Monday August 26 Ag News

Colfax County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Colfax County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Farm Bureau Office in Schuyler, NE.
September 3 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm CDT
Farm Bureau Office – Schuyler
1035 Rd E
Schuyler, Nebraska 68661


Saunders County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Saunders County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Lake Wanahoo Educational Building in Wahoo, NE.
September 5 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
Lake Wanahoo Educational Building
1655 County Road 16
Wahoo, Nebraska 68066
Please RSVP to Dustin Woita at (402) 443-8921 (call or text) by August 15, 2024.


Pierce County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Pierce County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Senior Center in Pierce, NE.
September 8 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
Senior Center – Pierce
107 W Main Street
Pierce, NE 68767
RSVP by September 2 to (402) 329-6284.


Burt County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Burt County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Chat Center in Tekamah, NE.
September 8 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
Chat Center
1124 S 13th Street
Tekamah, Nebraska 68061


Madison County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Madison County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the Farmer’s Pride COOP in Battle Creek, NE.
September 8 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
Farmer’s Pride COOP
83755 NE-121
Battle Creek, Nebraska 68715


Cedar County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Cedar County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at Hartington Golf Club in Hartington, NE.
September 15 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
Hartington Golf Club
710 West Clubhouse Dr
Hartington, NE 68739
RSVP by September 8 to Josh Graham at (402) 640-7924.


Stanton County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Join our Stanton County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting at the VFW Club in Stanton, NE.
September 17 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
VFW Club
1106 Veterans Avenue
Stanton, NE 68779 United States
RSVP to Lynn Schellpeper at (402) 860-0896.



Estate Planning: Stepped-Up Tax Basis
Anastasia Meyer Agricultural Economist and Nebraska Extension Instructor

A key consideration in estate planning is the transfer of assets to the next generation as 98% of farms are family owned and operated. Additionally, active operators or retired farmers own 75% of U.S. farmland (AgAmerica, 2023). As the average age of an operator increases, there is going to be a large transfer of farmland and other assets in the future whether by gifting, selling, or passing the farm to the next generation through inheritance.

Stepped-up basis is a tax provision that allows the value of an inherited asset to be adjusted to its fair market value at the time of the original owner's death. This adjustment increases the asset's basis, which is the value used to determine capital gains or losses when the asset is eventually sold by the heir. By stepping up the basis to the asset's current market value, any appreciation that occurred during the original owner's lifetime is not subject to capital gains tax, potentially reducing the tax liability significantly for the heir upon the sale of the asset. Although long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower rate relative to other types of income, the rapid appreciation of agricultural assets over someone’s lifetime make them a concern for people looking to sell assets in retirement or people inheriting farm or ranch assets.

This provision is particularly relevant for assets such as real estate and other capital asset investments such as stocks, mutual funds and bonds that may have appreciated in value over time.

The tax basis of land is determined by the amount originally paid for it — or its value at the time it was inherited — plus any improvements made to the property by the current owner, minus any depreciation on improvements.

What assets qualify?
Current law not only supports the stepped-up basis for grain, livestock, machinery and land, but also for prepaid assets on hand. At someone’s death, it may be important to begin collecting price data on these items. Sometimes, it is difficult to find this information months (or years) after the fact.

I inherited land (or other assets in the past), and now want to sell. Where do I find the basis?
On inherited property or assets, the fair market value of the property should be documented as of the date of inheritance. Having an appraisal done at the time real estate property is inherited establishes the new or stepped-up basis. For other investment assets, keeping documents, and published market data would assist in establishing a current market value. If a taxpayer cannot prove the basis, the IRS has the right to say it was zero.

For land, if there is no documentation of value at time of inheritance, a reasonable estimation using records such as USDA-NASS Census and Survey land values or other credible sources can be used, although not preferred.

Nebraska is one of the six states that has an inheritance tax. When Nebraskans inherit land or other property, they must pay inheritance taxes to the county where the property is located. The value of assets needs to be equal to what was put on the inheritance tax return.

Read the full article here: https://cap.unl.edu/succession/estate-planning-stepped-tax-basis.

Conclusion
A stepped-up basis can be seen as an ideal opportunity to sell long-held farmland or other assets that have appreciated in value, with minimal to no capital gains tax consequences if the next generation or heirs choose to sell all of part of the inherited property soon after the stepped-up basis is established. The impact of a stepped-up basis on each farmer or rancher depends on specific circumstances. Utilizing an estate planning team that includes professionals such as an attorney, accountant, and financial and/or insurance advisors can help when developing an estate strategy.

Free Farm and Ag Law Clinics Set for September

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in September. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates
    Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 — Norfolk
    Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 — Fairbury
    Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 — Norfolk
    Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 — Valentine

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.


Terminating a verbal farmland lease in Nebraska
Jessica Groskopf, NE Extension Educator

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal or "handshake" agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For verbal leases in Nebraska, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease. If the lease does not address termination, the lease automatically terminates on the last day of the lease.

Terminating verbal leases
For verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake lease (legally referred to as a "notice to quit") must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than September 1. This rule applies regardless of the type of crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2025, and ending Feb. 28, 2026, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be received by the tenant no later than Sept. 1, 2024. The lease would then expire Feb. 28, 2025, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease March 1, 2025. If, however, the notice to quit were given (or received) after Sept. 1, 2024, the existing tenant would have the lease until Feb. 28, 2026.

Notice should be provided to the tenant for either lease termination or changing lease provisions. A verbal termination notice might be adequate but could be difficult to prove in court if litigation were necessary to enforce the lease termination. It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™.  This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received.  The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not provide example lease termination letters. If you need guidance, consult your attorney.

Pasture Lease Terminations
Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season rather than the entire year. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season; however, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect.

Importance of Good Communication
Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal, or even multiple year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before September 1, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases
In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation before they consult an attorney to draft a lease or review a proposed lease. The Ag Lease 101 site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region but is not a substitute for personal legal advice.



CAP Webinar: Managing Family Members on the Farm
Aug. 29, 2024
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
With Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability.

Managing family members on the farm involves clearly defining roles and responsibilities, establishing effective communication strategies, and creating a fair decision-making process. Financial management, succession planning, and balancing family life with business needs are essential for long-term success. Addressing legal considerations, providing opportunities for training, and setting a shared vision help align family goals. Finally, proactive conflict resolution is crucial to maintaining both business operations and healthy family relationships.

Register for the webinar here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Register Now for the 2024 Nebraska Water Conference
Where: Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, Lincoln, Nebraska
When: October 9 and 10, 2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 Nebraska Water Conference held in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 9 and 10. This year’s conference theme is Collaboration and Innovation in Nebraska Water. The conference will highlight successful collaborations and innovations in Nebraska water and discuss future opportunities in water research and management.

Held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus conference center, this two-day event will feature discussions on emerging contaminants, drought preparedness, nutrient management, climate smart practices, nitrate research, water policy, climate water resilience, and modeling. Experts from the state and region will share their work and lead discussions on future opportunities for innovative partnerships.

Registration is open from now until September 27.
    Regular registration (Now until September 13): $400
    Late registration (September 14 to September 27): $450

Registration includes all sessions and meals, as well as the Wednesday evening reception.

Special pricing is available for students and faculty.

For more information about the conference, speakers, and registration, visit go.unl.edu/waterconference.  



UNL to host International Plant Phenotyping Symposium

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will host a global gathering of scientists, academicians and industry representatives on Oct. 7-11 for the Eighth International Plant Phenotyping Symposium.

The symposium is the premier event for the International Plant Phenotyping Network, an association representing the major plant phenotyping centers worldwide. The centers’ goal is to increase the visibility and impact of plant phenotyping and enable cooperation by fostering communication between stakeholders in academia, industry, government and the general public.

Keynote speakers are experts in plant phenotyping from multiple countries including the United States, Colombia, France and the Netherlands. The Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln will host the main sessions for the event, whose theme is "Green Horizons: Navigating the Future of Plant Phenotyping."

Nebraska Innovation Campus will host a series of workshops for symposium attendees on Oct. 7 followed by an opening event with hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the Greenhouse Innovation Complex.

Registration is open through Aug. 31. Information on the symposium and registration is at https://www.ipps8.org.

