Tuesday April 09 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending April 7, 2024, there were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 12% very short, 29% short, 56% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11% very short, 41% short, 44% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 26% fair, 56% good, and 12% excellent.

Oats planted was 31%, ahead of 17% last year and 21% for the five-year average. Emerged was 5%, near 1% last year and 2% average.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Another week of colder than normal temperatures with rain and snow left Iowa farmers with 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 7, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Minimal fieldwork was done during the week, but some producers were able to apply anhydrous, manure, and dry fertilizer. High winds prevented producers from spraying fertilizer towards the end of the week.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 14 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 26 percent very short, 38 percent short, 34 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Oats seeding reached 32 percent complete, 6 days ahead of last year and 1 week ahead of the 5-year average. Oats emerged reached 4 percent complete.

There were no reports of cattle turned out onto pasture yet as pastures continue to green up. Calving was in full swing with reports of mud in some areas.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

U.S. winter wheat conditions held steady, winter wheat heading was slightly ahead of the average pace and corn planting continued slightly ahead of normal last week, according to the USDA NASS weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

CORN
-- Planting progress: 3% of corn was planted nationwide as of Sunday, equal to last year but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 2%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop condition: 56% of the crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week and up from 27% a year ago. Twelve percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, down from 37% a year ago.
-- Crop development: 6% of winter wheat was headed as of Sunday, April 7. That is down 1 point from last year but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 5%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 3% of spring wheat was planted as of Sunday, equal to the five-year average.



Nebraska study reveals state’s ethanol industry remains strong despite recent challenges

The ethanol and ethanol co-product industry continues to be a main economic driver in Nebraska, producing near-historic averages in 2020, despite lower ethanol prices and COVID-related production issues, according to a new University of Nebraska-Lincoln study.

The study found that the positive impact of the industry is spread throughout the state, directly creating 1,758 jobs, many of which are in small communities. The 2020 report, based on the most recent data available, confirms the importance of the ethanol industry in Nebraska and points toward potential future growth. In total, the Nebraska ethanol industry was responsible for just over $4.4 billion of economic activity.

Like many industries in 2020, ethanol production was harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic through production difficulties but also by weakened output prices, a trend that has prevailed for some time. However, the industry continues to expand offerings of highly valued co-products, insulating itself from cyclical ethanol fuel prices.

As recently as 2013, co-product offerings were limited to dried distiller’s grains. Since then, additional co-product markets have emerged, placing unique values on wet distiller’s grains, modified distiller’s grains, corn oil, hand sanitizer, starches, and high fructose corn syrup.

The total value of production in the industry was $3.433 billion in 2020, of which 65.6% was the primary product (ethanol) and the remaining 35.4% of value was made up of various co-products. Over the five-year period from 2016-2020, the value of ethanol and co-product production averaged 35% of cattle production, 63% of corn production, and 141% of soybean production.

Additionally, ethanol and co-product production are directly responsible for the equivalent of 1,758 full-time jobs. This averages to 73.25 jobs per plant, with a median of 51 jobs per plant. The minimum number of jobs directly created by an ethanol plant is 27, with a maximum of 400. For reference, half of the plants included in the study are in towns with fewer than 1,900 residents.

According to Tim Meyer, a co-author of the report and associate professor in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics, it is no surprise that ethanol plants are general economic activity drivers. Using IMPLAN, a modeling technique used to quantify indirect economic activity, the ethanol industry is responsible for creating an additional 6,242 jobs and $977 million of economic activity, on top of the $3.433 billion of direct output.

“The Nebraska ethanol and co-products industry continues to provide a positive economic impact on the state,” Meyer said. “Given the industry’s ability to persist and thrive through low ethanol prices, it is our opinion ethanol will continue to be a large driver of economic impact for an extended period of time.”

The study and report were produced by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Bureau of Business Research, in partnership with the Nebraska Ethanol Board. It is available at https://agecon.unl.edu/ethanolimpact.



Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program Extends Application Deadline to April 19

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is extending the application deadline for the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program to April 19, offering aspiring veterinarians an extended opportunity to apply for this groundbreaking scholarship initiative.

