Nebraska Extension’s Calving College: Expert-Led Webinars for Calving Success
Nebraska Extension will offer a comprehensive three-part webinar series titled “Fundamental Knowledge for Successful Calving Season”. The live webinar will be offered January 8, 13, 15, from 7:30 – 8:45 pm CT and will conclude with an interactive in-person workshop offered in four different locations on January 21-23, 2025. This engaging event will provide invaluable information for farmers, ranchers and veterinary professionals involved in the calving process.
Webinar Series Topics:
January 8, 2025. Understanding Normal. Discussion includes stages of labor, what happens to the cow and calf during delivery, recognizing and knowing how to manage abnormal, when and how to assist delivery.
January 13, 2025. First 24 hours: post-calving care for cows and calves. Reviewing normal vitals for the cow and neonatal calf and recognizing and managing complications in the first hours of life, including the importance of colostrum management.
January 15, 2025. 48 hrs and Beyond: Keeping cow and calf healthy and thriving. Topics include nutritional requirements, common health concerns, and managing environmental stress in the first 2 months of life.
Each webinar will be co-led by Dr. Becky Funk, DVM, Animal Health Teaching and NE Extension Specialist and Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, NE Extension Livestock Educator, allowing participants to engage and ask questions in real-time.
In-Person Workshop: The series will culminate in a hands-on workshop offered January 21-23, 2024, where participants can practice their skills using a life-sized cow and calf model. This unique opportunity will provide practical experience in a supportive environment, ensuring participants leave with confidence and competence.
Details of the Series:
Webinar Dates: January 8, 13, 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 8:45 pm CST
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
In-Person Workshop opportunities:
January 21, 2025. Box Butte County Extension Office. 415 Black Hills Avenue
Alliance, NE 6:00pm MST
January 22, 2025. Sandhills Public School. 107 Gandy Ave Dunning, NE 1:00pm CST
January 22, 2025. Oconto Community Center. 101 W 6th S Oconto, NE 6:00pm CST
January 23, 2025. Blue Hill Community Center. 555 W Gage St, Blue Hill, NE 6:00pm CST
Registration Fee: $80 for webinar series plus workshop, $30 for workshop only.
Register at: https://cvent.me/3YDblK
Webinar participants will receive a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources and access to the recorded webinars to view at your convenience. Participants are asked to register by December 30, 2024 to ensure resources are received before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.
For more information about the Calving College webinar series and workshop, please contact Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead at 402-746-3417 or lindsay.waechter-mead@unl.edu
Hefty's Winter Update Meeting This Friday!
Featuring Tamra Jackson-Ziems with UNL Plant Pathology
We will be disucssing chem programs, weed/disease/insect management, naturals, and fertility!
DATE: Friday, December 20th
LOCATION: West Point, NE @ The Nielsen Center
ADDRESS: 200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point, NE 68788
TIME: 10am-12pm with lunch after
Bring a friend and RSVP by calling 402-372-9900.
EXTENSION RECEIVES $300K USDA GRANT TO STRENGTHEN EXTREME WEATHER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE
Nebraska Extension has received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to engage in a statewide collaborative strategy strengthening preparedness and response capabilities to address extreme weather events.
Through the effort, Extension will work with communities across Nebraska impacted by recent severe weather to identify specific local needs and strengthen partnerships. The project will bolster preparedness and response training for Extension personnel to help communities affected by extreme weather events such as tornadoes, floods, blizzards and wildfires.
“Nebraska Extension is recognized as a local community partner that is responsive to issues that impact the lives of Nebraskans every day,” said Dave Varner, Extension associate dean and associate director. “This investment aligns with our land-grant mission, and we look forward to collaborating with both federal and local partners to help Nebraskans recover from recent extreme weather events.”
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing the one-year competitive grant through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s flagship competitive grants program for food and agricultural sciences.
As part of the project, Extension will work with local partners on strategies for protecting domestic water supplies from contamination; mitigating safety risks at homes, farms and ranches; supporting opportunities to strengthen the resilience of young children, youth, adults and caregivers; promoting safe practices for those involved in disaster response and recovery; facilitating food safety during power outages; and ensuring that disaster-struck communities have access to nutritious and affordable shelf-stable foods.
“We are grateful for this funding, which will help Nebraska Extension support individuals, families and communities as they recover from recent disasters and severe weather events,” said Soni Cochran, Extension educator and statewide disaster education coordinator. “It will also expand our outreach and disaster education efforts to strengthen the preparedness and resilience of all Nebraskans.”
Cochran is principal investigator for the project. Co-principal investigators are Varner and Kim Bearnes, Extension educator in Stanton County.
Survey results on disaster preparedness by the Federal Emergency Management Agency will aid the project, as will sources including the Nebraska Rural Poll.