The event aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire innovation through presentations, an exhibition, networking opportunities and workshops at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Over 250 attendees have already registered to attend.

A diverse range of scientists will participate, including plant biologists, ecologists, engineers, agronomists and computer scientists.

Emerging frontiers in plant phenomics will be among the topics explored, as well as cutting-edge technologies and solutions provided by industry, plus artificial intelligence and data science advancing plant phenotyping methods.

Workshops at Nebraska Innovation Campus will include machine learning for cyber-agricultural systems; root phenotyping; genebank phenotyping; advances in forest and tree phenotyping; global phenotyping research infrastructure; the open source pipeline for drone- and satellite-based high throughput phenotyping applications; and the scope of plant phenotyping within the broader scientific community.

An additional workshop will be phenoACCESS-24: Workshop on Research Computing and Plant Phenotyping, with travel grants provided by the National Science Foundation. To apply for the workshop, please visit https://hcc.unl.edu/phenoaccess-24-workshop-research-computing-and-plant-phenotyping.

Innovation Campus will host two industry workshops, one on multispectral imaging with gravimetric phenotyping, and one on infrastructure needed to meet next-generation research needs.

The conference will conclude on Friday, Oct. 11 with a choice of optional tours, including local museums; a trip to the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center to visit the Spydercam field phenotyping facility; Robbers Cave; and a visit to Li-Cor.



Secretary Naig Announces 11 Grants to Support Iowa Specialty Crop Production

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has awarded more than $368,000 in grants to help grow demand for Iowa’s specialty crops. The funding will be distributed to support 11 projects that raise awareness about, drive demand for, or create new markets benefiting Iowa’s specialty crops. The grant dollars are made available through a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are authorized as part of the Farm Bill.

“Specialty Crop Block Grants are instrumental in helping to develop, diversify and expand markets for specialty crops within Iowa, all of which benefits Iowa farmers and the communities they call home,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “As we build Choose Iowa, the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised, and Iowa made products, consumers will ultimately benefit from the availability of more locally grown food and ag products which these grants help to enable.”

The specialty crop block grants will be awarded to the following organizations to assist with the following initiatives:

American Aronia Berry Association
Researching the effects of renewal pruning on aronia berry plant growth, physiology, fruit quality and yield.

Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation
Read Across Iowa with specialty crops.

Iowa State University
Studying the valorization of grape stems.

Lutheran Services of Iowa
Increasing culturally specific crops through greenhouse production education.

Iowa Wine Growers Association
Assisting with implementation of the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference.

Iowa State University
Enhancing nutritional monitoring of Iowa specialty fruit and nut crops.

Iowa State University
Assessing next-generation apple rootstocks and cultivars for Iowa.

Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development
Deepening no-till vegetable production in eastern Iowa.

Iowa State University
Enhancing grapevine health in Iowa through pathogen identification including by vineyard surveys and subsequent management options.

Practical Farmers of Iowa
Providing for farmer-led specialty crops variety trials.

Choose Iowa
Consumer education resources for Iowa horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.



NPPC’s Zieba Reappointed to USDA Trade Advisory Committee
 
National Pork Producers Council Vice President of Government Affairs Maria C. Zieba was reappointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the appointment and reappointment of 55 members to seven advisory committees.
 
The advisory panels provide technical advice and guidance to USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) about specific commodities and products.
 
Zieba first was appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animal and Animal Products in July 2020, along with then-NPPC President David Herring, by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
 
Zieba’s presence on the advisory committee gives U.S. pork producers another voice on trade policy issues and allows the U.S. pork industry’s perspective to be considered when USDA and USTR negotiate trade deals.



New Teat and Udder research EPDs and report released by the American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc.

The American Angus Association® and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) released two new research expected progeny differences (rEPDs) on Aug. 22. The rEPDs characterize teat size and udder suspension traits and are based on phenotypic data collected by Association members, pedigrees and genotypes in a single-step genetic evaluation model.

Good udder structure plays an important role in beef production; contributing to calf survival, calf growth and cow longevity. Teat size (TEAT) and udder suspension (UDDR) rEPDs expand the suite of selection tools available to Angus breeders to improve maternal function and the productivity of their herds.  

“We know these are two traits of interest to the membership and are excited to be releasing the research EPDs after a multi-year research project that would not be possible without member data,” said Esther Tarpoff, director of performance programs for the Association. “Members have quickly embraced collecting these phenotypes, as evidenced by the number of records for each trait used to build the research EPDs.”

More than 148,000 phenotypic records for each trait were collected from 87,000 cows to contribute to the dataset for the rEPDs, with more to be added each calving season. The records are collected by members within 24 hours of a calving event. Females are given an individual score for both teat size and udder suspension using scales from 1 to 9. Detailed scoring guides can be found on angus.org.

“Over the past several years, we have been focused on validating the Angus breed’s impact as the matriarch of the US beef industry, as it has been historically known as,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI. “From an AGI perspective, it means objectively characterizing maternal traits of economic importance, so the users of Angus genetics have the selection tools needed to make genetic change.”

Submitted scores range from 1 to 9, representing the entire scoring scale. Analysis of the nearly 300,000 records showed overall good udder structure among reported Angus cows. The average score was 6.6 for both traits indicating intermediate to small teats and intermediate to tight udders. Additional results of the TEAT and UDDR research are available on angus.org in the full report.

“We know the pace of genetic change is moving faster than ever with the frequent changeover of sires in many seedstock operations,” Retallick-Riley said. “In some cases, young bulls are being replaced before most of their daughters are in their second year of production. Because of that, maternal traits like udder conformation become even more important to ensure we are promoting sound breeding decisions.”

The release of TEAT and UDDR follows that of the Functional Longevity (FL) rEPD, which measures the ability of a cow to produce a calf year after year. The three rEPDs are currently available to members that have been a part of early phenotypic data collection for the respective traits, allowing rEPDs to come to fruition. A list of AI sires for each of the rEPDs is available to members on the corresponding research pages on angus.org.  

The three rEPDS are anticipated to be released as weekly production EPDs during the annual evaluation updates in late spring of 2025. Research on how these three new traits should be incorporated into Maternal Weaned Calf Value Index ($M) is currently ongoing with potential updates to the index likely to be made during the spring update.

Friday August 23 Ag News - Cattle on Feed - Cold Storage - Chicken & Eggs reports

 NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.32 million cattle on feed on August 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year. Placements during July totaled 450,000 head, up 6% from 2023. Fed cattle marketings for the month of July totaled 510,000 head, up 11% from last year. Other disappearance during July totaled 10,000 head, down 5,000 head from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 650,000 head on August 1, 2024, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was unchanged from July but up 2 percent from August 1, 2023. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 475,000 head on feed, down 8 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,125,000 head, down 3 percent from last month but up slightly from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during July 2024 totaled 56,000 head, up 19 percent from June and up 10 percent from July 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 34,000 head, down 3 percent from June but up 26 percent from July 2023. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 90,000 head, up 10 percent from June and up 15 percent from July 2023.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during July 2024 totaled 55,000 head, down 2 percent from June and down 7 percent from July 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 72,000 head, up 14 percent from June but down 4 percent from July 2023. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 127,000 head, up 7 percent from June but down 5 percent from July 2023. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 3,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.1 million head on August 1, 2024. The inventory was slightly above August 1, 2023.

On Feed - by State  (1,000 hd  -  % Aug 1 '23)
Colorado ......:                   960             98             
Iowa .............:                   650           102             
Kansas ..........:                  2,210           94             
Nebraska ......:                  2,320          102            
Texas ............:                  2,740          101             

Placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.70 million head, 6 percent above 2023. Net placements were 1.65 million head. During July, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 390,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 265,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 385,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 387,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 200,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 75,000 head.

Placements by State  (1.000 hd - % July '23)
Colorado .......:                  145           126               
Iowa .............:                    56           110         
Kansas ..........:                  425           104            
Nebraska ......:                  450           106         
Texas ............:                  385           103          

Marketings of fed cattle during July totaled 1.86 million head, 8 percent above 2023. Other disappearance totaled 56,000 head during July, 14 percent below 2023.

