Friday December 01 Ag News

First Ever Great Plains Heifer Development Program

Nebraska Extension is unveiling a new and unique opportunity for beef producers across the state, with the inaugural year of the Great Plains Heifer Development Center at the Haskell Ag Laboratory, near Concord. This joint effort with SDSU Extension will allow producers to consign heifers and carry them through their first breeding season before sending them home for their productive careers as a valued asset in the cowherd.  

This program aims to educate producers and industry professionals on the benefits of precision heifer development practices that increase efficiency and longevity in their herd. These goals are intended to be met through demonstrating proven management techniques aligning with the Beef Improvement Federation genetic goals to advance industry standards. Heifers will be received after backgrounding, and acclimated to a uniform diet, and run on a performance evaluation for 120 days. Data measurements will be collected throughout the program, heifers will be bred in the spring, pregnancy checked and available for pickup next summer.

Consigners will have the opportunity to work with project leaders to learn more about heifer development, while providing them with valuable data through individual consultations. Fundamental data collection will include nutritional management, genetic tools for sire selection, estrus synchronization protocols, post breeding management, and the opportunity for continued data collection once the heifers are back on the ranch as mature cows.

For more information on this program visit the Great Plains Heifer Development website, or to ask specific questions contact Connor Biehler at cbiehler2@unl.edu or by calling 402-624-8007.



Ricketts, Rounds Lead Legislation to Fight Biden’s Latest WOTUS Overreach

This week, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 to fight the Biden administration’s latest Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule overreach. The bill would provide regulatory certainty to farmers, ranchers, and landowners by protecting the definition of prior converted cropland (PCC).

“The Biden administration continues to burden American agriculture with onerous rules,” said Senator Ricketts. “Producers need relief, not regulation. I’m pleased to support this effort to bring certainty to landowners and prevent more big government overreach.”

“For far too long, South Dakota producers have been subject to a number of complex and burdensome WOTUS rule changes,” said Senator Rounds. “While past administrations have issued problematic WOTUS rules, the previous Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) worked to protect owners of prior converted cropland from undue regulation while providing producers with needed flexibility. This legislation seeks to restore this definition of PCC and prevent further overreach on South Dakota farmers and ranchers, who know their land better than any D.C. bureaucrats.”

“Nebraska Farm Bureau thanks Senators Ricketts, Rounds, Thune, Marshall, Cramer, Hoeven, Hyde-Smith, Braun and Barrasso for introducing the Farmers Freedom Act,” said President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation Mark McHargue. “Codifying into law the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule guidelines as it relates to prior converted cropland is the right thing to do for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. The five-year milestone used in this legislation provides needed flexibility and eliminates regulatory uncertainty for circumstances outside a farmer’s control. Requiring the five-year gap will ensure farmers can continue using their land to produce food, fuel, and fiber for the world, without fear they will lose that option from a temporary inability to produce crops on their land.”

The Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators John Thune (R-SD), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

BACKGROUND
For the last several decades, wetlands converted to cropland before 1985 have remained exempt from WOTUS regulation. The Biden administration’s new WOTUS rule changes that. Instead, PCC could revert to a wetland status if it is unavailable for commodity production or used for another non-agricultural purpose. For example, if a section of PCC floods and is unable to produce commodities, Biden’s rule would subject it to regulation under the authority of the Clean Water Act.

Ricketts has fought efforts by both the Obama and Biden administrations to expand WOTUS when he was Governor and in the Senate. Earlier this year, Ricketts hammered Michael Regan, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the new, overreaching WOTUS rule. Ricketts also voted to block the Biden administration’s expanded rule. He previously criticized the Biden administration’s latest rule following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA that struck down the EPA’s definition of “waters.”



Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for December

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in December. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
    Friday, Dec. 15 — Norfolk

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



NDA IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS GRANTS

Eligible applicants can now apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program designed to help strengthen the state's food supply chain. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (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. The deadline to apply for RFSI grants is Jan. 31, 2024.

“RFSI grants will help fund food crop projects from harvest to market and all the many steps in between,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “There are a lot of people and businesses responsible for our food supply, and I’m thankful grant funds are available to help us find ways to improve our food supply chain.”

