Monday May 2 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 1, 2016, wet, cool conditions kept producers from making widespread planting progress, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Snow blanketed the southwest as well as Panhandle counties late in the week with accumulations of six inches or more recorded in portions of the Panhandle. Statewide rainfall of one to two inches was common with heavier amounts of five inches or more were recorded in central Nebraska. Temperatures averaged four to six degrees below normal. Producers were waiting for soils to dry before planting could resume. Pasture conditions are now rated well above last year and the five-year average. There were 1.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 70 adequate, and 23 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 82 adequate, and 11 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was at 26 percent, behind 45 last year and the five-year average of 31. Emerged was at 7 percent, near 6 last year and 4 average.

Sorghum planted was at 1 percent, behind 8 last year and near 3 average.

Soybeans planted was at 2 percent, behind 9 last year, but near 6 average.

Winter wheat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 4 poor, 35 fair, 50 good, and 11 excellent. Winter wheat jointed was at 71 percent, well ahead of 42 last year and 32 average. Headed was at 1 percent, near 2 last year and 3 average.

Oats condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 33 fair, 62 good, and 4 excellent. Oats planted was at 86 percent, behind 98 last year, but near 88 average. Emerged was at 70 percent, behind 80 last year, but ahead of 59 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 28 fair, 62 good, and 9 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 90 adequate, and 8 surplus.



Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables at: http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg/2010s/2016/CropProg-05-02-2016.pdf.

Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps.php?map=ACISClimateMaps.

Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at:
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE. 



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Although some fieldwork was done early in the week, as the week progressed rains halted planting across much of Iowa for the week ending May 1, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were only 2.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Cool and wet weather slowed crop emergence, and many reports indicate tile lines have been running steady.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. The western third of Iowa reported 20 percent or more with surplus subsoil moisture.

Statewide, just 17 percent of the corn crop was planted during the past week. But with 57 percent of the crop planted, progress remained 1 day ahead of last year and 8 days ahead of the 5-year average. Farmers in north central and central Iowa have already planted over three-quarters of their corn crop.

Seven percent of the soybean acreage has been planted, 5 days ahead of the 5-year average.

Ninety-six percent of the State’s oat crop has been planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of normal. Oats emerged reached 68 percent, 4 days ahead of the previous year and 8 days ahead of the average. The season’s first oat condition rating came in at 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.

The first hay condition rating of the season was 0 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent, while some reports indicated low-lying pastures were saturated with some flooding. Livestock conditions were reported as tough with windy, wet, and cool weather leaving feedlots saturated. 



IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry J. Hillaker, State Climatologist
Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

The past week brought more than twice as much rain as any other week thus far in 2016. A statewide average of 2.24 inches of rain fell compared to the weekly normal of 0.97 inches. Rain totals varied from 0.74 inches at Marquette to 4.99 inches at Alta. Monday (25th) and Friday (29th) were mostly dry while rain was heaviest on Wednesday (27th) and Saturday (30th). As was the case the previous week, rains were heaviest over the west one-half of Iowa (2 to 4 inches common) and lowest over the east (mostly in the 1 to 2 inch range). Monday (25th) was the warmest day with high temperatures ranging from the upper fifties northwest to lower eighties southeast. Temperatures on Tuesday were near seasonal with highs mostly in the sixties while unseasonably cool and cloudy weather prevailed for the remainder of the week. Temperature extremes ranged from a Monday (25th) afternoon high of 85 degrees at Donnellson to morning lows of 36 degrees at Sheldon on Tuesday, Milford on Thursday and also Sibley and Northwood on Friday. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged 3.8 degrees below normal. A narrow line of thunderstorms brought hail and high winds to northwest Iowa on Sunday (24th) evening, roughly between Sioux City and Estherville. Also, four short-lived tornadoes, plus some hail, occurred over southwest Iowa on Wednesday (27th). These were the only dates in April with severe thunderstorms reported in Iowa. Finally, soil temperatures at the four inch depth were averaging in the mid-forties northwest to just over 50 degrees over the far southeast. 



