Thursday November 10 Ag News

 Rail Update: Potential Stoppage Averted Until December
ASA Newsletter

Yesterday, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, the third largest rail union in the country, announced the extension of its status quo period (no strike, no lockout), during which the union wants to continue negotiations with the freight rail carriers. The BMWED pushed its cooling off period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 4, the same date on which the Brotherhood of Signalmen Union (BRS) — the other rail union to reject the proposed deal with railroad management recommended by the Biden administration — status quo period ends.

Meanwhile, two major rail unions are set to vote on ratifying the deal on Nov. 21: The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Smart Transportation Division.

The extended status quo period means any stoppage of hazardous material shipments (like fertilizer) will be delayed until the end of the month, and Congress has more time to prepare for possible intervention after returning from the election recess. With the threat of a national rail stoppage still looming, ASA remains engaged with rail carriers, Congress, and the administration to highlight the impacts that such an event would have on agriculture.



NCBA Hails White House Focus on Protecting Food and Ag Sector

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the signing of the National Security Memorandum to Strengthen the Security and Resilience of U.S. Food and Agriculture, which will allow the federal government to identify the threats facing our food supply and enhance national preparedness and response.
 
“Our agricultural sector faces a variety of threats that could inhibit cattle producers’ ability to bring beef from pasture to plate,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “NCBA appreciates the Biden administration’s focus on identifying threats and developing new ways to mitigate them. Together, we can protect our industry while ensuring that all Americans have access to wholesome foods like beef.”

The memorandum instructs top government officials, including the Secretaries of State, Defense, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the Attorney General, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to identify threats to the food and agriculture sector and coordinate with federal, state, local, and tribal governments to develop responses.

Ahead of the memorandum signing, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall attended a pre-briefing at the White House yesterday that included discussion of key security issues for the cattle industry—tools like the National Veterinary Stockpile, which helps prevent the spread of disease and aids recovery, and cybersecurity and worker training programs that support the continued operations of other members of the beef supply chain.

“I am particularly pleased to hear that the administration is making security and resiliency decisions based on data. These data-driven decisions are the ones we can support,” said Woodall.



New Guide Explains How to Measure Soil Organic Carbon

Soil organic carbon plays a wide range of crucial roles in agriculture and in the evolving world of carbon credits and carbon markets.

Soil organic carbon impacts crop productivity, soil health, the movement of water and the removal of contaminants. To help landowners and others better understand soil organic carbon, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach recently published a new resource called “Measuring Soil Organic Carbon: A Crucial Iowa Resource” https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16546.

This four-page guide defines soil organic carbon, explains how it is measured and the roles it plays in agriculture and the environment.

“Farmers have long been interested in the value of the organic matter in their soils, and this publication specifically looks at the amount of organic carbon in the soil and how it is measured,” said Jim Jordahl, project analyst with the Biorenewables Research Lab at Iowa State University.

“Third-party carbon programs are actively buying carbon credits from farmers who implement improved soil management practices, and in turn they sell those credits to companies interested in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” according to Jordahl.

Roughly half of soil organic matter is organic carbon. Soil carbon is sampled by taking soil probe samples similar to those farmers already take to measure soil fertility, but to measure carbon for carbon credit programs, the probe is usually inserted a full foot, or about six inches deeper than for soil fertility tests. A bulk density test is also taken, to determine the amount (tonnage) of carbon found within a specific area and depth.  

The samples are tested at laboratories equipped for carbon testing, and participating farmers are awarded credits based on farming practices that lead to additional carbon being sequestered.

The publication contains photos and graphics that show how testing is done and at what depth.

From year-to-year, the changes in soil carbon are often small and very difficult to measure, said Jordahl, but over time, they accumulate and can become substantial. In general, the more soil organic matter that a soil has, the darker its color. But soil organic carbon cannot be determined visually.

The publication is part of a broader project that resulted from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Carbon Sequestration Task Force. Other recent publications include the Carbon Sequestration Task Force Summary Brief, and An Introduction to Biochar and its Potential Uses. The full report, Carbon Science for Carbon Markets: Emerging Opportunities in Iowa, is available online.



Iowa Water Summary Update: October 15th Driest on Record

The month of October ended as the 15th driest on record, with a deficit of 1.80 inches of rainfall. This marks the seventh month in a row of below-normal rainfall for the state. A wet weekend in early November helped alleviate some drought, but most of the state is still designated as abnormally dry or in some form of drought. Northwest Iowa remains the driest and most challenging part of the state for water resources in 2022.

"The wet October of 2021 was not repeated this year, so unfortunately the state slipped further into drought during October 2022. Nine of the ten months this year have been below normal for rainfall, with only limited improvement seen in the last week," said Tim Hall, Iowa Department of Natural Resources' coordinator of hydrology resources. "Wetter conditions are needed to help replenish soil moisture, shallow groundwater, and surface water as we head into the winter months."

For a thorough review of Iowa's water resource trends, go to www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.

The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.



Iowa Pig Farmers Addressing Food Insecurity
    
For five years, Iowa pig farmers and those in the pork industry have joined pork producers across the country in a “Give-A-Ham” challenge that typically starts around Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas. Over that time, the challenge has reached 6.3 million people across the U.S. with more than 36 million pounds of ham and other pork products being donated to food banks, food pantries, churches, and other food programs, according to the National Pork Producers Council.

The food donation challenge is passed from one person to the next via social media, and it has made its way from pig farmers to the halls of Congress. In Iowa, we’ve seen Governors and all other manner of elected officials, as well as business leaders, university personnel, and neighbors down the road donating some pork in their efforts to #GiveAHamIowa and show the #PoundsofPork they are donating to the food insecure.

President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Kevin Rasmussen of Goldfield, challenged others to make donations when he kicked off the Iowa portion of this national giving effort. Rasmussen and his wife Lisa donated ten 4-lb. hams to Upper Des Moines Opportunity, which is a local food bank in Humboldt. Upper Des Moines Opportunity is a network providing food pantries and other services to people in a 12-county area of north-central and northwest Iowa.

“With so many Americans still struggling with financial challenges that have developed since COVID-19 issues hit this world, this year’s ‘Give-A-Ham’ challenge is another way that we can help our communities,” said Rasmussen.

“I’m proud to be part of an industry that has already made significant contributions during the past three years to help the food insecure, just as we did with Pass the Pork and our Thank You tours to eight Iowa communities. We can all pay it forward with pork,” he said. “Giving back to our communities is a core value of pig farmers in Iowa and nationwide. It’s gratifying to come together as an industry this time of year to serve those in need.”

Anyone who would like to join the challenge that continues through December can donate not only ham, but other pork products such as ground pork, pork roast, or other pork cuts. If you are unsure what the best option is, contact your local food-providing organization for their recommendation.

If you participate, please make sure to share your photo or video on social media and tag it with #GiveAHamIowa and/or #PoundsofPork..



IDALS Announces Order Cancelling Live Bird Exhibitions

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced an order cancelling all live bird exhibitions at fairs and other gatherings of birds due to the continued threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The order also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets, and exotic sales. The Department’s order begins immediately and is effective for a minimum of 30 days, and until 30 days has passed without a confirmation of a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in the state.

A similar order was put into place on March 23 and was lifted on June 3.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.

HPAI is highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.

Signs of HPAI include:
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft- or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling or falling down
    Diarrhea

For additional information on HPAI, please visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza.



FFAR Grant Develops Additional African Swine Fever Vaccines
 
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious, fatal disease in pigs that spreads rapidly. There is no commercially available vaccine for the virus, and the threat to U.S. swine production is significant. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) recently awarded a $500,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agriculture Research (ROAR) grant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a $150,000 to Kansas State University to develop safe and rapidly deployable vaccines for ASFV, to mitigate the spread and decrease fatalities in case of an outbreak. National Pork Board and MEDIAN Diagnostics provided matching funds for $1,000,000 and $300,000 total investments, respectively.
 
“We have seen the devastating effects of ASFV in other countries, and now is the time to invest in pioneering research that will hopefully spare U.S. swine and pig producers should an outbreak occur in the United States,” said FFAR Executive Director, Dr. Saharah Moon Chapotin.
 
ASFV affects pig populations in many countries globally, but has not yet impacted North America. However, if the virus reaches pigs in the United States, there would be significant economic impacts to the agriculture sector, including the commercial availability of pork products. Developing vaccines to protect swine from ASFV will further protect pigs and producers across the pork supply chain and global food security.
 
Led by Dr. Douglas Gladue and Dr. Manuel Borca, USDA researchers are identifying the viral proteins involved in immunity and infection to develop a vector-based subunit vaccine, a vaccine that includes a component of the virus to stimulate an immune response. The research team is also pinpointing serological markers, which are antibodies, that can distinguish between vaccinated and infected pigs using the modified-live vaccine candidate already developed by USDA and is currently under production in Vietnam.
 
“We now have a commercially produced live-attenuated vaccine for ASFV and funding from FFAR will allow us to identify the ASFV proteins involved in immunity to this vaccine,” said Gladue. “Funding will also help USDA researchers to identify targets for potential viral vectored, subunit or mRNA vaccines, as the ASFV proteins required for immunity are currently unknown.”
 
