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.