Monday June 13 Ag News + Crop Progress Report

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending June 12, 2016, hot, dry, and windy conditions dried soils and allowed most of the remaining acres to be planted, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall was limited to what fell on Sunday in central and western areas. Amounts varied, but totals were less than an inch in most areas. Temperatures averaged six to eight degrees above normal. Field activities included herbicide application and haying. Wheat was coloring in southern areas. Livestock in confined areas were stressed as temperatures reached the upper 90’s. There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 23 short, 70 adequate, and 5 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 12 short, 82 adequate, and 6 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 18 fair, 67 good, and 12 excellent. Corn emerged was 99 percent, near 95 last year and the five-year average of 97.

Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 15 fair, 81 good, and 4 excellent. Sorghum planted was 98 percent, well ahead of 74 last year, and ahead of 90 average. Emerged was 71 percent, well ahead of 43 last year, and ahead of 60 average.

Soybeans condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 19 fair, 69 good, and 10 excellent. Soybeans planted was 97 percent, ahead of 89 last year, and near 96 average. Emerged was 84 percent, ahead of 73 last year, and near 86 average.

Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 9 poor, 25 fair, 52 good, and 12 excellent. Winter wheat headed was 89 percent, near 92 last year and 87 average. Coloring was 37 percent, ahead of 25 last year and 26 average.

Oats condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 20 fair, 71 good, and 8 excellent. Oats jointed was 88 percent, near 87 last year. Headed was 61 percent, ahead of 50 both last year and average.

Alfalfa condition rated 2 percent very poor, 3 poor, 10 fair, 70 good, and 15 excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was 81 percent, well ahead of 50 last year and 61 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 13 fair, 71 good, and 15 excellent.  Stock water supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 92 adequate, and 5 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Sunny and hot temperatures spurred growth and fieldwork progress during the week ending June 12, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork, the second highest number of days suitable so far this year. Activities for the week included cutting and baling hay, spraying herbicides and side-dressing corn with nitrogen. Due to the spotty nature of recent rains, many parts of the State would welcome rain, while other areas have adequate moisture.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 12 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 7 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus.

Virtually all of Iowa’s corn crop has emerged. Eighty percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition.

Soybean planting reached 98 percent complete, 2 weeks ahead of last year and 13 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence reached 91 percent, 10 days ahead of both last year and the average. Soybean condition rated 81 percent good to excellent this week.

Oats headed reached 60 percent this week, 5 days ahead of last year and 6 days ahead of normal. Oat condition rated 82 percent good to excellent.

Warmer and drier weather allowed Iowa farmers to complete over one-quarter of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa during the week to reach 86 percent complete. Hay condition rated 81 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition rated 79 percent good to excellent. There were scattered reports of stress on livestock due to the heat and humidity.



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

The reporting week began with seasonal temperatures and dry weather on Monday (6th). Tuesday was also dry and was the coolest day with daytime highs mostly in the seventies. Wednesday morning started out unseasonably cool but much warmer and more humid air began pushing into western Iowa by afternoon. Thunderstorms covered much of the northeast one-third of Iowa between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning although only a few locations picked up more than one-half inch of rain. Hot and humid weather prevailed over most of Iowa from Thursday through Sunday. The exception was far northeast Iowa on Thursday and Sunday where daytime highs were only in the seventies. Friday was the hottest day in most areas with all of Iowa seeing temperatures climb into the nineties. Thunderstorms provided some relief from the heat between Friday evening and Saturday morning across parts of northwest, north central, central and south central Iowa. A few of these storms brought large hail and high winds to portions of northwest Iowa, particularly in Dickinson County. Locally heavy rain also fell with these early weekend storms, especially from the Charles City area to Cedar Falls and then southwestward toward Marshalltown and Indianola. Waverly reported the most rain for the week with 4.61 inches while much of west central, southwest and far southeast Iowa was dry. The statewide average rainfall was 0.53 inches while normal for the week is 1.19 inches. Temperature extremes ranged from Wednesday morning lows of 43 degrees at Belle Plaine, Elkader and Grinnell to Friday afternoon highs of 99 degrees at Estherville and Little Sioux. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged from 2 to 4 degrees above normal across far eastern Iowa to 8 to 10 degrees above normal over the far west. The statewide average temperature was 5.5 degrees above normal.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Corn emergence neared 100% and soybean planting hit 92% during the week ended June 12, according to the USDA Crop Progress report released Monday.  Corn is 96% emerged nationwide, compared to 90% last week, 95% last year and a five-year average of 94%. Corn condition stayed steady at 75% good to excellent.

