Tuesday July 02 Crop Progress Report + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending June 30, 2024, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 22% short, 60% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 21% short, 64% adequate, and 12% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1% very poor, 3% poor, 16% fair, 52% good, and 28% excellent. Corn silking was 3%, near 2% last year and 1% for the five-year average.

Soybean condition rated 0% very poor, 3% poor, 19% fair, 56% good, and 22% excellent. Soybeans blooming was 23%, ahead of 17% last year, and near 20% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 45% good, and 22% excellent. Winter wheat harvested was 13%, ahead of 2% last year and 5% average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 0% poor, 16% fair, 72% good, and 12% excellent. Sorghum headed was 4%, near 2% last year, and equal to average.

Oats condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 20% fair, 55% good, and 22% excellent. Oats headed was 90%, ahead of 82% last year, and near 88% average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 7% very poor, 3% poor, 22% fair, 60% good, and 8% excellent. Dry edible beans emerged was 90%, near 86% last year and 89% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 26% fair, 53% good, and 15% excellent.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Much of Iowa received heavy rains which only allowed farmers 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 30, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities were limited due to rain and flooding throughout much of the State.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 4 percent, 1 day ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition fell 4 percentage points to 73 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 19 percent, 1 day behind of last year but 2 days ahead of average. The condition of the soybean crop was 72 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-three percent of the oat crop has headed. Oats turning color reached 43 percent, 6 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.

The State’s second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 17 percent complete, equal to the 5-year average. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition rated 73 percent good to excellent. Many feedlots remain muddy due to excess moisture.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn conditions fell for the fourth consecutive week last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress on Monday. The crop's good-to-excellent rating has now dropped 8 percentage points from its initial rating of 75% good to excellent.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 11%, 4 percentage points ahead of last year's 7% and 5 points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 points from 69% the previous week but still ahead of last year's 51%. Nine percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up 2 points from 7% the previous week but lower than 15% last year.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: 95% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 2 points behind last year's 97% but 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 93%. Soybeans blooming was pegged at 20%, equal to last year but 5 points ahead of the five-year average of 15%. Soybeans setting pods was estimated at 3%, also equal to last year and near the five-year average of 2%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but still well above 50% last year.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead 14 percentage points to reach 54% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 21 points ahead of last year's 33% and 15 points ahead of the five-year average pace of 39%.
-- Crop condition: 51% of the crop remaining in fields was rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 52% the previous week and still up considerably from 40% a year ago.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Crop development: 38% of spring wheat was headed, 7 percentage points behind last year's 45% but slightly ahead of the five-year average of 37%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 72% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 1 percentage point from 71% the previous week. That remains ahead of last year's rating of 48% good to excellent.



Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the Ag & Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska

Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the Ag & Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska. This year’s event will take place August 7-9, 2024, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.
 
Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov. Troy Dannen, Athletic Director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the keynote speaker.
 
“The key to our success is working together as one Nebraska to grow our state,” said Gov. Pillen.  “At this summer’s Summit, we’ll unite around a shared vision to create great opportunities for our kids and grandkids. We have the most sustainable ag supply chain on the planet, and we’re sitting on our pot of gold—the Ogallala Aquifer. The potential is sky high for Nebraska to be a hub for advanced fermentation, biomanufacturing, and production of next-generation biofuels.”
 
The One Nebraska Summit convenes economic developers and industry leaders in agriculture and business to discuss how to best grow Nebraska. This year, breakout sessions will cover talent attraction, the emerging bioeconomy, housing and childcare solutions, stewardship of water resources, manufacturing, and much more.
 
“Nebraska is rapidly shifting from commodities-based to value-added agriculture,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “With our abundance of land and water, and strengths in ag tech and research, we’re leading the way in the nation’s new bioeconomy. At the upcoming Summit, we’ll explore the tremendous opportunities we have to multiply the value of our crops and livestock to grow our state’s top industry.”
 
