Wednesday January 17 Ag News

USDA Farm Service Agency Offers Disaster Assistance to Nebraska Farmers, Livestock Producers Impacted by Recent Winter Storms

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is reminding the state’s producers who suffered impacts due to recent severe winter weather of programs that may be available for assistance.

Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center to learn about programs and how to apply for assistance, including understanding needed documentation, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.

“The recent extreme cold and winter weather has been a challenge for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska,” said Tim Divis, acting state executive director for Nebraska FSA. “We know some producers have experienced losses or other impacts. USDA offers disaster assistance programs that may be able to help.”

FSA Disaster Assistance Programs
Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program. Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program may provide eligible producers with compensation for livestock and honeybee feed needs above normal due to extreme winter weather. For LIP and ELAP, both require producers to file a notice of loss as well as an application for assistance. Documentation of livestock losses and other impacts is extremely important for both programs, and producers are encouraged to contact their county FSA office as soon as possible for details on those documentation needs. Examples of documentation for livestock losses and establishment of beginning livestock inventory includes, but is not limited to, pictures of losses with a time and date-stamp (if possible), purchase records, production records, vaccination records, bank or other loan documents or third-party certification.
 
The Emergency Conservation Program can assist landowners and livestock producers with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged fence lines and remove snow from feed stocks, water supplies, and feeding areas. ECP implementation begins at the local level when conditions meet program requirements and the FSA County Committee requests, and is approved for, implementation. Like the above programs, documentation also is important for ECP assistance. Producers are encouraged to keep daily logs of snow removal efforts taken for feeding livestock during the severe winter weather as potential documentation in the event ECP is implemented in their county.

Eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost during the winter storms. A program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss becomes apparent.



Haskell Ag Lab Hosting Part 107 Drone Piloting Licensure Training February 8

The use of technology is transforming the agriculture industry through the use of high-resolution imagery and various types of sensors. Drones are playing a major role in advancing this technological transformation of the agriculture industry.   

Drones allow farmers and ranchers to monitor the conditions of their crops as well as the movement and health of their livestock. Drones equipped with multispectral sensors allow farmers to monitor the health of their crops by detecting stresses caused by diseases, pests, lack of moisture and nutrients so that corrective measures could be taken in a timely manner. Drones equipped with high resolution cameras can help identify weed pressure, issues related to germination and plant conditions after a storm. Other areas of drone use include spray application, irrigation management, planting/seeding, etc

Unless you are flying drones for fun or as hobby, you are required to be licensed under the Part 107 regulations. For anyone interested in learning how to operate a drone for purposes other than recreation, Nebraska Extension is organizing a one-day, 8-hour drone piloting training. The training prepares participants for the part 107 licensure test. The training will be held on February 8, 2024, at the Haskell Ag. Lab near Concord Nebraska. A Part 107 License, in addition to allowing individuals to monitor their crops and livestock, will allow them to earn money by flying drones for other people.

There will be a $250 registration fee for the training and study materials. Discounts will be available for students and educators/teachers.

For registration and training related questions, please contact Dirk Charlson at (402) 762-4500 or by email dirk.charlson@unl.edu.



Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo Combines Two Key Agricultural Events

Nebraska Extension, in collaboration with the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Corn Board and their respective associations, are excited to announce the consolidation of the Fremont Corn Expo and the Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo into a singular event – the Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo.

This dynamic expo will focus on both crops and will rotate between Saunders and Dodge County locations each year. The 2024 edition of the expo will take place on Thursday, January 25, at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, NE, located at 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE. The program will commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m.

The day kicks off with an opportunity to enjoy coffee, donuts and explore equipment and exhibitor booths at 8:30 a.m., followed by engaging speakers starting at 9:10 a.m.

"The Eastern Nebraska Corn and Soybean Expo will assist producers in planning for next year's growing season, said Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension Educator. “We hope you come and learn from a variety of speakers and vendors about important topics for corn and soybean production in 2024."