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Despite what seemed to be a very soggy week in some areas of the Corn Belt, the percentage of the nation's corn crop that was planted increased to 45% as of May 1, according to USDA's weekly Crop Progress report. That's 15 percentage points ahead of last week's total and the five-year average of 30%.  Corn is 13% emerged, compared to 5% last year and a five-year average of 8%.

Soybean planting is 8% complete, compared to 10% last year and a five-year average of 6%.

Winter wheat is 42% headed, compared to 26% last week, 39% last year and 34% on average. Winter wheat condition improved slightly to 61% good to excellent compared to 59% last week.

Spring wheat is 54% planted and 22% emerged, compared with 69% and 24% last year and 39% and 14% on average.

Cotton is 16% planted, compared to 10% last week, 15% last year and an 18% average. Rice is 72% planted and 55% emerged, compared to 62% and 38% last week, 55% and 34% last year, and 56% and 39% on average.

Sorghum is 23% planted compared to 20% last week, 28% last year and a 26% average. Oats are 78% planted and 56% emerged, compared to 71% and 41% last week, 81% and 53% last year and 65% and 47% averages. Barley is 57% planted and 29% emerged, compared to 45% and 15% last week, 70% and 33% last year, and 47% and 18% averages.


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Wet Conditions Favorable for Seedling Diseases in Early Planted Corn
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, NE Extension Plant Pathologist

Wet field conditions from recent rainfall events across Nebraska may put early planted corn at added risk for seedling diseases. Cool soil temperatures and episodes of recent rainfall are especially favorable for some of the most common and damaging seedling diseases. Be sure to monitor seedling emergence and stand establishment in the coming weeks so that if problems occur they can be detected as early as possible.

Seedling diseases can be caused by any of several common soilborne organisms, such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia or plant parasitic nematodes. Seedling diseases are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are very similar.  Sometimes, diagnosis may be of limited value because management is often the same for several seedling diseases.  Microscopic examination and other laboratory analyses of the diseased seedlings can often identify the cause(s) of the problems. Seedling diseases can be confused with insect injury, herbicide damage, planting problems, or environmental stresses that often have similar symptoms.

Seedling disease symptoms include:
-    Rotted seed prior to germination  
-    Rotted or discolored seedlings after germination prior to emergence
-    Post-emergence seedling damping off  (Figure 1)
-    Root or hypocotyl decay

At least 14 species of Pythium have been identified that can cause seedling blight and root rot. These pathogens require excessive moisture because they produce motile swimming zoospores that infect plant roots. Thus, wet soil conditions are most favorable for Pythium root rot across much of Nebraska. The pathogen overwinters in soil and infected plant debris by producing thick-walled oospores that can survive for several years in the absence of favorable weather conditions.

Management
Unfortunately, resistance is not available for seedling diseases in corn.  Improved field drainage can help reduce the incidence and severity of some seedling diseases, as well as delaying planting until soil conditions are warmer and will promote rapid seed germination and emergence. The most common method for disease management is seed treatment fungicides now applied to almost all seed corn.

Crop rotation can reduce seedling diseases to some extent; however, some of these diseases may also infect soybean and other crops.

Most seed corn is already treated with more than one seed treatment fungicide, often an insecticide, and, sometimes a nematicide. These products can provide protection against some of the pathogens that cause seedling diseases. In spite of their activity, diseases may still develop, such as during extended periods of inclement weather or under severe pathogen pressure.

 Some fungicides now also are labeled for application in-furrow at planting. Use of fungicides in-furrow at planting may provide additional protection against these pathogens in fields with severe pathogen pressure and chronic seedling diseases, but more research needs to be conducted to better predict their potential benefits and economic return.   

 Seed treatment fungicides will only provide protection during the first few weeks immediately after planting. You can minimize the likelihood of developing seedling diseases by planting high quality seed at appropriate planting depths and soil conditions to support rapid plant growth and emergence.  



Starting Calves Off Right – Spring Processing Fun or Frustrating?
Steve Tonn, NE Extension Educator, Washington County

It is spring and that means processing time for spring calving cow herds in Eastern Nebraska. Will it be a fun experience or frustrating? Will it be easy, rewarding and fun or will there be yelling, cussing, and short tempers? How we work our cattle goes a long way in determining if it is a fun or frustrating experience.

