Wednesday February 28 Ag News

Managing calf growth pre-weaning, Part I
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Educator, Cuming County

Recently, I wrote about how calf prices in 2024 are supportive of greater investments in cow reproductive and calf rearing practices. Efforts to ensure that cows have a better-than-average probability of becoming pregnant will pay off in the next calf crop, also expected to be characterized by higher-than-normal prices (signals for the industry to retain heifers and expand are not here yet). Those efforts include an evaluation of nutritional status of the cows as they calve, and the nutrient program planned for them before the breeding season. It also involves a thorough evaluation of bull battery and the capacity by each bull in that battery to breed successfully. This includes bull soundness examination at least 60 days before the breeding season.

Yet, the focus of today’s column is on the calf. Once calves are recovered from the stress of birth and past any disease challenges such as scours, cow-calf operators are faced with at least two decisions to manage calf growth pre-weaning: whether they will rely on creep-feeding and/or suckling calf growth-promotion implants. The former is a consideration that every producer makes within the context of feed prices seldom evaluating the growth response. The latter has become somewhat of an argument around producer meetings and, I imagine, local cafes. We shall cover this issue later.

Feeding a calf through a specific devise that prevents the cow or other adult females access to the feed source is called creep feeding. There are many creep feeder manufacturers that are happy to sell creep feeders or some do-it-yourself enthusiasts that have built their own feeders. Perhaps, that is the easy part.

The often-complicated part is the decision whether to use creep feed or not. Evaluation of existing calf and feed price information available to the operator as the decision is made should simplify making this decision. Two economic and one biological factor interact to determine whether creep feeding pays: feed (creep feed) price, calf price and conversion efficiency of creep feed to calf gain.

Although most of us are familiar with feed conversion efficiency, creep feed conversion should be calculated differently. We do not know what the feed conversion efficiency is for a calf not provided with creep feed (although we can measure growth by weighing a calf between two time points, milk or forage consumption on an individual basis is unknown). Therefore, we must calculate creep feed conversion efficiency as the differential in gain obtained by a calf fed and one not fed creep feed (gain resulting from creep feeding). Creep feed consumption may be the easiest to obtain at the ranch or farm as this information is available when paying the creep feed bills from the feed company.

Using this information, one can determine the feed conversion efficiency resulting from feeding creep feed to calves: pounds of feed purchased or prepared that disappeared from inventory divided by gain resulting from creep feeding. How do we calculate this last item when we do not weigh calves? If we use a reference to previous years when calves were not creep fed and estimate that most calves will weigh around 80 lb at birth, we can determine calf gain pre-weaning from weaning weight (at sale barn or the operation) and birth weight. Typical calf gains in response to creep feeding range from 0.20 to 0.40 lb/day for intakes between 2 lb and 4 lb daily. Feed conversion efficiencies for these examples would range from 5 lb of creep feed for each one lb gain response to this supplemental feed.

If none of these is available, a range of creep feed conversion efficiency can be used as a reference. Because creep feeding represents supplemental feed, conversion of this supplemental feed to gain is not as efficient as when one calculates the full efficiency between daily total feed intake and daily total gain.

Using a range in creep feed conversion efficiency between 6 to 12 lb creep feed/lb gain above non-creep fed calves, calf price of $3.50/lb and creep feed price between $360 and $540/ton, a return to creep feeding can be calculated.

If a calf consumes 12 lb of creep feed to gain 1 lb (comparing against no supplementation; example, 4.8 lb daily creep feed intake an. .4 lb daily gain), expected sale price is $3.50/lb and creep feed costs $540/ton, say for 100 days, then the total gain will be 40 lb ($140) after consuming 480 lb of creep feed ($130). The return for every dollar spent is $140/$130 or $1.08.

Because it is not the most ideal use of space, the various combinations of calf and creep feed price for the range in feed conversions illustrated in Table 1 were not included. Suffice it to say that for a change in calf price of $0.10/lb returns to creep feeding change $0.06, $0.04, and $0.03 for every dollar spent in creep feeding when feed conversion efficiency ranges from 6 to 12 lb creep feed per lb gain.

Within a given calf price, and feed conversion efficiency, a change in creep feed price of $60/ton results in variable changes in return to creep feeding: from $0.14 to $0.46 for every dollar spent in creep feeding.

