Thursday February 27 Ag News

Mobile Cattle Tracker for Cow Calf Producers
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

No one disputes the value of records when it comes to making management decisions that affects the bottom line of an operation. The old adages that “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” and “how do you know where you are going if you don’t know where you have been” rings true for any type of business. Records provide the means to evaluate the effects of changes in management practices on herd productivity. The information gained through tracking changes aids in making logical decisions.

The majority of data collected on a beef cow-calf operation occurs seasonally at herd workings such as pregnancy checking and weaning. However, there is a wealth of data that needs to be collected on an ongoing basis throughout the production year such as breeding data, calving data, health data, death loss, and herd inventories.

The process of evaluating this data often represents a time consuming challenge because most often, these data are collected in the field using paper records which must then be assimilated, transferred, deciphered, validated, and summarized to become useful information. Without uniform, consistent data there can be huge gaps that make meaningful interpretation difficult if not impossible.

A mobile app developed at the University of Nebraska allows data to be collected in the field real-time using mobile devices. Mobile Cattle Tracker allows you to collect and access records when they are needed. With Mobile Cattle Tracker, you can enter calving data, weaning data, pregnancy check data, cow and calf health data, death loss, and culling data. You can email the data collected to yourself or anyone else at any time. The email contains an attachment of the data in a formatted Excel spreadsheet.

Mobile Cattle Tracker is available for ipads, iphones, android smartphones, and android tablets. You can find Mobile Cattle Tracker at Apple’s App Store and at Google Play Store for $9.99 (the lite version is free).



UNL Releases Land Lease Calculator App

            Each year University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists are asked questions regarding farmland rental rates.

            Now, a new UNL Extension app can provide some answers.

            Land Lease Calculator is designed to assist producers in collecting information to help determine what might be charged for agricultural land leases, said Wayne Ohnesorg, extension educator in Madison County.

            Users enter data into the app and it produces an estimated cost for the lease. 

            The app is available for $1.99 in the Apple iTunes Store as well as on Google Play.

            The app helps landowners estimate how much their land is worth.

            "It also works very well for those who are looking to rent land because it gives them an idea of how much they might be willing to pay," said Ohnesorg.

            He said that ultimately, it is up to the landlord and tenant to decide on an appropriate leasing price.

            "The app is a tool to give them a starting point," Ohnesorg said.

            The app is funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

            It is now available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/land-lease-calculator/id791573086?mt=8.



4th Annual Best Burger Contest Begins March 1st

Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers along with the Nebraska Beef Council have announced the launch of the 4th annual Nebraska’s Best Burger contest. A new format to the contest will determine the winner based on a combination of online votes and the scores from a panel of judges.

Online nominations will be accepted from March 1st through March 15th on the Nebraska Beef Council website www.nebeef.org or through their Facebook page. On March 15th, the top five nominated restaurants will be announced. From March 15th through March 31st, the public will be asked to vote again for one of the 5 finalists. During the final voting period, a panel of judges will also score the top five contestants. The overall contest winner will be determined by the highest combined total from the online vote and judges’ scores.

Another change to this year’s contest is that past winners will now be eligible to win again. Last year, the Peppermill Restaurant in Valentine, NE claimed the top prize.

“This contest is really about showing off the great tasting beef served all across Nebraska,” said Adam Wegner, Director of Marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “We’ve had hundreds of restaurants nominated for this award in the past and all of them were viable candidates. We’re looking forward to even more participation this year.”

Other past winners of the award include the Cellar Bar & Grill in Kearney and Stella’s Bar & Grill in Bellevue. 

For a full list of rules, contest details or to submit a nomination, visit www.nebeef.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council at 308-236-7551.



Johanns Statement on OSHA’s Decision to Drop Case Against Nebraska Farm
U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today said Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) decision to drop its case against a Holt County farm is an important step in bringing the agency back in line with the law. The small farm, which was illegally targeted by OSHA, had been facing $132,000 in fines.

“OSHA had no business regulating this family farm to begin with,” Johanns said. “I’m pleased they are doing the right thing by correctly dropping the case. Producers shouldn’t have to worry about the government placing undue and illegal burdens on their operations. The law clearly exempts small farms from OSHA regulations, and I’m glad the agency took this step to get back in line with the law.”

Earlier this year, Johanns’ language clarifying a 30-plus year provision that excludes family farms with fewer than 10 employees from being regulated by OSHA was included in the omnibus appropriations package. Johanns also led 42 Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter demanding the agency immediately stop the regulation of family farms. Since then, OSHA has pledged to clarify its policies on regulating the activity of these farms.



Growers Statewide to Share On-Farm Research

            Farm operators and agronomists from across the state are invited to attend the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network research update program March 10 at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead or March 11 at the York County Fairgrounds (4-H Building) in York.

            The session also can be viewed via the web on March 10 at the Gage County or Phelps County Extension offices online at http://go.unl.edu/2014onfarmupdate.

