Thursday June 29 Hogs & Pigs Report + Ag News

NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY UP 4%

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2023, was 3.65 million head, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was up 4% from June 1, 2022, and up 1% from March 1, 2023. Breeding hog inventory, at 390,000 head, was down 7% from June 1, 2022, but up 1% from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.26 million head, was up 6% from last year, and up 1% from last quarter.

The March - May 2023 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.05 million head, was down 4% from 2022. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 180,000 head, down 3% from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.40 for the March - May period, compared to 11.60 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 185,000 sows during the June - August 2023 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for September - November 2023 are 185,000 sows, down 3% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.



Iowa Hog Inventory

On June 1, 2023, there were 23.8 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. Inventory was up 1 percent from the previous quarter and up 3 percent from the previous year.

The March-May 2023 quarterly pig crop was 5.41 million head, up slightly from the previous quarter but down 6 percent from last year. A total of 460,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.75 for the quarter.

As of June 1, producers planned to farrow 500,000 sows and gilts in the June-August 2023 quarter and 510,000 head during the September-November 2023 quarter.



United States Hog Inventory Up Slightly

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2023 was 72.4 million head. This was up slightly from June 1, 2022, but down 1 percent from March 1, 2023. Breeding inventory, at 6.15 million head, was down slightly from last year, but up 1 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 66.2 million head, was up slightly from last year, but down 1 percent from last quarter.

The March-May 2023 pig crop, at 32.9 million head, was up 1 percent from  2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.90 million head, down 2 percent from 2022. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 48 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.36 for the March-May period, compared to 11.00 last year.

By State        (million head  -  % June 1 '22)
Iowa .................:    23,800  -   103  
Minnesota ........:     8,700   -   105  
North Carolina ..:     7,600   -    93  
Illinois ..............:     5,400   -   103  
Indiana .............:     4,350   -   101  

United States hog producers intend to have 2.94 million sows farrow during the June-August 2023 quarter, down 4 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period one year earlier, and down 4 percent from the same period two years earlier. Intended farrowings for September-November 2023, at 2.95 million sows, are down 4 percent from the same period one year earlier, and down 3 percent from the same period two years earlier.

The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 51 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up 1 percent from the previous year.



Northeast Nebraska teachers explore student learning opportunities at HAL

Northeast Nebraska teachers visiting the Haskell Agricultural Laboratory this month learned that the 550-acre site is full of learning opportunities for students.

The arboretum at the Haskell site, part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s network of ag research centers around the state, can help children learn identification and biology for trees and plants. The beehives and pollinator gardens illustrate the interactions of insects and plants. The sweeping fields of corn and soybeans are prime sites to learn about everything from basic horticulture to soil conservation and nitrate management.

The lab’s Mesonet weather monitoring system can provide a starting point to explain meteorology, climate science and environmental management. And the range of ag equipment, from tractors to sensors to drones, can be of great interest for mechanically inclined students.

Teachers from northeast Nebraska school districts gathered at the Haskell Ag Lab, 15 miles north of Wayne, as the latest step in strategic planning by the Northeast Nebraska Agricultural Science and Natural Resources Education Compact. That partnership, created in 2019 and expanding in membership in 2022, involves a range of the region’s school districts, educational service units and higher education institutions including Nebraska’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Haskell “is the perfect spot to do a lot of those things that we strive for,” Amy Hall, a teacher with Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Public Schools, said during the compact’s June 12 teacher summit at the ag lab. She cited the example of a honeybee event she holds to teach students about bee behavior and science.

“It would be fun for the kids to come out in the spring” to Haskell, she said, “and see all the different wildflowers and what impact they have on the honeybees.”

Brainstorming during the June 12 planning session showed the encouraging potential for future educational collaboration, said Meaghan Vollers, another teacher with Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Public Schools.

“I think that there is a great potential to bring science in a realistic way to students,” she said, “not only agri-science but biological sciences and environmental sciences, even physical science, so that students can explore this in a tangible way and excite that interest in learning.”

Participants in the teacher summit included representatives from CASNR, Nebraska Extension, Haskell and the university’s Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department. Tammy Mittelstet, CASNR’s statewide education and career pathways coordinator, explained online assets, including a comprehensive CASNR newsletter, to inform teachers about educational resources and events.

The precision agriculture program at Northeast Community College in Norfolk is a helpful information source, said Mittelstet, the northeast compact’s coordinator. The college’s precision ag instructor, Courtney Nelson, provides online information including lesson plans and related material on precision agriculture. She also uses a mobile classroom for outreach to schools in the northeast region.

Teachers’ discussions generated an array of ideas for additional educational possibilities at Haskell, including help with greenhouses; hosting high school students to discuss data they collected on their crop plots; and creating a soil pit for land-judging practices and support with coaching.

Mini-classes on water sampling, nitrate application, farm-to-table concepts and the mechanics of farm equipment are another possibility. So is creating STEM learning initiatives where students can come to Haskell on a monthly basis to check ongoing projects such as decomposition of a pumpkin or the composting process.

The compact promotes students’ career exploration. One tool discussed is creating videos of different careers at Haskell and other research sites.

The compact’s original membership from 2019 consisted of CASNR, Little Priest Tribal College, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Nebraska Indian Community College, Northeast Community College, Wayne Community Schools and Wayne State College.

In March 2022, the compact’s membership expanded to include Educational Service Units 1, 7 and 8 along with these school districts: Ainsworth, Allen, Battle Creek, Boone Central, Crofton, Elkhorn Valley, Emerson-Hubbard, Homer, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Neligh-Oakdale, O’Neill, Ponca, South Sioux City, Stanton, Summerland, Umonhon Nation, Walthill, Winnebago, Winside and Wisner-Pilger.

The next steps for the compact will be meetings of the compact membership via Zoom on Sept. 12 and Nov. 14.



CONTROLLING BLUEGRASS IN IRRIGATED ALFALFA
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension Educator

Bluegrass can be a common weed in irrigated alfalfa lowering forage quality and shortening stand longevity. Thankfully, these pesky plants can be controlled by maintaining thick alfalfa stands; properly managing irrigation; and/or using herbicides (as a last resort).

High-density alfalfa stands can effectively compete with bluegrass for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. However, it is important to time irrigation so the upper several inches of fields are dry at harvest. Then, delay irrigation until significant alfalfa regrowth is initiated. Unlike alfalfa, that has a deep root system, bluegrass is shallow rooted and will not compete well with the alfalfa if the topsoil is dry. Conversely, early irrigation (following harvest) may allow bluegrass to out compete the alfalfa for available surface moisture; since bluegrass basal leaves help it grow more rapidly after the alfalfa is cut. Once alfalfa regains some regrowth, it will compete well with the bluegrass.

If stands are thick, and water management is adequate, then labelled herbicides like Select Max®/Arrow®; Poast®; Velpar®; or Roundup WeatherMax® might be cost effective to weaken or kill grassy weeds like bluegrass. Apply any one of these immediately after harvest. Glyphosate herbicides can be used on Round-up Ready® alfalfa fields. For bluegrass and annual grasses like foxtail and crabgrass control; Select Max® and Arrow® have the highest rated control and is safe for your alfalfa.

Bluegrass is a problem in many irrigated alfalfa fields, but it doesn’t need to be. Using proper management, you can effectively control it.



Biden-Harris Administration Partners with Agricultural Producers to Promote Competition, Strengthen Food Supply Chain and Rural Economies

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making investments to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers and support a growing workforce in rural areas. The announcement comes on the heels of President Biden delivering a major address on “Bidenomics” —his vision for growing the economy from the middle out and bottom up by investing in America, increasing competition, and empowering workers.

“While American farmers and ranchers have been responding to the demand to produce more, their communities have struggled to see their share of the benefits,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is committed to championing meat and poultry processers, increasing competition and lowering costs for working families. The announcement I’m making today highlights these producers and reflects the goals of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which advances a sustainable vision of agriculture, prioritizes the needs of our producers and small businesses, promotes competition, strengthens our domestic agricultural supply chains and brings prosperity to people and places in rural parts of our country.”

USDA is providing 15 awards totaling $115 million in 17 states. USDA is providing five awards totaling $38 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to help independent processors in five states. USDA is also providing 10 awards totaling $77 million under the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) in 12 states.

Iowa: Cattlemen's Heritage Beef Company LLC
$25,000,000 - Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - This Rural Development investment will be used to help offset the costs associated with commissioning the new beef processing plant. Cattlemen's Heritage Beef Company LLC is a startup enterprise. Funds will be used for equipment for the new 500,000 square foot facility in Mills County, Iowa, southeast of the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. When the facility reaches capacity it is projected to process 1,500 head of cattle per day, increasing access to U.S. meat products

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is also providing seven awards totaling $4.5 million to community and technical colleges in seven states through the Meat and Poultry Processing–Agricultural Workforce Training (AWT) program. These investments will build a pipeline of well-trained meat processing workers and support safe workplaces with fair wages for workers.

Secretary Vilsack made today’s announcement during a roundtable with producers and businesses in Des Moines, Iowa, and highlighted efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration to build more, new and better markets and strengthen farm and food businesses. This visit comes as officials from the Biden-Harris Administration are spending the next two weeks in communities across the country to demonstrate how President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is delivering results and creating transformative new economic opportunities for families and businesses.

Today's announcement will support projects in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.



Precision Agriculture Loan Program Proposed for Farmers

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra has put forth a pioneering legislation called the Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act, aiming to provide essential support to Iowa farmers. The proposed federal loan program, to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, seeks to offer low-interest loans to farmers, enabling them to invest in precision agriculture technology.

Feenstra's initiative comes in response to the financial challenges faced by farmers, especially those who are starting out. Rising input costs and limited access to advanced agricultural solutions have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to thrive. The Precision Agriculture Loan Program aims to ease this burden by offering loans of up to $500,000, with repayment terms ranging from three to 12 years and interest rates below 2 percent.

Precision agriculture technology presents significant benefits to farmers, including improved efficiency and productivity. These tools can optimize the use of fertilizers and herbicides, reduce water consumption, and enhance overall farm productivity. Advanced equipment such as robotic milkers and modern parlor systems have already proven their value in Iowa's dairy sector, streamlining operations and increasing profitability.

Representative Feenstra's legislation is currently under review by the House Agriculture Committee, with expectations of bipartisan support. If passed, the Precision Agriculture Loan Program could empower Iowa farmers by providing them with accessible capital to adopt cutting-edge agricultural practices and drive the industry forward.



2023 Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo Announces Keynote Presenter Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, Director of NASA Harvest and NASA Acres

Tech Hub LIVE, the premier event for advancing tech-enabled agriculture, is thrilled to announce Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft as the keynote presenter for this year’s event taking place July 24-26th in Des Moines, Iowa. Alyssa brings a wealth of knowledge about and expertise in the intersection of technology and agriculture, making her an ideal choice to address the audience of ag retailers, distributors, consultants, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the ag supply chain, all committed to leveraging the latest tech innovations for practical business advantages on the farm.

