Thursday August 22 Ag News

 Cuming Co Feeders Beef in Schools Benefit Auction

Auction to benefit the Beef in Schools program in Cuming Co.
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024 - During the West Point Livestock feeder auction
Hamburger Feed:  11:00 a.m.
Auction:  12:30 p.m.

Location:  West Point Livestock, West Point
Sponsored by:  Cuming County Feeders

One animal will be sold in a roll over auction until no more bids are placed.  If you can’t attend the auction and would like to donate or have questions, please contact Brian or Jeremy.  

Contact: Jeremy Ritter 402-380-8992 or Brian Brester 402-750-5821



CORN SILAGE HARVEST
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best.

Accurately assessing whole plant moisture is key to proper silage pile fermentation and tight packing. If silage is too dry; then, packing is difficult and may allow oxygen into the pile causing overheating, mold/yeast/bad microbe growth, and spoilage. When the silage moisture content is too high, piles can weep with valuable energy and nutrients flowing out as a loss from the pile. Also, damaging clostridia bacteria colonies can grow when silage is too wet. So, target silage storage moisture content should be 65-70% moisture.

Another factor to consider for silage chopping is milk line (a corn kernel starch content indicator). Starch is one of the most energy dense feed components; so silage that contains higher amounts of starch will be higher energy overall. The further down the kernel milk line is established; the more starch content has been stored in the kernel.

Plant moisture and milk line may not be directly correlated and may vary among hybrids. While these development factors trend in the same direction, the moisture content may vary from field to field, even if milk line is the same.

Corn silage is a great feed resource that can benefit from moisture content monitoring at harvest. Target harvesting silage at 65-70% moisture content for best results. Use the ear kernel milk line (closer to the cob means more starch and higher energy silage) to find your ideal harvest window based on your hybrids.



Upcoming webinar focuses on the basics of knowing, growing and grazing grass

Ranchers and land managers can learn about forage production, stocking rates, managing risk, drought insurance and more in an interactive, online learning experience provided by Nebraska Extension.

Participants in this six-session webinar will interact with other producers and with presenters to learn from the latest research in range and pasture management. They will walk away with the knowledge to build their own grazing plan and a better understanding of managing grass for range health and profitability.

The series will be on Monday and Thursday evenings Oct. 14 through 31 from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. (CDT).

Starting with plant identification, participants can send in photos of plants they would like to identify and learn what key grass species are desirable in their pastures.

They will also learn about maximizing forage production and calculating stocking rates to use the available forage to its optimum potential without damaging the resources.

The webinar will include how to use the USDA Web Soil Survey to estimate the range of production, and how to adjust a grazing plan during low precipitation years.

A grazing plan, key dates for grazing management, and understanding drought risk insurance (Pasture Range and Forage- PRF) will round out the series.

The cost is $100 per person for the six webinars, and includes a copy of "Grassland Plants of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains" and a resource notebook with Nebraska Extension’s NebGuides and circulars. The webinars will be recorded and available to registered participants after each session.

The course will be limited to 30 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/Knowing_Grass. Registration by Oct. 1 will ensure participants receive mailed resources before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension educator at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.



LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
- Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist

August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures.  There can be a variety of common annual weeds like sunflowers, lambs quarters, or kochia.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena can be plentiful in some pastures as well.  In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred, they can be very visible.

Spraying weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production.  If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control.  First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures.  This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan.  An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled.  For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best.  These fall applications can be more effective as more product is translocated down to the roots of the weeds.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now; but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future.  On the bright side, for areas that have had good rains this summer, it is likely that annual weeds will be less abundant next year as pasture grasses had a chance for buildup vigor and reproduce.



July Milk Production in the United States down 0.4 Percent

Milk production in the United States during July totaled 18.9 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent from July 2023. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,028 pounds for July, 1 pound above July 2023. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.33 million head, 43,000 head less than July 2023, but 5,000 head more than June 2024.

IOWA:  Milk production in Iowa during July 2024 totaled 505 million pounds, down 1 percent from the previous July according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during July, at 241,000 head, was 1,000 below last month and down 1,000 from July 2023. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,095 pounds, down 5 pounds from last July



IFAA AWARDS $241,600 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND $669,000.00 THROUGH THE SALE OF CHAMPIONS AT THE 2024 IOWA STATE FAIR

The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA) proudly announces that $241,600 in scholarships and $669,000 through the Sale of Champions were awarded at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. This year, the IFAA continued its tradition of supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals through financial assistance and recognition.