            The program is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CDT at all locations. Producers will obtain valuable crop production-related information from on-farm research projects conducted on Nebraska farms by Nebraska farmers in partnership with University of Nebraska faculty.

            The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a statewide, on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. Growers take an active role in the on-farm research project sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board.

            These March programs will provide an opportunity to hear growers who conducted on-farm research share their results from the 2013 growing season. Field length replicated treatment comparisons were completed in growers' fields, using their equipment.

            The luncheon speaker at these events will be Joe Luck, UNL Extension precision ag specialist, who will be speaking on "Making Use of Your Precision Ag Data".

            If participating in person and for meal planning purposes, preregistration is requested by calling 402-624-8030 for the March 10 program at the ARDC or 402-362-5508 for March 11 program at the York 4-H Building. There is no registration fee as a result of funding from the Nebraska Corn Board.

            To learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate, visit http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch.



Interactive On-Farm Research Guide Now Available

            An interactive, online magazine now provides comprehensive information for those considering on-farm research. The "Grower's Guide to On-Farm Research" at go.unl.edu/2014onfarmzmag was developed as a tool to be used in conjunction with the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.

            NOFRN is sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board. The goal of the network is to put into effect a statewide, on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.

            The guide provides a comprehensive overview of what growers can expect by participating in on-farm research.

            Some of the current research includes irrigation, nitrogen management in corn production, corn population and cover crops.

            Jenny Rees, UNL Extension educator, said the on-farm research grower's guide is interactive on computers, tablets and mobile phones whether Apple or Android.

            "The online magazine isn't your typical online publication, Rees said. "This was designed for three different learning styles: audio, reading and visual via YouTube videos. We hope this will be an excellent resource for our growers and anyone interested in partnering with us to conduct on-farm research."

            For more information on the project or how to participate, contact Keith Glewen, UNL Extension, at 402-624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu, a local UNL Extension office, the Nebraska Corn Board at 402-471-2676 or Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 402-438-6459.

            For more information about the NOFRN, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/web/farmresearch.

            UNL Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



U.S. Agriculture Leaders Gather for USMEF Market Expo

A dozen leaders of state and national agriculture organizations from around the United States have embarked on a visit to the Middle East and Europe organized by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to develop a deeper understanding of the potential of these two export markets for U.S. beef, pork and lamb.

The largest food industry trade show in the Middle East, the Gulfood Show in Dubai, is the first stop for the group, which includes representatives from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, United Soybean Board, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Iowa Corn Growers Association/Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Montana Beef Council and Merck Animal Health.

“Gulfood is like the Oscars for our industry,” said John Chihade, president of Chihade International, Inc., an Atlanta-based exporter who has been exporting to the Middle East region for more than a decade and is participating in the 2014 show. “We get to see our customers and our vendors all in one location in a market that continues growing.”

The Middle East region on display at Gulfood is a stable trading partner for the U.S. beef industry, the No. 4 market in volume during 2013 purchasing 147,696 metric tons of product valued at $276.2 million. The region combines Egypt, far and away the world’s leading market for U.S. beef variety meat, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is almost exclusively a market for U.S. muscle cuts and higher-value beef that grew 11 percent in value last year to $54.6 million. It is a smaller market for U.S. pork, although it grew 27 percent in volume and 50 percent in value last year, largely on sales to the UAE, which hosts numerous business travelers and tourists.

“I am here to try to get more American beef for my customers,” said Ahmed Hefni, general manager of the Egyptian Foundation for Import & Export. “All things being equal, U.S. beef is the only choice, of course, because of its high quality. But, price is always a consideration.”

Hefni noted the competition for his business from a range of countries including Canada, the European Union, Brazil, New Zealand and even India, who were among a range of beef producers with a large presence at Gulfood.

That sentiment was echoed by Thomas Das, vice chairman and managing director of FANTCO, a leading importer based in Dubai, who indicated that Australian beef is the primary competitor to the United States in the region, although the competition is based more on price than quality.

“The UAE is growing and has big potential for continued growth,” said Das, who noted that the consistent supply and quality of U.S. beef is an advantage that he used to help bring the product to an increasing number of high-profile outlets, including an estimated 110 five-star hotels in the region.

The Gulfood 2014 show, which runs through Feb. 27, includes 4,500 exhibiting companies and 120 national pavilions representing countries from the United States to Colombia to the Ukraine to Singapore. An estimated 80,000 visitors from 152 countries are expected to attend.

“Maybe 20 years ago, the Middle East wasn’t looked at as much of a volume market,” said Keith Obermiller who manages international sales for American Foods Group of Green Bay, Wis. “But the UAE is unique in this area. Its beef demand is more advanced and diverse, and disposable income continues to rise. And U.S. beef is very much appreciated here.”