Mike Zuzolo, president of Global Commodity Analytics and Consulting LLC, will be the keynote speaker. He will speak on “Navigating 2024 Commodity Markets — Funds vs. Fundamentals”. His presentation will include:
    Assessing 2024 Prices for Grains and Cattle — Look at Top 3-5 Drivers.
    Factors To Focus Upon — U.S. and Global S/D Fundamentals (Micro-Conditions) vs. Funds and Investment Flow Drivers (Macro-Conditions).
    Project 2024 “Overvalue” and “Undervalue” Levels for Corn/Soybeans/Cattle Through March 31.

Other timely topics include:
    A Look Back at 2023 and a Look Ahead into 2024 — Eric Hunt, Nebraska Extension educator of agricultural meteorology.
    Corn and Soybean Disease Update — Tamra Jackson-Ziems and Dylan Mangel, Nebraska Extension plant pathologists.
    Pros and Cons of a Precision Sprayer for Detecting Weeds and Spray Herbicide in Real Time for Weed Management in Corn and Soybean — Amit Jhala, Nebraska Extension weed management specialist.
    Drone Spraying — Terraplex Ag.

Updates from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and Nebraska Soybean Association will also be featured.

During a 40-minute break at 10:00 a.m., producers can network with representatives from various agricultural companies. A complimentary noon lunch will also be served.

Registration is available on the day of the expo at the door, and there is no registration fee. For more information about the program or exhibitor details, please contact Aaron Nygren at 402-624-8030 or email anygren2@unl.edu. Vendor spots are available, and additional information can be found online at go.unl.edu/cornsoyexpo.



NPPA Announces 2024 NPPA Pork Ambassadors

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) is proud to announce the 2024 Pork Ambassadors. Five college-age Students, under the direction of Sophia Lentfer, Education Director for the Association, will participate in the year long program.

Olivia Vanderford is a freshman studying agricultural communications at UNL. Daughter of Jon and Taryn Vanderford of Lincoln, NE.

Danielle Burge is a junior at UNL majoring in animal science and is a member of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. Danielle is the daughter of Dan and Julie Burge of Grant, NE.

Whitley Rut is a freshman at UNL from Arthur, Nebraska studying agribusiness with a pre-law option and minoring in business and law. Her parents are Tom and Kris Rut.

Kylie Beard is a sophomore at UNL majoring in animal science and minoring in agricultural economics. Kylie is the daughter of Eric Beard and Sara Mertens of Nelson, NE.

Trevor Parde is a freshman at UNL studying animal science with a focus in livestock production and management. Trevor is the son of Doug and Cindy Parde from Adams, NE.

This is an elite program that focuses on developing leadership and communication skills through a variety of firsthand experiences. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to gain experience about pork promotion, research, and consumer information, while examining the industry’s future and discovering what their role is in the future of our industry. They will have opportunities to meet state and national industry leaders, and closely examine industry challenges. They will graduate from the program with a $750 scholarship and an impressive understanding of the swine industry.



Sheridan Wilson Recipient of Larry E. Sitzman Scholarship

Sheridan Wilson of Lemoyne, Nebraska, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship. Sheridan, daughter of Mark and Shandra Wilson, is a junior at the University of Nebraska Lincoln studying grassland systems with a grazing livestock systems option. She will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Leadership has been a big part of Sheridan’s life, and it is something she values in others as well as in herself. She joined the speech team to work on her public speaking skills and ran for office in organizations she was part of. Sheridan was president of her High School National Honor Society and FFA Chapter. This year, Sheridan was elected president of the UNL Range Management Club. She prepares meetings, recruits new members, and encourages current members to actively participate in various activities the club puts on. She is planning a trip for the UNL Range Management Club to go to the National Society for Range Management meeting in Sparks, Nevada, in January. Sheridan is also highly active as a student leader in the Navigators Student Ministry. As a student leader, she leads a Bible study, attends disciple-making trainings, and participates in community events. Outside of class she meets with Freshman on campus to see how they are adjusting to college life and helping them with their schoolwork.

