Thursday January 30 Ag News

Is all high-moisture corn created equal?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

While harvesting corn to be preserved at high moisture or, while formulating diets with it, the question that comes to mind is: just because it is labeled high moisture corn, does it mean it will feed like high-moisture corn? Along these lines, a second question would be (and it has been), what proportion should I blend it with dry rolled corn for optimum performance? A fair amount of research work has gone into answering the second question. About the first question. We all have assumed that just because it is labeled high-moisture corn it should behave like high-moisture corn. Incidentally, research work and field applications have demonstrated that feeding high-moisture corn lowers feed intake of feedlot cattle likely due to fast fermentability. Also, summaries of studies indicate it has greater energy value than dry rolled corn. This is the main reason many feedlots use high-moisture corn in their diets. While the goal at harvest to preserve corn at high moisture is to proceed when the kernel has reached maturation (black layer) and long before moisture concentrations drop to 25% or lower,

realities of harvest logistics, varieties, field areas and sites, etc. define the final moisture content. A recent evaluation of moisture content in high moisture corn samples submitted to Dairy One, a large nutrition laboratory in New York, revealed a tendency for lower moisture in corn harvested in recent years. If moisture content of the grain drives fermentability (it should), it would follow that the answer to question 2 is heavily dependent on the answer to question 1. Through a series of statistical approaches, I determined how moisture in high-moisture corn affects both intake and energy value. It turns out that as moisture in grain increases, intake decreases but (or because) energy value increases. We all suspected this but couldn’t measure it. Yet, while attempting to answer this question, indications of how high moisture corn to use in combination with dry rolled corn emerged. The concept at the center of this analysis is: moisture contained in high-moisture corn is responsible for its faster fermentability and better performance. When considered within the context of the grain content in a feedlot diet (the sum of high moisture and dry corn grain expressed as dry matter), moisture in high-moisture corn decreases intake while increasing energy value of the diet. Therefore, moisture in high-moisture corn becomes the trading unit to determine what proportion to feed it relative to dry rolled corn. If harvest resulted in low moisture (25%) corn, then the grain mix should be comprised of more high-moisture- and less dry rolled corn to compensate for lower moisture in high-moisture corn. At the upper end of moisture considered in the analysis (35%), a grain mix containing 100% high-moisture corn delivers 54% moisture to the grain mix (moisture/dry matter). At this level of inclusion (100% to facilitate adjusting diet calculations), this proportion is only dependent on high-moisture corn moisture content. According to the analysis, intake is most affected while the most energy is derived at the highest moisture content. The concern here is not the energy value but feeding management (on-time deliveries, sufficient bunk space, etc.) and, more

importantly, losses of dry matter from the material while ensiling. These losses can be as high as 6%, nullifying any gains made by storing corn with moisture greater than 30%. Thus, on the low end of moisture in high-moisture corn (22%), cattle might not perform as well as on the upper end (35%), but, on the upper end, dry matter losses reduce efficiency also. This is sufficient reason to plan to harvest corn destined for preservation at high moisture with 29% to 33% moisture content. At either side of this range, mixing dry rolled- and high moisture corn are required to optimize feeding management. Using results from this analysis, trade factors were calculated between corn stored at 20% to 35% moisture and high-moisture corn inclusion of 0 to 100% of the grain mix. A factor of 2.5 units of inclusion for every unit of moisture prevailed when inclusion of high-moisture corn was desired at between 40% and 60% of the grain mix. Concurrently, from a material preservation and desirable energy value, the optimum moisture concentration to preserve corn is 30%. If, for instance, harvest factors forced moisture content down to 25%. All other factors constant, this differential may be made up using the trade factor defined above (2.5 points of inclusion in the grain mix for 1 point of moisture) by an increase in high-moisture corn inclusion in the grain mix of 12.5 percentage units.

The answer then to the question whether all high-moisture corn is created equal is no. Moisture content at harvest determines the energy value of high-moisture corn and its effect on intake. This analysis only focused on moisture content. Other factors such as particle size play a role in utilization of this fine feed in the feedlot. Information on particle size and performance response is scant but deserves further evaluation. Hopefully, I will run into sufficient information on this subject to provide informed decision-making tools.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Plays Pivotal Role in Shaping National Agriculture Policy at the 106th American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Elected delegates from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation (NEFB) took part in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual policy session at the 106th AFBF Convention in San Antonio, TX. Just under 400 delegates from state Farm Bureaus gathered together to discuss several hundred federal policy resolutions which once passed, become the playbook of the policy work the organization focuses on for the year. Federal policy passed at the NEFB Annual Meeting back in December of 2024 including substantial support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and needed reforms to USDA loan programs all became part of AFBF policy.  New policy regarding the impact of tariffs on farm and ranch inputs was also adopted.