Marketings by State  (1.000 hd - % July '23)
Colorado .......:                150            125          
Iowa .............:                  55              93           
Kansas ..........:                 425             94            
Nebraska ......:                 510            111        
Texas ............:                  420           117       



Cold Storage July 2024 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on July 31, 2024 were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down slightly from the previous month and down 1 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 5 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 30 percent from last month and down 17 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on July 31, 2024 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 10 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 3 percent from last month and up 5 percent from July 31, 2023.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on July 31, 2024 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from July 31, 2023. Butter stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 7 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on July 31, 2024 were up 16 percent from last month and up 12 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 3 percent from last month but down 8 percent from a year ago.



July Egg Production Down 2 Percent

United States egg production totaled 9.06 billion during July 2024, down 2 percent from last year. Production included 7.76 billion table eggs, and 1.30 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.20 billion were broiler-type and 99.0 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during July 2024 totaled 370 million, down 3 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,451 eggs, up slightly from July 2023.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on August 1, 2024 totaled 369 million, down 3 percent from last year. The 369 million layers consisted of 304 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 61.5 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.76 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2024, averaged 79.0 eggs per 100 layers, up slightly from August 1, 2023.

NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS
All layers in Nebraska during July 2024 totaled 8.61 million, up from 7.92 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during July totaled 213 million eggs, up from 210 million in 2023. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,478 eggs, compared to 2,655 eggs in 2023.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during July 2024 was 1.09 billion eggs, down 7 percent from the previous July, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during July 2024 was 42.2 million, down 6 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for July was 2,574, down 1 percent from a year ago.

Friday August 23 Ag News

 HUSKER RESEARCH POINTS TO INCREASED WATER USE EFFICIENCY FOR CROPS

Scientists at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have identified a promising approach to help crops cope with drought. By using genome modification to boost a key plant protein, the researchers enabled plants to reduce their water use by up to 30% under drought-mimic conditions.

The findings mark “an important step toward future engineering of crops with improved performance under drought,” the researchers wrote in a new article in the Journal of Experimental Botany.

Husker researchers grew tobacco plants under varying drought conditions and found that a particular genetic modification allowed the plants to use 4% to 30% less water overall than normal plants. Tobacco plants are useful for research because they generally are easy to cultivate and grow fast. Their genetic details are well known, and they lend themselves well to genetic modification, facilitating follow-up research with other, more complex crops.

“Plants are using up to 30% less water but in the end, the biomass — how big they are — is not significantly different,” said Kasia Glowacka, assistant professor of biochemistry. Her lab uses a wide range of analytical techniques for boosting crop resilience in the wake of climate stress.

Plants’ improved water use efficiency is a particular focus, which has led her lab to pursue advanced studies of non-photochemical quenching, an important safety valve biological process. Plants use the process to protect themselves from stress and harm when they receive more light energy than they can use for photosynthesis.

Non-photochemical quenching can regulate the opening of stomata, the pores by which a plant absorbs carbon dioxide (important for plant growth) while simultaneously releasing water vapor and oxygen.

Glowacka’s lab boosted the amount of PsbS, a protein involved in non-photochemical quenching. More of the protein reduces stomatal opening via increased non-photochemical quenching in response to light. The result was improved water use efficiency.

“It’s not that we are shutting down the stomata,” Glowacka said. “We are changing their behavior.”

In the new academic paper, she and her coauthors wrote that the lab’s findings provide “a proof of concept that through overexpression of PsbS it is possible to modify stomatal opening under drought conditions to achieve higher water use efficiency and reduce water consumption at the whole-plant level without significant loss of biomass.”

Plants in the project lost 11% less water for each unit of carbon dioxide they absorbed compared with normal plants, without significant effect on plant size. Given climate stresses and limited water resources for agriculture globally, progress is needed for crops that require less water per mass of yield, the researchers wrote.

The findings are “really exciting, because we don't see a minus for the growth,” Glowacka said. “So, it's a good starting point. It's proof that this works.”

The next step is follow-up refining of genome modification to improve crop production under water limitation. The Glowacka Lab is currently conducting that research.

Other Husker researchers involved in the project were Geng Bai, research assistant professor with the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, and postdoctoral researchers Benjamin Turc and Seema Sahay; Jared Haupt, a Husker graduate student; and Talles de Oliveira Santos, a visiting graduate student from State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.



University researchers study acute heat stress in feedlot cattle

Heat stress can cause an assortment of complications in cattle from reduced feed intake to death in severe cases. While places in the Midwest like Nebraska do not see many cases of chronic heat stress events where cattle are exposed to excessive heat for six or more days, acute heat stress events characterized by shorter exposure to excessive heat are typical during the summer and can be challenging to predict and prepare for.

Several researchers in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science and West Central Research, Extension and Education Center are collaborating to study the physiology, genetics, behavior and precision livestock management strategies of acute heat stress in feedlot cattle in the Midwest. This project is being led by animal science professors Ty Schmidt, Jessica Petersen, Dustin Yates and Ruth Woiwode.

Brooke Parrish, a doctoral student at UNL studying animal health, welfare and precision management, and Rachel Gibbs, a former postdoctoral researcher at UNL and current livestock extension specialist for North Dakota State University, are also involved in this study alongside a large group of undergraduate and graduate students in the Animal Science Department at UNL.

“We are uniquely positioned in Nebraska being the highest producing beef state along with Texas,” Parrish said. “Issues concerning feedlot cattle should be studied, in Nebraska. Knowing how producers can best manage their cattle during acute heat stress events is important because, although a lot of research has been done on chronic heat stress, the four to five-day, or less, event is an area that needs to be studied more so that producers can better mitigate acute heat stress.”

Research begins with phase one at the university’s East Campus. Cattle are placed in a controlled environment that mimics an acute heat stress event. During this, graduate students and researchers collect biological samples for physiological and genomic analysis and monitor behavioral changes directly related to cattle response to acute heat stress.

During phase two, cattle are moved to the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center feedlot in North Platte where they are exposed to naturally occurring acute heat stress events. Cattle are constantly monitored through the NUtrack Livestock Monitoring System and biological data and samples are collected when acute heat events occur.

“Being able to follow up with a phase two has been really important to validate our research findings on campus to ensure we are providing applicable information for producers and feedlots throughout the Midwest,” said Gibbs.

Year two of five of this study is currently in progress.

Heat stress events are becoming more common in the Midwest as well as areas northwest. This research will provide producers with practical information to apply to their operations and fill a significant gap in understanding the impact acute heat stress has and will continue to have on livestock production systems.

Being able to quantify what the heat events are, their effect on livestock, and prevention or mitigation practices will help producers care for cattle better during heat stress events.

“One of the most exciting parts for me is learning how we can use precision technology to help improve the lives of both cattle and producers during challenges such as heat events,” Parrish said.

Future research on the topic could include analyzing biomarkers for predicting heat stress susceptibility and developing an algorithm for the NUtrack Livestock Monitoring System that would notify the producer if an animal needs attention.

Funding Acknowledgement: This project is based on the research that was partially supported by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station with funding from the Hatch Multistate Research capacity funding program (Accession Number 7000952) from USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.



Husker Harvest Days highlights cattle with new BEEF Showcase and educational seminars

Husker Harvest Days, the Farm Progress event that has always been synonymous with cattle, crops and community, is excited to announce a new addition this year: the BEEF Showcase. The BEEF Showcase stems from the Farm Progress publication BEEF magazine and is designed to provide a comprehensive destination for everything beef-related. Visitors will find a wealth of resources, including exhibitors, live cattle-handling demonstrations, educational seminars and more, all located in the Northwest Quadrant of the exhibit grounds.

“The BEEF Showcase is an opportunity to connect two Farm Progress brands for the benefit of our attendees and exhibitors,” said Sarah Muirhead, managing director of Livestock Publications for Farm Progress. “Our goal is to bring the same trusted education and experience BEEF magazine offers to Husker Harvest Days.”

This new initiative also comes with original educational programming. Located in the BEEF Building, these dynamic educational seminars include a wide variety of industry experts.

