Monday June 10 Ag News

 Diverse Seedling Diseases Present in Nebraska Soybeans
Dylan Mangel - Extension Plant Pathologist

Regions around the state have faced different planting conditions, and unfortunately there is a soybean seedling disease for all of them. We typically expect to see more seedling disease in soybeans during cool wet springs; however, these conditions mostly favor the fungal-like organisms called water molds. You may have heard these called by their names: Pythium and Phytophthora. While these are present out in the state, there are also drier fields that are seeing pressure from the fungal pathogens Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. These latter two are more common in sandy or well-drained loamy soils.

The symptoms caused by all four of these pathogens often share similar features and are characterized by seedling damping off. This is where moisture is unable to translocate through diseased root and vasculature tissue and the plant dries down. This can happen after emergence and you will find the dried seedling in its row, or it can happen before emergence and you will only see gaps in your planted rows (Figure 1). In the latter situation, digging for the rotted seedling could shed some light on the situation. In most cases, plant disease management is disease specific. For this reason, it is important to determine which seedling disease you are dealing with.

Pythium
Wet conditions are favorable for Pythium, which is our most common seedling disease of soybean in Nebraska. Cooler soil temperatures will make this worse as the seedling will be stressed and grow more slowly.

Typical symptoms of Pythium will include seed decay, pre-emergent seedling rot, and seedling damping off after emergence. If the plant has emerged, it will often have a root system where the outer layer can be easily pulled off and the center of the root will stay intact.

Rhizoctonia Root Rot
Rhizoctonia is favored by drier conditions and will occur more commonly in sandy or well-drained loamy soil types. Rhizoctonia will be evident as reddish-brown lesions on the lower stem (typically at the soil level).

Fusarium Root Rot
Fusarium is commonly favored by dryer conditions and in sandy or well-drained loamy soil types. Infected soybean crops will have stunted plants with brown to black discoloration on the roots (often in the lower portion of the root system).

Phytophthora
As soil conditions warm up, Phytophthora often will become more common with heavy rains. Fields will typically have a history of this disease, which will flare up when rain events saturate soil profiles. Phytophthora is often culpable when a field was planted with a standard rate of seed treatment but still has significant stand reduction when wet conditions occur. This will be a field-specific issue and usually does not occur as often as Pythium.

Typical symptoms of Phytophthora are seed decay and pre-emergence seedling rot, and seedling damping off after emergence. Typical symptoms on seedlings are darkened stems at the base of the plant coming up from the soil line (Figure 2). When young plants are cut at the lower stem, often there will be a dark center to the stem. Phytophthora can kill plants at any stage of development, but Pythium typically does not kill plants much past the V5 growth stage.
Soybean seedlings in field

Management
Management of seedling diseases can be achieved by improving field conditions for seedlings. Improving drainage of low-lying wet areas can help reduce the incidence and severity of some seedling diseases. Another option is delaying planting until more favorable conditions exist for rapid germination and emergence. However, delaying planting too long can negatively impact yield potential.

The most common method for disease management is the use of seed treatment fungicides. These products can provide protection against some of the pathogens that cause seedling diseases; however, most only provide protection during the first few weeks immediately after planting. Despite their activity, diseases may still develop, such as during extended periods of inclement weather or under severe pathogen pressure. Often greater seed treatment options are available for soybeans as they are not all pre-treated. This allows more specific targeting of the pathogen and emphasizes why a proper diagnosis is important.

Some fungicides now also are labeled for application at planting, in or near the seed furrow. Use of fungicides at planting may provide some additional protection against these and other pathogens, there is currently ongoing research to better understand their potential benefits, interactions and potential economic return.

You can minimize the likelihood of developing seedling diseases by planting high quality seed at appropriate planting depths and soil conditions to support rapid plant growth and emergence.



Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for June 2024

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in June. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
    Wednesday, June 12 — Norfolk
    Thursday, June 13 — Valentine
    Thursday, June 27 — Fairbury
    Thursday, June 27 — Norfolk

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



HPAI Detected in a Sioux County Dairy
Additional Response Measures and Requests of USDA Announced

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a herd of dairy cattle in Sioux County, Iowa.

Additionally, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is making several requests of USDA to aid affected dairy and poultry farmers and to assist in disease research and response. The Department is also announcing additional response measures to combat the threat of HPAI to poultry and dairy within Iowa.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to pose a significant threat to our livestock and the livelihoods of the farmers that care for them. To better prepare and respond to this challenge, the Department is taking additional response measures and is making additional resource requests of USDA in order to support this ongoing and collaborative effort,” said Secretary Naig. “Our team remains in daily communication with USDA, other states, farm organizations and industry stakeholders and we will be continually evaluating our response steps as new information arises. This is going to take the entire agricultural community working together because we all have a stake in protecting the herds and flocks of Iowa.”

