Tuesday February 11 Ag News

Your daily grind: ruminations about roughage quality and processing
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator

Rod Giese and the staff at Mighty Giant, grinder manufacturer in Beemer, NE (Home - Mighty Giant), invite you to join them for an afternoon conversation on roughage quality vs processing cost.

Welcome and registration for the program will take place at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, NE at 2:45 pm on February 20 immediately after the 2025 Feedlot Roundtable concludes at the same venue.

The presentation will begin at 3:00 p.m.

This program is designed to inform roughage (hay, stalks, or straw) buyers and other decision-makers (owners and managers) of beef and dairy operations of tradeoffs in quality and processing cost. Consulting and feed company nutritionists who advise owners and managers of dairy and beef operations on roughage inclusion and quality are also welcome to attend.

There is no cost to attend this event. However, we would kindly appreciate it if you would indicate to Jodi Field at jfield@mightygiant.com your intention to attend. This will permit us the opportunity to plan for snacks and refreshments.



New LENRD Directors take Oath of Office, Changes are made in Board Leadership

As a result of the election in November, the LENRD Board of Directors welcomed two new Directors earlier this month. At the beginning of January, Andy Hrabanek and Lee Klein took the Oath of Office and became the newest Directors to serve Subdistrict 4 and Subdistrict 2. Hrabanek, Battle Creek, replaced Director Rod Zohner to serve Subdistrict 4 while Klein, Norfolk, replaced director Mark Hall to serve Subdistrict 2.

Hall was elected to the LENRD Board in 2016, while Zohner was elected in 2021. Both have been invaluable Directors, and we thank them for the years dedicated to serving their constituents while focusing on the conservation of natural resources.

Jay Reikofski, Anthony Wisnieski, Jerry Allemann, Matt Steffen, and Gary Loftis were re-elected to serve another term.

With a new election cycle comes a change of leadership for the Board: Chairman, Matt Steffen; Vice-Chairman, Jay Reikofski; Secretary, Kris Loberg; Treasurer, Jerry Allemann; NARD Delegate, Gary Loftis; NARD Alternate, Jerry Allemann.

New Groundwater Irrigated Acres Approved
For the first time in recent history, LENRD Board of Directors allowed an application period for new irrigated acres in the LENRD Quantity Management Subareas. Quantity Management Subareas were created on January 24, 2013, for the protection of groundwater quantity in portions of the District where additional controls are necessary to minimize pumping conflicts and protect groundwater supplies without imposing unnecessary controls in other parts of the District. Of the 23 applications received within the Quantity Management Subareas (mainly in Pierce and Madison Counties), 10 were approved allowing 310.33 new groundwater irrigated acres in those subareas.

LENRD Quantity Management Subarea 2025 Water Use Amounts for Irrigation Wells
Although 310.33 new groundwater irrigated acres were approved for Quantity Management Subareas, the water use allocation amounts remain unchanged from their creation in 2013.

Eastern Madison County
    Gravity/Flood Irrigation – 18 Acre Inches/Acre
    Subsurface Drip Irrigation – 13 Acre Inches/Acre
    All other systems (center pivots) – 14 Acre Inches/Acre

Wayne County
    Gravity/Flood Irrigation – 17 Acre Inches/Acre
    Subsurface Drip Irrigation – 12 Acre Inches/Acre
    All other systems (center pivots) – 13 Acre Inches/Acre



Attorney General Hilgers Leads 23 State Coalition in Criticizing Biden-Harris Dietary Recommendations

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers led 23 states in pushing back against dietary recommendations made by a committee appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration. Every five years, the federal government publishes the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” The Biden-Harris committee recommended that the new guidelines list beans, peas, and lentils as the best source of protein and move meat, poultry, and eggs to last on the list of recommended sources of protein.

“As common-sense Americans know, animal-based protein like beef and eggs has been and continues to be a staple in a healthy diet. The Biden-Harris Administration’s radical recommendation to get protein from beans instead of beef shows why the federal government should stay out telling Americans what to eat. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration to correct these out-of-touch ideas and to help Americans make science-based dietary choices,” said Attorney General Hilgers.

The benefits of animal-based proteins, like beef, for a healthy diet are well known. No other food has as much protein, calorie for calorie, as beef and other meats. Sufficient protein consumption is linked to satiety, proper childhood development, combating anemia, and building and maintaining muscle. Beef is also an excellent source of micronutrients, which contribute to metabolic functioning, cognitive development, and hormone regulation. In addition to pointing out the necessity of beef and other animal-based sources of protein for a balanced diet, the comment also criticizes the Biden-Harris Administration for making dietary recommendations based on “health equity” considerations.