Highlighted sessions include:
    Daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Cattle Chute Demos Experience live demos first-hand and get your questions answered as industry experts show the latest in chute tech and techniques.  
    Daily at 11:30 a.m. | Cattle Genetics for the Future Hosted by Russ Princ, RMSS Manager/LCOC Semen Division Manager, Leachman Cattle. Princ will discuss the genetics behind Leachman Cattle’s nationwide bull sales along with their leading Beef on Dairy semen market.
    Tues. Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. | Coaching Cowboys Hosted by Chad Engle, United States Meat Animal Research Center. In this session, Engle will discuss ways to build, manage and ensure the success of a team in a livestock operation setting.  
    Wed. Sept 11 at 1 p.m. | Integration and Application of Technology in Livestock Production Hosted by Bryan Woodbury, United States Meat Animal Research Center. Information will be presented on the developing technologies addressing livestock production challenges and how they may be applied to improve production efficiencies and profitability.

Husker Harvest Days will be held Sept. 10-12, 2024, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Gates are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register for complimentary three-day entry to the event and to learn more, please visit HuskerHarvestDays.com.



NFarms groundbreaking highlights precision ag innovation, public-private partnerships

University and private-sector representatives pointed to major opportunities for ag tech innovation and collaboration in an Aug. 14 groundbreaking ceremony for NFarms, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s precision agriculture initiative.

“The research and learning that will come out of this facility will be invaluable to the industry, as well as to our growers,” said Kurtis Charling, vice president of agricultural technology for Lindsay Corporation.

NFarms (Nebraska Future Ag Research and Management Systems) formalizes the university’s existing research and outreach in precision agriculture into a strategic initiative. The multi-disciplinary work operates at commercial scale unique in university ag research on more than 3,000 acres of the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead.

NFarms will offer particular value in facilitating public-private partnerships and ag-focused entrepreneurship, speakers said.

“We see enormous potential to leverage NFarms to test new ideas, products and concepts while getting expertise back from the great faculty and staff you have here,” Charling said.

The expansion of Lindsay’s ag tech research cooperation through NFarms will be extremely valuable to the company, he said.

Kent Kirchoff, vice president for sales and marketing with AKRS Equipment, noted his company’s focus on ag tech innovation and the benefits its partnerships with Husker faculty provide. Those collaborations boost producer efficiency by allowing innovative technology to be implemented on farms in Nebraska, he said.

“The research and innovation happening here can make it out to the commercialization stage that’s going to help producers,” said Joshua DeMers, program manager of The Combine, an Invest Nebraska initiative that partners with the university to support early-stage ag tech and food entrepreneurs.  

Commercialized products and services stemming from NFarms research will provide Nebraska producers with “practical solutions, scalable and affordable,” DeMers said.

The groundbreaking event illustrated the university’s precision ag focus by having an NFarms drone take a core sample and share it just before a group of university and industry representatives put shovels to the ground. An ag robot pioneered by the Department of Biological Systems Engineering also provided a demonstration.

NFarms’s initial 5,000-square-foot building will house precise ag equipment with a long-term goal of creating a campus focusing on a range of projects, said Joe Luck, professor of biological systems engineering and associate director of ENREEC.

NFarms will address two key ag needs — data management for practical use, and efficient automation — by drawing on insights from fields including agronomy, plant pathology, computer science, engineering, statistics and software development, Luck said.

“It’s tough sometimes for companies to have access to all that expertise,” Luck said. NFarms will provide “a place where we can bring all that together and develop software tools or whatever is needed. We can embed that in our farm operation and test it.”

NFarms benefits not only from the 3,000 acres, but from ENREEC’s total 10,000 acres, including the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center.

“These are production-scale systems, meaning it’s near what our stakeholders have,” Luck said. “That gives us strong ability to create and test these tools,” boosting producer confidence in the technology’s reliability.

Another collaborative opportunity arises from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s construction of its $160 million National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Digital agriculture will be one of the focuses at the USDA facility, opening possibilities for scientific collaboration with NFarms.

The university will look to a wide range of partnerships to develop innovative concepts to help Nebraska agriculture, said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“We’re taking the best ideas from wherever they’re coming from and harnessing them to advance precision ag,” he said.

The resulting benefits for producers can include value-added products, increased operational productivity and greater profit opportunities.

Through such efforts, NFarms and the university overall will prove a “hot spot” in pioneering innovative ag technologies, said Derek McLean, dean of IANR’s Agricultural Research Division.

Public-private partnerships will be a central focus for NFarms, Luck said.

“We will be supporting an ecosystem for industry partners to come in and develop ties to our particular strengths — the production scale, the quality of the data, the execution,” he said. “That can be anywhere from supporting large companies to startup companies.”

As technology becomes an increasing part of modern agriculture, Charling said, “NFarms is going to play a vital role in shaping the future agronomist, engineer, farmer and cattle feeder. There’s no doubt in my mind that NFarms is going to give us a leg up in that area.”



Field day to focus on increasing feed value of grazed corn residue

Harvest season is just around the corner, and with it comes an abundance of corn residue ready for cattlemen to utilize. When planning how many grazing days are available, Iowa State University extension program specialist Beth Reynolds said it’s important to look at some potential positive changes in that number.

"It's time to take the traditional guidelines and apply considerations for the impact improved plant varieties and harvest methods have on the residual product available to graze," she said. "Being able to more accurately predict the feed value of corn residue is an important step for producers looking for avenues to be more efficient with their winter feeding plan.”

The Iowa Beef Center has partnered with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to host a field day in Creston, Iowa, on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be in Room 108 of the Instructional Center at Southwestern Community College.

This field day will specifically highlight a recently completed research project at University of Nebraska–Lincoln funded by the Iowa Beef Checkoff. Dr. Mary Drewnoski, associate professor and extension beef systems specialist at UNL, led the project and said the study was designed to identify how the implementation of modern-day chopping corn heads has impacted the feed value of grazed corn residue.  

Topics on the agenda:
    How to determine and adjust stocking rates
    The agronomic impacts grazing has on row crop production
    Developing rental agreements
    Meeting nutritional needs while grazing corn residue

Speakers are from UNL and ISU, including Drewnoski and Reynolds. The program has been made possible in part by the USDA and the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council.

A lunch grilled by the Union County Cattlemen will be included in this free educational opportunity. In addition to the in-person meeting, a livestream option will be set up for those unable to attend in person.

To register for either in-person attendance or the livestream option, visit https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVj1y3OfN4GjtUq.
For more information, email bethr@iastate.edu or call 515-294-BEEF (2333).



Prairie Establishment and Management Field Day Is Sept. 10 near Stuart

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Science-Based-Trials-of-Rowcrops-Integrated-with-Prairie-Strips (STRIPS), will host a cover crop field day on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Carl Varley’s crop farm near Stuart. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.

Iowa Learning Farms is a conservation program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

This field day aims to assist farmers and landowners with establishing and maintaining perennial vegetation, including STRIPS and Conservation Reserve Program areas. These areas offer many benefits including reducing soil erosion from sensitive areas, building soil health, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat and providing beauty to the landscape.

The field day will include Tim Youngquist, Iowa State University STRIPS program farmer liaison. He will share results from over 15 years of research on prairie strips as well as practical recommendations for how to add prairie strips to corn and soybean fields. Host and Adair County landowner Carl Varley, as well as Chris Smith with Hertz Farm Management, will share advice for working with tenants to successfully add prairie strips, as well as the benefits and challenges of using prairie.

Tom Rosburg, professor of ecology and botany at Drake University, will discuss seed mix design and species selection to meet goals. Jon Judson, Carroll County farmer and Diversity Farms owner, seeded the site and will highlight tips for successfully seeding and managing prairie.

Concluding the field day will be Nick Thompson, Pheasants Forever farm bill biologist, discussing current programs available to help establish prairie on the farm.

The field day will be held at Carl Varley’s Farm north of 1175 Sheldon Ave., Stuart. From the I-80/Stuart Exit 93, head south on Stuart Road/P28 for 1.2 miles. Turn right to head west on 118th St. for 1 mile. Turn left to head south on Trenton Avenue for 0.2 miles and then turn right on 120th Street to head west for 1 mile. Turn right to head north on Sheldon Avenue for 0.3 miles. The driveway for the field day will be located on the west side of the road and marked with field day signs.

The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by Sept. 3. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.

Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and this project is supported by USDA NIFA award 2020-68012-31824. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.