Alyssa is a renowned figure in the field of agricultural technology.  She has dedicated her career to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies to address the challenges faced by the agricultural industry and her work continues to be a driving force behind advancements in the industry. She is the Executive Director of NASA Acres and the immediate-past Deputy Director of NASA Harvest, respectively the U.S.-focused and global NASA consortia on food security and agriculture. NASA Acres, which officially launched in April 2023, is NASA’s latest investment in agriculture. It builds on the successes of the NASA Harvest global consortium to advance solutions for agriculture in the U.S.

Alyssa also serves as the Executive Director of the Harvest Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, a non-profit forum that uses satellite data and other tools to build a robust evidence base for different agricultural management practices that balance environmental, economic, and social demands on agriculture. Additionally, Alyssa is the Programme Scientist for the G20 Global Agriculture Monitoring (GEOGLAM) Programme, where she works with the world’s space agencies to justify and develop new satellite missions and data products for global agriculture monitoring.

Tech Hub LIVE, now in its third year, provides a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the latest advancements in ag tech. With a focus on digital farming, robotics, precision agriculture, and data analytics, Tech Hub LIVE attracts a diverse audience of ag retailers eager to explore emerging technologies and gain a competitive edge.

Alyssa Whitcraft's keynote presentation is highly anticipated, as she will shed light on the transformative potential of space technologies and data-driven insights in agriculture. Her talk, titled "From Space to Soil: How NASA Data and Tools are Supporting a Revolution in Ag Tech," will delve into the groundbreaking research and applications that NASA Acres is spearheading to tackle the unique challenges faced by farmers and ag retailers today.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the agricultural technology landscape. Alyssa's keynote address will provide a visionary perspective on how advancements in satellite imagery, data analytics, and remote sensing can revolutionize the way ag retailers operate, optimize resource utilization, and enhance sustainability practices.

Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo will take place on July 24-26th at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. With a diverse lineup of speakers, engaging panel discussions, and a bustling expo floor showcasing cutting-edge technologies, the event promises to be an unparalleled opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth. Click here to view who's already registered and planning to attend.

Don't miss the chance to hear Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft share her invaluable insights and vision for the future of agricultural technology at Tech Hub LIVE. Register today (www.TechHubLIVE.com/register) and secure your spot at the must-attend ag tech event of the year.



Latin American Delegation Sees Newest Technologies At World Pork Expo

To show its continued support for the Latin American (LTA) pork sector, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) hosted a team of pork industry professionals at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, IA, in early June.

The expo, the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show, brought together pork producers and industry representatives from around the world for three days of education, innovation and networking.

“Given their opportunity to increase pork consumption, the Latin American pork industry has the conditions and the potential for sustainable growth. However, one of its main challenges is access to suppliers of genetics, raw materials and equipment to improve their productivity and be more competitive,” said Carlos Maya, USGC regional consultant. “For this reason, this expo is a great opportunity for Latin American pork producers.”

In the past few years, the Council has partnered with six pork producers’ associations in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Peru, conducting different programs primarily focused on strengthening the associations’ roles in the development of the pork sectors within those countries, increasing awareness of the use of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and the relevance of appropriate nutrition to increase profitability. These efforts have helped the Council establish and maintain strong relationships with leaders in the LTA pork sector.

The expo offered the Council the opportunity to showcase ideas and technologies that can support further growth for the LTA pork industry. By providing the tools at the expo, the Council hopes the pork professionals invited can influence others in their countries to shift toward more innovative practices.

“APA from Colombia, COPO from Guatemala and Coopagro from Panama - the organizations the invitees represent - are alliances of pork producers that have grains procurement as one of their main activities. In addition to their importance as buyers, they are an example for other producers and groups, and they are constantly aiming to improve their members' competitiveness. These professionals are among the best references for transmitting knowledge to the industries of their countries,” Maya said.

In July, the Council will continue its efforts to support the Latin American swine industry by supporting Ecuadorian pork producers with a virtual training on biosecurity for the prevention of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), one of the main challenges of the pork industry. The Council will also participate in an upcoming conference on African Swine Fever at the International Pork Producers Congress (CIPORC) organized by the Peruvian Pork Producers Association.



NCBA Files Legal Motion to Strike Down Biden WOTUS Rule

Last night, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and litigation partners filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas asking the court to strike down the Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA.

“In Sackett v. EPA, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the EPA had overstepped its authority under the Clean Water Act,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “A full rewrite of the Biden Administration’s WOTUS definition is the only path to comply with the Sackett decision. NCBA is seeking summary judgement in our lawsuit against the Biden WOTUS rule and urging the Southern District of Texas to strike the rule from the books.”

The Sackett case was not directly about agriculture, but the plaintiffs in the case were harmed by the EPA’s overregulation on WOTUS. NCBA filed an amicus brief before the Supreme Court siding with the Sackett family in their lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers. Ultimately, points raised in NCBA’s brief were incorporated in the justice’s final opinion, demonstrating the importance of NCBA joining the fight on this issue.

Separate from the Sackett case, NCBA and a coalition of litigation partners also filed their own lawsuit against the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule to block it from taking effect. NCBA secured injunctions in 27 states to temporarily halt the rule. Now, NCBA is filing a motion for summary judgement to ask the court to rule on vacating the full Biden administration WOTUS rule based on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Sackett case.

“NCBA has been fighting against overreaching WOTUS rules for years and this is just the latest example of how NCBA fights on every front from Congress to the courtroom,” said Hart. “We are proud to be the voice of America’s cattle producers in Washington.”



Sens. Hoeven, Lujan Reignite MCOOL, Cosponsor American Beef Labeling Act

Earlier this month, Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in cosponsoring the American Beef Labeling Act of 2023 (S.52), reigniting support for the bill across rural America.

Reintroduced in January of 2023, the bipartisan bill would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. According to R-CALF USA, this would aid in ensuring that American families know where their beef comes from and that American ranchers have fair cattle markets, as foreign beef imports continue to rise.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the United States continues to import beef from approximately 20 different countries and approximately 150,000 head of live cattle a month from Canada and Mexico.

Originally passed in the 2002 Farm Bill and amended in the 2008 Farm Bill, current labeling laws require consumers be informed of the country of origin of fresh fruits and raw vegetables, fish, shellfish, lamb, chicken, goat, venison, peanuts, pecans, ginseng, and macadamia nuts.

While the original law included beef and pork, Congress removed the products from the MCOOL law in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, in response to an adverse ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO), stripping consumers of knowing the origins of all beef bought at the grocery store.

Widely applauded by cattle producers around the country, the Act directs the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to determine the means of reinstating beef in the current MCOOL law in a manner that complies with WTO rules. If such means are not implemented within 12 months of the legislation’s enactment, the legislation will take effect on the one-year anniversary date.

“We are grateful for the ongoing bipartisan support for this important legislation as seen by Senators Hoeven and Luján’s recent cosponsorship of the MCOOL bill,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “Beef should not be excluded from the law that currently requires many other food items to be labeled as to their origin.

“This legislation is vitally important to American consumers and American ranchers. We look forward to its eventual passage by Congress.”

R-CALF USA and its partners in the national MCOOL coalition remain strong in their support of the Act and are hopeful for the reintroduction of its House companion bill.



RFA: Independence Day a Good Reminder of Ethanol’s Many Benefits

With AAA projecting that a record number of Americans will hit the road for a long holiday weekend, the Renewable Fuels Association is reminding drivers that lower-cost, lower-carbon ethanol fuel blends are better for the environment and the family budget.

“This holiday weekend, American drivers can declare independence from foreign oil and battery minerals by choosing higher-ethanol blends,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Across the country, the lowest-cost fuel available at the pump is the fuel with the highest content of ethanol, whether that is E10, E15, or E85. E15 is typically sold for 15-25 cents per gallon less than E10 and up to $1 per gallon less than gasoline with no ethanol. And if you’re lucky enough to drive a flex fuel vehicle, E85 offers even greater savings. At the same time, drivers choosing ethanol blends are supporting an American-made product that is better for the environment and the air our families breathe. Renewable fuels like ethanol help our rural economy grow and are part of a balanced portfolio of products that both feed and fuel our great country. What better time to celebrate the benefits of ethanol to American families than on the Fourth of July?”

Cooper pointed out that the U.S. ethanol industry supports more than 420,000 American jobs and has a higher-than-average percentage of workers who are military veterans. And ethanol also promotes energy independence; in 2022 alone, the use of ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply reduced crude oil imports by over 600 million barrels.

To celebrate ethanol’s benefits and help drivers fuel up with American-made renewable fuels, RFA this summer is rewarding drivers with free fuel for helping us report fuel prices around the country, by submitting prices to E85prices.com or sharing them on Twitter. The contest runs through Labor Day.

Wednesday June 28 Ag News

 Opportunity for Rural Nebraskans Seeking Higher Education

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation welcomes applicants for the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship in honor of Max and Eric Brown. From trade school to training and other college credits, non-traditional students who are committed to living in a rural Nebraska community are eligible to apply for awards up to $2,500.

“Rural communities are at the heart of Nebraska. Keeping them vibrant means future successes for agriculture and ensuring the traditions of small towns are preserved. This scholarship supports individuals who are dedicated to protecting the vitality of rural Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is accepting applications for the 2024 scholarships and will award up to $2,500 to non-traditional students, age 25 or older, living in Nebraska’s rural communities. Applicants must be pursuing an education in Nebraska including, but not limited to, community college, technical school, or training programs in any field of study.

“Rural communities need all kinds of professionals to thrive! The beauty of this scholarship is no matter your field of study, your commitment to staying in rural Nebraska makes you a candidate,” said Schafer.

Past winners have sought EMT training, master’s degrees, and nursing degrees, among other things. With this scholarship, they were able to ease some of the financial burden of continuing their education while staying committed to their rural Nebraska communities.

Through consecutive careers as General Manager of KRVN and volunteer leadership roles for numerous agricultural organizations, Max and Eric Brown dedicated their lives to serving rural Nebraska. This scholarship continues a legacy of support for farmers, ranchers, and their communities.

Applications can be found at www.nefbfoundation.org and are due August 1.
 


EPA Proposes New Standards that Pick Winners and Losers in Transportation Fuel
NE Farm Bureau

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released for public comment a proposed extreme emission standards rule for future light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles for (MY) 2027 and beyond.

This proposed rule aimed at accelerating growth of electric vehicles and reducing liquid fuel consumption. While the EPA does not mandate specific technology or fuel, they do set declining limits on fleet-wide grams of CO2 per mile which are strict enough to effectively require far more electric vehicles.
 
Farm Bureau policy opposes excessive increases in Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards and standards that reduce the availability and increase the cost of trucks.  These proposed standards also will decrease the demand for liquid transportation fuels and do not seem to account for the emissions reduction benefits of biofuels.

EPA is proposing a new regulations on consumer and commercial vehicles to effectively force the country to move away from liquid fuels, including biofuels, and force the adoption of electric vehicles.

Tell EPA not to push down a one-size-fits-all mandate that effectively forces more electric vehicles onto the roads by penalizing the production of liquid fuel vehicles.