Request for Additional USDA Resources
Secretary Naig is requesting resources from USDA that will support impacted poultry and dairy farmers as well as enhance state response efforts. The Secretary’s request includes the following:

For farmers:
    Provide compensation for cull dairy cattle at fair market value.
    Provide compensation for lost milk production at a minimum of 90 percent of fair market value.
    Revise poultry indemnity tables to better reflect the fair market value of the impacted birds and/or eggs.
    Present a streamlined and timely process for farmers to be compensated for lost production and to receive indemnity.

For state response efforts:
    Authorize additional epidemiological strike teams to assist with both poultry and dairy in Iowa.
    Provide additional USDA Wildlife Services personnel to assist in the surveying of disease in wildlife around Iowa poultry and dairy facilities.
    Accelerate funding for research to strengthen and enhance producer mitigation strategies.  

Additional State Response Measures
The Department is updating existing testing protocols to include testing of dairy farms around infected poultry sites. This is a longstanding protocol already in place for poultry. This requirement will provide a better understanding of the possible spread of the virus and allow the Department to enhance its response capabilities.

Because there is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products, no restrictions on the shipment of milk are planned. No intrastate movement restrictions are being placed on dairy cattle at this time. USDA’s federal order regulating the interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle remains in effect.  

The Department continues to strongly recommend dairy farmers and poultry producers incorporate comprehensive biosecurity protocols on their farms.  

Exhibitions
With the fair and exhibition season quickly approaching, the Department is considering additional requirements for exhibition participants.



Candidates Sought for 71st Iowa Dairy Princess

Midwest Dairy’s Iowa Division is seeking candidates to serve as the 71st Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate. The entry deadline is July 1.

The Iowa Dairy Princess serves as the official goodwill ambassador for the state’s dairy industry, helping communicate with consumers about dairy farmers’ stewardship for animals and natural resources, the safety and wholesomeness of dairy products, and the economic importance of dairy to Iowa.

Eligible candidates include young women from 17 to 24 years old who have an active interest in Iowa’s dairy cattle industry. Young women who live in counties with a dairy promotion board princess contest must be nominated through their county program. However, candidates who live in counties without an active princess contest can apply to represent their own county. Candidates must also have completed their junior year of high school. A full list of eligibility requirements can be found at MidwestDairy.com.

The contest features judging, networking and professional development opportunities. Judging will be held on August 6-7, 2024, in Ankeny, Iowa. Selection is based on communications skills, general knowledge of the dairy industry and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The 71st Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate will be crowned Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

All candidates who participate in the contest will receive a $500 scholarship. Additionally, the 2024-25 Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate will both receive $1,000 scholarships from Midwest Dairy upon successful completion of their reign.

For complete rules and application materials, visit MidwestDairy.com or contact Heidi Lantzky, Iowa Dairy Princess Program Coordinator, at 563-380-8372 or iowadairyprincesscoordinator@midwestdairy.com.



AMERICA’S CULTIVATION CORRIDOR® CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF INNOVATION,
COLLABORATION IN IOWA’S AG, FOOD & BIOSCIENCE INDUSTRIES

America’s Cultivation Corridor is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of events and promotions recognizing a decade of significant innovation in Iowa’s agriculture, food and bioscience industries.

“Innovation is thriving in Iowa and in our agriculture,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “New ideas, new collaborations are driving increased productivity and sustainability in our farms, communities and industries, and, most important, we’re seeing new solutions for some of the world’s most difficult challenges.”

Leaders of America’s Cultivation Corridor kicked off the anniversary celebration with a reception in the Iowa Pork Producers Hospitality tent at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines on Thursday, June 6.

America’s Cultivation Corridor was founded in 2014 by a group of Iowa agricultural leaders to strengthen the state’s resources and focus on driving innovation and growth in the foodtech, agtech and bioproducts industries. The Corridor is governed and advised by leaders representing the food, agriculture and bioproducts industries, allied institutions and services.

Innovation leads to results. The number of Iowa-based businesses in the food and agriculture industry has increased more than 40 percent in 10 years and nominal wages earned by Iowa-based employees in the food and agriculture industry increased 89 percent in 10 years to total approximately $7.3 billion in 2022.

In the coming months, the Corridor will highlight 10 years of progress and innovation with stories and social media content focusing on “10 Ways that Iowa Innovation Makes the World Better.”

“We’re excited to share the people, products and ideas that are making a difference, from raising healthier animals and building more vibrant communities, to improving food safety and raising more productive crops,” said Kevin Rasmussen, owner of Owl Lake Production Company, member of Iowa Pork Producers Association and chair of the board of directors of America’s Cultivation Corridor. “Our rich agricultural heritage combined with forward-thinking farmers, world-class research institutions, global agricultural leaders and innovative startups make Iowa the place to be for the next generation of agricultural solutions.”

