Wednesday December 06 Ag News

STUDY IDS ORGANIC ALTERNATIVE FOR FIGHTING CATTLE-PESTERING FLIES

Welcome to Pocket Science: a glimpse at recent research from Husker scientists and engineers. For those who want to quickly learn the “What,” “So what” and “Now what” of Husker research.

What?
When cattle are fighting flies in the summer, they gather in tight bunches, leading them to eat less while experiencing more stress and discomfort. Beef producers have limited options for controlling the flies that pester their cattle. Moreover, existing insecticides are losing their effectiveness as insects develop resistance to repeated use.

Dave Boxler, a Nebraska Extension entomologist at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, has worked with a company for 15 years to develop a new insecticide that is organic and doesn’t affect honeybees or bumblebees. The insecticide is based on two fatty acids derived from palm oil.

So what?
The new insecticide shows promise for organic producers — who currently don’t have many effective, economical fly-control options — and for conventional producers who want to use products that are safer for people, animals and the environment.

In field trials, where cattle walked through an automatic sprayer that misted them with the insecticide, Boxler and his team found that the flies swerved away from animals that had been treated, as expected. However, they were surprised to find that the spray also killed the target flies on contact, an added benefit.

Now what?
Boxler’s team previously helped develop a version of the insecticide that has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use on horses. That insecticide, called EcoVet, is commercially available nationwide.

The researchers are now waiting on EPA approval for the cattle-specific version. Boxler plans to continue studies next summer, when the team will test how much it can lower concentrations and achieve the same effectiveness.




Nebraska Extension launching new management training program for meat processors

A new Meat Processing Management Training program offered by Nebraska Extension is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals in the meat processing industry over a yearlong intensive course that will begin in March.

The program is tailored for owners, managers and management-track employees of small meat processing plants, with custom-exempt and federally inspected plants encouraged to apply. It will offer a blend of virtual and in-person sessions to deepen participants’ understanding of critical aspects of the industry and assist them with working toward a successful and profitable future.

Focus areas will include business operations, using data, retail strategies, regulatory compliance, human resources and more. The course will consist of three in-person meetings, a site visit to each plant by course instructors and monthly online programs that will include typically recorded lectures, live review and a presentation with a producer.

The program is being produced by Nebraska Extension, the Center for Agricultural Profitability and the Department of Animal Science’s Meat Science program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"This initiative represents a significant step in supporting and advancing the meat processing sector, offering a platform for professionals to grow and excel in their field," said Elliott Dennis, assistant professor and livestock marketing specialist with the Center for Agricultural Profitability.

To ensure effective learning and personalized attention, Dennis said, there is a $2,500 enrollment fee per processing plant, which includes a $2,000 deposit that will be returned to those who complete the program without missing more than two activities or the site visit. Up to two individuals per plant may participate.

More details, a program schedule and requirements are posted on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/processors. The application is open there until Jan. 20.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2022-70419-38561.



Flood Highlights Temporary Flexibility for Ag Relief Programs

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood highlighted new temporary flexibility for two key relief programs for Nebraska ag producers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced changes to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

“I appreciate the USDA’s move to give producers more flexibility in reporting losses,” said Congressman Flood. “Our farmers and ranchers already have a lot of priorities to meet. This will give ag producers the time they need to get information to the FSA that provides a full picture of their losses as they seek to participate in these programs,” said Congressman Flood

“Our goal is to get producers into these disaster programs, and they are always encouraged to turn in an application if they believe they are eligible,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux at the time of the announcement. The USDA’s full news release can be found by clicking here.

In July 2023, Congressman Flood sent a letter to Administrator Ducheneaux urging the FSA to support our farmers and ranchers in the wake of extreme heat and humidity that harmed the livestock industry.



Flood, Firestone Highlight Nebraska Farmers Union Convention Closing Luncheon

“We are fortunate that Congressional schedules aligned this year and we will be able to hear from Representative Mike Flood of Norfolk at this year’s closing luncheon. We have had a long time positive working relationship with Rep. Flood through his years of service in the Nebraska Legislature.  We will want to hear his take on passage of the Farm Bill and the budget,” said John Hansen, Nebraska Farmers Union President.

