Thursday June 13 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2024 winter wheat crop is forecast at 42.5 million bushels, up 15% from last year's crop, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 50 bushels per acre, up 8 bushels from last year.

Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 850,000 acres, down 30,000 acres from last year. This would be 85% of the planted acres, compared with last year's 78% harvested.

Winter Wheat Production Up 1 Percent from May Forecast
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.29 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the May 1 forecast and up 4 percent from 2023. As of June 1, the United States yield is forecast at 51.4 bushels per acre, up 0.7 bushel from last month and up 0.8 bushel from last year's average yield of 50.6 bushels per acre.

Hard Red Winter production, at 726 million bushels, is up 3 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 342 million bushels, is down less than 1 percent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 226 million bushels, is down 1 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 17.8 million bushels are Hard White and 209 million bushels are Soft White.



CAP Webinars: Legal Restrictions to Foreign Land Ownership
Jun 13, 2024 12:00 PM
Dave Aiken, Professor, Agricultural Law and Water Law Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Several states are adopting new laws restricting foreign adversaries from purchasing land near U.S. military installations, a move aimed at bolstering national security. Nebraska just enacted two such laws during the 2024 legislative session.

This webinar will provide an analysis of these new state laws and their implications. It will also explore potential legislative actions at the federal level regarding this issue.

Cultivate Your Legacy: Nebraska Department of Ag Programs
Jun 20, 2024 12:00 PM
The second in a series of webinars presented by the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program that features speakers from the 2024 Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference, with Samantha Smith, Program Administrator with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

The beginning farmer tax credit (NextGen) is a program offered to producers in the state who rent an agricultural asset to an eligible beginning farmer/rancher. The farm mediation program (Negotiations) is certified under USDA FSA and grants us the ability to mediate agricultural issues (debt/neighbor issues/family succession/USDA program adverse decisions) at a low cost. Attendees will learn more about these programs.

Insurance for Annual Forages
Jun 27, 2024 12:00 PM
Jay Parsons, Professor and Director, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

Many producers are planting annual forages on cropland for use as livestock feed. Insurance for annual forages is available in the form of a rainfall index product much like the popular Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance available for perennial forages.

The Annual Forage insurance program (AFIP) is available in all counties of Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Use of the program continues to grow with acres insured with AFIP in Nebraska more than doubling between the 2022 and 2023 crop years. Several changes to the AFIP took effect last year. The current sign-up period for Annual Forage insurance ends July 15 for annual forages planted from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. We will discuss these changes and tips for how to integrate Annual Forage insurance coverage into your program.

For more information and to register for any of the webinars, click the link... https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



POISONOUS PASTURE PLANTS
- Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist

While poisonous plants are generally not as problematic in Nebraska compared to other western states, they can exact their toll on livestock enterprises, and many times the losses are unrecognized.

 There are 17 species listed as primary toxic plants that can be found in Nebraska.  Toxic plants contain or produce substances injurious or lethal to animals.  The amount of plant material consumed by the grazing animal before death or poisoning symptoms appear, does vary by species.  Poisoning symptoms will vary depending on the toxic compound in the plant, but may include difficulty breathing, excess salivation, nervousness, or staggering.  Many poisonous plants are avoided by the animal, but a scarcity of forage, such as under drought conditions may lead to a situation where they are consumed.

There are some species, such as prairie larkspur, where grazing animals may select for them when they are flowering (mid-June to early July).  Other relatively common poisonous plants in central and western Nebraska include Riddell groundsel, Lambert crazyweed, wooly locoweed, and chokecherry.

 Poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock are common statewide.  These two species prefer moist areas in pastures, creek banks, ditches, and disturbed sites.

 If you suspect a poisonous plant problem in your pastures, be sure to get a positive identification of the plant.  When control or removal of the plants is not possible, it may be best to move livestock to a different pasture.

 Nebraska Extension does have a great resource called Nebraska Plants Toxic to Livestock (EC3037) https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/ec3037.pdf that can be found online or obtained through your local Extension office.



Planning can ease concerns about what happens to wind turbines at the end of their lifespan

Advances in technology and lower installation costs continue to contribute to the growth of wind electricity generation in the U.S., especially in rural areas.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the cost of installing wind turbines has fallen more than 40% since its peak in 2010. In 2022, wind energy provided 10% of total electricity nationwide. In Iowa, more than 60% of power comes from wind energy systems. Wind energy generates more than 40% of the power in South Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

“Wind energy development continues to bring numerous benefits to nearby communities, such as increased tax revenue, new job opportunities, and lease payments to landowners,” said Cora Hoffer, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Wind energy also provides a low-cost, reliable energy source for residents and businesses and makes a positive economic contribution by offsetting energy costs.”

However, Hoffer said the increase in development raises questions about what happens to wind turbines when they reach the end of their operational lifespan.

The Center's new “Decommissioning Wind Energy Systems Resource Guide,” written by Hoffer, outlines several management options to assist county officials, wind developers, and project owners working with the public and local government on a wind project.