Members of the USMEF Market Expo team include Kim Brackett of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board from Williams, Calif.; Mark Caspers from Nebraska Soybean Board in Auburn, Neb.; Annie Dee from United Soybean Board in Aliceville, Ala.; Don Duvall from Illinois Corn Marketing board in Carmi, Ill.; Sam Funk from United Soybean board in Defiance, Mo.; Wayne Humphreys from Iowa Corn Growers Association/Iowa Corn Promotion Board in Columbus Junction, Iowa; Don Hutchens from Nebraska Corn Board in Lincoln, Neb.; USMEF Chairman Mark Jagels from Davenport, Neb.; Don Murphy from Illinois Corn Marketing Board in Harvel, Ill.; Wes Plummer from Montana Beef Council in Kalispell, Mont.; Judson Vasconcelos from Merck Animal Health in Summit, N.J., and Robert White Jr. from United Soybean Board in Virginia Beach, Va.

In addition to attending the Gulfood Show, the team will receive briefings on the region from USMEF staff, meet with importers, distributors and retailers in the region, and travel to Europe for briefings on the market potential of the EU region and tours of several meat processing plants and livestock operations.



Heidemann Announces Otoe County Designated Livestock Friendly

Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann today announced the official designation of Otoe County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County. With the addition of Otoe County, there are now 24 counties designated as Livestock Friendly through the state program, including: Adams, Banner, Box Butte, Cuming, Dawes, Deuel, Dodge, Gage, Garden, Grant, Hitchcock, Holt, Jefferson, Johnson, Kimball, Keith, Lincoln, Morrill, Saline, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Wayne and Webster Counties.

“Otoe County has shown it is committed to supporting the county’s livestock industry and related economic development,” said Lt. Gov. Heidemann. “Being part of the Livestock Friendly program is a way to recognize the tremendous impact the livestock industry has on main streets and the local economy. It provides jobs for those working with animals and a marketplace for grain and hay producers, while also adding value to those products.”

Lt. Gov. Heidemann presented the Livestock Friendly certificate to Otoe County Commissioners C.R. Hauptman, Rick Freshman, Carol Crook, Timothy Nelsen and Steve Lade. The county will receive road signs bearing the program logo to display along highways. The program is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Department of Agriculture Assistant Director Bobbie Kriz-Wickham said the official designation makes a positive statement about Otoe County. “It is clear that Otoe County officials have a good understanding of, and appreciation for, the economic benefits that can come from responsible livestock production,” said Asst. Dir. Kriz-Wickham.

To apply for a livestock friendly county designation, the county board must hold a public hearing and pass a resolution to apply. A completed application is then submitted to Department of Agriculture for review. Local producers or community groups can encourage their county board to submit a livestock friendly county application.

Additional information on the Livestock Friendly County program is available by contacting NDA toll free at 800-422-6692, or by visiting the Department of Agriculture website at www.nda.nebraska.gov and clicking the Livestock Friendly County link.



USDA Reminds Producers of March 17 Sales Closing Date for Noninsurable Crops

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Dan Steinkruger, urges producers who want to purchase 2014 protection through the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to do so before the sales closing date of March 17, 2014. The sales closing date is actually Saturday, March 15, 2014, but producers have until Monday, March 17, 2014, to purchase coverage this year.

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields/grazing loss, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, or excessive wind.

Alfalfa, grass, and spring seeded crops and forages including but not limited to barley, oats, and vegetables have a sales closing date of March 15, 2014.

“Drought has been active in Nebraska since 2012 so farmers and ranchers should evaluate this program as a risk management tool,” said Steinkruger.  He added, “The 2014 Farm Bill made improvements to the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program but those changes do not take effect until 2015.”

In order to meet eligibility requirements for NAP, crops must be noninsurable commercially-produced agricultural commodity crops for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available.

In the event of a natural disaster, NAP covers the amount of loss greater than 50 percent of the expected production based on the approved yield and reported acreage.

Producers must file the application and pay a service fee by the March 17, 2014 deadline. The service fee is the lesser of $250 per crop or $750 per producer per administrative county, not to exceed a total of $1,875 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.

Limited resource farmers may request a waiver of the service fee at the time the application for coverage is filed.  Producers must recertify their limited resource status for each year that a waiver is requested.

For more information about NAP, please contact your local County FSA Office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.



Camp Tax Proposal Provides Wins, Challenges for Soybean Farmers

In response to today's introduction of a comprehensive tax reform proposal from House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), American Soybean Association President and Iowa farmer Ray Gaesser issued the following statement underscoring the impacts of multiple aspects of the proposed legislation:

"The farmers of the American Soybean Association commends Chairman Camp for his willingness to tackle the difficult task of tax reform. His proposal is both comprehensive and bold, and we would likely see many benefits from his proposed simplification and reform of the tax code.

"ASA strongly supports the measures proposed to allow farmers to continue utilizing cash-based accounting regardless of size. This accommodates the uncertain and potentially inconsistent nature of farm incomes and crop values across multiple years. Additionally, the proposal would make expensing deductions under Section 179 permanent. This provision enables farmers and other small businesses to deduct business-related purchases like equipment and infrastructure.

