Wednesday October 18 Ag news

 FALL GRAZING OF ALFALFA
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator

Every fall, there can be some situations where there can be the potential to graze alfalfa.  In some cases, the alfalfa may not have been big enough to warrant haying or maybe you have an alfalfa field that is adjacent to some cornstalks.  A side benefit is that grazing alfalfa in late fall or winter can reduce alfalfa weevil infestations by removing stems and plant parts that serve as a wintering site or a spring laying site for weevil eggs.

Even through late October and into November, alfalfa is still quite green, despite several nights with low temperatures in the twenties.  There may be some wilting and yellowing, especially on the top, but most leaves still are attached to the plant stems.

The real question often being asked is “Can I be sure my cows won’t bloat if they graze my alfalfa?”.  To be quite honest, you can never be 100 percent certain that alfalfa won’t cause bloat.  Bloat occurs in ruminant livestock when gas produced during fermentation becomes trapped inside the rumen.

Bloat risk is much lower a week after a hard freeze that causes wilting.  But always use good management methods to reduce the risk further.  Have cows full before turning out to alfalfa.  Wait until mid-day, after frost or dew is gone, before turning out.  Provide other dry, palatable feeds or even bloat retardants.  And keep a close eye on them for the first couple days.

Alfalfa can be grazed safely.  Just be careful and realistic.

 

Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Nebraska, the $10,000 award is presented with Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for what he called “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The application deadline is March 1, 2024. Applications can be emailed to mindyr@a-fan.org or postmarked by March 1, and mailed to:
Leopold Conservation Award
c/o AFAN
5225 S. 16th Street
Lincoln, NE 68512

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

The first Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Wilson Ranch of Lakeside in 2006. The 2023 recipient of the award was Trumler Ranch of Rockville. To see a full list of award recipients visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/Nebraska.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Nebraska is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Cargill, Nebraska Environmental Trust, AFAN, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Services of America, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Audubon Great Plains, Green Cover Seed, Lyle Sittler Memorial Fund, McDonald’s, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Land Trust, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and World Wildlife Fund-Northern Great Plains.



Organic Grain Production Topic of November 8 Conference

An upcoming organic farming conference will assist growers thinking about transitioning to organic farming and those that are newly certified organic farmers. This one-day conference planned by a team of University of Nebraska researchers, extension personnel, and local farmers will focus on how growers can improve soil fertility, manage weeds, and develop resilient crop rotations for organic grain farms. Panel discussions with organic producers are included in the program.

The conference workshop will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.

University of Nebraska Statewide Soil Health Extension Educator, Katja Koehler-Cole says, “Organic farming is a fast-growing sector of agriculture, but becoming a certified organic operation requires careful planning, recordkeeping and changes in management. With this event, we want to shed some light on what it takes to become a certified organic farm. We are hoping this event will help to build connections and community among newer and more experienced farmers as well as ag professionals and researchers.”

The program includes: Weed control in organic grain systems - Stevan Knezevic, UNL Professor of Agronomy & Horticulture; What you need to know about the organic certification process – Karlin Warner, OneCert; Panel with organic farmers; Manure as a fertilizer in organic grain systems - Amy Schmidt, UNL Professor, Animal Manure Management; and Organic no-till – Noah Wendt and Caleb Akin, Iowa farmers. There will also be opportunities to interact and network with those directly involved in organic grain farming, as well as visit with vendors.

The program will conclude with a speakers panel with the opportunity to interact with those directly involved in organic grain farming.

There is no fee to attend, but please preregister by Nov. 5 to ensure resource materials are available and for meal planning purposes. Seating is limited. Registration and more information available at: https://enreec.unl.edu/2023-transition-to-organic-farming-conference.

Please direct questions to Katja Koehler-Cole at kkoehlercole2@unl.edu or (402)624-8041
Sponsored by Nebraska Extension and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service - National Organic Program - Transition to Organic Partnership Program.



FALL ALFALFA IRRIGATION
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator  

A dry end to summer and start of fall is great for producers needing to get crops harvested.  However, these conditions don’t do our alfalfa fields any favors as they prepare for winter. Can fall irrigation help with stand stress?

For irrigated alfalfa, targeted fall irrigation may help the long-term strength of the stand. While not every stand will benefit equally, for those with deep to medium textured soils and dealing with dry conditions, a fall irrigation may put plants in a good position heading into winter. Good growing conditions prior to winter dormancy helps alfalfa stands build reserves in the root system, resulting in better re-growth next spring.