Soybeans were 92% planted, compared to 83% last week, 85% last year and an 87% average. Soybean emergence is estimated at 79%, compared to 65% last week, 72% last year and a 72% five-year average. Soybean conditions improved to 74% good to excellent, compared to 72% last week.

Winter wheat is 96% headed and 11% harvested, compared to 91% and 2% last week, 95% and 9% last year and 89% and 18% on average. Winter wheat condition decreased slightly to 61% good to excellent, compared to 62% last week.

Spring wheat condition held steady at 79% good to excellent.

Cotton is 89% planted, compared to 75% last week, 88% last year and an 83% average. Cotton squaring is at 13%, compared to 7% last week, 11% last year and a 13% average. Cotton condition improved to 53% good to excellent, compared to 47% last week. Rice is 99% emerged, compared to 94% last week, 99% last year and a 96% average. Rice condition improved slightly to 68% good to excellent from 67% last week.

Sorghum is 76% planted compared to 58% last week, 67% last year and a 75% average. Sorghum is 14% headed, compared to 9% last year and a 16% average. Sorghum condition was rated for the first time this growing season at 73% good to excellent.

Oats are 52% headed, compared to 38% last week, 47% last year and a 46% average. Oats condition decreased slightly to 70% good to excellent, compared to 71% last week.

Barley is 95% emerged, compared to 93% last week, 100% last year, and 89% on average. Barley condition held steady at 78% good to excellent.



Informa Boosts Bean Acres

U.S. farmers will plant 83.8 million soybean acres in 2016, according to projections made Monday by private forecaster Informa Economics. The figure is 755,000 acres higher than the firm's May forecast, and 1.5 million acres above the latest government forecast.

Corn area in 2016 likely will total 92.6 million acres, which is 810,000 acres below Informa's prior forecast but still more than 5% more than the 88 million planted in 2015.

"Weather conditions generally have been favorable for planting in most crop-production areas this spring," Informa said in Monday's report. The firm said the largest increases in soybean area were found in Louisiana and the Dakotas.

Informa expects U.S. wheat acres to total 50.2 million in 2016, a decline of 4.5 million acres from last year. The firm pegged spring wheat seedings, other than durum, at 11.9 million acres, which would be 10% below last year. Durum area is forecast at two million acres.

Rice acreage likely will total 3 million acres, which is the same as Informa's previous forecast and 391,000 acres more than last year. Cotton area is pegged at 9.5 million acres in 2016, which if realized would be close to a one million higher than last year.

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Beef Tour Connects Influencers with Nebraska’s Beef Community

The Nebraska Beef Council hosted its annual Beef Experience Tour on June 7th and 8th for a group of 24 influencers from across the country. The tour attendees included chefs, foodservice professionals, dietitians and culinary instructors from states such as New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Maryland, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The educational tour is offered to help attendees better understand the beef production process and how the various segments of the beef community work together to raise quality beef products.

“We have the unique opportunity to showcase the entire beef production system right here in Nebraska,” said Adam Wegner, Director of Marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “We know that transparency is important and we want to show these influencers how beef is raised from start to finish.”