Hansen said, “In addition, we will hear from OpenSky Executive Director Rebecca Firestone who will share her organization’s views on the status of property tax reforms efforts, public education funding, and public funding for private education.  OpenSky brings badly needed technical, policy, and financial analysis to many of the complicated and sometimes confusing public policy issues our farm organization works on.”

Hansen concluded, “These two speakers will give our members a lot to think about as they bring our 110th State Convention to a close and finish with policy consideration and adoptions. Our grassroots convention gives our members the opportunity to put their hands on the steering wheel and give us next year’s direction.”  All members and the public are welcome to attend.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in Mills 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 case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Mills County, Iowa.  The affected site is a backyard mixed species flock.

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.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Evenly Mixed at End of November

Average retail fertilizer prices were evenly mixed for the fourth week of November 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices for four of the eight major fertilizers were lower compared to last month, while prices for the remaining four fertilizers were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer had a noteworthy price move compared to last month. UAN28 was down 5% from last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $341 per ton. The remaining three fertilizers were down just slightly. Urea had an average price of $552 per ton, 10-34-0 $595/ton and UAN32 $409/ton.

Four fertilizers were just slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $715/ton, MAP $820/ton, potash $518/ton and anhydrous $847/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.61/lb.N and UAN32 $0.64/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 15% lower, 10-34-0 is 21% less expensive, DAP is 23% lower, urea is 31% lower, potash is 38% lower, both anhydrous and UAN32 are 40% less expensive and UAN28 is 42% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/1/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 1, ethanol production jumped 6.4% to a 19-week high of 1.076 million b/d, equivalent to 45.19 million gallons daily. Output was 0.1% less than the same week last year but 2.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.9% to 1.040 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.94 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks remained level at 21.4 million barrels. However, stocks were 7.8% less than the same week last year and 3.0% below the five-year average. Inventories built 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, rebounded 3.2% to 8.47 million b/d (129.78 bg annualized). Demand was 1.3% more than a year ago but 1.2% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol curbed 0.8% to 864,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.25 bg annualized and the smallest weekly volume since mid-February. Yet, net inputs were 1.9% more than a year ago and 2.1% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 75,000 b/d (3.2 million gallons/day), roughly half the prior week’s volume. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the eleventh consecutive week.



U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Sales Contract in October
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.
    
U.S. ethanol exports decreased 3% to a still-healthy 117.1 million gallons (mg). Canada was our largest destination for the 31st consecutive month with exports of 64.6 mg (94% denatured) accounting for 55% of total sales on a 7% increase from September. This is the largest single-country purchase since Brazil’s offtake in March 2019. The U.S. exported 13.7 mg to India (following four months of near-zero volumes) and 12.6 mg to the United Kingdom (down 8% from September). Virtually all remaining ethanol exports were distributed among seven markets, with the largest volumes landing in the Philippines (6.5 mg, +176%), South Korea (6.0 mg, +17%), Peru (5.7 mg, +89%), and Mexico (5.1 mg, -9%). Brazil again was notably absent from the U.S. ethanol export market. Year-to-date exports, totaling 1.16 billion gallons, are steady with last year at this time.

There were no U.S. imports on record in October, according to the monthly data. Only 17.4 mg of foreign ethanol has been imported thus far in 2023, of which essentially all was sourced from Brazil.

Exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, tightened by 13% to a 6-month low of 896,708 metric tons (mt). Mexico was our largest destination for the sixteenth consecutive month with exports of 193,524 mt—a 4% decrease from September. DDGS exports to Vietnam were robust at 121,271 mt despite a 13% decline. Shipments strengthened to Canada, up 47% to a 16-month high of 92,924 mt. Other larger markets included South Korea (76,456 mt, -31%), Indonesia (66,351 mt, +7%), Turkey (38,325, +22%), Japan (35,451 mt, +1%), and China (30,530 mt, -8%). There was a notable lift in exports to Central American countries (a 5-year high) as well as record volumes to Cambodia. Year-to-date U.S. DDGS exports total 8.99 million mt, which lags 4% behind last year at this time.



United Soybean Board Announces Lucas Lentsch as Incoming CEO

The United Soybean Board (USB) is pleased to announce that Lucas Lentsch will join the organization as its Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2024. Lentsch currently serves on the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) leadership team, which manages the national dairy checkoff. USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its December board meeting.