Using a distinct but complementary approach, Kansas State University scientists led by Dr. Waithaka Mwangi are using an adenovirus vector vaccine, which is a tool used to deliver target antigens to the host, and a paper-based diagnostic test that distinguishes vaccinated from infected animals.
 
“We are grateful to FFAR for partnering with us to advance ASFV subunit vaccine development efforts,” said Mwangi. “This is an important investment that will support a generation of new knowledge needed to develop a safe and effective counter-measure for the threat posed by the ASFV spread to the pork industry.”
 
Both projects involve development of appropriate diagnostic evaluations, an important complement to the vaccines. The development of a safe and effective ASFV vaccine is critical for managing the disease in endemic countries and preventing future outbreaks.
 
FFAR’s ROAR program deploys urgent funding to support research and outreach in response to emerging or unanticipated threats to the nation’s food supply or agricultural systems.



USMEF Conference Examines Export Outlook, Production Constraints, Economic Headwinds

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference got underway Wednesday in Oklahoma City, attracting farmers, ranchers, processors and exporters from throughout the nation. While U.S. red meat exports will likely set a value record approaching $20 billion this year, the industry faces an array of obstacles related to the sluggish global economy, weakening currencies of key trading partners and lingering effects of the COVID pandemic. Challenges are also mounting on the production side, especially for livestock producers impacted by drought.

Keynote speaker Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, detailed the larger-than-expected contraction of the cattle herd, which helped drive U.S. beef production and exports to record highs in 2022 but will be a significant constraint for U.S. exporters next year. The drought has also heightened production costs for cattle feeders.

“If you’re putting an animal in a feedyard anywhere in the Central Plains – let’s say Kansas or Oklahoma – your cost to put on a pound of gain is between $1.30 and $1.40,” Blach explained. “We have not seen that historically, not even back in 2008 when we had the ethanol mandate and for a period of time corn was at $8.00 per bushel. This is an interesting time, when the market needs more corn and where it’s needed most, the corn just isn't there.”

But Blach also highlighted the remarkable efficiency and sustainability of the U.S. beef industry, which he maintains is well-positioned for success even in this challenging environment.

“Whenever I ask an audience ‘who's the biggest beef producer in the world?’ – everyone says Brazil because it has 300 million cattle,” Blach said. “But we’re producing more beef than Bazil with only one-third the number of cattle. Why? Because of our high-quality, grain-fed beef. The U.S. has the best carbon footprint of anybody on the list of top beef producers, because of the way our production systems work and the amount of production that we get on a per-head basis.”

Blach added that the U.S. achieved record beef production in 2022 with 30 million fewer cattle than in the 1970s.

“That's what sustainability is – doing more with less, and doing it better with great animal husbandry,” he said. “And I commend each and every one of you who get up every morning to go feed those cows and calves, or feed those fed cattle. You're doing a hell of a job – keep it up.”

Blach also extolled the efficiency of America’s corn and soybean producers, noting that it is a critical factor in the global success of the U.S. meat industry.

“The U.S. is the largest high-quality meat producer on the planet,” he said. “We produce the most beef, the most broiler meat and the third-largest amount of pork in the world. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we cannot achieve this success without the soybean meal and grain products that those of you in the corn and soybean industries produce. It's important that we recognize what a critical ingredient you provide for all of these proteins.”

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom gave members an update on year-to-date export results and his outlook for coming months. While challenging times lie ahead, Halstrom highlighted the importance of market diversification in keeping beef exports on a record pace through the first three quarters of 2022. Pork exports are also regaining momentum, surpassing year-ago levels the past two months.

“Global demand is strong, even record-breaking, despite rising prices,” said Halstrom, “But at what point do international consumers scale back?”

He listed several mounting obstacles for U.S. exports, including global inflation, ongoing supply chain challenges and the strengthening U.S. dollar. As an example, Halstrom noted that devaluation of the Japanese yen has pushed prices for U.S. meat products 30% higher than a year ago in an extremely competitive market.

Market diversification has long been a top priority for USMEF, and Halstrom praised the U.S. industry’s commitment to developing new and emerging markets for red meat exports. He noted that the often-tense U.S.-China relationship underscores the importance of this strategy. Halstrom explained that while China is a major U.S. red meat customer, on pace to purchase $4 billion in U.S. beef and pork this year, the U.S. is not nearly as dependent on China as most other suppliers.

“Uruguay exports 58% of its beef production to China, New Zealand 44%, Brazil 18% and Australia 14%,” Halstrom said. “But even with our recent growth, just 3% of U.S. beef production is exported to China.”

For pork muscle cuts, just 2.3% of U.S. production currently goes to China. Chile and Brazil ship 17% of their pork muscle cut production to China, while China accounts for 9% of Canada’s production and 6% for the European Union.

Trade barriers often make market diversification more difficult, and Halstrom asked USMEF members to remain vigilant and make their voices heard in Washington.

“Our competitors realize the value of trade and they're not standing still,” Halstrom said. “Hopefully we can encourage more aggressive action, including getting a USTR chief ag negotiator and USDA undersecretary for trade confirmed soon.”

USMEF members also heard from Mark Slupek, deputy administrator of global programs for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Slupek provided a brief history of USDA’s investment in export market development, explaining that it dates back to the Eisenhower administration. He praised USMEF as one of FAS’s most successful cooperators, noting that USDA and USMEF have had an excellent working relationship for more than 40 years. He added that strong industry support for USMEF, from a diverse range of agricultural sectors, helps ensure consistent funding from USDA.

The USMEF Strategic Planning Conference continues through Friday, Nov. 11. Thursday’s general session will focus on USMEF’s market development efforts in Japan, where the organization recently marked the 45th anniversary of its Tokyo office. This will be followed by breakout sessions for USMEF’s pork, beef, exporter and feedgrain and oilseed sectors. Friday’s closing business session will include an overview of the Biden administration’s current trade initiatives and election of new USMEF officers.



Ranch Group Urges USDA Not to Tie RFID Eartags to Livestock Indemnity Regulations

This week R-CALF USA submitted formal comments to the advance notice issued in September by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the agency’s intention to propose a rulemaking to restructure its livestock indemnity regulations. The regulations apply when APHIS destroys animals infected by or exposed to foreign animal diseases, emerging diseases and program diseases (such as bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis).

In its advance notice, APHIS expressed its intention to require certain animal identification requirements of the animals that qualify for indemnification. The agency stated that for disease programs that do not already have identification requirements, the agency would refer to the requirements under the Animal Disease Traceability regulations.

In 2019, APHIS attempted to circumvent its Animal Disease Traceability regulations by mandating the exclusive use of radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags when adult cattle are moved interstate. R-CALF USA and four of its individual members filed a lawsuit against APHIS for mandating RFID eartags on the grounds that the Animal Disease Traceability regulations impose no such mandate and, instead, afford cattle producers several options in addition to RFID eartags when identifying animals moved interstate.

In response to the group’s lawsuit, APHIS withdrew its RFID mandate and has not proposed a rulemaking to amend its Animal Disease Traceability regulations.

Under this backdrop, R-CALF USA stated in its comments that it questions the appropriateness of requiring animal identification requirements tied to the Animal Disease Traceability regulations for determining whether animals qualify for indemnification.

The ranch group wrote: “The agency’s Animal Disease Traceability regulations only require identification of certain livestock moved interstate but impose no identification requirements on those certain livestock until and unless they are moved interstate. Our concern is, therefore, that the agency may inappropriately attempt to expand the scope and purpose of its Animal Disease Traceability regulations by incentivizing livestock owners to incur the expense of identifying their livestock in circumstances not required under current law.”

Kenny Fox, R-CALF USA Animal Identification Committee Chair, said, “We will continue monitoring the agency’s livestock indemnification rulemaking process to ensure that APHIS does not attempt to use it to impose yet another unlawful mandate on U.S. cattle producers.”

In addition to its RFID concerns, R-CALF USA pointed out that livestock indemnity payments are contingent upon the availability of federal funds. Consequently, the group wrote, “The U.S. livestock producer’s first line of defense against losses caused by foreign animal diseases is APHIS’ prevention of the introduction of foreign animal diseases into the United States.”

The ranch group stated it has long been concerned that APHIS’ lax import requirements for countries with foreign animal diseases threatens the viability of U.S. livestock producers. As an example, the group stated that U.S. cattle producers are vulnerable to forced depopulations of their herds because of AHPIS’ ongoing practice of allowing imports from countries where bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis are known to exist.



Export Exchange 2022 Leads To $225 Million In Grain and Co-Product Sales

The Export Exchange conference hosted this fall by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is already paying dividends, according to surveys of overseas grain buyers who attended – they purchased $225 million worth of grain and ethanol co-product.

Buyers and end-users were surveyed after the conference to see if they had made any purchase agreements with sellers and if so, how much was purchased. In total, attendees reported sales of just over $225 million with another $128 million under negotiation. That equates to 514,850 metric tons of grains and co-products traded either at the conference or immediately before or after.