Carroll and Jasper County Pasture Walks to Feature Virtual Fencing

New technology in the grazing world may be impossible to see, yet the positive applications are clearly visible.

Beth Reynolds, program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State, said virtual fencing may provide opportunities for more grazing areas.

“The livestock industry has really taken an interest in precision ag, and hearing from others with firsthand experience is invaluable when deciding if and how different technologies can be utilized within our personal operations,” Reynolds said.

Virtual fence with goats.The IBC and the Iowa Forage and Grazing Council will host two pasture walks featuring NoFence, a virtual fencing company, to highlight new technology in the grazing world. This virtual fencing technology could give producers more options for grazing harder-to-fence areas, in addition to adding much more flexibility to rotational grazing systems.

“Virtual fence is a newer technology that has seen large advancements in the last few years," Reynolds said. "Opportunities to hear from producers utilizing this technology are still few and far between. The potential for this technology to improve grazing management and forage utilization for all livestock species is huge.”

The discussion at each location will offer insights into the host producer’s experience with virtual fencing with both cattle and small ruminants. Other discussion topics include weed management, multispecies grazing, potential applications for virtual fence and other technologies in the grazing world. Speakers include the host producers, a representative from NoFence, the virtual fencing company used by these producers and ISU Extension and Outreach specialists.

The first pasture walk is Sept. 10, from 5-7 p.m., and will be hosted by Brice Hundling at 11879 Birch Ave., Breda. His operation utilizes virtual fence collars on both sheep and cattle. Brice will share how utilizing the collars has expanded the opportunities to graze corn residue for their operation. Supper will be provided onsite for program attendees.

The second pasture walk is Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, and will be hosted by Daniel Faidley at 7128 52nd Ave. W., Colfax. He uses virtual fence on goats grazing for vegetation management, and as a cattle producer will share his insight on weighing the cost and benefits virtual fence may provide. The Jasper County Cattlemen will be onsite grilling a hamburger meal for lunch.

Both field days are free. RSVPs are encouraged by Sept. 9 to help with meal planning. To RSVP for the Breda location, call the ISU Extension and Outreach Carroll County office at 712-792-2364. To RSVP for the Colfax location, call the Jasper County office at 641-792-6433. Or, for either location, email the Iowa Beef Center at iabeefcenter@iastate.edu and see the event flyer online https://iowabeefcenter.org/events/VirtualFencePastureWalk0824flyer.pdf.



Commercial Red Meat Production Up 10 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.55 billion pounds in July, up 10 percent from the 4.13 billion pounds produced in July 2023.

Beef production, at 2.29 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.72 million head, up 5 percent from July 2023. The average live weight was up 36 pounds from the previous year, at 1,380 pounds.

Veal production totaled 3.3 million pounds, 11 percent below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 17,600 head, down 24 percent from July 2023. The average live weight was up 44 pounds from last year, at 322 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.25 billion pounds, up 12 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, up 11 percent from July 2023. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 283 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.3 million pounds, was up 19 percent from July 2023. Sheep slaughter totaled 185,100 head, 16 percent above last year. The average live weight was 120 pounds, up 3 pounds from July a year ago.

By State              million  lbs.   -  % of July '23
Nebraska .......:           659.9            113       
Iowa .............:           749.7            115       
Kansas ..........:            487.9            105       

January to July 2024 commercial red meat production was 31.8 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2023. Accumulated beef production was down slightly from last year, veal was down 12 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 3 percent.



Milk Prices and Margins Rise Despite Flat Aggregate Dairy Market Demand

Fluid milk, yogurt, butter and non-American-type cheese posted positive annual growth in domestic commercial use during the second quarter this year.

Significant export growth was posted by all types of cheese and by whey protein concentrate and isolate, with dry whey showing a smaller increase. Overall, however, aggregate domestic use was flat during the period.

U.S. milk production was below year-ago levels during each of the 12 months from July 2023 through June 2024, with a average drop during those months of 0.8 percent from production during the prior 12 months. Total milk solids production increased by 0.4 percent and milkfat production was up by 1.7 percent during this period.

Dairy product and farm-level prices, as well as margins over feed costs, have continued to rise in recent months as supply has kept pace with demand.

View Full Report here: https://www.nmpf.org/milk-prices-and-margins-rise-despite-flat-aggregate-dairy-market-demand/.  
 



ASI and NCBA Release Video on Public Lands Movement Criteria During FMD Outbreak

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) worked with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and other stakeholders to develop movement decision criteria guidance addressing unique scenarios that would arise for federal lands grazers in the event of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. A 5-minute video describes the project and resources and can be viewed on the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply (SSWS) and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) websites under the Public Land Grazing pages. This has resulted from a multi-year cooperative project funded by a grant from the USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP).

“ASI appreciates the time and effort put in by the Advisory Group as well as Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, consultant with Preventalytics, in the creation of materials. This effort had multiple groups contribute to unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to, and enhance their resiliency for an FAD event,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “This collaboration across the sheep and cattle industries with state and federal partners demonstrates impactful results for business continuity and a secure food supply.”

“An FMD outbreak on U.S. soil is expected it would cost the U.S. economy hundreds of millions of dollars. For years, the resources we have prepared have focused on mitigating losses on private land. Now, with the help of a wide spectrum of organizations including USDA, the Public Lands Council, State Animal Health Officials, and many more, we have comprehensive resources to help public lands ranchers whose livestock may be far from any infected herd have predictability for their operations in the event of an FMD outbreak,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kaitlynn Glover. “Livestock producers in the West are now more prepared than ever to work with federal lands agencies and animal health officials to make movement decisions with the development of this collaborative guidance.”

These resources are in addition to the enhanced biosecurity plans found on the SSWS and SBS websites. Industry input and participation was critical to identifying gaps for federal lands grazers and establishing the need for these specialized documents. The sheep and beef industries continue to work together to provide educational resources to best prepare producers, veterinarians, and other industry stakeholders before an FMD outbreak occurs.

Background
The U.S. is currently free of the FMD virus. The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply (SSWS) Plan and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan for continuity of business provides opportunities for industry partners to voluntarily prepare before an FMD outbreak. If FMD were found in U.S. livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try and control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. Control areas will be established around infected premises and movement restrictions will be implemented. Given the nature of federal lands grazing, containment of livestock and mitigation of risk will require different strategies than private land containment measures. When the control areas encompass part or all of a public land grazing allotment, in one or more states, there are unique challenges for sheep and cattle producers to mitigate disease exposure risks. FMD is not a threat to public health or food safety.



Canada Freight Railways Shut Down, Ag Groups Urge Prime Minister to Take Action

Canada’s two major freight railroads announced the lockout of 9,000 unionized workers Thursday, bringing rail operations to a halt as negotiations continue.

Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek said that the stoppage is limited to the rail networks in Canada. However, any rail delivery originating in the U.S. and destined for Canada or originating in Canada and destined to the U.S. would be impacted by the shutdown.

Earlier this week, the American Soybean Association joined the Ag Transportation Working Group and other ag groups that rely on freight rail transportation from the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) in sending a letter urging Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action to avoid potential significant disruptions to the North American supply chains.

“A lockout or strike would lead to shutdowns or slowdowns of rail-dependent facilities resulting in harmful consequences for Canadian and American agricultural producers, the agricultural industry, and both domestic and global food security,” the groups write.

The groups also underscored that agriculture ships more than 25,000 cars per week and this figure will go to zero during a lockout and cause even higher volumes to be lost during harvest.

“Agricultural facilities have no viable alternative transportation options to supply Canada’s international customers and the inability to cycle products through the supply chain could limit producers’ ability to deliver harvested crops,” the groups said. “Costs from delayed shipments and lost sales will be amplified and carried by all system participants, as well as Canadian consumers in the way of higher grocery store prices. A work stoppage of any length of time means lost shipping opportunities that will never be recovered."

Uninterrupted rail service is also critical for transporting fertilizer to U.S. farmers, timely feed grains for livestock and other agricultural inputs. Additionally, many facilities quickly run out of storage capacity during a stoppage and incur shortages of incoming raw materials.