UNL Athletic Director Troy Dannen is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch. Dannen is a leading voice in collegiate athletics with extensive experience as an athletic director and deep ties to the Midwest and Big Ten. He was announced as Nebraska’s Director of Athletics on March 20, 2024. Prior to coming to Nebraska, Dannen served as Director of Athletics at the University of Washington. Previously, he was AD at Tulane, and before that led athletics at his alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa. Dannen has Midwestern roots, having grown up on a farm just outside Marshalltown, Iowa.
 
“We’re revolutionizing our approach to economic development in Nebraska,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We’re now competing for people, not only jobs. It’s critical that we retain more of our grads and recruit top talent to the state. At the same time, we’re redoubling our efforts to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship by supporting the businesses that give so much to our communities. It’s crucial that Nebraska’s leaders understand where we’re going and how we intend to get there. I encourage you to join us for the 2024 Summit in Kearney.”
 
The 2024 Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, August 7, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.
 
Thursday, August 8, is the primary day of the Summit. It features opening and closing remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote from Troy Dannen, and a full slate of breakout sessions—each led by a panel of subject matter experts.
 
On Friday, August 9, leaders will gather for a Bioeconomy Special Session from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The session is intended to spark conversations and build relationships that will accelerate Nebraska’s leadership of the national bioeconomy.  
 
To register for the Diplomats Banquet, Summit, and Bioeconomy Special Session visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. For questions, contact Lori Shaal at lori.shaal@nebraska.gov or 402-890-4624.



Smithfield Foods to Close Altoona, Iowa, Facility

Smithfield Foods will close its Altoona, Iowa, ham boning facility and consolidate production volume at other locations to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing platform.

Smithfield will provide transition assistance to 314 employees at the facility who will be affected by the closure. The company will meet with employees individually to provide additional details about the transition plan, including severance, financial incentives to assure business continuity and potential employment opportunities with Smithfield.

“We appreciate the good work our Altoona employees have done over the years and are committed to supporting every employee through this transition,” said Doug Sutton, chief manufacturing officer for Smithfield Foods. “We have been successful in retaining many of our people in positions with Smithfield during previous consolidations and will provide information about opportunities at other Smithfield locations.”

Production from Smithfield’s Altoona facility will be consolidated into existing company facilities in Monmouth, Illinois; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Crete, Nebraska.

Smithfield employs nearly 4,000 people in Iowa at its farms and its food-processing facilities in Carroll, Denison, Des Moines, Mason City, Orange City, Sioux Center and Sioux City.



Watch for footrot following excessive rain, subsequent wet conditions

Beyond the obvious and immediate challenges of excessive rainfall, wet weather may predispose livestock to a painful infection called footrot. Footrot is a bacterial infection of the foot characterized by swelling and pain, often in the interdigital space, and associated lameness. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said that following a wet spring and recent storms and flooding, there may be a greater risk for this disease in Midwestern cattle herds.  

"Prolonged wet, muddy conditions can cause softening and thinning of the interdigital skin, which can allow bacteria to enter," he said. "When weather challenges lead to standing water, saturated pastures, deep mud, etc. that increases the risk for this disease. Producers should watch closely for acute lameness and be prepared with a treatment plan and needed supplies.”

Accurate diagnosis is key, along with appropriate and timely therapy. Systemic antibiotics are used for treatment and several available drugs are labeled for treatment of footrot. It is essential to have a valid veterinary client-patient relationship to get access to these prescription drugs, and it's important to follow label directions, including recommended dose, administration route, and withdrawal time.

“Lameness cases require some time and effort to pick up the feet and get an accurate diagnosis," Clark said. "Footrot is relatively easy to diagnose based on clinical signs, although there are other infections of the foot that need to be differentiated. Toe abscesses, white line disease, digital dermatitis, and foreign bodies are some other common causes of foot pathology and lameness."

Early identification and treatment are key, because in some cases, the infection can penetrate deeper structures of the foot, such as bones, tendons, and joints. Prognosis is much worse when those deeper tissues are affected.