“The 2024 Sale of Champions was the second-highest sale to date,” says IFAA Treasurer, Josh Williams. “Youth across the state of Iowa work hard throughout the year to exhibit their projects at the Iowa State Fair. The IFAA proudly highlights the hard work and dedication of livestock exhibitors through the sale and awards Iowa’s next agricultural leaders through the scholarship program.”

Established in 1988, the IFAA’s mission is to recognize the thousands of 4-H and FFA members who complete agricultural-related projects and pursue careers in agriculture. An important way to support and retain Iowa’s future ag leaders is by providing financial support to those young people interested in ag careers. Each year, IFAA provides merit-based financial awards to hundreds of participating students who demonstrate a commitment to continuing their study of agriculture within Iowa.

Thanks to the support of partners like Iowa 4-H and FFA Organizations, along with generous donors, IFAA can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these students. During the prestigious Iowa State Fair Sale of Champions, 16 4-H and FFA exhibitors had the opportunity to sell their champion livestock, supported by hometown backing.

The Winner's Circle Scholarship Program is another cornerstone of IFAA’s efforts, providing scholarships to over a hundred students each year who are pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields. This program ensures that the bright minds dedicated to advancing agriculture have the financial support needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.



Farm Progress Show Exhibit Will Offer Valuable Face Time with Experts

Visitors to this year’s Farm Progress Show near Boone can expect to see a wide variety of displays inside the Iowa State University exhibit, located on the corner of Seventh Street and Central Avenue.

A miniature Iowa State University football field showcasing turfgrass, vegetables growing on water and hand-held apps that can identify insects and weeds will all be a part of this year’s display.

“This year’s exhibit has something for everyone – from row crop farmers to those interested in horticulture, forestry or organic agriculture,” said Jay Harmon, co-chairman of the Iowa State space at the show and director of Agriculture and Natural Resources with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “I look forward to seeing Iowans and beyond as they visit our display and make their way through our tent.”

Eight content areas will be featured, including artificial intelligence, agricultural well-being, weather, horticulture, plant diseases, prairie strips, soil health and compaction.

There will also be outdoor exhibits related to turfgrass, forestry and wildlife, as well as the Cyclone Power Pullers student club. And for those looking for a refreshing snack – the Iowa State University Bookstore will be selling ice cream from the Iowa State Creamery.

Iowa State experts will be on the grounds all three days, working aside graduate students and a host of volunteers who can help answer questions and provide useful resources.

“I think this is our best designed show ever,” said Kendall Lamkey, show co-chair and research farms director at Iowa State. “We have a wide range of content and as always, this is a chance to interact with our faculty and staff in person, while learning about research and resources that are available.”

Lamkey said the show is also a great place for experts to hear from farmers and the public about the issues that are on their mind and the challenges they are facing.

“I want people to come and get to know someone from Iowa State, and to share their thoughts about things we should be doing better or things they might know that we do not,” he said. “The Farm Progress Show is a place of learning, and learning is a two-way street.”

Iowa State’s exhibit spans nearly 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, showcasing the latest in agricultural research and technology.

Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress Show manager, said the Iowa State exhibit is a popular place for people to interact and learn directly from experts.

“The Iowa State exhibit is toward the top of people’s list because they know they can come and meet with the experts and put a face to the name,” Jungmann said. “It’s an attractive exhibit and the people who visit gain an organic knowledge through conversation with the experts.”

The Farm Progress will be held at the Central Iowa Expo Center, located at 1827 217th Road, Boone. Tickets can be purchased on the show website, https://www.farmprogressshow.com/en/attend/buy-tickets.html.



Breakthrough Discovery Opens New Doors in SCN Management

Researchers have made a major discovery in the fight against soybean cyst nematode (SCN). They took a relatively uncharted path and focused on the genetics of the parasitic roundworms. Extensive genetic sequencing coupled with genetic mapping helped them identify a handful of likely genes behind the tricky pests’ ability to skirt soybean genetic resistance.

“Out of the nine chromosomes and tens of thousands of genes in a nematode, we’ve mapped the areas involved in virulence [the nematode’s ability to reproduce on a resistant host] down to specific regions — in particular Chromosomes 3 and 6 — and a handful of genes,” says Melissa Mitchum, professor of nematology in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Science’s Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics at the University of Georgia and a member of the research team that made the discovery. She is also an author on the related report1 published in Molecular Ecology.

Why is this a big deal? The identification of the resistance-thwarting genes within the nematodes lays the groundwork for:
    Faster testing and identification of SCN populations in fields
    Better resistance management using existing soybean varieties
    New defenses against SCN
    Similar efforts for other plant-parasitic nematodes

The SCN Coalition is thrilled by the news and strides made toward bringing farmers new strategies and tools for fighting SCN, a parasitic threat that costs farmers an estimated $1.5 billion each year.