The top grain traded during the two-day conference was corn, with 208,800 metric tons collectively purchased, followed by distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), with 156,400 metric tons purchased.

Export Exchange 2022 offered attendees a unique opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, DDGS, sorghum, barley and other commodities. More than 200 international buyers and end-users of coarse grains and co-products from more than 35 countries were in Minneapolis for the conference, held Oct. 12 to 14, and for related tours of U.S. farms, ethanol plants and export infrastructure as part of Council trade teams.

“Trade is absolutely critical to U.S. farmers right now, and these sales show that buyers attending Export Exchange 2022 took the buying opportunities very seriously,” said Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the Council. “Putting buyers and sellers together, building and sustaining relationships with our top global grain buyers have been hallmarks of Council activities worldwide. We are thrilled to see how much actual trade was done at the show and in association with it.”

“Exports of U.S. grains and DDGS create jobs here at home while helping international companies satisfy their demand for quality products," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The impressive amount of business generated at this year’s Export Exchange is a testament to the strength and ingenuity of U.S. producers and shows just how important this biennial event is to facilitating trade for U.S. products."

“Once again, these numbers show that Export Exchange is where international buyers and sellers go to do business,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “In just three days, buyers purchased enough DDGS to fill three Panamax vessels. We are proud to offer this excellent deal-making opportunity every two years.”

Other grains traded at Export Exchange included:
• Corn Gluten Meal—24,250 metric tons;
• Soybean Meal – 77,000 metric tons;
• Soybeans – 22,000 metric tons.

The Export Exchange conference provides an ideal forum for continued relationship building among trading partners. The conference is held every two years and will next be held in 2024. More information about the recent event is online at www.exportexchange.org.



USDA Amends the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances

The USDA organic regulations contain detailed requirements about how to produce and label organic products. Part of the regulations, the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List), describes what can and cannot be used in organic—like what materials are allowed in organic food production and processing.

On Monday, November 14, USDA will publish a final rule that adds two substances to the National List:
-    Paper-based planting aids, also known as “paper pots,” for transplanting crops on organic farms.
-    Low-acyl gellan gum for use as a thickener, stabilizer, or gelling agent in organic products like beverages, icing, dessert fillings and confections, and capsules for supplements.

The rule also corrects a spelling error on the National List, changing “wood resin” to “wood rosin.” Changes to the National List require a recommendation from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and rulemaking by USDA. The NOSB is the federal advisory board that advises USDA leadership about the National List and other policy matters impacting the organic industry. These changes are based on NOSB recommendations from October 2020 and April 2021 and public comment on a proposed rule on this topic.



FARM AID LAUNCHES SPANISH-LANGUAGE HOTLINE SUPPORT

In partnership with Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN), and with funding from the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network – Northeast (led by Cultivemos), Farm Aid will be providing Spanish-language hotline support through the organization’s new Spanish-speaking hotline operator, Elizabeth Gonzalez-Ibarra.

Gonzalez-Ibarra grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in a farming community and graduated from Texas State University with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in public health. She currently answers MCN’s hotline and will now be supporting calls on Farm Aid’s Hotline from Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworkers, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Gonzalez-Ibarra hopes to make a difference within the Latinx community and has a passion for helping those in need, which has led her to where she is today.

“Migrant Clinicians Network is thrilled to partner with Farm Aid on this important initiative,” said Renee AboAshe, program manager at MCN. “Making the Farm Aid Hotline’s resources available to the Spanish-speaking farming community is one step toward dismantling entrenched inequities experienced by this community and can encourage people to seek assistance through mental health services.”

Beginning and established farmers and farmworkers are encouraged to call the Farmer Hotline. Farm Aid’s hotline operators are familiar with agriculture and with resources for farmers around the country; they work with hotline callers to find the best resources for their individual situation, whether they are looking for assistance with farm stress, financial issues, legal questions or business-related questions. The Farm Aid Hotline Staff has an existing database of Spanish resources and they are working to expand this database even further.

“This is a historic moment for Farm Aid; it’s the first time in 37 years that we have been able to offer our farmer hotline services in Spanish,” said Farm Aid’s Hotline Program Manager Caitlin Arnold Stephano. “We are excited to collaborate with Migrant Clinicians Network on this important and timely effort and hope to better help Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworkers in need across the country.”

If your organization has resources to include in Farm Aid’s hotline database that would be helpful to Spanish-speaking farmers and farmworkers, please reach out to Stephano at caitlin@farmaid.org. Through the Farm Aid hotline and email service, Farm Aid’s Hotline Staff refers farmers to an extensive network of family farm and rural support organizations across the country. All farmers can call the hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243).



FMC Launches New Three Mode of Action Foliar Fungicide Targeting Late-Season Diseases – Adastrio™ Fungicide

FMC is launching Adastrio™ fungicide on a limited commercial basis for the 2023 crop season. Adastrio fungicide is a foliar fungicide that combines three modes of action and is the first fungicide to use the newest molecule in the SDHI class, fluindapyr. This fungicide is built to provide broad-spectrum control of key foliar diseases and help protect yield potential all the way through to harvest.

     Adastrio fungicide is labeled for use in corn, grain sorghum, wheat, triticale and barley against anthracnose leaf blight, common rust, gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight and Southern rust.

     “With Adastrio fungicide, we have a unique combination of three active ingredients: fluindapyr (Group 7), flutriafol (Group 3) and azoxystrobin (Group 11). The result of bringing these active ingredients together is a flexible and efficient foliar disease management tool for growers. It has a broad application window in corn, a low use rate and long-lasting residual control,” states Gail Stratman, regional technical service manager for FMC.

Unique combination of active ingredients
     Each active ingredient in the fungicide brings a different layer of activity and protection. Fluindapyr is a new molecule in the SDHI class exclusively from FMC. It provides broad-spectrum activity against a range of foliar diseases, has residual properties, delivers strong rust control and reduces abiotic stress during grain fill after application. Studies have also shown fluindapyr controls pathogens that are resistant to other chemical classes. Flutriafol is the most systemic triazole on the market, and azoxystrobin provides superior rust control.

     “Adastrio fungicide is particularly suited for those corn growers facing late-season foliar diseases. The preventative and curative activity, and long residual activity make it ideal for targeting those diseases that impact grain fill,” Stratman says. “Also, research has shown that fungicides containing an SDHI and strobilurin, like Adastrio fungicide, can help boost plant stress tolerance and provide additional growth benefits.”

     Offering a broad application window, Adastrio fungicide can be applied in early vegetation and from the VT-R3 stages in corn to manage for the specific disease spectrum growers face. When making an application, the labeled use rate is 7-9 fl. oz./A., a low use rate that ensures application, transportation and storage convenience.

Building a strategy for managing early- and late-season foliar diseases
     Corn growers typically face multiple foliar diseases at different stages throughout the growing season. Studies have shown that Xyway® 3D fungicide and Xyway® LFR® fungicide from FMC to be viable solutions to manage early-season foliar diseases like gray leaf spot and Northern corn leaf blight. Given disease spectrum and environmental conditions, growers may require the need for both early- and late-season disease management to protect yield potential.

     “A program built around starting at-plant with Xyway brand fungicides followed later in the season with a foliar application of Adastrio fungicide can help maximize growers’ ability to manage disease all season long,” states Nick Michalisin, fungicide product manager for FMC. “Employing a strategy like this is an effective and efficient approach to proactively manage for yield-robbing diseases.”

     In situations where corn growers choose to apply both Xyway brand fungicides and Adastrio fungicide on the same field in the same season, a reduced use rate of Xyway brand fungicides is recommended. Growers should consult with their local FMC retailer and the Adastrio fungicide product label for specific use rate recommendations.

     “At FMC, we are committed to continuing to develop and introduce novel disease management solutions that help growers address their evolving foliar disease challenges and protect their yield potential,” Stratman says. “Adastrio fungicide is that next step and delivers growers the flexibility and control they need to be successful.”



CLAAS LEXION 8000 Series Combine Receives Refreshed Cab and Boost in Performance

CLAAS announces new updates to the LEXION 8000 series combine, further strengthening the product portfolio for growers looking to maximize their operations. The new features provide an increase in performance and improved looks.

“The LEXION has built a reputation for delivering a mix of efficiency, precision, and convenience,” says Greg Frenzel, CLAAS Combine Product Manager. “These new updates give growers even more tools to achieve the best results while harvesting and make the most out of each hour in the field.”

A New and Improved Cab
“The same new cab first offered in the TRION 740 combine is now featured in the 2023 LEXION 8000 series,” says Frenzel. “It provides greater visibility and added headroom and legroom for the operator.”

The cab’s exterior features a brighter lighting package, maintenance steps for easier cleaning, and improved mirrors. Inside, a fully adjustable, pivoting operator seat and extra wide trainer seat improve operator comfort. Additional touches include a new steering wheel, foot pegs, dual-zone HVAC controls, a high-quality sound system, more integrated storage, and thinner A-pillars for added visibility.

Larger Grain Tank
The LEXION 8000 series includes a new 510-bushel grain tank, larger than other CLAAS models. A one-piece folding design reduces the complexity and hydraulic demand of prior 510-bushel tanks. Also, a built-in walk-through door makes cleaning and maintenance very easy.

