Monday November 20 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 19, 2023, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 23% very short, 32% short, 43% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 28% very short, 36% short, 35% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 95%, near 98% last year and 93% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 7% poor, 37% fair, 38% good, and 16% excellent.

Sorghum harvested was 95%, near 97% last year and 93% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 12% very poor, 17% poor, 37% fair, 29% good, and 5% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress Report  

Another dry and warmer than normal week statewide led to 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 19, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn, completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, and hauling manure. Reports of tile work being done in fields were received this week.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 47 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 32 percent very short, 43 percent short, 24 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 97 percent statewide, on pace with last year but 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Farmers in South Central Iowa still have over 10 percent of their corn for grain crop remaining to be harvested.

Cattle continued grazing on stalk fields. Reports of more calves being weaned were received.



USDA Crop Progress Report: 7% of Corn Left to Harvest, Soybean Harvest Wraps Up as of Nov. 19

Most soybean fields have been harvested, while about 7% of the nation's corn crop was left to harvest as of Sunday, Nov. 19, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 5 percentage points to reach 93% complete as of Sunday, Nov. 19. That is 3 percentage points behind last year's pace of 96% but still 2 percentage points ahead of 91% for the five-year average.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting inched ahead another 2 percentage points last week to reach 95% complete as of Sunday. That is 3 percentage points behind last year's 98% and 1 point behind the five-year average of 96%.
-- Crop progress: 87% of the crop had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 86% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 85%.
-- Crop condition: Winter wheat condition was rated 48% good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from 47% the previous week and still well above 32% at this time a year ago.



Confronting Cropping Challenges Program to be Offered in November 2023
Aaron Nygren - Extension Educator

The Confronting Cropping Challenges (CCC) is a Nebraska Extension program focused on the current and emerging cropping issues that impacted northeastern area of the state during the 2023 growing season. This program is also intended to help producers make decisions for 2024.

After the CCC, producers have the option to recertify their private pesticide applicator license for those licenses expiring in 2024. This is the seventh year for the program, and responses from previous years have been very positive. This year, the program will be offered in three locations across northeast Nebraska in November. The CCC is a 2.5-hour program starting at 1 p.m. central time. Private pesticide applicator training will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time. Locations and dates are:
    Tuesday, Nov. 28 — Albion, Nebraska; Casey's Building Fairgrounds.
    Wednesday, Nov. 29 — Randolph, Nebraska; City Auditorium.
    Thursday, Nov. 30 — West Point, Nebraska; Nielsen Center.

If you need to renew your private pesticide applicator license in 2024, please attend the whole program. Even though this training is being offered in 2023, you will not lose a year of certification on your license. Please note that this training will only offer recertification of private pesticide licenses. Those needing initial training will need to attend one of the other training courses offered in early 2024.

The cost for the program is $10 if you are only attending the CCC program. If you are being recertified for your private pesticide applicator license, the cost will be $70. The additional $60 is the same as you would pay to be recertified at a traditional private pesticide applicator training.

Pre-registration is available online here https://go.unl.edu/2023CCC.

For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.



Extension’s Successful Farmer Series Will Dig into Cropping Systems Hot Topics

Crop producers will learn about several hot topics from university and industry experts at Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County’s “Successful Farmer Series.” Sessions will be held on Thursdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Jan. 4 at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Suite A, Lincoln. Each session will also be livestreamed and archived on YouTube. All sessions will be 9-11:30 a.m.

Scheduled topics are:
    Thursday, Nov. 30 — Ag Policy and Marketing
    Thursday, Dec. 7 — Weather and Climate Projections, Cover Crops and Farmer Panel
    Thursday, Jan. 4 — Nitrogen Management Tools, Water Quality and Nitrate Management

Multiple sessions and topics allow producers to pick the topics most relevant to them and their operation. Cost is $10 per session or $20 for the entire series. Refreshments will be provided. No cost to watch online.

Each topic will feature two to three speakers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or related organizations. Industry experts are invited to attend and address more specific questions or interact with attendees during the breaks.

The Dec. 7 session will include a panel of local producers discussing innovations they are exploring.

The Successful Farmer Series is also a great opportunity to visit with other area producers in attendance.

Please register at least two days before each session. More information and registration link is online. You may also register by contacting Karen Wedding at 402-441-7180. Pay at the event with check (payable to Lancaster County Extension), cash or credit/debit card (small additional fee).

CCA credits will be available at relevant sessions for certified crop advisors attending in person.



Midwest Dairy Seeks Applicants for Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Program

The Dairy Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for young people who are passionate about dairy. Dairy Ambassadors have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals.

Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including connecting with consumers at regional events, the state fair, youth educational presentations, and attending dairy industry meetings as well as participating in leadership opportunities. The program is designed to shape future dairy champions who will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience.