"ASA also strongly supports the measure's proposed increase in revenues for investment in our waterways and highway transportation infrastructure. These investments are vital to maintaining the global competitiveness of American soybean farmers.

"We are significantly concerned, however, in the proposal's elimination of the Biodiesel Tax Credit. Understanding that achieving comprehensive tax reform requires many compromises, ASA believes the Biodiesel Tax Credit is worthy of extension given the many benefits it provides, including support for jobs, economic development in rural communities, diversity in our energy sources, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, among others."



WHITE HOUSE AND FDA ANNOUNCE PROPOSED UPDATES TO NUTRITION FACTS LABEL

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg at the White House to announce proposed revisions to the Nutrition Facts label, which has been significantly updated only once since its initial release twenty years ago.  The Nutrition Facts label is found on roughly 700,000 products.  The updates announced today support the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative in its ongoing efforts to provide parents and families with access to information that helps them make healthier choices.

“Our guiding principle here is very simple: that you as a parent and a consumer should be able to walk into your local grocery store, pick up an item off the shelf, and be able to tell whether it’s good for your family,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.  “So this is a big deal, and it’s going to make a big difference for families all across this country.”

The proposed updates are intended to reflect the latest scientific information about the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease.  The proposed label would also replace out-of-date serving sizes to better align with the amount consumers actually eat, and it would feature a fresh design to highlight key parts of the label such as calories and serving sizes.

“For 20 years consumers have come to rely on the iconic nutrition label to help them make healthier food choices,” said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “To remain relevant, the FDA’s newly proposed Nutrition Facts label incorporates the latest in nutrition science as more has been learned about the connection between what we eat and the development of serious chronic diseases impacting millions of Americans.”

Some of the FDA’s proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts label are:
·         Require information about the amount of “added sugars” in a food product. Based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans determination that calorie intake from added sugar is too high in the U.S. population and should be reduced.  The FDA proposes to include “added sugars” on the label to help consumers know how much sugar has been added to the product.
·         Update serving size requirements to reflect the amounts people currently eat. What and how much people eat and drink has changed since the serving sizes were first put into place in 1994.  By law, serving sizes must be based on the portion consumers actually eat, rather than the amount they “should” be eating.
·         Present calorie and nutrition information for the whole package of certain food products that could be consumed in one sitting or in multiple sittings.
·         Refresh the format to emphasize certain elements, such as calories, serving sizes and Percent Daily Value, which are important in addressing current public health problems like obesity and heart disease.

To find out more information about today’s announcement, go to http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/21/2014

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 905,000 barrels per day (b/d)—or 38.01 million gallons daily. That is up 2,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 901,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 13.81 billion gallons. For the past six weeks, ethanol production has remained in a very tight range of 895,000-905,000 b/d.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 17.0 million barrels. That is a 1.0% decrease from last week.

Imports of ethanol were non-existent for the 21st straight week.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 358.5 million gallons daily. Notably, refiner/blender input of ethanol hit a nine-week high.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.60%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.722 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 101,001 metric tons of livestock feed, 90,043 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.71 million pounds of corn oil daily.



U.S. Biodiesel Outlook Fueled by Legislative Changes

Adjustments to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at the end of 2013 set up an environment for a stable long-term outlook for biodiesel demand, according to a new report from the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research (FAR) and Advisory group.

“We saw a record level of biodiesel production in 2013 due to the expiration of the one dollar per gallon tax credit on biodiesel production and an anticipated soybean shortage in 2014,” notes report author and Rabobank analyst Al Griffin.

According the Rabobank U.S. Biodiesel Outlook,  the U.S. biodiesel industry is expected to remain commoditized with tightening margins and periods of negative returns. The industry players best positioned for success are those focused on becoming the low cost producer, gaining access to multiple feedstock sources, and accessing adequate working capital to withstand volatile margins.

“Increases in biodiesel production will bolster demand for soy oil, corn oil, canola oil, yellow grease, and palm oil, along with other, less common inputs,” says Griffin. “With biodiesel feedstock being split roughly evenly between soy oil and all other sources, the fats and oils sector will benefit from intensified production.”

A key to the future of biodiesel is the advanced biofuel component of the (RFS), which is primarily fulfilled by biodiesel. While the advanced biofuel requirement could be met using sugar and sorghum-based ethanol, domestic production of both is limited and attaining economically competitive imports is challenging. Far more significant in supporting biodiesel production is the fact that future increases in the use of ethanol are “constrained as a result of infrastructure.” This snag, acknowledged by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is generally referred to as the “blend wall.” Although the EPA has signaled that it will adjust its original RFS mandate levels during 2014, biodiesel will be less impacted than the other categories.



Soy Checkoff Harnesses Industry to Combat Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Two billion dollars annually: Only a problem this large and costly could bring together private industry, universities from across the country and farmer-led organizations to provide farmers with answers.

That’s how much University of Wisconsin researcher Vince Davis estimates herbicide-resistant weeds cost U.S. farmers each year.