Fall irrigation can also help refill soil profiles that were depleted during the summer. Evaporation and transpiration in the fall is lower than during summer heat, so less of the water supplied will be lost and more can move deeper into dry soils. In many alfalfa fields, the water supplied during the growing season may never reach beyond 4 feet, while the roots go down 8 feet. This is especially true for fine textured soils where infiltration may be limited. By padding the profile now, extra water will help plants better deal with stress during high heat and high water demands next summer.

Finally, with a full soil moisture profile headed into winter, soil temperature is better regulated, helping keep plants alive during the winter. Dry soils in the winter will push the frost line deeper and may have greater frost heaving, damaging alfalfa roots and crowns.  While snow cover in the winter is key for regulating soil temperatures and maintaining moisture, having moisture in the profile right away means we start off ahead, not behind.

Watering dry alfalfa fields in the fall will help recharge water in the soil profile, combat winter stress, and start plants growing strong during the spring of a dry year.



Beginning Farmers Can Now Apply for PFI’s Savings Incentive Program; Applications Are Due Nov. 20

Practical Farmers of Iowa invites beginning and aspiring farmers looking for mentorship and support to apply for the next round of PFI’s Savings Incentive Program.  

This two-year program aims to help beginning farmers succeed through mentorship from experienced farmers; business plan support; the chance to save money and receive matching funds; opportunities to attend a range of learning events; and access to a network of supportive peers.  

Applications are due Nov. 20. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/savings-incentive-program.

“I encourage any new or even somewhat experienced farmer to apply for a spot in SIP,” says Steve Strasheim, a member of the Savings Incentive Program Class of 2023 who farms in Mitchell, Iowa. “There’s been a lot of great networking opportunities, as well as really helpful financial planning tools. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know the mentor farmers and touring their operations.”  

Those enrolled in the program will start in January 2024 and be part of the SIP Class of 2025. After 24 months and completion of all program requirements, participants earn a dollar-for-dollar match on money saved up to $2,400, for a possible $4,800 they may use to help purchase a farm asset.

Additional funds for farmers of color: PFI is also offering additional funds for farmers of color. This includes a $1,000 start-up grant at the beginning of the program and a 1:2 match: for every $1 participants save, PFI will provide a $2 match, up to $4,800.

To date, SIP participants have invested over $500,000 in their farm businesses with program support.

“For over a decade, the Savings Incentive Program has helped over 200 beginning farmers create a healthy farm business,” says Kayla Koether, PFI’s senior farm viability manager. “Farming poses many challenges, especially for those just getting started, so we are eager to give farmers the tailored support they need to establish a successful business.”

To be eligible, farmers must:
    Either be farming on their own now and have farmed for seven or fewer years, or have experience working for a farm business
    Reside in Iowa or farm in the state of Iowa or bordering counties in adjoining states
    Be a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa. Those who are not members can join at practicalfarmers.org

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, farmers should contact Kayla Koether at (515) 232-5661 or kayla.koether@practicalfarmers.org.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/13/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 13, ethanol production expanded 3.1% to a 5-week high of 1.035 million b/d, equivalent to 43.47 million gallons daily. Output was 1.9% more than the same week last year and 2.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.4% to 1.014 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.54 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks declined 1.9% to 21.1 million barrels—the smallest volume since the end of 2021. Stocks were 3.4% less than the same week last year and 1.3% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned 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, lifted 4.2% to a 6-week high of 8.94 million b/d (137.10 bg annualized). Demand was 3.1% more than a year ago but 1.8% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 1.2% to 915,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.03 bg annualized and the largest weekly volume since August. Net inputs were 0.8% more than a year ago and 1.3% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 112,000 b/d (4.7 million gallons/day), or 6.7% less than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the fourth consecutive week.



Retail Anhydrous Fertilizer Price Climbs 16% as Farmers Start Fall Fieldwork

The retail prices of all eight major fertilizers climbed higher in the second week of October, with anhydrous, MAP and UAN32 posting the largest gains. DTN polls retail fertilizer sellers each week to compile price estimates and considers a price change of 5% or more to be significant. Anhydrous prices climbed 16% on average to $804 per ton. MAP and UAN32 each climbed by 7% to $794/ton and $418/ton, respectively.