“This project strengthens the capacity of Extension to work cooperatively and strategically to identify gaps and provide solutions during all phases of disasters while focusing on recovery,” Extension wrote in its grant application. “Through these efforts, Extension is dedicated to helping all people co-create a better tomorrow.”
Feedlot Forum 2025 will feature ag market outlook
What will ag markets and profitability look like the next 18 months? That is the question Chad Hart, nationally recognized market economist with Iowa State University, will address at Feedlot Forum 2025.
“We will investigate the impacts of the general economy such as inflation, exchange rates, etc., and international trade including tariffs and trade agreements on livestock and crops, along with the potential for changes in government policy and the impacts of those changes,” Hart said.
Prior to his current research role, Chad worked with the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development. In his current role, he is involved in examining the interaction between the agricultural commitments within the World Trade Organization and U.S. policy for agricultural commodities.
Iowa State University extension beef specialist Beth Doran said Hart brings a wealth of experience with ag commodity markets.
"Born and raised on a small cattle operation in southwest Missouri and active in his family’s meat locker, he has a unique perspective for the food supply chain,” she said.
Hart's presentation is one of five topics to be featured at Feedlot Forum on Jan. 14 in Sioux Center. The agenda and registration form for Feedlot Forum 2025 are available on the event website. Registration is $25 per adult or $10 per student, and is due Jan. 6.
For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
Thompson Secures Aid for America’s Producers
Today, following the release of the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement:
“The bill released this evening provides much needed relief for agriculture, including $10B in emergency economic aid, which will help address the significant losses incurred due to both weather and market related issues. This addition of economic support is an important financial bridge, one that will help mitigate the severe downturn in the agricultural economy.
"Looking ahead to the 119th Congress, I hope to move quickly to enact a five-year farm bill that aligns the farm safety net with the needs of producers, among many other policies, to minimize the need for annual economic aid.
"I appreciate the partnership of incoming-Chairman Boozman, as well as Members and stakeholders, all who quickly and effectively highlighted the needs in farm country. These tireless efforts will lessen much of the stress for the men and women who fight to produce the food, fiber, and fuel that sustains our great nation."
Fischer Secures Year-Round E-15 in CR
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after securing nationwide, year-round E15 in the upcoming continuing resolution:
“My legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. This will once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. This will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide year-round E15 a reality.”
Fischer’s legislation earned support from a historically diverse coalition of stakeholders—including those from the petroleum industry, fuel marketing and retail sector, ethanol industry, agriculture, and consumers—uniting in support of this mutually beneficial solution.
ACE Thanks Congressional Leaders for Securing Year-Round E15 in End-of-Year Package
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) commends the lawmakers who successfully included a provision for nationwide, year-round E15 in the federal funding bill. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below in reaction:
“Legislation to ensure year-round availability of E15 in the U.S. has been at the top of our to-do list for a very long time. We are enormously grateful to our champions in Congress who persistently worked to include this provision in the year-end package.
“Inclusion of this provision will drive demand for homegrown, low-carbon ethanol, tackle inflation by delivering savings at the pump for consumers and strengthen America’s energy security. We are deeply grateful to the senators and representatives who fought tirelessly to make this happen.”
ACE extends its thanks to grassroots members whose advocacy played a critical role in achieving this victory. Advocates can utilize ACE’s Action Center to call on their members of Congress in support of this provision in the end-of-year package.
RFA Welcomes Inclusion of Year-Round E15 Measure in Continuing Resolution Text
The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked congressional leaders for including a provision allowing the year-round sale of lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 in the stop-gap funding bill text released today by the House of Representatives.
“We are very pleased to see that the long-awaited fix allowing year-round E15 is included in this package,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This language would finally remove an outdated, red-tape regulatory barrier, and we remain hopeful that the continuing resolution will move swiftly through Congress and to the president’s desk for signature. Allowing year-round sales of E15 will benefit farmers, fuel retailers, and—most importantly—consumers seeking lower-cost, cleaner fuel options at the pump.”
“RFA thanks House leadership, the Energy and Commerce Committee leadership, and dozens of House members on both sides of the aisle who staunchly advocated for the inclusion of this long-overdue provision allowing year-round E15 nationwide. We also thank the many bipartisan ethanol supporters in the Senate who have worked tirelessly on this issue over the past several years, and we look forward to them quickly taking up and passing the CR.”
At an average price of $2.62 per gallon nationwide, E15 is currently selling at an 8.7% discount to E10, saving drivers an average of 26 cents with each gallon.
Growth Energy Urges Lawmakers to Support Year-End Funding Package That Includes E15 Legislative Fix
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, urged lawmakers to support a funding bill that includes a legislative fix that would allow for the year-round sale of E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% American bioethanol that costs less than standard fuel, lowers emissions, and can be used in 96% of all cars on the road today.
In response to the fix’s inclusion in a Congressional year-end funding package, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement:
"E15 lowers emissions, saves drivers money, and increases American energy dominance. Giving consumers the chance to choose this fuel year-round would be an early Christmas present to American drivers, the nation's rural communities that depend on a strong renewable fuels sector, and to the environment.”