Numerous scientific studies have illustrated that several animal performance values are positively correlated with good handling practices and negatively with coercive handling practices. Wild cattle are often discounted several cents a pound, because buyers know that sickness rates will go up and performance will be down. Flighty behavior is partly genetic and partly due to the way cattle have been handled. Gentle handling can make flighty cattle less wild, and poor handling can make gentle cattle become wild and dangerous.

Low stress livestock handling has gained increased acceptance in the livestock industry. It really is a return to sound effective stockmanship. The animal industries cannot afford to allow any form of abusive behavior or handling of livestock on the farm, in the feedyard or at the packing plant.

There are five basic principles of cattle behavior that when used properly can improve the ease and speed of working cattle while reducing stress and increasing efficiency. Those principles are: 1. Cattle want to see you. 2. Cattle want to go around you. 3. Cattle want to be with or go to other cattle. 4. Cattle want to return to where they have been. 5. Cattle can only process one main thought at a time.

There are three basic means of communicating with livestock. Very simply they are: Sight, Sound and Touch. Cattle prefer to communicate through the line of sight.

Curt Pate, stockmanship trainer, Ron Gill and Rick Machen, Texas A&M Extension Livestock Specialists, have developed a list of ten handling pointers to keep in mind that will ease the handling of cattle, whether they are being gathered from the pasture or processed through the corrals or a chute.
1.The only way to work cattle quickly is slowly.
2.Work from the front to draw cattle to you.
3.Apply pressure when cattle have a place to go.
4.Apply pressure from the side.
5.Cattle must be comfortable to go by you and stay straight.
6.Pressure cattle from behind only when absolutely necessary.
7.When working cattle, move in triangles and straight lines.
8.Going with the flow of cattle slows them down or stops their movement.
9.Going against the flow of cattle initiates or accelerates their movement.
10.Cattle work best when they are ready; you have to get them ready.

To read more about these low stress livestock handling concepts do an Internet search for “Cattle Handling Pointers Gill Pate Machen.”

Have you tried adding a “Bud Box” to your working facilities? The “Bud Box” comes from Bud Williams, best known for his methods for teaching low stress livestock handling through stockmanship schools. The “Bud Box” uses cattle’s natural instincts and the five basic principles of cattle behavior. There is nothing magical about a “Bud Box” or Return Box. It is a facility design that allows you the handler to position yourself correctly to facilitate cattle flow out of the box into either the crowd alley leading to a chute or to a trailer load out. The simplicity of the box is that it makes you, as a stockman, do things correctly. If you do not, cattle will not work any better out of a box than they will a tub. When handled correctly, they will work better out of a box than they will a tub system. Bud boxes can be constructed using panels or they can be permanent. For details on designing and using a Bud Box do an Internet search for Designing a Bud Box.

Numerous others will handle your cattle after they have left your care. Bad habits and unruly behavior in cattle and humans is learned. When working correctly shouting, whistling, poking and prodding cattle is unnecessary and counterproductive. Development of effective stockmanship skills and the use of Beef Quality Assurance practices is about improving worker safety, animal health and performance and increasing the income of each individual operation.



May Ag Finance & Ag Law Clinics

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential Farm Finance Clinics being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. They offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, May 5
    Fairbury — Friday, May 6
    Norfolk — Wednesday, May 11
    North Platte — Thursday, May 12
    Lexington — Thursday, May 19
    Norfolk — Thursday, May 19
    Valentine — Friday, May 20

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Making Transportation a Priority in Rural Nebraska
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)

Nebraskans value hard work, efficiency, and solutions. Throughout western Nebraska, our roads, highways, railroads, and airports connect rural communities with the rest of the nation. We rely on this network to bring goods and products to market. The citizens of rural Nebraska understand the importance of good roads. We travel to do business, for doctor’s appointments, and to pick up groceries. Each day, travelers across Nebraska and the entire nation depend on our transportation system to reach their destinations safely.

A safe, reliable, and efficient transportation network is key to building strong communities and a healthy economy. Last year, I was proud to champion a five-year highway bill, which is the first long-term transportation bill to be passed in a decade. This bill was signed into law in December of 2015. The bill, known as the FAST Act, was a significant achievement that will bring over $1.5 billion to Nebraska’s highways, roads, railways, and bridges.