Along with being a leader on and off campus, Sheridan is an advocate for the agriculture industry. Being involved on her family’s ranch has given Sheridan an inside look into the agriculture industry and a drive to educate others on what this industry is all about. In recent years, Sheridan joined a program called College Aggies Online, which teaches students how to share information about agriculture on social media. It was a nine-week program that helped her understand how to reach people outside of the agriculture industry and educate them in a positive and informative way. “I can confidently say that I am a defender, supporter and promoter of the agriculture industry,” she said. “I have summoned courage I did not know I possessed to begin developing a voice on social media. I hope that one day everyone in the agriculture industry finds the courage to become a passionate ‘advocate’.”

After graduating from UNL, Sheridan plans to start her own private range management consulting company. She wants to teach ranchers how to be more efficient with their cow/calf operations. She knows how important cattle are to ranchers and how important healthy pastures are for feeding cattle. Her goal is to lead the ranching community towards more efficient and productive grazing strategies. Sheridan believes that each calf she raises as a rancher is making a difference by feeding someone and wants to instill the same feeling in her future customers.

Sheridan’s passion for agriculture reflects the true nature that the Sitzman scholarship was established for. All of us at the Nebraska Pork Producers Association congratulate Sheridan on being selected as the 2024 recipient of the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship!



NFARMS RESEARCH WILL BRING PRECISION AG INNOVATIONS TO PRODUCERS

Husker scientists and staff are formalizing existing research and outreach in precision agriculture into a strategic initiative called NFarms. The effort, in collaboration with producers and industry, will refine and expand precision ag capabilities crucial to boosting farm efficiency and environmental sustainability.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty pursue a range of precision ag work on 3,000 acres of the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead. Those efforts will be channeled into NFarms to facilitate strategic coordination and maximize the outreach and benefits.

NFarms will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools producers can use for efficient field management.

Think drone- and sensor-enabled operations that lift productivity and resilience to new heights. Plus software solutions that provide cloud-based ag data storage and data analytics. Plus nitrogen management innovations and ag robotic breakthroughs.

“NFarms provides a real opportunity as a technology hub integrating the farm system,” said Joe Luck, professor of biological systems engineering and associate director of ENREEC. “We have a real-world environment to test these technologies and show producers how they’re going to impact their operation.”

To buttress that work, the university in 2024 will break ground on an NFarms facility that will house precision ag technologies. Construction is expected to be complete in the summer.

The university’s precision ag work at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center operates under real-world conditions, on a scale similar to that of actual working farms. The cutting-edge research involves both irrigated and dryland fields.

NFarms will provide private-sector opportunities. As the initiative advances, companies and entrepreneurs will be able to use the precision ag resources to test innovative ideas for new methods, products and services.

NFarms is unique from other university research facilities in the United States because the site far exceeds in size what any other university has for precision ag research, said Doug Zalesky, ENREEC director. Another plus is the similar commercial scale of the university’s Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, also to be built at ENREEC. In all, the center has a total of nearly 10,000 acres for ag research.

“I don’t think you would ever find another single research center in the United States of this size, with both crops and livestock,” Zalesky said.

The breadth and sophistication of the center’s research produce a range of findings with practical importance for Nebraska ag producers. “We have a lot of research here we need to integrate into production operation systems to really see the benefit,” Luck said.

Ag technologist Nate Thorson, research manager for NFarms, points to pesticide application as a key example of how NFarms can enable significant efficiency improvements. At present, checking when it’s safe to re-enter a field can be a cumbersome, inefficient process involving paper records and phone calls to coordinate with colleagues.

But through the high-speed wireless system that NFarms will create, a producer can log into a browser within 10 or 15 minutes after the field was sprayed and obtain re-entry information without any human-error risk, Thorson said.