LIVESTOCK WATER NEEDS ON PASTURE
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator

As summertime temperatures begin to heat up and cattle are on pasture, it’s important to make sure there is adequate water for livestock. How much do cattle need and where should it come from?

The water requirements for cattle depend on their size, class, and environmental conditions. High humidity and greater temperatures also increase water demand.  A University of Georgia study lists water requirements for days when the daily high temperature is 90°F. With these conditions, growing or lactating animals need two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight. This means a 1400-pound, lactating cow will need close to 28 gallons of water daily with 90°F daily highs. If the calves are 250 pounds, they will need about 5 gallons. Again, some of the water will come from grazed forage.   Make sure water tanks or water points are accessible for smaller calves.

Having fresh, clean water should also be a priority.  With dry conditions this year in many parts of Nebraska, water quality from water sources such as dugouts or ponds and dams may not be ideal.  The ability to have water close by should also be a goal, although sometimes it’s simply not possible.  More water locations can help meet the water demand but could also help grazing distribution too.  Cattle will receive some of their daily water requirements when they are consuming high moisture feedstuffs such as fresh forage when grazing pasture, silages, or green chopped feeds.  Feeds that are high-energy increase the water requirement.

Keep an eye on water this summer and make sure livestock have enough, good quality water available.



Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Award Winners

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the 2023 Governor's Agricultural Excellence Award winners. Seventeen 4-H Clubs were selected to receive $500 grants to complete projects that will have lasting and meaningful impacts on their communities.

The following clubs have been awarded the 2023 Governor’s Agricultural
Excellence Award:
    Country Kids 4-H Club, Boone County
    Minute Milker 4-H Club, Clay County
    Dog Gone Fun 4-H Club, Custer County
    Pathfinders 4-H Club, Gage County
    Grant County 4-H Council, Grant County
    Cloverdale 4-H Club, Holt County
    Shining Stars 4-H Club, Holt County
    5-Star 4-H Club, Lancaster County
    Fusion 4-Hers, Lancaster County
    Hunter’s Pride, Lancaster County
    Lancaster County Teen Council, Lancaster County
    Blossomfield 4-H Club, Polk County
    Clover Rovers 4-H Club, Polk County
    Sheridan County Jr. Leaders, Sheridan County
    Badger Buddies 4-H Club, Washington County
    Tomorrow’s Leaders 4-H Club, Washington County
    Webster County Wranglers, Webster County

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, NIFA, is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities.  

For more information about the Governor's Agricultural Excellence Awards, visit Ne4HFoundation.org.

 

Nebraska 4-H Foundation announces 2023 scholarship winners

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of its annual scholarships. Nineteen recent high school graduates were selected to receive higher education scholarships based on their outstanding accomplishments in 4-H, dedication to community service, and high scholastic achievement.

Scholarship winners include:
•       Ashley Abrahams, Dodge County
•       Paige Bunn, Dodge County
•       Sierra Cain, Lincoln County
•       Alexa Carter, Butler County
•       Addison Cotton, York County
•       Aleyna Cuttlers, Lancaster County
•       Evan Hartman, Dodge County
•       Jaci Larsen, Garfield County
•       Creyton Line, Buffalo County
•       Caleb Most, Keith County
•       Abigail Owens, Dawson County
•       Thomas Perrin, Keith County
•       Kaylee Powell, Hall County
•       Kyle Rote, Garden County
•       Carson Sullivan, Hall County
•       Gregory Treffer, Dawson County
•       Olivia Vanderford, Lancaster County
•       Spencer Walahoski, Dawson County
•       Paige Wood, Nance County

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation provides up to $22,000 worth of scholarships each year to graduating seniors who have been actively involved in 4-H. To learn more about Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships, please visit Ne4HFoundation.org/Scholarships.



I-29 Moo University Presents Producer Dairy Margins Webinar July 20

The I-29 Moo University 2023 Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, July 20 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT with a focus on milk margins.

The webinar will feature Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira, associate professor in the School of Animal Sciences (former Department of Dairy Science), Virginia Tech. Dr. Ferreira will note that indications show that margins are not promising in the near future and that close attention to financial management is as critical now as it was during previous periods.

“Listeners will be reminded that this happened in 2015 through 2018 and how commodity prices and milk prices all play into the scenario,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  

Dr. Ferreira is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his family manages a cropping and beef cow/calf farm. Dr. Ferreira obtained a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Universidad Católica Argentina (1998). Since he was an undergrad, Dr. Ferreira has been fascinated with forage management and cattle nutrition. After graduation, Dr. Ferreira performed a research internship at the USDA-Dairy Forage Research Center located in Madison, WI. He then pursued a Master of Science in Dairy Nutrition from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2002) and a Ph.D. in Dairy Nutrition from The Ohio State University (2006).

After working 2 years in the industry as a technical manager for DSM Nutritional Products Argentina SA, Dr. Ferreira worked 5 years as a technical and management consultant for dairy farmers in Asociación Argentina de Consorcios Regionales de Experimentación Agrícola (AACREA). Since August 2013, Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira has been a Dairy Management Extension Specialist in the Department of Dairy Science at Virginia Tech.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/X1XRNI.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.

 

Nature-Positive Food Production Explored Through New Dairy Management Inc. and Yara Partnership

Yara North America and the U.S. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) have launched a first-of-its-kind soil health collaboration. Yara brings world-class agronomic expertise to help accelerate learnings in regenerative agriculture practices that can benefit the dairy industry.
 
The partnership will complement the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration (DSWR) project and explore the use of organic fertilizers derived from manure for the benefit of soil health and regenerative nutrient management practices. Trialing is underway at Yara’s Incubator Farm in Auburn, Alabama, and benefits of manure-derived fertilizers in combination with mineral fertilizers will be evaluated to determine their positive impact on water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency, and crop yield and quality.
 
“Supporting innovations and explorations centered around soil health, nutrient management and water regeneration are key as we work toward our ambition of growing a nature-positive food future,” said Debbie Watts, VP, innovation and market development, Yara North America. “This cooperation with Dairy Management Inc. is a terrific example of Yara’s commitment to participate in the transformation of the food system through actions that reduce emissions, protect nature and improve livelihoods. The dairy industry can look to Yara as a partner and valued contributing resource in agronomy and soil health expertise.”
 
At Yara’s Soil Health Incubator Farm, experiments will be conducted to parallel the outcomes of the DSWR soil health, nutrient management and environmental efforts. Insights and findings from these trials will be shared across the dairy industry and others involved in the U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative, focused on the industry’s environmental stewardship goals of achieving GHG neutrality and improvements in water quality and quantity by 2050.
 
“We are delighted to add Yara to our diverse set of partners and greatly value the tools and insights they bring in soil health, regenerative agriculture and agronomy,” said Lori Captain, executive vice president of global sustainability at Dairy Management, Inc. “Yara’s global expertise, matched with dairy farmer experience, will help advance learning and scalability of sustainable practices.”



Dairy Market Report: Farmer Milk-Price Outlook a Challenge

Bright spots in the dairy outlook are harder to find than usual at the moment.

As in 2015–2019, butter is acting as the pole holding up the dairy price tent, having found a firm floor at around $2.40/lb, as certified by the current futures. This is happening in spite of what could be described as a case of raging inflation, which peaked at a 31.4 percent annual rate last November, but is now down to just 3.1 percent in May.

Most dairy products are unwinding from their peak inflation rates of 2022, although that trend is not yet translating into correspondingly strong wholesale prices; even so, domestic commercial use of milk in all dairy products is recovering from last year’s inflation, and growing by more than 2 percent by all milk equivalent measures. Butter and American-type cheese domestic use is growing again, by at least as much as their production is up.

Read the full monthy report here:  https://www.nmpf.org/farmer-milk-price-outlook-challenging/.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/23/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 23, ethanol production was unchanged from the prior week at 1.052 million b/d, equivalent to 44.18 million gallons daily. Output was 0.1% more than the same week last year and 2.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.2% to 1.039 million b/d—the highest since mid-December, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.93 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks climbed 0.8% to a 6-week high of 23.0 million barrels. Stocks were 1.0% more than a year ago and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slid 0.7% to 9.31 million b/d (142.66 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.3% more than a year ago and 1.1% above the five-year average.

Likewise, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.7% to 897,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.75 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.2% less than the same week last year and 1.9% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports jumped to an estimated 104,000 b/d (30.6 million gallons for the week). There were zero imports recorded for the 29th consecutive week.



Nitrogen Products Lead Retail Fertilizer Prices Lower

Retail fertilizer prices continue their decline, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the third week of June 2023. This trend has been in place for more than six months now. All eight of the major fertilizers were lower in price compared to last month. Two fertilizers were noticeably less expensive. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

UAN32 was 8% less expensive compared to the prior month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price was $471/ton. Anhydrous was 5% lower looking back to last month with an average price of $755/ton.

The remaining six fertilizers were slightly lower compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $825/ton, MAP $827/ton, potash $618/ton, urea $619/ton, 10-34-0 $734/ton and UAN28 $402/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.67/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.72/lb.N and UAN32 $0.74/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 19% less expensive, DAP is 21% lower, MAP is 22% less expensive, potash is 30% lower, urea is 31% less expensive, UAN32 is 34% lower, UAN28 is 35% less expensive and anhydrous is 50% lower compared to a year prior.



John Linder, Former NCGA President, Elected to Lead MAIZALL

John Linder, an Ohio corn grower and former president of the National Corn Growers Association, was elected today to serve as president of MAIZALL, an international farmer’s organization that focuses on eliminating regulatory obstacles to innovation in agriculture. The group contains members from the U.S., Brazil and Argentina.

His one-year term begins on Monday, July 3. NCGA’s leadership expressed enthusiasm over the news.

“John is a dedicated leader, and he will no doubt do an outstanding job leading MAIZALL,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “We are very proud to see a fellow corn grower take the lead at a group that does so much to advance the agenda of farmers in the international arena.”

MAIZALL engages private sector stakeholders, national government officials and leaders from international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, to work towards alignment on regulatory barriers to trade.

Linder, who served as president of NCGA in 2020-21, said he looks forward to serving as president of the group.

“Trade is vital to American farmers,” Linder said. “That’s why as MAIZALL president I will work to encourage foreign governments and international organizations to embrace science-based regulatory decision-making that allows farmers to use all the innovate tools in their toolbox to feed and fuel the world.”

The MAIZALL presidency rotates between countries each year.



NGFA supports the Reliable Rail Service Act

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) issued a statement supporting the Reliable Rail Service Act (S.2071), a bill recently introduced by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan., that would better define Class I rail carriers’ common carrier obligation.
 
“Clarification of the common carrier obligation has been needed for decades and this bipartisan bill provides STB with clear oversight rules to help address our nation’s freight railroad supply chain challenges and improve rail service for agricultural shippers,” NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert said. “NGFA members appreciate the leadership of Sens. Baldwin and Marshall in responding to rail service issues and cosponsoring this legislation, which will help regulators respond to service disruptions that cause hardship for livestock producers, grain exporters, and grain processing facilities.”
 
