Platte Valley Cattlemen Plan Banquet
Boyd Hellbusch, PVC President
It’s that time of year again for the Platte Valley Cattlemen 2020 annual Banquet. This year it will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at the Humphrey Community Center. We are looking forward to an enjoyable night and another outstanding banquet. Our guest speaker this year will be former Husker receiver and commentator for Husker football and men’s basketball, Matt Davison. Matt has been with the Huskers since he was a player in 1997 and played 4 seasons for the football team.
For the rest of the night we will be listening to the band “90 Proof.” We look forward to seeing you there.
Our annual Banquet is our major fundraiser for the year. Thanks to your continued support, our organization has been able to promote the beef industry and inform our members of current issues and policies. In the past, your dollars have enabled us to promote “Beef Month” in May, ensure quality speakers for our monthly meetings, offer an educational tour, promote 4-H and FFA programs at the county fairs and assist in awarding scholarships. In 2019, we were able to award two $1000.00 college scholarships and with continued support, we hope to offer two again this year.
A donation response sheet and a stamped, self-addressed envelope are enclosed for your convenience. Your response would be greatly appreciated by January 27th. Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Platte Valley Cattlemen and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 8th.
Platte Valley Equipment Breaks Ground on New Store
Platte Valley Equipment recently broke ground on a new store in Fremont, NE. Excavating and utility work has begun. The new store will feature an expanded service shop, training facilities, parts department, and showroom. The business will move from its current location at 2263 Business Park Drive, Fremont to just north of town. The move is expected to occur in late 2020.
“Our current facilities were built in 1983. Equipment has significantly grown in size since then,” said Matt Lamb, general manager. “With our additional growth in business and employee headcount, we’ve run out of space in our current facilities. We strive to offer the best experience to our employees and customers to ensure their success. Our new facilities will enable us to do that. We look forward to hosting career exploration days for area high schoolers, interactive training programs for our employees and customers, and appropriate space to service equipment and support our customers now and to the future.”
The Fremont location is the flagship of the four-store company. The new facilities will allow the local business to operate more efficiently and play a larger role in supporting its customers and area communities. Key features of the new facilities include: • 30,000 sq. ft service shop • 55,000 sq. ft total • 1,275 sq. ft of training facilities • Current facilities total 34,000 sq. ft with 18,000 sq. ft of service shop space
Owned by Brandt Holdings Company, Platte Valley Equipment, LLC is a John Deere dealership serving eastern and north-central Nebraska. From lawn mowers to combines, Platte Valley Equipment is committed to providing successful careers in local communities and a worldclass purchasing experience to ensure customer success. Founded in 1996, Platte Valley Equipment has locations in Clarkson, Fremont, Humphrey, and Wahoo.
Use the Numbers (correctly) this Bull Sale Season
Matt Spangler, UNL Associate Professor and Beef Genetics Extension Specialist
This bull sale season, profit-minded cattle producers will utilize expected progeny differences (EPD) and economic selection indices when selecting their next group of bulls. These tools are far more accurate at predicting the average difference in offspring than visual appraisal or actual weights. This is beyond contestation.
That said, it is completely unrealistic to expect all commercial bull buyers to completely understand all available EPD and economic selection indices. Commercial cattle producers have a cattle enterprise to run leaving little (if any) time to dedicate to understanding the intimate details surrounding genetic prediction. There are resources (e.g., www.ebeef.org) designed to help. Ideally, seedstock suppliers should also aid in the understanding and use of these tools. To perhaps ‘kickstart’ the process, I’ve detailed a few key points below.
1. Have a breeding objective in mind (or better yet written down). This should include how you plan to sell calves, if you plan on retaining replacement females, and any labor or other environmental constraints (e.g., limited forage). This helps identify the traits that are economically relevant to you.
2. Choose a breed (or breeds) that fit your current crossbreeding system and match your objectives. Compare breeds based on current research (i.e., US Meat Animal Research Center) and not a historical view as breeds have changed overtime.
3. Identify a seedstock supplier (or suppliers) that you trust and that have bulls for sale that match your breed needs and your breeding objective.
4. Identify bulls, based on EPD or (preferably) economic index values that match your objectives.
a. If calving ease EPD exist, do not use birth weight EPD. Calving ease EPD are generated using birth weight information.
b. If you retain replacement females, pay attention to calving ease maternal EPD. These are really ‘Total Maternal Calving Ease’ EPD, and reflect how easily a bull’s daughters will calve as two-year olds.
c. Reproductive longevity is a key profit driver for self-replacing herds. If a Stayability EPD or Sustained Cow Fertility EPD exists, use it.
d. If you retain replacement females in limited feed environments, consider selecting bulls with more moderate mature weight and milk (maternal weaning weight) EPD.
e. Understand that even if you sell calves at weaning, someone is going to own them in the feedyard. If you want to build a market for your calves, do not completely ignore post-weaning gain and carcass merit.
f. Use an index that fits your objectives—this can greatly simplify bull selection decisions. Do not use a completely terminal index if you retain replacement heifers.
g. Buy quality, but do not overpay. Sometimes the bull that is not top on your list is actually the better economic decision.
This bull sale season do not make the process more complex than it really needs to be and certainly do not get caught in the trap of believing that you can visually see the genetic potential of a bull—use the tools that science has provided and has continually improved and validated.
UNL Beef Roundup Webinars January 21, 28
Nutrition, profitability, and health are the themes of the 2020 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Roundup hosted by Nebraska Extension on Tuesday, January 21, and Tuesday, January 28, at 6pm MST (7pm CST). This series features topic experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas State University. Each evening features two presentations that can be viewed from any location with internet access or at several locations across Nebraska. Sites and registration information is listed below.
On Tuesday, January 21, two UNL beef cattle nutritionists comprise the program. Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, will discuss meeting the mineral requirements of your cowherd. Drewnoski has an extensive background assessing mineral nutrition in feedlot, growing cattle, and cow-calf systems, which includes working under Jerry Spears, a leading authority in mineral nutrition. Since 2014, Drewnoski has focused on integrated crop and cattle systems emphasizing corn residues and cover crops as a forage source. Following Drewnoski, Travis Mulliniks, range production system specialist and faculty director of the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, will then discuss how to adapt cow-calf nutrition to environmental conditions. Mulliniks’ research and extension objectives consist of developing an applied cow-calf research program that emphasizes sustainability and economically viable management options.
On Tuesday, January 28, experts from Kansas State University and UNL’s Great Plains Veterinary Education Center (GPVEC) will speak. Dustin Pendell, agricultural economics professor at Kansas State University, will discuss drivers of cow-calf profitability. Pendell’s interdisciplinary research interests include livestock and animal health issues that span from the producer through the meat supply chain to the final consumer. Dr. Brian Vander Ley, veterinary epidemiologist at GPVEC, will conclude the 2020 UNL Beef Roundup by discussing how to build health resilience into cow-calf systems using lessons from 2019. His research includes population diagnostic tools for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and improving cattle health and performance through understanding and eliminating disease including heart failure in feedlot cattle and developing herd-level surveillance tools for common bovine pathogens.
Cost to attend or view the webinars is $10. Those wishing to participate in the online meeting will need to pay their local beef extension educator prior to receiving the webinar link. Those attending a viewing site listed below can pay at the door. Please call to register for the webinar meeting at one of these locations.
Broken Bow (Mid-Plains Community College), 308-872-6831
Chadron, (Dawes County Extension Office), 308-432-3373
Curtis (NCTA Education Center), 308-367-4424
Fullerton (Nance County Extension Office), 308-536-2691
Hartington, (Cedar County Extension Office), 402-254-6821
Kimball (Kimball County Extension Office), 308-235-3122
Kearney, (Buffalo County Extension Office), 308-236-1235
North Platte (West Central Research and Extension Center), 308-532-2683
Scottsbluff (Panhandle Research and Extension Center), 308-632-1230
Valentine (Cherry County Extension Office), 402-376-1850
Whitman (Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory), 308-645-2267
Please register by Friday, January 17, to attend a webinar host site by contacting the local Nebraska Extension office where you plan to attend to insure enough program materials are available.
Those who would like to attend from home can register for a remote webinar seat, by contacting their local Beef Extension Educator to receive program information and the webinar link.
FEEDING ALFALFA AS A PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Feeding more protein than cattle need can get expensive. Alfalfa can be a less expensive protein source, especially if you feed just enough alfalfa to provide the protein your animals need.
Cattle often need extra protein when their winter diet is based on corn stalks, prairie hay, straw, or winter range. The protein supplement you chose is important, both in its effectiveness and its cost. Many cheap protein sources contain mostly urea and other forms of non-protein nitrogen. These supplements often are not used very effectively when cattle are eating mostly low energy winter forages.
Supplements containing mostly all-natural protein may be better. All-natural protein feeds the microbes in the rumen so they can digest more fiber from your forage. And many times the cheapest natural source of protein is alfalfa, especially when hay price is reasonable.
Keep costs down further by determining how much extra protein your cows actually need. Both a forage test for protein and a close estimate of how much your cows are actually eating are needed to be accurate. Then you can work with a local extension educator, a nutritionist, or use your own skills to calculate how much more protein is needed.
Many winter forage diets need between one-half and one pound of extra protein per day. Since the forage test of your alfalfa will tell you how much protein it contains, you can calculate how much alfalfa to feed each day, or every other day, to keep cows healthy and productive. This could come from as little 2 pounds of hay when feeding high protein alfalfa to cows needing just a little extra protein to as much as 8 to 10 pounds when using lower quality alfalfa to cows after calving.
It may not sound like a big difference, but when you feed just two or three pounds each day per cow, the savings add up fast.
Valmont to Acquire Remaining Shares of AgSense
Valmont Industries, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 49% stake in AgSense for a purchase price of approximately $42 million. The acquisition is expected to close later this month and will be funded with cash on hand. Operating results for AgSense have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since a 51% stake was acquired in August 2014. The transaction will not impact revenue or operating income but will be EPS accretive in fiscal 2020, primarily from a change in earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Founded in 2003, AgSense and its industry-leading remote management technology has led to the most comprehensive offering of integrated, advanced irrigation technology solutions available to the market, growing to approximately 95,000 connected devices globally. "We are very pleased with this acquisition and its performance," said Stephen G. Kaniewski, Valmont president and CEO. "Completing our ownership of AgSense directly aligns with our strategic priority to accelerate our global technology leadership position. Its profitable, recurring revenue service model has provided a growth platform for technology sales that will continue to be beneficial to our customers and shareholders."
Len Adams, group president, Valmont Irrigation, added, "Our goal has always been to fully own AgSense, so this transaction represents the achievement of another major milestone as we continue to execute on our technology strategy. We have demonstrated that our team and our dealers are able to successfully work with technology partners over time. We welcome the AgSense team to our technology sales group, and are excited to continue investing in innovation to meet growers' needs around the world."
NEBRASKA WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE IS FEB. 20-21
The annual Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will celebrate 35 years Feb. 20 and 21 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney.
Workshops and presentations will offer tools and information to help women better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.
“We are so excited, 35 years later, about the growth this conference has experienced,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of Nebraska Women in Agriculture. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting women with the tools, skills and relationships they can use to become even more effective in agriculture.”
Both single- and two-day registrations will open Jan. 6 on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu. The costs are $75 for one day and $125 for both days through Feb. 9; after that, the two-day cost is $150. Scholarships are available for students, 4-H members and FFA members.
Designed to educate and uplift women who are involved in any aspect of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, the event will focus on the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, market, financial, human and legal.
The conference will feature more than 30 workshops and five speakers, including author Michele Payn, blogger Lauren Eberspacher and beef advocate Amanda Radke.
For more information, including a full schedule, visit the website above.
Iowa Cattlemen's Association to host Educational Forums
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is hosting three free educational events for feedlot and cow/calf producers in the month of January. Each forum will include a free meal, a tradeshow, an update from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council, and educational sessions.
Feedlot Forum
The Carroll Feedlot Forum will give area producers the opportunity to learn about ways to manage risk and incorporate EID’s into their beef business. In addition to those topics, Carl Babler of Atten and Babler Commodities will be providing a cattle and grain market outlook with his presentation called “Producing Cattle in a Global Marketplace; with a plan to manage price risk”.
Wednesday, January 15
Carrollton Inn
1730 US-71 Carroll, IA 51401
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cow/Calf Forums
If you’re a cow/calf producer, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear about how to improve cow nutrition and calf performance from expert Dr. Allison Meyer of University of Missouri. Lee Schulz of Iowa State University will be providing the market outlook, letting producers know what to expect in the cattle markets in the next year.
Thursday, January 16
Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative Building
1502 W. South St.
Mt. Ayr, IA
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, January 17
Lee Co. Fairgrounds- Youth Learning Center
1100 N Main St.
Donnellson, IA 52625
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Producers can RSVP by calling 515-296-2266 or email kate@iacattlemen. Walk-ins are always welcome, and you do not need to be a member to attend.
Register Now for 2020-2021 SowBridge Educational Series
SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in February. Registration is now underway.
This low-tech opportunity pairs electronically provided materials with live presentations via teleconference. Suggestions from past participants help with planning the next year’s topics and speakers, and maintain the program’s value, according to Ken Stalder, Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist.
“Each year we ask participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, then follow through as much as possible to provide current content that people are interested in,” Stalder said. “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.”
Stalder, who also is the Iowa contact for SowBridge, said registration cost remains at $200 (U.S.) for the first registration from an entity, and each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount.
“We recognize the current economic condition of the pork industry, and want to encourage participation by all producers,” Stalder said. “By maintaining this lower registration fee set last year, we hope more people will be able to take part.”
SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. Sessions are typically scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month but occasionally may be moved a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays.
“With the live phone presentation and slideshow available on their computer or other device, participants can take part anywhere without needing internet access,” Stalder said.
The distance learning approach allows people to take part without having to travel, take time from work or worry about weather conditions. During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit.
Before each session, participants receive a link to download the presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session to listen to the presenter and while following the presentation file on their own computer or device. Sessions begin at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and last no more than an hour.
Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session. Materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. Regardless of location, those with questions on the program or registration should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University for more information. Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.
An example video was created to provide a look at the content of SowBridge sessions. The video uses the presentation material and audio recording from a 2017 session where speaker Corinne Bromfield presented, “Identifying Scours.”
The program is offered only to those who register for the yearlong series. Register by Jan. 15, 2020 to ensure receipt of materials for the first session Feb. 5. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website at www.ipic.iastate.edu/SowBridge/2020SBbrochureIPIC.pdf. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.
SowBridge 2020 session information
Feb. 5 – African Swine Fever and Secure Pork Supply, Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University
March 4 – What You Need to Know About Foreign Animal Diseases, Justin Brown, Iowa State University; and Chelsea Hamilton, IDALS and ISU
April 1 – Feeding Strategies for Pre-farrow Females on Piglet Survivability, Kiah Gourley and Jason Woodworth, Kansas State University
May 6 – Impact of Drying Newborn Piglets, Mike Ellis, University of Illinois
May 27 – Porcine Circovirus type 3: What We Know, Albert Rovira, University of Minnesota
July 1 – Capturing Value of Cull Sows, Ken Stalder, Iowa State University
Aug. 5 – Maintenance of Euthanasia Equipment, Steve Moeller, The Ohio State University
Sept. 2 – Gestation/Lactation Ventilation Do’s and Don’ts, Erin Cortus, University of Minnesota
Oct. 7 – Proper Disinfectant Application, Jose Ramirez, Virox Animal Health
Nov. 4 – Induction Protocol Updates, Rob Knox, University of Illinois
Dec. 2 – Upcoming Technology in Pork Production, Andy Brudtkuhl, National Pork Board
Jan. 6, 2021 – Electronic Sow Feeding Management Tips and Tricks, Tom Parsons, University of Pennsylvania
SowBridge is sponsored by a group of 11 universities – including Iowa State University – from the nation’s major swine producing states.
New Soil Health & Conservation Study: Soybean Farmers Committed to Conservation
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has released results of a soil health and conservation study conducted through third-party surveys and focus groups in 2019. The key finding of the work is that soybean farmers are active conservationists with a desire to do more.
“ASA is committed to helping soybean farmers bring conservation practices to their farms. And, this study demonstrates their receptiveness and commitment to advancing those efforts,” said Brad Doyle, ASA secretary and member of its Conservation Committee.
In the research study conducted to assess soybean farmers’ attitudes and experiences with conservation programs and practices, 73% of farmers surveyed said they would implement more measures if they thought it would be profitable to do so.