New Pivoting Spout
The high-capacity auger features a new pivoting spout tip to help control distribution in the auger cart. The spout is controlled by a finger trigger located on the CMOTION handle inside the cab.

Increased Horsepower for Improved Performance
Each of the three 8000 series machines receive a significant bump in power over 2022 models:
    LEXION 8600
        Rated Power: 483 hp
        Max Power: 542 hp
    LEXION 8700
        Rated Power: 543 hp
        Max Power: 577 hp
    LEXION 8800
        Rated Power: 610 hp
        Max Power: 653 hp

Slow-Feed Feature
Sometimes a “lighter touch” is best when managing crop slugs or accumulations in the header. Now you can slowly engage the feederhouse from the cab to protect drivelines and belts from high-stress loads.

DYNAMIC STEERING
Make those turns at the ends of the rows easier with the new DYNAMIC STEERING feature. Once engaged, the steering wheel requires slightly more than one full rotation (instead of five rotations) for the tightest turning radius possible.

50’ CONVIO 1530 Flex Draper
Take advantage of the latest LEXION 8000 series performance enhancements with an even wider head. The CONVIO line has expanded to include a 50’ version, perfect for small grains and soybeans.

For more information on the updated LEXION 8000 series combine, visit the company website at www.claas.com.



Field robot sales will hit $11 billion by 2030, says GlobalData

The global agricultural sector is tackling a multitude of challenges, from climate change to population growth, and the growing demand for food. Robotics offers a much-needed solution, providing answers from vertical farms to drones. This has catalyzed the demand for field robots, which reached sales of $1.1 billion in 2020 and will hit $11 billion by 2030, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Robotics in Agriculture’ reveals how robotics is helping to achieve precision agriculture and usher in a technological revolution in the sector. Precision agriculture refers to the application of agrochemicals in a prescriptive manner to minimize waste and pollution. This is an important solution to the growing demand for food and subsequently fertilizers.

Rachel Foster Jones, Thematic Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Robots can harvest crops, pick fruits, weed, milk livestock, apply fertilizers and monitor farm operations. Robotics will, therefore, be key in helping to ease labor shortages, reduce pressure on natural resources and meet the global demand for agricultural products, while also helping the sector adapt to the challenges of climate change.”

GlobalData forecasts that the global robotics market was worth $45.8 billion in 2020 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% between 2020 and 2030, reaching $568 billion by 2030.

The report also reveals that the commercial drone market will overtake military drones and become the largest segment of the drone market by revenue in the next few years and agricultural drones are a key driver. Agricultural drones are unmanned aerial vehicles used in farming for yield optimization and monitoring.

Jones adds: “The Chinese drone industry is the largest in the world, and the country is leading innovation in agricultural drones, with Chinese companies DJI and XAG paving the way. These drones provide imaging and surveying tasks, whilst crop spraying, and terrain monitoring will become key growth areas. Both companies were the most active in terms of patent applications in the agri-drone sector. Between 2018 to 2021, they published 421 patents, reinforcing China’s dominant position in the global drone industry."

The report also shows that hiring for robotics-related roles has risen significantly in the agricultural sector. According to GlobalData’s hiring database, robotics-related vacancies increased by 80% between September 2019 and September 2022.

Jones continues: “Both traditional agricultural companies, such as Cargill and Syngenta, and agricultural start-ups are hiring in robotics. The agricultural sector is becoming increasingly aware of the potential of robotics as traditional companies are trying to improve their internal expertise of this important themes rather than simply forming partnerhsips.. As more traditional agricultural companies try to enhance their robotics expertise, increased acquiring activity will be experienced by the sector.”

Wednesday November 09 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on November 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2022 corn crop is forecast at 1.56 billion bushels, down 16% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Area to be harvested for grain, at 9.30 million acres, is down 3% from a year ago. Yield is forecast at 168 bushels per acre, down 26 bushels from last year.

Soybean production is forecast at 285 million bushels, down 19% from last year. Area for harvest, at 5.70 million acres, is up 2% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 50 bushels per acre, down 13.0 bushels from last year.

Sorghum production is forecast at 16.4 million bushels, down 17% from last year. Area for harvest, at 265,000 acres, is up 15% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 62 bushels per acre, down 24 bushels from last year.

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 0.975 million tons, down 30% from last year. Area for harvest, at 39,000 acres, is down 11% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 25.0 tons per acre, down 6.9 tons from last year.

Potato acres of 20,000 were planted in 2022, up 5%. Harvested acreage set at 19,900 acres, up 5%. Production is forecast at 9.55 million cwt, up 3% from last year. Yield is forecast at 480 cwt per acre, down 10 cwt from last year.



Iowa Crop Production Estimates

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.51 billion bushels according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 202.0 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels per acre from the October 1 forecast but down 2.0 bushels per acre from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres, with an estimated 12.5 million acres to be harvested for grain.

Soybean production is forecast at 591 million bushels. The yield is forecast at 59.0 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel per acre from the October forecast but down 4.0 bushels per acre from 2021. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres with 10.0 million acres to be harvested.

The forecasts in this report are based on November 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next corn and soybean production estimates will be published in the Crop Production – Annual Summary report which will be released January 12, 2023.



USDA Crop Production - November Estimates

Corn production for grain is forecast at 13.9 billion bushels, up less than 1 percent from the previous forecast but down 8 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 172.3 bushels per harvested acre, up 0.4 bushel from the previous forecast but down 4.4 bushels from last year. Area harvested for grain, forecast at 80.8 million acres, is unchanged from the previous forecast but down 5 percent from the previous year.

Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.35 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the previous forecast but down 3 percent from last year. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 50.2 bushels per harvested acre, up 0.4 bushel from the previous forecast but down 1.5 bushels from 2021. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 86.6 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast but up less than 1 percent from 2021.



USDA WASDE - Nov 9, 2022

COARSE GRAINS: This month’s 2022/23 U.S. corn outlook is for higher production, larger feed and residual use, and greater ending stocks. Corn production is forecast at 13.930 billion bushels, up 35 million from last month on a 0.4-bushel increase in yield to 172.3 bushels per acre. Feed and residual use is higher based on a larger crop. With supply rising more than use, corn ending stocks are raised 10 million bushels. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $6.80 per bushel.

Global coarse grain production for 2022/23 is forecast fractionally lower at 1,459.5 million tons. This month’s 2022/23 foreign coarse grain outlook is for reduced production, lower trade, and smaller stocks relative to last month. Foreign corn production is forecast lower as declines for the EU, South Africa, Philippines, and Nigeria are partly offset by increases for Angola, Mali, Pakistan, Turkey, and Senegal. Corn production in the EU is down based on a decline for Hungary. South Africa is reduced based on lower expected area. Barley production is lowered for Argentina but raised for Australia and the EU.

Major global trade changes include lower corn exports for South Africa. Corn imports are reduced for Vietnam, Algeria, and Turkey. For 2021/22, corn exports for Argentina are cut for the local marketing year beginning March 2022, based on shipments observed through October. For 2022/23, barley exports are raised for Australia but lowered for Argentina and Russia. Barley imports are reduced for China. Foreign corn ending stocks are down, mostly reflecting declines for Nigeria and South Africa that are partly offset by an increase for Vietnam. Global corn ending stocks, at 300.8 million tons, are down 0.4 million.

OILSEEDS: The U.S. soybean outlook for 2022/23 is for increased production, crush, and ending stocks. Soybean production is forecast at 4.35 billion bushels, up 33 million on higher yields. Higher yields in Iowa and Missouri account for most of the change in production. Soybean crush is raised 10 million bushels on an increased domestic soybean meal disappearance forecast. With exports unchanged, soybean ending stocks are raised 20 million bushels to 220 million. The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2022/23 is forecast at $14.00 per bushel, unchanged from last month. Soybean oil price is also unchanged at 69 cents per pound. The soybean meal price is forecast at $400.00 per short ton, up 10 dollars.

Global oilseed production for 2022/23 is projected at 645.6 million tons, down 1.0 million from last month. Lower soybean, sunflowerseed, and cottonseed production is partly offset by higher rapeseed. Global soybean production is down 0.5 million tons to 390.5 million, mainly on lower production for Argentina. Area harvested for Argentina is reduced reflecting in-country estimates. Sunflowerseed production is reduced for Ukraine on lower reported yields. Global rapeseed production is raised 1.0 million tons to 84.8 million on higher yields for Australia and the EU.

Global oilseed ending stocks are projected at 121.9 million tons, up 1.4 million. Soybean stocks account for most of the change with an increase to China’s stocks based on a revision to 2021/22 imports. Another notable oilseed change includes lower palm oil production for Malaysia, which is reduced 1.0 million tons to 18.8 million. With reduced Malaysian palm oil supply and no change in exports, ending stocks are lower.