During the legislative process, I fought to include several provisions in the highway bill that will benefit rural Nebraska. A new freight program will bring much-needed transportation dollars to important projects in local communities like Scottsbluff and Bridgeport. With this program, states can designate specific rural corridors, which will in turn receive funding for critical transportation projects. These dollars could improve connections to centers like our railyards in Alliance and North Platte. By increasing efficiency at these transportation centers, we can increase safety and hasten the flow of goods to strengthen the local economy.

This highway bill was a major victory for Nebraska, but our work is far from over. As chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, I have a duty to oversee the law’s implementation. For this reason, I am bringing the Senate right here to western Nebraska this week for a field hearing.

My subcommittee will explore the highway bill’s effect on rural communities. We will hear from a panel of experts representing the Nebraska Department of Roads, Western Nebraska Regional Airport, and the agriculture and business communities. By listening to this diverse array of stakeholders, we can gather valuable feedback regarding the transportation needs in rural Nebraska.

In addition to reliable highways, roads, bridges, and rail corridors, safe air travel is another priority for Nebraskans. Consumers, businesses, and working families in remote regions across the panhandle understand the importance of access to reliable airports. It’s no secret that many of our small airports, like Western Regional Airport in Scottsbluff, are struggling. For several years, we have seen air carriers reduce service and options to these airports and the communities they serve. Adding to their challenges is a new federal regulation, which threatens to deprive Western Regional Airport of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding.

Fortunately, the Senate is taking steps to right this wrong. Earlier this month, we passed legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The bill included several key measures I advocated to strengthen funding for Nebraska’s rural and community airports.

I coordinated closely with Congressman Adrian Smith on two critical rural airport funding provisions in the Senate FAA bill. One of these provisions was a bill I cosponsored called the Small Airports Relief Act. This legislation, which was included in the final version of the FAA bill, would create an exemption for airports facing reductions in annual enplanements like Scottsbluff, allowing them to continue receiving AIP funds. With the restoration of this funding, the airport can make future investments in infrastructure, safety, and efficiency that will benefit travelers and businesses for years to come.

The FAA bill also strengthened the Essential Air Service Program. This critical program provides incentives to air carriers who offer service to rural areas. Thanks to this funding, small airports in Alliance, Chadron, Grand Island, McCook, North Platte, and Scottsbluff are able to maintain their operations and continue attracting business to their facilities.

Nebraska’s small and rural communities bring enormous value to our economy, and you take great pride in your work. When I hear your opinions, ideas, and concerns, I am strengthened to fight for Nebraska’s values each and every day in the U.S. Senate. This is essential when it comes to addressing rural, multi-modal, transportation challenges in Nebraska.

I’m proud to bring the U.S. Senate to Scottsbluff this month. It’s important to ensure our government listens to you. By updating our transportation infrastructure, securing funding for small airports, highways, and railways, and strengthening safety, we can empower our local communities and bolster our economy in the process.



WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES TOUR IS JUNE 14-16 IN COLORADO

    The annual water and natural resources tour, hosted by the University of Nebraska's Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, will be in Colorado this summer.

    Participants in the June 14-16 tour will travel through Colorado's central Front Range area and into the interior of the Rocky Mountains. A stop in the Denver area will center on growing urban water demands stemming from rapidly expanding population, industry and recreation.

    Diverse topics in the Denver area include water quality and the Coors brewery, climate change, changes in water runoff patterns caused by recent pine wilt beetle infestations, the role of the Denver Water utility and other topics.

    The tour will examine many issues related to water and natural resources in the South Platte basin and Denver metro area.

    "Basin water use and development in Denver and the surrounding metropolitan area, including ongoing conversion of former agricultural water rights to urban and suburban use as the area continues to grow, are obviously huge considerations and will be closely examined on the tour from a number of angles," said Nebraska Water Center communicator Steve Ress, a tour co-organizer.

    In the high country of nearby Summit County, recreation and tourism drive the area's economy and water use, and those issues will be closely explored as tour participants get a look at research and restoration projects aimed at preserving abundant water supplies and a healthy environment.