The research also found that growers have, on average, 14 longstanding conservation practices in place, recently have added new ones, and intend to implement more –despite the average grower having to pay for all conservation measures, with average expenditures totaling more than $15,000 per year. Most farmers (78%) manage rental land the same as land they own, paying conservation expenditures even on rented land, which means the positive practices put in place by farmers extend to all the land they farm.
For ASA, there is other bright news: Grower organizations and land grant universities were identified as the most trusted sources of information for farmers.
ASA CEO Ryan Findlay responded, “Even with a soft agricultural economy, we have learned farmers are focused on conservation. Knowing ASA is in a key position to lead and promote implementation of additional conservation practices is great.” Connecting the pieces of the study, Findlay added, “That nearly three quarters of farmers are open to economically-feasible conservation measures means there is a world of potential for ASA, our state affiliates, and other partners to aid growers with these initiatives.”
The study found that farmers trust other farmers the most, meaning ASA networking events and educational shows like Commodity Classic, which ASA cohosts annually, are opportune times for farmers to connect. Sharing success stories was shown to be the most appealing way to spread information.
Doyle commented, “When ASA was founded 100 years ago, our focus was on being committed to development and networking opportunities to introduce the new soybean plant. It’s great to know we can build on that legacy today by devoting even more of an effort to help farmers learn from each other when it comes to conservation practices.”
The study also identified that farmers need better information – not better communications – to set up their conservation efforts for success, another area in which ASA can assist by disseminating useful information and resources.
With support from the Walton Family Foundation, ASA conducted four focus groups and a quantitative survey among ASA members and boards in 13 states surrounding the Mississippi River basin. Data was collected from December 2018 to July 2019. Millennium Research, Inc., conducted the survey and focus groups.
USDA Dairy Products November 2019 Production Highlights
Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.10 billion pounds, 0.5 percent above November 2018 but 3.2 percent below October 2019. Italian type cheese production totaled 474 million pounds, 1.0 percent above November 2018 but 2.4 percent below October 2019. American type cheese production totaled 435 million pounds, 0.2 percent above November 2018 but 2.5 percent below October 2019. Butter production was 156 million pounds, 4.4 percent above November 2018 but 0.6 percent below October 2019.
Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with November 2018)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 142 million pounds, up 5.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 43.7 million pounds, up 3.0 percent.
Whey products (comparisons in percentage with November 2018)
Dry whey, total - 75.1 million pounds, up 3.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 90.2 million pounds, down 12.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 40.3 million pounds, down 1.5 percent.
Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with November 2018)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 48.9 million gallons, up 1.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 27.3 million gallons, down 9.5 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.12 million gallons, down 9.3 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.06 million gallons, down 6.1 percent.
Dairy Defined: In Search of “Big Dairy”
“Big Dairy.” One of the strangest terms attached to the industry. As seen in fear-mongering headlines, Big Dairy is used to de-personalize individual dairy farmers and imply some large, faceless force foisting an agenda on unsuspecting consumers. So, who exactly is it? Maybe by figuring out what Big Dairy is – or isn’t – some light could be shed on what’s real, and what’s contrived, in debates about dairy and its presence in the marketplace.
Perhaps Big Dairy means dairy farms themselves. Consolidation has been a fact of life for all of agriculture for generations, and family farms indeed are getting bigger. Even so, according to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, nearly three-quarters of U.S. dairy farms have fewer than 100 cows on them. Of course, most production comes from the largest farms, but even the biggest ones – the 189 U.S. dairies with more than 5,000 cows as of 2017 – are too numerous and geographically dispersed to create a monolithic giant. And more than 95 percent of all dairy farms, regardless of size, are family-run farms. That’s far from faceless.
That rules out farmers. But what about dairy corporations? The dairy industry boasts some impressive-sized businesses. Land O’Lakes is ranked #212 on the Fortune 500, and Dairy Farmers of America would make the list too, if it were publicly traded. That might be Big Dairy, except – DFA and Land O’Lakes are farmer-owned cooperatives. If that’s what people mean when they talk about “Big Dairy,” then Big Dairy contains an awful lot of small and medium-sized family farms. And these cooperatives are tiny compared to, say, Big Healthcare, (four entries among Fortune’s top 10 companies) Big Oil (four of them in Fortune’s top 25), or Big Tech (six in the top 50).
But maybe it’s not about raw size. Maybe Big Dairy is a myth invented by those who want to make family dairy farmers seem “big” to advance some contrasting image of their competitors – who want to be seen as plucky, usually plant-based, upstarts taking on Big Dairy with highly touted “innovation.”
Let’s explore this. Take, for example, Perfect Day, allegedly just a humble innovator with nothing to offer but a thousand $20-a-pint tubs of imitation ice cream … and startup funding from Temasek – a venture-capital arm of the government of Singapore -- and Archer-Daniels-Midland, an agri-business behemoth with $64 billion in annual sales that ranks #49 on the Fortune 500. Other plant- and cell-based alternatives are financed by Jeff Bezos (worth roughly $115 billion, the world’s richest man at the end of 2019) and Bill Gates (net worth over $100 billion) – not exactly little guys, to say the least. In fact, if you added up the gross receipts of all 40,000 dairy farmers in the United States last year (an estimated $39.9 billion), you’d only be worth about two-fifths as much as Jeff Bezos. So-called “Big Dairy” will never compete with that.
To be sure: Dairy is a significant U.S. industry. According to research commissioned by the “Got Jobs?” campaign commissioned by dairy groups, including NMPF, the sector as a whole is responsible for nearly 3 million U.S. jobs and has an overall economic impact of more than $620 billion, including indirect effects. Dairy directly employs nearly 1 million Americans, with an impact of more than $206 billion. In agriculture and in the U.S. economy, we aren’t David to someone else’s Goliath. Whatever success we have is because we work hard and work together.
But dairy isn’t Goliath either, and wannabe Davids shouldn’t get a pass peddling false narratives. Dairy is family farmers, cooperatives and companies, of all sizes and types, who believe deeply in the health and nutrition of their products and stand up for it against its opponents -- who usually aren’t anywhere near the underdogs they pretend to be. Creating nutritious products, day in and day out, is a big task. But it’s a challenge met collectively by a diverse set of people from farm to fork, who work together to feed the U.S. and the world.
Dairy issues matter. They warrant a robust discussion. Putting the term “Big Dairy” to rest would make it a more honest one.
Borden Seeks Bankruptcy Protection
(AP) -- The U.S. dairy industry, the largest in the world, is under severe pressure as the dietary habits of Americans shift.
Borden Dairy Co. filed for bankruptcy protection, the second major U.S. dairy to do so in as many months. Borden produces nearly 500 million gallons of milk each year for groceries, schools and others. It employs 3,300 people and runs 12 plants across the U.S.
American refrigerators are increasingly stocked with juice, soda and milk substitutes made from soy or almonds. At the same time, protein bars, yogurts and other on-the-go breakfasts have replaced a morning bowl of cereal. That has hammered traditional milk producers like Borden, which was founded in 1857.
The amount of liquid milk consumed per capita in the U.S. has tumbled more than 40% since 1975. Americans drank around 24 gallons a year in 1996, according to government data. That dropped to 17 gallons in 2018.
"Despite our numerous achievements during the past 18 months, the company continues to be impacted by the rising cost of raw milk and market challenges facing the dairy industry," said Borden CEO Tony Sarsam in a prepared statement late Sunday. "These challenges have contributed to making our current level of debt unsustainable.
As milk consumption has fallen, dairy farms have closed their doors. In court filings, Borden says 2,730 U.S. dairy farms have gone out of business in the last 18 months alone. The remaining farms can command higher prices, but that has pinched Borden, which can't charge consumers more because of pressure from big competitors like Walmart. Walmart opened its own milk processing plant in Indiana in 2018.
Dean Foods, the nation's largest milk producer, filed for bankruptcy protection in November. Both dairies are based in Dallas.
Borden -- whose smiling mascot Elsie the cow first appeared on milk cartons in the 1930s -- says it will continue operations during its financial restructuring.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Monday, January 6, 2020
Friday January 3 Ag News
Sorry, forgot to post on Friday.... Here's the end-of-the-week Ag News.
NE FFA Alumni Convention Coming to West Point
The Nebraska FFA Alumni & Supporters will hold their annual Convention and Awards Banquet in Cuming County on January 24 & 25, 2020. The two day event will be co-hosted by West Point, Wisner Pilger, & North Bend Alumni & Supporters and FFA Chapters.
Friday’s itinerary includes tours of the Nielsen Center Science & Technology facility, Jones Manufacturing, Alber’s Feedlot and the Wisner Pilger Agricultural Education new addition. Supper, hosted by Wisner FFA Alumni & Supporters, will be held at Rainforth Animal Health. The evening will conclude with a tour of the West Point Community Theater and a viewing of the movie “Spies in Disguise”.
The annual meeting will be held at the Nielsen Community Center Citizens State Room beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Following the annual meeting, tours will be held at West Point Implement and West Point Design. Lunch will be held at Native 32 Winery hosted by West Point FFA with a tour to be held following lunch. Afternoon tours will include Nebraska Vet Services Embryo Barn and Valmont Industries. An ice cream social will be held at Tomka Ag/Countryside Consignments hosted by the North Bend FFA Alumni & Supporters.
The convention will conclude with the annual awards banquet to be held at the Nielsen Community Center. The banquet will include a prime rib dinner, award presentations, keynote speaker, Aaron Davis, and a silent and live auction. Jake Hopwood of Valentine will be the auctioneer for the live auction.
Registration deadline is January 10th. You may register online at: https://tinyurl.com/neffaalumni2020 or by contacting Jill Goedeken, NE FFA Alumni & Supporters Secretary, at 402-276-1076.
The Nebraska FFA Alumni & Supporters 2020 Convention & Awards Banquet is funded in part by the Cuming County Visitor’s Bureau.
January 7th Public ARC/PLC Meeting in Stanton
An ARC/PLC informational meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 7th at the VFW in Stanton. This meeting is designed to provide important information to producers as they begin to make farm-bill related program decisions.
This meeting will have specific examples using Stanton County data along with yield data for Colfax, Cuming, Madison, Pierce, Platte, and Wayne Counties.
This public meeting will also discuss the Farm Loan Program and Conservation Reserve Program general and continuous signup period provisions.
Stockmen’s Livestock, Inc. to host World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifier January 8
Stockmen’s Livestock Inc., 1200 E Hwy 50, Yankton, SD will host the final of three regional qualifying events for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). The midwestern regional qualifying event will be January 8. Opening ceremonies will commence at 9:00 a.m. CST with the awards ceremony to follow. A total of 36 contestants will compete for a top 10 placing, granting them a spot in the semi-finals for the 2020 WLAC at Dickson Regional Livestock Center, LLC, in Dickson, Tenn.
Each qualifying event is a live sale where each contestant auctions 8 drafts of livestock (traditionally cattle) to actual bidders. Contestants are judged on the clarity of their auction chant, professionalism and their ability to conduct the sale while catching bids.
Contestants competing are Frederick Bodnarus, Saskatoon, Sask.; Troy Bradshaw, Lipan, Texas; Jeff Bynum, Attalla, Ala.; Albert Carroll, Downeyville, Ont.; Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Dakota Davis, Waukomis, Okla.; Dean Edge, Rimbey, Alta.; Brandon Frey, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Collin Gibbs, Miles City, Mont.; Patrick Greenleaf, Wilmore, Kan.; Brandon Hamel, Damar, Kan.; Cody Hanold, Brighton, Ill.; Seth Harvey, Jackson, Ga.; Brett Heath, Colome, S.D.; Jacob Hills, Ridgeway, Wis.; Jake Hopwood, Valentine, Neb.; Kent Korte, Metropolis, Ill.; Ed Leist, Petoskey, Mich.; Curt Littau, Carter, S.D.; Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, Calif.; Daniel Mitchell, Cumberland, Ohio; Kyle Mueller, Bloomington, Wis.; Clayton Neumann, Bigfoot, Texas; Mark Oberholtzer, Loyal, Wis.; Jake Parnell, Sacramento, Calif.; Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.; Jim Settle, Arroyo Grande, Calif.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Ryan Siecke, Creighton, Neb.; Robert Strickler, Banco, Va.; Marshal Tingle, Nicolasville, Ky.; Brad Veurink, Corsica, S.D.; Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Neb.; Mike Witten, Trenton, Mo.; and Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho.
The public may attend the livestock auction and competition free of charge. It will also be streamed live on www.LMAAuctions.com and the LMA Youtube channel.
The remaining qualifying events are balanced regionally across the LMA Membership. The western regional was held at Crawford Livestock Market, LLC; October 11. The eastern regional was held at Farmers Livestock, Inc; November 18.
Nebraska Cattlemen Reflects on 2019
Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) once again reflects on membership and leadership happenings as another year passes.
Nebraska Cattlemen started the year off with excitement about the big move to the newly constructed office building as well as the formation of a professional business relationship with the Harry A. Koch Co. to create NCIG. This entity is a joint venture to offer insurance products of all types to NC members, with a percentage to be remitted to NCIG. The Board’s primary motivation for this joint venture was to address the critical challenge of escalating health care costs. With HAK & Co. seeking out NC to offer this opportunity, it allows a path to a significant member benefit the association has never had previously.
March brought devastation in the form of bomb cyclone Ulmer, impacting the entire state, it’s people, cattle and the beef community. The sever and negative impacts will continue to challenge Nebraska Cattlemen and its members moving forward. In order to help those cattlemen and women in need NC formed the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund and generated $1.7 million in donations all of which went to the applicants of the fund.
Another event that caused significant financial and emotional hardship on cattle and beef producers was the fire at the Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kan., on Aug. 9. This event gave evidence of how any disruption can negatively affect the entire industry. NC, in conjunction with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, actively worked with a variety of entities, including Tyson Fresh Meats, for ongoing transparency to producers; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to emphasize oversight in all phases of government functions; Commodity Future Trading Commission, to actively monitor market manipulation; CME, to ascertain that market trading activity is not abused; the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to allow federal hauling and facilitate the needed hours for transport; and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, to move federal meat inspectors to plants increasing harvest levels. The plant is just now coming back online to levels that existed prior to the fire.
The conclusion of the calendar year is complete with the passing of the baton from one NC leader to the next. Ken Herz is a respected, thoughtful leader who is ready to make a difference as NC’s president. His experience as NC’s Tax Committee chair has positioned him to be the right leader at the right time, with property tax and relief more possible than in recent years. Ken and the 2020 Board are poised to act on proposed property tax relief and reform and other issues for the membership’s benefit.
Nebraska Extension Offering Land Application Training in January and February
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Project Coordinator
The Animal Manure Management team is busy preparing for the annual Land Application Training days that are scheduled across the state January 27 through February 7, 2020. This year, interactive experiences using real-life scenarios will guide the selection of preferred manure application sites based upon agronomic and soil health benefits, cost of transportation, water quality protection, and minimizing neighbor odor exposure. Participants will combine their experience with a few management principles for finding preferred fields. I'm pretty excited to hear what folks think of the new activity.
Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified, and farms must complete an approved training every five years. Participants who attend the day-long (9 am – 3:30 pm) event will receive NDEE Initial Land Application Training Certification. In many locations Recertification will be held during the last two and a half hours of the day-long land application training. Other locations are holding the Recertification training as a separate event. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are encouraged to attend for either training. Discounts for multiple employee attendance are available.
What will you learn?
Initial training will discuss basic manure topics like sampling, record keeping, and manure value for crop production. The recertification portion of the workshops will consist of a two-and-a-half-hour program including updates on regulations and a real-life scenario to determine the best location for land application based on manure’s fertilizer value, transportation costs, weather forecasts as they relate to odor risk, as well as water quality concerns and soil health benefits. Any farm staff responsible for implementing the farm’s nutrient plan are encouraged to attend.
What will it cost?
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. The initial training workshop cost is $75 per operation (includes one representative) plus $25 for each additional participant from the same operation.
For those who want to recertify, the cost is $50 per operation (includes one representative) plus $25 for each additional participant from the same operation.
Where and when can you attend?
Recertification Training
January 29 at 6:30 pm - Extension Office - West Point
January 31 at 1:00 pm - Plainview Public Library - Plainview
February 6 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - Pinnacle Bank - Columbus
Initial Training
January 30 at 9:00 am - Extension Office - West Point
January 31 at 9:00 am - Plainview Public Library - Plainview
February 7 at 9:00 am - Feb 7 - Extension Office - Columbus
Seating is limited at all locations, so please pre-register at least eight business days in advance of the workshop you’re planning to attend by using the online form or by using the form in the program brochure.
The workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Team, which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.
For additional information on the workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@unl.edu.
Butler County Ag Expo 2020
Hosted by Nebraska Extension in Butler County and Butler County, NE Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Butler County Event Center 62 L St David City, NE
Schedule of Events:
9:30 AM - Nitrogen Certification/Water Conservation, Lower Platte North NRD
Butler County Event Center meeting room
9:30 AM - Exhibitor Booths Open to attendees
Butler County Ag Expo - Multipurpose Room - Area FFA members begin State presentations in presentation area
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Free lunch served - Sponsors will be announced soon
11:30 AM - 1 PM Agricultural Presentation Allan Vyhnalek-UNL Extension Educator Topic: “Ag Land Leasing for 2020”
1:00 PM - Private Pesticide Applicator - Certification: Butler County Event Center (Meeting Room)
3:00 PM - Exhibit Booths Close
LENRD-Bazile GMA No-Till, Cover Crops, and Planned Grazing Systems WORKSHOP
Lifelong Learning Center – Norfolk, Nebraska
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lance Gunderson MS: President & Owner Regen Ag Lab - “What does the PLFA test tell us?” “Understanding the Haney Test: A Glimpse Beyond the Numbers!”
Justin McMechan: Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist, ENREC - “Integrating Cover Crops into IPM Plans”
Dale Strickler: Soil Health Rancher, Agronomist at Green Cover Seed - “Getting Out of the Spinning Hamster Cage”
Dale Strickler: “Tying it All Together—Soil Health, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Improving Groundwater Quality”
Educator Panel: Q & A at the End of the Day: Lance, Justin and Dale will answer any questions this outstanding group of educators will have brought to your attention.
Please RSVP by February 4, 2020 for meal count to your local NRCS or call LENRD, 402-371-7313. Sponsored by: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Elkhorn, Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts
Nebraska Cover Crop & SOIL HEALTH Conference
2020 Theme: Inter-Seeding Cover Crops for Corn & Soybean Rotation
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 - 8:30am to 3:45pm
University of Nebraska Eastern NE Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE
The 2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference features innovative speakers who have worked with cover crops extensively and will share what they have learned. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered. The theme for this year is, "Inter-Seeding Cover Crops for Corn & Soybean Rotation"
How can you get started with cover crops in your corn/soybean rotation?
Already using cover crops - could you be doing it better?
There are many benefits to utilizing cover crops, such as improved soil heath and reduced erosion. It’s the details of how and what to do that can present challenges. The focus of the conference is to provide information to growers who are in a corn/soybean rotation and to assist them in understanding the value of cover crops.
CCA credits are applied for and pending approval.
Finding the Right Fit with Cover Crops - Abbey Wick, North Dakota State University
Cover crops can be a useful tool for managing several on-farm goals. But figuring out the right fit for both goals and comfort level can be tricky. Talking through practical approaches farmers are using combined with science-based information helps minimize risk while achieving goals.
Farming With 2020 Vision in Mind - Loran Steinlage, Farmer/Practical Field Engineer DAWNequipment/UndergroundAg, FLOLO Farms, West Union, Iowa
Loran Steinlage Owner/Operator of FLOLOfarms with wife Brenda Specializes in adapting practices and equipment to our unique area on the edge of the Driftless area. The Steinlages are evolving to Companion/Relay NoTill cropping system which is focused on cycling plants to keep a living plant in the soila at all times,to help aid in moisture management and weed suppression. Currently producing Corn, Soybeans, Cereal Rye, Winter Wheat, Malt Barley and Buckwheat. And recently took on a role with DAWN Equipment/Underground Ag as an Infield Practical Field Engineer.
Selling Seed in Nebraska - Steve Knox, Director, Nebraska Crop Improvement Association
What you will need and what you have to do to be able to sell seed in Nebraska.
Accelerating Soil Health Adoption by Quantifying Economic & Environmental Outcomes and Overcoming Barriers on Rented Lands - Brian Brandt, Director of Ag Conservation Innovations , American Farmland Trust, Columbus, Ohio
Review of Cover Crop Demonstrations in Central Platte NRD - Dean Krull, Farmer/ UNL Research Technologist
Environmental Impact; Planting dates and results; Seeding Strategies and moisture concerns.
Understanding Soil Health, Measuring Success and Reducing Risk - Aaron Hird, State Soil Health Specialist, Co-Presented with Noah Seim, Merrick County Farmer
The USDA/NRCS in Nebraska will present an update on the Nebraska NRCS Soil Health Initiative. Understanding how soil health can improve “in your crop field” is an important step in understanding the various measurements of success and how healthy soil reduces risk. NRCS Nebraska has partnered with the UNL Agronomy & Horticulture Department as well UNL Extension’s Nebraska On-Farm Research Network to work alongside interested farmers and ranchers across the state to monitor the aspects of improved soil health in a crop fields and rangeland and capture the results. Presenting about his Soil Health Initiative Demonstration Field, Noah Seim, will offer his experience comparing in-season seeding of cover crops into corn with germination between V4 and V6 growth stages vs seeding after harvest vs no cover crops. Seim has seen the benefits of soil health and is interested in the story the data from his crop field is telling.
Thoughts from a 1st Year Inter-Seeder and Why You Should Give it a Try! - Jay Goertzen, Henderson, NE Farmer and Jennifer Rees, Nebraska Extension Educator
How I built an inter-seeder out of what I had laying around the farm.
My observations on what grew and what didn't.
What I'm going to modify to hopefully make it more successful.
Cover Crops by Helicopter: FAQ - Brent Wulf, Owner and Chief Pilot, Hexagon Helicopters Inc.
An introduction to the equipment, techniques and advantages of interseeding with a helicopter.
Cover Crop Panel
Seating is limited! Pre-register by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 at: https://research.unl.edu/events/event.php?eventID=4417. No fee to attend, but must pre-register. Preregistration required to ensure resource materials are available and for meal planning purposes. Questions - email cdunbar2@unl.edu or call 402-624-8030.
Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference is Feb. 20-21
The annual Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will celebrate 35 years Feb. 20 and 21 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney.
Workshops and presentations will offer tools and information to help women better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.
“We are so excited, 35 years later, about the growth this conference has experienced,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of Nebraska Women in Agriculture. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting women with the tools, skills and relationships they can use to become even more effective in agriculture.”
Both single- and two-day registrations will open Jan. 6 on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, www.wia.unl.edu. The costs are $75 for one day and $125 for both days through Feb. 9; after that, the two-day cost is $150. Scholarships are available for students, 4-H members and FFA members.
Designed to educate and uplift women who are involved in any aspect of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, the event will focus on the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, market, financial, human and legal.
The conference will feature more than 30 workshops and five speakers, including author Michele Payn, blogger Lauren Eberspacher and beef advocate Amanda Radke.
Optimizing Poultry Manure Value in Cropoping Systems Workshop
Wednesday, February 26, 1-4pm, Hruska Memorial Public Library, David City
Hosted by Nebraska Extension
Is poultry manure right for your cropping operation? Learn more at the manure land application workshop presented by the UNL Manure Management team. Topic on the agenda include:
- Background on poultry facilities and raising poultry
- Utilizing poultry manure for crop production
- panel discussion with producers currently using manure in their cropping systems
- odor risk and land application regulations.
Pre-registration is requested by Monday, Feb 24. There is no registration fee, and meeting materials are available free of charge. Reserve a spot by calling the Butler County Extension office at 402-367-7410, or email melissa.bartels@unl.edu.
Nebraska Corn Growers Association Accepting Applications for FLAGship Program
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is now accepting applications for the fifth class of the Future Leaders in Agriculture Scholarship (FLAGship) Program. The FLAGship Program is a scholarship program intended for future agricultural leaders in Nebraska. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) will award up to 5 $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors or college freshman who are continuing their education in the state of Nebraska. Three of the scholarships are set aside strictly for those students pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture. Two of the scholarships are open to non-agricultural degree seeking students.
“Each time we look over applications for this program, the quality of applicants seems to get better and better,” said Andy Jobman, Vice President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Chairman of the Grower Services Committee. “We know with the quality of applications we have been receiving, that the future of our industry is in great hands.”
To be eligible for this scholarship students must be a member of NeCGA or the son/daughter of an NeCGA member. The application for the FLAGship Program must include one letter of recommendation, a current resume (not to exceed one page), as well as proof that the student is continuing their education in state. Applicants are also asked to explain how they will advocate for agriculture in their future career as well as what issues they feel the ag industry is currently facing.
Applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2020. Packets can be mailed to 4435 O Street, Suite 210 Lincoln, NE 68510 ATTN: Director of Grower Services, or emailed to mwrich@necga.org. Recipients will be notified in March 2020 and scholarships will be distributed in December 2020. For more information about the scholarship and an application, please visit necga.org or call (402) 438-6459.
4th Annual Pink at the Pump® Campaign Raises over $20,000 for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Support
This October Iowa drivers raised over $20,000 for breast cancer research and support services simply by choosing cleaner-burning Unleaded 88 during the 4th annual Pink at the Pump® campaign, co-sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPM).
Seventy-four retail stations donated three cents of every gallon of Unleaded 88 sold from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 to National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and The Hormel Institute. Unleaded 88, also know as E15, is a fuel containing 15 percent ethanol and is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles.
“We are thrilled that this year’s Pink at the Pump® campaign featured a record number of participating stations and raised a record-breaking amount of funds for such a worthwhile cause,” said IRFA Communications Director Cassidy Walter. “Pink at the Pump® is an exciting promotion because not only does it support such important research and services, but it shines a light on the fact that biofuel blends like Unleaded 88 are reducing the amount of toxic emissions coming out of our tailpipe and helping keep our air cleaner and healthier to breathe.”
NBCF provides help and inspires hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. The Hormel Institute is a global, cutting-edge research facility with a seven-decade history of making significant scientific discoveries on better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer.
“We truly appreciate every consumer who chose homegrown Unleaded 88 at the pump during October,” said Roger Zylstra, ICPB President and farmer from Lynnville, Iowa. “Through Pink at the Pump®, Iowa motorists were able to support cleaner-burning fuels and help combat breast cancer. The monetary donations collected go towards funding breast cancer research and support. As we kick off the New Year, we encourage consumers to continue selecting Unleaded 88 because using more ethanol reduces your exposure to harmful, cancer-causing chemicals and toxins, and it is better for the environment!”
Youth Encouraged to Participate in Swine Judging Contest
The hundreds of youth that will participate in the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Youth Swine Judging Contest in January will learn more information to grow their interest in pork production, and senior level teams will be eligible to win scholarships.
The contest, which is held in conjunction with the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress, will be Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
This is a team contest, and teams should register on www.IowaPork.org under the Youth tab by Jan. 10. A team will consist of 4 students, with 3 of the scores counting towards the team total. Teams of 3 will be allowed if a team of 4 cannot be formed. If a team of 3 cannot be formed, individuals will be accepted.
Check-in for the contest will be at the fairgrounds on Jan. 23, from 8-9:30 a.m., with the contest starting at 10 a.m.
Teams will judge four classes of animals: keep/cull gilts; live carcass evaluation; market hogs; and commercial gilts. There will also be two short assessments, each containing approximately 12 questions. The first will focus mostly on general farm practices, and the second will focus on meat quality and characteristics as they relate to pork production.
For more information, contact IPPA at 800-372-7675 or email info@iowapork.org.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/27/2019
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Dec. 27, ethanol production scaled back by 17,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 1.6%, to 1.066 million b/d—equivalent to 44.77 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked 0.1% higher to 1.071 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.42 billion gallons.
Ethanol stocks thinned to 21.0 million barrels. Inventories were 2.0% lower than last week and 9.2% lower than the year-ago level. Stocks declined in all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2). Gulf Coast (PADD 3) stocks are the lowest in ten months.
There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2019.)
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market during the holiday week decreased 3.7% to 8.961 million b/d (376.36 million gallons per day, or 137.37 bg annualized). Notably, the cumulative daily average of gasoline product supplied for the year was 0.3% higher than 2018. Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol narrowed for the week ending Dec. 27 by 5.8% to 884,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.55 bg annualized.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production increased to 11.90%.
NE FFA Alumni Convention Coming to West Point
The Nebraska FFA Alumni & Supporters will hold their annual Convention and Awards Banquet in Cuming County on January 24 & 25, 2020. The two day event will be co-hosted by West Point, Wisner Pilger, & North Bend Alumni & Supporters and FFA Chapters.
Friday’s itinerary includes tours of the Nielsen Center Science & Technology facility, Jones Manufacturing, Alber’s Feedlot and the Wisner Pilger Agricultural Education new addition. Supper, hosted by Wisner FFA Alumni & Supporters, will be held at Rainforth Animal Health. The evening will conclude with a tour of the West Point Community Theater and a viewing of the movie “Spies in Disguise”.
The annual meeting will be held at the Nielsen Community Center Citizens State Room beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Following the annual meeting, tours will be held at West Point Implement and West Point Design. Lunch will be held at Native 32 Winery hosted by West Point FFA with a tour to be held following lunch. Afternoon tours will include Nebraska Vet Services Embryo Barn and Valmont Industries. An ice cream social will be held at Tomka Ag/Countryside Consignments hosted by the North Bend FFA Alumni & Supporters.
The convention will conclude with the annual awards banquet to be held at the Nielsen Community Center. The banquet will include a prime rib dinner, award presentations, keynote speaker, Aaron Davis, and a silent and live auction. Jake Hopwood of Valentine will be the auctioneer for the live auction.
Registration deadline is January 10th. You may register online at: https://tinyurl.com/neffaalumni2020 or by contacting Jill Goedeken, NE FFA Alumni & Supporters Secretary, at 402-276-1076.
The Nebraska FFA Alumni & Supporters 2020 Convention & Awards Banquet is funded in part by the Cuming County Visitor’s Bureau.
January 7th Public ARC/PLC Meeting in Stanton
An ARC/PLC informational meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, January 7th at the VFW in Stanton. This meeting is designed to provide important information to producers as they begin to make farm-bill related program decisions.
This meeting will have specific examples using Stanton County data along with yield data for Colfax, Cuming, Madison, Pierce, Platte, and Wayne Counties.
This public meeting will also discuss the Farm Loan Program and Conservation Reserve Program general and continuous signup period provisions.
Stockmen’s Livestock, Inc. to host World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifier January 8
Stockmen’s Livestock Inc., 1200 E Hwy 50, Yankton, SD will host the final of three regional qualifying events for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). The midwestern regional qualifying event will be January 8. Opening ceremonies will commence at 9:00 a.m. CST with the awards ceremony to follow. A total of 36 contestants will compete for a top 10 placing, granting them a spot in the semi-finals for the 2020 WLAC at Dickson Regional Livestock Center, LLC, in Dickson, Tenn.
Each qualifying event is a live sale where each contestant auctions 8 drafts of livestock (traditionally cattle) to actual bidders. Contestants are judged on the clarity of their auction chant, professionalism and their ability to conduct the sale while catching bids.
Contestants competing are Frederick Bodnarus, Saskatoon, Sask.; Troy Bradshaw, Lipan, Texas; Jeff Bynum, Attalla, Ala.; Albert Carroll, Downeyville, Ont.; Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Dakota Davis, Waukomis, Okla.; Dean Edge, Rimbey, Alta.; Brandon Frey, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Collin Gibbs, Miles City, Mont.; Patrick Greenleaf, Wilmore, Kan.; Brandon Hamel, Damar, Kan.; Cody Hanold, Brighton, Ill.; Seth Harvey, Jackson, Ga.; Brett Heath, Colome, S.D.; Jacob Hills, Ridgeway, Wis.; Jake Hopwood, Valentine, Neb.; Kent Korte, Metropolis, Ill.; Ed Leist, Petoskey, Mich.; Curt Littau, Carter, S.D.; Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, Calif.; Daniel Mitchell, Cumberland, Ohio; Kyle Mueller, Bloomington, Wis.; Clayton Neumann, Bigfoot, Texas; Mark Oberholtzer, Loyal, Wis.; Jake Parnell, Sacramento, Calif.; Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Jay Romine, Mt. Washington, Ky.; Jim Settle, Arroyo Grande, Calif.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Ryan Siecke, Creighton, Neb.; Robert Strickler, Banco, Va.; Marshal Tingle, Nicolasville, Ky.; Brad Veurink, Corsica, S.D.; Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Neb.; Mike Witten, Trenton, Mo.; and Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho.