To be considered for the Dairy Ambassador Program, applicants must be enrolled as a Nebraska High School Junior (11th Grade) or Senior (12th Grade) during the current year of application, or enrolled full-time in a Nebraska post-secondary school for the duration of the appointment. All applicants must be able to communicate effectively through writing and speaking and possess a passion for dairy. This is a one-year program, running from January through December 2024. During their service, ambassadors will receive stipends and have approved expenses covered upon participation. After successful completion of the one-year program, Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for a $1,000 educational scholarship.

Students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the For Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Program then select Nebraska. More details can be found on the webpage plus the online application (APPLY NOW) is at the bottom of the program page. Online applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2023. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2024.

If you have questions, please contact Dawn Eckel, Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Coordinator, at dklabenes16@gmail.com or Tracy J. Behnken, Farmer Relations and Communications Manager, at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

Nebraska egg production during October totaled 208 million eggs, up from 162 million in 2022. October egg production per 100 layers was 2,549 eggs, compared to 2,346 eggs in 2022. All layers in Nebraska during October 2023 totaled 8.15 million, up from 6.89 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Iowa: Iowa egg production during October 2023 was 1.18 billion eggs, up 13 percent from the previous October, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during October 2023 was 45.2 million, up 13 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for October 2023 was 2,604, down slightly from a year ago.

U.S. October Egg Production Up 4 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.55 billion during October 2023, up 4 percent from last year. Production included 8.23 billion table eggs, and 1.32 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.22 billion were broiler-type and 98.0 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during October 2023 totaled 389 million, up 3 percent from last year. October egg production per 100 layers was 2,452 eggs, up slightly from October 2022.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on November 1, 2023 totaled 390 million, up 3 percent from last year. The 390 million layers consisted of 322 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.4 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.68 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on November 1, 2023, averaged 79.1 eggs per 100 layers, up slightly from November 1, 2022.



Nebraska Ethanol Board Dec. 4th Board Meeting to Be Held in Lincoln

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4. The meeting will be at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street) in meeting room I-II. Highlights of the agenda include:
    Budget Report
    Fuel Retailer Update
    Nebraska Corn Board Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    Marketing Programs
    Technical & Research Updates
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports
    Election of Board Officers for 2024

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.



USDA Announces United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of six members to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program’s Board of Directors. Five of the appointees will serve three-year terms and one member will serve a two-year term. The terms of the members appointed to three-year terms start December 2023 and end December 2026. The term of the member appointed to a two-year term starts immediately.

Newly appointed members are:
    James Jay Haase, Eads, Colo., At-Large Member
    Ethan J. Miller, Columbia, Mo., At-Large Member
    Tracy Zink, Indianola, Neb., At-Large Member
    David K. Schemm, Sharon Springs, Kan., Kansas Member
    Brian Adamek, Victoria, Texas, Texas Member
    Scott Irlbeck, Lubbock, Texas, Texas Member (2-Year Term)

The 13-member United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board is composed of nine sorghum farmers who represent the three states with the largest sorghum production – Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma – and four at-large national representatives. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and on the board’s website, sorghumcheckoff.com.



Fareway and Iowa Farm Bureau donate over 57,000 lbs. of ground protein to Iowa food banks

Fareway Stores Inc. and Iowa Farm Bureau partnered together to donate 57,863 lbs. of ground protein to food banks across Iowa in the ‘Meat the Need’ campaign.

The donation took place on Nov. 8 at the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines. Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson, and food bank representatives spoke on the importance of local food donations, food insecurity challenges and the important partnerships through the ‘Meat the Need’ campaign.

“Growing and raising the food that nourishes and sustains our communities is a source of tremendous pride for Iowa farmers,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Unfortunately, food insecurity is a challenge that impacts families in communities across the state, which is why Iowa Farm Bureau has proudly joined Fareway to help ‘Meat the Need’ by filling a semitruck trailer with lean, high-protein ground meat for statewide distribution to help our neighbors during a time of need.”

“We are proud to partner with Iowa Farm Bureau, the Food Bank of Iowa, and the Iowa Food Bank Association to help food banks across Iowa,” said Jeff Cook, Vice President of Market Operations for Fareway Stores. “Thank you to our generous customers for participating, Iowa stores and meat markets, and our partners at Iowa Farm Bureau for helping secure lean protein for local food banks going into the holiday seasons.”



October Milk Production in the United States down 0.5 Percent

Milk production in the United States during October totaled 18.7 billion pounds, down 0.5 percent from October 2022. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,997 pounds for October, 1 pound below October 2022. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.37 million head, 42,000 head less than October 2022, and 6,000 head less than September 2023.

Iowa:  Milk production in Iowa during October 2023 totaled 494 million pounds, unchanged from the previous October according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during October, at 240,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 1,000 from October 2022. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,060 pounds, down 5 pounds from last October.



