Tuesday March 26 Ag News

Grain Safety Takes Center Stage: Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board Promote Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) have partnered together for the 2024 Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week because everyone deserves to go home from work each day. The goal is to raise awareness among farmers and agricultural workers about the importance of safety when working in and around grain bins. This initiative also emphasizes the significance of overall safety practices on the farm.

As Nebraska farmers strive for innovation and higher yields, there has been a notable increase in on-farm storage. According to the USDA NASS report in 2023, there were over 890 million bushels of corn stored on Nebraska farms, an increase of 31% from 2022. Nebraska soybeans also saw a 39% increase over 2022 with 87 million bushels of soybeans stored on Nebraska farms.

An increase in on-farm storage means more risk for accidents associated with grain handling and bin storage. NCB and NSB encourage farmers and those in the agriculture industry to stay focused, planned and safe during “Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week” and throughout the year.

“Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week” takes place from March 25 to 29 and is organized through a collaboration between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Grain and Feed Association, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society and the Grain Handling Safety Council.

In 2022, at least 42 grain bin entrapments were reported in Nebraska, the highest in a decade. It takes merely four seconds for an adult to sink to knee-deep in the suction of flowing grain, and within 20 seconds, they can be completely engulfed. NCB and NSB encourage those who work in and around grain bins to have a plan in place for safety and to properly learn safety steps. With proper safety procedures, grain bin accidents are preventable.

The only true way to help reduce the risk of grain entrapment on your farm or facility is to strongly discourage people from entering a bin unless it’s absolutely necessary. If necessary, follow these seven steps aimed at grain bin safety.
    Ensure all equipment and power sources for grain handling equipment have been shut off, secured or properly locked.
    The person entering the grain bin must wear a safety harness and lifeline attached and properly secured, or be seated in a boatswain chair - a device that allows a person to suspend from a rope to perform work in high places.
    Wear an appropriate dust mask or respirator when entering grain bins. Grain bins contain substantial amounts of dust and/or mold and present a hazard to workers.
    Never enter a grain bin alone.
    There must be an observer located outside of the grain bin that is able to monitor the person inside the bin.
    Ensure the observer and person in the bin can easily communicate.
    Ensure that rescue resources are available if the person does become entrapped.

If a person does become entrapped, call 911 immediately.

NCB and NSB will be sharing grain bin safety tips from their social media channels this week and throughout the year. More information can also be found at standup4grainsafety.org.



NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending March 24, 2024, topsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 34% short, 52% adequate, and 1% surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 45% short, 39% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 28% fair, 54% good, and 12% excellent.

Weekly reports will begin April 1st for the 2024 season.



USDA Authorizes Conservation Reserve Program Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire-Impacted Livestock Producers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizes the release of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres nationwide, including CRP acres in Nebraska, to livestock producers affected by the recent wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Many ranchers in Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma impacted by the recent, devastating wildfires are in need of grazing acres and hay resources to sustain their herds while they work over the coming months to restore their operations,” said Tim Divis, Acting State Executive Director for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska. “If you have Conservation Reserve Program acres that you are willing to donate to these livestock producers for the purpose of grazing and haying, please contact your local FSA office. Your donations are needed and greatly appreciated.”

States and counties currently affected by wildfire include:
    Nebraska: Custer, Lincoln and Logan
    Oklahoma: Beaver, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Kay, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward
    Texas: Armstrong, Carson, Gray, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Roberts and Wheeler

CRP Emergency Haying and Grazing
Earlier this month FSA expanded authorization of emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres to support the relocation of livestock for grazing purposes. There is no fee or annual rental payment reduction assessed for emergency haying and grazing.  

Emergency haying and grazing is available until the beginning of the Primary Nesting Season (PNS) in each state. Primary nesting season dates in Nebraska are May 1 through July 15. Emergency grazing can continue during the PNS with a 50% reduction in stocking rate if the county meets the Livestock Forage Disaster Program drought eligibility trigger of D2 for eight consecutive weeks or D3 or greater on the U.S. Drought Monitor.