Nebraska Cattlemen President-elect Craig Uden stated, “If the goal of the Dietary Guidelines is to make Americans healthier, we should consider not only the essential nutrients in beef, but also the opportunity beef provides to lower American’s caloric intake. It takes about twice the calories of beans, peas, and/or lentils to get the same amount of protein from beef. If we’re working together to keep America Healthy, there is no better protein source than beef.”

“The dietary guidelines have failed Americans. Since the federal government injected itself into our dietary choices fifty years ago, obesity rates have skyrocketed, and our Nation’s health has declined,” said Hilgers. “We are proud to lead our sister states in this effort to turn back the radical recommendations of the Biden-Harris Administration and reassure the public that beef and other animal-based proteins should play an important role in eating a healthy diet.”

Joining Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers on the comment are attorneys general from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.



CommonGround Nebraska Coordinator Position Opportunity

CommonGround Nebraska is seeking a highly motivated and outgoing program coordinator to manage a volunteer-based agriculture advocacy program. The coordinator will plan, organize, implement and facilitate a variety of events along with all other activities including budgeting, communication, media/public relations, reporting and additional duties.

CommonGround is a national movement of farm women who want to share information about farming, ranching and the food we grow. Consumers in the cities and suburbs are more disconnected from farm life than ever before, and that disconnect has led to misconceptions about modern farming and the people behind it.

CommonGround Nebraska is a program developed and funded by Nebraska’s corn and soybean farmers through their checkoff investments and is affiliated with the national CommonGround program. The heart of this program is the farm women volunteers who have conversations with consumers about food and how it’s grown and raised. Using shared values, personal experiences, and science and research, the goal is to help consumers sort through the myths and misinformation surrounding food, labels, and farming.

Please visit commongroundnebraska.com for additional information or contact Jill or Sophia. Letter of interest and resume are due March 7, 2025.

Jill Bookhout
Nebraska Corn Board
Jill.Bookhout@nebraska.gov
O: 402-471-3444 | C: 402-480-4971

Sophia Svanda
Nebraska Soybean Board
sophia@nebraskasoybeans.org
O: 402-441-3240

CommonGround Nebraska is a jointly funded program by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB).



I-29 MooU webinar to feature Immune response and immunity to HPAI in dairy cattle

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, with Dr. Kaitlyn Sarlo Davila discussing the results of several studies to define the kinetics of protective immunity in cattle infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Dr. Kaitlyn Sarlo Davila is an animal scientist researching mastitis at the USDA ARS National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. She has also been researching the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in dairy cattle.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/IMMUNERESPONSE.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Madison Kovarna, 605-688-4116.



Record-High Prices and a Downside Risk Summary
Stephen R. Koontz, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University

The first quarter of the calendar year is typically soft for cattle and beef markets. But not this year. Live cattle futures and cash liveweights have traded above $2 per pound. Nebraska and Iowa-Minnesota have been the strongest regional markets in the 5-Area report. With the information in the now-annual USDA Cattle report from 1/31, the supply side of the market outlook for 2025 is fairly straightforward. Tight supplies are here to stay and there is no substantial evidence of herd building. When herd building does commence then heifers in the feeder mix will be reduced, and this will further tighten supplies.

In such a market, what are the downside risks? This is the question I’ve been getting in outlook forums for the past month. Only one downside risk is supply-related. Carcass weights remain substantial and the average steer weight was 962 pounds the peak week in January. The prior high was two weeks at 960 pounds last year. The pattern in heifer weights is the same. It will be interesting, and important, to see the magnitude of any seasonal decline in weights through the spring. How much of the 40-pound increase based on the same week of the year prior persists? With lower corn prices and longer feeding periods then heavy weights will persist. But how heavy and what are the possible further increases? But I am doubtful there will be surprises here.

The surprises will be in the margins and on the demand side. Packer margins have been tight for several years and there is little in the supply outlook to imply relief. The surprise will likely be reduced packing capacity sometime in the next several years. Which plants and what regions? The smallest plants in the regions with the tightest supplies. It will be interesting to see what the resiliency of the processing food system discussion transitions into. Packing capacity is overbuilt for the cattle market we will see during three to five years.

Market outlook talks for the prior three to five years have mentioned very little about completing meat prices. High-priced feed grains are more difficult for those industries. Until the January Crop production report, we saw substantially lower costs of production. Regardless, the cost of protein production is much lower than in prior years. At some point, pork margins will improve, and avian influenza will be mitigated. The production of competing meats will increase then and pressure persistently high beef prices.