Generally, feed prices are moderating, and calf prices are increasing; therefore, the only unknown, for someone that has not used creep feeding is feed conversion efficiency. However, this simple exercise demonstrated that even at poor conversion efficiencies, creep feeding is a viable alternative to consider for managing growth in calves that will be sold right at or shortly after weaning in 2024. Considerations for calves that will be kept for further growth within the same operation may differ from this recommendation.



2024 Water and Natural Resources Tour June 17 and 18

Join the Nebraska Water Center and Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District on June 17 and 18 as we get up close and personal with water and natural resources in southeast Nebraska.

Experience the unique landscape and local charms of southeast Nebraska, where water and natural resources are the key to collaboration and innovation. This exclusive tour is your passport to:
    Learn from local experts: Get the inside scoop on the Nemaha Natural Resources District’s current projects and future plans.
    Rediscover iconic destinations: Escape the crowds with a private tour of Kimmel Orchard.  
    Tour new projects: Be one of the first to tour Lincoln’s Water 2.0 project, from the Missouri River source to the Ashland treatment facility.
    Make new connections: Forge new friendships with water professionals and enthusiasts alike as we experience what southeast Nebraska has to offer together.  

This is more than just a tour; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, gain a deeper understanding of Nebraska, and experience what makes southeast Nebraska unique.

Registration will be available in the next few weeks. You can visit go.unl.edu/watertour to stay up to date.



Flood Backs Resolution to Prohibit Dangerous Paraguayan Beef Imports

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood recently co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution alongside U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-TX) in disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to oppose the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay final rule.

“Nebraska is known as the Beef State. For over 150 years, thousands of ranchers and farmers around the state have raised the best quality cattle in the world,” Rep. Flood said. “Paraguay has a history of poor infectious disease management in livestock production. I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Jackson’s resolution to ensure Americans are eating the healthiest and safest beef possible. The Biden Administration is putting America’s cattle producers and consumers at risk – Americans can’t afford this gamble and Congress needs to overturn this decision quickly.”

On November 14, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made the decision to begin allowing the import of fresh Paraguayan beef using risk assessment data from site visits to the country from over 10 years ago. These outdated risk assessments put America's beef, pork, and sheep industries at risk of foreign animal disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which Paraguay has a long history of in their beef herds. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that has the potential to derail America's robust beef production system, which is the safest and most abundant in the world.

This CRA is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, R-CALF USA, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, and the Livestock Marketing Association.



Ricketts, Brown Introduce Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act

Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act to allow companies to preserve Renewable Identification Number credits (RINs) under the RFS program for renewable fuel, when the fuel for use is in ocean-going vessels.

“This legislation will drive demand for biofuels and provide more opportunities for Nebraska farmers who have played a crucial role creating a strong renewable diesel economy,” said Senator Ricketts. “These kinds of solutions strengthen American energy independence, support American jobs, and reduce emissions.”

“Nebraska’s soy farmers have helped build a robust, rapidly growing biodiesel and renewable diesel industry,” said Doug Bartek, Chairman of Nebraska Soybean Association. “This legislation will open new market opportunities for Nebraska’s farmers and clean fuels producers, who can provide ocean-going shipping vessels a better, cleaner fuel today.”

“The international shipping industry is seeking to decarbonize and clean fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel are available today to help,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels. “This commonsense legislation will enable biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to meet the low-carbon fuel demand from shipping companies operating on both coasts and the Great Lakes. It will open new markets to American clean fuel producers and their farmer partners.”

BACKGROUND:
The RFS excludes “fuel used in ocean-going vessels” from the definition of transportation fuels and from refiners’ and blenders’ obligations. Refiners and blenders are currently required to retire RINs from any biodiesel and renewable diesel used in vessels with Class 3 engines operating in international waters, including the Great Lakes. In the first ten months of 2023, more than 5 million D4 RINs were retired under this rule.

The Environmental Protection Agency, however, allows companies to generate and use RINs for “additional renewable fuel,” which includes heating oil and jet fuel. The Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act would expand the RFS definition of additional renewable fuel and allow companies to use or sell the RINs associated with biodiesel and renewable diesel used in ocean-going vessels.