The Staggers Act of 1980 required rail carriers to serve the wider shipping public “on reasonable request,” a principle known as the common carrier obligation. However, more than 40 years later, the common carrier obligation remains poorly defined with no established criteria.
 
The Reliable Rail Service Act statutorily clarifies the common carrier obligation and establishes specific criteria for the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to consider when determining whether a railroad is meeting this obligation to provide rail service. If the STB determined a carrier was not meeting its common carrier obligation, the bill would empower the STB to prescribe service standards consistent with the needs of the shipper making the request.



Tire reminders to reduce soil compaction

Today’s typical farming operation often requires bigger machinery that weighs more and carries heavier loads than machinery did decades ago. When growers consider the impact of heavier equipment in the field combined with persistent weather volatility, soil compaction should remain top of mind all season long.  
 
What is soil compaction?
Soil compaction is an increase in the soil’s bulk density, resulting from pressure. Essentially, soil particles are forced closer together which reduces the air space between them.
 
What to remember with soil compaction?
    It worsens when soil is wet.
    Reduces water percolation.
    Limits soil’s air and water-holding capacity.
    Restricts root development.
    Limits nutrient movement.  
    Reduces crop yield.
 
How can soil compaction be reduced or mitigated?
Choosing the right farm tires and ensuring proper tire inflation pressure can help the grower maximize their machinery’s capabilities, decreasing soil compaction and helping to build favorable soil structure.  
 
Firestone farm tires built with Advanced Deflection Design (AD2) technology can further help growers get more work done in less time and with less soil compaction compared to standard, equivalent-sized radial tires. This newer class of farm tires can carry more load at a lower pressure, resulting in a larger footprint that reduces the potential for soil compaction. The tires also improve traction and provide a smoother ride for the operator, which reduces fuel consumption and time spent in the field.



Dan Basse Elected to Lead Farm Foundation® Board

Dan Basse of Chicago, Illinois, president of AgResource Company, has been elected chair of the Farm Foundation Board of Directors. Basse, who will serve a two-year term, succeeds Jerome Lyman, a retired executive of McDonald’s Corporation.

“It is an exciting time for Farm Foundation as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary and look to accelerate our mission with the construction of an Innovation and Education Center on our recently purchased farm in Libertyville, Illinois,” says Basse. Furthermore, Basse says that he is looking forward to closely working with Farm Foundation CEO Shari Rogge-Fidler to accelerate people and ideas in soil health and sustainability, farmer health, digital agriculture, and market access for US farmers. “There is much to accomplished, and thankfully, Farm Foundation is blessed with a deep and dedicated board and management team.”

Cheri De Jong of Dalhart, Texas, principal owner of Natural Prairie Dairy and owner and CFO of AgriVision Farm Management, was elected vice chair of the 29-member board. Andrew LaVigne of Alexandria, Virginia, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, was elected treasurer. The election took place at the board’s June meeting.

Farm Foundation is an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture that leverages the power of collaboration between food and agricultural stakeholders to advance agriculture in positive ways. As a 501(c)(3) charity, the organization applies its non-partisan, objective approach to a suite of projects and programs aimed at addressing both emerging and persistent issues facing farmers and the wider industry.

In addition, six new members have been elected to the board: Former United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns; Former United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh; Michael Doane, global managing director, food and freshwater systems, The Nature Conservancy; James (Jimmy) Kinder, co-owner/operator, Kinder Farms; Cristina Rohr, managing director, food and agriculture, S2G Ventures; and Todd Van Hoose, president and CEO, Farm Credit Council.

The Farm Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for managing the affairs of Farm Foundation. Other members of the board are:
Chuck Ahlem, Charles Ahlem Ranch
Angela Caddell, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
Steve Coulter, Koch Agronomic Services
John Foltz, The Ohio State University (retired)
David Gilmore, Deere & Company
Gregg Hillyer, Progressive Farmer
George Hoffman, Restaurant Services Inc.
Robert Jones, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
A.G. Kawamura, Orange County Produce
Kristin Kroepfl, Quaker North America
Thayne Larson, Bestifor Farms
Brad Lubben, University of Nebraska
Klaas Martens, Martens Farm and Lake View Organic Grain
Sylvester Miller II, FMC
Nathan Rudgers, Farm Credit East
Ryan Schohr, Schohr Ranch
Mary Snapp, Microsoft Philanthropies
Mike Torrey, Michael Torrey Associates

Tuesday June 27 Ag News

 DROUGHT STUNTED ALFALFA - CUT OR LEAVE
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

While some parts of Nebraska have caught precipitation recently, some areas are still dealing with significant drought.  When drought stress causes dryland alfalfa stands stop growing What should you do?

Many producers who still need a rain have dryland alfalfa fields with plants six to twelve inches tall and getting more and more purple by the day. When faced with short alfalfa stands, what should we do - hay it, shred it, graze it, or just leave it?

First the good news: while it stays dry you can do whatever you feel like doing and you aren't likely to hurt your alfalfa. The bad news is that if it stays dry you can't do anything good for it either.

As your alfalfa continues to just sit there dormant, it will slowly lose feed value and tonnage due to continued maturation as well as leaf loss from insect feeding, diseases, and simple old age. If you choose to harvest as is, you probably need a yield of at least one-half ton per acre to justify the fuel, labor, and other expenses involved with harvesting hay.

Grazing might be relatively cheap in terms of out-of-pocket costs if you already have portable electric fence and don't need to spend much money to transport cattle or water. Plus, dry, bloomed out alfalfa has a pretty low risk for bloat - not foolproof, but common-sense animal husbandry should enable you to graze safely.

If you can't graze and can't justify cutting hay, it's probably best to just leave it alone. Shredding or haying will give you a cleaner, higher quality hay once your alfalfa does receive enough rain for regrowth. Removing the dormant plant will result in a bit faster regrowth, but plants also will regrow following sufficient rain without cutting. In most cases, it's not worth the cost and time involved to shred, clip, or harvest low-yielding hay.

Pick the option best for you and pray for rain.



Landlord/tenant cash rent workshops to begin in August

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability’s 2023 landlord/tenant cash rent workshop for landowners and operators will be held at six locations in central and eastern Nebraska beginning in August.    

The workshop will cover current Nebraska cash rental rates and land values, best practices for agricultural leases, and other contract considerations. The meeting will also include information about farm succession and transition planning and offer an opportunity for those in attendance to have their leasing questions answered.

Jim Jansen, an agricultural economist, and Allan Vyhnalek, extension educator emeritus, will lead the presentation.

The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required by calling the host county’s extension office.

2023 Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshop Schedule
Grand Island: Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Hall County, College Park, 3180 US-34. Register by Aug. 7 at 308-385-5088.

Lincoln: Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A. Register by Aug. 14 at 402-441-7180.

Fremont: Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Dodge County, 1206 W. 23rd St. Register by Aug. 15 at 402-727-2775.

Weeping Water: Aug. 23, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Cass County, 8400 144th St., #100. Register by Aug. 21 at 402-267-2205.

Columbus: Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at Pinnacle Bank, 210 23rd St. E. Register by Aug. 22 at 402-563-4901.

Omaha: Sept. 6, 1-4 p.m., at the office of Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties, 8015 W. Center Road. Register by Sept. 4 at 402-444-7804.

More information about cash rental rates, leasing, and farm and ranch transition can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu.



Ricketts Backs Two Key Agriculture Bills Following Farm Bill for Nebraska Listening Tour

Following the Farm Bill for Nebraska listening tour with the entire Nebraska delegation, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his support for two key pieces of legislation that had been raised by producers – the EATS Act and the HPAI Act.

“Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska, and we need to protect it at all costs,” said Ricketts. “Senator Marshall’s EATS Act would ensure far-left states like California don’t get to tell Nebraska agriculture how to run their business. The HPAI Act would ensure our poultry producers receive assistance when their areas are impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks like we saw last year. I’m proud to support these bills and grateful for the critical input we received from Nebraska farmers and ranchers last week.”

“Nebraska’s pork industry generates over $600 million for the state's economy. Adding more rules and regulations like California’s Proposition 12 would drastically change the trajectory and potential of our pork producers,” said Al Juhnke, Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. “We thank Senator Ricketts for co-sponsoring the EATS Act to protect our way of life and this critical Nebraska industry.”

“The growth of Nebraska’s poultry industry is one of the biggest agricultural success stories in all of Nebraska agricultural history. At the same time, threats such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) threaten the economic future of that industry,” said Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. “The Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act helps ensure our nation’s poultry producers are financially protected should an HPAI outbreak occur. We sincerely thank Senator Pete Ricketts for his cosponsorship of this important legislation.”

BACKGROUND
The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, introduced by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), would preserve the right of states and local government to regulate agriculture within their jurisdiction – free from interference of other jurisdictions. The bill would prevent efforts like California’s Proposition 12, which requires meat products raised outside the state conform to the radical animal rights standards adopted by California under the guise of “public health.” Unfortunately, the Supreme Court recently upheld Proposition 12 in a devastating blow to producers across the country.

Currently, USDA only covers the indemnification of birds in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infected flocks. The Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act, introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), would expand payment eligibility to all growers in the USDA-determined “control area” who are forbidden from growing flocks until the virus is contained. During last year’s outbreak, it took several months in some parts of the country. A control zone is a designated area where the HPAI outbreak has occurred.



Ricketts, Finstad Slam EPA’s Partisan Preview of RFS Rule: “At Worst, Could Facilitate Market Manipulation”

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, and U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) slammed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for opting to brief only Democrats in advance of the public release of new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO). Ricketts and Finstad were joined by eleven Senate and House colleagues.

Each year, the EPA-established RVO sets the minimum amount of renewable fuel that should be blended into gasoline and made available to consumers in the year ahead. On June 20, 2023, the EPA briefed Democrat lawmakers and their staff about the proposed rule for 2023, 2024, and 2025 set to be released the following day. Information from the briefing, which took place while the markets were still open, was then leaked to private sector stakeholders.

“Administrator Regan and the EPA know support for our renewable fuels is bipartisan, and there was absolutely no reason for the preview of this rule to be Democrats-only,” said Senator Ricketts. “The implications of doing a partisan briefing just before markets close are extremely concerning. I’m committed to ensuring a strong future for American biofuels as part of our nation’s energy portfolio, but we cannot accomplish that if the Biden administration is determined to make it a closed-door, hyper-partisan issue.”

“EPA chose to leak the final Renewable Fuel Standards rule to select offices during market trading hours, putting at risk billions of dollars in the market value of renewable fuels companies,” said Rep. Finstad. “Alarmingly, while the announcement alone failed to recognize industry’s projected production – threatening biofuel expansion in farm country and increasing our reliance on foreign energy – the agency’s rollout and blatant partisanship makes the rule all the more shameful, which is why my colleagues and I are demanding answers from Administrator Regan.”

In addition to Ricketts and Finstad, co-signers of the letter include U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mike Flood (R-NE), Mark Alford (R-MO), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD).



