Thursday August 03 Ag News

This Week's Drought Summary - August 3, 2023
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

Dry conditions dominated the West and southern Plains, coupled with above-normal temperatures. Precipitation was most widespread throughout much of the upper Midwest and central Plains and into the Northeast. Almost the entire country had near- to above-normal temperatures this last week, with the greatest departures over the Southwest and central Plains where temperatures were at least 4-7 degrees above normal. Cooler-than-normal temperatures were recorded in the Pacific Northwest with departures of 3-6 degrees below normal. At the end of the current U.S. Drought Monitor period, significant rains developed over portions of the Midwest and central Plains, and they will be accounted for in the next analysis.

Midwest
Warmer-than-normal temperatures dominated the region this week with departures of 6-8 degrees above normal over portions of southern Illinois into northeastern Missouri. The upper Midwest recorded the greatest rains, with 200-300% of normal rain received over Wisconsin, Michigan and areas of eastern Minnesota. Portions of northern Illinois and northern Indiana into northern Ohio also received above-normal precipitation. Significant rains developed over Iowa and Missouri after the period for analysis this week, and they will be considered for next week’s map. Most of the changes in the region were improvements this week, with some degradation limited to the western portions of the region. Abnormally dry and moderate drought were improved over Ohio, Indiana, western Kentucky, southern Illinois, lower Michigan, southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Improvements were also made in western Minnesota and central Missouri due to recent convective rains bringing above-normal precipitation. As the spotty precipitation continued, some areas of degradation were also made, with severe and extreme drought expanding in southern and northern Minnesota, eastern Iowa and portions of northern and southeast Missouri.

High Plains
Precipitation was mixed in the region for the week. Areas of northwest North Dakota and throughout much of Nebraska recorded above-normal precipitation while most of Kansas, eastern South Dakota and eastern Colorado were below normal for the week. Temperatures were above normal for the week along with some areas of high dew point temperatures too. Departures were generally 2-4 degrees above normal for the week, with areas of central Kansas, western North Dakota and eastern Nebraska 6-8 degrees above normal. The recent trend of wetter conditions over Nebraska allowed for improvements to be made to the drought depiction this week. Extreme and severe drought were improved over north central Nebraska and southeast Nebraska. Drought expanded and intensified over most of northern North Dakota where moderate drought conditions now cover much of the northern tier of the state. Abnormally dry conditions expanded over northern South Dakota.

Looking Ahead
Over the next 5-7 days, precipitation chances are anticipated to be best over the northern Rocky Mountains, central Plains and into the Southeast where forecasted rain totals could approach 3-4 inches in places. Dry conditions will dominate the southern Plains, Southwest and along the West Coast. Temperatures will be 12-15 degrees below normal over the central Plains to the northern Rocky Mountains and 8-12 degrees above normal in the southern Plains and Southwest.

The 6–10 day outlooks show a high probability of cooler-than-normal temperatures over the Northern Rocky Mountains, central and northern Plains and into the Midwest. The best chances of above-normal temperatures are over the Southwest, southern Plains and into the Southeast. Much of the country is showing an above-normal chance of above-normal precipitation, with only the Southwest and far southern Plains having high probabilities of below-normal precipitation.



Lindsay Announces Acquisition of FieldWise

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, has acquired FieldWise, LLC, a market leader in agricultural technology products with a focus on subscription-based, precision irrigation solutions.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Norfolk, Nebraska, FieldWise® specializes in providing agricultural producers and their trusted service providers with innovative solutions. These solutions enable the remote monitoring and intelligent control of critical assets around their farm or ranch. With an emphasis on mechanized irrigation applications, FieldWise is focused on helping growers improve the productivity, efficiency and profitability of their operations.

The addition of FieldWise will expand and strengthen Lindsay’s position in smart irrigation and other AgTech markets. Through this acquisition, Lindsay will now be the force propelling two market-leading solutions and serving an even broader customer base through a greatly expanded distribution network. FieldWise will continue to operate independently and remain the trusted choice for non-Zimmatic irrigation solution providers around the world, while Lindsay’s FieldNET® brand will continue to be the remote irrigation management solution sold through Lindsay’s global network of Zimmatic® dealers.

“FieldWise is an ideal fit for Lindsay. Their capabilities and values align perfectly with our mission to strategically grow and deliver powerful, irrigation technology solutions that conserve natural resources, enhance quality of life and expand our world's potential. The addition of FieldWise advances Lindsay’s technology leadership position in the market and will allow Lindsay to serve an even broader set of customers and service providers globally, which also opens new markets and channels for growth,” said Randy Wood, President and CEO of Lindsay Corporation. “The FieldWise team has shown an impressive ability to rapidly innovate in response to the evolving needs of their customers, and they have gained the trust of thousands of growers and irrigation service providers around the world. Today, we are proud to welcome their incredible team into the Lindsay family and look forward to supporting them as they continue to serve and grow their global customer base.”