“This is practically real-time data sharing of facts,” Luck said. “Think about all the inefficiencies you’re cutting out.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plans to build a regional ag research facility at Nebraska Innovation Campus will provide opportunities for ongoing collaboration with NFarms. That federal facility will greatly increase the number of USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists in Nebraska, and they will be focusing on precision ag technologies. The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center can provide a major venue for their field research.

ARS scientists “will want somewhere to work on those topics, and ENREEC can be the prime real estate for them,” Luck said. “That’s a huge opportunity for us.”

Such high-level collaboration between the university and USDA offers the possibility that Lincoln could ultimately become the nation’s ag data hub.

To communicate its findings as a research proving ground, NFarms can draw on its partnerships with the university’s On-Farm Research Network and Nebraska Extension, plus its work with commodity associations and private-sector companies. An external advisory board will advise NFarms on producers’ real-world needs and serve as a conduit for sharing information about NFarms’ work.

A key aim for NFarms is ag-focused software development, with the ultimate goal of data standardization and efficient cloud-based data storage. Thorson brings valuable expertise in that regard, given his knowledge of agricultural production and software design — a rare combination.

At present, each ag equipment manufacturer uses its own software format. As a result, a producer’s field data is stored in disjointed, disconnected fashion. Over time, NFarms’ software work will aim to bridge that divide, achieving much-needed standardization and opening important new opportunities for managing and analyzing field data.   

“We’ve got the expertise to understand the different techniques that can be applied to create innovative solutions” on ag data standardization and management, Luck said. “That’s where our strength is. The impact of that is going to be pretty important as more and more equipment becomes semi-autonomous or autonomous, and you start to look at how much data can come from a field.”



Lindsay to Invest Over $50M to Expand, Modernize Manufacturing Facility

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, has announced plans to invest more than $50 million over the next two years in its largest global manufacturing facility located in Lindsay, Neb.

"We offer a best-in-class customer experience. That includes well-designed products, built by the industry's top professionals, in facilities that lead the industry in safety, quality and efficiency," said Randy Wood, President and CEO of Lindsay. "This investment will accelerate Lindsay's ability to bring its latest innovations, including the Smart Pivot, to market, and it aligns with our strategic growth plan and commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art technology across our global operations."

"Lindsay has grown to become a worldwide force in irrigation and infrastructure, all from smalltown Nebraska," said Governor Jim Pillen. "This historic investment will continue to drive innovation, improve efficiencies, and enhance products that will benefit agriculture and infrastructure projects across the globe. I appreciate Lindsay's longstanding role and commitment to the state of Nebraska."

Plans for the modernization of the facility include implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, including data connectivity, analytics, artificial intelligence and the additions of automation and robotics. The facility will house new equipment and the latest advancements in galvanizing, a core process for manufacturing pivot irrigation systems and road safety products. Lindsay will also expand the facility footprint by 40,000 square feet to allow for increased capacity and capabilities in metal forming.

"As part of our operational excellence journey, we are designing and implementing the factory of the future," said Rich Harold, Senior Vice President, Global Operations of Lindsay. "This investment will create additional value for our customers, employees and other stakeholders by allowing us to improve efficiency, enhance product quality through better monitoring and adjustment of production systems, be more responsive to cyclical market needs, address labor availability challenges and achieve best-in-class performance and service."

This investment is the largest in Lindsay's history. The company expects to begin capital spending in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 and complete the facility modernization by the end of 2025.



SHIC Releases 2023 Progress Report and 2024 Plan of Work

While the 2023 Progress Report provides pork producers, swine veterinarians, and industry stakeholders a review of the Swine Health Information Center’s activities and accomplishments to carry out its mission over the past year, the 2024 Plan of Work outlines projects to address its five strategic priorities in the new year. Those priorities include 1) improving swine health information, 2) monitoring and mitigating risks to swine health, 3) responding to emerging disease, 4) surveillance and discovery of emerging disease, and 5) swine disease matrices.