To help fight this loss, the soy checkoff recently took the lead in creating the Take Action program to help farmers implement production practices on their farms that can manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Universities and herbicide providers have joined the effort, and all are promoting a unified approach to weed management.

“Diversification is the most important thing farmers can do to manage these weeds,” says Davis. “This includes diversification of effective herbicide modes of action, diversified weed-management practices and also utilizing non-herbicide control options such as judicious tillage, cleaning equipment for weed seed and diversified crop rotations. Weeds develop resistance more quickly when production systems remain static.”

Take Action recently launched a website, www.TakeActionOnWeeds.com, with interactive guides and other information on how to diversify weed management.

“What makes the Take Action program unique is the support from all the different organizations, private industry and universities,” says Jim Call, United Soybean Board (USB) chairman and soybean farmer from Madison, Minn. “It really shows how big of an issue herbicide-resistant weeds are and how they impact all of agriculture.”

In addition to the checkoff, other supporters of the Take Action program include Cotton Incorporated, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Corn Growers Association, the United Sorghum Checkoff, BASF, Bayer, DuPont, Dow, Monsanto, Syngenta and universities throughout the United States.



Higher Placements Weather Related
Tim Petry, Livestock Economist, North Dakota State University Extension Service

USDA-NASS released the monthly Cattle on Feed report on February 22. The number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter weight in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 10.760 million head on Feb. 1. The inventory was 2.8 percent below Feb. 1, 2013, and marks the 18th consecutive month with lower cattle on feed numbers than the previous year. It was the lowest number of Feb. 1 cattle on feed since 2003.

Fewer cattle on feed numbers imply lower fed cattle slaughter and beef production ahead. The LMIC is projecting an over 6% decline in beef production for 2014. The wild card will be cow slaughter that declined in the second half of 2013 as U.S. pasture and range conditions improved. Parts of the Southern Plains are dry along with much of the Southwest including record drought in California. Parts of the rest of the U.S. cattle producing regions are less than a year removed from drought conditions, so ample spring and summer rainfall will be necessary for lower beef cow slaughter to occur.

Placements of cattle into feedlots during January totaled 2.029 million head, up over 8.5% from last year. That increase may sound surprising to some given the 1% smaller calf crop in 2013. That along with a 1.7% increase in beef replacement heifers, and fewer feeder cattle imports resulted in a 2.7% decrease in feeder cattle outside of feedlots on Jan. 1. However, dry conditions and cold temperatures exhausted small grains pasture in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. That caused many winter stocker cattle to move to market in January. The extreme drought in California also forced significant movement of winter grazing cattle into feedlots. Placements in California were up 27% over last year. USDA-AMS reported a 9% increase in nationwide feeder cattle auction receipts so far this year, similar to the increase in placements.

Increased marketings of an already shorter supply of calves and feeder cattle should lead to smaller placements in the future - again weather permitting. Shorter supplies will be supportive to prices that are at record high levels.



Beef University Boosts Foodservice and Retail Professionals’ Beef Knowledge

The Beef Checkoff Program unveiled a new web-based platform for its popular training program, Beef University. For nearly a decade, foodservice and retail professionals have relied on checkoff training tools to educate staff on how beef is brought to market, from farm to fork.

Beef University educates retailers and foodservice operators on all facets of beef from production and product quality to marketing and merchandising. Downloadable tools include PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets and videos; all of which can be used for self-directed education or part of a customized training session facilitated by Beef Checkoff staff or utilized within a company’s training program.

“Retail and foodservice operators have a direct connection with the people that consume the beef raised by my family and the entire beef community, and so it’s important that we share the knowledge and insights on the care that goes into raising American’s favorite high-quality protein,” says Sid Viebrock, a beef producer from Washington and chairman of the checkoff's Value Subcommittee. “Because of this, we saw an opportunity to create a forum for increased engagement with those who are on the front lines serving and selling beef every day.”

The online community enables users to directly connect with beef subject matter experts and share feedback on resources, express interest in additional education needs and more.To explore the fully-customizable and free resources, become a member of the Beef U online community at www.BeefRetail.org/BeefUniversity.aspx or www.BeefFoodservice.com/BeefUniversity.aspx.



USGC Urges US Farmers, Handlers, Exporters to Strictly Adhere to Stewardship Program
President and CEO Tom Sleight

“The U.S. Grains Council welcomes the announcement of an aggressive stewardship program for the release of Syngenta seed trait Agrisure Duracade to minimize the risk of export trade disruption. It is important for all sectors of the value chain -- individual farmers, technology providers, shippers and exporters alike -- to recognize the potentially significant international implications of their actions. The Council therefore urges producers who choose to plant Agrisure Duracade in 2014 to adhere carefully to their stewardship responsibilities in order to minimize the risk to U.S. export sales.