    Tour participants will see the snow-making industry, spend part of an afternoon rafting Clear Creek and will be exposed to the history, ramifications and continuing environmental issues associated with the area's 19th century gold and silver mining industry that helped open much of Central Colorado to western settlement.

    Colorado's first state water plan, shared use of water under a Nebraska-Colorado compact and many other topics will also be examined.

    Registrations can be made through the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District in Holdrege. The tour departs from the Holiday Inn Express and Suites DIA Hotel in Denver at 7 a.m. June 14. Tour participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the event. All other food, lodging, motor coach expenses and fees are covered in the registration.

    In addition to the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and the Nebraska Water Center, tour sponsors include the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska, UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nebraska Public Power District, the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, Li-COR Biosciences and the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance.

    Registration is $665 per person single occupancy or $565 per person double occupancy. Space is limited and registration is first-come, first-served. To register, email hrahmann@cnppid.com or phone 308-995-3560.

    More information is available at http://watercenter.unl.edu, http://cnppid.com and http://facebook.com/NebraskaWaterCenter.





NORTHEY: 2016 IOWA LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey thanked legislators for providing $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, but highlighted the missed opportunity to identify a long-term funding source to support voluntary, science based water quality efforts in the state.  Northey also expressed disappointment the Legislature did not provide additional funding to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to support foreign animal disease response planning following the outbreak of avian influenza last year.

    “The Governor and the Iowa House both put forward bipartisan plans to provide significant, long-term funding to support water quality efforts on our farms and in our cities.  Unfortunately an agreement could not be reached with the Iowa Senate.  This is a lost opportunity to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the water quality efforts underway in the state and I hope legislators will move quickly next year on a water quality funding plan,” Northey said.

    The Legislature approved $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.  The legislation now goes to Governor Branstad and must be signed before going into effect.

    This included $4.4 million for water quality in the Agriculture and Natural Resources appropriation bill (HF 2454) and $5.2 million from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF budget, SF2324).

    The funds will allow the Department to continue to offer cost share statewide to farmers trying new water quality practices, continue work in targeted watersheds to achieve measurable water quality improvements, expand urban conservation efforts, and develop new programs to help engage all Iowans in improving water quality.

    The Department received level funding for other programs as well, including $6.75 million for conservation cost share and $1.92 million to finish a project closing seventeen agriculture drainage wells in the state to protect groundwater quality.

    The Legislature did not fund Department’s request for $500,000 to aid in preparing for and potentially responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).  The funds would have been used to increase the capacity of the animal industry bureau and provide resources to better equip and prepare for future responses.



Iowa Soybean Association applauds productive legislative session 

The just-adjourned legislative session didn’t yield a landmark water quality funding source, but the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) says the session advanced awareness and understanding of the need and complexity of the issue. ISA applauds the legislature for providing resources for important work in nutrient management and renewable energy.

While legislators were not willing to push forward a new and major spending initiative for water, they recognize the importance of the issue for Iowa and farmers, says ISA President Wayne Fredericks, who farms near Osage.

“Iowa farmers are committed to water quality and conservation efforts, and worked in conjunction with ISA to inform the legislature,” said Fredericks, who has been a long-time adopter of environmental stewardship practices on his Mitchell County farm. “While a significant and stable funding source wasn’t approved, we did open substantive conversations with many legislators about the issue. This dialogue will surely continue throughout the year and well into the start of next year’s legislative session.”

Legislators’ understanding of the importance of water quality was evidenced by several bills put forth including Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (iWill), the Governor’s plan coupling water quality funding with Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE), the House Republican plan utilizing a water excise tax and the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) and the Senate ending balance proposal. ISA supported long-term, sustainable funding for water quality from the beginning of the session and engaged in conversation on all the bills put forth.

Fredericks said the ISA will continue to lead, and be involved in, numerous activities showcasing practices proven to have a positive impact on nutrient management and water quality. These include field days held in watersheds throughout the state (monitor www.iasoybeans.com for the latest information). He also encouraged farmers to make time to visit with their legislators throughout the year and to accompany them to open houses where the practices are demonstrated.