Iowa Secretary Naig's Successful Trade Mission to Mexico

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recently spearheaded a successful trade mission to Mexico, held from February 18-24. The mission, orchestrated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), aimed at expanding Iowa's exports of both manufactured products and agricultural goods.

Expressing the potential created by Iowa's productive farmers and favorable trade agreements, Secretary Naig emphasized the opportunity to supply customers globally. Mexico, being Iowa's largest export destination for corn, pork, and dried distillers grains, holds significant market share for soybeans, soybean meal, beef, and ethanol.

The trade mission focused on acknowledging past business, strengthening existing relationships, and uncovering new opportunities. With Iowa companies achieving a record $4.2 billion in goods exported to Mexico in 2023, the state solidifies its position as a key trade partner. Key agricultural exports include corn ($973 million), pork ($706 million), and soybeans ($392 million).

Mexico stands as the second-largest export market for U.S. exporters, with overall exports valued at $323 billion in 2023. In the agricultural sector alone, Mexico's purchases reached a record $28.5 billion, underlining its significance as a vital market for Iowa's agricultural products.

The mission included representatives from prominent organizations such as the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and IEDA staff. Delegates engaged in meetings tailored to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA's International Trade Office plays a pivotal role in connecting Iowa companies with global markets, providing education on exporting, and assisting global companies looking to establish or expand operations in Iowa. For further details on these services or upcoming trade missions, visit iowaeda.com/missions.

Secretary Naig's strategic mission underscores Iowa's commitment to fostering international partnerships and expanding its global footprint in both agriculture and manufacturing sectors.



Iowans Encouraged to Nominate Conservation Leaders for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award

Governor Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon invite Iowans to nominate individuals or families for the 2024 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.

Iowa farmers and landowners who implement proven practices to improve water quality and incorporate farming practices that conserve and protect our natural resources are eligible for the award. Awardees should also actively serve as leaders within the Iowa agriculture community. Since the creation of the award in 2012, 777 farm families have been recognized.

To be considered for recognition in 2024, nominations will be accepted through May 6, 2024.

“Farming and environmental stewardship have always gone hand-in-hand,” said Governor Reynolds. “The farm families who are recognized with an Environmental Leader Award balance their role to feed and fuel the world with their responsibility to preserve our state’s natural resources, leaving a remarkable legacy for generations to come.”

“Iowa continues to set records for conservation adoption and that would not be possible without the devoted farm families and landowners implementing proven water quality and soil conservation practices on their land,” said Secretary Naig. “We would encourage Iowans to nominate deserving individuals or families from their community and we look forward to recognizing these conservation leaders at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.”

“Every year, deserving farmers get an opportunity to share their stories about why they implemented conservation practices on their farms and the incredible impact it has made,” said Director Lyon. “This award is a perfect way to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond and acknowledge their hard work and commitment to improving soil and water quality.”

The recipients of the award will be honored during a ceremony on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the Iowa State Fair. Governor Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Secretary Naig and Director Lyon will present each awardee with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award sign and certificate.

The nomination form can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. An appointed committee representing conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners.



World Pork Expo Returns with Exciting Updates for 2024

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated 2024 World Pork Expo, set to take place on June 5-6 at the iconic Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

The two-day event promises an immersive experience from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, bringing together the global pork industry’s leaders for a schedule packed with opportunities for education and networking. The world’s largest pork-specific trade show will also return to showcase the latest products and innovations from across the industry.

“The World Pork Expo continues to be the pinnacle event for pork professionals worldwide,” said NPPC President Scott Hays. “This year, we’re excited to introduce a new two-day schedule to make every moment of the Expo jam-packed with value for our attendees.”
 
World's Largest Pork-Specific Trade Show
The 2024 Expo will draw more than 10,000 pork producers and industry professionals. Participants will be able to engage with over 400 companies from North America and around the globe, showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies in nearly 700 booths and more than 50 hospitality tents serving fresh and delicious pork products across almost 300,000 square feet of exhibit space.

"The Expo's new two-day setup, filled with educational content, business opportunities, and entertainment, highlights our commitment to the industry's growth and success, no matter the challenges we may face together, " Hays said. "We invite all industry professionals to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable experience."
 
New Entertainment Options
The 2024 World Pork Expo will see the return of live entertainment, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the already vibrant atmosphere of the Expo. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to celebrate the pork industry in a festive setting, providing attendees with days full of useful insights with enjoyable entertainment, networking, and camaraderie to unwind after a day full of activities. Further details on the lineup will be shared in the upcoming months.
 