Introduced on Feb. 29 by Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program is designed to bolster the number of veterinarians serving livestock producers statewide. It provides substantial financial support to Nebraska students pursuing degrees in animal science or veterinary science at UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Governor Pillen emphasized the critical need for production animal veterinarians, not only in Nebraska but across the nation. "Through this collaboration with UNL, Nebraska will be a leader in boosting the number of graduates in this field," Governor Pillen stated.

Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett expressed strong support for the program, highlighting its alignment with UNL's strategic goals. "The Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program aligns with two key aims of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln — attracting, retaining, and graduating Nebraska’s best and brightest students, and contributing to resolving pressing issues within the state of Nebraska," Chancellor Bennett said.

The scholarship initiative aims to address the shortage of food animal veterinarians, particularly in rural areas, where the livestock industry is a significant contributor to the economy. By providing financial assistance, the Elite 11 Program aims to remove barriers to veterinary training and encourage more students to pursue careers in food animal veterinary medicine.

Under the revised application timeline, up to 25 first-time freshmen will receive the Nebraska Aspiring Animal Production Veterinarians Program Scholarship, covering 50% of their tuition for the first two years. After the second year, up to 13 scholarship recipients will be awarded a continuation scholarship, covering 100% of tuition for the third and fourth years of study. Ultimately, 11 students will be selected as part of the Elite 11, receiving full tuition and fees for UNL’s professional program in veterinary medicine.

Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss expressed gratitude for the support from the state of Nebraska in making this program possible. "This is an important program that will have a big impact on our state, our agriculture industry, and on the students who take part in it," Dean Heng-Moss remarked.

Graduates of the Elite 11 Program commit to staying in Nebraska and practicing as production-animal veterinarians for eight years. Interested students are encouraged to visit the program's website for application instructions. Applications will be accepted through April 19, with scholarship recipients to be notified in late May.



Great Plains Biochar Conference set for Sept. 24 – 26

The inaugural Great Plains Biochar Conference is set for Sept. 24–26, 2024, at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the Nebraska Biochar Initiative and the Nebraska Forest Service will serve as hosts.

This conference brings together a diversity of professionals working with biochar in research, education, agricultural application, production, industries, and trade to discuss how to bring biochar to its full potential..

Biochar, or charcoal, is produced by burning organic waste material such as wood residues, corn stalks, nut shells or grass clippings under limited oxygen.

The technology goes back to the discovery of regions in the Amazon of dark fertile soil called terra preta, or dark earth. This soil developed due to the addition of charcoal, bones, compost, and other materials to the low fertility soils naturally occurring in the tropics by indigenous communities several hundred years ago.

Depending on feedstock and production conditions, biochar can consist of more than 80 percent organic carbon, is highly porous and has a large specific surface area because of the small particle sizes. Applied to soil, biochar resist decomposition for several decades or longer, which makes it one of the most efficient materials to store carbon in the long-term.

As a soil conditioner in agricultural or urban settings, biochar can also improve the retention of water and nutrients in soils helping to develop more resilient and resource efficient production systems. Beyond that, biochar gains increased attention to be used for remediation and decontamination procedures, within green infrastructure for storm water management and urban green space, as an amendment in construction material or an additive in compost production.

Based on its unique characteristics and multi-purpose applications, biochar can decrease the carbon imprint of municipal, industrial and agricultural operations and becomes increasingly relevant as an asset in the carbon credit market.

“The city of Lincoln is currently building a biochar plant to supply the growing demand,” said Michael Kaiser, agronomy and horticulture assistant professor for applied soil chemistry at Nebraska. “Building on this momentum, we are looking forward having more than two days of discussion and exchange about newest data, ideas, and developments in all those areas where biochar is becoming increasingly relevant due its unique characteristics.”

Conference organizing committee includes: Kaiser; Nash Leef, owner of Flatwater Carbon; Kim Slezak, Nebraska Forest Service forest products specialist; and Frank E. Uhlarik, regional brownfields manager at Terracon Consultants.

Additional information and registration can be found at https://agronomy.unl.edu/great-plains-biochar-conference.