“It’s about building awareness about what works on farms, and how we’re partnering with many organizations — urban and rural,” Fredericks said. “By doing this, we also showcase the investment needed to expand the footprint of these practices across more farms.”

ISA Policy Director Carol Balvanz also recognized legislators for funding the Integrated Farm and Livestock Management program. It includes $400,000 for research through ISA’s On-Farm Network®, a trusted source for helping farmers continuously improve their agronomic practices, which ultimately benefits all Iowans.

In addition, ISA commended the legislature for tax credits on biodiesel and renewable biochemicals, which will work to ensure the state’s economy continues to grow and thrive. ISA leaders also recognize the legislature’s continued support of water conservation practices and projects across the state in the form of funds allocated to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Center, Water Quality Initiatives, cost share and water monitoring programs.

“Farmers are committed to water quality and conservation efforts,” said Balvanz, who farms near Hubbard. “We engaged in a lot of discussions with the legislature to start progress toward a significant and stable funding source for water quality. We will continue to communicate with legislators over the interim to build a stronger case for significant and long-term funding for water quality.”



ISU Extension and Outreach Part of Iowa Source Water Ag Collaborative

Improving water quality is an emphasis of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To further the efforts being made in the area, ISU Extension and Outreach is one of the founding members of the Iowa Source Water Ag Collaborative.

The collaborative was formed in March and is dedicated to providing Iowans information and resources to protect their drinking water.

“The collaborative was launched as a result of several successful workshops held around the state regarding source water,” said Claire Lindahl, executive director of the Conservation Districts of Iowa and chair of the collaborative. “We saw the great potential of this partnership and wanted to continue to work together to provide Iowans information and resources to be better informed on protecting their drinking water.”

Source water is drinking water that comes from the ground or a stream, lake or river. The majority of Iowans get their drinking water from the ground, either from a privately owned or community well.

“Many practices that reduce the loss of nitrates to surface water also protect groundwater,” said Jamie Benning, ISU Extension and Outreach water quality program manager. “Implementing practices such as cover crops in a capture zone protects local drinking water sources and contributes to meeting the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.” http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/

Thecollaborative's recently unveiled website at http://www.iasourcewater.org/ has source water information and resources for private well users, communities, farmers, landowners and professionals that can be accessed.

Additionally, the collaborative has initiated the creation of Iowa’s first Source Water Protection Week which will provide an opportunity to celebrate the successes of ongoing partnerships in Iowa to protect water resources and promote additional opportunities for collaboration. Iowa’s Source Water Protection Week is May 1-8.

ISU Extension and Outreach is one of 14 entities to join the collaborative including the Agri-business Association of Iowa, Brinkman Ag Solutions, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, Heartland Co-op, Iowa Certified Crop Advisors, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Section of the American Water Works Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Services Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service.



USDA Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.99 million tons (166 million bushels) in March 2016, compared to 4.64 million tons (155 million bushels) in February 2016 and 4.81 million tons (160 million bushels) in January 2016. Crude oil produced was 1.94 billion pounds up 8 percent from February 2016 and up 4 percent from January 2016. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.40 billion pounds during March 2016 increased 8 percent from February 2016 and increased 14 percent from January 2016.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 150 thousand tons in March 2016, compared to 138 thousand tons in February 2016 and 148 thousand tons in January 2016. Canola crude oil produced was 123 million pounds up 8 percent from February 2016 but down 2 percent from January 2016. Canola once refined oil production at 123 million pounds during March 2016 was up 6 percent from February 2016 but down 1 percent from January 2016. Cottonseeds crushed for crude oil was 143 thousand tons in March 2016, compared to 126 thousand tons in February 2016 and 132 thousand tons in January 2016. Cottonseed crude oil produced was 45.3 million pounds, up 18 percent from February 2016 and up 9 percent from January 2016. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 52.8 million pounds during March 2016 was up 21 percent from February 2016 and up 16 percent from January 2016.