Iowa is the epicenter of global agricultural production and research, evidenced by the more than 9,500 patents that have been awarded to Iowa-based food and agriculture innovation in the last decade. In addition to being home to long-standing, respected industry brands, entrepreneurs find unparalleled success here too. With access to potential partners as well as innovative producers, whose focus on continuous improvement provides opportunities for product testing in a real-world environment, it’s easier than ever to access funding and launch a new business venture in the state. In fact, venture capital funding for Iowa bioscience and agtech deals increased more than 175% in the last 10 years.

“Opportunity abounds. Whether you are starting a business, relocating or expanding a business or making a difference at a global company, you can do it in Iowa,” said Billi Hunt, executive director of America’s Cultivation Corridor. “With the amount of Iowa-licensed technology now used around the world and an increase in venture capital funding that is out-pacing the U.S. in total by a rate of four-to-one, the momentum is building for Iowa as the place to be for starting or growing an ag, food or bioscience business.”

Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of corn, pigs and eggs, and ranks second in total agricultural
exports and soybeans. In addition, it is a top-10 producer of beef, turkeys, cheese and more. Global leaders in animal health; plant science; renewable fuels; and grain, food and meat processing all have a significant presence in Iowa, and Ames-based Iowa State University is the home of some of the world’s best agricultural, engineering and entrepreneurial programs with a strong track record in partnering with founders to bring exciting new technologies to commercial reality.

Investors and partners of America’s Cultivation Corridor are working together to accelerate the development of new technologies, strengthen Iowa’s ag bioscience workforce, and attract  economic development, all focused on meeting the challenge of feeding a growing world population in a sustainable way.

Stakeholders in America’s Cultivation Corridor include Iowa State University, Corteva Agriscience, Deere & Company, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Pork Producers, Kent Corporation, MidAmerican Energy Company, Ames Economic Development Corporation, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, ISG, Chevron Renewable Energy Group, Scoular and Sukup Manufacturing.



NPPC Holds Another Successful World Pork Expo
 
An estimated 12,000 people attended the 36th annual World Pork Expo — the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show — at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines June 5-6.
 
The National Pork Producers Council event brought together pork producers and industry professionals from around the globe for two days of education, innovation, networking, and pork. Dozens of media attended, and more than 400 pork industry exhibitors from North America, Europe, and Asia displayed their products throughout the fairgrounds.
 
Highlights of Expo included an NPPC policy panel where its board officers and staff experts discussed the pork industry’s current legislative, regulatory, legal, and trade priorities. Among the topics covered were the 2024 Farm Bill, California Proposition 12, agricultural labor, an enhanced swine traceability system, international trade, and foreign animal disease preparation and prevention.
 
Distinguished guests at Expo included Jennifer Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, both of whom spoke at two exclusive NPPC Strategic Investment Program (SIP) luncheons. Additionally, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, was in attendance at the Expo.
 
NPPC also launched the “Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet,” a speaking competition for young people aged 17-22. Competitors engaged in open dialogues on the pork industry’s most pressing issues, discussed solutions, and developed motions for addressing the issues, a method identical to NPPC’s process. After two rounds of competition on Wednesday, four finalists vied for top honors on Thursday, with Emma Kuhns winning a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., for NPPC’s fall legislative fly-in. The second-, third-, and fourth-place finalists — Amanda Ostrem, Graca Goettsch, and Bella Stouffer, respectively — also received scholarships.



Pork Industry Leaders Join NPB Board

The 15-member, producer-led Board of Directors has elected the new officers for 2024-2025 and they began their term this week. The USDA has also sworn in the new Board of Directors. Their terms will officially start on July 1.

Officers:
    President: Al Wulfekuhle, IA
    Vice President: Gordon Spronk, MN
    Treasurer: Alayne Johnson, IN
    Past President: Bob Ruth, PA

New Board Members (starting July 1):
    Jesse Heimer, MO - 3-year term
    Dr. Seth Krantz, TN - 3-year term
    Kevin Rasmussen, IA - 3-year term
    Pat Bane, IL - 3-year term
    Bob Ruth, PA - 1-year term



April Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Three Years; Beef Exports Also Trend Higher

April exports of U.S. pork reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million.

Record shipments to Mexico bolster April pork exports
Fueled by a record performance in leading market Mexico and broad-based growth in several other regions, pork exports totaled 277,910 metric tons (mt) in April, up 14% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record. Export value climbed 18% to $778.8 million, the third highest on record. For January through April, exports increased 8% to 1.04 million mt, valued at $2.89 billion – up 10% from last year’s record pace.