How to Donate CRP Grazing and Haying Rights
Eligible CRP participants who want to donate CRP acres for the purpose of emergency grazing and haying must obtain a modified conservation plan, which includes emergency grazing requirements from either USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the participant's Technical Service Provider before the CRP acres are hayed or grazed. To ensure emergency haying or grazing of CRP acres is only being utilized by livestock producers adversely impacted by the wildfire, the livestock producer must file a CCC-576 (Notice of Loss) or provide a written certification to be included in the CRP contract file.

Haying or grazing activities are not authorized if these activities will cause long-term damage to the vegetative cover on the land as determined on a contract-by-contract basis. The CRP participant is responsible for non-compliance with the CRP contract provisions.

Due to privacy laws, FSA cannot release the names of producers willing to assist livestock producers in the fire-impact areas without their written consent. CRP participants must voluntarily disclose their willingness to assist livestock producers and consent to the disclosure of their personal information before FSA can release the information to livestock producers seeking assistance.

CRP participants who are interested in donating CRP grazing and haying privileges should contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm CRP practice eligibility and obtain approval from FSA prior to grazing or haying eligible CRP acres.

Non-Emergency Grazing and Haying of CRP Acres
As a reminder, non-emergency haying and grazing authority is also an available option for wildfire-impacted livestock producers. Non-emergency grazing and haying activities can occur according to the CRP participant’s conservation plan during drought or natural disaster conditions, but the site conditions should be taken into consideration and the plan modified, as needed. Non-emergency harvesting for hay is authorized once during the approved event and no later than Aug. 31. Participants must leave 25% of the contract acres unharvested or hayed. Non-emergency grazing must not exceed 120 days. During the PNS, there must be a 50% carrying capacity reduction. For both non-emergency grazing and haying, there will be a 25% annual rental payment reduction.

In addition to CRP emergency and non-emergency grazing and haying provisions, FSA recently announced policy flexibilities for several key disaster assistance programs to aid agricultural producers who have experienced significant livestock, feed, forage and infrastructure loss from recent wildfires. See March 8, 2024, news release for more information.

Online Wildfire Recovery Resources
On farmers.gov, the Wildfire Recovery Webpage, Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center. 



Annual tractor and equipment safety training dates set for late May, early June

Annual tractor and equipment safety training courses for youth, to be held in eight sites across Nebraska in late May and early June, now are open for registration.

The trainings are held in collaboration with Nebraska Extension and the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health. Although designed for 14- to 15-year-old students, the courses are open to all interested in learning more about the safe operation of tractors and equipment.

Nebraska Extension began the tractor safety course more than 50 years ago. Since 2013, when the CS-CASH and Extension partnership began, more than 1,200 young Nebraska farmers and ranchers have received safety training certification.

The training can be lifesaving. From 2001 through 2015, 48% of all fatal injuries to young, hired workers occurred in agriculture, and the leading cause of death in these young workers was tractor-related accidents.

Federal law prohibits children under 16 from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through this course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with certain mechanized equipment.

Certification is earned by completing a Hands-On Safety Day with a written test on the first day, followed by a tractor and equipment safety training course, including a driving exam, on the second day. Successful completion will result in certification for 14- and 15-year-old youth to be employed on farms and ranches.

See more information and register for the two-day course... https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/outreach/farm-safety-days.html

The education team will include Aaron Yoder, PhD, UNMC associate professor and CS-CASH researcher. Dr. Yoder will be joined by CS-CASH team members Risto Rautianen, PhD, Ellen Duysen and Kelsey Irvine, and extension educators Randy Saner, Alfredo DiConstanzo, PhD, John Thomas and Ron Seymour.

Day 1 of the course will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including quizzes that students must pass to attend the driving portion of the training. Day 2 will include a driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. The two-day course will include lessons on emergency first aid, personal protective equipment use, ATV/UTV safety and livestock handling.