“FieldWise is excited to become part of Lindsay Corporation and contribute to the Company’s strategic mission,” said Brian Klawinski, President and CEO of FieldWise. “We are confident our uncompromising focus on putting customers’ needs first will continue as we grow with Lindsay, leveraging their additional resources and best-in-class capabilities. FieldWise will continue to operate independently and retain our employees, our valued brand name, product offerings, and operations at our Norfolk, Nebraska location.” Klawinski concluded, “We remain focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience, while serving the needs, and continuing to earn the trust, of our distribution partners and growers around the world.”



Women in Ag’s ‘Herd That!’ livestock conference returning to Broken Bow

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, along with the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program, are excited to announce the third annual Herd That! Conference, Sept. 19-20, 2023, in Broken Bow, Nebraska.  

A horsemanship demonstration will be one of the highlights of the program, along with the keynote speaker Calli Thorne.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the Herd That! Conference for women who raise livestock or work in the livestock sector,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of Nebraska Women in Agriculture. “Livestock production is vital to our state. This event will focus on giving women the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to be successful in this facet of the agricultural industry. More importantly, it will provide participants the opportunity to expand their network.”

The two-day conference will bring a variety of speakers and topics for attendees to learn from.  

On Tuesday afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at various educational stations at the Custer County Fairgrounds and tour of Adams Land and Cattle. The day will wrap up with a tour and dinner at Kinkaider Brewing. On Wednesday morning participants hear from Keynote speaker Calli Thorne and participate in workshops from industry leaders at the One Box Convention Center. On Wednesday afternoon, legendary horseman Curt Pate will provide a horsemanship demonstration.   

Adams Land and Cattle is headquartered in Broken Bow and has the capacity to finish 125,000 head of cattle at its three Nebraska feedlots. Its backgrounding network comprises up to 100,000 head in more than 85 locations across the country.  

Thorne is a keynote speaker, global leadership trainer, mindset coach and multi-business entrepreneur. Thorne grew up on her family’s farm and ranch in northwest North Dakota and currently operates multiple enterprises, including a backgrounding feedlot, cow/calf operation, yearlings and a direct-to-consumer beef retail business.

For more than a decade, Pate has conducted demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, colt starting and ranch horsemanship throughout North America and Europe. A nationally recognized stockmanship instructor, Pate teaches techniques on how to put the proper pressure on cattle at a different angle and at varying amounts to help move them comfortably and without a negative experience – for the stockman or the livestock.

“The way we handle our animals is more important than ever to our industry,” said Jesse Fulton, director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance. “As caregivers, we need to be sure we are handling our animals in the lowest stress- environment possible.”

Registration is open now on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu. The two-day early bird registration fee is $125, which will increase on Sept. 6.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021-70027-34694.



“Ricketts’ Legislation Would Fix the EPA’s Mistake and Provide Level Playing Field”

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), announced support from various Nebraska and national stakeholders for his Flex Fuel Fairness Act.

This legislation, introduced last week, would level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol by providing a meaningful incentive for automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) in addition to battery electric vehicles (EVs).

“We need to combat the Biden administration's attempt to force drivers to switch to electric vehicles. This bill is just one of the ways we can do that,” Ricketts said. “Renewable fuels are a common-sense, proven Nebraska solution to our energy crisis. The Flex Fuel Fairness Act will level the playing field for vehicle manufacturers and give consumers freedom and choice by encouraging the use of flex fuel vehicles that can run on higher ethanol blends.”

Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell: “It’s good for everyone if our cars are more efficient and produce fewer carbon emissions. But the EPA’s proposed tailpipe CO2 standards seem to arbitrarily decide that the only way to achieve that goal is by picking one technology — battery electric vehicles — over others, including those that might reduce carbon emissions even more and at a lower cost. Thankfully, Senator Ricketts’ legislation would fix the EPA’s mistake and provide for a level playing field that encourages multiple approaches, such as flex fuel vehicles that rely on clean, renewable ethanol. We hope his colleagues follow his lead and pass this bill as soon as possible.”