Online Registration Opens Soon
Registration information will soon be available on WorldPork.org for those who plan to attend the 2024 World Pork Expo, June 5-6. Attendees are also encouraged to follow #WPX2024 on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to stay connected and informed.



An Analysis of the Effect of Sunsetting Tax Provisions for Family Farm Households
USDA Economic Research Service

Two recent laws enacted temporary provisions to the Federal tax code: the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

A new report issued today by USDA’s Economic Research Service, An Analysis of the Effect of Sunsetting Tax Provisions for Family Farm Households, evaluates the impact of these expired and expiring Federal income and estate tax policies on the financial well-being of farm households.

Here are a few findings from the report:
    The sunsetting of ARPA and TCJA provisions would result in increased taxes for most farm households, with the impact varying by farm size.
    Because most farms (97.6%) are structured as pass-through entities that are taxed under the individual income tax, the sunsetting provisions revolving around the income tax rates (including changes to the standard deductions and personal exemptions) were estimated to have the largest increase on farm household tax liabilities.
    The second largest impact was from the qualified business income deduction, which reduces taxable income by 20% of farm income. For farm households with positive farm income, this deduction offers a significant reduction in tax liability. Sunsetting this deduction would increase tax liabilities by $2.2 billion.

For more information, please refer to the full report here https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/108636/err-328.pdf?v=5400.



EPA Convenes Endangered Species Interagency Working Group Meeting

On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted an in-person meeting of the Interagency Working Group (IWG) focused on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). CropLife America (CLA) commends EPA for holding this session and engaging stakeholders on this important issue.

The meeting featured Biden Administration officials and career employees, as well as Congressional staff and impacted stakeholders including NGOs, pesticide companies and trade associations, grower organizations, non-agriculture pesticide users, state agencies, and academia. The discussion provided an opportunity for impacted stakeholders to share their input and suggest ways to help protect endangered species and their habitats when registering pesticides. CLA voiced its support for a transparent process that is science based, addresses risks through review of real-world data, and considers the impacts to agriculture, while being protective of endangered species.

All parties present communicated areas of agreement and ‘right track’ components of the workplan, as well as areas for where they feel EPA can improve its ESA Workplan. The involvement and engagement by stakeholders in this process provides the IWG with the best chance for success and stability into the future.

Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, this IWG consists of representatives from EPA, USDA, Interior, Commerce, and CEQ. Participants discussed various components of the EPA’s ESA Workplan including mitigation measures, species habitat, interagency coordination, and further stakeholder engagement.



Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack On the Confirmation of Dr. Basil Gooden as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development
 
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered the following statement upon the Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Basil Gooden as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development.

“The Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Basil Gooden as Under Secretary for Rural Development speaks directly to the results of his work in championing affordable housing, community advancement, and economic development. I have the fullest confidence that he will lead USDA’s Rural Development mission area with the energy and personal commitment he has demonstrated throughout his impressive career. Through prior roles, Dr. Gooden has been directly involved in so much that Rural Development has accomplished in every state under the Biden-Harris Administration, from expansion of independent meat and poultry processing, to connecting rural households to critical high-speed internet through ReConnect, to supporting investments in clean water, clean energy, modernized facilities and other vital community infrastructure. Dr. Gooden is a true asset at the People’s Department, and I look forward to continuing our work advancing and improving policies that benefit agriculture and rural America.

“I want to also thank Roger Glendenning, Chief Operating Officer for Rural Development, and Farah Ahmad, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, for their exemplary leadership during this time of transition. USDA Rural Development is in great hands with this team, and I know they will continue to surpass expectations in the months ahead.”



FMCSA and PHMSA Issue Safety Advisory for Nurse Tanks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issue this safety advisory to provide notice of the possibility of catastrophic failure of certain hazardous materials packages commonly known as “nurse tanks.” See Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) §173.315(m).

Background
This notice focuses on nurse tanks manufactured from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2011, by American Welding and Tank (AWT) at its Fremont, Ohio plant. Nurse tanks manufactured by AWT from 2009 to 2010 were the subject of a prior FMCSA investigation and enforcement action in response to improper manufacturing procedures.