Canada is the U.S.’ fourth-largest soy meal market with a value of $614 million and its largest soybean oil market with a value of $106 million, and the U.S. ships some whole beans to Canada. The U.S. also exports some soybeans and soybean meal through Canadian ports (Vancouver, Prince Rupert, etc.). In addition, soy could be impacted by a halt in fertilizer shipments.

Steenhoek said that some U.S. agricultural exports occur via Canadian ports and a substantial volume of fertilizer originates in Canada and is delivered by rail to the U.S. market. “Those shipments would be impacted by a strike or stoppage,” he said. “Canadian ports would effectively be shut down since there is no alternative to rail for transporting freight being loaded or unloaded at Canadian ports.”

While it is unclear how long the lockout will last, ASA is hopeful the negotiations will result in an agreement that restores predictability in the supply chain. ASA will continue watching for other opportunities to weigh in on the issue.



NGFA issues statement on Canadian rail shutdown

As contract negotiations between labor unions and Canadian railroads have reached an impasse, a shutdown of the Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway systems in Canada has taken effect today, bringing North American agricultural supply chains to a standstill. National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) President and CEO Mike Seyfert issued the following statement:

"NGFA, representing member companies in both the U.S. and Canada, urgently calls on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian government leaders to take immediate action to restore rail service. The current shutdown of major Canadian rail lines is inflicting a severe shock to the North American agricultural supply chain.

“The agricultural industries of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are inextricably linked. A shutdown to any part of the system quickly reverberates across the entire system. This supply chain depends on the freight rail services provided by CN and CPKC. Canada, as the world's leading exporter of canola and potash fertilizer, and the third-largest exporter of wheat, plays a critical role in global agriculture and must have access to rail service to maintain that role.

“The lockout initiated ahead of a potential strike by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference is disrupting these essential rail networks, causing shutdowns or slowdowns at facilities that rely on rail transport on both sides of the U.S./Canada border. More than 25,000 railcars of agricultural products are moved per week within Canada, with even greater volumes during the harvest season. If the lockout continues, the repercussions will be devastating for Canadian and U.S. agricultural producers and agribusinesses who depend on CPKC and CN rail service for shipments through and within Canada to support both domestic and global food security.

“Canada is the top export market for U.S. ethanol, the fourth largest for soybean meal, and fifth largest for corn and distillers dried grains (DDGs). The rail shutdown is preventing the cross-border movement of U.S. corn, DDGs and soymeal into Canada and halting shipments of U.S. spring wheat, corn and soybeans from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota to Pacific Northwest export routes that transit through Canada on the Canadian rail lines.  

“We strongly urge the Canadian government to act swiftly to stop these disruptions and protect the stability of the North American agricultural economy."



USDA Announces $82.3 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Strengthen U.S. Specialty Crops Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding $82.3 million to 65 recipients to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops—including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops—and support the industry’s producers. The funding is being awarded through USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant (SCMP) Program.

From market development to consumer education to research, these programs expand markets and increase competitiveness of the specialty crop industry and increase access to specialty crops for consumers. The Specialty Crop Block Grant and Specialty Crop Multi-State programs are funded by the 2018 Farm Bill and administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

“This funding will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and more,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “These programs are furthering USDA’s and the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to build a more resilient food system, one where producers and consumers have more, new and better market opportunities, which helps farmers and their communities prosper.”

Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, USDA is awarding $72.9 million to 54 states and territories to support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research. The states and territories use the funding to provide subawards to projects that focus on areas such as investing in food safety, research on conservation and environmental outcomes, developing new and improved seed varieties, and pest and disease management. To date, USDA has invested over $1 billion to more than 12,400 projects through this program.

Additionally, $9.4 million is being awarded to 11 projects through the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. The program funds collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty Crop Multi-State grants address regional or national level specialty crop issues through research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Since 2015, this program has awarded over $29 million to 40 projects across the country.



Halter Brings World-Leading Virtual Fencing Technology to U.S. Ranchers

Halter’s virtual fencing technology is now available to U.S. ranchers and dairy farmers. From its origins in New Zealand, Halter has become the world’s leading virtual fence company in revenue and volume of collars sold and is positioned to deliver its technology to the U.S. market.

“Halter technology is a powerful system that helps users precisely manage pasture to lift the performance of the animals grazing it,” says Craig Piggott, Halter Founder and CEO. “For years farmers in New Zealand and Australia have generated significant benefits from utilizing the technology, and we’re excited to bring these same benefits to U.S. cattle ranchers.”

There are 200,000 cattle under Halter’s management in the United States, New Zealand and Australia, making Halter the largest virtual fencing provider by number of cattle. Halter’s U.S. customers are in California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana, with new customers going live in additional states in the coming months. Halter is quickly growing its U.S.-based team and is hiring dozens of people throughout the States in the coming months.

Ranchers can see a heatmap of grazing activity through the Halter app and take advantage of grass growth by moving cattle to optimize the best grazing opportunities. Better pasture management enables better herd management and helps lift productivity through increased live weight gains. Beef producers can achieve precise and flexible grazing (such as strip grazing on cover or stubble crops) and can more effectively graze public lands.

The Halter app allows users to establish virtual fences anywhere on their land. Cows are trained to respond to the collar’s guidance cues as they approach the virtual fence. Users can create new fences from the Halter app on their mobile phone and herd animals into the new pasture area using sound and vibration cues generated through the app.           

Halter collars are lightweight and ergonomically designed and powered by two small solar cells at the top of the collar. The collars and the Halter app are connected via solar-powered towers on the ranch. Through this technology, Halter delivers precise farming without the workload.

“Ranchers have real-time, 24/7 access to their cattle and pastures to quickly and easily put cattle where the grass is without moving fences or physically herding cattle, offering unparalleled oversight of their herds in real-time” says Piggott.

By enabling more precise pasture management, virtual fencing can play a significant role in regenerative land management. Ranchers can grow and harvest more grass, better protect soils, increase soil carbon sequestration to reduce net emissions, retire unutilized land without reducing stocking rate, and prevent animals from entering protected waterways.

Thursday August 22 Ag News

 Cuming Co Feeders Beef in Schools Benefit Auction

Auction to benefit the Beef in Schools program in Cuming Co.
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024 - During the West Point Livestock feeder auction
Hamburger Feed:  11:00 a.m.
Auction:  12:30 p.m.

Location:  West Point Livestock, West Point
Sponsored by:  Cuming County Feeders

One animal will be sold in a roll over auction until no more bids are placed.  If you can’t attend the auction and would like to donate or have questions, please contact Brian or Jeremy.  

Contact: Jeremy Ritter 402-380-8992 or Brian Brester 402-750-5821



CORN SILAGE HARVEST
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best.

Accurately assessing whole plant moisture is key to proper silage pile fermentation and tight packing. If silage is too dry; then, packing is difficult and may allow oxygen into the pile causing overheating, mold/yeast/bad microbe growth, and spoilage. When the silage moisture content is too high, piles can weep with valuable energy and nutrients flowing out as a loss from the pile. Also, damaging clostridia bacteria colonies can grow when silage is too wet. So, target silage storage moisture content should be 65-70% moisture.

Another factor to consider for silage chopping is milk line (a corn kernel starch content indicator). Starch is one of the most energy dense feed components; so silage that contains higher amounts of starch will be higher energy overall. The further down the kernel milk line is established; the more starch content has been stored in the kernel.

Plant moisture and milk line may not be directly correlated and may vary among hybrids. While these development factors trend in the same direction, the moisture content may vary from field to field, even if milk line is the same.

Corn silage is a great feed resource that can benefit from moisture content monitoring at harvest. Target harvesting silage at 65-70% moisture content for best results. Use the ear kernel milk line (closer to the cob means more starch and higher energy silage) to find your ideal harvest window based on your hybrids.



Upcoming webinar focuses on the basics of knowing, growing and grazing grass

Ranchers and land managers can learn about forage production, stocking rates, managing risk, drought insurance and more in an interactive, online learning experience provided by Nebraska Extension.

Participants in this six-session webinar will interact with other producers and with presenters to learn from the latest research in range and pasture management. They will walk away with the knowledge to build their own grazing plan and a better understanding of managing grass for range health and profitability.

The series will be on Monday and Thursday evenings Oct. 14 through 31 from 7:30 - 8:45 p.m. (CDT).