WHEAT: The outlook for 2022/23 U.S. wheat this month is for stable supplies, increased domestic use, unchanged exports, and slightly lower ending stocks. Total domestic use is projected 5 million bushels higher at 1,093 million as an increase in food use more than offsets a decrease in seed use. Food use is raised 7 million bushels to a record 977 million on strong calendar year third quarter wheat ground for flour reported in the latest NASS Flour Milling Products. All wheat exports are unchanged at 775 million bushels, with offsetting changes for White wheat and Durum. Projected 2022/23 ending stocks are lowered 5 million bushels to 571 million, the lowest level since 2007/08. The projected 2022/23 season-average farm price is unchanged at $9.20 per bushel.

The global wheat outlook for 2022/23 is for increased supplies, consumption, trade, and ending stocks. Supplies are projected up 1.3 million tons to 1,059.0 million based on increases in beginning stocks and production. World production is raised 1.0 million tons to 782.7 million as larger production in Australia, Kazakhstan, and the UK more than offsets declines in Argentina and the EU. Production in Australia is raised 1.5 million tons to 34.5 million as above average rain over the past month supported crop development and boosted yields, following widespread favorable conditions earlier in the growing season. Argentina production is lowered as continued widespread dry conditions through most of October further eroded yield potential, especially in northern areas. Feed and residual use is raised 0.9 million tons as increases in the EU, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam more than offset a decline in India. However, FSI consumption is lowered 1.5 million tons primarily on decreases for Bangladesh and Indonesia. The global forecast for trade is increased 0.3 million tons to a record 208.7 million, primarily on higher exports from Australia, Kazakhstan, and the UK that more than offset a reduction in exports by Argentina. Projected global ending stocks are increased 0.3 million tons to 267.8 million, with increases for Australia and India and a decrease for the EU accounting for most of the change.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY: The forecast for 2022 red meat and poultry production is raised from last month as higher beef and broiler forecasts for the fourth quarter are partly offset by lower pork and turkey forecasts. Beef production is raised with higher expected cattle slaughter as well as higher carcass weights. Pork production is lowered on a slower expected pace of slaughter. Broiler production is raised on current slaughter and hatchery data. Turkey production is lowered based on tighter bird supplies. Egg production is lowered from last month on recent hatchery data.

For 2023, the beef forecast is lowered on tighter supplies of fed cattle and lower cow slaughter. Broiler production is raised on expected growth in broiler flocks. Turkey production is lowered slightly for the first two quarters. Egg production is reduced as slower expected growth in production in late 2022 is carried into the first part of 2023.

Beef imports for 2022 are lowered on recent data, higher expected U.S. cow slaughter, and weaker expected imports from Oceania in the fourth quarter. Exports are lowered on recent data and expected weaker exports to Asian markets. No changes are made to beef trade for 2023. Pork imports are lowered and exports are raised for 2022 on observed data. Weaker imports are carried through into 2023, but exports are unchanged. Broiler export forecasts for 2022 are raised on recent trade data while 2023 exports are unchanged. Turkey exports are raised for 2022 and 2023 on current trade data.

Cattle price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are raised on stronger expected demand. The 2022 hog price forecast is raised on prices to date; 2023 prices are unchanged. The broiler price forecast for 2022 is lowered on recent data, but 2023 forecasts are unchanged. Turkey price forecasts for both 2022 and 2023 are raised with lowered expected production. Egg price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 are raised on recent prices and expectations of continued firm demand.

The milk production forecast for 2022 is raised from last month, while 2023 production is unchanged. The dairy cow inventory for both years is lowered on recent published data but output per cow is raised.

Fat and skim-solids basis imports for 2022 are lowered, driven by recent trade data and lower expected imports of cheese and butterfat products. Forecasts for 2023 fat basis imports are lowered on weaker butterfat products, while skim-solids basis imports are raised on cheese. Exports on a fat basis for 2022 are lowered on weaker expected exports of cheese and butterfat products but raised for 2023. Exports on a skim-solids basis are raised in 2022 on higher expected exports of skim milk powders (SMP) and lactose and for 2023 on higher SMP and whey exports.

For 2022, forecasts for butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk (NDM) prices are lowered on current prices and larger milk supplies. Whey prices are unchanged. Both Class III and Class IV prices are lowered on weaker product prices. For 2023, the price forecast for butter is raised, but lowered for cheese and NDM. Whey prices are unchanged. With lower cheese and NDM prices, Class III and Class IV price forecasts are lowered. The 2022 all milk price forecast is lowered to $25.50 per cwt and the 2023 all milk price is lowered to $22.60 per cwt.



2022 AFAN Annual Meeting Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21

The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) will hold its 2022 annual stakeholders meeting Monday, November 21 at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln.  

The meeting will open at 8:30 a.m. with coffee and conversation time, followed by the formal meeting at 9 a.m. and ending with a luncheon at 11:30 p.m. All media personnel are invited to join us and other key industry members for the day.

The day will include remarks from Governor Pete Ricketts and Governor-Elect, Jim Pillen. The AFAN meeting will include year-end reports by Steve Martin, Executive Director of AFAN and WSA, Kris Bousquet, Director of Livestock Development, and Rylee Stoltz, Director of Communications with AFAN. The reports will present the year’s accomplishments and provide a look into future opportunities for both organizations.  

Also included in the meeting will be the presentation of the Sand County Foundation’s 2022 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award to the Wine Glass Ranch. If interested in attending the annual meeting please RSVP to Mindy Rix ASAP by calling (402) 421.4472 or by emailing mindyr@a-fan.org.  



2022 Beef Passport Prize Winners Announced
 
The Nebraska Beef Passport program saw another successful summer of customers enjoying beef from restaurants across the state in its second year of the promotion that ran from May 1 through September 30. 44 restaurants that serve outstanding beef meals were on the map this year, with a digital passport option making it even more accessible.
 
Of over 6,000 Nebraska Beef Passports requested this summer, three participants walked away lucky winners of the prizes offered by getting their passports stamped and submitted.
 
The two grand prize winners are Amy Kelley of Grand Island, Nebraska and Diane Merryweather of Valley, Nebraska. This year’s grand prize is a $250 beef bundle. The Cabela’s Cooler Winner is Zachary Zysset of Lincoln, Nebraska.
 
“We had another successful year for the Nebraska Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “The addition of the digital passport made it even easier for people to participate and collect their stamps. We’ll continue to look for ways we can grow and improve the Beef Passport experience in the future.”
 
Also new this year is the Beef Passport Hall of Fame that lists participants that collected at least 30 stamps. Two individuals collected stamps from all 44 locations. The Hall of Fame members along with a complete list of campaign results can be found at www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org.



Registration open for NE Cattlemen annual convention

You are invited to the 2022 Nebraska Cattlemen Convention and Trade Show!

Now less than one month away, don’t forget to secure your spot before early registration ends on November 30th. Students get half off Convention registration, and we are hosting our inaugural career fair in the trade show this year (more details below).

NEW TRADE SHOW EVENTS!
Want a chance to win special prizes? This year, Convention attendees will be able to pick up a Trade Show passport, and each participant with at least thirty stickers will be entered in a drawing to win a prize!

Additionally, on Thursday, December 8th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we’ll be hosting our FREE inaugural career fair for high school seniors and college students. Students are invited to meet with leading businesses in the Trade Show to strengthen their networking skills and learn more about job opportunities in the cattle community.  

WANT TO DANCE?
Thursday, December 8th
9:00 p.m.
Following the Annual Awards Banquet, get ready to boot, scoot, and boogie along with The Loose Cannons! The Loose Cannons are a traditional country band who also enjoy playing a little rock & roll. The dance will have a cash bar and remain open until midnight. Bring your best moves!

CATTLEMEN'S COLLEGE
Tuesday, December 6th
12:00 p.m.
The Impact of Potential Growth in the Beef Sector in Nebraska

Beef producers continue to face challenges, but the potential growth in the beef sector in Nebraska it may keep producers more optimistic about economic recovery and growth. Beef producers are engaged amid these economic opportunities and challenges.

We’re excited to host Sustainable Beef, Blackshirt Feeders, YellowStone Cattle, Cattlemen’s Heritage, and AFAN to talk about their long-term strategies for growth in the beef cattle industry. Nebraska wants to continue to build the beef state as we encourage innovation, collaboration, and work to increase the trust in the production chain and with consumers.

Labor Issues: Hiring and Retention
Across the industry, a shortage of labor challenges beef producers. Recruitment of high-quality workforce will require managers to consider several factors that will keep employees and help motivate them to work. In addition, the communities where our workforce is living are asked to help to boost their local economy by supporting schools, providing affordable and quality housing, and access to health care.

Craig Uden and Frank Utter will visit about the labor issues and how they have developed plans to help with hiring and retention.

Hear From Leopold Award Winner Logan Pribbeno
Logan Pribbeno grew up around rotational grazing and no-till farming in the 1990s when both practices were still hotly debated by academics and farmers alike. Today, the self-described “second-generation conservationist” prioritizes rebuilding the light soils his family farmed for over a century while making a living. Aldo Leopold defined conservation as the state of harmony between man and land. That harmony is found at Wine Glass Ranch, where the Pribbeno family’s deliberate management decisions are restoring, enhancing, and conserving their land.