The mission
“Our objective was to focus on the nematode and understand how SCN is adapting to reproduce on resistant soybean varieties,” Mitchum says.  

The research team has also been working closely with soybean breeders on the soybean genes and gene combinations that provide genetic resistance. “We want to know which genes and gene combinations are most effective against which soybean cyst nematode populations,” Mitchum explains.  

Knowing how these SCN genes and soybean genes interact and evolve will help the industry identify the virulence profile of SCN populations so farmers can make better use of the genetic resistance currently available for fighting SCN. It will also guide the development of future tools.

Putting discovery to work for farmers
The next steps include focusing on high-priority candidates within those key regions to functionally confirm these genes have a role in nematode virulence on resistant plants.  

“Once we prove which genes are contributing to virulence on specific genetic resistance like Peking or PI 88788, then we can develop a way to track this in a field population,” Mitchum says. She expects it will take a year or two to pinpoint the gene(s).   

Proving a gene’s role in virulence is time-consuming and challenging, so parallel efforts will also be underway to develop markers that correlate with virulence in field populations. That would give the industry what it needs to start developing tracking tools, fast-tracking the delivery of solutions for farmers.  
“We’re trying to take it a step beyond whether a farmer has SCN. We want to give farmers the ability to choose which genetic resistance type will be most effective based on the SCN readout for their field,” Mitchum says. “It’s going to be very important that the breeders continually bring in those different resistant gene combinations.”  

Checkoff investments paved the way for this breakthrough
“This breakthrough wouldn’t have happened without the investment of soybean farmers’ checkoff dollars in a collaborative, multistate North Central Soybean Research Program project involving nematologists, genome scientists and soybean breeders,” Mitchum says. Funds invested in the early stages of research for SCN genome sequencing laid the foundation that got us to where we are today.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/16/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 16, ethanol production picked up by 2.4% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.12 million gallons daily. Output was 4.8% more than the same week last year and 11.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.09 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 0.9% to 23.6 million barrels. Stocks were 3.4% more than the same week last year and 6.0% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but thinned across the other regions. Notably, West Coast (PADD 5) stocks dropped another 5% to their lowest levels since mid-April 2022.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 1.6% to 9.19 million b/d (141.31 bg annualized). Demand was 3.2% more than a year ago and even with the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 1.4% to 919,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.13 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 0.4% more than year-ago levels and 0.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 82,000 b/d (3.4 million gallons/day), 15.5% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 48th consecutive week.



All Fertilizer Prices Down Slightly for Fourth Consecutive Week

Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers were down again from last month during the second full week of August 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This marks the fourth week in a row that prices for all fertilizers have been lower but not by a significant amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

DAP had an average price of $745 per ton, MAP $817/ton, potash $501/ton and urea $500/ton. 10-34-0 had an average price of $640/ton, anhydrous $678/ton, UAN28 $337/ton and UAN32 $376/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.59/lb.N.

Prices for all but three fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are 6% lower, 10-34-0 is 9% less expensive, potash is 10% lower and urea is 13% less expensive in price compared to a year prior. DAP is 1% higher, MAP is 7% more expensive and anhydrous is 8% higher looking back to last year.



North American cattle industry leaders meet to discuss common challenges facing producers across Canada, United States and Mexico

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the 3rd 2024 triannual trilateral meeting with its North American counterparts, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference this week. The trilateral meeting gives an opportunity for leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, United States and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026 and international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.

“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America and with the upcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends to the south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together, to push back against non-tariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers. – Nathan Phinney, CCA President

“NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across North America. In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG, and NCBA continue standing together to push back against lab-grown proteins. These lab-grown protein companies are trying to capitalize from the incredible reputation of real beef in their efforts to sell ultra-processed products created in bio-reactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab-grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion with our products that are made with only one ingredient, beef.” - NCBA President Mark Eisele.  

Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market-based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA and CNOG are emphasizing the success that it continues to bring to our industry.  

At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges including non-tariff barriers we’re facing in other jurisdictions and international commitments that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global one-health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.  

CCA, NCBA and CNOG leadership determined a unified approach to address international challenges facing the countries' producers and will continue to work on these files together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio, Texas in 2025.  



PLC Highlights USDA Study Showing the Value of Livestock Grazing

A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has once again confirmed the value of livestock grazing as a tool to protect western rangelands from devastating wildfire. The Public Lands Council (PLC), which represents ranchers who hold federal grazing permits, hailed this research as more proof of the important role livestock grazing plays in protecting our natural resources.
 