Lefore named Associate Director of Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska recently named Nicole Lefore as Associate Director of Sustainable Agriculture Water Management.

In her new role, which began earlier this month, Lefore will strengthen and expand the institute’s global program by developing, managing, and leading new activities on accessing and managing water for sustainable agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Lefore is dedicated to contributing to equitable, sustainable outcomes through agricultural water management and intensification. She has more than 30 years of international experience in research for development, policy advocacy and project implementation, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and the developing world. Lefore has worked with policy think tanks, the International Water Management Institute (Ghana and South Africa) and previously served as Director of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Small Scale Irrigation at Texas A&M University.

“We are pleased to have Nicole join DWFI’s leadership team,” said Peter McCornick, DWFI Executive Director. “Her extensive background in small scale irrigation development and sustainable water management complements the institute’s mission well. Nicole’s past collaboration with the institute make us confident she is the right person for this role and can help extend our important work in these areas.”

Lefore’s expertise includes water and land institutions and governance; markets and finance in small scale irrigation; equity in development; and gender. Her commitment to smallholder farmers globally is rooted in her family’s farm in Oregon. Lefore completed a PhD in Government at the University of Virginia and MSc in Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.



Growing Connections," at upcoming Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference

The Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is an annual event that aims to connect and empower women in agriculture. This year's conference will be held on August 3 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The theme for the 18th conference is "Growing Connections," and it will focus on various agricultural issues and current events affecting the industry.

The conference in 2023 will discuss the challenges faced by agriculture due to the current economic and environmental climate. Some of the topics that will be covered include the 2023 Farm Bill, marketing strategies, initiatives for improving soil and water quality, financial outlook, social media advocacy, and strategies for transitioning and succession planning. The goal of the conference is to highlight the important roles that women play in agriculture and recognize their contributions to this dynamic and expanding industry.

The conference will start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. Throughout the day, several speakers will share valuable insights. Steph Carlson, who is the legislative director and agricultural policy adviser to Senator Joni Ernst, will lead discussions on the emerging details of the farm bill. Ruth McCabe, a conservation agronomist for Heartland Cooperative and a Nuffield Scholar, will talk about building partnerships between the private and public sectors and how Iowa farmers can participate in programs for improving soil health and water quality.

Naomi Blohm, a senior market adviser at Total Farm Marketing by Stewart-Peterson and a commentator on IPTV's "Market to Market," will provide information about the global and domestic economy, as well as the supply and demand outlook for agricultural commodities. During the luncheon, the first Lifetime Achievement Award in Agriculture by Iowa Women in Agriculture will be presented.

In the afternoon, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from different presentations during breakout sessions. Some of the topics that will be covered include financial overviews and strategies for coping with challenges, the impact of sunset dates on income and estate tax provisions, and strategies for engaging and growing a social media audience. The conference will conclude with a message from Brandi Buzzard Frobose, an advocate for agriculture and a rancher at High Bar Cattle Co., emphasizing the importance of standing up for the agricultural industry.

In addition to the conference, participants can enjoy a complimentary welcome and networking reception on August 2 at Reiman Gardens in Ames. There will also be a preconference tour organized by the Iowa State Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program on the same day.

The early bird registration fee for the conference is $55 until August 1, and $75 after that date. The registration fee covers the preconference tour, the welcome reception, as well as breakfast, lunch, and snacks during the conference. First-time attendees will have a chance to win early bird registration refunds through a drawing on August 3.

To register for the conference, interested individuals can visit the Iowa Women in Agriculture (IWIA) website https://iowawomeninag.org/annual-conference/registration/, register by mail, or register on the day of the conference. Accommodation options have been arranged at the Courtyard by Marriott-Ankeny and the Residence Inn in Ankeny for attendees who require lodging.

The premier sponsor of the 2023 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America, with additional sponsorship from organizations such as the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and NEW Cooperative.



You're Invited: Listen to Economists Weigh In On USDA Hogs & Pigs Report

The National Pork Board invites you to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report webinar this week where guest economists will discuss the report and what it means for producers and their operations.

​​​​​​Jessica Campbell, Ohio pork producer and NPB board member, will moderate the conversation. Additionally, Dr. David Newman, the new SVP of market growth, will join the webinar to discuss what NPB is doing to promote domestic market demand.

When: June 29 at 3:30 p.m. CT

Guest Panelists:   
    Dr. David Newman, senior vice president, market growth, NPB
    Jessica Campbell, Ohio pork producer and NPB board member
    Dr. Steve Meyer, lead economist, Partners for Production Agriculture
    Tyler Cozzens, agricultural economist, Livestock Marketing Information Center

Click to Register:  https://pork.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SQf9EM1BS96gpL9p7FMBKA#/registration.  



Survey of Crop Advisors Highlights Barriers to the Effective Management of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Crop advisors are an important source of information for growers who face the persistent threat of herbicide resistance. Scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) say these frontline experts can help growers manage weeds that escape treatment, threaten crop yields, and disrupt natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

A recent survey of certified crop advisors in all 50 U.S. states shows they are concerned about the escalation of herbicide resistance and the impediments to effective weed management.

The survey was spearheaded by Katherine Dentzman, Ph.D., of Iowa State University, who is a member of the WSSA Herbicide Resistance Education Committee. She found that four out of 10 crop advisers were very concerned about the challenges involved in managing herbicide-resistant weeds over the next five years – a significantly higher percentage than those concerned about resistance to insecticides or fungicides. Concern was greatest among those working with large-scale growers in the West or the Great Plains states, as well as among those supporting corn, rice or beet production.

Crop advisors listed economics as the number one barrier to effective management of herbicide-resistant weeds, followed by management complexity, supply constraints, limited available technology, time constraints and the misguided perception that a “silver bullet” will emerge to support the management resistant weeds. In addition, 82 percent of those surveyed agree or strongly agree that growers need to evolve the way they think about resistance management.

What needs to change? More than nine out of 10 crop advisors surveyed said it is important to develop trusting relationships with growers – allowing a free flow of science-based information that can be relied on. They recommend sharing neighbor successes in resistance management and encouraging stakeholder collaboration in community-wide resistance management initiatives.

More than eight out of 10 said there is also a need for consistent messaging, with all stakeholders speaking with one voice on herbicide resistance best management practices. It’s something they say is often missing today. Most agree that if growers receive conflicting information, it can be hard to change their minds about how they manage resistance.

“Certified crop advisors are in a unique position to see what works, what doesn’t and what barriers need to be overcome,” Dentzman says. “While it is clear there is no silver bullet on the horizon to resolve the complex issue of herbicide resistance, real progress can be made when science-based best practices are shared and supported by all the key players and influencers – from manufacturers and retailers to commodity groups, university extension personnel and crop advisors themselves.”



NMPF Letter Warns FDA: Don’t Repeat Plant-Based Mistakes with Lab-Produced Fake ‘Milk’

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must end dairy product mislabeling by manufacturers of synthetic, cell-based “dairy” ingredients that are in violation of federal dairy Standards of Identity to prevent a repeat of the plant-based labeling fiasco that’s created confusion among consumers and regulatory headaches at the agency, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said in a letter to the agency.

“Bored Cow’s product takes water and adds what we believe to be one unidentified, lab-engineered ‘whey protein’ along with a highly processed concoction of food additives, preservatives, oil, sugar and several added vitamins, and claims to have created ‘animal-free dairy milk.’ It is baseless, preposterous and absurd to call the resulting product ‘milk,’” NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said in the letter. “In the interest of public health, the misleading labeling charade must end before it gets out of hand. FDA must act, and must do so now.”

NMPF, which has repeatedly called on FDA to enforce its identity standards for milk as plant-based fakes have proliferated, has been warning the agency that lab-based milk imposters would be next on the horizon without agency action. Even as the agency is wrestling with draft guidance that finally acknowledges consumers’ core concern over plant-based beverages – their false positioning as dairy equivalents in the face of glaring nutritional inferiority – lab-based imitators are following the plant-based playbook and plastering “milk” and other standardized dairy terms on products that in composition bear little resemblance to true dairy.

“As we have seen in the decades-long folly of plant-based beverage labeling, an ounce of prevention is worth oceans of cure,” Mulhern wrote. “We ask the agency to exercise its well-established authority to prevent this company and others that seek to follow from leading consumers down what will become a superhighway of misinformation, absent your willingness to enforce the law.”



Cost of Summer Cookout Down Slightly From 10-Year High

Celebrating the 4th of July with a cookout will cost significantly more than two years ago, although prices have fallen slightly from record highs in 2022. Families will pay $67.73 to host an Independence Day cookout with 10 family members or friends, based on the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.

The $67.73 grocery bill is down 3% from 2022, but still approximately 14% higher than prices were just two years ago. Last year set a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013, and 2023 comes in as the second-highest cost. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.

“The slight downward direction in the cost of a cookout doesn’t counter the dramatic increases we’ve seen over the past few years. Families are still feeling the pinch of high inflation along with other factors keeping prices high,” said AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Don’t assume farmers come out as winners from higher prices at the grocery store either. They’re price takers, not price makers, whose share of the retail food dollar is just 14%. Farmers have to pay for fuel, fertilizer and other expenses, which have all gone up in cost.”

The marketbasket survey shows a year-to-year increase in the cost of hamburger buns, beef and potato salad, while there are drops in the cost of chicken breasts, lemonade and cookies.

The retail price for a package of eight hamburger buns increased 17% to $2.26. Homemade potato salad will cost $3.44, up 5% from 2022. The cost of 2 pounds of ground beef rose 4% to $11.54.

Several factors influence the increases. Drought conditions have increased the cost of feed and reduced the number of available cattle for the summer grilling season, driving up beef prices. Higher potato prices can be attributed to poor weather leading to a drop in production, and general inflation is driving up the price of processed foods like bread.

Our survey found one exception to the increased price of processed foods. A package of cookies will cost 10% less than 2022. The price of chicken breasts and eggs, which had reached record-high prices in 2022, are both lower. This is good news as the number of avian influenza cases has fallen, which has allowed chicken populations to recover. Lemonade is 16% less expensive, at $3.73, due to a drop in the cost of lemons.

Although historically high, the cost of the cookout breaks down to less than $7 per person. When put in a global context, Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than any other country.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “While the increased costs are difficult and have made it more challenging for some families to put food on the table, it’s important to remember that America still has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world, which is due in part to strong farm bill programs. As we all celebrate the holiday, we encourage members of Congress to consider the contributions of the farm bill to our security and independence by ensuring a safe and abundant food supply.”

The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 5.8% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.

Individual Prices, AFBF 2023 Summer Cookout
    2 pounds of ground beef, $11.54 (+4%)
    2 pounds of chicken breasts, $8.14 (-9%)
    3 pounds of pork chops, $14.37 (-6%)
    1 pound of cheese, $3.53 (no change)
    1 package of hamburger buns, $2.26 (+17%)
    2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.44 (+5%)
    32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.44 (-3%)
    16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.53 (-4%)
    13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $3.90 (-10%)
    ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.29 (+3%)
    2 pints of strawberries, $4.56 (+3%)
    2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $3.73 (-16%)

The July 4th cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.

Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from 240 different stores in every state and Puerto Rico.



Building a Common Language for Antimicrobial Resistance Between Human and Animal Health

Health industry experts agree, an integrated, unified cross-species approach, known as One Health, is necessary for optimizing the health of people, animals and ecosystems and for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Yet, AMR measurement metrics can differ greatly between animal and human health, leading to misconceptions and miscommunication. This lack of a common AMR measurement standard limits veterinarians’ abilities to make informed antibiotic prescription decisions, especially within the livestock industry. To strengthen antimicrobial stewardship within livestock veterinary medicine, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is awarding a $216,724 Seeding Solutions grant to Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) to develop a standard method of collecting, reporting and sharing multispecies antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results for use in human and animal health industries. Merck MSD is providing matching funds for a total $433,449 investment. 

Antimicrobial medicines are commonly used to prevent and treat infections in humans and animals. AMR occurs when bacteria and other pathogens change over time. As the pathogens change, they no longer respond to these medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.  
 
Led by ISU Assistant Professor of Vet Microbiology & Preventive Medicine Amanda Kreuder, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM (LA), the research team is leveraging the resources and membership of the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education (NIAMRRE) to improve antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine and consequently reduce AMR by generating epidemiologic cut-off values (ECV). ECVs are a measure of AMR for animal and human pathogens that has the potential to provide a common language between all animal species and humans. The team will add the collected data to a repository that includes a public facing NIAMRRE dashboard and develop training webinars and educational outreach programs and publications to inform human and animal health professionals on the One Health advantages of using ECVs for epidemiologic studies. 

“A clear understanding of antimicrobial resistance data across the human and animal health industries is essential to mitigating antimicrobial resistance across species, but that can’t occur when one industry measures and reports results in a way not translatable by the other,” said Nikki Dutta, interim scientific program director for Advanced Animal Systems. “This research can build a common language between both industries and a way to share this method of reporting to promote responsible antimicrobial use in livestock veterinary medicine."

“Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is a core component of antimicrobial stewardship in both human and veterinary medicine, yet the interpretation of antimicrobial resistance using traditional clinical breakpoint interpretation methodology does not directly translate from one animal species to another, let alone from animals to humans,” said Kreuder. “In addition to addressing the need to communicate AMR in an equivalent language between human and animal health, this work will also support animal agriculture by placing it on a level playing field when it comes to measurement of AMR. Through providing veterinarians and producers more tools to identify and effectively treat bacterial infections in animals, this investment in the generation of data that can serve as a common language for AMR will help improve decision making regarding antimicrobial use in livestock and positively impact antimicrobial stewardship.”  
 
FFAR’s Seeding Solutions Grant program is an open call for bold ideas that address pressing food and agriculture issues in one of the Foundation’s Challenge Areas. Kreuder’s research furthers FFAR’s Advanced Animal Systems Challenge Area by improving animal health, welfare and productivity, antibiotic stewardship and environmental sustainability. This research also adopts a transdisciplinary, One Health approach benefiting animals, humans and the environment, which is a FFAR Seeding Solutions prioritization.

Monday June 26 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending June 25, 2023, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 30% very short, 29% short, 39% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 36% very short, 34% short, 29% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 7% very poor, 9% poor, 27% fair, 43% good, and 14% excellent.

Soybean condition rated 8% very poor, 12% poor, 33% fair, 36% good, and 11% excellent. Soybeans blooming was 9%, near 5% last year and 12% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 13% very poor, 17% poor, 30% fair, 36% good, and 4% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 98%, equal to last year, and near 97% average.

Sorghum condition rated 2% very poor, 7% poor, 30% fair, 54% good, and 7% excellent. Sorghum headed was 1%, equal to last year, and near 3% average.

Oats condition rated 9% very poor, 16% poor, 40% fair, 30% good, and 5% excellent. Oats headed was 79%, behind 90% last year and 84% average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 0% very poor, 0% poor, 14% fair, 74% good, and 12% excellent. Dry edible beans planted was 98%, near 95% last year. Emerged was 82%, near 81% last year.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 14% very poor, 21% poor, 28% fair, 29% good, and 8% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS REPORT

Above average temperatures and below normal precipitation for the week led to 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 25, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. The persistent dryness has led to many reports of visible crop stress; however, north central and northeast Iowa received some much-needed rain.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 45 percent short, 32 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 44 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Some reports of corn starting to silk were received this week. Corn condition continued to decline, rating 56 percent good to excellent.

Ten percent of soybeans were blooming, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean condition dropped to 48 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-five percent of the oat crop has headed, roughly 2 weeks ahead of last year and the average. Twenty-five percent of oats were turning color, roughly 1 week ahead of last year and normal. Oat condition declined to 47 percent good to excellent.

The State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay is virtually complete, and the second cutting reached 18 percent complete, 6 days ahead of both last year and the average. Hay condition declined to 32 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition rated just 23 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers continued to supplement with hay as pasture conditions deteriorated and reports were received about water supply concerns as some ponds and creeks continued to dry out.



USDA: Corn Condition Falls Another 5 Points During Week Ended June 25

U.S. corn and soybean conditions declined for the third week in a row during the week ended Sunday, June 25, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Crop progress: 4% of corn was silking, equal to both last year and the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: Nationally, corn was rated 50% good to excellent, down another 5 percentage points from 55% the previous week and below last year's rating at this time of 67%. The current rating is the lowest for the crop at this time of year since 1988.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop progress: 96% of soybeans were emerged as of Sunday, 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 89%. Ten percent of soybeans were blooming, 4 percentage points ahead of last year and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 9%.
-- Crop condition: Soybeans were rated 51% good to excellent as of Sunday, down 3 percentage points from 54% last week and below last year's rating at this time of 65%. As with corn, the current rating is the lowest for the crop since 1988.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 97% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday, up 3 percentage points from the previous week and equal to the five-year average.
-- Harvest progress: 24% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, up 9 points from the previous week but 9 points behind the five-year average pace of 33%.
-- Crop condition: Nationwide, winter wheat was rated 40% good to excellent, up 2 percentage points from 38% the previous week and ahead of last year's rating at this time of 30% good to excellent.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop progress: 31% of spring wheat was headed as of Sunday, 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 25%.
-- Crop condition: USDA said 50% of the spring wheat crop was rated good to excellent as of June 25, down 1 percentage point from last week's 51%, and 9 points below the five-year average of 59%.



Lower Elkhorn NRD Concludes Review of Decorum Complaint

On May 30, 2023, Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Chairman, Roger Gustafson, concluded his review of a Code of Decorum complaint lodged by NRD Board Member, Melissa Temple on April 24th of this year. The complaint centered around allegations of possible disparaging comments that were privately made by fellow NRD Board Member, Scott Clausen, against Director Temple. After carefully reviewing all information available concerning the incident, Chairman Gustafson, after consultation with the NRD Executive Board, found no violation of the Code of Decorum. Chairman Gustafson noted that the Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors is committed to collegial and civil debate and expressed his hope and belief that the NRD Board could now move forward to manage the natural resources of the district.



Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle 
Warren Rusche – South Dakota State University Extension Feedlot Specialist

Heat stress represents a significant cattle feeding risk. One might expect that cattle at the greatest risk are those fed in desert areas with very high daily temperatures, such as the desert Southwest.

In reality, feedlot cattle fed in somewhat cooler, but humid areas, like the Cornbelt, experience heat stress conditions just as severe as regions with higher air temperatures. Feedlot cattle are particularly at risk during seasonal changes when winter and spring conditions give way to summer. Many producers have elected to use shade structures to help cattle adapt to their environment. That is not the only viable approach, however. Managers have other tools at their disposal to mitigate risk.

Heat Stress Risk Factors
Feedlot cattle are particularly at risk when winter and spring conditions give way to summer. Courtesy: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Environmental Conditions
It helps to understand how and when heat stress is more likely to occur to plan mitigation steps. Combinations of two or more of the following conditions increase the likelihood of performance losses or mortality from heat stress. These factors include:
  - High minimum and maximum daily air temperatures.
  - Recent rain events.
  - High and persistent humidity.
  - Lack of wind for several days (or in pens with extensive wind protection).
  - Lack of cloud cover, resulting in more-intense solar radiation.
  - Lack of opportunity for cattle to adapt to changing conditions (incomplete hair shedding, rapid change in seasonal conditions).

It helps to think of heat stress as accumulated heat load, somewhat like the “straw that broke the camel’s back.” Cattle can tolerate high daily temperatures if there is an opportunity to cool down at night. Under those conditions, an outside yard might actually be less stressful than a building, as those structures can hold heat longer, especially if there is little breeze.

Cattle and Management Factors
Researchers in Australia developed a heat load index to guide management decisions and assess risk (Sullivan and Mader). Part of that system uses adjustment factors based on cattle characteristics and management practices. Some of those adjustments are listed below. Positive values are associated with factors that increase cattles’ heat tolerance, while negative values indicate increased risk of loss from heat stress.

Factors influencing cattle heat load thresholds.
Factor  -  Impact on Heat Load Threshold
  - Days on feed (0 to 80)    +2
  - Days on feed (> 130)    -3
  - Black coat    0
  - Red coat    +1
  - White coat    +3
  - Sick or unacclimated    -5
  - No shade    0
  - Shade (16 – 22 square feet per head)    +3
  - Shade (22-32 square feet per head)    +5
  - Providing extra water tanks    +1
  - Cleaning high manure areas    +2

Adapted from Sullivan and Mader, 2018. Managing Heat Stress Episodes in Confined Cattle. Vet Clin. North Am Food Anim. Pract.

Cattle vary in their susceptibility to heat stress. An obvious example is Bos indicus influenced genetics; while a rarity in the Northern Plains, they are well-adapted to hot weather. Dark-colored cattle that have been on feed for an extended period of time are more susceptible than lighter-colored cattle that are lighter weight.

Minimizing Heat Stress Impacts

Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry practices influence how well cattle handle heat stress events. Shade structures, as discussed earlier, allow cattle the opportunity to minimize heat load increases from solar radiation. Most feeders think of bedding as a winter management practice, but bedding areas of the pen provide insulation to reduce heat gain from the ground. Removing manure to prevent excess accumulation reduces the potential for muddy pens following precipitation events that could make heat stress conditions worse.

Water Intake
Providing sufficient water intake is critically important to minimize performance losses and health risks during heat events. Cattle require two to three times as much water when temperatures increase from 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing additional water tanks in the pen helps ensure that water intake is not limited, whether caused by lack of watering space or inadequate flow rates.

Watering Pen Surfaces
Watering pen surfaces provides a heat sink for cattle to get rid of excess body heat, helping them adapt to hot conditions. Those benefits are enhanced if done at night or in the morning. Watering at night speeds up cattles’ return to normal conditions, while early morning applications delay heat load accumulation. Intermittent sprinkling reduces water use and the potential for mud build up. Before implementing a sprinkling program, make certain there is a sufficient flow rate to handle both sprinkling and water intake demands.