List of training locations:

Day 1 Training: Hands-on training and written certification exam.
    May 21 – North Platte: Lincoln, Logan, McPherson County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Road
    May 28 – West Point: Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington St.
    May 30 – Weeping Water: Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th St.
    June 5 – Gordon: Gordon, 613 E 3rd St.
    June 11 – Grand Island: Raising Nebraska Building, 501 East Fonner Park, Suite 100

Day 2 Training: Tractor and Equipment Safety Training with Driving Exam
    May 22 - North Platte: Lincoln, Logan, McPherson County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Road
    May 29 – West Point: Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington Street
    May 31 – Weeping Water: Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th St.
    June 4 – Gering: Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail
    June 6 – Gordon: Gordon, 613 E 3rd St.
    June 7 – O’Neill: AKRS Equipment, 49110 US Hwy 20
    June 12 – Grand Island: Raising Nebraska Building, 501 East Fonner Park, Suite 100
    June 13 – Hastings: Adams County Extension, 2975 S. Baltimore Ave.

The course costs $40 and includes educational materials, lunch on both days and supplies. Youth under 14 can register for and attend Certification Day 1 if accompanied by an adult. They cannot drive equipment, attend Day 2 or become certified. Students under 14 must still register but will not be charged the registration fee.

Those attending a location that only offers Day 2 (Gering, Hastings and O’Neill) must complete Certification Day 1 at another location or complete a virtual module. Certification Day 1 (or online module) must be completed, passing the written exam, before attending Certification Day 2.

Contact Ellen Duysen via email with questions about scheduling.



USDA Identify HPAI in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico dairy herds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state veterinary and public health officials, are investigating an illness among primarily older dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico that is causing decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms.

As of Monday, March 25, unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another dairy in Texas, have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Additional testing was initiated on Friday, March 22, and over the weekend because farms have also reported finding deceased wild birds on their properties. Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans, which would indicate that the current risk to the public remains low.

Federal and state agencies are moving quickly to conduct additional testing for HPAI, as well as viral genome sequencing, so that we can better understand the situation, including characterization of the HPAI strain or strains associated with these detections.
 
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply. In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.

Federal agencies are also working with state and industry partners to encourage farmers and veterinarians to report cattle illnesses quickly so that we can monitor potential additional cases and minimize the impact to farmers, consumers and other animals. For the dairies whose herds are exhibiting symptoms, on average about ten percent of each affected herd appears to be impacted, with little to no associated mortality reported among the animals. Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on supply and there should be no impact on the price of milk or other dairy products.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and USDA and federal and state partners will continue to share additional updates as soon as information becomes available.



Naig Comments on USDA’s Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Kansas and Texas Dairy Cattle

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig Monday commented on the announcement made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas:

“Our team is actively monitoring this evolving situation regarding the news that dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. We are communicating with USDA, other states and industry stakeholders while we learn more and as there are new developments. Protecting Iowa's livestock farmers from foreign animal disease has been and will continue to be one of my top priorities as Secretary.”

Report Sick Cattle
We are strongly encouraging industry partners, farmers and veterinarians to report cattle illnesses quickly to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305 so that we can monitor any potential cases.

Food Safety
At this stage, USDA believes that there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. Dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption. Milk from impacted animals is diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply. In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.



Joint Dairy Organization Statement on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cows

Statement from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI)

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two dairy cattle herds in Texas and two herds in Kansas.  

Importantly, USDA confirmed that there is no threat to human health and milk and dairy products remain safe to consume. Pasteurization (high heat treatment) kills harmful microbes and pathogens in milk, including the influenza virus.

Also, routine testing and well-established protocols for U.S. dairy will continue to ensure that only safe milk enters the food supply. In keeping with the federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), milk from sick cows must be collected separately and is not allowed to enter the food supply chain. This means affected dairy cows are segregated, as is normal practice with any animal health concern, and their milk does not enter the food supply.

Consumers in the United States and around the world can remain confident in the safety and quality of U.S. dairy.

Enhanced Biosecurity Protocols Underway on U.S. Dairy Farms
As information related to an illness affecting dairy cows in several states began to circulate over the past two weeks, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) worked with state veterinary authorities as well as federal partners including the FDA to swiftly identify and respond to detections and mitigate the virus’ impact on U.S. dairy production. Dairy farmers also have begun implementing enhanced biosecurity protocols on their farms, limiting the amount of traffic into and out of their properties and restricting visits to employees and essential personnel. Avian influenza is an animal health issue, not a human health concern. Importantly, mammals including cows do not spread avian influenza—it requires birds as the vector of transmission and it’s extremely rare for the virus to affect humans because most people will never have direct and prolonged contact with an infected bird, especially on a dairy farm. As a precaution, dairy farmers are taking important measures to protect their workers.



