal order regulations. The recommendations, which remain essential parts of NMPF’s modernization plan, are:
    Extending the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward priced sales on nonfat dry milk and dry whey to capture more exports sales in the USDA product price reporting, which can be implemented through federal rulemaking; and
    Developing legislative language for the farm bill to ensure the make allowance is regularly reviewed by directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years.

Mulhern urged USDA to grant a hearing on the entire NMPF proposal, noting how the effectiveness of some components are dependent on the inclusion of others. Mulhern also thanked other organizations that have helped NMPF forge necessary producer consensus by sharing views and insights throughout the process, saying that spirit of unity and good-faith discussion will help FMMO modernization move forward more quickly.

“From state and regional dairy associations to the American Farm Bureau Federation, dairy farmers have had many allies and friends throughout this process,” Mulhern said. “As Secretary Vilsack has stated, consensus is necessary to successful modernization. We have that producer consensus, and we look forward to working together toward adoption and implementation of our plan.”



U.S. Grains Council Releases 2022/2023 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report

The average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested for the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2022/2023 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report released this week was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors.

“Foreign buyers have many options when it comes to sourcing their corn for feed, food and fuel, and this report ensures they have the latest and most detailed information when considering U.S. corn,” said USGC Chairman Josh Miller. “International importers and consumers can know that they are making a smart, informed purchase by seeing the exact benefits and characteristics of this year’s crop.”

The report is based on 430 export cargo samples collected from corn shipments undergoing federal inspection and grading processes at export terminals. It also provides information on grading, handling and how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

The 2022 U.S. growing season was warm and dry from May to September, accelerating maturation and allowing for a timely harvest that contributed to the 2022 corn crop’s high overall quality.

Average test weight found by the analysis was higher than in 2021/2022 and the five-year average, with 93.3 percent of samples at or above the minimum requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade corn, indicating overall good quality. Chemical composition indicated an 8.7 percent protein concentration, higher than 2021/2022 and the five-year average. The exports had lower average stress cracks and higher average percent of whole kernels than in 2021/2022 and only two export samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for aflatoxins and all the samples tested below advisory levels for deoxynivalenol (DON) or vomitoxin.

The export cargo quality report is a companion to the 2022/2023 Corn Harvest Quality Report that provides information about the quality of the most recent U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters the international merchandising channels.

Both reports provide reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology, offering an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere. The reports identify any noticeable changes occurring between these two time periods caused by shipping and logistics.

The Council will roll out the new results in a series of crop quality seminars next month, including events in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico and Korea. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year.

“To help fulfill this mission, the Council offers this report as a service to our partners as part of its mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives,” Miller said. “This annual study helps us do our part in strengthening global food security and mutually uplifting economies by informing global importers about the crop they are considering.”



USDA Announces May 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for May 2023, which are effective May 1, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including veterans, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for May 2023 are as follows:
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.000%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.000%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.000%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 5.625%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 3.750%
        Five-year loan terms: 3.500%
        Seven-year loan terms: 3.500%
        Ten-year loan terms: 3.500%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 3.500%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 3.750%

Simplified Direct Loan Application
FSA developed a new, simplified direct loan application for producers seeking a direct farm loan. The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application. Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or a traditional paper application for submission to their local FSA service center.

Disaster Support
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the past year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters, that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.



North American Meat Institute: PRIME Act is a Food Safety Risk
 
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today again announced its opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, or the PRIME Act, for the risk it poses to food safety.

“American consumers rely on rigorous USDA inspection to ensure the safety and quality of their meat and poultry,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Allowing meat to enter commerce without inspection – and without alerting consumers they are buying uninspected meat -- jeopardizes food safety and will undermine consumer confidence in all meat products.”

The PRIME Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Thomas Massie (R- Ky.) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have introduced the same bill in the Senate.

The PRIME Act would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to allow custom slaughter facilities to sell uninspected meat directly to consumers, to restaurants and food service, and at retail.

Under The Federal Meat Inspection Act, custom slaughter facilities harvest livestock for the personal use of the owner of the animal. The food produced may not enter commerce. There is no continuous inspection and no veterinarian required to assess the health of the livestock.

Federally inspected facilities, and state inspected facilities with cooperative agreements with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), have inspectors continuously conducting oversight of operations to ensure the safety and quality of meat and poultry and the health and wellness of the livestock. Should a problem occur, products bearing the mark of USDA inspection can be traced to protect consumers.

“It is important for the American economy and the entire meat value chain that the safety of our meat and poultry is never taken for granted. The meat and poultry industry, and the taxpayer, has invested billions of dollars in food safety protections, research and infrastructure to ensure we have the safest meat in the world,” said Potts. “While this bill may be well intentioned, it poses especially unnecessary risks given the many resources available to help new and small facilities gain inspection from FSIS.”

Those resources include more than $1 billion in federal technical assistance and financial assistance in the following USDA administered programs:
Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grants:
Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity - Technical Assistance Program
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program




LIBERTY Campaign Launches; Calls for Border Security, Immigration Reform

Today, more than 430 business associations launched the LIBERTY Campaign (Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform This Year) with a letter to members of Congress, calling on them to address the crisis at our border and the workforce shortage crisis before the year’s end.

The majority of American voters – both Republican and Democrat – support policies to strengthen border security and make it easier to immigrate to the U.S., according to a recent Fox News poll. Three-quarters of voters (73%) favor making it easier to immigrate and increasing the number of border agents at the southern border (74%).

The LIBERTY Campaign is comprised of over 430 business associations from all 50 states and spanning across a host of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, restaurants, hospitality, retail, construction, agriculture, engineering, and food processing, among others. LIBERTY’s letter to Congress reads, in part:

    “When it comes to individual priorities, our organizations may differ, but the one thing we agree on is that another year of inaction on border security and legal immigration reform is not an acceptable option. The failure to enact reforms will deepen these current crises.

    “That is why we have formed the Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reforms This Year (LIBERTY) Campaign, to call upon Congress to enact measures this year to improve our borders and our legal immigration system. Any progress that Congress can make can become the foundation for additional reforms.

    “Ultimately, elected officials will have to negotiate what can secure the necessary votes in both Houses of Congress and the President’s signature. We are committed to working with lawmakers who share our view that finding reasonable compromises is the only path forward to securing our borders, averting further humanitarian crises, and meeting the economic needs of the United States.”