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board will hold its next meeting on June 28-29, 2023 at the Younes Conference Center located at 416 Talmadge Street, Kearney, Nebraska.

Among conducting regular board business, the Board will review FY24 proposals and other new opportunities. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org.

 

Statement by Mark McHargue, President, regarding $405 Million in Federal Funding for Broadband in Nebraska

"Access to broadband in rural America and more specifically rural Nebraska is no longer a luxury but a true necessity. As technology continues to advance on farms and ranches, the need for broadband has never been greater.”

“The announcement of $405 Million in federal funding to help close coverage gaps around the state was only made possible because of the votes of support by Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon for the infrastructure package passed back in 2021. Their votes of support for this once-in-a-generation funding package will help ensure rural communities, rural Nebraskans, farmers, and ranchers aren't left technologically behind. We look forward to working to ensure underserved areas receive these necessary resources."



JULY 15 IS DEADLINE TO ENTER NDA’S ANNUAL POULTRY PHOTO CONTEST

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has some egg-citing news for 4-H and FFA members who raise poultry. NDA is again sponsoring its annual Poultry Photo Contest and encouraging 4-H and FFA members to submit photos of their fine feathered friends. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov. Entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/NDAPhotoContest by the July 15th deadline.

“4-H and FFA members work hard to keep their birds healthy and show ready for various fairs and poultry events,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest gives us the opportunity to recognize these students for their hard work and welcome them as part of Nebraska’s poultry industry.”

Winners of NDA’s Poultry Photo Contest will be announced this fall. NDA will feature winning photos throughout the year in promotional materials, an online calendar, and on social media. NDA teammates will judge the photo contest entries based on originality, composition, and photographic skills.

The contest also gives NDA the opportunity to share information on biosecurity measures that poultry owners can use to keep their flocks healthy and prevent the spread of diseases. Bird owners in Nebraska should always practice sound biosecurity measures to help prevent diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Virulent/Exotic Newcastle Disease.

Visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html for more information about protecting your flock. If a disease outbreak is suspected, poultry owners can call their local veterinarian or NDA at 402-471-2351.



Northwest Iowa Research Farm Field Day and Corn Rootworm Day Is July 12

The annual Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day will be held Wednesday, July 12, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the farm, 6320 500th St., Sutherland. For the second year, an optional Corn Rootworm Field Day will follow lunch at 1 p.m.

The field day will focus on timely topics, including updated phosphorus and potassium guidelines, weather forecasts, Mesonet tools, how drought impacts northwest Iowa soils and more.

“Farmers and agronomists can plan for a full day of learning at the research farm,” said Gentry Sorenson, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We are offering two field days in one day in an effort to maximize education and networking time.”

Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. with “Updated Phosphorous and Potassium Guidelines,” led by Antonio Mallarino, soil fertility specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Following Mallarino, in-field learning will address:
    “Weather Forecasts and Mesonet Tools,” led by Daryl Herzmann, Iowa Environmental Mesonet representative.
    “Soil Changes Across the Landscape: How Drought Impacts NW Iowa Soils,” led by Amber Anderson, assistant teaching professor at Iowa State.
    “Timely Agronomic Topics of the 2023 Growing Season,” led by Gentry Sorenson and Leah Ten Napel, field agronomists with ISU Extension and Outreach

One SW, 2 CM and 1 NM CCA credits will be available for the morning field day.

At the completion of the morning field day, a complimentary noon lunch will be served.

Following lunch at 1 p.m., the Corn Rootworm Field Day will begin. ISU Extension and Outreach entomologists Erin Hodgson and Ashley Dean will provide in-field education using a corn-on-corn demonstration plot.

“The demonstration plot will have non-Bt rootworm corn, SmartStax corn and SmartStax Pro corn with the new RNA-i trait, all with and without insecticides,” Sorenson said. “Roots will be rated so everyone can see the differences in person.”

One IPM CCA credit will be available for the afternoon field day.

Attendance at the morning and/or afternoon field day is free and open to the public. Registration is not needed. Complimentary morning refreshments are sponsored by Security State Bank, with lunch sponsored by O’Brien County Ag Supply, J&K Insurance, C-S Agrow and 5th Gen Ag.

For more information, contact Gentry Sorenson at 641-430-6715 or gentrys@iastate.edu; or Leah Ten Napel at 712-541-3493 or lre@iastate.edu



Cool Cows (and calves): Managing Heat Stress From An Animal Welfare Perspective Webinar On July 19

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team’s 2023 Dairy Webinar Series continues Wednesday, July 19 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. Dr. Jennifer Van Os will discuss heat stress in dairy cows and calves from an animal welfare perspective, including recognizing how cattle tell us they need help beating the heat.

“Dr Van OS will promote best practices in management and housing to help the dairy industry adapt as our scientific knowledge about animal welfare continues to grow,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.  Additionally, she will review options for heat abatement strategies for lactating cows as well as pre-weaned calves in the Midwest. She will share some of the latest research coming out of UW-Madison on keeping cows and calves cool and comfortable.

Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare on the faculty of the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Van Os received her PhD in the interdisciplinary Animal Behavior graduate program at the University of California-Davis and conducted postdoctoral research in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia. The research in her lab at UW-Madison focuses on understanding, evaluating, and improving the welfare of dairy animals from biological- and social-science perspectives.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, preregistration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Preregister online at: https://go.iastate.edu/JL5XPT.  

For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.




IRFA Thanks USDA for Funding Homegrown Biofuels as Iowa Recipients Announced
Ten Fueling Stations in Iowa to Receive Grants

Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the first $50 million round of funding to 59 infrastructure projects as part of its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Vilsack also announced USDA will begin taking applications for a further $450 million in July.

“HBIIP is a great program in support of retailers and biofuels producers, but the real winners are the consumers who will gain access to lower cost, lower emissions fuels,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw. “We thank USDA for aggressively implementing this crucial program to help retailers install equipment needed to offer consumers higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.”

Ten Iowa stations received funding during this round of HBIIP grants. The stations are located in Van Horne, Carroll, Rockwell City, Baxter, Kalona, Marengo, Chester, Burlington, Waterloo and Cedar Falls.

Grants through the HBIIP cover up to 75 percent or $5 million of total project costs to aid producers in converting to higher-blend fuels. To qualify, ethanol blends must be E15 or higher and biodiesel blends must be greater than B5 (5 percent biodiesel).



NCGA Applauds USDA for Allocating Funding to Increase Access to Biofuels

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agreeing to invest $500 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to increase the availability of domestic biofuels and to give consumers cleaner fuel options.

“We are appreciative of Secretary Vilsack and the Biden administration for continuing to recognize the many benefits of biofuels,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “Continued access to ethanol lowers fuel prices for drivers and increases our domestic fuel supply while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
 
USDA also announced today that in July it will begin accepting applications for $450 million in grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which was created to support the infrastructure needed to lower out-of-pocket costs for transportation fueling. The program also allows distribution facilities to install and upgrade biofuel-related infrastructure, such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks, according to USDA.
 
“Increasing the availability of higher blends helps expand the retail infrastructure compatible with the future low-carbon, high octane, mid-level ethanol blends,” Haag said. “That’s why NCGA has invested in infrastructure for higher ethanol blends, partnering with ethanol associations to assist fuel retailers in applying for HBIIP grants.”
 
There will be five application windows for HBIIP between July 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. A sixth application window will be opened if funding has not been exhausted.



June USDA Cattle on Feed Report Assessment
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Cattle markets are a bit uneventful after the grain markets this past week. I believe some portion of that volatility will play out there after the Acreage report this Friday. In the meantime, there is a Cattle on Feed report to measure up. The USDA report released on June 23 appears to be neutral to bearish – as bearish as anything cattle related might be this year. Looking at the most important piece of information first, placements were higher than the prior year and were higher than anticipated. Pre-report expectations suggested that placements would be 102.0 percent of the prior year with a range of 100.1 to 103.7 percent. Thus, everyone was in agreement that placements would be higher. But actual placements during the month of May were 104.6 percent of the prior year at 1.955 million head. Higher and outside of the range. The futures market reacted trivially lower on Monday in the deferred contracts. Live cattle show persistent strength as opposed to a reaction to the report. And this is following the persistent strength in beef demand as revealed though the wholesale market. The boxed beef composite value has rallied to almost $340 per hundredweight whereas it spent all of 2022 below $295 and much of that year between $255-$275. There is clearly strong beef demand supporting the market. We also see this in a seasonally strong Choice-Select spread.
 
Fed cattle marketings were right in line with what was anticipated. Pre-report expectations communicated that marketings would be 101.6 percent of last year with a range of 101.1 to 102.0 percent. Actual marketings during the month of May was 101.7 percent of the prior year at 1.946 million head. The cattle feeding and meatpacking industries continue to face the prospects of lighter weekly and monthly marketings and slaughter. There have been very modest Saturday kills and packer margins have noticeably improved, but they remain as tight as they have been for years.

The inventory of cattle on feed over 150 days were down over the prior month and down compared to the prior three years, on feed over 120 days are down, and over 90 days were down again compared to last month and compared to the prior three years. Inventories are as tight as they have been for the past three years. This is bullish for the market outlook as long as demand remains strong.

Cattle on feed inventories continue to tighten from the peaks in 2022. The beginning of June saw an inventory of 11.552 million and roughly even with the beginning of June inventory from 2018. And there will be more and more of this to come with the level of heifer and beef cow slaughter. Beef cow slaughter remains down considerably from the prior year, but my assessment is that the industry is finally showing a neutral position and not liquidating nor rebuilding. Pre-report expectations anticipated that on-feed inventory would be 96.7 percent of last year with a range of 96.4 to 96.9 percent. Actual inventories were 97.1 percent of the prior year – larger than expected.



BEEF. IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER. LAUNCHES CATTLE CALLING DOCUSERIES IN MINNESOTA

During today’s Heritage Fire Tour event in Minneapolis, Minn., the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, will be debuting the very first episode of the docuseries, “Cattle Calling.” Attendees will be among the first to experience this highly anticipated release that will provide consumers with an in-depth look at the cattle farming and ranching Industry.  

The first episode of Cattle Calling focuses on Kinzie Burtrum and the Burtrum family (Burtrum Cattle, LLC of Oklahoma) as they work to ensure their ranch and their family thrives despite a complex and changing landscape. Follow along to see how this family adapts to care for the land and the cattle, and ensure their operation can continue. Cattle Calling continues the Beef Checkoff’s ongoing emphasis on connecting with consumers and sharing the stories of beef producers. The video project aims to connect consumers with the cattlemen and women who are working to ensure they are adopting tools and technologies that help beef farmers and ranchers become more sustainable over time.   

The Heritage Fire Tour is a three hour live-fire event that centers around educational opportunities in the culinary field. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is excited to showcase all things beef during the event, from the video to burgers and steaks and everything in between.

To view Episode 1, visit CattleCalling.org.