“In a year where wildfire has run rampant across the West, this study is a great reminder that livestock grazing must be an integral part of land management and wildfire mitigation. We continue to see the scientific community confirm what generations of ranchers have demonstrated: managed livestock grazing is the best, most nimble tool to support biodiversity, protect wildlife habitat, and stabilize ecosystems plagued by fire and invasive species,” said PLC President and Colorado grazing permittee Mark Roeber. “This study should be heeded by media outlets and environmental activists who have wrongly called for the end of livestock grazing because if you don’t have grazing in the West, you don’t have conservation.”
 
According to USDA-ARS, the study demonstrated that grazing supports reduction of fine fuels that pose huge risks in sagebrush ecosystems that are prone to fire. By applying targeted grazing in these landscapes, managers are able to create effective fuel breaks to slow fire activity and improve suppression efforts. Conversely, when grazing is excluded invasive annual grasses run rampant, resulting in a higher fire risk, lower biodiversity, and lower utilization from wildlife.
 
“USDA’s research clearly demonstrates that stakeholders like the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service should be confident in their partnership with public lands ranchers,” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “Public lands ranchers invest in careful management of hundreds of millions of acres to make landscapes more resilient to risks like fire and invasive species. As we look in the future, it is clear that grazed landscapes will increasingly be held as prime examples of healthy, well-managed public lands, and we’ll all have federal lands ranchers to thank.”



Amy France Elected National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman During Annual August Board Meeting

The National Sorghum Producers board of directors elected Amy France of Scott City, Kansas, as chairwoman at the board’s annual August board and budget meeting.

“It is a true honor to serve as chairwoman of NSP. Just as in farming, many fine people have blazed the trail before me, so that we can achieve the things we do today,” France said. “I’m grateful for past leadership, and their examples, and look forward to continuing to carry the torch for sorghum and agriculture in this most important time.”

France operates a family farm in the semi-arid western Kansas region, producing grain sorghum, corn, wheat and black Angus cattle. She and her husband, Clint, are third-generation farmers, working alongside their oldest son. France has served on the NSP board of directors since 2018.

In addition to France, the NSP board elected Garrett Love of Montezuma, Kansas, as vice chairman, and Craig Meeker, of Wellington, Kansas, will continue to serve the board as past chairman. Barry Evans of Kress, Texas, and Dustin Borden of Gruver, Texas, were also elected to the board as directors.

The NSP board of directors now includes:
    Amy France, Chairwoman - Scott City, Kansas
    Garrett Love, Vice Chairman - Montezuma, Kansas
    Craig Meeker, Past Chairman - Wellington, Kansas
    Marc Adams - Lubbock, Texas
    Dustin Borden - Gruver, Texas
    Barry Evans - Kress, Texas
    Scott Frazier - Chapman Ranch, Texas
    Doug Keesling - Chase, Kansas
    Kent Martin - Alva, Oklahoma
    Larry Richardson - Vega, Texas
    Tom Willis - Liberal, Kansas

Kody Carson, former past chairman from Olton, Texas, and Danny Beyer from Odem, Texas, will conclude their terms as directors in September and will be recognized for their service at the board’s annual meeting in December.

New directors and officers will begin their 2024-2025 board term starting October 1. View NSP’s entire leadership team at SorghumGrowers.com.



Hubbard Feeds introduces Recharge®, a new product line for beef cattle

Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, has introduced Recharge®, an innovative solution for beef cattle designed to optimize intake, enhance performance, and increase profitability. Recharge utilizes advanced nutritional technologies that promote cattle well-being and support performance during challenging periods. This product helps cattle cope with stress, contributing to their overall vitality and productivity. Recharge provides a proactive approach to herd management, focusing on holistic nutrition strategies for cattle wellness.

The line of products includes:
    Recharge 0.5 Pellet
    Recharge Micro 6g Premix
    Recharge Drench
    Recharge Block

“Recharge uses unique nutritional technologies to enhance cattle health.  Keeping cattle healthy is the key to optimizing intakes, performance, and ultimately, profitability,” said Dr. Mark Klemesrud, ruminant nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds. “Feeding Recharge to cattle during stress events can enhance health and improve feed intakes and performance.”

Feedlot results have shown:
    Optimizes dry matter intake
    Improved ADG and Feed Efficiency
    Higher % cattle qualifying for drug-free program

“We fed the Recharge pellet to approximately 300 head of calves and the intake increase was significant in just a three to four-day period. We saw fewer sick calves and it helped to even out intakes,” said Recharge customer, Steve Beeson of Dante, SD. “The 0.5-pound inclusion rate was very simple. Calves are more active and ready to eat. Even when the weather fluctuated, they stayed at a consistent feed intake. Buy it, it works.”