Edible tallow production was 62.6 million pounds during March 2016, down 19 percent from February 2016 and down 30 percent from January 2016. Inedible tallow production was 287 million pounds during March 2016, up 2 percent from February 2016 and up 4 percent from January 2016. Technical tallow production was 92.7 million pounds during March 2016, down 21 percent from February 2016 but up 2 percent from January 2016. Choice white grease production at 113 million pounds during March 2016 increased 1 percent from February 2016 and increased 1 percent from January 2016.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 484.1 million bushels in March 2016. Total corn consumption was up 3 percent from February 2016 but down 1 percent from March 2015. March 2016 usage included 90.9 percent for alcohol and 9.1 percent for other purposes. Corn for beverage alcohol totaled 2.97 million bushels, up 10 percent from February 2016 and up 21 percent from March 2015. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 431.0 million bushels, was up 2 percent from February 2016 but down 2 percent from March 2015. Corn consumed in March 2016 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.0 percent and 11.0 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.92 million tons during March 2016, up 7 percent from February 2016 and up 8 percent from March 2015. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.32 million tons in March 2016, up 6 percent from February 2016 but down 6 percent from March 2015.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 342.7 thousand tons during March 2016, up 10 percent from February 2016 and up 3 percent from March 2015. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 290.6 thousand tons in March 2016, up 5 percent from February 2016 but down 6 percent from March 2015.



BQA Certifies Another 2,000 Producers During Free Certification Campaign

This spring, nearly 2,000 producers from across the country became Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certified, thanks to the latest "free-certification" supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI). And, of those who signed up during the free certification window, 65 percent completed their certification, the highest percentage in the program’s six-year history. Through the sponsorship of the BQA certification program, BIVI provides financial support for the Beef Cattle Institute, which developed the certification module.

The checkoff-funded BQA program is important to the cattle industry as it provides producers a set of best practices for producing quality beef. It also gives consumers the assurance that the beef they eat is both safe and wholesome.

“I was taught at a young age that there is a right way and a wrong way to do business, no matter the task at hand. In any business there is a proven process for success. In the cattle industry, the benchmark is the BQA way,” says Janet Crow, beef producer from Missouri.

“I had been raising cattle on my own for about 15 years. The key to promotion and selling more beef is to educate the public on the facts of beef production. The public - especially the people in large cities and suburbs - need to know that beef producers are passionate about what goes on their plates. BQA and the beef checkoff dollars help promote the benefits of lean beef through many avenues and gives us the tools we need to be environmentally sustainable on the farm, raise a healthy quality beef product for consumers, and a better process to do business right on the farm,” Crow says.

The BQA certification modules are customized to fit the specific needs of each segment of the cattle industry – cow-calf, stocker, feedyard and dairy operations. The program covers best-management practices, such as proper handling and administration of vaccinations and other products; using low-stress cattle-handling principles; and eliminating injection-site blemishes. Although the free-certification period has passed, it’s never too late to demonstrate your commitment to quality and become BQA-certified through your state trainings or online at www.bqa.org.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for May 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for May 2016. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for May is 0.625 percent, unchanged from 0.625 percent in April.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during May is 1.625 percent, unchanged from 1.625 percent in April.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for May are as follows, 0.875 percent with three-year loan terms, 1.250 percent with five-year loan terms, 1.625 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.625 percent in April; 1.750 percent with 10-year loan terms, down from 1.875 percent in April and; 1.875 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 2.000 percent in April.



USDA Announces $6 Million in Available Funding for Antimicrobial Resistance Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $6 million to fund research to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This funding is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"Through our Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan, USDA is leading the way to better understand how antibiotic resistance develops, find alternatives to antibiotics, and educate people on practices that reduce the need for antibiotics," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The research projects funded through this announcement will help us succeed in our efforts to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and protect public health."

This funding announcement is one of many ways that USDA supports the Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria (CARB) National Action Plan and work of the Task Force for Combating Antibiotic Resistance, which USDA co-chairs. Specifically, this program priority promotes the development of sustainable and integrated food safety strategies that reduce public health risks along the entire food chain, from producer to consumer.



CWT Assists with 1.4 Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 7 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Tillamook County Creamery Association who have contracts to sell 1.232 million pounds (559 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese and 130,073 pounds (59 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, Central America and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from May through July 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 18.340 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 7.716 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 20.333 million pounds of whole milk powder to sixteen countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 491.327 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 all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.