SHIC’s Progress Report is divided into sections detailing the year’s progress in each of the priority areas. All activities include constant communication and coordination with the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians to serve the US pork industry. A detailed description of the completed USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service-funded ASF research program conducted in Vietnam is also included.

While guided by the 2023 Plan of Work, SHIC also strives for nimbleness to urgently address new industry needs as they are identified. SHIC, along with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, an organization advancing actionable science to develop tools, technologies, and information for farmers, consumers and the environment, and Pork Checkoff, funded the two-year $2.3M Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Research Program. The program funded 16 research projects in 2023 and will continue to fund projects into 2024. By leveraging budget allocation with the matching funds from FFAR and the Checkoff, SHIC increased capacity and output for its mission to safeguard the health of the US swine herd.

The SHIC Board of Directors reallocated funds from the 2023 budget projection for collaborative Japanese encephalitis virus research to strengthen US pork industry preparedness for this virus that caused a wide-spread swine disease outbreak in Australia in 2022. The board also designated funds to research the use of tongue tip fluids from pig mortalities to monitor disease circulation in US pig herds, a new need identified in 2023 by a SHIC working group.

Developed through stakeholder feedback and approved by the SHIC Board of Directors, the 2024 Plan of Work will be implemented by Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder and Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton with input from the board and SHIC Working Groups.

Proposals addressing the 2024 Plan of Work detailed priorities are accepted on a rolling basis for review and funding recommendation. SHIC’s activities are guided by the Plan of Work while remaining nimble and responsive to industry needs. Stakeholder input and ideas are welcomed year-round to inform newly identified needs which may necessitate adapting the Plan of Work to fulfill SHIC’s mission. https://www.swinehealth.org/plan-of-work-input/ Input may include topic areas, research priorities, and identified industry needs in which SHIC should focus efforts, such as an emerging swine disease or an emerging swine health issue.

SHIC began operation as a 501(c)(3) corporation on July 4, 2015. The mission of SHIC is to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. When SHIC was formed in 2015 by a grant of Checkoff funds from the National Pork Board, it was with the understanding that it was a five-year project. During 2021, the National Pork Board’s Board of Directors voted to provide $15M to continue to fund SHIC’s work through 2027.

The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org.



Ag Market Outlook meetings address looming challenges

The potential for record high corn supplies and stubbornly high input costs are creating tight margins for Iowa farmers. Projections show cattle feeders could see reduced profits compared to 2023, and forecasted returns for hog producers suggest more losses ahead.

As a year of challenges looms ahead, Iowa Farm Bureau is holding meetings across the state in the following locations to help farmers navigate these uncertainties:
    Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9-11:30 a.m. at Northeast Iowa Community College’s dairy center
    Wednesday, Feb. 7, 5-7:30 p.m. at the Lee County Farm Bureau office in Donnellson
    Tuesday, Feb. 13, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Scott County Farm Bureau office in Eldridge
    Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2-4:30 p.m. at the Cedar County Fairgrounds in Tipton
    Thursday, Feb. 22,10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Moville Community Center

Iowa Farm Bureau’s farmer education program manager, Zach Brummer, and economist, Dr. Christopher Pudenz, will talk with attendees about the impact of projected record ending corn stocks on domestic corn prices, increased South American soy production, an update on segments of the cattle market and what lies ahead for pork producers. Amid unstable markets, high costs of machinery, borrowing and inputs, the duo will share strategies to protect risk.

“While it can appear doom and gloom, there is also opportunity ahead,” says Brummer. “Fertilizer prices are moderating from highs in 2022, and Mexico remains a promising, strong trade partner for U.S. corn and pork exports.”

Experts from Iowa State University will also provide short presentations on managing farm stress and cyber security.  