Hoffer said there are several ways to address wind energy systems that have reached their operational lifespan, which is estimated between 25 and 40 years, and those no longer in active operation.

“Owners and developers may choose to fully decommission the project—which includes repurposing material, recycling, and disposing of wind turbines—or repowering the system to extend its life,” Hoffer said. “While relatively few systems are decommissioned each year, state and county governing bodies should set decommissioning standards during the planning process. Landowners and developers may consider establishing additional requirements.”

To read and download a copy of the Center’s “Decommissioning Wind Energy Systems Resource Guide,” visit cfra.org/decommissioning-wind-energy-systems.



NRD Basin Tour Explores the Republican River

More than 80 elected directors and staff from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) along with conservation partners convened in McCook for the annual NRD Basin Tour hosted by the Lower Republican, Middle Republican, Upper Republican and Tri-Basin NRDs on June 10-11, 2024.

The NRD Basin Tour explores a different water basin each year, with the hosting NRDs showcasing conservation projects, partnerships, and the local communities they serve. This year’s tour focused on the Republican River Basin, a vital water resource in southwest Nebraska. The water resources in the basin play a significant role in the region’s agriculture, environment, economy and recreation. However, the Republican River has also been at the center of controversy, particularly regarding water rights, usage, and interstate conflicts.

But cooperation among the Republican Basin NRDs and the State of Nebraska over the last decade has created stability by mitigating the threat of non-compliance with the Republican River Compact, an 80-year-old interstate compact involving Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado. Development of stream augmentation projects by the local NRDs has essentially assured compliance and protected irrigation on approximately 1 million acres in southwest Nebraska.

“Augmentation and other projects in our district paid for by local irrigators provides much-needed stability in our Basin and for the state,” said Upper Republican NRD General Manager Jasper Fanning. “Our district and the other NRDs in the Basin are working hard to preserve water for future generations.”

The Republican River Basin NRDs face unique challenges related to water allocations. The allocation system, which restricts how much water producers can pump for irrigation, has helped create sustainability and protect existing users in the Basin. Over-extraction for irrigation in previous years has led to reduced water flow, impacting downstream users. Ensuring sustainable water management practices is critical but challenging; however, NRDs are on the path to achieving sustainability.

“We operate under the strictest water allocation in the state and our producers are still profitable,” said Lower Republican NRD General Manager Todd Siel. “By equipping our producers with cutting-edge technology like real-time water meters and soil moisture probes, we continue to see an increase in irrigation efficiency.”

“We are making investments to better understand the aquifer, which will allow us to be more efficient with groundwater to help protect streamflow and our groundwater resources,” said Middle Republican NRD General Manager Jack Russell.

Events like the NRD Basin Tour are essential in addressing these controversies by promoting dialogue, showcasing successful conservation projects, and fostering partnerships. The collaboration among various NRDs highlights the commitment to sustainable water management and conservation practices.

The tour included several stops featuring projects that protect irrigated acres and help meet compact compliance. Some of the 2024 tour highlights included:
    Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey Presentation & Demonstration (McCook, NE)
    Swanson Lake and Republican River Compact Presentation (Trenton, NE)
    Rock Creek Augmentation Project & Rock Creek Hatchery (Parks, NE)
    Blackshirt Feeders (Haigler, NE)
    Middle Republican NRD Watershed Structure (McCook, NE)
    Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement Project (Lincoln County, NE)
    Platte-Republican Diversion Project Presentation (Curtis, NE)
    Medicine Creek Reservoir (Cambridge, NE)
    Cambridge Canal Diversion (Cambridge, NE)

While the Republican River is a critical resource for Nebraska, managing its waters amid competing demands and environmental challenges remains a complex and ongoing issue. The importance of the river necessitates continued collaboration and innovative solutions to address the controversies and ensure a sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Sioux County Dairy

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.

About HPAI
HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.

Heightened Biosecurity  
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has biosecurity recommendations for dairy herds to utilize. In addition, the Department has numerous other biosecurity resources for poultry producers and livestock farms to reference on its website. Farmers or farm workers who interact regularly with both dairy and poultry or who interact frequently with other farm workers in poultry or dairy, should take extra precautions to limit possible transmissions.

Suspected Cases in Dairy
If dairy producers suspect cases of HPAI, they should contact their herd veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

Clinical signs of HPAI in dairy may include:
    Decrease in food consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination
    Clear nasal discharge
    Drop in milk production
    Tacky or loose feces
    Lethargy
    Dehydration
    Fever
    Thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk

Suspected Cases in Poultry
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

Clinical signs of HPAI in birds may include:  
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling and/or falling down
    Diarrhea

Food Safety
It remains safe to enjoy poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. It is a longstanding practice that only milk from healthy animals may enter the food supply. There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.

Public Health
Though recent cases of HPAI were confirmed in dairy workers in Texas and Michigan, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at alex.murphy@hhs.iowa.gov. There are no known human cases in Iowa.



