Tuesday November 07 Ag News

 Making a science-informed decision
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator

Not long ago, a good friend (and prominent cattle feeder) asked a question:  does artificial winter lighting improve performance of cattle in the feedlot?  (Other reasons for considering adding lighting to a feedyard would also include safety for humans and animals.)  Apparently, one morning, after a blissful night’s sleep, this individual awoke thinking of this question.  Because waking up thinking of a new idea is a situation I regularly encounter, I felt greater kinship with this individual, though I also surmised, this trait must not be so uncommon.  

Regardless, this type of question is what makes working for University of Nebraska Extension so exciting:  there are always challenges in responding to producer questions because we do not know/have all the answers.  Yet, ranchers, feedyard owners and farmers, and those who serve them, must rely on science to make informed decisions.

This all leads to my follow-up evaluation of the effects of artificial lighting in the winter on performance of growing cattle and how to convey the information in a simple, yet effective manner.  The first part of that response is easy.  Reading science (using scientific citation search engines such as the ones in libraries or Google Scholar) is enjoyable.  Summarizing results to share with a producer is both enjoyable and challenging.  

Because in agriculture we work with living organisms, most Extension Educator responses to whether a producer should adopt a certain practice should probably be “it depends”.  However, long ago, I decided we should be more decisive in interpreting science and providing advice to producers.  Thorough review of scientific information should be trusted to inform decisions.

Responding to the question of whether artificial lighting in the winter enhances cattle growth is such an example.  After spending additional time reviewing pertinent literature regarding the specific effect of adding light hours to cattle pens by providing artificial lighting in the winter, I realized how many factors affect this response.  One might say: 50% of the reports indicated artificial lighting improved cattle growth while the other 50% of the reports indicated it did not.  (Unfortunately, because of the nature of this type of research, not many reports exist in the literature).  Ultimately, puberty, type of lighting, and relatively short duration of extended darkness affected this response.  

What about the science-informed decision in this case?  I would not recommend investing in adding artificial lighting to a cattle yard to improve growth in the winter.  Why?  Effects on cattle that have reached puberty are minimal or contrary to what is desired.  

Alternatively, if the decision to add night lighting to a feedlot is to increase safety of workers and their capacity to care for livestock, the answer might be different.  Again, many factors affect this answer, but the decision driver no longer is growth and response in dollars over an investment.  It is an investment in the safe and secure operation of a feedlot.  Considering the value of human life, that question might be easier to answer.



CORN STALKS NUTRITION
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension Educator

Many cattle producers acknowledge that corn stalks grazing is not meeting the needs of their cows compared to past decades. So, what are those contributing factors?

First, average cow size is now larger resulting in higher daily forage intake per cow. This has led to stover stocking rates needing adjustment; and/or nutrient supplements being used more frequently when grazing corn stalks.

Secondly, combine efficiency has improved, so less grain remains in fields after harvest. In the past, grain content in harvested stalk fields was estimated to be 4%; today grain losses are below 2%. Exceptions might include corn fields where hail, high winds or other adverse weather increased stalk lodging.

Finally, overall corn stalks nutrient are likely lower compared to historic book values such 4-7% crude protein corn stalks content estimates. Current corn hybrids are bred to move more plant stored nutrients into the grain at the end of the growing season. So, plants may cannibalize carbohydrates from stalks if nutrients are lacking in the plant to complete ear filling and plumbing corn kernels.

In some cases, nutrient deficiencies may simply have resulted in lower yields such as a flex-hybrid corn producing 30 bushels less per acre. However, severely cannibalized stalks may have poor stalk quality and higher lodging and breakage. The upside for the livestock grazers, lodged fields may have more grain remaining in the fields; thus, potentially providing more energy for the grazing animals.

Corn pest resistance breeding has also improved insect and disease resistance. These improved genetics have reduced lodging and led to stalks that break down or digest less rapidly; leaving behind stalks that may be less palatable for livestock and fewer digestible nutrients.