The tour began with a visit to Cargill Meat Solutions in Schuyler. The group witnessed the harvest process and carcass breakdown resulting in boxed beef ready for shipment. The group went on to Columbus for lunch and a panel discussion with local veterinarians to learn about animal care, the Beef Quality Assurance program and the practices used today to treat sick cattle. From there the attendees experienced the Nebraska Sandhills at Wagonhammer Ranch near Bartlett and Glaser Farms, an organic grass-finished beef operation near Spalding.

“I was truly impressed by the systematic care and attention to detail that was used throughout the beef production process, from the tending of grass and cattle to the safety and clean production processes used throughout the harvesting phase,” said Jill Castle, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant from Connecticut.  “It was easy to see that hard work, pride, and conscientiousness were top priorities among the farmers, ranchers and processing professionals involved in the beef industry.”

The second day included a stop at J&S Feedlot near Howells where the attendees were able to see a large scale feeding operation and learn about the various feed sources used to raise high quality beef. The group concluded their visit at Brune Farms outside of Dodge where they learned about crop production and the importance of grain to area cattle feeders.

“Every farm has a beautiful story to tell including the relationships we have with one another,” said Joan Ruskamp, owner of J&S Feedlot along with her husband, Steve. “When the consumer has the chance to hear that story directly from us, we are able to build a relationship based on trust not fear.”

The Nebraska Beef Council has hosted farm and ranch tours for over a decade. With almost four times more cattle than people, Nebraska produces over seven billion pounds of red meat each year – the most of any state in the country.

According to Wegner, the attendees for the tour were specifically chosen because of their ability to share their experience with others.

“We can’t take every person out on a farm tour, but we can share the beef community’s story with folks who are in contact with consumers every day,” Wegner said. “The more informed people are about food production; the better consumers they will be.”



BIOTECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SYMPOSIUM

BioNebraska Executive Director Phil Kozera and Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) Executive Director Joe Hrdlicka announced today the two organizations are collaborating on an animal health symposium scheduled for Wednesday, July 20th in Omaha that will focus on the biotech industry’s role in mitigating animal health emergencies.

Kozera and Hrdlicka said they are pleased to have commitments from the nation’s foremost research and regulatory experts to lead the discussion on past and future emergency outbreaks. The symposium is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20th at the Sorrell Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Drs. Byron Rippke (of the Center for Veterinary Biologics with the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture), Keith Hamilton (of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine) and David Suarez (of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory with the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture) are among the list of leading animal health experts addressing critical topics to livestock producers and animal health professionals in government, academia and industry. 

Those interested in attending this event may register by clicking this link: www.iowabio.org/animalhealth.

Recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AIV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) have had serious consequences in the Heartland region, impacting animal health, human health, animal producers, the encompassing agriculture industry, and the overall economy both domestic and abroad, Kozera and Hrdlicka said. They indicated the impact of these recent outbreaks inspired the symposium.

“These were not the first diseases emerging in the region, and will certainly not be the last, Hrdlicka said. “In our discussion with industry and regulatory experts, we believe that it’s critical to open the dialogue to minimize impact from future events.” Kozera said our regions’ leadership in animal production dictates a need for an ongoing dialogue on practices designed to quickly respond to outbreaks. “We have seen first-hand the significant dangers these diseases pose for the economies of Midwest states like Nebraska and Iowa,” he said. “It is critical that animal health professionals, producers, academia and government leaders collaborate in an effort to minimize future threats.”

Dr. Marcus Kehrli (of the National Animal Disease Center with the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture) will moderate the symposium. “I’m pleased to work with these organizations on this event,” he said. “More discussion and collaboration is needed to prepare for these emergencies and this forum provides that platform.”



Nebraska FSA Reminds Producers of July 15 Deadline; Acres Must Be Reported for Program Compliance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Nebraska State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminds farmers and ranchers of the July 15 deadline to file crop certification reports with county FSA offices.

To comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, producers must file an accurate crop certification report for all spring-seeded crops by July 15, 2016. Acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) also must be certified with FSA by this date.