“We are grateful for the tireless work of our numerous Congressional champions to get this bill included, and that Congressional leadership has endorsed this commonsense, bipartisan, bicameral energy solution, and encourage Senators and Representatives to vote in favor of this package so that year-round E15 becomes the law of the land.”
Chairman Thompson Announces Republican Agriculture Committee Roster for 119th Congress
Today, the House Republican Steering Committee selected the Republican members who will serve on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress. Following the announcement, Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement:
“I’m excited to welcome this strong and diverse group of legislators to the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress. This is a pivotal time for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, so we’ll hit the ground running with rigorous hearings and oversight, all to ensure we deliver legislative victories for rural America and the farm families that guarantee our nation’s food security."
Returning Members:
Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Chairman
Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03)
Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08)
Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01)
Rep. Michael Bost (IL-12)
Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN-04)
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)
Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07)
Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02)
Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL)
Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04)
Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01)
Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04)
Rep. Mary Miller (IL-15)
Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02)
Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03)
Rep. Brad Finstad (MN-01)
Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)
Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13)
Rep. John Rose (TN-06)
Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03)
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03)
New Members for the 119th Congress:
Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04)
Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08)
Rep. Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Rep. Mark Harris (NC-08)
Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08)
Rep. David Taylor (OH-02)
NOTE: The House Steering Committee is responsible for recommending Members to serve on standing Committees in the House of Representatives. The recommendations are subject to approval by the House Republican Conference.
NCGA Thrilled Craig will Lead House Ag Committee
The House Democrats selected Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) today as ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress. In response, Kenneth Hartman Jr., president of the National Corn Growers Association, released the following statement:
“We want to congratulate Rep. Craig for securing the role as ranking member on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 119th Congress.
“Rep. Craig has been a close ally of farmers in general and fierce advocate of corn growers in particular. We are thrilled by this development and look forward to working with her in the year ahead as we advance legislation important to our growers.
“We also want to thank Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) for his tireless work on behalf of our issues. He has been a true leader, and we look forward to working with him in the next Congress.”
NFU Statement on the Election of Rep. Angie Craig as Ranking Member
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement today after the election of Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) to be the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee:
“On behalf of NFU, I congratulate Representative Angie Craig on her election as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. Her deep understanding of agriculture, commitment to rural America and proven ability to work across the aisle make her a strong advocate for family farmers and ranchers.
“We look forward to collaborating with Rep. Craig to tackle the challenges facing agriculture, starting with the passage of a renewed five-year Farm Bill in the new Congress.”
USDA APHIS Shares Update on Seven New States Coming on Board for its National Milk Testing Strategy
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the second round of states coming on board as part of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) that was launched Dec. 6., and which requires that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. Today’s announcement represents the next step toward conducting complete nationwide surveillance under the NMTS and continues to build on measures taken by USDA and its federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024.
As of this announcement, the following seven states will be included in the second round of states to be brought into this testing strategy: Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington.
While the new Federal Order is effective immediately, and has been in effect since being announced Dec. 6, USDA continues to work directly with states to bring them on board as quickly as possible while also accommodating state specific needs. With this announcement and the initial announcement Dec. 6 combined, the 13 states beginning testing under the NMTS represent a geographically diverse mix of states, some of which have been affected by HPAI H5N1 in dairy cows and some of which have never detected the disease. Additionally, these first two groups of states represent eight of the top 15 dairy producing states in the country, accounting for nearly 50% of U.S. dairy production.
The first six states announced have begun sampling under the guidance of the NMTS and the new Federal Order and USDA anticipates receiving the first round of sampling during the week of Dec. 16. Results from this testing will be included in the routine testing reports shared by APHIS, and any newly affected herds will be reported on the website on the existing HPAI confirmed cases in livestock map. As has been the case since the start of this outbreak in dairy cows, any confirmed detection will be reported to local public health and state animal health officials to coordinate response efforts with our state and federal partners. The seven states announced today will begin testing soon.
NCGA Submits Comments to House Committee Advocating for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), responding to a request for information from members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, sent comments today outlining the importance of a tax credit that would provide corn growers with access to the sustainable aviation market.
The comments come as growers try to elevate the importance of the tax credit, called 45Z and part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022.
Corn grower leaders have said they want to be a part of the new market.
“NCGA believes farmers should be considered in the implementation of this tax credit because they contribute importantly to the lifecycle of biofuels,” the comments said.
The letter also noted the value the tax credit provides to domestic energy security.
“NCGA believes corn and soybean feedstocks are best suited for the 45Z tax credit to support domestic, American grown solutions. We look forward to keeping home grown fuels at the center of American energy independence and welcome further opportunities to address questions or concerns in the future.”
NCGA has been on the forefront of advocating for the tax credit and pushing the Biden administration to release realistic guidelines for accessing the credits.
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