NDA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS GRANTS

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking applications for grants to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program designed to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain. NDA will work in partnership with the USDA to award $2.5 million for equipment and infrastructure projects to Nebraska food and farm businesses and other eligible entities including nonprofits, local government entities, tribal governments, schools, and hospitals.

“It takes a lot of steps and processes to get a producer’s food from the farm to your table,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “We’re looking for ways to strengthen and streamline those processes to create a stronger, more resilient food supply chain. These RFSI grants are another resource to help us improve upon our current system.”

The competitive grant funding process opens Dec. 1, 2023. An information and networking event will be held in Kearney on Dec. 6 for participants wanting to learn more. Registration for the Kearney event is free, but you must register to attend. Register here:  https://forms.gle/yV9xtGNCUp2f2sFX7

RFSI funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market. Activities like gathering, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for eating, aquaculture, and other food products. These funds exclude meat and poultry products because those products are funded through other USDA programs.

For more information, visit: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/rfsi/index.html, or contact Program Specialist Holle Evert:  holle.evert@nebraska.gov, 402-310-8354.

 

Congressman Flood Joins Bipartisan Coalition to Introduce the Bipartisan Farm to Fly Act

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood joined Congressman Max Miller (R-OH), along with Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in introducing the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy

The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allow for greater collaboration, and ensure USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops.

“Expanding opportunities for biofuels will not only help family farmers across the country but will also help connect more American businesses with homegrown clean energy,” said Congressman Flood. “Making the eligibility criteria for Sustainable Aviation Fuels at the U.S. Department of Agriculture clearer is a great step forward on this journey. Thank you to Congressman Miller for your leadership on the Farm to Fly Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this commonsense legislation quickly.”  



RFA Thanks Lawmakers for Bipartisan SAF Legislation Promoting Ethanol

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) and others for the introduction in the House of the Farm to Fly Act, which would help sustainable aviation fuels create new markets for America’s farmers. Among its provisions, the bill would affirm a common definition of SAF for USDA purposes, as widely supported by industry and congressional leaders to enable U.S. crops to most effectively contribute to aviation renewable fuels via renewable fuels like ethanol.

Original co-sponsors for the bill include Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA).

“RFA strongly supports the Farm to Fly Act,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We applaud the determined efforts of Rep. Miller—along with cosponsors Reps. Flood, Craig, Finstad, Budzinski, Crockett, Hinson and Feenstra—to introduce this important legislation, which creates more clarity and stability around the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made from U.S. crops. By ensuring the best available science and modeling tools are used to calculate the carbon benefits of homegrown renewable fuels, this bill helps position SAF for takeoff.”



USDA Announces Appointments to the United Soybean Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 19 members and four alternates to serve on the United Soybean Board. All 19 members and three alternate members will serve three-year terms.  One alternate member will serve a two-year term. The terms of members appointed to three-year and two-year terms start December 2023 and end December 2026.

Newly appointed members are:
    Alabama – Sam Butler, New Hope.
    Arkansas – AJ Hood, Star City.
    Illinois – Gary Berg, Saint Elmo.
    Indiana – Thomas Glen Griffiths, Kendallville.
    Iowa – Timothy Bardole, Rippey; Brent Renner, Klemme.
    Kansas – Charles W. Atkinson, Great Bend.
    Kentucky – Ryan Dale Bivens, Hodgenville.
    Maryland – Mary Archer Stewart, Pylesville.
    Michigan – Laurie Isley, Palmyra.
    Minnesota – Lawrence E. Sukalski, Fairmont.
    Mississippi – Philip Good, Macon.
    Missouri – Kyle Durham, Norborne.
    Nebraska – Greg Greving, Chapman.
    Ohio – Dave Dotterer, Rittman.
    South Carolina – Fitzhugh Bethea, Dillon.
    South Dakota – Todd J. Hanten, Goodwin.
    Tennessee – Eric Maupin, Newbern.
    Texas – Andrew W. Scott, Jr., Weslaco.