Nebraska Ethanol Board Chairman Jan TenBensel: “We thank Sen. Ricketts for continuing to champion Nebraska biofuels, ensuring it stays top-of-mind amidst the heavy push for electrification. In the Midwest, it’s ethanol that continues to fuel our vehicles and our economy. Nebraska drivers are already saving at least $275 million annually by choosing ethanol-blended fuels. Within the recently proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards, the EPA’s claim that electric vehicles have zero emissions throughout production and electrical generation is far from accurate. If the goal is to reduce emissions, then we must have apples-to-apples comparison of lifecycle emissions for all fuels. Legislation that establishes incentives for the production of FFVs helps level the playing field for low-carbon ethanol and automakers looking to meet the needs of consumers seeking access to higher blends.
 
Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Chris Grams: “The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) thanks Senator Ricketts for the introduction of the bill as it supports the importance of keeping and increasing flex fuel vehicle production as a continued transition to mid and higher level fuel blends. There is a vital need to balance the harmful proposed regulations against internal combustion engines and utilize high octane low carbon fuels such as corn-based ethanol.”



Center develops resource to assist counties considering solar development projects

Solar energy is a rapidly emerging industry in Nebraska and the opportunity for the growth of large-scale solar developments is forecasted to increase considerably in the coming years.

With the expected growth, county officials will be presented with development opportunities. The Center for Rural Affairs has released a new resource to assist counties as they consider or update solar regulations.

“It’s important for counties who are presented with large-scale development opportunities to develop well-drafted regulations addressing where systems can be built to preserve the safety and interests of the county and its residents while upholding private property rights and allowing for cost-effective project development,” said Lindsay Mouw, a Center policy associate and author of “Nebraska Solar Siting Guide: A Roadmap for Counties.”

The guide focuses on practices for utility-scale solar—systems above a certain capacity that are intended to produce electricity to sell into the market. It also includes information related to community solar projects— systems developed by a municipality, utility, or other third parties that typically allows community members to subscribe to the project.

Nebraska’s first utility-scale solar project—in Lincoln— went online in 2016. With more projects in development, a handful of Nebraska counties have already adopted solar regulations and have seen utility-scale development.

In developing the guide, the Center reviewed those and other existing Nebraska regulations, along with best practices from neighboring states, to identify specific provisions local officials can use as a road map for their own. The report contains information on application requirements and the approval process, setbacks guidelines, operations and maintenance planning, infrastructure and road use agreements, and decommissioning and site restoration.

The guide also stresses the importance of public participation and offers recommendations on getting residents involved.

“Community engagement is crucial for the successful development of solar energy regulations,” Mouw said. “Public participation builds trust with local residents, provides an opportunity to address concerns, and increases shared support for the regulations.”

Mouw added that it’s important to remember that zoning be designed for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and welfare of present and future residents.

To learn more, view and download “Nebraska Solar Siting Guide: A Roadmap for Counties” at cfra.org/publications.



USDA Allows Emergency Haying and Grazing in Iowa's CRP Acres

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allowed emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in 46 Iowa counties due to severe drought conditions, which have affected forage production.

Counties are automatically approved for emergency haying and grazing when they reach the D2 (severe drought) level on the U.S. Drought Monitor and are outside of the primary nesting season (May 15 through Aug. 1). Counties with a documented 40% loss of forage production are also eligible. Local FSA County committees can review data on forage loss and recommend emergency haying and grazing to the Iowa FSA State Committee.

CRP participants must receive approval from their county FSA office before taking any action. Emergency haying authorizations end on Aug. 31, while emergency grazing is allowed until Sept. 30. Participants can seek approval for either haying or grazing, but not both on the same acres.

New counties may become eligible based on updated U.S. Drought Monitor data. Producers in newly approved counties must sign up at their local FSA offices and get approval before haying or grazing.

Eligible participants should request approval and obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which includes haying and grazing provisions.

No CRP annual rental payment reduction will be applied for 2023 emergency haying and grazing.

For those not eligible for emergency haying and grazing, nonemergency haying and grazing is available starting now. CRP participants should check with their local FSA office for eligibility details and obtain approval before starting any haying or grazing activities.

For more information and to request approval for emergency haying or grazing use of CRP acres, contact your local USDA Service Center.



Irrigation Organizations: Water Inflows and Outflows
USDA’s Economic Research Service

Irrigation water delivery organizations provide water for about 19 million irrigable acres, or approximately a third of all irrigated harvested cropland in the United States.

A new report issued today by USDA’s Economic Research Service, Irrigation Organizations: Water Inflows and Outflows, examines these delivery organization inflows and outflows, and the extent of water transfers both within and across delivery organizations.

The report is the fourth in a series of economic briefs on key topics related to irrigation organizations using data collected in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2019 Survey of Irrigation Organizations.