My recommendation to cow-calf producers is to take the time to learn and get comfortable with LRP and options. Forward selling at record-high prices is probably not a bad thing to do. Figure out what you are most comfortable doing and importantly explaining to business partners. The next several years are likely to be rather forgiving – but still with substantial downside risk. And I am sure I haven’t mentioned something that will reveal itself to be important in the above list.



TEXAS CATTLEMAN TAKES THE REINS AS NEW CHAIR OF THE CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD

Cattle producers Ryan Moorhouse of Texas, Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma and Terry Quam of Wisconsin are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). Elected by their fellow CBB members at the 2025 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, this new officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2025.

Moorhouse, the 2024 vice chair, is now the CBB’s chair, while DeVuyst will transition from her role as the 2024 secretary-treasurer to become the 2025 vice chair. Quam is the newest member of the officer team, taking on DeVuyst’s former responsibilities as secretary-treasurer.

Moorhouse grew up in North Central Texas on his family’s cow/calf and stocker operation. After graduating from Texas A & M University, he went to work for Continental Grain Cattle Feeding (now Five Rivers). He currently serves as the general manager for Hartley Feeders, a Five Rivers Cattle Feeding operation. A resident of Amarillo, Texas, Moorhouse, his wife Colette and their two sons also operate a stocker operation back home on part of the family ranch.

"As we look ahead to 2025, the beef industry continues to face new challenges and opportunities,” Moorhouse said. “From navigating changing consumer preferences to addressing sustainability and global competition, the role of the Beef Checkoff has never been more critical. I’m honored to serve as chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and to work alongside other dedicated producers and industry leaders. Together, we’ll continue to identify innovative ways to drive demand for beef, ensuring its place on plates and in hearts worldwide while upholding the values and traditions that make our industry strong."

Vice Chair DeVuyst and her husband, Eric, own DeVuyst Ranch, a cow-calf and stocker operation. DeVuyst is also a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and head of its Ag Econ department. DeVuyst is involved with numerous agricultural organizations, including Oklahoma CattleWomen, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Pawnee County CattleWomen, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and American National CattleWomen. She’s also a faculty advisor for the Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen and is a past board member of the Western Agricultural Economics Association.

Secretary-Treasurer Terry Quam operates an Angus seedstock operation, Marda Angus Farms, in Lodi, Wisconsin. Since 1940, the farm has raised cattle that meet the needs of commercial cattlemen and purebred producers throughout the country. Quam has been a longtime, active member of his community and the agricultural industry at large. His activities and leadership roles include the Wisconsin Beef Council, NCBA, Farm Bureau, local and state Cattlemen’s associations, president of the Lodi Agricultural Fair, chairman of the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms, the Cotton and Wisconsin Corn Boards and Wisconsin Corn Growers.

"I’m excited to welcome this exceptional officer team as they step into their leadership roles for 2025,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Each of them brings a unique perspective and a shared passion for advancing our industry. I’m confident their dedication and vision will help the Beef Checkoff continue to create meaningful opportunities and overcome the challenges we face. Together, we’ll build on our shared commitment to driving beef demand and ensuring a brighter future for all beef industry stakeholders."

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



2025 Pioneer Agronomy Research Summary Book Provides Key Research Findings

The 2025 Pioneer Agronomy Research Summary book continues to serve as a resource for farmers and agricultural professionals. This year’s edition — available in both print and digital forms — highlights key research findings and provides historical insights that reinforce agronomy’s role in advancing crop production.

This year’s edition covers a wide range of corn, soybean and specialty crop topics, such as:
•          Field Evaluation of Reduced Stature Corn
•          Corn Stunt Disease in the U.S.
•          Harnessing the Power of Biological Nitrogen Fixation
•          Red Crown Rot in Soybeans
•          And much more

First introduced in 1992, the Agronomy Research Summary has evolved from a concise field research overview to a comprehensive resource that includes in-depth crop management analyses and emerging agricultural trends. This year’s edition also celebrates Pioneer’s history of agronomy, spotlighting the people, events and innovations that have shaped its legacy.

“Pioneer has two main priorities with this publication which include scientific rigor and depth of knowledge,” said Mark Jeschke, Corteva Agriscience Agronomy Manager and primary author of the publication. “We strive to present the current scientific understanding around a given topic and ensure that conclusions reflect the data. In addition, we try to go beyond just presenting plot results and dig into the how and why of crop management products and practices, as well as explore trends and technologies poised to impact crop production.”