Newly appointed alternates are:
    Alabama – David Wilson, Lincoln.
    New Jersey – Murn Myers, Delanco (2-Year Term).
    South Carolina – Charlie Whiten, Westminster.
    Texas – Sam Sparks III, Harlingen.

The board is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Information Act and is composed of 77 members representing 29 states and Eastern and Western regions. Members must be soybean producers nominated by a qualified state soybean board. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Soybean Board webpage.



Iowa Crop Improvement Association names Budnik new director

Ryan Budnik brings a wealth of experience in crop research and performance testing to his new position as director of the Iowa Crop Improvement Association.

Budnik has been the acting director of the organization since earlier this year, and his new role took effect Sept. 27.

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association is the official seed certifying agency in Iowa, ensuring certification standards are met through field inspections and lab testing. The nonprofit organization works with Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to test and disseminate information regarding crop cultivar adaptation and performance.

As director, Budnik will provide leadership and strategic direction to ICIA’s staff and members. He also will work with the ICIA board of directors to develop policies and programs that fulfill the organization’s mission. Additionally, he will communicate with Iowa State management and researchers to coordinate efforts to test various crop cultivars and share impactful results with the public.

“Ryan not only has excellent experience and knowledge about the seed industry and the specialized support that Iowa Crop provides, he also has an eye on the future with big ideas on how to keep Iowa Crop both responsive to their stakeholders and hooked in with the latest technology to keep Iowa producers at the leading edge,” said Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, CALS associate dean for research and discovery and associate director of the Agricultural Experiment Station.

Budnik earned his bachelor of science in genetics and master of science in plant breeding from Iowa State. He served as an agricultural specialist for Iowa State’s Research and Demonstration Farms after completing his bachelor’s degree. Budnik joined the Iowa Crop Improvement Association in 2018, where he has held the roles of agricultural specialist, research scientist and director of operations for the Iowa Crop Performance Tests, the official variety trials for the state.

“As the new director, I am truly honored to lead this exceptional association into the next chapter of success,” Budnik said. “My primary goal is to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and sustainability within the organization and help guide the association toward a prosperous future. I am excited to continue making a positive impact on Iowa agriculture and dedicated to supporting the association’s mission.”

The ICIA’s members are farmers, seed companies and others working in crop improvement. Its board includes several representatives from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: director of the Agricultural Experiment Station, chair of the Department of Agronomy and director of the Seed Science Center.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in Kossuth County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Kossuth County.

The affected site is a farm with game bird pheasants, peafowl and commercial layer chickens.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.



Joint Annual Meeting to Detail Policy, Industry Highlights

The joint annual meeting of the National Milk Producers Federation and its checkoff group partners Nov. 12-15 in Orlando is set to update more than 750 participants on the breadth and depth of activities that National Milk and Dairy Management Inc. are conducting on behalf of their members, ranging from marketing and promotion to policy and analysis.

Guest speakers at the four-day conference include Terry Jones, the founder of Travelocity.com and chairman of Kayak.com, who will speak on leveraging disruption and innovation as technology and consumer tastes continually evolve. Other guest speakers include Eric Clavetter from the Mayo Clinic, who will speak about advancing dairy’s health benefits; and Kerry Delaney with General Mills, who will assess how dairy plays an essential role in providing health and wellness solutions through new product marketing channels. The schedule at a glance is available here https://annualmeeting.dairy.org/#/Schedule. Late registrations are still being accepted, with an additional $150 per person late fee.

This year, all attendees will participate in a series of four rotating breakout sessions designed to provide a deeper dive into key areas of work for NMPF and DMI.  These include:

Collaborating for Dairy’s Future: Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability – A review of U.S. dairy’s commitment to environmental stewardship, a core component of socially responsible dairy production.

Innovating for Dairy’s Future: Leveraging Science for Sustained Growth – A discussion with industry experts how U.S. dairy is using science, technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to identify new consumer opportunities and drive current and future dairy sales.

Fueling Dairy Love: A Day in the Life of Key Consumers – An educational exchange on industry-wide efforts that bring dairy nutrition, dairy purpose and dairy-liciousness front and center to capture the attention of Gen Z and Early Parents.