Here are a few key findings from the report:
-    In the western U.S. (the Northwest, Pacific, Southwest, and Eastern Rockies regions), more than 80% of fresh surface water withdrawals are managed by irrigation delivery organizations.
-    In the central and southeastern U.S. (the High Plains and Southeast regions), where more irrigation water comes from on-farm groundwater wells or surface water sources, irrigation organizations deliver about a third of all water used for irrigation on farms and ranches.

For more information, please refer to the full report... https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/107067/eb-36.pdf?v=508.8.  



Sysco and Certified Angus Beef Announce Partnership to Enhance Animal Welfare and Beef Sustainability

Sysco, the global leader in foodservice distribution, and Certified Angus Beef, a brand known for its commitment to quality beef, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at promoting animal welfare and beef sustainability. The collaboration will focus on providing Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and certification to 1,000 farmers and ranchers through nine training events between August 2023 and June 2024.

"We’re proud to partner with Certified Angus Beef, a brand led and owned by farmers and ranchers and known for its commitment to excellence," said Henry Fovargue, Sysco’s Vice President of Sustainability. "Through this initiative, we hope to support and strengthen the livelihoods of family farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to producing high-quality beef and prioritizing the welfare of animals and the environment."

BQA, a nationally recognized education and certification program, encompasses the best practices for cattle care, including animal handling, nutrition and responsible use of antibiotics. The training helps producers stay current on the best management practices, and its certification boosts consumer confidence in how beef is raised.

According to research from NCBA (on behalf of the Beef Checkoff), 70% of consumers agreed that BQA certification increased their confidence in knowing the beef they eat is safe, and 67% agreed that it increased their confidence that cattle are humanely raised. Prior to learning about the program, 44% of consumers had positive perceptions about cattle production and that increased to 70% after learning of the BQA program.
    
"Through this partnership, we can continue to foster a culture of cattle care and with BQA certifications, communicate ranchers’ commitment to doing the right thing" says John Stika, president, Certified Angus Beef. "Today’s consumers have greater interest in how their beef is raised and the practices behind it. Programs like BQA help bring our customers and beef community closer together in that understanding, building trust to ensure a sustainable future for our industry."

The Cattle Care Partnership between Sysco and Certified Angus Beef highlights the shared commitment of both companies to support farmers and ranchers and the beef community as a whole. By investing in BQA training, the partnership elevates   the industry’s work to address consumer concerns, reinforce trust, and ensure future demand for beef.



Protect American Lamb Seeks Import Relief

Today, Protect American Lamb, a project under the auspices of the R-CALF USA Sheep Committee, with members from nearly 15 states, petitioned United States Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai for relief from lamb and mutton imports which the group says has decimated the United States commercial sheep industry.

The 33-page petition describes the importance of the U.S. sheep industry to America’s rural communities, environment, and economy. The petition cites, for example, how sheep are both natural weed exterminators and fire suppressors. By way of numerous charts, the petition shows that imported lamb and mutton, primarily from Australia and New Zealand, have increased 2,363% in dollar value and 543% in quantity since the early 90s.

This petition points out that lamb and mutton imports are not subject to the more stringent production standards required of U.S. sheep producers citing points such as the widespread use of compound 1080 for predator control in foreign countries while the chemical has been all but banned in the United States.

According to the petition, American lamb consumption has increased significantly over the past decade but the tide of imports from foreign supply chains has captured all of that increase while domestic production continually declines.

The petition shows that 74% of lamb and mutton consumed in the U.S. now originates from foreign soil, and domestic production has declined 60%.

Replete with numerous testimonials from sheep producers from across the western United States, the petition urges the Administration and Congress to take immediate action to protect the commercial U.S. sheep industry from total extinction and creating an irreversible dependency on foreign supply chains for this American staple.

The specific relief sought in the petition includes a request to Ambassador Tai for a Global Safeguard Investigation and a request that Congress establish a phased-in tariff rate quota (TRQ) system over 10 years. The group states that during the 10-year phase-in period, the TRQ would be used to encourage the growth in production of the U.S. sheep industry to achieve a 50% market share in the United States by year 10.

“We find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads in American agriculture. We are outsourcing the production of our food to other countries. I don’t know about you, but I cannot think of anything more dangerous than becoming dependent on another nation to feed Americans,” said Carson Jorgensen, a 6th generation American sheep rancher. “The sheep industry is simply the canary in the coal mine. If we do not act now, not only will we lose the American sheep industry, but we will have opened the door to the ultimate decimation of American agriculture by way of imported food.”