OPENING GENERAL SESSION
Wednesday, December 7th
5:15 p.m. CT
Join us for the Opening General Session, where we’ll honor retiring board members, recognize our Top Hand Winners, and discuss the success of the Nebraska Cattlemen Political Action Committee. You won’t want to miss hearing from our special guests!

Gregg Doud, Vice President of Global Situational and Awareness & Chief Economist for Aimpoint Research
Gregg brings an unparalleled global perspective and economic expertise to the team. He works closely with members of the Executive Intelligence Network (EIN) and plays a major role in the development of its thought leadership priorities.

Prior to joining Aimpoint Research, Gregg served in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the rank of U.S. Ambassador. He was one of the primary architects of the U.S.-China "Phase One" trade agreement.

Gregg has previously served as President of the Commodity Markets Council, the leading trade association for commodity futures exchanges and their industry counterparts, where he worked to lead the industry in addressing global market and risk management issues. As a senior staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Doud helped craft the 2012 Senate Farm Bill working on international trade, food aid, livestock, and oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Doud served as Chief Economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for eight years and is a former market analyst for the U.S. Wheat Associates.

Raised on a dry-land wheat, grain sorghum, soybean, swine, and cow-calf operation near Mankato in North-Central Kansas, Doud continues to be involved in his family’s 100-year-old farm and is a partner in a commercial cow-calf operation. He received a B.S. in Agriculture with an emphasis in animal science, as well as a M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. He currently resides with his family on their horse farm in Lothian, Maryland.

Don Schiefelbein, 2022 NCBA President
Don Schiefelbein, his father, seven brothers and three nephews own and operate Schiefelbein Farms, a large diversified farming operation in Kimball, Minnesota.

Before returning to the family farm, Schiefelbein served as the executive director of the American Gelbvieh Association. He previously worked for the North American Limousin Association after graduating from Texas A&M University.

Schiefelbein has a long history of industry service, most recently in the role as chairman of the Beef Industry Long Range Planning Committee.
    
He has also held several positions on committees and the board of directors of the American Angus Association. In addition, Schiefelbein is a past president of the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association.

Schiefelbein and his wife of 32 years, Jennifer, have three daughters, Shelby, Abbey, and Bailee, all of whom are active in the industry.

Get more information and register here: https://nebraskacattlemen.org/events/convention-trade-show/.  



Grant Available to Help Cattle Producers Attend Educational Events

Cattle producers are the original stewards of land and livestock and are constantly striving to improve their operations through education and professional development. To help reduce the financial burden of attending conventions and meetings, the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and Cargill created the Rancher Resilience Grant, which is administered by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The grant reimburses producers for registration fees and other expenses at specific educational events, including Cattlemen’s College during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans.

“Our industry continually explores technologies and production practices to support more efficient operations that focus on profitability and consistent high-quality beef,” said NCBA Senior Executive Director of Producer Education Josh White. “It’s exciting to see industry partners come together through a shared commitment to promote the long-term economic wellbeing of farmers and ranchers across the beef value chain while also improving our product and our care for livestock and natural resources.”

Since the program began in 2020, the Rancher Resilience Grant has provided financial support and educational opportunities for hundreds of producers to attend events across the country. Past participating events include Cattlemen’s College, the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium, the National Grazing Lands Coalition Conference, Stockmanship and Stewardship regional events, King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management events, and many more.

The educational events supported by the Rancher Resilience Grant are in place to provide practical tools to help cattle producers manage market shifts, mitigate financial risks, manage natural resources and withstand extreme weather events. Past grant recipients say they not only found the content of the events to be educational, but they also took away action items to implement back home.

“Attending the convention and Cattlemen’s College gave me new ideas on how to improve and grow my operation,” one grant recipient shared about his experience. “Since returning home I have revised my grazing plan, with the hope to not only improve forage quality but also extend our grazing period.”

Producers can apply for the grant to attend the 2023 Cattlemen’s College and, if selected, will receive a reimbursement of $1,097 to offset expenses. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/4/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending November 4, ethanol production expanded 1.1% to 1.051 million b/d, equivalent to 44.14 million gallons daily and the largest weekly output since June. Production was 1.2% higher than the same week last year and 1.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume increased 3.0% to 1.035 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.87 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks were fractionally lower, down 0.2% to 22.2 million barrels. However, stocks were 9.4% more than a year ago and 4.2% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned in the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5) but built across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, scaled up 4.1% to 9.01 million b/d (138.14 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 2.7% less than a year ago and 1.4% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 2.3% to a 7-week low of 884,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.55 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.0% lower than a year ago and 2.0% below the five-year average.

There were no imports of ethanol for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of September 2022.)



 Ethanol Associations Issue Unified Message Ahead of COP 27

In an intentional commitment to support the global fight against climate change, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada), UNICA, UNEM (National Corn Ethanol Union) and ePURE have come together today to underscore the importance of renewable ethanol in this effort.

The leaders of each organization issued a joint letter, declaring, among other things:
As the world’s leading ethanol associations representing producers across the globe, we support the global energy transition and effort to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Crop-based biofuels such as ethanol provide benefits to the environment, energy and food security, human health, and rural communities and underscores its essential role in global efforts to reach net zero by 2050 and beyond.

The use and implementation of renewable ethanol offers GHG reductions in the transport sector; produces valuable co-products such as animal feed and biobased additives, contributes to positive health effects among world populations; is a future-facing renewable liquid fuel that can be used by the aviation sector; and its affordability can assist countries seeking solutions to current energy security and inflation.

Our organizations remain committed to building a sustainable future and believe widely available renewable ethanol serves as an immediate and effective answer to present and future environmental, energy security and human health challenges.



2022 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.  Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.   

“County committees provide an opportunity for producers to play a meaningful role in delivering farm programs, but in order for county committees to be effective, they must truly represent all who are producing,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Voting in these elections is your opportunity to help ensure our county committees reflect the diversity of our agriculture. Your voice and vote matter, don’t miss your chance to cast your ballot.” 

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation but may not have applied or received FSA program benefits. Additionally, producers who are not of legal voting age but supervise and conduct farming operations for an entire farm are eligible to vote in these elections.  

Each committee has from three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms, and at least one seat representing an LAA is up for election each year. Ballots must in the mail or delivered in person by close of business Dec. 5, 2022, to be counted. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2023.   

Producers can find out if their LAA is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office. Visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find your local USDA Service Center and fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information.



CNH Industrial Reports Strong Sales, Revenues

CNH Industrial N.V. reported upside earnings and revenues for the previous quarter. The company's earnings came in at an EPS of $0.41 per share, 28.00% higher than estimates for an EPS of $0.32 per share. Earnings are up 21% since reporting $0.34 per share in the same period a year ago.

Revenues were upbeat at $5.9 billion. That is an increase of 23.81% in revenues from the year-ago report and is 12.02% higher than consensus estimates set at $5.3 billion. The stock is up 5.95% to $14.25 after the report.

CNH Industrial N.V. has been a strong performer over the past few months, garnering a high Long-Term Technical Rank by InvestorsObserver of 81, putting CNH Industrial N.V. in the top 25% of stocks. The firm set a 52-week low on July 14, 2022 at $10.6 and set a 52-week high on December 27, 2021 at $17.21.

CNH Industrial is a global manufacturer of heavy machinery, with a range of products including agricultural and construction equipment. One of its most recognizable brands, Case IH, has served farmers for generations. Its products are available through a robust dealer network, Commercial and Specialty Vehicles which includes over 5,000 dealer and distribution locations globally.



American Angus Association congratulates Heritage Foundation inductees

To celebrate and honor the contributions of individuals who have gone above and beyond for the Angus Breed, the American Angus Association® created the Heritage Foundation in 1983. At the 2022 Angus Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, three couples and one individual were inducted into the Heritage Foundation because of their innovation, service and leadership. Over the past 130 years, the business breed has proven itself as an industry leader and expert. Inductees of the Heritage Foundation depict the type of individuals who built a reputation with their drive, ambition and forward-thinking attitude.

From the start of their operations, these individuals set out on a mission to improve the Angus breed and the cattle industry even if they did not realize what the fruits of their efforts would be. This group held the vision and foresight to elevate Angus cattle for the betterment of farmers and ranchers across the country. Looking back, many of these inductees question how they managed to prosper through tough times.

The 2022 inductees include: Jim and Sue Coleman of Modesto, California; Leo and Sam McDonnell of Columbus, Montana; Dave Nichols of Anita, Iowa; and Becky and the late Arlen Sawyer of Bassett, Nebraska.

Jim and Sue Coleman - What started out as a small business investment in 1976, Jim and Sue Coleman’s Vintage Angus Ranch has since turned into an established set of diverse genetics with an emphasis on cow families and more importantly — emphasis on the Angus Family. Alongside manager Doug Worthington, the operation consists of a 450 Angus cowherd that grazes more than 5,000 acres in the California Sierra Foothills. In addition to their commitment to performance data and maternal traits, the Coleman’s heavily pour support into the efforts of the Angus Foundation to enhance the future of the Angus breed’s education, youth and research. The Coleman’s passion for the breed is clearly shown in their commitment to the Angus female, commitment to the Angus Family and commitment to the next generation.