Remodeling Federal Dairy Policy: Updating Federal Orders and the Farm Bill – An assessment of how and why NMPF has developed two blueprints this year to improve the future direction of dairy policy, focusing on the 2023 Farm Bill and the Federal Milk Marketing Order system.

The meeting also will offer receptions on both Monday and Tuesday nights.  NMPF’s Young Cooperators will have its own meeting track that features professional development and leadership training along with networking opportunities.



DMC Margin Gains Almost $2 in September
NMPF

The Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) margin in September rose rapidly from August, as markets have been anticipating for months. The margin was $8.44/cwt for the month, rising $1.98/cwt over August, which itself was up almost $3 from July’s record low of $3.52/cwt.

As with the August increase, September’s DMC margin rise was driven primarily by a higher all-milk price, which rose by $1.30/cwt over August to hit $21.00/cwt. The September DMC feed cost formula shed $0.68/cwt, due mostly to a lower corn price, with a smaller drop in the September soybean meal price partially offset by a small rebound in the price of premium alfalfa hay.

The September margin will generate $1.06/cwt payments to $9.50/cwt DMC Tier 1 coverage. The futures markets are currently expecting the DMC margin to hover around that maximum coverage level each month during the fourth quarter of the year.



October CWT-Assisted Dairy Export Sales Totaled 6.6 Million Pounds
NMPF

CWT member cooperatives secured 63 contracts in October, adding 5.4 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 844,000 pounds of cream cheese and 388,000 pounds of whole milk powder to CWT-assisted sales in 2023. In milk equivalent, this is equal to almost 59 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, Middle East-North Africa, South America and Oceania, and will be shipped from October 2023 through April 2024.

CWT-assisted 2023 dairy product sales contracts year-to-date total 41.7 million pounds of American-type cheese, 908,000 pounds of butter, 26,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 7.8 million pounds of cream cheese and 39 million pounds of whole milk powder. This brings the total milk equivalent for the year to 751.6 million pounds on a milkfat basis.



USDA Reapportions the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership and Makes Technical Amendments to the Beef Promotion and Research Order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register its final rule to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2020, as required by the rules governing the board. The final rule was published Nov. 6, 2023, and goes into effect Dec. 6, 2023.

Under this final rule, total board membership will decrease by two members, from 101 to 99, and includes the following changes:
    Domestic cattle producer representation on the board decreases from 94 to 92 members. The remaining seven members are importer representatives.
    The state of Idaho gains one member.
    The states of Montana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin lose one member.

The revised representation becomes effective with nominations in 2023 for appointments effective early in 2024.

Additionally, under the final rule, a technical amendment to the Beef Promotion and Research Order corrects the list of Qualified State Beef Councils by removing the Maryland Beef Industry Council which voted unanimously to dissolve their council on Sept. 14, 2022.

These adjustments are based on requirements of the order, authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The order provides for a review of geographic distribution of U.S. cattle inventories and the volume of imported cattle, beef, and beef products at least every three years, but not more than every two years. After the review, board membership must be reapportioned accordingly.

A state or unit must have an inventory of 500,000 head of cattle to be represented on the board and is entitled to an additional member for each additional 1 million head of cattle. In considering reapportionment, the board reviewed cattle inventories and cattle, beef, and beef product import data from 2020 through 2022.



September Sales of U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Brighten
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports rebounded 18% to 120.5 million gallons (mg), thanks in-part to global denatured fuel sales reaching an 18-month high. Canada was our largest destination for the 30th consecutive month with exports of 60.4 mg, accounting for half of total sales despite a 3% decrease from August. Exports to the United Kingdom climbed 1% to 13.6 mg while Colombia cut its U.S. imports by 23% to 8.3 mg. Virtually all remaining ethanol exports were distributed among ten markets, with the largest volumes landing in Oman (7.8 mg, up from zero and the largest volume in nearly 4 years), Mexico (5.5 mg, +167% to a 5-month high), South Korea (5.1 mg, up from essentially zero), the United Arab Emirates (4.8 mg, up from zero), the European Union (3.9 mg, -28% to a 9-month low), and Jamaica (3.2 mg, +149% to a 7-month high). Brazil and India again were notably absent from the market. Year-to-date ethanol exports total 1.04 billion gallons, trailing last year by 3% at this time.