NCBA Statement on HPAI Detected in Dairy Cattle

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in samples collected from dairy cattle in the United States. Importantly, the agency confirmed there is no threat to human health, and milk and meat remains safe to consume. USDA has confirmed that affected dairy cows do not appear to be transmitting the virus to other cattle within the same herd.  

At present, HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle. However, producers are encouraged to implement enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to help protect their herds. For more information on animal health protocols and developing an effective biosecurity plan, cattle farmers and ranchers are encouraged to visit www.bqa.org, and complete or update their certification in Beef Quality Assurance practices. Producers can also visit usda.gov for resources on how to manage wildlife to limit exposure to HPAI.



USDA Cold Storage February 2024 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on February 29, 2024 were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 13 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 6 percent from the previous month and down 12 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 12 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 2 percent from last month but down 10 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on February 29, 2024 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 5 percent from the previous month and down 9 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 9 percent from last month and up 4 percent from February 29, 2023.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 29, 2024 were up slightly from the previous month and up 2 percent from February 29, 2023. Butter stocks were up 19 percent from last month and up 1 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on February 29, 2024 were down 9 percent from last month but up 4 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down 3 percent from a year ago.



Large Placements and More On-Feed
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Friday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report was largely as expected. Placements were a little higher than the pre-report estimates anticipated. Marketings met expectations, up 3.4 percent from last year with one more work day in February this year. That left 1.3 percent more cattle on feed than March 1, 2023.

Even though there were few surprises in the report, the placement data is worth a closer look. Placements up 9.7 percent may have been a surprise for some who know we have fewer cows, fewer calves, and falling beef production. A rare event occurred in placements in that more cattle were placed in February than in January. Fewer cattle are usually placed in February due, in part, to it being a shorter month. How do we get placements that much ahead of last year? Timing is part of the answer. A large winter storm in January likely pushed some placements back. Unseasonably warm weather in February probably pulled some placements ahead, especially given that the warm weather started wheat growing and cattle needed to be pulled off if the wheat is to be harvested. Placements in all weight classes greater than 700 pounds were more than 10 percent larger than last year.

Placements over the last 2 months are less than 1 percent above last year. Over the last year, placements are about 0.5 percent smaller than the year before. Placements in 2023 were boosted by heifers going to feedyards instead of being held for herd replacement and a few more feeder cattle from Mexico.

The next cattle on feed report will have the quarterly breakdown of steers and heifers on feed. That may give some clues on heifer placements. The number of cattle on feed continues to be larger than a year ago, boosted by placements and cattle remaining on feed longer. The number on feed should begin to drop below year before levels in the next couple of months.



The Benefits of High Oleic Soybeans as Feed Ingredient for Dairy Cows

With feed costs for dairy cows responsible for approximately 50% of milk production costs, dairy farmers are always looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing milk yield or quality.

Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybeans have been gaining popularity as a new alternative feed ingredient for dairy farmers. Plenish high oleic soybeans offer a high-energy, high-protein desirable fatty acid profile.

The high oleic and low linoleic content of Plenish high oleic soybeans allows for higher dietary inclusion levels than commodity soybeans. By incorporating Plenish high oleic soybeans into their feeding regimen, dairy farmers can potentially reduce costs and improve profitability while maintaining – and even improving – milk fat content.

“Plenish soybeans are a double benefit,” said Dann Bolinger, Pioneer Dairy Specialist. “On one side, it can reduce feed costs for many farms, and on the other side, has the potential to better a dairy cow’s milk output.”

Corn silage is still the primary forage choice for dairy farmers due to its high tonnage, nutritional qualities and cost effectiveness. However, even though it is low in fat content, it contains a significant amount of linoleic acid. When included in large amounts, corn silage can add to the ruminal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) load, which has been linked to decreased milk fat percentage.

Research from Penn State and Michigan State land grant universities has shown that feeding extruded or raw processed Plenish high oleic soybeans helps improve milk fat percentage.

As with most agronomic practices, dairy farmers should evaluate the economic return of growing and feeding high oleic soybeans for their own herds.