The prices of the remaining five fertilizers were all higher than last month, but less significantly. DAP cost an average of $711/ton; potash, $506/ton; urea, $575; 10-34-0, $613/ton; and UAN28, $356/ton.

On a price per ton on a nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.63/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 19% lower; MAP is 20% less expensive; DAP is down 23%; urea is 30% less costly, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 38% lower, potash is 42% less expensive and anhydrous is 43% cheaper than the year prior.



Please Submit Comments on EPA's Draft Herbicide Strategy!
Agricultural Retailers Association

To bring EPA's pesticide program into compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the agency is proposing a draft ESA herbicide strategy - a general set of restrictions on agricultural herbicide use that would be imposed on all new and re-registered herbicide registrations moving forward. This proposal would generally apply to agricultural retailers, applicators, farmers and most other agricultural herbicide users in the lower 48 states operating in pesticide use limitation areas (PULA), which will face greater restrictions due to their alleged risks to certain endangered species (see PULA map).  ARA is concerned the agency's herbicide strategy is challenging, costly, and could lead the industry to an onslaught of litigation from NGOs and excessive enforcement actions from EPA relating to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and pesticide applications.

Please take a few moments to submit comments to EPA expressing concerns with the current proposal and urge the agency to work with impacted stakeholders on a significantly modified proposal that helps protect endangered and vulnerable species while allowing America's agricultural industry to continue to use critical pesticide products in order to produce abundant, safe, and healthy food, fuel, and fiber for American consumers.

Comments are due no later than Sunday, October 22, 2023.

The proposed restrictions on the industry include the following challenging requirements -
    Requiring herbicide users to attain "points" by adopting certain runoff reduction practices (reduced tillage, cover crops, vegetative filter strips, contour farming, etc.) to use most herbicides (most herbicides could require 6, 9, or more points to use);
    Downwind spray drift buffers as great as 500 feet for aerial application or 200 feet for ground application (these distances could be reduced by using coarser spray droplets or other mitigations);
    Runoff mitigation exemptions can apply for applications more than 1,000 feet from terrestrial or aquatic "habitat" ("habitat" definitions are very broad and few areas are likely to qualify for this exemption) or if you are under a field/site specific runoff conservation plan;
    If you have subsurface drainage, you cannot comply with runoff reduction practice requirements. All subsurface drainage must be channeled into retention ponds or saturation buffer zones.

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/CkpG8CoFYoFEYIssJ5EY0Q



Certified Angus Beef Celebrates 45th Year with Strong Sales

It has been 45 years since Certified Angus Beef’s (CAB) first customer purchased a strip steak at Renzetti’s IGA grocery store. Since then, consumer demand for high-quality beef has grown, ultimately driving demand for premium Angus genetics.

"The Certified Angus Beef brand was founded on a mission to improve the consumer’s beef eating experience and drive demand for Angus cattle," says John Stika, president of CAB.

Marking the third-highest sales year on record, the global beef brand sold 1.227 billion pounds across 52 countries during the 2023 fiscal year. While down 7 million pounds, or 0.6%, from total sales in 2022, this year marks the brand’s eighth year over a billion pounds sold. Additionally, March 2023 was the third highest sales month in the brand’s history at 112.3 million pounds.

"It’s because of the community around this brand, their daily hard work, and intentionality in leveraging the value of the Certified Angus Beef ® brand that we’re celebrating yet another year of over 1 billion pounds sold," Stika says.

CAB Supply Increased Despite Lower Fed Cattle Numbers
"Angus producers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for maintaining their focus on marbling and continuing to improve the quality of their cattle," Stika says.

While the total fed cattle supply declined by 3%, this year 5.82 million carcasses were certified for the brand, increasing CAB supply 0.5%. This resulted in a 36% acceptance rate after 16.16 million cattle were identified as eligible for the brand.

Family farmers and ranchers’ commitment to supplying high-quality cattle continues to be rewarded through grid premiums. As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand-qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually or $3.5 million per week.

Meeting Consumer Demand
Consumers continue to demand high-quality beef offerings at the meat case and while dining out, both domestically and internationally.

With 414.8 million pounds sold, foodservice sales are up 2.4% from 2022 and reached their second-best year to date.