“Policy developed and passed at the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual meeting, again received significant support amongst the voting delegates. As a grassroots organization with a successful policy development process, we take great pride in our ability to help shape the policy of the largest farm and ranch organization in the country,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.

Among the largest wins secured by NEFB was a significant amount of policy passed supporting the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry. As the nation’s second largest producer of ethanol, approved carbon sequestration pipeline infrastructure moving forward, and ample support amongst decision makers around the state, Nebraska has the opportunity to quickly become a leader in this emerging market.

“Outside of simply supporting the industry, AFBF voting delegates also approved policy to require SAF made in the U.S. only use U.S. produced feedstocks which will help ensure imported products, like used cooking oil from China, don’t qualify for U.S. taxpayer supported tax credits. Delegates also approved language supporting a farmer's ability to use a variety of conservation practices to produce SAF feedstocks, rather than simply a few as was the case with the rules surrounding the 40B tax credit funded through the Inflation Reduction Act,” said McHargue.

Delegates also supported Nebraska’s resolution focused on providing needed updates to USDA loan programs, including those used by young and beginning farmers and ranchers. The policy focused on providing more certainty to farm and ranch families who utilize loan programs by allowing for more permanency on funding regardless of changes to financial or family status. Language was also adopted to support a pre-approval process for USDA loans as this on-going issue greatly impacts beginning farmers and ranchers who try to purchase land at auction.

“The rules governing USDA loans need to fit within the real world and be flexible for the many challenges and changes farmers and ranchers regularly work through. USDA’s inability to grant new and beginning farmers pre-approval letters which document the amount of money the individual is approved to borrow, regularly limits their ability to purchase farm ground and usually ends up costing them more in lending fees. Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon was able to secure language in the House version of the new Farm Bill, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to address this significant challenge,” said McHargue.

Given President Trumps regular threat to utilize tariffs to address actions taken by other countries, the discussion of trade and tariffs also took center stage. Both AFBF and NEFB have significant policy in support of free and expanded trade. At the same time, we know President Trump has and continues to utilize tariffs as a way to address both economic and national security issues.

“After four years of relative inaction by the Biden administration on the subject of trade, NEFB stands ready to work to find new trading partners and hold our existing partners to the agreements negotiated and approved. The policy approved by our national delegates focuses on the need for diligence when tariffs affect agricultural and business inputs,” said McHargue.

With a new Congress, President Trump back at the White House, and new leadership across all federal agencies, NEFB is ready to get to work helping to ensure the economic futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.

In addition to policy development, a series of Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events occurred during AFBF’s Annual Meeting. David Schuler, a Morrill County Farm Bureau member, competed as Nebraska’s representative in the YF&R Discussion Meet. Grant Jones of Chase County Farm Bureau was recognized as Nebraska’s competitor for the Achievement in Agriculture award.



1099 TAX FORMS FOR AG PRODUCERS
Shannon Sand, Extension Educator

Farmers and ranchers regularly pay for services from individuals who are not their fulltime employees. Typical compensation includes wages or other payments to self-employed workers and contractors, and rent paid to landowners. Under IRS regulations, a 1099 form should be issued to certain non-employees who perform services and are paid over $600 in a calendar year.

Reporting this information to the IRS helps ensure the receiver pays appropriate taxes on the income. This requirement can be broken down into three elements: (1) $600 or more paid during the calendar year; (2) to someone who is an individual, LLC, partnership, or trust; and (3) for services. These forms are sent early in the calendar year, so recipients have adequate time for tax preparation. For additional information about this topic and more you can go to cap.unl.edu



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board will hold its next meeting on January 30, 2025 at the Holthus Convention Center located at 3130 Holen Ave., York, Nebraska.

The Board will conduct regular business. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. The complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org.

The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Feedlot Roundtables Kick Off Feb. 18

Nebraska Extension invites feedlot owners, managers, employees, and allied industry professionals to join the Nebraska Feedlot Extension for a series of timely discussions on feedlot management. The 2025 Feedlot Roundtable will take place February 18-20, offering valuable insights into best practices and innovative strategies for the feedlot industry.

Program Highlights
Key topics to be covered include:
    Managing hairy heel wart in the feedyard
    Leveraging cattle implant strategies for greater gains
    UNL research updates
    Market outlook presented by UNL Extension and Nebraska Cattlemen

Additionally, Pete Anderson with Midwest PMS will lead a session on “People Management – The Key to Outstanding Feedyard Performance.”