Starting with plant identification, participants can send in photos of plants they would like to identify and learn what key grass species are desirable in their pastures.

They will also learn about maximizing forage production and calculating stocking rates to use the available forage to its optimum potential without damaging the resources.

The webinar will include how to use the USDA Web Soil Survey to estimate the range of production, and how to adjust a grazing plan during low precipitation years.

A grazing plan, key dates for grazing management, and understanding drought risk insurance (Pasture Range and Forage- PRF) will round out the series.

The cost is $100 per person for the six webinars, and includes a copy of "Grassland Plants of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains" and a resource notebook with Nebraska Extension’s NebGuides and circulars. The webinars will be recorded and available to registered participants after each session.

The course will be limited to 30 participants. To register, go to https://go.unl.edu/Knowing_Grass. Registration by Oct. 1 will ensure participants receive mailed resources before the series begins. A computer and internet connection will be needed to participate in the webinar series.

For questions about the webinar series, please contact Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension educator at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu.



LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
- Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Pasture & Range Specialist

August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures.  There can be a variety of common annual weeds like sunflowers, lambs quarters, or kochia.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena can be plentiful in some pastures as well.  In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred, they can be very visible.

Spraying weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production.  If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control.  First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures.  This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan.  An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled.  For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best.  These fall applications can be more effective as more product is translocated down to the roots of the weeds.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now; but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future.  On the bright side, for areas that have had good rains this summer, it is likely that annual weeds will be less abundant next year as pasture grasses had a chance for buildup vigor and reproduce.



July Milk Production in the United States down 0.4 Percent

Milk production in the United States during July totaled 18.9 billion pounds, down 0.4 percent from July 2023. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,028 pounds for July, 1 pound above July 2023. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.33 million head, 43,000 head less than July 2023, but 5,000 head more than June 2024.

IOWA:  Milk production in Iowa during July 2024 totaled 505 million pounds, down 1 percent from the previous July according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during July, at 241,000 head, was 1,000 below last month and down 1,000 from July 2023. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,095 pounds, down 5 pounds from last July



IFAA AWARDS $241,600 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND $669,000.00 THROUGH THE SALE OF CHAMPIONS AT THE 2024 IOWA STATE FAIR

The Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA) proudly announces that $241,600 in scholarships and $669,000 through the Sale of Champions were awarded at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. This year, the IFAA continued its tradition of supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals through financial assistance and recognition.

“The 2024 Sale of Champions was the second-highest sale to date,” says IFAA Treasurer, Josh Williams. “Youth across the state of Iowa work hard throughout the year to exhibit their projects at the Iowa State Fair. The IFAA proudly highlights the hard work and dedication of livestock exhibitors through the sale and awards Iowa’s next agricultural leaders through the scholarship program.”

Established in 1988, the IFAA’s mission is to recognize the thousands of 4-H and FFA members who complete agricultural-related projects and pursue careers in agriculture. An important way to support and retain Iowa’s future ag leaders is by providing financial support to those young people interested in ag careers. Each year, IFAA provides merit-based financial awards to hundreds of participating students who demonstrate a commitment to continuing their study of agriculture within Iowa.

Thanks to the support of partners like Iowa 4-H and FFA Organizations, along with generous donors, IFAA can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these students. During the prestigious Iowa State Fair Sale of Champions, 16 4-H and FFA exhibitors had the opportunity to sell their champion livestock, supported by hometown backing.

The Winner's Circle Scholarship Program is another cornerstone of IFAA’s efforts, providing scholarships to over a hundred students each year who are pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields. This program ensures that the bright minds dedicated to advancing agriculture have the financial support needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.



Farm Progress Show Exhibit Will Offer Valuable Face Time with Experts

Visitors to this year’s Farm Progress Show near Boone can expect to see a wide variety of displays inside the Iowa State University exhibit, located on the corner of Seventh Street and Central Avenue.

A miniature Iowa State University football field showcasing turfgrass, vegetables growing on water and hand-held apps that can identify insects and weeds will all be a part of this year’s display.

“This year’s exhibit has something for everyone – from row crop farmers to those interested in horticulture, forestry or organic agriculture,” said Jay Harmon, co-chairman of the Iowa State space at the show and director of Agriculture and Natural Resources with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “I look forward to seeing Iowans and beyond as they visit our display and make their way through our tent.”

Eight content areas will be featured, including artificial intelligence, agricultural well-being, weather, horticulture, plant diseases, prairie strips, soil health and compaction.

There will also be outdoor exhibits related to turfgrass, forestry and wildlife, as well as the Cyclone Power Pullers student club. And for those looking for a refreshing snack – the Iowa State University Bookstore will be selling ice cream from the Iowa State Creamery.

Iowa State experts will be on the grounds all three days, working aside graduate students and a host of volunteers who can help answer questions and provide useful resources.

“I think this is our best designed show ever,” said Kendall Lamkey, show co-chair and research farms director at Iowa State. “We have a wide range of content and as always, this is a chance to interact with our faculty and staff in person, while learning about research and resources that are available.”

Lamkey said the show is also a great place for experts to hear from farmers and the public about the issues that are on their mind and the challenges they are facing.

“I want people to come and get to know someone from Iowa State, and to share their thoughts about things we should be doing better or things they might know that we do not,” he said. “The Farm Progress Show is a place of learning, and learning is a two-way street.”

Iowa State’s exhibit spans nearly 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, showcasing the latest in agricultural research and technology.

Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress Show manager, said the Iowa State exhibit is a popular place for people to interact and learn directly from experts.

“The Iowa State exhibit is toward the top of people’s list because they know they can come and meet with the experts and put a face to the name,” Jungmann said. “It’s an attractive exhibit and the people who visit gain an organic knowledge through conversation with the experts.”

The Farm Progress will be held at the Central Iowa Expo Center, located at 1827 217th Road, Boone. Tickets can be purchased on the show website, https://www.farmprogressshow.com/en/attend/buy-tickets.html.



Breakthrough Discovery Opens New Doors in SCN Management

Researchers have made a major discovery in the fight against soybean cyst nematode (SCN). They took a relatively uncharted path and focused on the genetics of the parasitic roundworms. Extensive genetic sequencing coupled with genetic mapping helped them identify a handful of likely genes behind the tricky pests’ ability to skirt soybean genetic resistance.

“Out of the nine chromosomes and tens of thousands of genes in a nematode, we’ve mapped the areas involved in virulence [the nematode’s ability to reproduce on a resistant host] down to specific regions — in particular Chromosomes 3 and 6 — and a handful of genes,” says Melissa Mitchum, professor of nematology in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Science’s Department of Plant Pathology and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics at the University of Georgia and a member of the research team that made the discovery. She is also an author on the related report1 published in Molecular Ecology.

Why is this a big deal? The identification of the resistance-thwarting genes within the nematodes lays the groundwork for:
    Faster testing and identification of SCN populations in fields
    Better resistance management using existing soybean varieties
    New defenses against SCN
    Similar efforts for other plant-parasitic nematodes

The SCN Coalition is thrilled by the news and strides made toward bringing farmers new strategies and tools for fighting SCN, a parasitic threat that costs farmers an estimated $1.5 billion each year.

The mission
“Our objective was to focus on the nematode and understand how SCN is adapting to reproduce on resistant soybean varieties,” Mitchum says.  

The research team has also been working closely with soybean breeders on the soybean genes and gene combinations that provide genetic resistance. “We want to know which genes and gene combinations are most effective against which soybean cyst nematode populations,” Mitchum explains.  

Knowing how these SCN genes and soybean genes interact and evolve will help the industry identify the virulence profile of SCN populations so farmers can make better use of the genetic resistance currently available for fighting SCN. It will also guide the development of future tools.

Putting discovery to work for farmers
The next steps include focusing on high-priority candidates within those key regions to functionally confirm these genes have a role in nematode virulence on resistant plants.  

“Once we prove which genes are contributing to virulence on specific genetic resistance like Peking or PI 88788, then we can develop a way to track this in a field population,” Mitchum says. She expects it will take a year or two to pinpoint the gene(s).   