The public may attend the livestock auction and competition free of charge. It will also be streamed live on www.LMAAuctions.com and the LMA Youtube channel.
The remaining qualifying events are balanced regionally across the LMA Membership. The western regional was held at Crawford Livestock Market, LLC; October 11. The eastern regional was held at Farmers Livestock, Inc; November 18.
Nebraska Cattlemen Reflects on 2019
Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) once again reflects on membership and leadership happenings as another year passes.
Nebraska Cattlemen started the year off with excitement about the big move to the newly constructed office building as well as the formation of a professional business relationship with the Harry A. Koch Co. to create NCIG. This entity is a joint venture to offer insurance products of all types to NC members, with a percentage to be remitted to NCIG. The Board’s primary motivation for this joint venture was to address the critical challenge of escalating health care costs. With HAK & Co. seeking out NC to offer this opportunity, it allows a path to a significant member benefit the association has never had previously.
March brought devastation in the form of bomb cyclone Ulmer, impacting the entire state, it’s people, cattle and the beef community. The sever and negative impacts will continue to challenge Nebraska Cattlemen and its members moving forward. In order to help those cattlemen and women in need NC formed the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund and generated $1.7 million in donations all of which went to the applicants of the fund.
Another event that caused significant financial and emotional hardship on cattle and beef producers was the fire at the Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kan., on Aug. 9. This event gave evidence of how any disruption can negatively affect the entire industry. NC, in conjunction with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, actively worked with a variety of entities, including Tyson Fresh Meats, for ongoing transparency to producers; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to emphasize oversight in all phases of government functions; Commodity Future Trading Commission, to actively monitor market manipulation; CME, to ascertain that market trading activity is not abused; the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, to allow federal hauling and facilitate the needed hours for transport; and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, to move federal meat inspectors to plants increasing harvest levels. The plant is just now coming back online to levels that existed prior to the fire.
The conclusion of the calendar year is complete with the passing of the baton from one NC leader to the next. Ken Herz is a respected, thoughtful leader who is ready to make a difference as NC’s president. His experience as NC’s Tax Committee chair has positioned him to be the right leader at the right time, with property tax and relief more possible than in recent years. Ken and the 2020 Board are poised to act on proposed property tax relief and reform and other issues for the membership’s benefit.
Nebraska Extension Offering Land Application Training in January and February
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Project Coordinator
The Animal Manure Management team is busy preparing for the annual Land Application Training days that are scheduled across the state January 27 through February 7, 2020. This year, interactive experiences using real-life scenarios will guide the selection of preferred manure application sites based upon agronomic and soil health benefits, cost of transportation, water quality protection, and minimizing neighbor odor exposure. Participants will combine their experience with a few management principles for finding preferred fields. I'm pretty excited to hear what folks think of the new activity.
Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified, and farms must complete an approved training every five years. Participants who attend the day-long (9 am – 3:30 pm) event will receive NDEE Initial Land Application Training Certification. In many locations Recertification will be held during the last two and a half hours of the day-long land application training. Other locations are holding the Recertification training as a separate event. Farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are encouraged to attend for either training. Discounts for multiple employee attendance are available.
What will you learn?
Initial training will discuss basic manure topics like sampling, record keeping, and manure value for crop production. The recertification portion of the workshops will consist of a two-and-a-half-hour program including updates on regulations and a real-life scenario to determine the best location for land application based on manure’s fertilizer value, transportation costs, weather forecasts as they relate to odor risk, as well as water quality concerns and soil health benefits. Any farm staff responsible for implementing the farm’s nutrient plan are encouraged to attend.
What will it cost?
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. The initial training workshop cost is $75 per operation (includes one representative) plus $25 for each additional participant from the same operation.
For those who want to recertify, the cost is $50 per operation (includes one representative) plus $25 for each additional participant from the same operation.
Where and when can you attend?
Recertification Training
January 29 at 6:30 pm - Extension Office - West Point
January 31 at 1:00 pm - Plainview Public Library - Plainview
February 6 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm - Pinnacle Bank - Columbus
Initial Training
January 30 at 9:00 am - Extension Office - West Point
January 31 at 9:00 am - Plainview Public Library - Plainview
February 7 at 9:00 am - Feb 7 - Extension Office - Columbus
Seating is limited at all locations, so please pre-register at least eight business days in advance of the workshop you’re planning to attend by using the online form or by using the form in the program brochure.
The workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Team, which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.
For additional information on the workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818 or ljohnson13@unl.edu.
Butler County Ag Expo 2020
Hosted by Nebraska Extension in Butler County and Butler County, NE Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM CST
Butler County Event Center 62 L St David City, NE
Schedule of Events:
9:30 AM - Nitrogen Certification/Water Conservation, Lower Platte North NRD
Butler County Event Center meeting room
9:30 AM - Exhibitor Booths Open to attendees
Butler County Ag Expo - Multipurpose Room - Area FFA members begin State presentations in presentation area
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Free lunch served - Sponsors will be announced soon
11:30 AM - 1 PM Agricultural Presentation Allan Vyhnalek-UNL Extension Educator Topic: “Ag Land Leasing for 2020”
1:00 PM - Private Pesticide Applicator - Certification: Butler County Event Center (Meeting Room)
3:00 PM - Exhibit Booths Close
LENRD-Bazile GMA No-Till, Cover Crops, and Planned Grazing Systems WORKSHOP
Lifelong Learning Center – Norfolk, Nebraska
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lance Gunderson MS: President & Owner Regen Ag Lab - “What does the PLFA test tell us?” “Understanding the Haney Test: A Glimpse Beyond the Numbers!”
Justin McMechan: Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist, ENREC - “Integrating Cover Crops into IPM Plans”
Dale Strickler: Soil Health Rancher, Agronomist at Green Cover Seed - “Getting Out of the Spinning Hamster Cage”
Dale Strickler: “Tying it All Together—Soil Health, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Improving Groundwater Quality”
Educator Panel: Q & A at the End of the Day: Lance, Justin and Dale will answer any questions this outstanding group of educators will have brought to your attention.
Please RSVP by February 4, 2020 for meal count to your local NRCS or call LENRD, 402-371-7313. Sponsored by: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Elkhorn, Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara and Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources Districts
Nebraska Cover Crop & SOIL HEALTH Conference
2020 Theme: Inter-Seeding Cover Crops for Corn & Soybean Rotation
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 - 8:30am to 3:45pm
University of Nebraska Eastern NE Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE
The 2020 Nebraska Cover Crop and Soil Health Conference features innovative speakers who have worked with cover crops extensively and will share what they have learned. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered. The theme for this year is, "Inter-Seeding Cover Crops for Corn & Soybean Rotation"
How can you get started with cover crops in your corn/soybean rotation?
Already using cover crops - could you be doing it better?
There are many benefits to utilizing cover crops, such as improved soil heath and reduced erosion. It’s the details of how and what to do that can present challenges. The focus of the conference is to provide information to growers who are in a corn/soybean rotation and to assist them in understanding the value of cover crops.
CCA credits are applied for and pending approval.
Finding the Right Fit with Cover Crops - Abbey Wick, North Dakota State University
Cover crops can be a useful tool for managing several on-farm goals. But figuring out the right fit for both goals and comfort level can be tricky. Talking through practical approaches farmers are using combined with science-based information helps minimize risk while achieving goals.
Farming With 2020 Vision in Mind - Loran Steinlage, Farmer/Practical Field Engineer DAWNequipment/UndergroundAg, FLOLO Farms, West Union, Iowa
Loran Steinlage Owner/Operator of FLOLOfarms with wife Brenda Specializes in adapting practices and equipment to our unique area on the edge of the Driftless area. The Steinlages are evolving to Companion/Relay NoTill cropping system which is focused on cycling plants to keep a living plant in the soila at all times,to help aid in moisture management and weed suppression. Currently producing Corn, Soybeans, Cereal Rye, Winter Wheat, Malt Barley and Buckwheat. And recently took on a role with DAWN Equipment/Underground Ag as an Infield Practical Field Engineer.
Selling Seed in Nebraska - Steve Knox, Director, Nebraska Crop Improvement Association
What you will need and what you have to do to be able to sell seed in Nebraska.
Accelerating Soil Health Adoption by Quantifying Economic & Environmental Outcomes and Overcoming Barriers on Rented Lands - Brian Brandt, Director of Ag Conservation Innovations , American Farmland Trust, Columbus, Ohio
Review of Cover Crop Demonstrations in Central Platte NRD - Dean Krull, Farmer/ UNL Research Technologist
Environmental Impact; Planting dates and results; Seeding Strategies and moisture concerns.
Understanding Soil Health, Measuring Success and Reducing Risk - Aaron Hird, State Soil Health Specialist, Co-Presented with Noah Seim, Merrick County Farmer
The USDA/NRCS in Nebraska will present an update on the Nebraska NRCS Soil Health Initiative. Understanding how soil health can improve “in your crop field” is an important step in understanding the various measurements of success and how healthy soil reduces risk. NRCS Nebraska has partnered with the UNL Agronomy & Horticulture Department as well UNL Extension’s Nebraska On-Farm Research Network to work alongside interested farmers and ranchers across the state to monitor the aspects of improved soil health in a crop fields and rangeland and capture the results. Presenting about his Soil Health Initiative Demonstration Field, Noah Seim, will offer his experience comparing in-season seeding of cover crops into corn with germination between V4 and V6 growth stages vs seeding after harvest vs no cover crops. Seim has seen the benefits of soil health and is interested in the story the data from his crop field is telling.
Thoughts from a 1st Year Inter-Seeder and Why You Should Give it a Try! - Jay Goertzen, Henderson, NE Farmer and Jennifer Rees, Nebraska Extension Educator
How I built an inter-seeder out of what I had laying around the farm.
My observations on what grew and what didn't.
What I'm going to modify to hopefully make it more successful.
Cover Crops by Helicopter: FAQ - Brent Wulf, Owner and Chief Pilot, Hexagon Helicopters Inc.
An introduction to the equipment, techniques and advantages of interseeding with a helicopter.
Cover Crop Panel
Seating is limited! Pre-register by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 at: https://research.unl.edu/events/event.php?eventID=4417. No fee to attend, but must pre-register. Preregistration required to ensure resource materials are available and for meal planning purposes. Questions - email cdunbar2@unl.edu or call 402-624-8030.
Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference is Feb. 20-21
The annual Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference will celebrate 35 years Feb. 20 and 21 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Kearney.
Workshops and presentations will offer tools and information to help women better manage risk, improve their farms and ranches and become more successful operators and business partners.
“We are so excited, 35 years later, about the growth this conference has experienced,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of Nebraska Women in Agriculture. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting women with the tools, skills and relationships they can use to become even more effective in agriculture.”
Both single- and two-day registrations will open Jan. 6 on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, www.wia.unl.edu. The costs are $75 for one day and $125 for both days through Feb. 9; after that, the two-day cost is $150. Scholarships are available for students, 4-H members and FFA members.
Designed to educate and uplift women who are involved in any aspect of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, the event will focus on the five areas of agricultural risk management: production, market, financial, human and legal.
The conference will feature more than 30 workshops and five speakers, including author Michele Payn, blogger Lauren Eberspacher and beef advocate Amanda Radke.
Optimizing Poultry Manure Value in Cropoping Systems Workshop
Wednesday, February 26, 1-4pm, Hruska Memorial Public Library, David City
Hosted by Nebraska Extension
Is poultry manure right for your cropping operation? Learn more at the manure land application workshop presented by the UNL Manure Management team. Topic on the agenda include:
- Background on poultry facilities and raising poultry
- Utilizing poultry manure for crop production
- panel discussion with producers currently using manure in their cropping systems
- odor risk and land application regulations.
Pre-registration is requested by Monday, Feb 24. There is no registration fee, and meeting materials are available free of charge. Reserve a spot by calling the Butler County Extension office at 402-367-7410, or email melissa.bartels@unl.edu.
Nebraska Corn Growers Association Accepting Applications for FLAGship Program
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is now accepting applications for the fifth class of the Future Leaders in Agriculture Scholarship (FLAGship) Program. The FLAGship Program is a scholarship program intended for future agricultural leaders in Nebraska. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) will award up to 5 $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors or college freshman who are continuing their education in the state of Nebraska. Three of the scholarships are set aside strictly for those students pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture. Two of the scholarships are open to non-agricultural degree seeking students.
“Each time we look over applications for this program, the quality of applicants seems to get better and better,” said Andy Jobman, Vice President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Chairman of the Grower Services Committee. “We know with the quality of applications we have been receiving, that the future of our industry is in great hands.”
To be eligible for this scholarship students must be a member of NeCGA or the son/daughter of an NeCGA member. The application for the FLAGship Program must include one letter of recommendation, a current resume (not to exceed one page), as well as proof that the student is continuing their education in state. Applicants are also asked to explain how they will advocate for agriculture in their future career as well as what issues they feel the ag industry is currently facing.
Applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2020. Packets can be mailed to 4435 O Street, Suite 210 Lincoln, NE 68510 ATTN: Director of Grower Services, or emailed to mwrich@necga.org. Recipients will be notified in March 2020 and scholarships will be distributed in December 2020. For more information about the scholarship and an application, please visit necga.org or call (402) 438-6459.
4th Annual Pink at the Pump® Campaign Raises over $20,000 for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Support
This October Iowa drivers raised over $20,000 for breast cancer research and support services simply by choosing cleaner-burning Unleaded 88 during the 4th annual Pink at the Pump® campaign, co-sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPM).
Seventy-four retail stations donated three cents of every gallon of Unleaded 88 sold from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 to National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and The Hormel Institute. Unleaded 88, also know as E15, is a fuel containing 15 percent ethanol and is approved for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles.
“We are thrilled that this year’s Pink at the Pump® campaign featured a record number of participating stations and raised a record-breaking amount of funds for such a worthwhile cause,” said IRFA Communications Director Cassidy Walter. “Pink at the Pump® is an exciting promotion because not only does it support such important research and services, but it shines a light on the fact that biofuel blends like Unleaded 88 are reducing the amount of toxic emissions coming out of our tailpipe and helping keep our air cleaner and healthier to breathe.”
NBCF provides help and inspires hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. The Hormel Institute is a global, cutting-edge research facility with a seven-decade history of making significant scientific discoveries on better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer.
“We truly appreciate every consumer who chose homegrown Unleaded 88 at the pump during October,” said Roger Zylstra, ICPB President and farmer from Lynnville, Iowa. “Through Pink at the Pump®, Iowa motorists were able to support cleaner-burning fuels and help combat breast cancer. The monetary donations collected go towards funding breast cancer research and support. As we kick off the New Year, we encourage consumers to continue selecting Unleaded 88 because using more ethanol reduces your exposure to harmful, cancer-causing chemicals and toxins, and it is better for the environment!”
Youth Encouraged to Participate in Swine Judging Contest
The hundreds of youth that will participate in the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Youth Swine Judging Contest in January will learn more information to grow their interest in pork production, and senior level teams will be eligible to win scholarships.
The contest, which is held in conjunction with the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress, will be Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
This is a team contest, and teams should register on www.IowaPork.org under the Youth tab by Jan. 10. A team will consist of 4 students, with 3 of the scores counting towards the team total. Teams of 3 will be allowed if a team of 4 cannot be formed. If a team of 3 cannot be formed, individuals will be accepted.
Check-in for the contest will be at the fairgrounds on Jan. 23, from 8-9:30 a.m., with the contest starting at 10 a.m.
Teams will judge four classes of animals: keep/cull gilts; live carcass evaluation; market hogs; and commercial gilts. There will also be two short assessments, each containing approximately 12 questions. The first will focus mostly on general farm practices, and the second will focus on meat quality and characteristics as they relate to pork production.
For more information, contact IPPA at 800-372-7675 or email info@iowapork.org.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/27/2019
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending Dec. 27, ethanol production scaled back by 17,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 1.6%, to 1.066 million b/d—equivalent to 44.77 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked 0.1% higher to 1.071 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.42 billion gallons.
Ethanol stocks thinned to 21.0 million barrels. Inventories were 2.0% lower than last week and 9.2% lower than the year-ago level. Stocks declined in all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2). Gulf Coast (PADD 3) stocks are the lowest in ten months.
There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of October 2019.)