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said that the U.S. sheep industry has been effectively outsourced due to unrestrained imports and only if the Administration and Congress act quickly to slow the import onslaught can the American sheep industry be saved.

“America’s sheep industry is already past the breaking point and only with government intervention can we expect to reclaim for America a reliable and everlasting domestic source of protein-rich lamb, which makes this a matter of national food security,” said Bullard.



Meristem Announces NextGen Bio-Capsule Technology™

Keeping microbes alive and vigorous is bringing big benefits to crops and farmers. Today Meristem Crop Performance® unveiled the next generation of their patented BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™ delivery system. The reveal came in front of nearly 300 dealers attending Meristem’s Breakthrough to Excellence Dealer/Partner event in Delavan, Wisconsin.

“Massive roots, more nutrients – farmers are seeing great results on the 3.1 million acres applied this season with REVLINE HOPPER THROTTLE™ powered by the BIO-CAPSULE microbial delivery system,” said Mitch Eviston, Meristem’s Founder and CEO as he held up the new BIO-CAPSULE. “With our next generation system, we will be ready to help farmers win on more than 8.5 million acres in 2024.”

BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY™ (BCT) powers Meristem’s REVLINE HOPPER THROTTLE™, a full collection of multiple biological agronomic solutions safely packaged for convenient deployment at planting. The REVLINE HOPPER THROTTLE BIO-CAPSULEs are charged with Terraysm® and a powerful consortium of N-fixing microbes released at planting time into a unique ion encapsulated zinc-rich micronutrient blend. It’s carried to the furrow in a talc/graphite seed fluency agent. In-field research has demonstrated up to 10-times the number of live microbes can be delivered through the planter box when compared to seed treatment or liquid starter.

John Gertz, Meristem’s Chief Operating Officer said knowledge gained across those acres and farmers using the product ignited several distinct improvements to the Bio-Capsule delivery system itself for the coming year. “With what we learned, we quickly improved the design and are currently building our inventory to meet the demand we know is coming in 2024.”  Gertz listed several key improvements:
   ·   A larger pail provides positions for six potential BIO-CAPSULEs to carry more technology.
   ·   Each BIO-CAPSULE is larger with more space for microbes to eliminate clumping, caking or sticking.
   ·   More dispenser teeth mean easier material release.
   ·   Self-locking nuts assure Bio-Capsules stay fixed in the lid.
   ·   Larger, easier to push buttons improves comfort and convenience to release microbes.
   ·   Larger robust pail with a clear pour side, metal handle and pour-assist grip.

“But this is not only about improvements to our Bio-Capsule,” said Gertz, “it’s also about what we will be able to deliver to the furrow through this new technology by expanding the components.”

New for 2024 in the corn product will be an option to include ETHER Enzyme Technology™, featuring mannanase and lipase – enzymes that speed microbial colonization and nutrient availability. ETHER will also be available as an option for the soybean version, which also gets key upgrades with mineralization microbes and IonLock™ Zinc as new additions for 2024.

“I’ve spent 10 years working with biologicals,” says Chris Thrasher, Meristem’s Director of Innovation and Product Management. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with some very good biological technologies, but we’ve never had a dependable way to keep microbes vigorous all the way to field level and in high enough concentration to benefit crops the most.” He says the new Bio-Capsule meets that challenge in a way that’s easy for the farmer to use.

“Now we are able to bring the proper load of bios and micros to the crop and put them, safely, right where they need to be,” Thrasher explains. “As an industry, we’ve tried to put more on the seed through seed treatment, but available space on the seed is limited. Now we can adhere to the seed in a high enough concentration to change the effectiveness of biologicals.” Thrasher explains that the Bio-Capsule will carry innovative technology like the new ION-LOCK Zinc, specially formulated to effectively deliver 10-times the zinc to each of those seeds through the planter box. “When you have the right material in the right place for that seed, it’s like getting the shot of adrenalin exactly right,” he says.

Thrasher says this delivery system, and the options it offers, will completely change how biologicals are offered and return the power of choice to farmers. “This is going to be a revolution for farmers who need cost-effective, field-specific answers to local challenges. This puts the keys to local solutions in the farmer’s pocket, not pockets of the big companies.”

Thrasher says Bio-Capsule Technology™ also provides a path forward for other biological companies and start-ups who’ve discovered beneficial microbes that face the same challenge of formulation and field delivery. “Our intent is to widen the pathway to market for others and we’re willing to license them to use the Bio-Capsule. I know there are many, many new biological technologies out there that can now find their way to farmers’ fields in a consistent and reliable form. This is truly an historical change in the agriculture biological industry.” he says.