On August 23, 2023, a 2009 AWT nurse tank containing anhydrous ammonia experienced a catastrophic failure in a farm co-op lot, resulting in the release of all product. The failure caused the tank shell to “rocket” over 300 feet from its original location. While no injuries were reported, this event is an indicator of potential continuing problems with AWT nurse tanks that have now been in service for over a decade.

As a result of this incident, the owner of the nurse tank involved contracted with a third-party testing company to examine their AWT nurse tanks that were manufactured between 2008 and 2012. Radiographic testing showed that 7 of 8 the nurse tanks tested had extreme stress corrosion cracking, porosity, and inclusions/voids in the welds where the heads and shells of the nurse tanks were joined. Only the 2012 tank passed. The nurse tank owner submitted these results to engineering experts who were involved in previous research funded by FMCSA into similar issues with this series of AWT nurse tanks.1 Based on the test results and the review by the experts, the owner voluntarily placed the nurse tanks out-of-service.  The parent company of the farm co-op subsequently conducted similar radiographic testing on 142 AWT nurse tanks manufactured between 2007 and 2012, and 100 failed the test.  All 2012 tanks passed.

Recommendation
The current Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) do not require periodic inspection and testing of nurse tanks that have attached and legible American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) identification plates and that meet the other requirements in 49 CFR §173.315(m)(1). Requirements for periodic inspection and testing of nurse tanks apply only when the ASME plate is missing or illegible. See 49 CFR §173.315(m)(2).

The FMCSA and PHMSA nevertheless strongly recommend that owners of AWT nurse tanks manufactured between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011 that are exempted from periodic inspection and testing requirements as described above, conduct voluntary periodic visual inspection in accordance with 49 CFR §173.315(m)(2)(i); thickness testing in accordance with 49 CFR §173.315(m)(2)(ii), and pressure testing in accordance with 49 CFR §173.315(m)(2)(iii). Note these dates reflect the years of manufacture that failed testing.

For owners of affected AWT nurse tanks unable to conduct voluntary pressure testing, FMCSA and PHMSA recommend that either radiographic or ultrasonic testing be conducted. While the period of voluntary inspection and testing is at the discretion of the nurse tank owner, FMCSA and PHMSA recommend conducting the inspection and testing at least once every five years consistent with 49 CFR §173.315(m)(2)(iv).



SSGA promoting quality with U.S. Identity Preserved in Japan

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is taking its Identity Preserved International Summit Workshop to Tokyo, Japan, on March 7 during FOODEX Japan 2024. FOODEX Japan is the largest annual food and beverage trade show in Asia, making it an ideal venue to host the Identity Preserved workshop.

“SSGA launched the U.S. Identity Preserved program a little over two years ago, and 15 certified companies now use the ‘Identity Preserved United States’ brand mark to signify the great quality and traceability of U.S. specialty soybeans and grains to international food companies and buyers,” said Shane Frederick, SSGA’s manager of strategic programs. “We are going to Tokyo to tell the U.S. Identity Preserved story and emphasize that when it comes to these premium U.S. field crops, quality doesn’t cost, it pays!”

Taking place at Tokyo Big Sight in Room 3, Hall 4, Second Foor, the Identity Preserved International Summit Workshop will feature educational presentations describing U.S. Identity Preserved protocol and labeling and includes translation and ample networking opportunities. With traceability at the heart of it all, the identity preserved process segregates crops and products throughout production, processing and distribution so customers receive the exact qualities and characteristics that they order.

"We’re building and growing a strong relationship between farmers and suppliers of U.S. specialty field crops and customers and consumers overseas,” said Bryan Stobaugh, SSGA board director and director of licensing and commercialization for Missouri Soybeans. “As the identity preserved association of the United States, SSGA has a ‘fork to farm’ focus that covers the entire IP value chain.”

Workshop presentations include:
    Information about suppliers of identity preserved, variety-specific field crops, including U.S. companies and products certified with the Identity Preserved United States mark.
    An explanation of the U.S. Identity Preserved system and assurance plan and how it assures quality and traceability.
    Opportunities to include the Identity Preserved United States label on retail product packaging and how to communicate the mark’s message to customers.
    Crop updates and outlooks from U.S. farmers.

Along with the Summit, SSGA will be exhibiting in booth E4-C12-34 at FOODEX March 5-8.