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market during the holiday week decreased 3.7% to 8.961 million b/d (376.36 million gallons per day, or 137.37 bg annualized). Notably, the cumulative daily average of gasoline product supplied for the year was 0.3% higher than 2018. Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol narrowed for the week ending Dec. 27 by 5.8% to 884,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.55 bg annualized.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production increased to 11.90%.
Friday, January 3, 2020
Thursday January 2 Ag News
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2020 PRIVATE PESTICIDE TRAINING
Nebraska Extension’s private pesticide applicator training season runs from January through April for the approximately 10,000 private applicators who are recertifying their licenses to apply restricted use pesticides.
“The training sessions are one of three options available for private applicators to become first-time (initial) certified or recertified,” said Clyde Ogg, an extension educator who leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program.
A second option is the online self-study program, which includes assessment quizzes that participants must pass to become certified.
A third method is to attend one of six extension crop production clinics in January or the Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 22-23 in Kearney.
Separate, additional training is required for anyone purchasing and applying restricted use dicamba and paraquat, Ogg said.
Every three years, a licensed private applicator must attend a training session, complete the self-study course approved by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or pass an NDA exam for license renewal. Once licensed, applicators may purchase, handle or apply restricted use pesticides. Fees are separate for extension training and NDA licensing.
“The user-friendly online private self-study training is an exclusive PSEP training option that has had positive results,” Ogg said.
No matter the method, training topics include the importance of reading and following the product label, as well as protecting non-targets such as people, sensitive plants and wildlife; helping prevent weed resistance; and properly applying pesticides.
This year, on-site meetings could include mention of potential federal regulation changes, Ogg said. For example, a comment period about part of the federal Worker Protection Standard is now underway.
“When any decisions on changes are known, PSEP will pass on the information to extension educators involved with pesticide training and through other venues,” Ogg said.
The Worker Protection Standard aims to protect people involved in agricultural work from pesticide exposure. Even if there are changes in the law, it is helpful to become familiar with the standard. A tool from the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, available at http://www.pesticideresources.org/wps/doesitapply.html, can help workers, managers, employers, producers and others understand the law, Ogg said. By answering a series of questions related to the duties on an agricultural establishment, the tool will relay if and how the Worker Protection Standard applies, and what steps are needed to comply.
Private applicators needing recertification in 2020 should have been notified by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in mid-December or by their local extension office. The letter includes a bar code that eliminates the need to complete the standard application form; applicators should bring the letter to the training session. Applicators also should check their licenses for the expiration date. If the license expires in 2020 but the applicator has not yet received a letter from the NDA, they should contact the agency at 402-471-2351.
Applicators will again use the updated EC130 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska to learn how to use label information such as chemical group numbers and nonchemical techniques, to reduce development of pesticide-resistant pests. The comprehensive guide, normally $15, is included with registration. Pre-registration is required for all training events.
TRAINING SITES
Detailed information about training opportunities is available at https://pested.unl.edu or through the links below. Pre-register by contacting host extension offices.
> For private initial certification and recertification training locations, dates and contacts, visit https://edmedia.wufoo.com/reports/2020-psep-private-training-dates. Extension training is $40; NDA licensing is an additional $25.
> For private online self-study training, visit https://psep.education/applicator. Extension training is $75; NDA licensing is an additional $25.
> Applicators with both private and commercial/noncommercial licenses may find extension’s crop production clinics helpful. Visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. The cost is $80. NDA licensing for private applicators is an additional $25; for commercial, $90; there is no license fee for noncommercial.
> The Nebraska Crop Management Conference, Jan. 22-23 in Kearney, is another option. Registration is $80 per day or $150 for both days. Visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.
In case of inclement weather and possible cancellations of extension training sessions, listen to a local radio or television station, or call the training site.
DICAMBA TRAINING
Extension training also will be held for the growing number of dicamba products. It is a federal requirement to complete state-approved dicamba training each year before using any of these products due to the potential for drift and damage to non-target crops and vegetation. For more information, visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#dicamba. No fee is charged for this training.
PARAQUAT TRAINING
Since fall 2019, paraquat labels include a link to required training for anyone who mixes, loads, applies or handles paraquat. Federal EPA online training, good for three years, provides information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions, and consequences of misuse.
Widely used in agriculture, paraquat is fatal when ingested in even a small amount; there is no antidote. Also in effect are new closed-container system standards for non-bulk end use product containers. This means the containers must be completely sealed, with no way to open and pour out the contents except into application equipment. For more information, visit https://campus.extension.org/login/index.php. No fee is charged for this training.
For more information on pesticide safety, visit https://pested.unl.edu.
COMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL PESTICIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE TO GROW
Pesticide safety is at the heart of more than four dozen training sessions to be offered from January through April across Nebraska. The sessions are offered in multiple formats for commercial/noncommercial pesticide applicators to become certified or recertified.
Awareness and knowledge about pesticides are important, said Clyde Ogg, a Nebraska Extension educator who leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program.
“Applicators bear the burden to responsibly use pesticides and document their use,” Ogg said. “Knowledge and training help applicators keep current on products, methods and technology.”
Commercial applicators are those using restricted use and general use pesticides when making applications in lawn care or structural settings, for hire or compensation. Noncommercial applicators are those applying these same pesticides to sites owned by their employer, or for a government agency or political subdivision of the state.
Separate training is required before using paraquat and dicamba.
“The label is the law,” Ogg said. “The label is a legal document, so it is the applicator’s responsibility to read and comply with all label directions, even if they’ve used that same product before.”
Labels can change without warning due to updates in formulations or research. Changes might include the requirement of a respirator or a longer restricted-entry interval; the protection of a wildlife species; or a new rate of application.
The Pesticide Safety Education Program conducts pesticide safety and dicamba training. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues three-year licenses for applicators who pass their certification exams and pay the fee.
Coming this year is a new opportunity for potential commercial/noncommercial applicators to study for their initial certification.
“Our new digital flipbooks are a segue into the new decade,” Ogg said.
Internet-based flipbooks combine video with text, eliminating time and expense to attend on-site training. They are convenient and have searchable text, and most have color images. Watch for information about purchasing FlipBooks and subsequent testing at https://pested.unl.edu.
INITIAL TRAINING SCHEDULE
Anyone preferring the traditional initial training through print materials and on-site videos may still do so. Advance registration of $80 is required through https://pested.unl.edu/initial-classes-registration. The start time is 8:30 a.m. for each of the following locations; exams are conducted at the end of sessions.
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott St., March 17
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb. 25
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Highway 34, Feb. 4 and 25
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Feb. 4 and 27, March 17 and April 9
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S. 13th St., Feb. 4 and 25, and March 17
> North Platte: West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, Feb. 11 and 27, March 17 and April 9
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, Feb. 11, April 9 and 16
> O’Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, April 16
> Scottsbluff: Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 11, 25 and 27, and April 9
Once certification is attained in the commercial classification, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues a license for an additional $90 fee. There is no charge for a noncommercial license.
RECERTIFICATION TRAINING SCHEDULE
Commercial/noncommercial applicators whose licenses expire in April 2020 may recertify at an on-site extension video training session in February or March.
In 2020, about 3,500 commercial/noncommercial applicators — such as fumigators, lawn care workers and exterminators — need to be recertified. For individual applicator license status, visit http://www.kellysolutions.com or call the NDA at 402-471-2351. Applicators whose licenses have expired must retest.
Pre-registration of $80 is required. Visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#commercial. The start time is 8:30 a.m. for each of the following recertification locations:
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, Feb. 18, March 10 and 19
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, Feb. 20 and March 19
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, Feb. 6 and 18
> Holdrege: Phelps County Fairgrounds, Ag Center, 1308 Second St., Feb. 12 and March 10
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, Feb. 6 and 20, and March 26
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, Feb. 12, 13 and 18, and March 10
> North Platte: West Central Research and Extension Center, Feb. 13 and 18, and March 19
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, Feb. 13, March 19 and 26
> O'Neill: Holt County Annex, Feb. 13 and March 19
> Scottsbluff: Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Feb. 6 and 20, and March 24
PARAQUAT, DICAMBA TRAINING
Training is required prior to use; no fee is charged for either type of training.
For information on annual dicamba training, visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#dicamba. For information on paraquat training, due every three years, visit https://campus.extension.org/login/index.php.
OTHER RECERTIFICATION AND TRAINING OPTIONS
Crop production clinics are a great option to recertify in the agricultural plant category and demonstration/research subcategory. Registration of $80 is required at https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. Clinics begin at 8:45 a.m. local times.
> Jan. 7 – Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
> Jan. 8 – North Platte, Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
> Jan. 10 – Beatrice, Southeast Community College, Truman Center, 4771 W Scott Road
> Jan. 13 – Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
> Jan. 14 - York, Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
> Jan. 15 – Mead, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G
The Nebraska Crop Management Conference is Jan. 22 and 23 at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road in Kearney. Pre-registration is required at http://www.agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC. The cost is $80 per day or $150 for both days. Recertification is available either day.
The Nebraska Turfgrass Conference is Jan. 7-9 at the La Vista Conference Center, 12540 Westport Parkway in La Vista. Recertification in ornamental and turf pest control is available. Pre-register at https://www.nebraskaturfgrass.com or call the Nebraska Turfgrass Association at 402-207-0911.
The Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Convention is Feb. 25 and 26 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Recertification in agricultural plant and aerial pest control is available. For more information, email tayor@youraam.com or call the association at 531-289-8323.
For more information on pesticide safety, visit https://pested.unl.edu.
NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the month of December 2019, topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 10 short, 80 adequate, and 9 surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 8 short, 84 adequate, and 7 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 24 fair, 64 good, and 6 excellent.
The next monthly report (for January) will be issued January 27, 2020. Weekly reports will begin April 6th for the 2020 season.
PorkBridge Educational Series for 2020 Begins Feb. 6
Since 2005, PorkBridge has provided relevant and timely information to grow-finish swine producers and other industry professionals across the U.S. and around the world through a unique low-tech delivery method. The 2020 program year series begins on Feb. 6 and continues on an every-other-month for six total sessions.
The program is a source of relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities, according to Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist, Ken Stalder, who is the Iowa contact for PorkBridge.
PorkBridge provides an interactive teleconference with electronic materials and live presentations. About a week before each session, subscribers will receive a weblink to download the session’s presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with their own copy of the presentation on their computer or other device.
“Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting,” Stalder said. “PorkBridge participants can take part at home, in an office or in the swine unit, wherever it works best for them. And everyone can listen later to the audio we record of each live session.”
Sessions are scheduled for the first Thursday of each designated month but occasionally are moved a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays. Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
The price remains at $100 for the entire series, and as in the past, each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount. Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session, Stalder said.
“Program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses,” he said. “Anyone with questions, regardless of location, should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information.”
Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.
The registration form and payment must be received by Jan. 15 to ensure receipt of program materials in time for the first session on Feb. 6. The program brochure has details and the registration form. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 515-294-4683.
2020 PorkBridge session dates, speakers and topics
Feb. 6 – Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University; “African Swine Fever and Secure Pork Supply”
April 2 – Steve Moeller, The Ohio State University; “Maintenance of Euthanasia Equipment”
May 28 – Matt Ritter, Provimi US; “In-barn Impacts on Meat Quality”
Aug. 6 – Yuzhi Li, University of Minnesota; “Tail, Ear and Flank Biting: Reasons Why and How to Address”
Oct. 1 – Jose Ramirez, Viroz Animal Health; “Proper Application of Disinfectants”
Dec. 3 – Andy Brudtkuhl, National Pork Board; “Precision Technologies for Commercial Swine Production.”
Public Comment Period Begins for Iowa’s New Hemp Production Regulations
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the open comment period for the state’s proposed hemp production regulations began Jan. 1. The public can visit rules.iowa.gov to read the proposed administrative rules that will regulate the planting, growing and harvesting of commercial hemp in Iowa. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m./CT on Jan. 22, 2020.
The state of Iowa submitted its proposed hemp production program to the USDA for approval on Dec. 11, 2019. The USDA has 60 days to review and provide feedback. It is not legal to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp in Iowa until the USDA approves the state plan and the Department publishes notice of the approval in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
Once production has been legalized, licensed farmers will be able to grow up to 40 acres of hemp per season. The Department will start accepting hemp license applications once the USDA approves the state hemp plan and the online licensing system is operational. Interested growers should continue to monitor iowaagriculture.gov/hemp for updates.
This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption in Iowa. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.
To read Iowa’s proposed hemp regulatory administrative rules in their entirety, visit https://rules.iowa.gov/Notice/Details/4841C. To read the Iowa Hemp Act, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2020/204.pdf.
U.S. Grains Council’s 2019/2020 Corn Harvest Quality Report
After one of the United States’ most challenging growing seasons in history, that included weather-related planting delays, delayed crop maturation and early rains and snows during harvest, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has published its ninth annual Corn Harvest Quality Report, a representative view of the quality of corn assembled for export, collected as it enters the international merchandising channels.
The report is based on 623 samples collected from inbound farm-originating trucks at harvest.
“As industry stakeholders and international buyers make decisions about purchase contracts and processing needs for corn for feed, food or industrial use, corn quality information becomes critical,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies. “Reports like the Council’s crop quality reports provide transparency about crop conditions and consistently reinforce that the United States is the world’s most reliable supplier of good quality corn.”
This season’s growing conditions forced some producers to harvest at relatively high moisture levels that have led to lower-than-average test weights, slightly higher stress crack incidences and higher broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) as compared with last year’s corn crop.
A forthcoming companion report – the 2019/2020 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report – will focus on export cargo samples collected from corn shipments undergoing federal inspection and grading processes at export terminals. It will provide information on grading, handling and how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.
The reports offer reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology. They each give an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere.
The Council’s global staff and grower-leaders will share the results of the first report in a series of crop quality seminars around the world, beginning in Taiwan in January. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year. During these events, crop quality information is accompanied by presentations on U.S. corn grading and handling.
“Successful market development and outreach efforts, like the corn quality roll out presentations, demonstrate the return on investment for the efforts of the Council and our partner organizations,” Shultz said. “It allows our experts to answer questions directly about the efficacy of this year’s crop and to continue to offer an open line of communication between producers and end-users who want what we have to offer.”
Additional roll-out events are scheduled in January as follows:
• Taiwan – Jan. 6-10, 2020
• South Korea – Jan. 12-18, 2020
• Southern Mexico – Jan. 13-17, 2020
• Northern Mexico – Jan. 13-17, 2020
• Japan – Jan. 18-25, 2020
• South America (Colombia, Peru) – Jan. 19-24, 2020
• Central America (Cost Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala) – Jan. 20-25, 2020
• Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Cyprus) – Jan. 22-24, 2020
“The Council’s quality reports can be compared across time, enabling buyers to make well-informed decisions as they purchase U.S. corn,” Shultz said.
USDA Nov '19 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 507 million bushels in November 2019. Total corn consumption was up 5 percent from October 2019 and up 1 percent from November 2018. November 2019 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.41 million bushels, up 7 percent from October 2019 and up 16 percent from November 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 457 million bushels, was up 5 percent from October 2019 and up slightly from November 2018. Corn consumed in November 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.5 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.88 million tons during November 2019, up 3 percent from October 2019 but down 3 percent from November 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.35 million tons in November 2019, up 5 percent from October 2019 and up 3 percent from November 2018.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 272,089 tons during November 2019, down 7 percent from October 2019 and down 5 percent from November 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 262,089 tons in November 2019, up 12 percent from October 2019 and up 2 percent from November 2018.
USDA Nov '19 Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in November 2019, compared with 5.61 million tons (187 million bushels) in October 2019 and 5.34 million tons (178 million bushels) in November 2018. Crude oil produced was 2.00 billion pounds down 7 percent from October 2019 and down 3 percent from November 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.36 billion pounds during November 2019 decreased 13 percent from October 2019 and decreased 6 percent from November 2018.
Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 152,430 tons in November 2019, compared with 188,299 tons in October 2019 and 161,507 tons in November 2018. Canola crude oil produced was 127 million pounds, down 20 percent from October 2019 and down 5 percent from November 2018. Canola once refined oil production, at 96.3 million pounds during November 2019, was down 22 percent from October 2019 and down 37 percent from November 2018.
Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 41.2 million pounds during November 2019, was down 3 percent from October 2019 and down 15 percent from November 2018.
Edible tallow production was 90.3 million pounds during November 2019, up 22 percent from October 2019 but down 2 percent from November 2018. Inedible tallow production was 341 million pounds during November 2019, up 16 percent from October 2019 but down 3 percent from November 2018. Technical tallow production was 118 million pounds during November 2019, up 15 percent from October 2019 and up 7 percent from November 2018. Choice white grease production, at 121 million pounds during November 2019, increased 6 percent from October 2019 and increased 4 percent from November 2018.
