Thursday January 04 Ag News

 NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Hall County Extension Office (3180 W. Highway 34) in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The board will conduct regular board business. The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.



Nebraska Water Center seminars feature water, wildlife, and livestock

The Nebraska Water Center (NWC), in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources, will begin its annual Spring Water Seminar Series in January. The 2024 series will consider water, wildlife, and livestock in Nebraska and beyond. The Series is open to the public and will be held at Hardin Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus at 3:30 p.m. every other Wednesday.  Each seminar can also be viewed via Zoom.

In addition, the series – with writing assignments and in-class, student-led discussions on alternate weeks – doubles as a one-credit hour undergraduate/graduate course listed under NRES/AGRO/GEOG/GEOL 484/884 and WATS 484. Students interested in registering should be junior level or above.

The 2024 seminars feature a broad slate of researchers and specialists. Speakers from across the country will consider how water quality and quantity impact livestock health and production, as well as wildlife habitat and endangered species.

Established in 1968, the series provides a forum to increase awareness and allow for meaningful conversation regarding these issues. The series is a cornerstone of NWC’s mission to help the University of Nebraska become an international leader in water research, teaching, extension, and outreach.

The 2024 seminars include:
    January 31 – Liz Van Wormer, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, One Health
    February 14 – Scott White, Klamath Drainage District in Oregon – Drought, water policy, and impacts to wildlife and livestock
    February 28 – Mark Vrtiska, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Waterfowl and endangered species in Nebraska
    March 20 – Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University, Livestock health and water
    April 3 – Jessica Corman, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Aquatic ecology and water quality
    April 17 – Amy Schmidt, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Manure management and water quality
    May 1 – Kevin Pope, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, Fisheries and prairie streams

To register for the Zoom sessions, visit go.unl.edu/2024seminar.

For more information, visit watercenter.unl.edu/spring-seminar-series.



USING BAD HAY AND SILAGE
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Low supply and high costs mean some less-than-ideal feedstuffs may be used this winter.  Low quality, mold, and even mycotoxins can all be a risk for poor quality feeds.  Can we still make use of these forage options?

Silage put up too wet has likely had a clostridial fermentation resulting in poor quality and high levels of butyric acid.  Not only is feed quality reduced, but the stability of the pile once opened drops as well and mold growth on the feeding face is more likely.

In both hay and silage stored too dry, mold growth is a primary concern.  Mold reduces feed quality and can limit intake in high quantities.  In some circumstances molds can produce mycotoxins, even with low mold counts.  Impacts of mycotoxins are wide-ranging and depend on the specific toxin or toxins present and concentrations.  Impacts can range from reduced intake to liver and rumen damage to infertility and abortions.

Whether too wet or too dry, these feed options are less than ideal, but can still be used if we take precautions.  First, test.  Knowing the levels of mold, butyric acid, or mycotoxin in a feed can help with the next step, dilution.  Keeping poor feed to a low percentage of the overall diet can allow for use while minimizing risk to livestock.  Finally, don’t feed to high-risk animals.  Young calves, stressed animals, and those in late gestation are all at higher risk of impact.

Low quality silage and hay comes with risks.  Knowing the impact mold, mycotoxins, and butyric acid can have on quality, intake and animal health is important and can help us plan the best way to use these imperfect feed resources.



Southwest Iowa Calving Clinic on January 23

Cattle producers in Southwest Iowa, including 4-H and FFA members, are invited to a specialized calving clinic on January 23 at St. Peters Catholic Church Parish Hall in Defiance. Organized by the Crawford and Shelby ISU extension offices, this educational event promises a hands-on learning experience and expert insights.

Led by Iowa State University Extension's beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, the clinic aims to equip attendees with fundamental knowledge about calving, newborn calf care, and the nutritional needs of cows.