“Lucas Lentsch is the right leader, at the right time, to continue the meaningful work of the soy checkoff and fulfill our vision of delivering sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day,” said Meagan Kaiser, outgoing chair of the United Soybean Board and CEO Selection Committee Chair. “He is a true thought leader and collaborator with a wealth of checkoff program knowledge, deep agricultural roots, and comprehensive experience across the farm-to-food value chain.”

Growing up on his family’s farm in South Dakota, promoting agriculture and serving farmers has always remained Lentsch’s true north. As an Executive Vice President at DMI, Lentsch liaised between national and local checkoff organizations, nationwide. He previously served as CEO at Midwest Dairy, a 10-state region. Lentsch was the South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture from 2013 to 2016 and is a proud Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as a Commanding Officer with the Army National Guard. Lentsch holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from South Dakota State University.

Lentsch, alongside USB board members, staff, and partners, remarks, “American agriculture has never been stronger, with soy playing a vital and proven role across sectors - be it in animal agriculture, food supply chains, or advancing energy independence through biofuels. The soy checkoff is the farmer's essential voice in the marketplace. It will be a privilege to serve America’s soybean farmers and continue driving value through sustainable soy solutions.”

The USB board members and staff outlined their CEO criteria, emphasizing leadership, strategic acumen, adept staff and program management, and a strong connection to agriculture and soy. In interviews with the Search and Selection Committees—comprising farmer-leaders—Lentsch surpassed these expectations. The executive search firm Kincannon & Reed facilitated the selection process.

Lentsch is the proud father of four grown children and will relocate to the United Soybean Board’s headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri.



Vilsack to Travel to UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from December 8-10 to participate in the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), demonstrating the United States’ commitment to, and leadership on, climate-smart agriculture and forestry and engaging with world leaders, industry and civil society on the importance of agriculture and forests in addressing the climate crisis. Through historic measures it is taking and working with partners globally to address the climate crisis, accelerate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to adapt to climate impacts, the United States is on track to reach President Biden’s ambitious Paris Agreement target to cut U.S. emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young will also be in attendance at COP28.



Farmers Collaborate with State and Federal Agencies to Meet Nitrogen Loss Goals Two Years Early

A new report by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hypoxia Task Force (HTF) demonstrates that the hard work of farmers and ranchers to reduce nutrient losses in the Mississippi River watershed is paying off. The report reveals that the twelve participating states have met interim nitrogen reduction goals two years ahead of schedule and are also making considerable progress in bringing down phosphorus losses.

The goals, which are part of a comprehensive strategy established by state and federal agencies across the Mississippi River watershed region, tasked farmers, ranchers and trusted advisors with helping to reduce nutrient losses by 20 percent by 2025. Through dedication to the implementation of conservation and best management practices, nitrogen loss has already been reduced by 23 percent, which exceeds the goals established in the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008.

“Farmers are problem-solvers by nature, and the work being done in Mississippi River Basin to reduce nitrogen loads in the Gulf region is proof of what can happen when we come together to find solutions,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “I commend the farmers in each of the HTF states for their instrumental role in making these strides and encourage all stakeholders to continue working together to meet the 2035 goals.”

While the interim goal of nitrogen loss has been met, the report also outlines the need for more progress in the reduction of phosphorous loss, despite the contribution of farmers to a positive phosphorous trend. AFBF also acknowledges economic factors, including planted acreage and associated fertilizer demand, can influence average nutrient load values within selected time periods.

AFBF encourages continued discussion on preventing natural sources of phosphorous losses, such as streambank erosion. The long-term goal of the Action Plan calls for a 48 percent reduction in phosphorous loads by 2035.

“There’s still work to be done in the Gulf region and we stand ready to work with our partners at EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and within the task force states to continue the progress we’re making,” Duvall said.

AFBF is a founding member of the Agricultural Nutrient Policy Council, an organization of over 40 federal and state agricultural trade organizations and agribusinesses, which has been instrumental in helping producers implement nutrient loss reduction strategies and establish productive partnerships across the watershed. ANPC will continue to help farmers and ranchers implement best management practices, encourage the use of NRCS conservation programs and support academic research until the HTF’s long-term goals are met.