"Pen maintenance is a key to prevention, but producers can only do so much to keep up with Mother Nature," Clark said. "In more normal weather, appropriate stocking density, regularly scraping aprons and feedlot surfaces, and sometimes the use of bedding can all be helpful. But when rainfall is extreme, it is sometimes impossible to maintain those pen conditions.”

Footrot can affect both feedlot and cow-calf operations. In feedlot settings, pen maintenance is the biggest key to prevention. Here are some suggestions to help avoid footrot in cow-calf settings.
    Consider moving cattle out of low ground and bottom pastures until conditions are drier.
    Reinforcement and maintenance of high-traffic areas to prevent mud and pooling of water can also be helpful.
    Regularly moving mineral feeders, rotational grazing, and placing obstacles in cow paths can all help to minimize high-traffic areas that could get muddy.
    Strive to fence cattle out of ponds and streams. This will help protect banks and riparian areas, while also minimizing loafing in the water during heat stress.
    Provide plenty of fresh, clean water and shade to help mitigate heat stress and reduce the desire to stand in bodies of water.

Producers should scout regularly for signs of lameness, and work with their veterinarians to be fully informed and prepared.  

For more information on footrot, download this ISU two-page publication Foot Rot in Beef Cattle, PM 1728 at no charge.

Contact Clark with questions by email at caclark@iastate.edu or by phone at 712-250-0070.  



Learn Answers to Questions about Iowa Fence Laws during July 11 Webinar

Are you thinking about installing or repairing a fence? Are you confused about who’s responsible for what?

Join the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation for a free webinar July 11 that will provide answers to these questions and many more.

The webinar will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will cover the basics of Iowa fence law, tips for how to navigate disagreements with neighbors, plus the differences between fences and boundaries.

“Confused or interested about Iowa’s partition fence responsibilities? This free webinar explains boundary fence laws in Iowa and how to navigate common fence concerns with neighbors,” said Jennifer Harrington, staff attorney with the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation. “We’ll review when a duty to maintain a partition fence occurs, and the procedures deriving from Iowa code.”

Other topics covered include the rights and responsibilities regarding fence construction and maintenance. Harrington wants to clear up the confusion that Iowans often face when it comes to fencing, and provide a simple explanation of procedures found within Iowa law.

The title of the webinar is “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: A Guide to Iowa Fence Laws.” Those interested in attending can register online at https://www.calt.iastate.edu/seminar/2024-07-11/good-fences-make-good-neighbors-guide-iowa-fence-laws.

For more information, contact program specialist Mitchell Halat at 515-294-5217 or mhalat@iastate.edu



USTR Makes Strong Case During USCMA Trade Dispute Hearing

Officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative hammered arguments made by Mexican representatives this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s ban on imports of genetically modified corn used in some food products.

The ban was issued in early 2023. USTR filed a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the issue in August of that year after the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn groups spent months pushing for action.

“The science overwhelmingly shows that genetically modified corn is safe for consumers and does not harm native plants,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “U.S. officials did an excellent job of making their case, and more importantly they successfully argued that the Mexican government does not have the scientific evidence to support its actions or claims.”

During the hearing, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday in Mexico City, U.S. officials made several convincing arguments, according to Wolle, including that Mexico did not conduct a risk assessment to support its claims and the documentation they provided was over 20 years old and lacked scientific rigor. They also argued that Mexico’s regulatory agencies have previously determined that genetically modified corn is safe for use and this abrupt deviation from those determinations is a way to restrict trade and target imports.