"The clinic offers a unique learning opportunity by utilizing a life-sized model cow and calf from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. Participants will gain hands-on experience in correcting calf positions and addressing dystocia cases," stated Lundy-Woolfolk. "It's a chance to engage with experts, share experiences, and enhance skills among fellow cattle producers."

Distinguished presenters include Dr. Randie Culbertson, ISU's cow-calf specialist; Dr. Lynn Geoffroy, postdoc research associate with ISU VDPAM; and Dr. Brandi Huddle from the Shelby Vet Clinic in Shelby.

The session, starting at 6 p.m., spans approximately three hours, featuring classroom-style learning and interactive exercises. Complimentary supper will be provided, courtesy of the Crawford County and Shelby County Cattlemen. To secure your spot and ensure adequate arrangements, preregister by January 19. Contact the Crawford County Extension office at 712-263-4697, the Shelby County Extension office at 712-755-3104, or email Jennifer Sellner in Shelby County.

For more details, reach out to the Shelby County office or the Crawford County office.



Cybersecurity Conference to Feature Expert Tips and Insight for Agriculture

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Cybersecurity on the Farm Conference will be held at the Iowa State Alumni Center in Ames. The event takes place on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference is focused solely on cybersecurity and brings together experts from the agricultural industry with the farming community.

Agriculture is one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors for the U.S. economy and national security. That’s why for the past two years, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach farm management team has been spreading the word that “Everyone has a Role in Cybersecurity.”

This new conference offers four discussion-based sessions with cybersecurity experts and gives farmers an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. Participants will be part of a transformative dialogue.

The Cyber Threats in Agriculture and Initiatives to Support Farmers session features James Hoflen, an expert advisor with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Doug Jacobson, director of Iowa State's Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach; and Lisa Irlbeck, marketing director at Availa Bank and member of the Federal Trade Commissions Fraud Prevention Group. The speakers are working to share information to help Iowans and the agricultural industry to improve cyber safety.

“Between weather, disease and prices, now I’m supposed to worry about cyber, too? ‘Yes, you should,’” said Hoflen. “All businesses are targets, including farms. Learn what actionable steps you can take to help protect yourself and your farm at this conference.”

Strategies for Securing Financial Data is another key session. Panelists include Rex Earl, chief security officer for Farm Credit Services of America; Megan Wheelock, information security officer, John Deere Financial; and Scott Zurborg, SVP Risk Management & Information Security Officer at Availia Bank. In their various roles, these speakers are working every day to keep their customers safe and minimize financial losses.

Another session, Managing Business Email Compromise, addresses the greatest threats to agriculture that arise from phishing, fake invoices and other scams. Bobby Martens, Iowa State professor of supply chain management and cooperatives, will moderate the panel with guest speakers Eric Hoefing, director of technology, Key Cooperative; Susanna Stout, general manager, Solentra - a CULTURA Company; and Pratum, an HBS Brand, focused on information security. The panel focuses on how agribusinesses and software and technology companies are working together to protect the agricultural industry.

“It is important for everyone to understand the role they play in protecting their organization’s data, especially when it comes to receiving and sending emails,” said Stout. “We are especially careful when using email to communicate with our customers and are constantly looking for ways to make sure their data is secure.”

The final session of the day is Online Agricultural Marketplaces. Panelists include Megan Renkle, manager, Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market; and Mark Pleis, owner of Pleis Farms LLC and T.E. Alderman’s. This session will help farmers understand how to keep themselves and their customers safe when selling through online platforms.

Online registration is available through Jan. 10, and the cost is $40. Refreshments and lunch are included. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/BPGFN4.

This conference is being offered by the ISU Extension and Outreach farm management team and the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach. Sponsors include Cybersecurity for Smart Agriculture, a project funded by the Office of the President at Iowa State University; USDA North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; Farm Credit Services of America; and Iowa State's Ag Decision Maker.

Contact Madeline Schultz for more information at schultz@iastate.edu or 515-294-0588.