“Once producers have completed spring planting, it is important for them to certify their acres with our county offices by the deadline in order to retain eligibility for important farm safety net benefits,” said Steinkruger.

The deadline to report fall-seeded and perennial forage crops for the 2016 crop year was Nov. 15, 2015. However, if these crops were not reported timely with FSA last fall, they can still be reported if late-filing requirements are met.

According to Steinkruger, there are some exceptions to the above acreage reporting dates, so producers should check with their county FSA office.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

Through a new USDA process called the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI), farmers and ranchers now can file their crop acreage reports with either FSA or participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA). The common reporting information then will be electronically shared between the two agencies.

Producers must still visit both FSA and their crop insurance representative to validate and sign acreage reports and complete maps.

“ACRSI saves time for the producer and the county FSA staff by avoiding redundant and duplicative reporting and reduces the chance for data entry errors,” said Steinkruger.

Continuing efforts to increase efficiencies for both the producer and county office staff, FSA also has instituted a continuous acreage certification process for CRP and specific perennial forage crops. This continuous certification process allows for a producer to report and certify acreage once to FSA, and in subsequent years that acreage will be considered fully certified, eliminating the requirement for producers to annually submit the acreage report to FSA for these crops.

Producers should note the continuous certification is only available for the following crops: CRP, all grass types, certain mixed forages and perennial forages. All other crops will still require annual certification, so producers are encouraged to inquire with their local FSA office for details.

CRP acres reported and certified for the 2016 crop year will automatically be considered certified for subsequent years until the CRP contract expires or is terminated.

“Continuous certification for eligible perennial forage crops is optional and may be elected by producers at any time once an acreage report for the perennial forage crop is certified,” said Steinkruger.

Once elected into continuous certification, the acreage will be considered timely certified in all future years unless a change occurs within the FSA records. Changes that would result in a termination of the continuous certification include change to producers on the farm or a change to the crop or acreage enrolled in continuous certification.



CONTROLLING SUMMER GRASSES IN ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Wet soils in alfalfa fields right after cutting will certainly do one thing.  It will help weedy grasses like foxtail and crabgrass grow.

               So, how do you reduce the amount of foxtail and other weedy grasses in your hay?  Well, the best way is to start with thick and thrifty alfalfa stands that will compete aggressively with invading grasses.  Thick initial stands and good soil fertility are needed.  In addition, harvest alfalfa only after it begins to bloom or when new shoots appear at the base of the plants.  Then alfalfa should regrow rapidly so grasses don't get much time to become a problem.

               Unfortunately, this method often is easier said than done.  It also may sacrifice some forage quality since harvest occurs after bloom begins.  So this method may not solve all your problems.

               Herbicides are another option.  Roundup works great, but only for Roundup Ready varieties.  In conventional alfalfa, two post-emerge herbicides that control annual grasses well are Select Max and Poast Plus.  These herbicides work well on seedling grasses that are less than 4 inches tall, and alfalfa tolerates both herbicides very well.  If you see these grass seedlings after you cut your alfalfa, apply the herbicides soon after harvest and before alfalfa regrowth forms a canopy.  None of these herbicides have any soil residual activity, so good plant coverage of the weedy grasses is necessary for control and you may need to repeat the spraying after the next harvest if new weeds emerge.

               If weedy grasses are a problem in your hay, thick and vigorous alfalfa stands and some well-chosen herbicides can help you get it under control. 



Retail Value Steer Challenge Winners and Scholarship Recipients Recognized

The annual Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge (RVSC) winners and Scholarship recipients and were honored at the NC Foundation lunch on June 9 during the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Midyear Meeting in Broken Bow.

The RVSC is the primary fundraiser for NC Foundation with money raised supporting youth & adult educational programs, scholarships, research & infrastructure projects, history preservation and judging teams at colleges in Nebraska.