RFSI funds will support expanded capacity for food crops for activities that happen post-harvest and prior to the arrival at a retail market. This includes 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 RFSI funds exclude meat and poultry products because those products are funded through other USDA programs. RFSI “Equipment Only” applications will be accepted for purchases between $10,000 and $100,000. RFSI “Infrastructure” applications will be accepted for project proposals between $100,000 and $2.5 million.

RFSI grant proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria and a grant application software called AmpliFund. AmpliFund software training for RFSI applications will be available online, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. CST through Zoom. Register on NDA’s website at: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/rfsi/index.html. The training will be recorded and posted on the website at a later date.

NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the spring. To apply for RFSI grants, or for additional information and frequently asked questions about the RFSI grant process, visit: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/rfsi/index.html, or contact Program Specialist Holle Evert at holle.evert@nebraska.gov, or 402-310-8354.



Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow Webinar Series

Feed costs are often the largest category of expense for cow-calf producers in Nebraska. Understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet those requirements with the feed resources available can greatly influence an operation’s bottom line.

Nebraska Extension will be hosting a four session webinar series in January that will explain the fundamentals of understanding a cow's nutrition requirements and the options available to meet a cow's needs with grazed or harvested feed. The series will be held Monday and Thursday evenings, January 15, 18, 22 and 25, from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. CT.

Topics to be covered include:
    What impacts a cow's nutrient requirements and how do they change throughout the year?
    How do you read and understand a feed test analysis as well as a feed tag? What do the numbers mean?
    When comparing feed options, which is the best buy when all things are considered?        
    What are things to consider when developing a year-round feeding plan?  

The cost of the course is $50 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources. The course is limited to 35 participants. To register, visit https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow. Participants are asked to register by January 8 to ensure webinar resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.



2024 Soils School to Feature Fundamentals of Soils and Nutrient Management

The 2024 Soils School will be held in-person at Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Tuesday, Feb. 6 and Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Nebraska Agri-Business Association, this course has been designed to cover the application of basic principles of soils, water and nutrient management to improve agricultural crop production. Leading experts from the University of Nebraska will present the fundamental concepts of soil, water and nutrient management to improve agricultural production in Nebraska. An update to research-based recommendations of primary crop nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium will be provided.

The course provides continuing education units (CEUs) to certified crop advisors. A total of 11 nutrient management (NM) and one soil and water (SW) CEUs are being made available through this course.

We offer basic or advanced soil school in alternative years. The 2024 Soils School will cover the basic soil, water and nutrient management concepts.

Interested individuals can now view the 2023 Soils School Agenda for a list of session topics and presenters https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023-CW-News/2024-Soils-School-Agenda.pdf.

There is a $295 registration fee for members of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association and a $395 registration fee for non-members. Register online through the Nebraska Agri-Business Association’s calendar page.

Contact Javed Iqbal, nutrient management and water quality specialist, for more information at https://agronomy.unl.edu/iqbal.



Cow Herd Winter Feeding Series Continues in December

Cattle producers facing tight hay supplies, poor pastures and corn silage with potential for nitrates can get answers at a series of workshops planned and presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialists. Six workshops remain, set for Dec. 4-12 at various Iowa locations.

"Controlling feed cost while meeting all of the cow’s nutrient requirements requires knowledge of both the feed supply and the animal’s requirements," said Denise Schwab, extension beef specialist. "At each location, beef specialists will discuss the current hay situation, the impacts of the dry conditions on forage quality, potential toxicity concerns, and balancing cow rations in late gestation and early lactation."

Topics and speakers vary by location, so please check with the site you wish to attend for information specific to that location.

Remaining workshop dates, times and locations are as follows. Please preregister by calling the host county cxtension office at the phone number listed for that site.
    Dec. 4, 6 p.m., Lucas County Extension Office, Chariton,  641-774-2016.
    Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., Jones County Extension Office, Monticello, 319-465-3224.
    Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m., Dallas County Extension Office, Adel, 515-993-4281.
    Dec. 11, 2 p.m., Dunlap Livestock Auction, Dunlap 712-644-2105.
    Dec.12, 6 p.m., Clarke County Fair & Event Center, Osceola, 641-342-3316.
    Dec.13, 3 p.m., Humboldt Vet Clinic, Humboldt,  641-923-2856.