Retail Fertilizer Prices End 2023 Mixed, With Anhydrous Leading Six Fertilizers Lower

Average retail fertilizer prices closed out 2023 mixed, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.  Prices for six of the eight major fertilizers were lower in the fourth week of December compared to last month, while prices for the remaining two fertilizers were slightly higher.

Only one fertilizer had a notable price move, which DTN designates as 5% or more. Anhydrous was down 7% compared to last month with an average price of $792 per ton. The remaining five fertilizers were down just slightly down. MAP had an average price of $812 per ton, potash $514/ton, urea $536/ton, UAN28 $340/ton and UAN32 $394/ton. UAN32 dropped below the $400-per-ton level for the first time since the second week of September 2023. That week UAN32 had an average price of $389/ton.

Two fertilizers, meanwhile, were just slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $721/ton and 10-34-0 $599/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.58/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.61/lb.N and UAN32 $0.62/lb.N.

All fertilizers but one are now lower compared to one year ago: MAP by 9%, DAP 19%, 10-34-0 by 20%, urea 29%, potash 33%, anhydrous 40%, UAN28 41% and UAN32 42%.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/29/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 29, ethanol production scaled back 5.2% to a 5-week low of 1.049 million b/d, equivalent to 44.06 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 24.3% more than the same week last year and 7.3% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.6% to 1.075 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.48 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.3% to 23.6 million barrels, the largest weekly volume since mid-April. Stocks were 3.5% less than the same week last year but 2.7% above the five-year average. Inventories built across the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, fell 13.2% to a 51-week low of 7.95 million b/d (121.93 bg annualized). Demand was 5.9% more than a year ago but 0.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, sinking 10.7% to 809,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.40 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 2.5% more than a year ago and 3.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 69,000 b/d (2.9 million gallons/day), which is 47.7% below the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 15th consecutive week.



Growth Energy Welcomes Montana as 49th State to Approve Use of E15

After updating its fuel regulations, Montana recently became the 49th state to approve the sale of E15—a more affordable fuel made with 15% American-made bioethanol. Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, welcomed the news, with CEO Emily Skor issuing the following statement:

"This is great news for Montana drivers who will soon have access to a lower-cost fuel option at the pump. By simply updating its fuel regulations, Montana has become the 49th state to give consumers the chance to save money with E15 while using more renewable fuel made in America and increasing our energy independence. We are grateful to the Department of Labor and Industry for making this important update and giving Montana drivers access to E15, which is saving consumers money across the U.S."  




November DMC Margin Barely Tops $9.50 for the First Time in 2023

The November margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program inched up $0.14/cwt from a month earlier to $9.58/cwt, marking its first time in 2023 above the maximum $9.50/cwt Tier 1 coverage level.

The monthly change was a product of modest price movements. The all-milk price rose $0.10/cwt to $21.70/cwt, while the DMC feed cost formula dropped $0.04/cwt to $12.12/cwt of milk. There was a bit more drama inside the DMC feed cost formula, with a $0.35/cwt increase in the soybean meal price factor slightly more than offset by a combined drop in the prices of corn and premium alfalfa hay. During the first ten months of this year, the average monthly change, plus or minus, in the margin was $1.22/cwt, the average monthly change in the all-milk price was $1.15/cwt and the average monthly change in the DMC feed cost was $0.37/cwt.

With one more month in to be reported for last year, the 2023 average margin is on track to average about $6.80/cwt, which would be the second-lowest margin for the DMC and its predecessor Margin Protection Program (MPP), just above 2021’s average DMC margin of $6.70/cwt. The end-of year futures prices indicated the margins would average about $8.60/cwt during January-September this year but improve during the fourth quarter to average about $9.10/cwt for the year.