Tech Hub LIVE Announces Opening Keynote by NASDA CEO Ted McKinney

Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo, the premier event for ag retailers, agronomists, precision leaders, and distributors, is thrilled to announce that Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), will deliver the opening Keynote Presentation. The event will take place from July 29-31, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

This year’s theme, "Tech-Driven. Customer-Focused. Smart Solutions for Modern Agriculture," will be front and center as Ted McKinney kicks off the event with his keynote address. McKinney will draw from his extensive experience in agricultural leadership to discuss the transformative impact of advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and the latest policy developments. His insights will provide valuable strategies for ag retailers and other industry professionals to leverage smart solutions for growth and efficiency. “We are at a pivotal moment in agriculture where technology and sustainability must go hand in hand,” said Ted McKinney.”

Ever.Ag, this year’s Education Partner, is also excited about the event's potential to drive knowledge and growth in the industry. “Our partnership with Tech Hub LIVE underscores our commitment to advancing education and technology in agriculture,” said Mike Moore, EVP of Agribusiness. “We are thrilled to support this event and help equip attendees with the tools and insights they need to succeed.”

Highlights Include:
    Insightful keynote presentations and panel discussions. View All Speakers.
    Hands-on workshops and interactive sessions.
    Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Kicking off with the annual Welcome Party sponsored by Greater Des Moines Partnership.
    75+ Exhibits showcasing the latest in ag technology and solutions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts, discover new technologies, and gain actionable insights to drive your business forward. Register https://techhublive.com/register/ now to secure your spot at Tech Hub LIVE 2024!



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/7/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 7, ethanol production pared back 4.6% to 1.02 million b/d, equivalent to 42.97 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 0.5% more than the same week last year and 1.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate rose 0.5% to 1.05 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.06 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 0.7% to a 3-week high of 23.2 million barrels. Stocks were 4.5% more than the same week last year and 6.5% above the five-year average. Inventories built across the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but thinned across the remaining regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 1.1% to 9.04 million b/d (138.96 bg annualized). Still, demand was 1.7% less than a year ago and 0.5% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, up 0.4% to 912,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.02 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.1% less than year-ago levels but 2.4% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 125,000 b/d (5.3 million gallons/day), or 1.6% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 38th consecutive week.



House appropriations bill includes reinstatement of NASS reports

A House appropriations subcommittee approved its Fiscal Year 2025 bill that includes language directing the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to reinstate all County Estimates for Crops, the July Cattle report and the Cotton Objective Yield Survey.

Citing budget constraints, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) NASS announced on April 9 that it would discontinue all county estimates for crops and livestock beginning with the 2024 production year. The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee approved the bill during a markup on June 11.

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) issued the following statement:

“NGFA members commend House lawmakers for recognizing the value of these reports to the entire U.S. agricultural value chain and encourage the inclusion of reinstatement language in any final bill. NGFA has been working with the USDA, lawmakers and other stakeholders toward reinstating these valuable reports, which aid in competition and transparency by providing marketplace fundamental information for the agricultural sector. The NASS county crop estimates are critical to the operation of agricultural businesses. They are used to build supply and demand estimates, which help determine commodity sourcing plans to keep agribusiness facilities operational. NGFA members, including agricultural exporters, processors, and livestock feeders rely on these reports to participate in the export sales market and to make appropriate purchase decisions.”

NGFA will continue working with lawmakers and USDA toward reinstating county crop estimates.



Clean Fuels Applauds Senate Letter Urging Higher RFS Volumes
 
Wednesday, a bipartisan group of 18 Senators, led by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan encouraging the agency to complete 2026 RFS rules and raise volumes for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels to levels that are consistent with production and availability. The letter points to the discouraging market signal EPA sent with the 2023-2025 volumes and the negative impact on local economies and jobs in the clean fuels industry.

“America’s environmental and energy security depend on the widespread production, availability, and use of biofuels. Biofuels play a particularly critical role in emissions reduction for heavy-duty transportation — including aviation, shipping, rail, and trucking — while opening up economic opportunities for American farmers,” the Senators wrote. “A strong RFS and broad availability of homegrown agricultural feedstocks bolster the domestic fuel supply and are critical for ensuring we keep up the progress we have made in decarbonizing our roads, seas, railways, and skies.”

“Iowa businesses are bearing the consequences of the Biden EPA’s 2023 rule that set extraordinarily low RFS volumes. To give you an example of the impacts, a plant in Ralston was forced to shut down as a result, which cost local jobs and hurt Iowa families,” Grassley said. “The EPA ought to embrace biofuels by correcting its past mistake and increasing 2026 levels in line with market data. Our producers are ready to supply communities with clean, bio-based fuels — if only the federal government would help facilitate their work rather than institute burdens.”

Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, added, “More and more heavy-duty transportation industries are looking for reliable, cost-effective, low-carbon solutions that are available now. U.S. clean fuels producers and feedstock suppliers have made significant investments to build the capacity to deliver those solutions right now. Those investments expand markets for U.S. agriculture, support domestic energy security, and drive economic opportunities for rural communities. EPA must act in a timely manner on the 2026 RFS volumes and utilize the best available production data to support advanced biofuel market adoption."