EPA TAKES REASONABLE APPROACH IN ATRAZINE DECISION
The Atrazine Preliminary Interim Decision (PID) document published today in the federal register supports EPA’s commitment to use credible scientific research in setting a reasonable aquatic ecosystem Level of Concern (LOC) for atrazine. The interim decision is positive for growers who rely on the atrazine for weed control, according to the Triazine Network, a coalition of agricultural organizations that advocates for science-based regulatory decisions regarding the triazine herbicides including atrazine.
The PID corrects a recommendation made in the 2016 Ecological Risk Assessment to set the LOC at 3.6 parts per billion, an ultra-low level that would have banned the use of atrazine in much of farm country. The lower LOC was based on questionable research, including studies that had been turned down by EPA’s 2012 Science Advisory Panel (SAP). Relying on several points of information, including EPA’s SAP recommendations, the agency modified the LOC to 15 parts per billion over a 60-day average.
“This PID is good news for farmers across America,” said Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Gary Marshall, who chairs the Triazine Network. “Through our diverse coalition of grower organizations, we met with EPA Administrator Wheeler and staff to provide specific details on why this product is tremendously important to farmers across the country, especially for weed control in conservation practices. From citrus to sorghum and corn to Christmas trees, farmers rely on the agency’s use of credible science to regulate the products that allow us to safely grow more with less for a hungry global population.”
Atrazine is a key herbicide that helps farmers control weeds that rob crops of water and nutrients and is especially important for conservation practices. Utilized for over 60 years, atrazine is the most researched herbicide in history and has a proven safety record.
“Simply put, atrazine helps farmers control weeds that rob field crops of nutrients, water, and sunlight,” Marshall said. “Over the years, farmers have dramatically reduced application rates of atrazine. Through farmer-funded research, we have learned how to efficiently and effectively use it to control weeds and to help implement conservation measures like no-till farming.”
The publication of the atrazine PID in the Federal Register opens a 60-day comment period that ends on March 2, 2020. Marshall said it is crucial for growers to submit comments supporting the atrazine preliminary interim decision, explain how they use atrazine, and why it is important to their farming operations.
“EPA made a move to use credible science in its interim decision,” noted Marshall. “That won’t please some well-funded special interest groups that have targeted atrazine for many years. This is why we need comments in support of this decision from growers who actually use atrazine, and who understand its safety and value to long-term conservation efforts.”
Approved for use in 1958, atrazine has been extensively reviewed by EPA over the decades and across administrations. The current registration review process began in 2013.
Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 9
Thursday, January 9th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience.
The 2020 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 29 in San Antonio, Texas. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com. A complete schedule of events is also available on the website.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.
Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Agriculture Workforce Coalition Urges Senate Action on Ag Labor Crisis
Following on the heels of a government-mandated increase in farmers’ labor costs, the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), a diverse group of organizations representing the needs of agricultural employers across the country, today urged the U.S. Senate to take up legislation to solve the agricultural labor crisis by calling attention to the dire labor situation facing our nation’s agricultural producers.
The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is the required wage rate for farmers who use the H-2A program and the Department of Labor today mandated an increase that will average 6% across the nation. The AWC told the Senate that the increase will make it difficult for some farms to continue operating, coming after a year of natural disasters, trade disruptions, low commodity prices and declining farm income.
In its letter, the AWC called on the Senate to take action to address critical agricultural labor issues. The coalition urges the Senate to consider the impacts of the AEWR on U.S. farmers and is asking for an alternative that will ensure a level playing field for farmers and ranchers making them more competitive with foreign producers.
Farmers who use the H-2A program to procure legal workers from other countries must comply with a complicated and expensive application process to assure that domestic workers are not displaced, though few U.S. workers are willing to take jobs on farms. Farmers are also required to provide free certified housing and transportation to and from guest workers’ place of residence. The AEWR implemented today will immediately increase farmers’ labor costs by an average of 6% while revenues for agricultural goods continue to diminish due to an influx of cheaply produced imports flooding American markets.
Over the last five years the AEWR has increased nationwide by 17% on average while revenues for fruits and nuts have increased only 3% and vegetables and melons have seen no revenue increases. While American farmers are required to pay their H-2A employees more and more each year, the U.S. continues to import more and more produce from Mexico and Central and South America, where workers are paid a fraction of U.S. wage rates.
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition is asking the Senate for a legislative solution that ensures the competitiveness of America’s farmers and ranchers, stabilizes the current U.S. agricultural workforce and provides guest worker program access to year-round agriculture sectors such as dairy, livestock and mushrooms.
New Rule Reveals Why Congress and President Favor Importers and Ignore U.S. Ranchers
On December 30, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a proposed rule to reapportion the Beef Checkoff Program's Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB). The proposed rule reveals that importers control more cattle inventories than any state in the United States except Texas.
To make its calculations regarding who controls domestic cattle inventories, the USDA counts imported live cattle and converts imported beef into a live cattle equivalent. The agency uses a conversion factor of 592 pounds to determine the live cattle equivalent. For example, 1 billion pounds of imported beef is the rough equivalent of 1.7 million live cattle.
According to the proposed rule, importers now control about 6.9 million cattle in the U.S. market. Only the state of Texas, which controls about 12.6 million cattle exceeds the importers' control. Neither Kansas nor Nebraska, which are the nation's second and third top cattle inventory states, can compete with the importers' dominant control.
According to R-CALF USA, the combination of cattle and beef imports represent the largest agricultural commodities imported from Canada and Mexico. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said USDA data show the U.S. imported $4.1 billion in cattle and beef from Canada and Mexico in 2018, which far surpasses the second-place agricultural import that year, malt beverages at $3.7 billion.
Bullard says the importers dominant control over cattle inventories in all but one state affords them extraordinary influence in both Congress and the Administration, enabling them to drown-out the voices of United States cattle farmers and ranchers.
"It's disheartening that Congress and the Administration are listening to importers while ignoring hard-working U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers. The $4.1 billion of imported, cheaper cattle and beef from Canada and Mexico is being sold to consumers across the U.S. without disclosing their foreign origins. This prevents consumers from choosing to support United States cattle farmers and ranchers through their purchases," Bullard said.
"U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) supporters and the Administration only disclose the roughly $1.9 billion in cattle and beef exports to Canada and Mexico and convey that this is good for U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers; yet they fail to mention the $4.1 billion in imports that completely overwhelm our exports." He continued, "This is wrong."
Bullard said cattle and beef importers are vehemently opposed to mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) because they do not want consumers to know the origins of their cheaper-sourced products. He said their overwhelming influence in Washington, D.C. helps explain their success in preventing the inclusion of COOL in the USMCA, which recently passed overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"United States cattle farmers and ranchers must now focus on the U.S. Senate to attempt to overcome the importers' undue lobbying influence that prevented the restoration of COOL for beef in the U.S. House's version of the USMCA," Bullard concluded.
Nebraska Extension’s private pesticide applicator training season runs from January through April for the approximately 10,000 private applicators who are recertifying their licenses to apply restricted use pesticides.
“The training sessions are one of three options available for private applicators to become first-time (initial) certified or recertified,” said Clyde Ogg, an extension educator who leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program.
A second option is the online self-study program, which includes assessment quizzes that participants must pass to become certified.
A third method is to attend one of six extension crop production clinics in January or the Nebraska Crop Management Conference Jan. 22-23 in Kearney.
Separate, additional training is required for anyone purchasing and applying restricted use dicamba and paraquat, Ogg said.
Every three years, a licensed private applicator must attend a training session, complete the self-study course approved by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or pass an NDA exam for license renewal. Once licensed, applicators may purchase, handle or apply restricted use pesticides. Fees are separate for extension training and NDA licensing.
“The user-friendly online private self-study training is an exclusive PSEP training option that has had positive results,” Ogg said.
No matter the method, training topics include the importance of reading and following the product label, as well as protecting non-targets such as people, sensitive plants and wildlife; helping prevent weed resistance; and properly applying pesticides.
This year, on-site meetings could include mention of potential federal regulation changes, Ogg said. For example, a comment period about part of the federal Worker Protection Standard is now underway.
“When any decisions on changes are known, PSEP will pass on the information to extension educators involved with pesticide training and through other venues,” Ogg said.
The Worker Protection Standard aims to protect people involved in agricultural work from pesticide exposure. Even if there are changes in the law, it is helpful to become familiar with the standard. A tool from the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, available at http://www.pesticideresources.org/wps/doesitapply.html, can help workers, managers, employers, producers and others understand the law, Ogg said. By answering a series of questions related to the duties on an agricultural establishment, the tool will relay if and how the Worker Protection Standard applies, and what steps are needed to comply.
Private applicators needing recertification in 2020 should have been notified by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in mid-December or by their local extension office. The letter includes a bar code that eliminates the need to complete the standard application form; applicators should bring the letter to the training session. Applicators also should check their licenses for the expiration date. If the license expires in 2020 but the applicator has not yet received a letter from the NDA, they should contact the agency at 402-471-2351.
Applicators will again use the updated EC130 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska to learn how to use label information such as chemical group numbers and nonchemical techniques, to reduce development of pesticide-resistant pests. The comprehensive guide, normally $15, is included with registration. Pre-registration is required for all training events.
TRAINING SITES
Detailed information about training opportunities is available at https://pested.unl.edu or through the links below. Pre-register by contacting host extension offices.
> For private initial certification and recertification training locations, dates and contacts, visit https://edmedia.wufoo.com/reports/2020-psep-private-training-dates. Extension training is $40; NDA licensing is an additional $25.
> For private online self-study training, visit https://psep.education/applicator. Extension training is $75; NDA licensing is an additional $25.
> Applicators with both private and commercial/noncommercial licenses may find extension’s crop production clinics helpful. Visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. The cost is $80. NDA licensing for private applicators is an additional $25; for commercial, $90; there is no license fee for noncommercial.
> The Nebraska Crop Management Conference, Jan. 22-23 in Kearney, is another option. Registration is $80 per day or $150 for both days. Visit https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.
In case of inclement weather and possible cancellations of extension training sessions, listen to a local radio or television station, or call the training site.
DICAMBA TRAINING
Extension training also will be held for the growing number of dicamba products. It is a federal requirement to complete state-approved dicamba training each year before using any of these products due to the potential for drift and damage to non-target crops and vegetation. For more information, visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#dicamba. No fee is charged for this training.
PARAQUAT TRAINING
Since fall 2019, paraquat labels include a link to required training for anyone who mixes, loads, applies or handles paraquat. Federal EPA online training, good for three years, provides information about paraquat’s toxicity, new label requirements and restrictions, and consequences of misuse.
Widely used in agriculture, paraquat is fatal when ingested in even a small amount; there is no antidote. Also in effect are new closed-container system standards for non-bulk end use product containers. This means the containers must be completely sealed, with no way to open and pour out the contents except into application equipment. For more information, visit https://campus.extension.org/login/index.php. No fee is charged for this training.
For more information on pesticide safety, visit https://pested.unl.edu.
COMMERCIAL/NONCOMMERCIAL PESTICIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUE TO GROW
Pesticide safety is at the heart of more than four dozen training sessions to be offered from January through April across Nebraska. The sessions are offered in multiple formats for commercial/noncommercial pesticide applicators to become certified or recertified.
Awareness and knowledge about pesticides are important, said Clyde Ogg, a Nebraska Extension educator who leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program.
“Applicators bear the burden to responsibly use pesticides and document their use,” Ogg said. “Knowledge and training help applicators keep current on products, methods and technology.”
Commercial applicators are those using restricted use and general use pesticides when making applications in lawn care or structural settings, for hire or compensation. Noncommercial applicators are those applying these same pesticides to sites owned by their employer, or for a government agency or political subdivision of the state.
Separate training is required before using paraquat and dicamba.
“The label is the law,” Ogg said. “The label is a legal document, so it is the applicator’s responsibility to read and comply with all label directions, even if they’ve used that same product before.”
Labels can change without warning due to updates in formulations or research. Changes might include the requirement of a respirator or a longer restricted-entry interval; the protection of a wildlife species; or a new rate of application.
The Pesticide Safety Education Program conducts pesticide safety and dicamba training. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues three-year licenses for applicators who pass their certification exams and pay the fee.
Coming this year is a new opportunity for potential commercial/noncommercial applicators to study for their initial certification.
“Our new digital flipbooks are a segue into the new decade,” Ogg said.
Internet-based flipbooks combine video with text, eliminating time and expense to attend on-site training. They are convenient and have searchable text, and most have color images. Watch for information about purchasing FlipBooks and subsequent testing at https://pested.unl.edu.
INITIAL TRAINING SCHEDULE
Anyone preferring the traditional initial training through print materials and on-site videos may still do so. Advance registration of $80 is required through https://pested.unl.edu/initial-classes-registration. The start time is 8:30 a.m. for each of the following locations; exams are conducted at the end of sessions.
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, 1115 W. Scott St., March 17
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, 2610 14th St., Feb. 25
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Highway 34, Feb. 4 and 25
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Feb. 4 and 27, March 17 and April 9
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S. 13th St., Feb. 4 and 25, and March 17
> North Platte: West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, Feb. 11 and 27, March 17 and April 9
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road, Feb. 11, April 9 and 16
> O’Neill: Holt County Annex, 128 N. Sixth St., Suite 100, April 16
> Scottsbluff: Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I, Feb. 11, 25 and 27, and April 9
Once certification is attained in the commercial classification, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issues a license for an additional $90 fee. There is no charge for a noncommercial license.
RECERTIFICATION TRAINING SCHEDULE
Commercial/noncommercial applicators whose licenses expire in April 2020 may recertify at an on-site extension video training session in February or March.
In 2020, about 3,500 commercial/noncommercial applicators — such as fumigators, lawn care workers and exterminators — need to be recertified. For individual applicator license status, visit http://www.kellysolutions.com or call the NDA at 402-471-2351. Applicators whose licenses have expired must retest.
Pre-registration of $80 is required. Visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#commercial. The start time is 8:30 a.m. for each of the following recertification locations:
> Beatrice: Gage County Extension Office, Fairgrounds, Feb. 18, March 10 and 19
> Columbus: Platte County Courthouse, Feb. 20 and March 19
> Grand Island: College Park, Hall County Extension Office, Feb. 6 and 18
> Holdrege: Phelps County Fairgrounds, Ag Center, 1308 Second St., Feb. 12 and March 10
> Lincoln: Lancaster County Extension Office, Feb. 6 and 20, and March 26
> Norfolk: Madison County Extension Office, Feb. 12, 13 and 18, and March 10
> North Platte: West Central Research and Extension Center, Feb. 13 and 18, and March 19
> Omaha: Douglas/Sarpy County Extension Office, Feb. 13, March 19 and 26
> O'Neill: Holt County Annex, Feb. 13 and March 19
> Scottsbluff: Panhandle Research and Extension Center, Feb. 6 and 20, and March 24
PARAQUAT, DICAMBA TRAINING
Training is required prior to use; no fee is charged for either type of training.
For information on annual dicamba training, visit https://pested.unl.edu/certification-and-training#dicamba. For information on paraquat training, due every three years, visit https://campus.extension.org/login/index.php.
OTHER RECERTIFICATION AND TRAINING OPTIONS
Crop production clinics are a great option to recertify in the agricultural plant category and demonstration/research subcategory. Registration of $80 is required at https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. Clinics begin at 8:45 a.m. local times.
> Jan. 7 – Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
> Jan. 8 – North Platte, Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
> Jan. 10 – Beatrice, Southeast Community College, Truman Center, 4771 W Scott Road
> Jan. 13 – Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
> Jan. 14 - York, Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
> Jan. 15 – Mead, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, 1071 County Road G
The Nebraska Crop Management Conference is Jan. 22 and 23 at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road in Kearney. Pre-registration is required at http://www.agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC. The cost is $80 per day or $150 for both days. Recertification is available either day.
The Nebraska Turfgrass Conference is Jan. 7-9 at the La Vista Conference Center, 12540 Westport Parkway in La Vista. Recertification in ornamental and turf pest control is available. Pre-register at https://www.nebraskaturfgrass.com or call the Nebraska Turfgrass Association at 402-207-0911.
The Nebraska Aviation Trades Association Convention is Feb. 25 and 26 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Recertification in agricultural plant and aerial pest control is available. For more information, email tayor@youraam.com or call the association at 531-289-8323.