Iowa Farm Bureau members may register at no cost for the Ag Market Outlook meetings at iowafarmbureau.com/marketoutlook. Non-members can contact the hosting county Farm Bureau to register.



Secretary Naig Announces Launch of New Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the launch of the brand-new Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, which has been created to increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce farm labor costs, and expand the availability of Iowa dairy products for consumers.

The grant program, which was authorized during the 2023 legislative session and is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, has an overall budget of $750,000 for the first year. With the legislative intent of assisting smaller dairies and farmers, the highly competitive program will match up to $100,000 per project. The concept builds off the success of other recent Iowa cost-share grant programs, including the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant and the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, both of which are also aimed at increasing the availability of local food and boosting local processing capacity.

“Choose Iowa is our state’s signature brand for local food and beverages, and it is about connecting consumers to the great Iowa products that are grown, raised and made here in Iowa. By helping Iowa dairy farms cost-share the addition of new on-farm processing equipment or labor-saving technology through Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, Iowa consumers will ultimately benefit from the availability of more Iowa-made and locally produced dairy products,” said Secretary Naig. “We are excited to identify the most innovative and creative dairy projects through this program, which we know will create new markets for farmers, more choices for consumers, and additional economic activity in our rural communities.”

The cost-share grants could, for example, help dairies invest in pasteurization equipment, processing vats, packaging and labeling products, robots, health monitoring, automated feeding systems or cleaning assistance. The program funds are not eligible to cover start-up costs, advertising, public relations, salary/benefits/wages, existing debt or any expenses incurred prior to awarding the grant.

The following are example scenarios that would be eligible for the cost-share grants.
    Farmer A wants to purchase a $120,000 rotary cup filling machine to fill yogurt. Farmer A requests $60,000. Farmer A must have $60,000 of his own funding with either personal cash or financing to match.
    Farmer B is purchasing health monitoring equipment for his herd for $65,000. Farmer B is requesting $32,500. Farmer B must have $32,500 in funding with cash or financing for the match.
    Farmer C is purchasing two robotic milkers for $380,000. Farmer C can apply for up to $100,000. Farmer C must provide the remaining $280,000 to receive $100,000.

Successful applicants must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 50 employees, and be in good standing with pertinent regulatory agencies. Only dairies permitted and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are eligible. Full details about the cost-share grant program, including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility and scoring are available on the Choose Iowa website.

Applications should be submitted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website and are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in March 2024. Questions about the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund Grant Program may be directed to Choose Iowa Director Beth Romer at chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.



Iowa Producer Funded Research: A Deep Dive into Starch V. Digestible Fiber-Based Supplementation on First Calf Heifers

Beth Reynolds is a Beef Extension Specialist with the Iowa Beef Center. She's leading the charge on a State Beef Checkoff funded research project exploring how to maximize performance of first calf heifers by controlling nutritional supplementation.

Understanding the nuances of optimizing first calf heifer nutrition for maximal performance, particularly in the crucial period post-calving, remains challenging. The research study titled "Starch and Digestible Fiber-Based Supplementation Impact on First Calf Heifer Performance and Nutrient Mobilization Through the Production Cycle" aims to shed light on which supplementation strategies producers should prioritize.

The primary objective is to compare the effectiveness of starch versus digestible fiber-based supplements on first-calf heifer performance. The study will explore how starch inclusion rates can impact rumen metabolism, passage rates and potential negative associative effects on forage utilization. Simply put, does feeding corn, which has a quicker digestion rate, negatively impact the utilization of other other slower metabolizing feedstuffs, versus feeding distillers grains which more closely matches the passage rate of other common feedstuffs?  Data will be collected on a myriad of performance markers including body condition scoring, calf performance, rebreeding success rate, carcass ultrasound and economic analysis while also accounting for factors like genetic potential and milking ability. The research team aims to assess not only reproductive outcomes but also factors like muscle development and overall condition.