2023 CWT-Assisted Export Sales Totaled 107.7 Million Pounds as Category Volumes Rise

CWT-assisted dairy product sales contracts in 2023 totaled 58.4 million pounds of American-type cheese, 1.1 million pounds of butter, 46,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 9.1 million pounds of cream cheese and 39.0 million pounds of whole milk powder. This brings the total milk equivalent for the year to 922.1 million pounds on a milkfat basis, equal to 107.7 million pounds on a product volume basis. Product destinations include Aisa, Central America, the Caribbean, Middle East-North Africa, Oceania and South America.

Apart from cheese, all CWT supported products increased sales volumes through the program in 2023. Notably, CWT-assisted butter sales rose 73% and whole milk powder gained 27%. CWT supported sales also reached more countries than the year before – helping more consumers around the world access high-quality, U.S. dairy products.

CWT member cooperatives secured 55 contracts in December, adding 12.4 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 20,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, and 827,000 pounds of cream cheese to CWT-assisted sales in 2023. In milk equivalent, this is equal to 121.3 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Middle East-North Africa, Oceania and South America and will be shipped from December 2023 through May 2024.



House Overwhelmingly Backs Whole Milk in Schools

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Dec. 13 with a commanding 330-99 margin, demonstrating compelling bipartisan support for expanding dairy in school meal nutrition programs.

The measure, led by Representatives GT Thompson, R-PA, and Kim Schrier, D-WA, expands the milk options schools can choose to include 2% and whole milk, in addition to the skim and 1% varieties currently allowed, increasing the number of tools schools can use to deliver vital nutrition to students by allowing more nutritious milk options schools can opt to serve.

“Expanding the milk schools can choose to serve to include 2% and whole is a common-sense solution that will help ensure kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern upon House approval.

The House vote came after extensive Hill work and grassroots advocacy, including an NMPF call to action to its mailing list of dairy advocates that can be joined here. The legislation gained near-unanimous support among House Republicans and a majority of Democrats, generating significant momentum for Senate consideration this year.

NMPF has been committed to reinstating in schools the milk options removed in 2012, including 1% flavored milk and all varieties of 2% and whole. After years of working with members of Congress, meeting with USDA, and filing regulatory comments, 1% flavored milk was returned to school lunch menus on more permanent footing in 2022. NMPF has simultaneously built bipartisan support for 2% and whole milk options. NMPF also has been urging the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to incorporate the robust body of scientific evidence showing the health benefits of dairy in all compositions, which should help expand dairy options in nutrition programs limited by dietary guidelines recommendations.



Doud Takes Reins at NMPF

The National Milk Producers Federation began its new year with a new President and Chief Executive Officer, as Gregg Doud succeeded outgoing leader Jim Mulhern on Jan. 1.

“As NMPF’s new president and CEO, I am duty-bound to defend this industry. And because of our farmer and co-op leadership and first-class staff, we defend it well,” Doud said in his first CEO’s Corner, published yesterday. “2024 is also exciting because of the great potential we in dairy have to take the initiative. We can attack as well as defend. 2024 is going to be a great year for this industry. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share in the leadership of this journey.”

Doud has served in numerous leadership roles in trade association and government work in his more than 30-year career in agricultural policy and economics, most recently at Aimpoint Research, a global intelligence firm specializing in agriculture and food. From 2018 to 2021 he served as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative, appointed by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate, where he led numerous successful efforts to create a fair, prosperous environment for U.S. agricultural exports, including the U.S.-China “Phase One” agreement and the USMCA negotiations.

Before that role, he served as president of the Commodity Markets Council, a trade association for commodities exchanges and industry counterparts; as senior professional staff on the Senate Agriculture Committee; and as chief economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, among other roles.

Mulhern leaves NMPF with the organization spearheading a once-a-generation update of federal milk marketing orders; with dairy farmers benefiting from a comprehensive federal safety net that features a suite of risk-management programs tailored to farms in all sizes and regions; agriculture-leading initiatives on sustainability and animal care; and undeniable progress in creating a more transparent marketplace for consumers amid the proliferation of plant-based dairy imposters, among other accomplishments.