The panel hearing the case is expected to render a decision toward the end of November.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 508 million bushels in May 2024. Total corn consumption was up 8 percent from April 2024 and up 3 percent from May 2023. May 2024 usage included 91.4 percent for alcohol and 8.6 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.75 million bushels, down 10 percent from April 2024 and down 27 percent from May 2023. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 454 million bushels, was up 7 percent from April 2024 and up 3 percent from May 2023. Corn consumed in May 2024 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.2 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 2.00 million tons during May 2024, up 14 percent from April 2024 and up 18 percent from May 2023. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.21 million tons in May 2024, down 3 percent from April 2024 and down 8 percent from May 2023.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 270,292 tons during May 2024, up 14 percent from April 2024 and up 2 percent from May 2023. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 209,016 tons in May 2024, up 5 percent from April 2024 and up 8 percent from May 2023.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.76 million tons (192 million bushels) in May 2024, compared with 5.33 million tons (178 million bushels) in April 2024 and 5.68 million tons (189 million bushels) in May 2023. Crude oil produced was 2.27 billion pounds, up 8 percent from April 2024 and up 2 percent from May 2023. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.78 billion pounds during May 2024 increased 4 percent from April 2024 but decreased 3 percent from May 2023.



USDA Issues Recommended Decision Proposing Amendments to all Eleven Federal Milk Marketing Orders

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today issued a Recommended Decision on its website proposing to amend the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). The Recommended Decision follows a 49-day national hearing held from August 23, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, where USDA heard testimony and received evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry.

The Recommended Decision puts forth a package of amendments to update formulas and factors based on the evidentiary record of the proceeding. More specifically, this decision recommends the following:

1) Milk Composition Factors: Update the factors to 3.3 percent true protein, 6.0 percent other solids, and 9.3 percent nonfat solids.

2) Surveyed Commodity Products: Remove 500-pound barrel cheddar cheese prices from the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program survey and rely solely on the 40-pound block cheddar cheese price to determine the monthly average cheese price used in the formulas.

3) Class III and Class IV Formula Factors: Update the manufacturing allowances to: Cheese: $0.2504; Butter: $0.2257; NFDM: $0.2268; and Dry Whey: $0.2653. The Recommended Decision also proposes updating the butterfat recovery factor to 91 percent.

4) Base Class I Skim Milk Price: Update the formula as follows: the base Class I skim milk price would be the higher-of the advanced Class III or Class IV skim milk prices for the month. In addition, adopt a rolling monthly Class I extended shelf life (ESL) adjustment that would provide for better price equity for ESL products whose marketing characteristics are distinct from other Class I products. .

5) Class I differentials: Update the Class I differential values to reflect the increased cost of servicing the Class I market. The county-specific Class I differentials are specified in the decision.

Publication of the Recommended Decision in the Federal Register is anticipated in early July 2024, and will invite public comments on the recommended proposals. Once it is published, comments may be submitted at the Federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1031-S, Washington, DC 20250-9200, fax number (202) 720-9976. All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the Hearing Clerk during regular business hours or can be viewed at: http://www.regulations.gov.

Copies of the hearing notice may also be obtained from USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; STOP 0225 - Rm. 2530; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0225.



NMPF Statement on USDA’s Recommended FMMO Modernization Plan
Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“Based on our initial reading, NMPF is heartened that much of what we proposed after more than two years of policy development, and another year of testimony and explanation, is reflected in USDA’s recommended Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization plan.  

“Crafting an effective milk-pricing system for farmers is complex and requires a careful balance. USDA’s plan acknowledges that complexity and, while not matching our proposal in every detail, looks largely in keeping with the comprehensive approach painstakingly determined by the work of dairy farmers and their cooperatives over the past three years. We look forward to examining this proposal topic-by-topic, gathering input regarding the various needs of our members nationwide, and adding their insights as this process moves toward a vote of producers.”  



National Dairy FARM Program Releases New Versions

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released today new versions of the Animal Care and Workforce Development Programs, refining, updating and improving agriculture-leading benchmarks for animal care and workforce best practices.

“This summer is an opportunity to showcase FARM’s commitment to continuous improvement. Through combined efforts we are positioning dairy producers to be prepared for the years ahead” said Emily Yeiser Stepp, executive director of FARM, an industry collaboration managed by the National Milk Producers Federation.

Formally reviewed every three years, the Animal Care and Workforce Development program areas underwent revisions to ensure appropriate standards and processes are conducted via FARM’s second party on-farm evaluations.