While diners enjoyed Certified Angus Beef ® at their favorite dining establishments, from Michelin star restaurants to acclaimed barbecue joints and beyond, they also purchased the trusted beef brand in the meat case. Retail stores recorded 521 million pounds sold in 2023, marking the fifth year of over 500 million pounds sold across retailers, though down 4.9% in total sales from last year.

U.S. sales dipped slightly from last year, but international sales soared to 188 million pounds, an increase of 5.5%. The highest growth was recorded in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Mexico.

Looking across the marketplace, the steady increase in demand for labor and time-saving solutions led value-added products—items such as fully-cooked briskets, hamburger patties, marinated roasts, franks, flavored meatballs, etc.—to a new annual record. Up 9.8% from 2022, 44.7 million pounds were sold across retail and foodservice, both in U.S. and international markets.

Certified Angus Beef ® Prime sales marked a new milestone with 41 million pounds sold, up 17.7% from last year. Given the current marketing conditions, these record sales are further indication that consumers are not backing down from quality.

As Certified Angus Beef further embraced consumer choice, Certified Angus Beef ® Natural saw 4.4 million pounds sold, down 6.4% from 2022.

"We are all connected through our shared commitment to quality, and to fulfill the growing demand that’s out there for the brand," Stika says. "In the process, we’ll continue to engage the entire beef community in creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone involved in this brand."



New Call for Applications in Aflatoxin Research Grants

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announces a new round of research grants to help farmers manage aflatoxin issues. Proposals from principal investigators, co-principal investigators, and collaborators—and not exceeding the $100,000 per year limit—will be accepted by the Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence (AMCOE) no later than Wednesday, November 15, 2023. For more information about the review process, evaluation criteria and program eligibility, click here.

AMCOE’s Competitive Grants Program offers research grants for projects focused on solving profit-robbing aflatoxin issues for farmers. The program was developed by a consortium of southern state corn checkoff boards to provide a unified approach to funding projects affecting growers across the region. NCGA serves as the management structure in order to leverage more dollars for solving aflatoxin issues and to build strong regional teams which would be highly competitive for federal, public, and private funding.

“Corn growers are committed to helping deliver the safest, highest-quality products to consumers," noted Texas grower and AMCOE Committee Chair Charles Ring. "Through the AMCOE’s endeavors, we've gained substantial ground in understanding and mitigating aflatoxin and other mycotoxins. Our competitive grants program is advancing successful aflatoxin research and offering enhanced tools and outcomes for our industry.”

Projects funded through AMCOE’s grant program for 2024 should focus on one of these three priority research areas:
    Methodologies and technologies that prevent and/or defend against the presence of aflatoxin
    In-field mitigation measures
    Post-harvest strategies

While corn farmers in southern states experience aflatoxin challenges every year, these challenges may present themselves in any corn region of the United States when the crop comes under stress. Therefore, the benefits of such research—particularly as outlined in the three priority areas—are truly national in scope. Proposals will be considered regardless of the party’s geographic region. Any state wishing to provide additional funding for AMCOE is encouraged to do so.



Renovo Seed™ positioned to shake up the seed industry with practical and profitable seed solutions

Renovo Seed™ debuts today with an elite lineup of more than 80 proven, prebuilt seed mixes that simplify forage, cover crop and conservation seed choices. Access to a robust caliber of seed mixes and an established supply chain have paved the way for Renovo Seed to launch its commercial seed brand, a first for the forage, cover crop, and conservation space. You can find Renovo Seed at a growing network of seed dealerships and ag cooperatives nationwide, as well as online.

“We’re problem solvers. Our priority is making these seed mixes easy to use for every farmer, rancher or landowner. You don’t have to be an agronomy expert or conservation fanatic to understand our products,” says Justin Fruechte, ag product expert for Renovo Seed. “We take the guesswork out of your seed choices.”

Customers can purchase seed on Renovo Seed’s website and have it shipped right to their door. The site also serves as a powerful resource, featuring seed selector tools to simplify the decision-making process, as well as agronomic details, video tutorials, firsthand farmer and rancher experiences, and how-to guides that enhance understanding and confidence in the products.

“Our North American footprint and streamlined distribution means we can get seed into your hands fast,” says Shannon Kubik, brand president of Renovo Seed. “Because our products are often used for double cropping or to complement other crops, turnaround time is critical. Timely delivery is another way we’re able to simplify and improve the seed-buying experience for our customers.”