Expected to conclude in early February, the comprehensive findings will be disseminated through popular press articles, field day presentations, and an animal industry report. This research equips producers with valuable insights to optimize supplementation strategies, addressing the intricate balance between nutrition, genetics, and economic considerations in cow-calf operations.



Anhydrous, UAN32 Lead Fertilizer Prices Lower

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second week of January 2024 continue to show mostly declines compared to last month. For the third consecutive week, six of the eight major fertilizers were lower in price compared to last month, while the remaining two fertilizers were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Only two fertilizers had notable price changes compared to last month. Anhydrous was down 9% compared to last month at an average price of $776/ton. UAN32 was 5% less expensive at an average price of $391/ton. The remaining four fertilizers were down just slightly from the prior month. MAP had an average price of $807/ton, potash $510/ton, urea $526/ton and UAN28 $336/ton.

Two fertilizers, meanwhile, were just slightly higher in price compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $726/ton and 10-34-0 $600/ton. Starter fertilizer, 10-34-0, is back at the $600/ton level for the first time since the second week of November 2023. That week the price was $613/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.57/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.61/lb.N.

All fertilizer prices except one are now lower by double-digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 8% lower, DAP is 16% less expensive, 10-34-0 is 20% lower, urea is 28% less expensive, potash is 31% lower, anhydrous is 38% less expensive and both UAN28 and UAN32 are 40% lower compared to a year prior.



UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD RELEASES 2023 SUSTAINABILITY OVERVIEW REPORT
 
What’s the power of one unassuming soybean? When it’s sustainably grown by U.S. Soy farmers and adopted by their growing roster of public and private partners, that single bean can simultaneously advance food security, renewable energy and environmental stewardship through an ever-expanding range of products people depend on every day.

On behalf of U.S. soybean farmers, United Soybean Board (USB) today released its 2023 U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview. Titled “Partners for a Better Tomorrow,” the report shines a spotlight on the partnerships fostered by these farmers’ checkoff investments to drive innovation both on and off the farm. These advances include efforts to enhance sustainability in production agriculture as well as ongoing development of new soy-based products that provide cleaner alternatives for everything from rubbers and plastics to adhesives and lubricants.

“U.S. Soy farmers are proud of the important and growing role they play in maximizing sustainability not only in farming but throughout industries and around the globe,” said Iowa farmer April Hemmes, who serves as chair of the Demand Action Team at USB. “We work with partners every day to discover new ways to use U.S. Soy to sustainably solve some of society’s biggest challenges. At the same time, these efforts support the U.S. economy by opening important new markets for the soy industry.”

Building Sustainable Food Security
The report highlights the efforts of U.S. soybean farmers and their partners to advance sustainable food production and support food security around the world. This starts on the farm, where modern practices and advanced technologies help farmers to conserve land, water, energy and other natural resources. Partners like Farmers for Soy Health and The Nature Conservancy work with U.S. Soy to expand the use of sustainable farming practices, such as cover crops and conservation tillage, which help to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. farmers also support initiatives like U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)’s Soy Excellence Centers and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) aquaculture internship program. These programs provide protein producers in developing countries around the world with training and capacity-building programs to help them enhance productivity and sustainability.

Renewable Alternatives for Fossil Fuels and Other Products
The U.S. Soy Sustainability Overview also puts a spotlight on the growing range of renewable soy-based products available or in development today. Biodiesel is perhaps the best-known non-food use for U.S. Soy, as the renewable fuel can reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86% compared with petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is the first and only fuel commercially available nationwide to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of an advanced biofuel. U.S. Soy farmers’ checkoff investments helped to launch this fast-growing market and will continue to support its development in the years to come.

U.S. Soy also provides a renewable and safer alternative to fossil fuels and chemicals in manufacturing of thousands of products, replacing petroleum in rubbers and plastics, and chemicals like formaldehyde in adhesives. Soy shows up today in everyday products ranging from shoe soles to plywood and from carpet to paint, even in synthetic lawns.