I-29 Moo University May 9th Webinar to Focus on Crossbreeding for Improved Health and Profitability on Dairy Farms

The I-29 Moo University 2024 Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, May 9 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. The webinar will feature a discussion on crossbreeding systems to improve profitability of dairy farms.

Dr. Brad Heins, Professor of Dairy Management at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research Center, will lead the discussion about 3-breed rotational crossbreeding systems to improve profitability of dairy farms focusing on production, feed intake, health treatments, and profitability of 3-breed crossbreds compared to Holsteins for commercial dairy production.

Heins conducts his research at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minn. The Center has a 130-head herd in a certified organic system, and a 160-head herd in a conventional grazing system. His research and extension program focuses on best management practices for dairy production, crossbreeding of dairy cattle, group rearing of calves, and renewable energy for dairy production systems. Heins serves on the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Board of Directors.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/FLYCONTROL24.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.



Try Higher Blends and Receive Credit with IRFA On-Farm Biodiesel Credit Program

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is once again offering the statewide On-Farm Biodiesel Credit Program to farmers who buy a biodiesel blend for their Iowa farm tank. The program offers up to 50 cents per gallon.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers to try higher blends of biodiesel on their farm like B20, especially if they have previously used B11,” said IRFA Marketing Director Lisa Coffelt. “It truly goes to show that farmers are willing to use higher biodiesel blends in their farm operations. This program is a fantastic opportunity for farmers, and we would love to see more take advantage of these credits while using homegrown fuel. Especially when we’ve seen on-farm use of B20 increase by five times, according to the 2023 Retailers Motor Fuel Gallons Report.”

The Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Biodiesel Board continue to partner with the program, providing $10,000. Biodiesel producers Western Iowa Energy, Western Dubuque Biodiesel and Chevron Renewable Energy Group each contributed $5,000. IRFA provides $20,000 in funding and manages the program.

“Biodiesel is supported by John Deere and CASE IH engines,” said Coffelt. “It’s a win for saving money, keeping a clean environment and supporting homegrown energy. I would encourage previous credit recipients and fuel suppliers to share the benefits of getting involved in the program!”

Many individuals who took advantage of previous funding have found the program to be a success. “We have never had any problems with it in any of our tractors, combines, sprayers or grain trucks,” said Iowa farmer Darwin Gordon, a past recipient of the credit. “We grain farmers need to support our own industry.”

Farmers will earn 25 cents per gallon for filling up with B11 (11 percent biodiesel) and 50 cents per gallon with B20 (20 percent biodiesel) up to a maximum credit of $500. Program funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. To be eligible, farmers must meet the criteria and follow the procedures outlined at https://iowarfa.org/iowa-on-farm-biodiesel-credit-program/.



Ranchers Slam Regressive Endangered Species Act Rulemakings

Monday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) condemned the Biden Administration’s three finalized Endangered Species Act (ESA) rulemakings that significantly expand federal overreach and roll back reforms that previously provided some relief to farmers and ranchers.

"The Biden Administration's goal should be to improve the broken ESA process, and to leverage partnerships with cattle producers and landowners to conserve healthy habitat. Instead, these rules drastically increase the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “Producers in the West are usually the most impacted by Endangered Species Act listings and habitat designations, but these rules now put every farmer and rancher in the country under the threat of a potential habitat designation, even if we are talking about private land and areas where a listed species has never lived before.”

This slate of rulemakings also reinstates the blanket 4(d) rule, a one-size-fits-all approach that creates more restrictions and red tape for ranchers trying to continue normal agriculture operations and carry out voluntary conservation activities around threatened species.

“These rules threaten the efficient operation of farms and ranches across the West, and they get in the way of the extensive, voluntary conservation work already happening on our public lands,” said PLC President and Colorado rancher Mark Roeber. “By reinstating the blanket 4(d) rule, allowing critical habitat designations in areas where the species can't even live, and disregarding the economic impact of ESA decisions, the Biden Administration is further weaponizing the Endangered Species Act against ranchers and working lands in general.”