Renovo Seed may be new, but its team is made up of experts who have been land-use linchpins for decades, linking practical land use solutions with long-term farm profitability. Backed by MillbornTM, a vertically integrated seed supply chain powerhouse with over 35 years in the seed industry, Renovo Seed has the distribution channels and experience to back up its products.

“Our people are rooted in the land,” says Kubik. “They farm. They have livestock. They’re invested in their farms’ longevity. Their experiences have helped us build products that offer real value and solutions guided by three principles: renew, revive, repeat.”

“We believe that not only can the land be renewed, but also the entire seed buying and crop planning experience. We create easy-to-use, effective seed mixes that make it simple for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to renew their crop plan and revive their land,” Kubik adds.

Whether you’re looking for high quality alfalfa or grass for feed for your livestock, diverse cover crop solutions, hay and pasture mixes, conservation seed, or are an outdoor enthusiast looking for premier food plot options, Renovo Seed has proven seed mixes to simplify decisions and help you exceed goals.  

To take the guesswork out of your forage, cover crop and conservation seed choices, visit renovoseed.com or call 888-498-7333 to locate a dealer near you.



Prioritize Plant Health from Start to Finish to Advance Yields

Late-season plant health is critical to a smooth harvest and maximizing yield potential. It’s not something that just “happens.” Keeping your corn crop healthy all the way to harvest takes planning, hybrid selection, fertility management and fungicide.  

“It’s an investment that pays off — especially in challenging years,” says AgriGold Agronomist Jeff Morey. In years when drought and heat stress the crop, he has witnessed a 10- to 20-bushel-an-acre advantage.

Late-season plant health starts with hybrid selection
Plant health should influence farmers’ corn hybrid decisions. “Farmers with a lot of acres to combine need that corn plant standing well into October. They should look for genetics with good late-season plant health, stalk quality and standability,” Morey advises. “You’ll find those ratings in our seed guide.”  

“A fungicide application is a must for hybrids with lower plant health ratings and on disease-prone acres,” he adds. “You’ll also want to make sure you have good fertility, including getting nitrogen into those plants when they need it.”  

Fungicide’s ability to improve standability at harvest has made them popular in Morey’s Iowa territory. “Farmers recognize the need for fungicides and genetics with strong plant health to ensure the plant is standing later in the season,” he says.  

Recognize disease can be a lingering threat
Stalk health issues can date back to the start of the growing season. “The longer corn takes to emerge, the more potential for disease to infect the plant,” Morey explains. “If infection occurs early and the environment is right, disease can have an immediate impact on yield.”  

If the environment is not conducive, a plant can be infected early in the season with no immediate impact. However, that doesn’t mean the threat goes away.  

“A crop may look healthy for much of the season, leading a farmer to opt against a fungicide application,” Morey says. “But if late-season drought stresses the crop or nitrogen runs low, the disease that infected the plant early in the season can flare, degrading stalk quality and harvestability.”  

The lesson is twofold:  
    Think twice before bypassing a fungicide application.
    Don’t rush planting.  

“If you’re able to plant your crop within a 10-day window, don’t rush,” Morey says. “There’s no need to push planting earlier if it means fighting wet, cool conditions that can translate to yield loss and standability issues come harvest.”

Additional considerations for corn-on-corn and no-till acres
Farmers with corn-on-corn or no-till acres should be especially vigilant regarding disease threats. “These acres are subject to more disease pressure, so farmers should make sure to choose hybrids with good plant health,” Morey says.  

Traits with good corn rootworm protection, such as Duracade®, SmartStax® and SmartStaxPro®, are also important on these vulnerable acres.  

Don’t fret about a later harvest
There is still discussion about whether applying fungicide to a 108-day relative maturity hybrid will make it act more like a 110-day. That is a possibility, Morey says. “But if you have a green plant that stayed healthy to the end of the season, it should pay off in yield. It also tends to lead to a decent dry down.”

Morey asks, “If it’s going to dry down and stand in the field, what’s your concern?” Plus, extending the growing season has soil health benefits. He points out, “The best thing for soil health is to have plants growing on it.”  

Take stock at harvest and plan for next season
Morey encourages farmers to keep a notepad handy throughout harvest. “Keep record of how products fared in terms of plant health,” he says. “When harvest wraps up, talk with your agronomist and see if your experience matched what they heard from other farmers. Then use that to make decisions that work well for your farm next season.”