Leo and Sam McDonnell - Generational on the top and bottom side, Leo and Sam McDonnell devote their time and efforts to providing the most predictable and proven genetics available on their operation, McDonnell Angus. Moving toward trait selection of economic value, the family’s success increased as they worked with breeders toward a common goal — industrywide efficiency. Carrying on what his father started in 1962, Leo managed the Midland Bull Test which has since grown to become the largest performance test center in North America, testing about 2,000 bulls annually, but has since been passed on to his son. As Leo and Sam transition their focus to McDonnell Angus, they note that the legacy isn’t the business — the legacy is their children and grandchildren. Their legacy lies in the future of the industry.

Dave Nichols - Dedicated to data — the mantra of lifetime Angus breeder, Dave Nichols. From being the first Iowan herd to incorporate computer performance records to intricate feed intake and measurement systems, Nichols has continuously adapted and extended the limits of performance records. This immense interest in data led to his heavy involvement in the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR), Beef Improvement federation (BIF) along with partaking in numerous research projects to improve technology. From his leadership and accolades to his dedication to providing customers with a firm handshake and the best genetics possible, Nichols’ investment in the breed and its success is evident in all he does.

Becky and the late Arlen Sawyer - A family who built themselves on grit and resilience, it’s no surprise they’ve relied on the adaptability and performance of Angus genetics to sustain their livelihood. For the past 30 years, the Sawyer family’s main priority has been to produce cattle that thrive under Nebraska Sandhills range conditions. With a cow herd consisting of 600 registered and commercial Angus cows, Becky and her late husband, Arlen, along with their children, Adam and Jessica, have worked diligently each day to sustain their 100+ year operation, A&B Cattle. Dedicated just as much to the next 100 years as they’ve been in the past 100, they continue to create a prosperous future for both the beef industry and the next generation of cattlemen.

To learn more about the Angus Heritage Foundation and those inducted since its inception, visit https://angusawards.com/.  

Tuesday November 08 Ag News

Offsetting Annual Cow Production Costs
Alfredo DiCostanzo, UNL Beef Systems Extension Educator

Determining annual cost of production for cow-calf operations is not an easy task.  On one hand, certain transactions are sporadic such as herbicide applications or ingredient or supplement purchases.  On the other hand, cow-calf operations occur in conjunction with other operations such as row crop or forage farming.  This makes it difficult to allocate costs accurately.  

One thing is certain, in 2022, costs of operating a cow-calf enterprise will be greater than those of previous years.  Low forage availability in owned or rented pastures, low forage yields in hay or corn fields and high feed ingredient prices will result in greater feed costs this year.  

Due to these circumstances, and the expectation of better feeder calf prices, a review of the relationship between annual cost of production, calf crop and weaning weight is in order.  Annual cost of production in a cow-calf operation is determined by adding all costs associated with feeding, breeding, managing, and preventing disease in the herd and prorated on a breeding (brood) cow basis.  Feeding costs would include, but are not limited to, pasture, corn stalk grazing, and feeding of harvested forages in a drylot or pasture, and energy, mineral and/or protein supplements.  Feeding costs including grazing pasture or corn stalks average from 50% to 70% of total costs.  Overhead expenses (utilities, insurance, interest, taxes, and depreciation) average 20% of total expenses and range from 15% to 23%.  

In states like Nebraska demand for feed and forage is high because Nebraska is one of the top two states for cattle on feed and ranks in the top five states for number of cows.  High demand for feed and forage drives feed and feeding costs in our state.  In addition, property tax rates make Nebraska cow-calf operations also rank high for overhead expenses.

Once a production cycle is completed, from conception to weaning, gross dollars derived from the sale of calves constitute the greatest source of income in a cow-calf operation.  Sale of cull cows is driven by proportion of open cows at weaning.  Because of timing of sales, the value of open cows is generally low and represents a loss of production capacity while demanding investment in replacements.  This leaves weight of all calves sold at weaning, or after backgrounding, as the main source of income for a cow-calf operation.

Weight of all calves sold responds to calves live at weaning and their weight.  The former is often referred to as calf crop and is the result of herd fertility and health.  The latter is the result of genetics, nutrition, and health.  If a herd of 100 cows is found to have 90 of them pregnant but only 80 bring a live calf at weaning, the calf crop for that herd is 80%.  If each of the 80 calves brought to the sale at weaning weighs 550 lb, then that herd will sell only 44,000 lb or 440 lb.  If the cost of operating that herd is $1,000/cow ($100,000 for the herd), then the price necessary to cover expenses (breakeven) from the sale of calves at weaning is $227.27/cwt.  

Two things are apparent from this example, 1) calf crop (reproductive rate and health) dictates the proportion of calves that reaches sale date and 2) at annual cow costs of $1,000 per cow, the operation relies on high feeder calf prices to break even.

Given what we know about calf crop, annual cow cost, and weaning weight, one could determine what the breakeven prices should be for operations of various costs, crop sizes and weights.  Setting up annual cow costs ranging from $800 to $1,700/cow, calf crop percentages between 60 and 100, and weaning weights between 500 and 700 lb permitted evaluation of calf prices at or above $200/cwt (prices expected in the near and short-term future).  

At low annual cow costs ($800 to $1,000), each percentage change in calf crop affects calf cost $12 (a herd with 80% calf crop requires $125 more per calf to break even than one with 90% calf crop).  At moderate annual cow costs ($1,100 to $1,300) each percentage change in calf crop affects calf cost $15.  At higher costs ($1,400 to $1,600) this value reaches nearly $20.  High-cost operations require high fertility and calf health to retain as large a calf crop at weaning as possible.

Operations with annual cow costs at or below $900/cow can break even at $200/cwt calf price with 80% or greater calf crops weighing 500 lb.  On the other hand, operations with annual cow costs above $900 require 600 lb or heavier weaning weights at high calf crops to break even with $200/cwt calf prices.  

Because annual cow costs in Nebraska are high, and the possibility of reducing them is slim, increasing total calf weight at sale time is the only way by which cow-calf profitability can be maintained.  Focusing on nutrition of the breeding cow, particularly young cows, and on calf health to retain the maximum number of calves from birth to sale is one priority to achieve and maintain high calf crop rates.  Also, using genetics for fast pre-weaning growth coupled with optimized nutrition of cows and calves would ensure that weaning weights reach maximum potential to offset annual cow production costs.



USDA Designates Washington County, Nebraska, as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Impacted Area: Nebraska
Triggering Disaster: Drought
Application Deadline: May 26, 2023
Primary Counties Eligible: Washington
Contiguous Counties Also Eligible: Nebraska: Burt, Dodge and Douglas
Iowa: Harrison and Pottawattamie

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local  USDA Service Center.



USDA Designates Three Iowa Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Impacted Area: Iowa
Triggering Disaster: Drought
Application Deadline: May 26, 2023
Primary Counties Eligible: Harrison, Humboldt and Kossuth
Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:
Iowa: Crawford, Monona, Pottawattamie, Winnebago, Emmet, Palo Alto, Shelby, Wright, Hancock, Pocahontas and Webster
Nebraska: Burt and Washington
Minnesota: Faribault and Martin

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.



Assistance Available for Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Wildfire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available to assist agricultural producers whose land was impacted by recent wildfires. Landowners have until May 31, 2023, to apply.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding is available to help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms and ranches impacted by natural disasters. EQIP funding is available to assist in this wildfire recovery effort by planting cover crops on impacted cropland and to defer grazing on rangeland.

“Numerous fires have impacted farmers and ranchers across Nebraska leaving ground vulnerable to erosion,” said Rob Lawson, state conservationist for NRCS. “We can assist landowners with installing conservation practices to help prevent any further damage to their agricultural land and aid in the recovery of rangeland productivity and soil health.”

Lawson encourages landowners whose agricultural operations were impacted by wildfire to visit their local NRCS field office.

“NRCS can help with recovery efforts,” Lawson said. “Our staff works one-on-one with landowners to assess the damage and develop approaches that lead to an effective recovery of the land.”

The application signup for this wildfire assistance is happening now and will run through May 31, 2023. Applications will be assessed, and even though some lands may be eligible for assistance, it is not guaranteed that all acres will receive financial assistance due to limited funding.

Interested landowners and operators should contact their local NRCS office in the USDA Service Center for applications and more information.



Funds Available to Help Restore and Protect Rangeland

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska producers have funding opportunities to help address the spread of invasive woody vegetation on rangeland. Landowners interested in receiving funding should apply at their local NRCS field office by Nov. 18, 2022.

With funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), farmers can adopt management practices that help treat the spread of Eastern redcedar trees and other invasive woody vegetation on rangeland.

NRCS is targeting funding to address this natural resource concern through its Nebraska Great Plains Grassland Initiative (GPGI). The initiative is part of the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) framework to conserve grassland regions in the Great Plains.

Management practices eligible for financial assistance through the GPGI include brush management, prescribed grazing, grazing deferment, prescribed burning, and more. NRCS is focusing this funding on farms and ranches in the Sandhills, Loess Canyons, southwest mixed-grass prairies, and Verdigris-Bazile creek watershed (see map).