U.S. Soy and its partners continue to make advances in new uses for soy-based products, developing better options for thousands of products that not only provide renewable resources for manufacturing, but in many cases also enable faster biodegradability or composting to help protect the environment.

Ongoing Research Advances
The report provides updates on checkoff-funded research projects that hold significant promise in advancing sustainability, both on the farm and through groundbreaking new uses for soy. For example, USB and multiple partners are in the midst of a three-year project aimed at reducing the impact of drought on soybean varieties, which could potentially improve yields by 10% to 15%. Partners are also in various stages of development for new soy-based products and applications ranging from mulch to groundwater remediation to cat litter.

U.S. Soy constantly seeks new partners across industries and in academia to drive food security, alternative energy, renewable consumer products and beyond. To learn more, please visit ussoy.org.



Dairy Cattle Genomics is Quietly Improving Sustainability

U.S. dairy producers are increasingly leveraging the power of genomic science to optimize the genetic potential of their herds for milk production, animal health and operational efficiency. Since genomic testing became commercially available in 2008, over 8 million U.S. dairy animals have been genotyped for dozens of key genetic traits related to milk production and quality, feed efficiency, reproductive viability, and cow health.

The investment has paid off handsomely for the overall industry in terms of production output and efficiency. While the U.S. dairy herd is only 1% larger than it was in 2008, milk production has climbed by 19.2% and butterfat rose an impressive 32.2% from 2008 levels. Some of those gains have come from improved nutrition and cow comfort initiatives, but genomics has played a crucial role. Improvements in milk composition, including higher levels of protein and butterfat, are also directly attributable to the use of genomics to inform breeding decisions and mating selections.

According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, an often-overlooked benefit of the dairy industry’s adoption of genomics is the impact it is having on sustainability. By optimizing genetics within their herds, dairy producers have successfully bred new generations of cows to produce more milk, butterfat and protein with fewer resources.

“The sustainability aspect of dairy genomics is largely an untold story,” said Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist for CoBank. “With each passing year, the U.S. dairy industry needs fewer cows to produce the same amount of milk. That translates to less methane production, a smaller carbon footprint and less feed required for each unit of milk. Genomics is having a profound impact on dairy sustainability and the upside potential is enormous.”

Genomic science centers on the comparison of an individual animal’s DNA to the phenotypic performance of the entire population. The comparison allows producers to evaluate each animal within their herd for a wide variety of genetic traits and make informed breeding and retention decisions that advance overall herd genetics.

While several indexes track genetic progress, the Net Merit Index — or NM$ — is the most universally implemented index across all major dairy breeds as it combines over 40 traits into one measurement based on U.S. dollars. The NM$ index, which serves as a proxy for genetic progress on sustainability, is formulated by the geneticists at the USDA and published by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding.

Data from the NM$ indicates that genomic selection has delivered $70 in additional value per cow per year. That calculation is based on the difference between the $13.50 in annual genetic improvement prior to the availability of genomics and the $83.33 annual genetic gain from 2010 to 2022. The financial incentive has fueled a rapid increase in the adoption of genomics among dairy producers in the U.S. and abroad.

“The exciting part of dairy genomics is that we’re really just scratching the surface and major advances are likely coming in the years ahead,” said Geiger. “For example, genomic science has the potential to identify new traits that will further reduce methane production and the carbon footprint of dairy operations.”

Toward that end, the CDCB is working with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research to collect data to further study the opportunities for methane and carbon reduction. In addition, the Greener Cattle Initiative and its research consortium have awarded $5 million to support research to mitigate enteric methane emissions.

“The ultimate goal is to collect the data needed to create a national genomic evaluation for methane emissions,” said Geiger. “When fueled by the power of genomics, this work will open the next chapter in breeding more sustainable cows.”