“Today’s unfortunate reality is that biotechnology approval systems around the world are not synchronous. In addition, some countries still lack effective, trade-enabling policies regarding the low level presence (LLP) of unapproved biotech events in grain shipments. Inadvertent commingling is almost certain to occur in the high volume U.S. commodity handling system, and modern testing methods are likely to detect even trace levels of unapproved events. The presence of unapproved events in the export stream therefore carries a significant risk of major international trade disruptions. Given the increase in corn production in competitor countries and the ability of buyers to source anywhere in the world, leakage of unapproved events may even result in the closure of some major markets to U.S. corn exports for an indefinite period.

“The U.S. Grains Council represents a wide variety of members across the value chain committed to maintaining an open and fair grain trading system around the world. We recognize the desire of producers to deploy new technology as soon as it becomes available. We recognize also that continued technology development is essential to achieving global food security and creating new opportunities for producers and agribusinesses. We believe, finally, that countries lacking a functioning, science based regulatory system ought not to enjoy a de facto veto over U.S. technology deployment. At the same time, however, the risk of costly trade disruption is significant and should be taken seriously by the entire value chain.

“There is no easy solution to these conflicting goals. In the short term, we urge all stakeholders to weigh the consequences of their actions, recognize the international implications of planting and marketing decisions, and stringently adhere to their stewardship responsibilities. In the long run, we encourage all parties to join the Council in working for a resolution of the low-level presence and asynchronous approval issues, which is the solution ultimately needed to serve the common interests of producers, agribusinesses, and consumers around the world.”



Agriculture Secretary Announces $3 Million for a New Program to Improve Pollinator Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide close to $3 million in technical and financial assistance for interested farmers and ranchers to help improve the health of bees, which play an important role in crop production. The funding is a focused investment to improve pollinator health and will be targeted in five Midwestern states, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

"Honey bee pollination supports an estimated $15 billion worth of agricultural production, including more than 130 fruits and vegetables that are the foundation of a nutritious diet. The future security of America's food supply depends on healthy honey bees," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Expanded support for research, combined with USDA's other efforts to improve honey bee health, should help America's beekeepers combat the current, unprecedented loss of honey bee hives each year."

Funding will be provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to promote conservation practices that will provide honey bees with nutritious pollen and nectar while providing benefits to the environment. Recent studies have shown that beekeepers are losing approximately 30 percent of their honey bee colonies each year, up from historical norms of ten to fifteen percent overwintering losses experienced prior to 2006.

This assistance will provide guidance and support to farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that will provide safe and diverse food sources for honey bees. For example, appropriate cover crops or rangeland and pasture management may provide a benefit to producers by reducing erosion, increasing the health of their soil, inhibiting invasive species, providing quality forage and habitat for honey bees and other pollinators, as well as habitat for other wildlife.

Midwestern states were chosen because from June to September the region is the resting ground for over 65 percent of the commercially managed honey bees in the country. It is a critical time when bees require abundant and diverse forage across broad landscapes to build up hive strength for the winter.

Applications are due March 21, 2014



U.S. Dairy Organizations Say Trans-Pacific Trade Deal Must Further Open Japan, Canada to Exports

The ongoing – and so far, inconclusive negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), must result in the free trade of dairy products between the United States, Canada and Japan, according to organizations representing America’s dairy farmers, processors and exporters. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) also say progress on market access into those two markets has been frustratingly slow, and U.S. negotiators shouldn’t allow the process to drag on indefinitely.

The statement by the U.S. dairy groups follows ministerial-level meetings in Singapore this week on several contentious, yet-to-be resolved issues, including resistance by Canada and Japan to allow further market access for “sensitive” sectors, including dairy imports. The TPP involves a significant number of markets bordering the Pacific Ocean, including the United States, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern noted, “The U.S. dairy industry is prepared to eliminate all tariffs affecting dairy trade with Canada and Japan, as long as they do the same. If Japan and Canada are not willing to make an effort and offer realistic market access to the U.S., then they are not serious about being part of TPP.”

“It is time to finish the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, including resolving the treatment of agricultural trade,” said Tom Suber, president of USDEC. “The principle of creating comprehensive market access is too important to this and future trade agreements. Therefore, if Japan and Canada are not committed to this goal, we need to move forward without them.”

Suber noted that the U.S. dairy sector, in consultation with government officials, “has been patient and flexible with our Japanese and Canadian friends, but we are running out of both patience and time. We strongly believe there is an achievable deal to which both countries can agree, but that deal must include substantial market access for our products. It cannot be any other way.”

In addition to addressing market access, both organizations noted that any comprehensive agreement also must include effective disciplines for applying sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that are science-based and enforceable, and preventing restrictions on the use of common food products.

Finally, the two U.S. dairy industry groups reiterated their concerns regarding New Zealand’s monopolistic dairy structure that creates unfair commercial advantages for a single company, and reminded US negotiators that the TPP talks must address that concern.