Event Details
The program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $20, which can be paid online at the time of registration or at the door. Lunch will be provided.

Locations:
    February 18th: Bridgeport, NE – Prairie Winds Community Center
    February 19th: Gothenburg, NE – Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center
    February 20th: West Point, NE – Nielsen Community Center

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, February 14, and can be completed online at: https://go.unl.edu/2025roundtable.

This year’s Feedlot Roundtable promises to deliver practical, research-based solutions tailored to the challenges and opportunities faced by feedlot operations. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts, learn new strategies, and connect with peers.



Discover sorghum’s impact at the 2025 Symposium & Annual Banquet

How is sorghum driving advancements in sustainability, renewable energy, and nutrition? Discover the answers at the 2025 Nebraska Sorghum Symposium on Wednesday, March 12, at the Raising Nebraska Building in Grand Island. This event brings together experts, policymakers, and producers to explore the opportunities shaping Nebraska agriculture and beyond.

“This symposium offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with leading experts and explore the latest advancements in sorghum,” said Nebraska Sorghum Executive Director Kristine Dvoracek-Jameson. “With new developments like the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and growing global demand for sorghum, the possibilities for this crop are greater than ever.”

Attendees will hear from industry leaders, policymakers, and agricultural innovators as they discuss emerging markets, agronomic breakthroughs, and the economic potential of sorghum. The symposium will address the most pressing topics for producers and highlight opportunities for Nebraska’s agricultural sector to thrive.

The day will conclude with a reception and the annual awards banquet. Join us in celebrating the outstanding contributions to Nebraska’s sorghum industry and honoring those who have made a significant impact on the sector.

The event is open to the public, but registration is required for both the symposium and banquet. Registration is available here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-ne-sorghum-symposium-annual-banquet-tickets-1147284030419?aff=oddtdtcreator.



Ricketts Votes to Confirm Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Wednesday issued the following statement after voting to confirm Lee Zeldin as the Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

“Biden’s EPA attacked an all-the-above American energy approach to appease radical environmentalists. His delusional mandates hurt Nebraska producers and industry. Lee Zeldin will help President Trump’s EPA return to its core mission – protecting people and the environment. He’s committed to a more balanced, transparent approach to rulemaking. This includes regulations critical for renewable fuel stakeholders and farmers in the state of Nebraska. He will support innovation instead of regulation. I appreciate his commitment to leverage the potential of liquid fuels, including biofuels, to unlock America’s full energy potential.”



IRFA Congratulates Lee Zeldin on Confirmation as EPA Administrator

Yesterday the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulated former New York Representative Lee Zeldin on being confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“IRFA members congratulate Mr. Zeldin and look forward to working with the EPA under his leadership. Big issues await action. First on the list is ensuring that consumers do not lose access year-round to lower-cost E15. EPA must also move quickly to propose renewable fuel standard (RFS) blending levels in line with what Congress intended. We encourage Administrator Zeldin to fully pursue the important role biofuels can play to secure U.S. energy dominance.”



NCGA Congratulates New EPA Administrator After Senate Confirmation

The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Lee Zeldin to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In response to this development, Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:

“We want to congratulate Administrator Zeldin for being confirmed by the Senate to lead EPA. We look forward to working with him on issues of great importance to corn growers, such as increasing ethanol blends and ensuring access to inputs required to produce food, feed, and fuel. It was particularly encouraging to hear Administrator Zeldin say during his confirmation hearing that he understood the importance of extending year-round, nationwide access to E15.  We invite the administrator to use us as a resource as he and his colleagues make decisions about these and other issues of importance to the agricultural community.”



NCBA Congratulates Lee Zeldin on Confirmation as EPA Administrator

Wednesday, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement congratulating Lee Zeldin on his confirmation as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“For too long, the EPA has stood for ‘Ending Production Agriculture.’ Under Administrator Zeldin, we look forward to an EPA that acknowledges the conservation efforts that are only made possible by cattle farmers and ranchers—America’s original conservationists. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulates Administrator Zeldin on his bipartisan confirmation, and we look forward to working with him to protect the clean water and healthy soil that American agriculture relies on every day.”



Dairy Beef Short Course to feature management of dairy-beef crossbreds

Feedlot producers should plan to attend the 2025 Dairy Beef Short Course on March 25 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year’s program features unique aspects of managing dairy-beef crossbreds such as implants, vaccinations, early calf nutrition, and feedlot economics. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Beth Doran said that while dairy-beef crossbreds differ from straight-bred beef cattle, they have some positive aspects.