All cattle producers are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact your local ISU extension beef specialist.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It comprises faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, and works to develop and deliver the latest research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Register Soon for Iowa Beef Center's Inaugural Genetic Symposium

The Inaugural Genetic Symposium is the place to be if you're a beef producer seeking information you need from sources you can trust to guide your bull development or selection decisions. Attendees of the Dec. 18-19 event will engage with industry leaders and cutting-edge genetic tools, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson.

"This is a rare opportunity to have an event of this caliber in Iowa, and I encourage people to strongly consider attending this producer-focused meeting," she said. "Deliberately designed for the specific challenges of Iowa's cattle producers, the symposium will be practical, applicable and directly beneficial to them."

Culbertson, who planned the program, said sessions include live animal demonstrations on breeding soundness exams, bull nutritional development, and carcass ultrasound with the CUP Lab.

"These hands-on sessions provide a unique opportunity to gain practical insights into these crucial aspects of cattle management," she said. "We also have a bull stud panel and a producer panel on bull selection from a seedstock perspective to give attendees a 360-degree view of the industry."

It wouldn't be a true genetic symposium without genetics-based topics. Speakers will present on current and upcoming developments for genetic selection, the genetics of bull fertility, beef cattle adaptivity, and analysis on bull buyer spending and economics.

"Hear the latest advancements in genetic tools dedicated to bull development and selection," Culbertson said. "Learn how these tools can enhance breeding programs, optimize herd performance, and contribute to the long-term success of cattle operations."

The event begins at noon on Dec. 18 and runs through noon on Dec. 19, and will be held in Ames at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. The registration fee is $75 and the deadline is Dec. 11. A block of rooms is reserved at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center with a reservation deadline of Dec. 8. For more details and links for registration and lodging, visit the symposium website https://www.aep.iastate.edu/genetics/.

For more information, contact Culbertson at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 511 million bushels in October 2023. Total corn consumption was up 7 percent from September 2023 and up 1 percent from October 2022. October 2023 usage included 92.5 percent for alcohol and 7.5 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 6.42 million bushels, up 19 percent from September 2023 and up 40 percent from October 2022. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 461 million bushels, was up 7 percent from September 2023 and up 3 percent from October 2022. Corn consumed in October 2023 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during October 2023, up 6 percent from September 2023 and up 3 percent from October 2022. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.38 million tons in October 2023, up 5 percent from September 2023 but down 1 percent from October 2022.

Wet mil corn gluten feed production was 265,908 tons during October 2023, up 8 percent from September 2023 but down 1 percent from October 2022. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 212,424 tons in October 2023, up 8 percent from September 2023 and up 2 percent from October 2022.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 6.04 million tons (201 million bushels) in October 2023, compared with 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in September 2023 and 5.90 million tons (197 million bushels) in October 2022. Crude oil produced was 2.38 billion pounds up 14 percent from September 2023 and up 2 percent from October 2022. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.89 billion pounds during October 2023 increased 9 percent from September 2023 and increased 5 percent from October 2022.



USDA Announces December 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for December 2023, which are effective Dec. 1, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.   

“I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans  
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.   For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.     

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for December 2023 are as follows:      
    Farm Operating Loans(Direct): 5.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct): 5.875%  
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct, Joint Financing): 3.875%
    Farm Ownership Loans(Down Payment): 1.875%
    Emergency Loan(Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%   

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.   

To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.  

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans 
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.      

Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed):  6.375%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:   
        Three-year loan terms: 4.750%
        Five-year loan terms: 4.625%
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.625%
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.625%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.750%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.875%  

Simplified Direct Loan Application  
FSA developed a new, simplified direct loan application for producers seeking a direct farm loan. The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides an improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application. Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or a traditional paper application for submission to their local FSA service center. 

Disaster Support 
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the past year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options. 

Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Producers  
The Inflation Reduction Act, a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities, provided $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. Since October 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.7 billion in immediate assistance to more than 30,000 financially distressed direct and guaranteed FSA loan borrowers.

FSA recently announced additional automatic assistance to qualifying, economically distressed guaranteed farm loan program and Emergency Loan borrowers who face financial risk.  

FSA is also accepting and reviewing individual requests for assistance from borrowers who took certain extraordinary measures to avoid delinquency on their direct FSA loans or those who missed a recent installment or who are unable to make their next scheduled installment.

For more information, or to submit a request for assistance, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.