Proving a gene’s role in virulence is time-consuming and challenging, so parallel efforts will also be underway to develop markers that correlate with virulence in field populations. That would give the industry what it needs to start developing tracking tools, fast-tracking the delivery of solutions for farmers.  
“We’re trying to take it a step beyond whether a farmer has SCN. We want to give farmers the ability to choose which genetic resistance type will be most effective based on the SCN readout for their field,” Mitchum says. “It’s going to be very important that the breeders continually bring in those different resistant gene combinations.”  

Checkoff investments paved the way for this breakthrough
“This breakthrough wouldn’t have happened without the investment of soybean farmers’ checkoff dollars in a collaborative, multistate North Central Soybean Research Program project involving nematologists, genome scientists and soybean breeders,” Mitchum says. Funds invested in the early stages of research for SCN genome sequencing laid the foundation that got us to where we are today.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/16/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 16, ethanol production picked up by 2.4% to 1.10 million b/d, equivalent to 46.12 million gallons daily. Output was 4.8% more than the same week last year and 11.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.09 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.71 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 0.9% to 23.6 million barrels. Stocks were 3.4% more than the same week last year and 6.0% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but thinned across the other regions. Notably, West Coast (PADD 5) stocks dropped another 5% to their lowest levels since mid-April 2022.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 1.6% to 9.19 million b/d (141.31 bg annualized). Demand was 3.2% more than a year ago and even with the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 1.4% to 919,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.13 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 0.4% more than year-ago levels and 0.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 82,000 b/d (3.4 million gallons/day), 15.5% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 48th consecutive week.



All Fertilizer Prices Down Slightly for Fourth Consecutive Week

Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers were down again from last month during the second full week of August 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This marks the fourth week in a row that prices for all fertilizers have been lower but not by a significant amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

DAP had an average price of $745 per ton, MAP $817/ton, potash $501/ton and urea $500/ton. 10-34-0 had an average price of $640/ton, anhydrous $678/ton, UAN28 $337/ton and UAN32 $376/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.59/lb.N.

Prices for all but three fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are 6% lower, 10-34-0 is 9% less expensive, potash is 10% lower and urea is 13% less expensive in price compared to a year prior. DAP is 1% higher, MAP is 7% more expensive and anhydrous is 8% higher looking back to last year.



North American cattle industry leaders meet to discuss common challenges facing producers across Canada, United States and Mexico

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the 3rd 2024 triannual trilateral meeting with its North American counterparts, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference this week. The trilateral meeting gives an opportunity for leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, United States and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026 and international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.

“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America and with the upcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends to the south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together, to push back against non-tariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers. – Nathan Phinney, CCA President

“NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across North America. In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG, and NCBA continue standing together to push back against lab-grown proteins. These lab-grown protein companies are trying to capitalize from the incredible reputation of real beef in their efforts to sell ultra-processed products created in bio-reactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab-grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion with our products that are made with only one ingredient, beef.” - NCBA President Mark Eisele.  

Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market-based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA and CNOG are emphasizing the success that it continues to bring to our industry.  

At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges including non-tariff barriers we’re facing in other jurisdictions and international commitments that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global one-health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.  

CCA, NCBA and CNOG leadership determined a unified approach to address international challenges facing the countries' producers and will continue to work on these files together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio, Texas in 2025.  



PLC Highlights USDA Study Showing the Value of Livestock Grazing

A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has once again confirmed the value of livestock grazing as a tool to protect western rangelands from devastating wildfire. The Public Lands Council (PLC), which represents ranchers who hold federal grazing permits, hailed this research as more proof of the important role livestock grazing plays in protecting our natural resources.
 
“In a year where wildfire has run rampant across the West, this study is a great reminder that livestock grazing must be an integral part of land management and wildfire mitigation. We continue to see the scientific community confirm what generations of ranchers have demonstrated: managed livestock grazing is the best, most nimble tool to support biodiversity, protect wildlife habitat, and stabilize ecosystems plagued by fire and invasive species,” said PLC President and Colorado grazing permittee Mark Roeber. “This study should be heeded by media outlets and environmental activists who have wrongly called for the end of livestock grazing because if you don’t have grazing in the West, you don’t have conservation.”
 
According to USDA-ARS, the study demonstrated that grazing supports reduction of fine fuels that pose huge risks in sagebrush ecosystems that are prone to fire. By applying targeted grazing in these landscapes, managers are able to create effective fuel breaks to slow fire activity and improve suppression efforts. Conversely, when grazing is excluded invasive annual grasses run rampant, resulting in a higher fire risk, lower biodiversity, and lower utilization from wildlife.
 
“USDA’s research clearly demonstrates that stakeholders like the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service should be confident in their partnership with public lands ranchers,” said PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “Public lands ranchers invest in careful management of hundreds of millions of acres to make landscapes more resilient to risks like fire and invasive species. As we look in the future, it is clear that grazed landscapes will increasingly be held as prime examples of healthy, well-managed public lands, and we’ll all have federal lands ranchers to thank.”



Amy France Elected National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman During Annual August Board Meeting

The National Sorghum Producers board of directors elected Amy France of Scott City, Kansas, as chairwoman at the board’s annual August board and budget meeting.

“It is a true honor to serve as chairwoman of NSP. Just as in farming, many fine people have blazed the trail before me, so that we can achieve the things we do today,” France said. “I’m grateful for past leadership, and their examples, and look forward to continuing to carry the torch for sorghum and agriculture in this most important time.”

France operates a family farm in the semi-arid western Kansas region, producing grain sorghum, corn, wheat and black Angus cattle. She and her husband, Clint, are third-generation farmers, working alongside their oldest son. France has served on the NSP board of directors since 2018.

In addition to France, the NSP board elected Garrett Love of Montezuma, Kansas, as vice chairman, and Craig Meeker, of Wellington, Kansas, will continue to serve the board as past chairman. Barry Evans of Kress, Texas, and Dustin Borden of Gruver, Texas, were also elected to the board as directors.

The NSP board of directors now includes:
    Amy France, Chairwoman - Scott City, Kansas
    Garrett Love, Vice Chairman - Montezuma, Kansas
    Craig Meeker, Past Chairman - Wellington, Kansas
    Marc Adams - Lubbock, Texas
    Dustin Borden - Gruver, Texas
    Barry Evans - Kress, Texas
    Scott Frazier - Chapman Ranch, Texas
    Doug Keesling - Chase, Kansas
    Kent Martin - Alva, Oklahoma
    Larry Richardson - Vega, Texas
    Tom Willis - Liberal, Kansas

Kody Carson, former past chairman from Olton, Texas, and Danny Beyer from Odem, Texas, will conclude their terms as directors in September and will be recognized for their service at the board’s annual meeting in December.

New directors and officers will begin their 2024-2025 board term starting October 1. View NSP’s entire leadership team at SorghumGrowers.com.



Hubbard Feeds introduces Recharge®, a new product line for beef cattle

Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, has introduced Recharge®, an innovative solution for beef cattle designed to optimize intake, enhance performance, and increase profitability. Recharge utilizes advanced nutritional technologies that promote cattle well-being and support performance during challenging periods. This product helps cattle cope with stress, contributing to their overall vitality and productivity. Recharge provides a proactive approach to herd management, focusing on holistic nutrition strategies for cattle wellness.

The line of products includes:
    Recharge 0.5 Pellet
    Recharge Micro 6g Premix
    Recharge Drench
    Recharge Block

“Recharge uses unique nutritional technologies to enhance cattle health.  Keeping cattle healthy is the key to optimizing intakes, performance, and ultimately, profitability,” said Dr. Mark Klemesrud, ruminant nutritionist at Hubbard Feeds. “Feeding Recharge to cattle during stress events can enhance health and improve feed intakes and performance.”

Feedlot results have shown:
    Optimizes dry matter intake
    Improved ADG and Feed Efficiency
    Higher % cattle qualifying for drug-free program

“We fed the Recharge pellet to approximately 300 head of calves and the intake increase was significant in just a three to four-day period. We saw fewer sick calves and it helped to even out intakes,” said Recharge customer, Steve Beeson of Dante, SD. “The 0.5-pound inclusion rate was very simple. Calves are more active and ready to eat. Even when the weather fluctuated, they stayed at a consistent feed intake. Buy it, it works.”