Animal Care Version 5 updates focus on refining and clarifying previous standards surrounding euthanasia, fitness for transport, calf management, and continuing education among others. The FARM Animal Care Task Force and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee developed standards reflecting current industry research after a two-year review and revision period.

With the consultation of industry stakeholder groups including farmers, animal scientists and veterinarians, Animal Care Version 5 aims to provide consistency and improvement across the program. Version 5 standards will be in effect until June 30, 2027.

Workforce Development Version 2 updates the evaluation tool used to assess and encourage the adoption of HR and safety best practices. In Version 2, the evaluation has been restructured to better group questions of similar themes and contains seven additional questions to further strengthen the tool surrounding communication and performance management. Version 2 was developed with input from the FARM Workforce Development Task Force, which includes farmers, cooperative and processor staff, and subject matter experts. The NMPF Executive Committee reviews recommendations from the Task Force for adjustments to the Workforce Development program. Like the Animal Care process, the NMPF Board of Directors provides final approval for program revisions.

Environmental Stewardship Version 3 is also set to launch later this summer. The update will integrate a new greenhouse gas model to offer updated science and the ability to run what-if scenarios to assess practice and technology options. The Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model, led out of Cornell University, will be the new engine for FARM Environmental Stewardship. The new platform will be flexible, with minimum data inputs closely matching Version 2 and optional data inputs – like details on feed production practices – to get more tailored results. This exciting upgrade will support dairy industry efforts to reach GHG neutral by 2050 as well as to respond to growing customer requests. With the initial launch scheduled for late July, the FARM Program is hoping producers and FARM Evaluators give constructive feedback so improvements can be made in 2025, when RuFaS model updates are also expected.

For version development details and more information surrounding the National FARM Program, please visit nationaldairyfarm.com.



USDA Announces July 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2024, which are effective July 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.          

“I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.   

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans      
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.       

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2024 are as follows:       
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.500%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.750%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    
FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.  To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.        

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans     
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.    
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed):6.125%.      
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 4.625%
        Five-year loan terms: 4.375%
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.375%
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.375%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.375%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.500%      



Feed Market News
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

The end of last week was the second major feed market impacting report. USDA NASS Acreage revealed 91.5 million acres of corn to be planted. That is up from the 90.0 million acres reported in the Prospective Plantings report from March. Of the 91.5 million acres, 3.4 million acres had yet to be planted when the survey was conducted and that occurs the first two weeks of June. Some of the strongest jumps in plants between the March and June reports were in Kansas and Nebraska. Corn basis in the southern plains has been strong for years and this jump in acreage has likely that market in mind.

It will be interesting to see the WASDE in two weeks. If there is any forecasted increase in usage for new crop corn – because with these acres and trend yields then corn production will be better than 15 billion bushels. And if usage remains steady, then the stocks-to-use ratio will increase to more than 16%. This level of stocks has not been seen since the 2005/06 crop year. New crop corn futures have fallen to between $4.15-$4.20 and $4.00 will be pressured if yields are better than the trend, which seems likely given the rainfall that much of the corn belt has seen. The cattle – and every other protein animal – industry is looking at prospects of the lowest feed grain prices in years.

What about forage prices? Alfalfa hay is down around $200 per ton nationally and in many regions. Other hay is around $150 per ton. Prices for lower-quality cattle and feedlot hay have relaxed a lot this spring. This hay in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas is bringing just better than $100 per ton and there are several reported transactions below $100 especially of big round bales. There will be a good bit of rained-on hay in the southeast, in the corn belt, and in the northern plains.

And pasture conditions? Nationally, 25% is in the Poor and Very Poor category. Western states are in very good shape and comparable to last year at just below 20%. The Great Plains and Southern Plains regions are also in good shape and comparable to last year. Finally, the southeast is much improved over the dry conditions observed last fall. The Drought Monitor is much improved this year in corn, forage and pasture, and cattle growing regions.