Second Quarter Weakening Continues
Stephen R. Koontz, Colorado State University

Some feeder cattle and calf markets have softened following the futures selloff triggered apparently by the news of HPAI infections in cattle. Still, many regional markets have remained firm through the same period. The sharpest drops are in some of the smaller and most volatile cash markets for the smallest animals. Likewise, live cattle futures have retreated substantially in the same window while fed cattle cash market prices are only off modestly. The disease news has slowed and modestly reversed the likely and anticipated cash market strengthening.

However, from a margin perspective, some of the price adjustments could have been anticipated. Beef packer margins are as poor as they have been for over a year. The first quarter typically has the poorest margins and that is where things are. Pressure to lower fed cattle prices remains to be expected. Cash cattle feeding margins are also relatively even compared to the strength observed in all of 2023. Under such conditions pressure on feeder cattle prices are anticipated. Given these underlying conditions, a rapid return to observed high price levels for fed cattle and calves is unlikely.

And while placements in the last Cattle on Feed report were the most surprising and market-impacting, the inventory of Cattle on Feed over 150 days – as calculated from the information in the USDA reports – reveals some of the largest long-fed inventories post-pandemic. Therefore, packer leverage in bargaining will remain strong into the second quarter and the impetus for other heavy placements will be mitigated. It is rather possible that the spring market rally has occurred and is over.

Are there strengths to be found in the underlying market fundamentals? If there are then they are not obvious. Beef exports, as expected, have been soft under strong wholesale beef prices. And the same strong beef prices result in increasing imports. The continuing strong dollar offers no mitigation. Margins in pork and poultry industries have had long-term issues in the last few years and competing meat supplies are likely to expand only modestly into 2024. This has the potential to support beef prices. Further, the economy simply shows continued resilience with the accompanying strength in GDP and consumer income. Finally, spring has arrived in some portions of the country and the seasonal improvements in demand may not yet be all observed. The fundamentals are not clearly optimistic.



Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Contestants Vie for $100K

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 11th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“Imagine what $100,000 could do for your business,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We’ve doubled the prize and doubled the impact.”

Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Sept. 3. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest.

The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, to win:
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
    Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile.

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include Barn Owl Precision Agriculture, a company that manufactures a fully autonomous robot that supports farmers as they plant crops, control weeds and collect soil samples (2024 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner) and NORDEF, a company that developed technology to produce diesel exhaust fluid at the point of use (2023 Ag Innovation Challenge Winner). Other examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at fb.org/challenge.

Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.fb.org/about/get-involved#join to learn about becoming a member.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 15.



Navigating the Pros and Cons of Early Planted Soybeans

Recently, many studies have focused on the benefits of early planted soybeans. One such study even focused on varietal maturity selection and yield impact.

But just how important is planting date in relation to soybean reproductive duration? The reproductive stage for a soybean plant occurs from R1 to R6, or from when a soybean begins to flower to when pods fully develop.

Research consistently demonstrates that the timing of soybean planting influences soybean yield. Early planting offers a distinct advantage, resulting in higher yields compared to delayed planting. This advantage is attributed to resource capture and utilization.

“The goal of planting early is to increase yield potential,” said Steve Cromley, a Pioneer Field Agronomist in Missouri. “We can accomplish this by getting the plants to flower early and extend the period of reproductive growth.”

A Pioneer study showed that an earlier planting date increases the duration of reproductive growth (R1 to R6) and Growing Degree Unit (GDU) accumulation during this time period. Both reproductive growth duration and GDU accumulation declined with later planting.

While early planting can offer yield advantages, it also comes with risks, such as frost events or adverse soil conditions affecting crop establishment, which may necessitate replanting. Understanding the risks and benefits allows farmers to make informed decisions to optimize soybean yield and ensure sustainable agricultural practices for the future.

A minimum soil temperature of 50 degrees Farenheit is a good rule of thumb, the same as planting corn.

“If you do plant before recommended planting dates, it’s advised to plant tilled fields first,” said Cromley. “Plant upland fields, avoid river and creek bottoms, and don’t plant shallow. Following these recommendations can lessen the impact of a freeze event.”