“Dairy-beef crossbreds tend to have more marbling and better yield grades, although on average there is more sickness and greater carcass price discounts,” she said. “However, dairy-beef animals can provide opportunities for cattle feeders such as source verification and pen uniformity.”

The Dairy Beef Short Course features a broad range of topics and speakers.
    Update on Implants – Zachary Smith, South Dakota State University
    Vaccination Management – Jennifer Spencer, Texas A&M University
    Preparing Dairy-Beef Calves for the Feedlot – Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University
    Research on Dairy-Beef Crossbreds in the Feedlot – Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University
    Economics of Dairy-Beef in the Feedlot – Melanie Pimentel-Concepcion, Michigan State U
    Hoof Lameness in Feedlot Cattle – Sara Erickson, TELUS Agricultural

The short course will be held at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, and runs from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The agenda and other details are available on the I-29 Moo U website here https://i-29moou.com/dairy-beef-short-course.

Registration will be available online beginning Jan. 31 at https://go.iastate.edu/DBSC25. Fee is $75, plus $15 if a printed copy of the proceedings is desired. Student fee is $20. Registration closes March 14.

The Dairy Beef Short Course is offered by the I-29 Moo University - a collaboration of Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, University of Minnesota, and South Dakota State University, and sponsoring organizations.

For more information, contact Doran by phone at 712-737-4230 or email at doranb@iastate.edu.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/24/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 24, ethanol production dropped 7.6% to 1.02 million b/d, equivalent to 42.63 million gallons daily and the lowest weekly output since the end of September 2024. Still, output was 2.4% higher than the same week last year and even with the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 2.2% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.57 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks eased 0.6% to 25.7 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 6.0% more than the same week last year and 5.1% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but built across the other regions, including a 41-week high in the Midwest (PADD 2).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded 2.7% to 8.30 million b/d (127.62 bg annualized). Demand was 1.9% more than a year ago but 0.1% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.5% to 832,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.79 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.5% more than year-ago levels and 0.2% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports increased 5.9% to an estimated 179,000 b/d (7.5 million gallons/day). It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Fertilizer Prices Continue Mostly Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be slightly higher than a month ago, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the third full week of January 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive week most prices have been higher. Six fertilizer prices are higher while two are lower. As has been the case in recent months, no fertilizer had a sizeable price increase or decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The six slightly higher fertilizers are DAP, which had an average price of $739; urea $492/ton; 10-34-0 $616/ton; anhydrous $737/ton; UAN28 $326/ton; and UAN32 $367/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly less expensive than a month ago. MAP had an average price of $809/ton while potash is at $443/ton looking back a month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.45/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Three fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year ago. DAP, MAP and 10-34-0 are all 1% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining five fertilizers are lower. UAN28 is 3% lower, anhydrous is 4% less expensive, UAN32 is 6% lower, urea is 7% less expensive and potash is 13% lower compared to last year.



Growing Our Next Generation of Leaders Through 10th Annual Give FFA Day

February 20 marks the 10th Annual Give FFA Day during National FFA Week. This day is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of more than a million FFA members across the country and growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with the mission of helping students develop their leadership skills and explore career paths in agriculture.

Funds raised on Give FFA Day support FFA and agricultural education on local, state, and national levels. During the 24 hours of giving on February 20, donors can make a philanthropic gift to the National FFA Organization and the state FFA associations of their choice. Among the many opportunities, the money raised supports special programs and events, provides iconic FFA blue jackets to students, supplements travel costs for career and leadership opportunities, and pays for teacher support and resources throughout the year.

"Give FFA Day is an opportunity for each FFA supporter to magnify their impact on the lives of more than a million FFA members when they join other donors across the country," said Kimberly Coveney, senior manager of individual giving, National FFA Foundation. "We know that every gift makes a difference, and we are grateful for our donors and their continued support and belief in our members, FFA, and agricultural education."

The National FFA Organization has already received generous matches from RFD-TV for $100,000 and John Deere for $50,000. The goal for the day is to raise $1.5 million, with the hope of exceeding last year’s efforts when supporters donated more than $1.44 million. To receive a text alert on Give FFA Day to donate directly to the National FFA Organization, visit FFA.org/GiveFFADay. Mobile payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.

"It is because of your generosity that we are able to embrace all that FFA has to offer. Our students benefit greatly from your contributions as they are given access to conferences, hands-on learning and career opportunities that equip them with skills that extend beyond high school education." said Makena Stanisai, a 2023-24 California FFA officer.

The National FFA Organization has more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more about the National FFA Organization, visit www.ffa.org.