Further, we continue to see some reduction in the long-fed inventories. Cattle on feed for more than 150 days – calculated from the report last week – are still strong compared to last year and strong compared to all but the peak of the COVID disruptions. But inventories are down sharply from the prior month. And cattle on feed for over 120 days – also calculated – are below those from 2022 and 2021. That is the first time in nine months. The longest-fed inventories remain the burden but are being cleaned up.



CATTLEMEN'S BEEF BOARD TO PRESENT JAN LYONS OF MANHATTAN, KS WITH BEEF CHECKOFF VISIONARY AWARD

Jan Lyons of Manhattan, Kansas will be honored with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s (CBB) fourth annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. This award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.

“Jan has been an important part of the beef industry for decades,” said Andy Bishop, 2024 CBB chair. “She had a vision and an energy that made a powerful imprint on the people and processes behind the Beef Checkoff program. She saw the strength of early Checkoff programs and the importance of having a consistent national Checkoff message across all states. For these and so many other reasons, Jan truly deserves the 2024 Visionary Award.”

Jan and Frank Lyons started the Lyons Ranch Angus cowherd south of Manhattan, Kansas, more than forty years ago. Jan was raised on a small Angus farm in eastern Ohio, helping her dad and brother with the farm and taking care of their cattle. She and Frank, whose family farmed as well, wanted to raise their daughters, Debbie and Amy, to appreciate good cattle and the ideals and work ethic they valued so much.

Over the years, Jan gave much of her energy and time to the beef industry and people she loved. She first volunteered as a 4-H leader at the local and county levels and for the Kansas Junior Angus Association. Jan was also the first woman president of the Kansas Angus Association, chair of the Kansas Beef Council, president of the Kansas Livestock Association, chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and, finally, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in 2004. During her time as NCBA president, Jan reassured the public that the U.S. beef supply was safe during the “Cow that Stole Christmas” bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) event in December 2003.

“Certainly, the Beef Checkoff as we know it today wouldn’t exist without Jan’s tireless efforts spanning decades of commitment and dedication to the beef industry,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Her pioneering focus on pinpointing consumer demand drivers during the Checkoff’s early years led to tremendous growth for our industry. On behalf of everyone at the CBB, I congratulate Jan on this well-deserved award.”

For more information about the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the Beef Checkoff and its programs –promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety – visit DrivingDemandforBeef.com.  



Spot Watch 2024: Tar Spot's Early Arrival

The early 2024 season has been a challenging one for many growers in the Midwest. After large amounts of spring rain, an early season heat wave has taken hold. The heat, while welcomed, gave tar spot a boost, appearing in fields earlier and heavier than usual.

Tar spot, caused by the fungus known as Phyllachora maydis (P. maydis), can be identified by small, raised black spots present on corn leaves, stalks and husks.

The recent hot and humid conditions following prolonged wetness to start the summer has helped the disease thrive. Tar spot spores are released during periods of high humidity and can continue as long as conditions are favorable.

“We traditionally attribute tar spot to really wet Junes, taking over fields in July,” said Carl Joern, Pioneer Field Agronomist. “We’ve seen tar spot in fields in early June, meaning we’ll be fighting this disease longer.”

Because tar spot came earlier this year, growers are urged to scout more closely as prolonged disease pressure could lead to greater yield impact.

Pioneer on-farm research trials, along with grower reports, showed yield losses of up to 50% under the most extreme infestations during the 2018 season and again in the 2021 growing season.

In prolonged periods, tar spot can cause stalk quality issues and even premature death. If foliar symptoms are present, stalk quality should be monitored carefully to determine harvest timing.

Research has shown that fungicide treatments can be effective against tar spot (Bajet et al., 1994; Da Silva et al., 2019; Ross et al., 2023). A multistate university study conducted in 2020 and 2021 showed that fungicide treatments with multiple modes of action were better at reducing tar spot severity and protecting corn yield than those with only a single mode of action (Telenko et al., 2022).

As a general reminder, it’s important to report tar spot in fields. Contact university plant pathologists, agronomists, seed consultants and other trusted advisers if tar spot is found. Leaf tissue should be tested to confirm and record findings for future use and research.