For more information on pesticide safety, visit https://pested.unl.edu.
NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the month of December 2019, topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 10 short, 80 adequate, and 9 surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 8 short, 84 adequate, and 7 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 24 fair, 64 good, and 6 excellent.
The next monthly report (for January) will be issued January 27, 2020. Weekly reports will begin April 6th for the 2020 season.
PorkBridge Educational Series for 2020 Begins Feb. 6
Since 2005, PorkBridge has provided relevant and timely information to grow-finish swine producers and other industry professionals across the U.S. and around the world through a unique low-tech delivery method. The 2020 program year series begins on Feb. 6 and continues on an every-other-month for six total sessions.
The program is a source of relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities, according to Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist, Ken Stalder, who is the Iowa contact for PorkBridge.
PorkBridge provides an interactive teleconference with electronic materials and live presentations. About a week before each session, subscribers will receive a weblink to download the session’s presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with their own copy of the presentation on their computer or other device.
“Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting,” Stalder said. “PorkBridge participants can take part at home, in an office or in the swine unit, wherever it works best for them. And everyone can listen later to the audio we record of each live session.”
Sessions are scheduled for the first Thursday of each designated month but occasionally are moved a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays. Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
The price remains at $100 for the entire series, and as in the past, each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount. Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session, Stalder said.
“Program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses,” he said. “Anyone with questions, regardless of location, should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information.”
Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.
The registration form and payment must be received by Jan. 15 to ensure receipt of program materials in time for the first session on Feb. 6. The program brochure has details and the registration form. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 515-294-4683.
2020 PorkBridge session dates, speakers and topics
Feb. 6 – Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University; “African Swine Fever and Secure Pork Supply”
April 2 – Steve Moeller, The Ohio State University; “Maintenance of Euthanasia Equipment”
May 28 – Matt Ritter, Provimi US; “In-barn Impacts on Meat Quality”
Aug. 6 – Yuzhi Li, University of Minnesota; “Tail, Ear and Flank Biting: Reasons Why and How to Address”
Oct. 1 – Jose Ramirez, Viroz Animal Health; “Proper Application of Disinfectants”
Dec. 3 – Andy Brudtkuhl, National Pork Board; “Precision Technologies for Commercial Swine Production.”
Public Comment Period Begins for Iowa’s New Hemp Production Regulations
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the open comment period for the state’s proposed hemp production regulations began Jan. 1. The public can visit rules.iowa.gov to read the proposed administrative rules that will regulate the planting, growing and harvesting of commercial hemp in Iowa. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m./CT on Jan. 22, 2020.
The state of Iowa submitted its proposed hemp production program to the USDA for approval on Dec. 11, 2019. The USDA has 60 days to review and provide feedback. It is not legal to grow, possess, buy or sell hemp in Iowa until the USDA approves the state plan and the Department publishes notice of the approval in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin.
Once production has been legalized, licensed farmers will be able to grow up to 40 acres of hemp per season. The Department will start accepting hemp license applications once the USDA approves the state hemp plan and the online licensing system is operational. Interested growers should continue to monitor iowaagriculture.gov/hemp for updates.
This commercial hemp production program does not legalize the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for human consumption in Iowa. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is still working to determine if CBD is safe for human consumption. Hemp grain, hemp seed oil and protein powder derived from hemp grain have been cleared by the FDA for human consumption.
To read Iowa’s proposed hemp regulatory administrative rules in their entirety, visit https://rules.iowa.gov/Notice/Details/4841C. To read the Iowa Hemp Act, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2020/204.pdf.
U.S. Grains Council’s 2019/2020 Corn Harvest Quality Report
After one of the United States’ most challenging growing seasons in history, that included weather-related planting delays, delayed crop maturation and early rains and snows during harvest, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has published its ninth annual Corn Harvest Quality Report, a representative view of the quality of corn assembled for export, collected as it enters the international merchandising channels.
The report is based on 623 samples collected from inbound farm-originating trucks at harvest.
“As industry stakeholders and international buyers make decisions about purchase contracts and processing needs for corn for feed, food or industrial use, corn quality information becomes critical,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies. “Reports like the Council’s crop quality reports provide transparency about crop conditions and consistently reinforce that the United States is the world’s most reliable supplier of good quality corn.”
This season’s growing conditions forced some producers to harvest at relatively high moisture levels that have led to lower-than-average test weights, slightly higher stress crack incidences and higher broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) as compared with last year’s corn crop.
A forthcoming companion report – the 2019/2020 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report – will focus on export cargo samples collected from corn shipments undergoing federal inspection and grading processes at export terminals. It will provide information on grading, handling and how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.
The reports offer reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology. They each give an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere.
The Council’s global staff and grower-leaders will share the results of the first report in a series of crop quality seminars around the world, beginning in Taiwan in January. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year. During these events, crop quality information is accompanied by presentations on U.S. corn grading and handling.
“Successful market development and outreach efforts, like the corn quality roll out presentations, demonstrate the return on investment for the efforts of the Council and our partner organizations,” Shultz said. “It allows our experts to answer questions directly about the efficacy of this year’s crop and to continue to offer an open line of communication between producers and end-users who want what we have to offer.”
Additional roll-out events are scheduled in January as follows:
• Taiwan – Jan. 6-10, 2020
• South Korea – Jan. 12-18, 2020
• Southern Mexico – Jan. 13-17, 2020
• Northern Mexico – Jan. 13-17, 2020
• Japan – Jan. 18-25, 2020
• South America (Colombia, Peru) – Jan. 19-24, 2020
• Central America (Cost Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala) – Jan. 20-25, 2020
• Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Cyprus) – Jan. 22-24, 2020
“The Council’s quality reports can be compared across time, enabling buyers to make well-informed decisions as they purchase U.S. corn,” Shultz said.
USDA Nov '19 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 507 million bushels in November 2019. Total corn consumption was up 5 percent from October 2019 and up 1 percent from November 2018. November 2019 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.41 million bushels, up 7 percent from October 2019 and up 16 percent from November 2018. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 457 million bushels, was up 5 percent from October 2019 and up slightly from November 2018. Corn consumed in November 2019 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.5 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.88 million tons during November 2019, up 3 percent from October 2019 but down 3 percent from November 2018. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.35 million tons in November 2019, up 5 percent from October 2019 and up 3 percent from November 2018.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 272,089 tons during November 2019, down 7 percent from October 2019 and down 5 percent from November 2018. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 262,089 tons in November 2019, up 12 percent from October 2019 and up 2 percent from November 2018.
USDA Nov '19 Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in November 2019, compared with 5.61 million tons (187 million bushels) in October 2019 and 5.34 million tons (178 million bushels) in November 2018. Crude oil produced was 2.00 billion pounds down 7 percent from October 2019 and down 3 percent from November 2018. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.36 billion pounds during November 2019 decreased 13 percent from October 2019 and decreased 6 percent from November 2018.
Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 152,430 tons in November 2019, compared with 188,299 tons in October 2019 and 161,507 tons in November 2018. Canola crude oil produced was 127 million pounds, down 20 percent from October 2019 and down 5 percent from November 2018. Canola once refined oil production, at 96.3 million pounds during November 2019, was down 22 percent from October 2019 and down 37 percent from November 2018.
Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 41.2 million pounds during November 2019, was down 3 percent from October 2019 and down 15 percent from November 2018.
Edible tallow production was 90.3 million pounds during November 2019, up 22 percent from October 2019 but down 2 percent from November 2018. Inedible tallow production was 341 million pounds during November 2019, up 16 percent from October 2019 but down 3 percent from November 2018. Technical tallow production was 118 million pounds during November 2019, up 15 percent from October 2019 and up 7 percent from November 2018. Choice white grease production, at 121 million pounds during November 2019, increased 6 percent from October 2019 and increased 4 percent from November 2018.
EPA TAKES REASONABLE APPROACH IN ATRAZINE DECISION
The Atrazine Preliminary Interim Decision (PID) document published today in the federal register supports EPA’s commitment to use credible scientific research in setting a reasonable aquatic ecosystem Level of Concern (LOC) for atrazine. The interim decision is positive for growers who rely on the atrazine for weed control, according to the Triazine Network, a coalition of agricultural organizations that advocates for science-based regulatory decisions regarding the triazine herbicides including atrazine.
The PID corrects a recommendation made in the 2016 Ecological Risk Assessment to set the LOC at 3.6 parts per billion, an ultra-low level that would have banned the use of atrazine in much of farm country. The lower LOC was based on questionable research, including studies that had been turned down by EPA’s 2012 Science Advisory Panel (SAP). Relying on several points of information, including EPA’s SAP recommendations, the agency modified the LOC to 15 parts per billion over a 60-day average.
“This PID is good news for farmers across America,” said Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Gary Marshall, who chairs the Triazine Network. “Through our diverse coalition of grower organizations, we met with EPA Administrator Wheeler and staff to provide specific details on why this product is tremendously important to farmers across the country, especially for weed control in conservation practices. From citrus to sorghum and corn to Christmas trees, farmers rely on the agency’s use of credible science to regulate the products that allow us to safely grow more with less for a hungry global population.”
Atrazine is a key herbicide that helps farmers control weeds that rob crops of water and nutrients and is especially important for conservation practices. Utilized for over 60 years, atrazine is the most researched herbicide in history and has a proven safety record.
“Simply put, atrazine helps farmers control weeds that rob field crops of nutrients, water, and sunlight,” Marshall said. “Over the years, farmers have dramatically reduced application rates of atrazine. Through farmer-funded research, we have learned how to efficiently and effectively use it to control weeds and to help implement conservation measures like no-till farming.”
The publication of the atrazine PID in the Federal Register opens a 60-day comment period that ends on March 2, 2020. Marshall said it is crucial for growers to submit comments supporting the atrazine preliminary interim decision, explain how they use atrazine, and why it is important to their farming operations.
“EPA made a move to use credible science in its interim decision,” noted Marshall. “That won’t please some well-funded special interest groups that have targeted atrazine for many years. This is why we need comments in support of this decision from growers who actually use atrazine, and who understand its safety and value to long-term conservation efforts.”
Approved for use in 1958, atrazine has been extensively reviewed by EPA over the decades and across administrations. The current registration review process began in 2013.
Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 9
Thursday, January 9th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience.
The 2020 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 29 in San Antonio, Texas. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit CommodityClassic.com. A complete schedule of events is also available on the website.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a huge trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.
Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Agriculture Workforce Coalition Urges Senate Action on Ag Labor Crisis
Following on the heels of a government-mandated increase in farmers’ labor costs, the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), a diverse group of organizations representing the needs of agricultural employers across the country, today urged the U.S. Senate to take up legislation to solve the agricultural labor crisis by calling attention to the dire labor situation facing our nation’s agricultural producers.
The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is the required wage rate for farmers who use the H-2A program and the Department of Labor today mandated an increase that will average 6% across the nation. The AWC told the Senate that the increase will make it difficult for some farms to continue operating, coming after a year of natural disasters, trade disruptions, low commodity prices and declining farm income.
In its letter, the AWC called on the Senate to take action to address critical agricultural labor issues. The coalition urges the Senate to consider the impacts of the AEWR on U.S. farmers and is asking for an alternative that will ensure a level playing field for farmers and ranchers making them more competitive with foreign producers.
Farmers who use the H-2A program to procure legal workers from other countries must comply with a complicated and expensive application process to assure that domestic workers are not displaced, though few U.S. workers are willing to take jobs on farms. Farmers are also required to provide free certified housing and transportation to and from guest workers’ place of residence. The AEWR implemented today will immediately increase farmers’ labor costs by an average of 6% while revenues for agricultural goods continue to diminish due to an influx of cheaply produced imports flooding American markets.
Over the last five years the AEWR has increased nationwide by 17% on average while revenues for fruits and nuts have increased only 3% and vegetables and melons have seen no revenue increases. While American farmers are required to pay their H-2A employees more and more each year, the U.S. continues to import more and more produce from Mexico and Central and South America, where workers are paid a fraction of U.S. wage rates.
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition is asking the Senate for a legislative solution that ensures the competitiveness of America’s farmers and ranchers, stabilizes the current U.S. agricultural workforce and provides guest worker program access to year-round agriculture sectors such as dairy, livestock and mushrooms.
New Rule Reveals Why Congress and President Favor Importers and Ignore U.S. Ranchers
On December 30, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a proposed rule to reapportion the Beef Checkoff Program's Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB). The proposed rule reveals that importers control more cattle inventories than any state in the United States except Texas.
To make its calculations regarding who controls domestic cattle inventories, the USDA counts imported live cattle and converts imported beef into a live cattle equivalent. The agency uses a conversion factor of 592 pounds to determine the live cattle equivalent. For example, 1 billion pounds of imported beef is the rough equivalent of 1.7 million live cattle.
According to the proposed rule, importers now control about 6.9 million cattle in the U.S. market. Only the state of Texas, which controls about 12.6 million cattle exceeds the importers' control. Neither Kansas nor Nebraska, which are the nation's second and third top cattle inventory states, can compete with the importers' dominant control.
According to R-CALF USA, the combination of cattle and beef imports represent the largest agricultural commodities imported from Canada and Mexico. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said USDA data show the U.S. imported $4.1 billion in cattle and beef from Canada and Mexico in 2018, which far surpasses the second-place agricultural import that year, malt beverages at $3.7 billion.
Bullard says the importers dominant control over cattle inventories in all but one state affords them extraordinary influence in both Congress and the Administration, enabling them to drown-out the voices of United States cattle farmers and ranchers.
"It's disheartening that Congress and the Administration are listening to importers while ignoring hard-working U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers. The $4.1 billion of imported, cheaper cattle and beef from Canada and Mexico is being sold to consumers across the U.S. without disclosing their foreign origins. This prevents consumers from choosing to support United States cattle farmers and ranchers through their purchases," Bullard said.
"U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) supporters and the Administration only disclose the roughly $1.9 billion in cattle and beef exports to Canada and Mexico and convey that this is good for U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers; yet they fail to mention the $4.1 billion in imports that completely overwhelm our exports." He continued, "This is wrong."
Bullard said cattle and beef importers are vehemently opposed to mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) because they do not want consumers to know the origins of their cheaper-sourced products. He said their overwhelming influence in Washington, D.C. helps explain their success in preventing the inclusion of COOL in the USMCA, which recently passed overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"United States cattle farmers and ranchers must now focus on the U.S. Senate to attempt to overcome the importers' undue lobbying influence that prevented the restoration of COOL for beef in the U.S. House's version of the USMCA," Bullard concluded.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Wednesday January 1 Ag News - Happy New Year!
Inspired by Annie's Project Winter Class Series
Nebraska Extension is excited to offer four Annie’s inspired programs in Southeast Nebraska starting in January running through March. Annie’s Project is a nationwide program dedicated in providing educational programs designed in strengthening women’s roles in their farming operation. These programs give women the opportunity to learn from agricultural professionals and connect with other women in agriculture in a relaxed, fun and dynamic setting. Participants will interact with the speaker and join in hands on activities.
“Beef 101” will provide a hands-on experience to learn about beef and forage sampling from a beef extension educator. This educational program will focus on scoring the body condition of cows, cattle handling and sampling forages for analysis, and what does the testing report mean for your herd. “Beef 101” will be held on Monday January 6th at the Ag Hall building located at the Polk County fairground, 12931 N Blvd, Osceola, NE.
The second Annie’s inspired workshop will concentrate on Farm & Ranch Budgets and Financial Statements. This class will walk you through the free Farm & Ranch budgets offered by the University of Nebraska. An Ag Economist extension educator will address how to best utilize these budgets and how to fit them to your business. Farm & Ranch Budgets and Financial Statements will be held Monday February 3rd at the Hruska Memorial Public Library, 399 N 5th St, David City, NE.
Session three, Mental Health and Stress Management will address how to recognize stress in yourself and others, whys to cope with stress and tips in caring for your own mental health. Tools and resources will be available to participate to help them and those they know care for their own mental health. Please join us for the Mental Health and Stress Management class on Monday March 2nd at the Seward Civic Center, 616 Bradford St., Seward, NE.
We will finish our Annie’s inspired series with a workshop on Crop Scouting. This class will cover basic crop scouting techniques, pest identification, disease diagnostics, and integrated pest management strategies. The Crop Scouting workshop will be held on March 16th at the York County Fairgrounds in the 4H building, 2345 N Nebraska Ave, York, NE.