CWT Assists with 5.8 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 23 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms USA, Land O’Lakes, and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 4.791 million pounds (2,173 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, and 1.032 million pounds (468 metric tons) of 82% butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South Pacific. The product will be delivered in February through June 2014.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 25.329 million pounds of cheese, 7.276 million pounds of butter and 698,865 pounds of whole milk powder to 19 countries on four continents. These sales are the equivalent of 397.8 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



MONSANTO OPENS SEARCH FOR 2014 “FARM MOM OF THE YEAR”

She works every aspect of the farm, keeps everyone on task, and even advocates for the industry she loves. Farm moms are amazing women, and Monsanto Company wants to continue recognizing their efforts. As a result, the company today announced that nominations are now open in its search for the next America’s Farmers Mom of the Year.

Nominations for the contest, which is in its fifth year, will be open from February 27 – March 31, 2014. Anyone can nominate their favorite farm mom for a chance to win up to $10,000 -- whether it’s their own mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member.

 “Last year we received nominations from 48 different states – all featuring wonderful stories of active and empowered women who make a positive impact on their families, farms and communities,” says Jessica Simmons, Corporate Marketing Director for Monsanto. “We know there are still so many great stories out there to share and more women to recognize, so we want to hear from you.”

To nominate a favorite farm mom, visit AmericasFarmers.com during the nomination period and submit a brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. Each nomination will be judged based on published criteria by a panel of judges from American Agri-Women, and Monsanto will select five regional winners based on the judges’ decisions. Each regional winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the regional winners will then be posted to AmericasFarmers.com, where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. Announced just prior to Mother’s Day, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her regional prize.

“We carefully review every nomination and enjoy reading the phenomenal stories of farm moms who give selflessly to better the world they live in,” says Kris Zilliox, Vice President of Education for American Agri-Women. “We are glad to be a part of a program that recognizes the important role women play in agriculture and are looking forward to seeing what the 2014 nominations will bring.”

For more information on the program or for complete eligibility requirements and official contest rules visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.



Give newborn calves immediate immunity during spring calving season

As spring calving season approaches, it is vital that your calves receive adequate immunity at birth.

Because calves are born without an active immune system, they rely on the consumption of antibodies from colostrum for protection against scours and pneumonia. When the calf consumes colostrum, these maternal-derived antibodies, or immunoglobulins (IgG), are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. This process is called passive transfer.

Several factors, including reduced colostrum quality, delayed nursing and cold stress, can inhibit successful passive transfer and lead to low blood serum antibody concentrations in calves. Estimates suggest failure of passive transfer is common and may be occurring in as many as one-third of beef calves in North America. “This can be problematic to both calf health and performance,” says Bobbi Brockmann, director of sales and marketing with ImmuCell Corporation.

Calves that do not consume high-quality colostrum are 6 times more likely to get sick during the first weeks of life compared to calves that consumed enough colostrum. Furthermore, low blood serum IgG concentrations (less than 1,000 mg/dL) have been associated with higher death loss and decreased performance. This can hurt profitability by increasing treatment costs and reducing weight gains.

One solution producers can use to protect their spring calf crop is to provide supplemental immune protection to their newborn calves immediately after birth.

“This can be done by complementing the colostrum your cows produce with USDA-approved antibody products,” says Brockmann. Concentrated antibody products can be fed to calves at the same time as colostrum and go to the gut to immediately bind and neutralize diarrhea-causing agents, while also being absorbed into the bloodstream for extended immune protection.

Antibody products are available in bolus, gel and powder forms. They also are included in some colostrum replacer and supplement formulas for added value.

“Antibody products can protect a producer’s genetic investment by providing immediate immune protection to the calf,” says Brockmann. “Concentrated antibody products also provide immunity against specific pathogens such as E. coli and coronavirus so the calf receives the best start possible and can maximize their genetic potential.”

Work closely with a veterinary professional or animal health specialist to develop a health program that fulfills the calf’s need for immediate immunity at birth.



Preventing PEDv: Take Another Look At Biosecurity And Nutrition

Quality control and stringent biosecurity measures were once again reaffirmed as the only precautions swine producers can truly take against PEDv (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus).  After another recent outbreak of the virus, many industry members are now reassessing their feed ingredient sources and tightening the reins on the traceability of their overall management and nutrition programs.

“The overall goal of the swine industry is to eliminate and prevent the dissemination of PEDv. This will largely be achieved by using proven, controlled disease challenge (feedback) strategies and adherence to strict biosecurity programs that prevent the spread of the virus through direct exposure and environmental contamination,” said Dr. Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech.

PEDv, caused by a member of the family Coronaviridae, is a fast spreading virus, with a short incubation period (two to four days). It can affect pigs of all ages, but is strongest in sows, gilts, nursing and recently weaned pigs. PEDv is mainly transmitted via indirect or direct contact through fecal/oral means. It can also spread by fomites, aerosol emissions and most recently through transmission of feed ingredients.

Dawson cautions producers to work closely with veterinarians to implement stringent biosecurity measures and a nutritional management program that strengthens the pigs’ immunity and disease defenses. Producers should identify key interactions where there is a risk of exposure and ensure safety standards are in place. Proper cleaning with disinfectants, heating and drying helps to kill and prevent the virus. Other areas that have been determined high risk: dead haul/renderer sites, other wildlife in the barns, personnel working at other pig farms, recently removed culled pigs and newly weaned pigs transported to the nursery or finish site.