“While Mexico was definitely the pacesetter in a tremendous month for pork exports, it was only part of the story,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Demand continued to build in South Korea, Central America, Colombia, Australia and the ASEAN, and we saw very encouraging growth in Japan. It was also great to see export value per head above the $70 mark for the second consecutive month.”

Pork export value in April equated to $72.46 per head slaughtered, up 7% from a year ago and the third highest on record. The January-April average was $66.28, also up 7% from a year ago.

Western Hemisphere and Middle Eastern markets drive April beef exports
April beef exports totaled 111,580 mt, up slightly from a year ago and the largest since June 2023. Export value increased 5% to $898.7 million, also the highest since June. Shipments to Mexico reached the highest value in more than three years, while exports also trended higher year-over-year to several other Western Hemisphere markets and to Japan and the Middle East. Through the first four months of 2024, beef export value increased 5% year-over-year to $3.38 billion, despite a 3% decline in volume (423,445 mt).

“Mexico also continued to shine on the beef side, along with the Caribbean, Central America and the Middle East,” Halstrom said. “These markets are benefiting from foodservice demand and currency advantages compared to the main Asian markets. The headwinds in Asia remain formidable, but the tourism boom in Japan has helped solidify demand and exports have stabilized this year, despite the continued weakness in the yen and strong competition from Australia. Robust retail and e-commerce demand has helped U.S. chilled beef continue to dominate in Korea and Taiwan.”

Through April, U.S. beef accounted for 69% of Korea’s chilled imports and 72% for Taiwan.

April lamb exports above last year, but lowest of 2024
April exports of U.S. lamb totaled 224 mt, up 33% from a year ago but the lowest since December. Export value was up 21% to $1.25 million. January-April exports increased 1% from a year ago to 1,043 mt, while value climbed an impressive 19% to $5.9 million. Growth was driven primarily by the Caribbean and Mexico, but shipments also increased year-over-year to Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan.



New Chief Strategy Officer announced at Midwest Dairy

Midwest Dairy is pleased to announce Trudy Wastweet has been named Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Wastweet previously served as Midwest Dairy’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In this new position, Wastweet will guide Midwest Dairy’s strategic performance and enhance organizational health. She will lead strategic planning that delivers value to Midwest Dairy farmers through innovation, focus, and reportable impact measures. She will continue to build a positive work culture by developing processes or resources that improve employee work experience. Additionally, she will create development and training opportunities that grow job skills and add to career and professional development for Midwest Dairy staff.

A South Dakota native, Wastweet’s dedication to the agriculture industry is evident in her professional journey. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from South Dakota State University and brings many years of professional experience to this position. Wastweet joined Midwest Dairy in 2017 and previously held the position of COO within the organization. Prior to Midwest Dairy, she served as a Director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, National Policy Advisor at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Assistant Executive Director at the Minnesota Pork Producers Association.
Trudy Wastweet

“Trudy’s contribution to Midwest Dairy has been instrumental in the strategic direction of the organization to date and she can be credited with leading the efforts in identifying business objectives that deliver the most value to the investment of our Midwest Dairy farmers in recent years. I am confident that Trudy’s passion for Midwest Dairy’s mission and her strategic vision will guide the organization in a rapidly evolving dairy industry,”   said Corey Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Dairy.



Cattle Producers Condemn Feeding Our Military Lab-Grown Meat

Friday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) condemned a Department of Defense (DOD) sponsored research grant that will fund the development of lab-grown meat products by manufacturing company BioMADE.
 
“It is outrageous that the Department of Defense is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to feed our heroes like lab rats. U.S. cattle producers raise the highest-quality beef in the world, with the lowest carbon footprint – and American troops deserve to be served that same wholesome, natural meat and not ultra-processed, lab-grown protein that is cooked up in a chemical-filled bioreactor,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “This misguided research project is a giant slap in the face to everyone that has served our country. Our veterans and active-duty troops deserve so much better than this.”



Growth Energy to NHTSA: Standards Continue to Ignore American Bioethanol

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today issued new vehicle fuel economy standards:

"This is yet another missed opportunity by NHTSA to recognize the importance of high-octane, low-carbon bioethanol blends in meeting the administration's climate goals. Using high-octane midlevel bioethanol blends in conjunction with future engine technology holds tremendous potential for increasing vehicle efficiency and ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon intensity of American bioethanol continues to go down, making it more and more useful as a decarbonization tool for on-road applications. Investing in biofuels now will not only decrease carbon emissions from the cars on the road today, but set the stage for greater carbon reductions years from now. The President himself said that 'you can't get to net zero without biofuels' but this final rule will make it harder for American biofuels to live up to their potential.  

"Ultimately, as we've said before, this proposal unfortunately ignores the potential of bioethanol to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will continue to build the market for American bioethanol and grow the biofuels sector into an even more critical part of America's low-carbon economy."