Growth Energy Applauds USDA Biofuel Infrastructure Investments

Growth Energy praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) release of $25 million of biofuels infrastructure grant awards today as well as the upcoming availability of $450 million in additional biofuels infrastructure funding. The funding, announced by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, can be used by retailers to expand access to higher ethanol blends like E15—a fuel made with 15% ethanol.

“Secretary Vilsack’s announcement is great news for biofuel producers, retailers, and consumers,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Over the last two summers, we’ve seen E15 prove itself again and again as a proven source of savings for working families and a shield against volatile fossil fuel markets. The grant funding announced today will help our retail partners to expand options at the pump so more American drivers can save money and reduce their carbon emissions.”  

Today’s announcement builds on the USDA’s past efforts to support sales of higher biofuel blends through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which received a $500 million boost under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Since 2014, Growth Energy has helped retailers across the country acquire $230 million in federal, state, and private grants that have gone toward making the necessary changes for them to offer E15 to their customers.  

“These historic investments would not have been possible without the support of Secretary Vilsack and rural champions in Congress,” said Jake Comer, Growth Energy’s vice president of Market Development. “We’re grateful for their efforts, and we look forward to working with them to tear down remaining barriers to higher ethanol blends, including outdated restrictions on summer sales of E15.”



RFA Thanks USDA for New Round of Biofuels Infrastructure Support

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday announced awardees of grants in the newest round of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) and announced its plans to accept applications for $450 million in HBIIP grants via the Inflation Reduction Act. In doing so, America’s ethanol producers, fuel retailers, and all drivers alike will benefit from the new round of funding to support the expansion of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol, the Renewable Fuels Association said.

“We’re thrilled to see this new announcement from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, which will help bring lower-cost biofuel blends like E15 and E85 to more fuel retail locations around the country,” said Troy Bredenkamp, RFA Senior Vice President for Government and Public Affairs. “RFA has been proud to assist retailers in the application process and to move these grants forward. This program is instrumental in bringing the benefits of biofuels to drivers around the country who want access to lower-cost fuel that is better for the environment and public health. We are grateful to President Biden and Secretary Vilsack for their support of this important initiative.”

RFA has had a 100 percent success rate in assisting retailers in applying for and receiving HBIIP grants under this program, which kicked off in 2020. To date, via HBIIP and state programs, RFA has helped more than 85 companies secure grants in 21 states for almost $68 million in funding, matched by over $217 million in retailer funding for almost $285 million towards higher blend infrastructure. These combined state and federal grant efforts will result in nearly 2,400 dispensers at over 460 locations.



ACE: More USDA Infrastructure Funding Available to Expand Higher Ethanol Blends

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will open quarterly application windows for the remaining $450 million provided in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for the Department’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) starting July 1, 2023. The program provides grants to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of equipment for station owners who add or upgrade equipment and sell higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85. USDA also announced the first recipients of the IRA funding made available in December 2022. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Chief Marketing Officer Ron Lamberty has helped retailers apply for and receive HBIIP grants since the program’s inception and has provided feedback to USDA on challenges experienced by marketers and suggestions to increase participation following each round of awards and for these funds designated for biofuel infrastructure under the IRA. Lamberty issued the following statement following USDA’s announcement:
 
“ACE looks forward to seeing more details of the program when they are released. We thank USDA for allowing us to provide feedback and recommend changes we hope will make funds more accessible to single-store and small chain retailers. Those retailers are key to widespread availability of E15 and E85 and ACE continues to fight for them as the program evolves at USDA. Even something as simple as the multiple application periods announced today will help marketers who don’t have staff or time to gather information and fill out complicated grant applications. In past rounds, if they weren’t sure they could complete the application by the due date, they couldn’t risk the time. Now they’ll know when another application opens and can plan accordingly.
 
“Hopefully small retailers will also qualify for the higher 75 percent cost share. For the last few years, ACE has concentrated our HBIIP informational efforts on increasing awareness of HBIIP funds, de-mystifying the application process, and letting retailers know help is available. At trade shows earlier this year, however, retailers who never quite got around to applying for past HBIIP grants told us IRA funds covering 75 percent of their equipment cost changes would take applying for the program from possibility to probability.
 
“We also appreciate USDA HBIIP Program Manager Jeff Carpenter’s efforts to continue making the program more accessible to retailers, by reaching out to ACE and others and allowing us to provide observations and input we received from our industry partners in previous rounds of the program.”

ACE will continue to make marketers aware of HBIIP and other programs through advertising in c-store industry publications, personal outreach at trade shows and workshops, and by sharing experiences of successful higher-blend marketers and providing tools like our Flex Check E15 compatibility tool on the flexfuelforward.com marketer-to-marketer website.



Clean Fuels Welcomes Newly Announced HBIIP Grants

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America thanked USDA for announcing new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program grants for 59 projects, including ones that will increase consumer access to biodiesel from California to New Hampshire. The industry appreciates USDA’s commitment to make additional funding available on a quarterly basis, with five application windows between July 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024. Clean Fuels applauds USDA’s emphasis on fuel and home heating oil distribution projects.

Clean Fuels congratulates member companies and industry partners that received matching funds for projects, including Crimson Renewable Energy, New Leaf, and World Energy. The HBIIP grants provide matching funds for companies investing in new pumps, fuel storage, distribution and transportation infrastructure for biodiesel. Out of the $25 million in grants announced today, more than $6.9 million will be used to support consumer access to more than 104 million gallons of biodiesel.

“Clean Fuels and its members appreciate the partnership with USDA to support industry investments in infrastructure for biodiesel,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. “This program enjoys bipartisan congressional support and it is successfully opening new markets to biodiesel.”

“Clean Fuels congratulates member companies Crimson Renewable Energy, New Leaf, and World Energy for specific projects and applauds the overall progress for the entire industry,” Kovarik continued. “These projects will increase the supply of better, cleaner fuels in states and regions where consumer demand is increasing quickly.”



NGFA submits comments to House subcommittee on benefits of lower Snake River dams

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today submitted written comments to the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries detailing the benefits of the lower Snake River dams to the agricultural industry.

The subcommittee’s oversight field hearing in Richland, Wash., at 1 pm PDT will focus on the multipurpose benefits of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, in particular the lower Snake River dams.

NGFA submitted the following statement:
“Barge transportation moves about half of all grain exports to export elevators and is critical to NGFA members in the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia-Snake River System is the third-largest grain export corridor in the world, transporting nearly 30 percent of U.S. grain and oilseed exports.

“Breaching the Lower Snake River Dams in the Pacific Northwest would create severe economic harm to the entire U.S. agricultural value chain. Removing the Lower Snake River Dams will hurt producers and negatively impact the operations and livelihoods of NGFA members who have made investment decisions based on the ability to utilize barge transportation. In addition to the impact on agriculture in the Pacific Northwest and throughout much of the western and northern United States, reduced exports will have a tremendous negative impact on global food security, which has already been affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“During a recent listening session held by the Federal Mediation Service, advocates of breaching the dams suggested barge traffic could be replaced by rail or truck transportation. The NGFA would like to clarify that the required infrastructure capacity simply does not exist, and it is highly unlikely that it could be created in an economically viable amount of time.

“Importantly for this discussion, barges are the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation for grains and oilseeds with one four-barge tow moving as much grain as 140 rail cars or 538 semi-trucks. This fact cannot be ignored in the debate about the environmental impacts of breaching the dams.”



Soybean Field Investigation: Why are my soybeans yellowing?

Yellowing leaves on soybeans? That has to be a potassium deficiency, right? Maybe not. While yellowing in the middle or upper canopy is usually a sign of potassium deficiency, it could mean something worse is lurking below the soil surface. Often, a superficial glance isn’t enough to get to the root of the problem.

“Symptoms don’t always lead us to the cause of those symptoms,” said Matt Montgomery, Pioneer Field Agronomist.

Going through a checklist to eliminate potential causes provides the best chance at proper diagnosis and treatment.

Herbicide damage, fungal disease and pest pressure can also lead to yellow leaves. If those are ruled out, the answer could be underground. Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), the tiny, worm-like parasites, can decrease yields substantially without inducing obvious symptoms. However, SCN can produce yellow leaves when populations are high.

“Soybean cyst females love to feed on the root material of plants,” Montgomery said. “They slowly suck away water, photosynthate and nutrients. We don’t usually see above-ground symptoms of SCN unless the ground is under stress and the field has a high level of SCN.”

SCN management comes in two forms: Preventing the infestation of fields and reducing the nematode populations in infested fields.

Preventing the infestation of fields by rotating resistant soybean varieties is the first step. If infestation has already occurred, early identification is crucial to developing an SCN management plan for profitable soybean production. Stopping or slowing the spread of SCN can prevent losses in the following years.

The SCN Coalition provides the following recommendations for developing an SCN management plan:
    Test fields to know the numbers
    Rotate resistant varieties
    Rotate to non-host crops
    Consider using a nematode protectant seed treatment



Syngenta Celebrates Grand Opening of Seeds R&D Innovation Center

Syngenta leaders from around the globe joined with state, local and agricultural organization representatives for the recent Grand Opening of the Syngenta Seeds R&D Innovation Center in Malta, Illinois, a facility designed to bring farmers and researchers together to accelerate advancements in agricultural seed products and services.

“At Syngenta Seeds, we continue strengthening our R&D engine by orchestrating every process for speed, precision and power,” says Warren Kruger, Syngenta head of Field Crops Seeds Development for North America. “This new, state-of-the-art R&D Innovation Center is located in the heart of the North American Corn Belt, surrounded by farmers who now have a seat at our innovation table. Here, we will get real-time farmer feedback so that Syngenta researchers are developing the innovations and solutions they need, today and for the future.”

The Syngenta Seeds R&D Innovation Center is an 88-acre, 100,000-square-foot facility that reinforces Syngenta Seeds position as a global innovation powerhouse. It includes 32,000 feet for laboratories and over 18,000 feet of seed processing space, along with research fields.

During the event, leaders noted the facility will play a critical role in supporting the Syngenta Seeds commitment to improving germplasm performance, launching stacked, next generation differentiated traits and demonstrating regenerative agriculture cropping systems that benefit farmers, consumers and our planet. Germplasm developed at the facility will benefit farmers around the world, and the company’s commitment to sustainability is being demonstrated by a regenerative ag plot demonstration at the site.

The Syngenta Seeds R&D Innovation Center in Malta joins an innovation ecosystem of 150 Syngenta Seeds R&D production sites worldwide, and exemplifies the company’s $1.48 billion USD annual investment globally in seed R&D.

“It is a critical cornerstone for our global facilities and exceptional talent – highlighting how Syngenta Seeds is transforming product development and product placement through farmer and partner collaboration, and solidifying our emphasis to deliver new capabilities,” says Trevor Hohls, Syngenta Global Head of Seeds Development. “As we synchronize facilities and bring together the world’s best talent, we are creating a brighter future, with farmers contributing and benefitting from working together with us.”

The DeKalb County location, about one hour west of the Syngenta Seeds global and North America headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois, will also facilitate collaborations with the broader agriculture industry and supplement the work of more than 5,000 Syngenta R&D employees around the world.