Besides implementing strict biosecurity measures, producers also need to build up their herds’ health and immunity to prepare them for the worst.

“While it is unrealistic to believe that a simple nutritional change will result in the elimination of the virus from a herd of pigs,” Dawson said. “Alltech’s distinct set of technologies can help in maintaining healthy pig populations, which is the first step in dealing with a herd crisis.”

Swine Advantage V is a specially formulated protein-based solution that contains no animal protein and combines approved nutritional strategies that have been shown to help maintain gastrointestinal health and wellbeing. Because of the rigidly-controlled manufacturing process for these non-animal proteins, the product can be used as an alternative protein source in pig diets without concern about biosecurity risks associated with the inclusion of animal proteins in pig diets.

“The use of such material clearly addresses the increased concerns about the dissemination of viruses in plasma and other animal by-products,” Dawson said. “By using proven nutritional strategies in conjunction with prevention programs it may also be possible to augment and reduce the production losses associated with remediation programs that are designed to prevent further dissemination of PEDv.”



Selenium is Key Ingredient in Producing Healthier Meat For Humans, Brazilian Study Finds

Selenium may be a key ingredient to producing healthier meat and lowering animal cholesterol levels according to researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. The study aimed to determine the effects of canola oil as a fat source when combined with the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, as well as determine the metabolic lipid oxidation and nutritional value of the beef. The result – a meat enriched with vitamin E and selenium with lower levels of cholesterol.

Selenium, an essential nutrient for animals and people, is a powerful antioxidant and plays a critical role in metabolism, reproductive health and the body’s natural defense system. The organic selenium used in the USP study was Sel-Plex®, from Alltech, a natural source of selenium enriched yeasts with higher bioavailability than inorganic sources. Sel-Plex is the only FDA reviewed and the first EU approved form of organic selenium for all animal species.

“We’re excited to share these independent results, obtained by one of the most prestigious universities in this field of study, with the global livestock and poultry sectors,” said Steve Elliott, global director of the mineral management program for Alltech. “Selenium has once again been confirmed as a critical component for the human diet, and Alltech is committed to delivering a safe and efficient source of selenium to animals and humans in a natural way.”

According to the lead researcher, Dr. Marcus Antonio Zanetti of the School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, USP, studies like this are important to improve human nutrition in a time of great demand for healthier products.

"Strengthening the immune system of people and helping health professionals, nutritionists and all those involved in the meat production chain find a practical way to do so is one of the objectives of this research," Zanetti said.

In the first part of the study, 48 Nellore bulls were divided into four groups with and without additional supplemental selenium, vitamin E and canola oil. The second phase aimed to provide selenium-enriched meat to a group of elderly people.

"We supplemented the diet of animals with 2.5 mg of organic selenium per cow per day for a period of three months during fattening and found that in addition to increasing the amount of selenium in the blood of animals, the mineral content in the meat produced was six times greater than meat from beef cattle that have not had the supplemented diet,” Zanetti said.

According to Zanetti, the cholesterol level in the blood and meat of the animals that were fed the selenium-enriched diet was also reduced significantly.

In the second phase of the research, to assess the effects of meat supplemented with selenium on lowering cholesterol in human blood, the researchers conducted a study in a nursing care facility in São Paulo. For periods up to 90 days, the cattle meat supplemented with selenium and vitamin E was included in the meals of 80 elderly people in different variations on the menu. The special diet was coordinated by a registered dietician for the project.

After 45 days, a blood test analysis for the group showed an increase in the amount of selenium in the blood plasma. Zanetti emphasized that the results of cholesterol rates are not yet completed.

"However, through this research, we have seen an increase in the availability of vitamin E and selenium in the blood of the group that ate the meat,” Zanetti said.

According to nutritionists, selenium is considered an important antioxidant mineral that prevents the formation of free radicals, enhances immunity and thus helps fight infections in humans. However, many people are still deficient in selenium in their daily diet. According to the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, USP, selenium levels are low in the Brazilian diet due to the country’s mineral deficient soil.

Zanetti believes that the development of supplemented products can help improve human nutrition.

“The daily consumption of 200 grams (7 ounces) of meat supplemented with selenium is able to provide the recommended mineral [50 micrograms] daily intake,” he said.

In a previous trial, Zanetti and other researchers supplemented the diet of cows with sunflower oil, organic selenium and vitamin E to increase the mineral availability in milk produced by the animals. The diet supplemented with milk was offered to a group of children in first through fourth grade. The research results showed the additional improvement in the quality and preservation of enriched milk by increasing levels of selenium and vitamin E in the blood of the children.

“This is pioneering research on selenium enriched milk and meat that links animal feed and nutrition to human health,” Zanetti said. "In the world, there has only been basic investigation into this, but nothing as extensive as our studies.”