The U.S. imported 6.8 mg of undenatured ethanol from Brazil, or 35% less than August. Year-to-date imports total 17.4 mg or 59% less than last year, which marks the lowest Q1-Q3 U.S. imports since 2010.

Exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, perked up 9% to 1.03 million metric tons (mt). Mexico was our largest destination for the 15th consecutive month with exports of 201,607 mt, despite a 14% decrease from August. DDGS exports revived in Vietnam (139,553 mt, +6% to a 12-month high), South Korea (110,316 mt, +32% to a 5-month high), and Canada (63,359 mt, +7% to a 3-month high). The other half of September exported DDGS was distributed to 32 markets, with larger volumes heading to Indonesia (61,961 mt), the United Kingdom (61,807 mt), and Colombia (40,299 mt). Year-to-date U.S. DDGS exports total 8.09 million mt, which lags 6% behind last year at this time despite an upward trendline.



NAWG Statement on Prop 65 Permanent Injunction

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is thrilled to see the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit permanent injunction that prohibits California’s Proposition 65 warning requirement related to glyphosate. Today the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s permanent injunction enjoining Proposition 65 warning requirement for glyphosate.

“NAWG members knew we had a strong case and the decisions were based on the facts and science surrounding the safety of the product,” said NAWG President and Oregon wheat farmer, Brent Cheyne, “NAWG has been engaged in this legal battle as lead plaintiff challenging the California requirement for six years. California’s Proposition 65 requirement threatened the use of glyphosate by requiring false and misleading labels on products that may contain glyphosate. We are pleased to see this action taken today by the court.”

Additional plaintiffs include the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Associated Industries of Missouri, Iowa Soybean Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CropLife America, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Agri-Business Association and United States Durum Growers Association.



Farm Action Weighs in on GM Corn Trade Dispute in Support of Higher-Value Non-GM Market Opportunity for Corn Growers

Yesterday, Farm Action applied to submit a public comment to the panel reviewing the U.S.-Mexico trade dispute over the Mexican government’s ban on genetically modified (GM) corn, sharing a perspective that has been excluded so far: Mexico’s preference for higher-value non-GM corn represents a tremendous market opportunity for American farmers, one that the U.S. government should be supporting our farmers to meet.

The ban, issued by Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, gradually phases out GM corn imports. The U.S. has responded to this ban by initiating a dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, claiming the ban violates the trade agreement and will harm farmers. Accordingly, an independent panel has been established to accept public comments, investigate, and rule on Mexico’s ban.

“U.S. farmers who produce non-GM corn have reported promising financial returns, including higher premiums and improved net profits,” Farm Action’s application says. “If the U.S. shifted 180,000 acres (0.2% of its corn acreage) of GM corn to non-GM, it would generate $7.75 million in additional premiums for U.S. farmers and successfully meet Mexico’s shifting needs.”

Farm Action’s application asserts that the opposition of the U.S. government to this ban, rather than a defense for corn growers, “primarily protects the major seed and agrochemical corporations who would have the most to lose if a substantial number of American corn farmers were to shift to non-GM production.”

Bayer, which owns Monsanto, is one of a handful of corporations controlling the seed and agrochemical market, and recently “pressured Mexico into dropping its glyphosate ban,” says the application. Mexico’s 2020 decree announced the intention to phase out both GM corn and its associated herbicide, glyphosate.

In submitting this application, Farm Action is requesting the opportunity to represent the interests of U.S. farmers as the panel evaluates this dispute. The U.S. government, the application says, should “redirect our resources in support of U.S. farmers, instead of funneling them into a short-sighted and misdirected opposition to Mexico’s GM corn ban.”