All classes are held on Monday evening, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning with a light meal and networking, followed by a presentation and hands-on activities. The registration fee is $5 per person, per class, covering the meal, handouts and additional resource for the class. Please RSVP one week prior to the class by contacting Butler County Extension office at 1-402-367-7410 or York County Extension office at 1-402-362-5508. Questions can be directed to Melissa Bartels mbartels@unl.edu or Jenny Rees jrees2@unl.edu. These courses are hosted by Nebraska Extension and are inspired by Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project is supported by Farm Credit Service of American in Nebraska.
Seminars and Training at the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress
Midwest pig farmers who attend the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress on Jan. 22-23 will find a variety of educational seminar and training opportunities, along with more than 300 trade show exhibitors. All the events will take place at Hy-Vee Hall in the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.
"The seminars and presenters that are lined up will provide producers with practical information that can be put in place immediately, as well as outlooks and ideas that can help guide future decision-making for both pig farmers and pork stakeholders," says the president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Trent Thiele of Elma.
There will be five seminars on Wednesday, Jan. 22:
- 9:30 a.m. - Nuisance case discussion with attorney Eldon McAfee of Brick Gentry Law Firm. McAfee has represented many Iowa livestock farmers in cases claiming nuisance. Moderator Drew Mogler will encourage those in the audience to ask questions they may have about this concern and what they might do proactively to head off similar lawsuits.
- 10:45 a.m. - Andy Curliss of the North Carolina Pork Council will provide both a deep and broad look - citing specific instances - at how significant, coordinated advocacy is threatening animal agriculture. He will offer an unprecedented look at the ongoing attacks against the livestock industry and provide attendees with insights on how these attacks are being executed in strategy and tactics.
- 12:45 p.m. - In late September 2019, the USDA conducted an on-the-ground functional exercise to see how the reaction system would work if African swine fever was diagnosed in the United States. There were three swine farms in Iowa that participated in the exercise. Moderator Dr. Pam Zaabel will talk with them about what they learned regarding their own preparedness to respond, and what changes they are making now to their farm operations. Panelists include Heidi Vittetoe of JWV Pork, Washington County; Dr. Pete Thomas, Iowa Select Farms, and Ian Levis - Seaboard.
- 2 p.m. - There are many different ventilation systems being used in today's swine barns. Moderator Dr. Jay Harmon of Iowa State University will discuss the types and their benefits with people who manage those decisions or make recommendations daily. Panelists include: Ray Foerster, Smithfield Hog Production; Fernando Gomez, PIC; and Doug Owens, Senior Service Manager at New Fashion Pork.
- 3:15 p.m. - The economic outlook session is always a popular one as pig farmers hear about the details of factors that may impact producer profitability for the coming year. Economists Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns, both of Kerns and Associates, will outline both livestock and crop issues that can make a difference in profitability.
Also on Wednesday, producers can choose to attend this certification training sessions:
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification
There are also five seminars scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23:
- 9:15 a.m. - Producers can learn more about what the foreign experience with African swine fever has been. Moderator Dr. Andrew Hennenfent, the Emergency Management Coordinator at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will discuss the topic with Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting who has experience in China; Ilia Zubtsov, a PIC technical consultant with experience in Russia; and Gary Flory of the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality who has done carcass consulting with multiple countries.
- 10:30 a.m. - Risk management with contracts and insurance is a critical issue for producers whether they are faced with weather situations like floods or heavy snows, or disease threats. Moderator Colin Johnson of Iowa State University Extension will moderate a panel discussion on the tools you might use to protect yourself, your farm, and your pigs. Panelists include: Matt Berger, Gislason & Hunter LLP; Chris Pudenz - Iowa State University; and Marty Pippett of Mark Crop Insurance.
- 11:45 a.m. - For producers who want to explore alternatives to antibiotics, moderator Dr. Heather Fowler of the National Pork Board leads a discussion with researchers and veterinarians about options to use in swine production. Panelists include Dr. Nick Gabler, Iowa State University; Dr. Peter Schneider, Applegate; and a representative of Smithfield Hog Production.
- 1 p.m. - Managing margins in the futures and options markets may help farmers control financial risks. Tim Hughes of CIH will talk about those tools.
- 2 p.m. - If you are looking for ways to improve the longevity of pig buildings through maintenance, this session will provide information on how to get the most value and years from your building investment. Moderator Brian Blumhagen of New Modern Concepts leads a panel that includes John Boleyn, Hog Slat; Matt Cunningham, Premier Ag Systems; and a representative from Precision Structures.
- 3 p.m. - As interest in using cover crops continues, there is also interest in learning about the use of manure in fields where cover crops are planted. Dr. Dan Anderson, Iowa State University, discusses with two farmers their experiences. Those farmers are Steve Berger, Wellman, and Mark Schleisman, Lake City.
There will be one certification training session on Thursday:
10 a.m. - Noon. - Confinement Site Manure Applicator Certification. Applicators should bring their manure applicator certification card to this session.
Registration
Pre-registration to attend the Iowa Pork Congress seminars and trade show is available through Jan. 9 at www.iowaporkcongress.org, or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine, or by calling (800) 372-7675.
- IPPA members who pre-register can attend Iowa Pork Congress free.
- Non-IPPA members can save $5 off the normal $10 admission cost by pre-registering by the Jan. 9 deadline.
Registrations will be accepted after the deadline, including through each day of the show. The cost will be $10. For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.
As World Celebrates New Year, American Cattlemen Celebrate New Trade Deals
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston today issued the following statement regarding the new trade deals with Japan and the European Union (EU), which go into effect on New Years Day:
"As the clock struck midnight and revelers around the world popped champagne and toasted the new year, American cattle producers had two big reasons to celebrate. That’s because the New Year brings new opportunities and better access to two of our major export markets: Japan and the European Union.
"The new deal with Japan today immediately lowered the tariff on U.S. beef from 38.5 percent to 26.6 percent, and it will eventually drop to 9 percent. Most importantly, it keeps us at the same tariff rate as other international beef producers who export to Japan under the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"Our new deal with the EU today establishes a duty-free quota for high-quality U.S. beef from non-hormone treated cattle. Under the terms of this agreement, the U.S.-specific annual quota will increase from 18,500 metric tons in the first year to 35,000 metric tons in year seven. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative estimates that this quota will increase annual U.S. beef sales in Europe from $150 million to $420 million.
"NCBA is proud to have worked very hard to build support for the increased access to Japan and Europe that we celebrate today, and we're going to continue working hard to improve access to lucrative international markets like China - and to finalize approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as soon as possible in 2020. Happy New Year!
All Fertilizer Prices Lower Again
Retail fertilizer prices continued to move lower the fourth week of December 2019, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This several-months-long trend appears set to continue into the new year.
All eight of the major fertilizers were lower in price from the month earlier, but once again, none were substantially lower. DTN designates a significant price move as 5% or more.
DAP had an average price of $443 per ton, MAP $454/ton, potash $377/ton, urea $378/ton, 10-34-0 $469/ton, anhydrous $488/ton, UAN28 $240/ton and UAN32 $276/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.41/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.
Retail fertilizers are mixed in price from a year ago. MAP is 15% lower, anhydrous is 14% less expensive, DAP is 13% lower, UAN28 is 10% less expensive, UAN32 is 9% lower, urea is 7% lower and potash is 1% less expensive from last year at this time. In addition, 10-34-0 is 3% higher compared to last year.
Nebraska Extension is excited to offer four Annie’s inspired programs in Southeast Nebraska starting in January running through March. Annie’s Project is a nationwide program dedicated in providing educational programs designed in strengthening women’s roles in their farming operation. These programs give women the opportunity to learn from agricultural professionals and connect with other women in agriculture in a relaxed, fun and dynamic setting. Participants will interact with the speaker and join in hands on activities.
“Beef 101” will provide a hands-on experience to learn about beef and forage sampling from a beef extension educator. This educational program will focus on scoring the body condition of cows, cattle handling and sampling forages for analysis, and what does the testing report mean for your herd. “Beef 101” will be held on Monday January 6th at the Ag Hall building located at the Polk County fairground, 12931 N Blvd, Osceola, NE.
The second Annie’s inspired workshop will concentrate on Farm & Ranch Budgets and Financial Statements. This class will walk you through the free Farm & Ranch budgets offered by the University of Nebraska. An Ag Economist extension educator will address how to best utilize these budgets and how to fit them to your business. Farm & Ranch Budgets and Financial Statements will be held Monday February 3rd at the Hruska Memorial Public Library, 399 N 5th St, David City, NE.
Session three, Mental Health and Stress Management will address how to recognize stress in yourself and others, whys to cope with stress and tips in caring for your own mental health. Tools and resources will be available to participate to help them and those they know care for their own mental health. Please join us for the Mental Health and Stress Management class on Monday March 2nd at the Seward Civic Center, 616 Bradford St., Seward, NE.
We will finish our Annie’s inspired series with a workshop on Crop Scouting. This class will cover basic crop scouting techniques, pest identification, disease diagnostics, and integrated pest management strategies. The Crop Scouting workshop will be held on March 16th at the York County Fairgrounds in the 4H building, 2345 N Nebraska Ave, York, NE.
All classes are held on Monday evening, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning with a light meal and networking, followed by a presentation and hands-on activities. The registration fee is $5 per person, per class, covering the meal, handouts and additional resource for the class. Please RSVP one week prior to the class by contacting Butler County Extension office at 1-402-367-7410 or York County Extension office at 1-402-362-5508. Questions can be directed to Melissa Bartels mbartels@unl.edu or Jenny Rees jrees2@unl.edu. These courses are hosted by Nebraska Extension and are inspired by Annie’s Project. Annie’s Project is supported by Farm Credit Service of American in Nebraska.
Seminars and Training at the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress
Midwest pig farmers who attend the 2020 Iowa Pork Congress on Jan. 22-23 will find a variety of educational seminar and training opportunities, along with more than 300 trade show exhibitors. All the events will take place at Hy-Vee Hall in the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.
"The seminars and presenters that are lined up will provide producers with practical information that can be put in place immediately, as well as outlooks and ideas that can help guide future decision-making for both pig farmers and pork stakeholders," says the president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Trent Thiele of Elma.
There will be five seminars on Wednesday, Jan. 22:
- 9:30 a.m. - Nuisance case discussion with attorney Eldon McAfee of Brick Gentry Law Firm. McAfee has represented many Iowa livestock farmers in cases claiming nuisance. Moderator Drew Mogler will encourage those in the audience to ask questions they may have about this concern and what they might do proactively to head off similar lawsuits.
- 10:45 a.m. - Andy Curliss of the North Carolina Pork Council will provide both a deep and broad look - citing specific instances - at how significant, coordinated advocacy is threatening animal agriculture. He will offer an unprecedented look at the ongoing attacks against the livestock industry and provide attendees with insights on how these attacks are being executed in strategy and tactics.
- 12:45 p.m. - In late September 2019, the USDA conducted an on-the-ground functional exercise to see how the reaction system would work if African swine fever was diagnosed in the United States. There were three swine farms in Iowa that participated in the exercise. Moderator Dr. Pam Zaabel will talk with them about what they learned regarding their own preparedness to respond, and what changes they are making now to their farm operations. Panelists include Heidi Vittetoe of JWV Pork, Washington County; Dr. Pete Thomas, Iowa Select Farms, and Ian Levis - Seaboard.
- 2 p.m. - There are many different ventilation systems being used in today's swine barns. Moderator Dr. Jay Harmon of Iowa State University will discuss the types and their benefits with people who manage those decisions or make recommendations daily. Panelists include: Ray Foerster, Smithfield Hog Production; Fernando Gomez, PIC; and Doug Owens, Senior Service Manager at New Fashion Pork.
- 3:15 p.m. - The economic outlook session is always a popular one as pig farmers hear about the details of factors that may impact producer profitability for the coming year. Economists Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns, both of Kerns and Associates, will outline both livestock and crop issues that can make a difference in profitability.
Also on Wednesday, producers can choose to attend this certification training sessions:
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification
There are also five seminars scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23:
- 9:15 a.m. - Producers can learn more about what the foreign experience with African swine fever has been. Moderator Dr. Andrew Hennenfent, the Emergency Management Coordinator at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, will discuss the topic with Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting who has experience in China; Ilia Zubtsov, a PIC technical consultant with experience in Russia; and Gary Flory of the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality who has done carcass consulting with multiple countries.
- 10:30 a.m. - Risk management with contracts and insurance is a critical issue for producers whether they are faced with weather situations like floods or heavy snows, or disease threats. Moderator Colin Johnson of Iowa State University Extension will moderate a panel discussion on the tools you might use to protect yourself, your farm, and your pigs. Panelists include: Matt Berger, Gislason & Hunter LLP; Chris Pudenz - Iowa State University; and Marty Pippett of Mark Crop Insurance.
- 11:45 a.m. - For producers who want to explore alternatives to antibiotics, moderator Dr. Heather Fowler of the National Pork Board leads a discussion with researchers and veterinarians about options to use in swine production. Panelists include Dr. Nick Gabler, Iowa State University; Dr. Peter Schneider, Applegate; and a representative of Smithfield Hog Production.
- 1 p.m. - Managing margins in the futures and options markets may help farmers control financial risks. Tim Hughes of CIH will talk about those tools.
- 2 p.m. - If you are looking for ways to improve the longevity of pig buildings through maintenance, this session will provide information on how to get the most value and years from your building investment. Moderator Brian Blumhagen of New Modern Concepts leads a panel that includes John Boleyn, Hog Slat; Matt Cunningham, Premier Ag Systems; and a representative from Precision Structures.
- 3 p.m. - As interest in using cover crops continues, there is also interest in learning about the use of manure in fields where cover crops are planted. Dr. Dan Anderson, Iowa State University, discusses with two farmers their experiences. Those farmers are Steve Berger, Wellman, and Mark Schleisman, Lake City.
There will be one certification training session on Thursday:
10 a.m. - Noon. - Confinement Site Manure Applicator Certification. Applicators should bring their manure applicator certification card to this session.
Registration
Pre-registration to attend the Iowa Pork Congress seminars and trade show is available through Jan. 9 at www.iowaporkcongress.org, or by using the form in the November issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine, or by calling (800) 372-7675.
- IPPA members who pre-register can attend Iowa Pork Congress free.
- Non-IPPA members can save $5 off the normal $10 admission cost by pre-registering by the Jan. 9 deadline.
Registrations will be accepted after the deadline, including through each day of the show. The cost will be $10. For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.
As World Celebrates New Year, American Cattlemen Celebrate New Trade Deals
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jennifer Houston today issued the following statement regarding the new trade deals with Japan and the European Union (EU), which go into effect on New Years Day:
"As the clock struck midnight and revelers around the world popped champagne and toasted the new year, American cattle producers had two big reasons to celebrate. That’s because the New Year brings new opportunities and better access to two of our major export markets: Japan and the European Union.
"The new deal with Japan today immediately lowered the tariff on U.S. beef from 38.5 percent to 26.6 percent, and it will eventually drop to 9 percent. Most importantly, it keeps us at the same tariff rate as other international beef producers who export to Japan under the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"Our new deal with the EU today establishes a duty-free quota for high-quality U.S. beef from non-hormone treated cattle. Under the terms of this agreement, the U.S.-specific annual quota will increase from 18,500 metric tons in the first year to 35,000 metric tons in year seven. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative estimates that this quota will increase annual U.S. beef sales in Europe from $150 million to $420 million.
"NCBA is proud to have worked very hard to build support for the increased access to Japan and Europe that we celebrate today, and we're going to continue working hard to improve access to lucrative international markets like China - and to finalize approval of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as soon as possible in 2020. Happy New Year!
All Fertilizer Prices Lower Again
Retail fertilizer prices continued to move lower the fourth week of December 2019, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This several-months-long trend appears set to continue into the new year.
All eight of the major fertilizers were lower in price from the month earlier, but once again, none were substantially lower. DTN designates a significant price move as 5% or more.
DAP had an average price of $443 per ton, MAP $454/ton, potash $377/ton, urea $378/ton, 10-34-0 $469/ton, anhydrous $488/ton, UAN28 $240/ton and UAN32 $276/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.41/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.
Retail fertilizers are mixed in price from a year ago. MAP is 15% lower, anhydrous is 14% less expensive, DAP is 13% lower, UAN28 is 10% less expensive, UAN32 is 9% lower, urea is 7% lower and potash is 1% less expensive from last year at this time. In addition, 10-34-0 is 3% higher compared to last year.
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