The landowner-driven Great Plains Grassland Initiative strives to provide producers the tools necessary to create and maintain grasslands free of Eastern redcedar and other invasive woody species. Additional funding may also be available from partner organizations to help further reduce the cost to producers.

According to NRCS, removing Eastern redcedar at lower densities before they take over the rangeland is more cost-effective for the producer, conserves and restores forage production, reduces wildfire risk, and protects wildlife habitat.

Jeff Nichols, state rangeland management specialist for NRCS Nebraska said, “Nearly eight million acres of Nebraska’s most intact grasslands are estimated to be at risk to future woody encroachment. This is bad news for the ranchers. In 2019 more than 419,000 tons of range production was lost in Nebraska to woody encroachment.

“Woody plant encroachment puts pressure on working rangelands by decreasing livestock production and increasing wildfire risk as well as harming grasslands and the animals living there.”

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 18 to be considered for this year’s funding.

For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, call your local NRCS field office or visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting November 21 - 22, 2022, at The Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Nebraska Corn Board will undertake strategic planning with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association on the afternoon of November 21 through the morning of November 22. The board will then address regular board business on the afternoon of November 22.

The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, 245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204, Lincoln, NE 68521, sending an email to renee.tichota@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2676.



Introductory RUSLE2 Soil Loss and Iowa Phosphorus Workshop Planned in December

A Dec. 13 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop will be held in Altoona and is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Registration is $200, and a Windows compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required.

The RUSLE2 equation is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area determinations, and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral gully and classical gully erosion and the Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in IDNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

The workshop will be taught by Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State University; Don Carrington, United States Department of Agriculture-NRCS and Jeremy Klatt, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

This workshop qualifies for 6 Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Credits (5SW, 1NM) and 3 Professional Development Hours (PDH).  Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

Registration will be limited to 30 participants and is $200 before Dec. 8, and $225 thereafter. The workshop will be held at the ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County Office, located at 1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A, Altoona.

Lunch and refreshments are included in registration fees, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/YOLBPR. For more information, contact Kapil Arora at pbtiger@iastate.edu or view the brochure at https://iastate.app.box.com/s/umoj2ugjiinzkwmdlnt1exefgh1dazz5.



AMS Announces Plans to Amend the U.S. Standards for Soybeans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced that the Federal Grain and Inspection Service (FGIS) will publish a proposed rule seeking public comment on a proposal to make changes to the U.S. Standards for Soybeans.

Under the authority of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA), USDA established the soybean standards to help in the marketing of soybeans. “Soybeans of Other Colors” (SBOC) has served as a grading factor for determining soybean quality. USDA has recently received numerous requests from representatives of US soybean producers and grain traders to remove SBOC, as a grade-determining factor for describing the quality for soybeans (e.g., U.S. No 1 Yellow soybeans, U.S. No. 2 Yellow Soybeans, etc.).

In response to these requests for changes to the soybean standard, USDA will implement notice and comment rulemaking, as required by USGSA, to receive comments from the public regarding whether SBOC should be considered an informational factor that does not impact soybean grade determinations.

Historically, SBOC levels are low, rarely impacting the grade of soybeans. For the past two years, the soybean industry has experienced an increased presence of SBOC. At the request of the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC), FGIS conducted a study to evaluate whether the presence of SBOC had an impact on the quality of soybean protein and oil. The study found no significant differences in official protein or oil content. The study is available for review on the AMS-FGIS SBOC resource page.



DMC Pays Again in September
NMPF Newsletter

The September margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage program was $8.62/cwt, up by $0.54/cwt from the August margin and generating a payment of $0.88/cwt for Tier 1 coverage at the $9.50/cwt level under the program.

The September U.S. average all-milk price rose $0.10/cwt from August. The DMC feed cost formula produced a $0.45/cwt lower feed cost for the month, due almost entirely to lower soybean meal and corn prices (numbers don’t add exactly due to rounding).

Together, the September payment and the August one for $1.42/cwt will return more to producers enrolled for $9.50.cwt Tier 1 coverage than their annual premium payments. Current forecasts indicate that, of the remaining three months in 2022, additional margin coverage payments are most likely to occur in December.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency opened enrollment for both calendar year 2023 DMC and for Supplemental DMC on Oct. 17. The deadline to enroll is Dec. 9, 2022.

October CWT-Assisted Dairy Export Sales Totaled 5.1 Million Pounds
CWT member cooperatives secured 39 contracts in October, adding five million pounds of American-type cheeses and 77,000 pounds of cream cheese to CWT-assisted sales in 2022. In milk equivalent, this is equal to 47 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Central America, Europe and Middle East-North Africa, and will be shipped from October through April 2022.

CWT-assisted 2022 dairy product sales contracts year-to-date total 86.1 million pounds of American-type cheese, 657,000 pounds of butter, 7.6 million pounds of cream cheese and 30.3 million pounds of whole milk powder. This brings the total milk equivalent for the year to 1.090 billion pounds on a milkfat basis.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.


 

MERCARIS COMMODITY OUTLOOK: Volatility to Persist as Markets Adjust to Shifting Trade, Acreage and Prices

The 2022/23 marketing year is expected to be another period of volatile prices for U.S. organic markets. Following two years of increasing prices, the U.S. organic soybean harvest is expected to set records during Fall 2022. The result of this occurrence is expected to be bearish price pressure for organic soybeans into the first half of 2022/23 and a significant reduction in imports over the second half of the marketing year as discussed in the Fall 2022 Mercaris Commodity Outlook.

While organic soybean prices are expected to fluctuate, organic corn looks to remain steady for the foreseeable future.

“We estimated 2022/23 began with large carryover stocks of organic corn. However, U.S. organic corn production is expected to decline this fall, largely offsetting these carryover stocks and keeping prices supported through harvest,” says Ryan Koory, Vice President of Economics with Mercaris. “Furthermore, the outlook for U.S. organic corn imports is expected to be bullish for prices as supply issues in Argentina, Canada and the Black Sea region reduce U.S. imports of organic whole and cracked corn. As a result, Mercaris anticipates bullish support for U.S. organic corn prices will persist through the Spring 2023 and into the fall.”

Improving organic spring wheat yields over 2022 are expected to add to total U.S. organic wheat supplies. Despite this improvement, 2022/23 production is expected to remain below 2020/21 levels, keeping supplies generally tight and bullish support under prices. Additionally, growing conditions for much of the U.S. High Plains have remained dry through 2022 leading to mixed wheat quality, elevated protein levels and an uncertain 2023/24 organic winter wheat crop outlook.

“With bullish price expectations for organic corn as well as organic wheat and an outlook of weaker prices for organic soybeans, Mercaris projects Spring 2023 will see an oscillation of U.S. organic acreage away from organic soybeans,” says Koory. “Mercaris projects U.S. organic soybean area could decline by as much as 25 percent over 2023/24. Half of these acres are expected to rotate into organic corn with organic spring wheat area expanding slightly as well.”

With these acreage shifts and import expectations, Mercaris projects prices for organic corn and wheat will move lower over the last half of 2023, while organic soybean prices find support. However, this outlook is heavily dependent upon no additional trade disruptions developing over the coming year and U.S. weather patterns facilitating more typical growing conditions.

The information above is summarized from the Fall 2022 Mercaris Commodity Outlook. To find more details and information on other organic and non-GMO markets, visit www.mercaris.com.   



2023 Commodity Classic Offers Wide Range of Unique Tours in Orlando Area

Attendees at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando can make their experience even more memorable by signing up for one or more of the fascinating, family-friendly tours available during the event. These optional tours provide the opportunity to discover more about the history, attractions, and culture of the Orlando area — and this year’s tour schedule is packed with local delights:
    Learn how NASA supports agriculture from space to seeds on the NASA Agricultural Tour
    A Day at the Beach offers sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and the unique shops of New Smyrna Beach
    Enjoy an oyster tasting and the craft of oyster farming on the Indian River Oyster Company Paddle Tour
    Your journey awaits at the Kennedy Space Center Tour, Florida’s gateway to space
    Look for manatees, cypress forests, and alligators on the Blue Spring State Park St. Johns River Cruise
    A tour to Beck Citrus Farm and Southern Hill Farm showcases Florida’s unique agricultural landscape; FREE to Commodity Classic attendees on a first-come basis. This tour is sponsored by The Mosaic Company and The Nature Conservancy.

Commodity Classic is also offering special pricing on tickets to favorite Orlando-area theme parks such as Walt Disney World®, SeaWorld®, and Universal® Orlando. Optional tours and local attractions are a great way for families to make the most of their time in Orlando and to have one-of-a-kind experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.

Visit CommodityClassic.com for complete details, theme park tickets, and to register for Orlando tours. Theme park tickets and tour fees vary and are not included with convention registration.

Tours may also be reserved via phone at 504-524-0188. Space is limited and tours are available on a first-come basis. The deadline to pre-register for tours is Monday, February 6, 2023. Tour registrations are refundable only if canceled by that date. Onsite registration in Orlando will be accommodated subject to space availability.

Established in 1996, 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.