USDA to Add Separate Premium Category for Hogs Raised in Compliance with Animal Confinement Legislation
 
Starting today (Monday), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will institute a separate category within its National Weekly Direct Swine Non-Carcass Merit Premium report. This category specifically addresses hogs raised in compliance with animal confinement laws (ACL), such as California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. Those voter-approved initiatives require pork sold in those states to be from hogs born to sows raised in housing that meets the states’ standards. Other states also have laws restricting the use of certain sow housing.
 
Under the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) Program, USDA had published information on non-carcass merit premiums paid for ACL-compliant hogs under an “other” category that also included other non-carcass characteristics, such as antibiotic-free.
 
Recently, the number of ACL-compliant merit premiums submitted under LMR was sufficient to warrant a separate category. The addition of the category for ACL-compliant hogs will provide pork industry stakeholders with more information when making informed production and marketing decisions.



EPA Evaluating Air Reporting From Livestock Farms
 
The U.S. EPA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit comments and information on reinstating the reporting requirements for livestock farms under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The agency is seeking comments under five broad categories:
 •    Health impacts
•    Implementation challenges
•    Costs and benefits
•    Small farm definition and reporting exemption
•    National report on animal waste air emissions
 
Additionally, the agency seeks input on emission impacts on local communities in close proximity to farms, and the benefits and challenges associated with the development of a national database of livestock farm production.
 
This development comes amidst the backdrop of ongoing advocacy against onerous reporting and permitting requirements for livestock farmers. After a series of legal battles dating back to the early 2000s, Congress, with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2017, passed the Farm Act. This act exempted livestock farms from mandatory reporting under the Superfund Law and relieved them from reporting to the Coast Guard's national response center and state and local emergency response authorities under EPCRA.
 
Following a lawsuit filed by environmental and animal rights extremists, EPA agreed to consider rescinding the reporting exemption under EPCRA and imposing a requirement that farmers file reports on routine emissions from manure. Rather than undertake those actions, today’s notice is an acknowledgment that the exemption from reporting will remain in place; instead, EPA will seek to further study the issue. This comes as EPA is expected to release early next year its long-awaited draft Emissions Estimating Methodologies developed under the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS). NAEMS was undertaken following the air consent agreements the industry negotiated with EPA in 2006. The data collected was transmitted to EPA in 2010.



NCGA Joins Letter Expressing Concern with Ad Hoc Disaster Relief Changes

NCGA and 16 corn state affiliated associations recently joined with over 140 allied national, regional, and state commodity organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack relaying their concerns with the design of the Emergency Relief Program for 2022.
 
While the group expressed appreciation for the allocation of $3.74 billion in much needed ERP assistance to agricultural producers impacted by a wide range of natural disasters in 2022, the signatories said recent changes have raised concerns among farmers.

Like previous programs, crop loss payments are generally calculated and factored using crop insurance coverage levels. However, new this year is a “progressive factor” that reduces the disaster assistance for many eligible growers based on the size of the losses. USDA also changed the method used to incorporate producer-paid insurance premiums.

The letter took issue with these two changes.

“In the case of the progressive payment factor, we oppose a policy that delivers the least amount of benefit to those who have lost the most outside of the payment limits provided in statute,” the letter said. “While we appreciate the funding restraints under which ERP 2022 was developed, we believe that USDA should instead aim to provide more equitable support for losses of all magnitudes. This can be achieved by using a single, uniform factor, as USDA has done in the past.”
 
Growers with questions about the Emergency Relief Program should visit their local Farm Service Agency office for more information about the disaster programs.



What's Next is Here: The Era of More – Pioneer® Brand Z-Series Soybeans

Pioneer is pleased to announce the newest series of soybean seed – Pioneer® brand Z-Series soybeans. They will be available in limited volumes for the 2024 planting season, with larger commercial volumes available in 2025.

“This Z-Series class of soybeans builds on 50 years of soybean breeding at Pioneer,” says Liz Knutson, Pioneer U.S. Soybean Marketing Lead. “During this 50-year history, we have introduced five soybean ‘series’ – B, M, Y, T and A – that each signaled trait technology innovations and transitions and set a new standard for Pioneer soybean performance.”

Pioneer® brand Z-Series soybeans represent the largest advancement class of soybeans in history and will offer farmers:
    More exclusive varieties that will deliver breakthrough genetic gains generated by our largest advancement class
    More disease tolerance with improved scores in SDS, brown stem rot, white mold and iron deficiency chlorosis
    More agronomic advantages with a significant expansion of Peking and Phytophthora stack varieties
    More yield from our best-ever class of soybean germplasm

Farmers will soon see the step change in yield potential and agronomics with Z-Series soybeans. More details will be shared at 2024 Commodity Classic.