Three winners of each of the three categories were awarded for their steer's performance in the 17th annual Retail Value Steer Challenge. First place in the Average Daily Gain category was awarded to the steer owned by Nebraska Corn Board of Lincoln. Second place went to Dinklage Feed Yard, Inc. of Sidney and third place was awarded to South Central Cattlemen. Flying H Genetics of Arapahoe owned the steer that won the Carcass Value category with Ostrand Angus of Mason City receiving second with their steer. A steer owned by Ray Bennett of Cedar Rapids, John Kennedy of Primrose and Kurt Kruse of Albion received the third place honors. First place in the Total Value Category was a steer owned by Beshaler Ag Inc. of Arnold and Blowers Farms-Dyna Gro Seeds of Gothenburg. Second place went to the steer owned by Saunders County Cattlemen and third place went to Lloyd Waller Feedlot, Inc. of Holdrege.

The NC Foundation would like to recognize the support of Darr Feedlot, Cozad, for administration and feeding of the steers that were entered into this year's challenge. In addition, the Foundation appreciates the following sponsors for their support of the Retail Value Steer Challenge:Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Bill's Volume Sales, Inc., Elanco Animal Health and Zinpro Performance Minerals.

In addition to the RVSC awards, NC Foundation also recognized 34 youth scholarship winners for 2015. "Thanks to the generosity of donors and the great participation in the Retail Value Steer Challenge, the Foundation awarded $42,500 in scholarships this year." said Jeff Heldt, NC Foundation President. 

Established in 1968, the NC Foundation mission is to advance the future of Nebraska's Beef industry by investing in research and education programs. As the NC Foundation grows, expands and moves forward in its mission to raise funds for educational and scientific activities that benefit the state's beef producers - the board asks you to consider investing in your industry through the Foundation.         

To donate or for more information concerning the NC Foundation, contact Lee Weide, Nebraska Cattlemen Vice President of Operations at 402.475.2333 or Jana Jensen, NC Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at 308.588.6299.



Ricketts Joins Commodity Groups to Tout the Benefits of Biofuels

Renewable fuels have a long history in Nebraska but it’s still necessary, and important, to remind Nebraskans of the benefits of biofuels. Since May marks the unofficial start of the summer driving season, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts declared May 2016 Renewable Fuels Month to encourage Nebraskans to use biofuels to help the state’s economy and environment.

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) joined the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) for Renewable Fuels Month events in Lincoln and Omaha that offered discounts on ethanol and biodiesel. Shoemaker’s Shell Truck Stop in Lincoln sold an estimated 2,000 gallons of B20 (20 percent blend) biodiesel and 1,500 gallons of E85 (85 percent blend) fuel during the three-hour event.

Gov. Ricketts joined the NSB, NCB and NEB at Sapp Brothers Travel Center in Omaha where they sold more than 900 gallons of E85 and nearly 5,000 gallons of B20. While at the event, Ricketts addressed the importance of biofuels to Nebraska.

“With renewable fuels, we’re not only adding value to the crops we grow, but also expanding America’s domestic fuel supply while creating quality jobs all across our state,” Gov. Ricketts said. “Renewable fuels have a positive influence on our economic landscape in Nebraska. By filling up with biofuels, you support Nebraska’s farm families and generate as much as $3 million in tax revenue for our rural communities.”

Biodiesel and ethanol are proven to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, another benefit for Nebraska.

"When it comes to air quality, renewable biofuels such as American Ethanol and biodiesel burn cleaner and help make our air healthier,” Governor Ricketts noted. “Nebraska-produced biofuels are cost-effective, American-made, renewable and better for our environment.”

Soybean oil is the primary feedstock for biodiesel in the United States. According to the United Soybean Board, research funded by the soy checkoff has proven biodiesel to be a cleaner burning fuel that meets performance standards for diesel engines without any modification. Biodiesel emissions are more than 80-percent lower than petroleum diesel emissions.

For more information about biodiesel and a map of retail locations in Nebraska, visit BiodieselNE.com.



Poultry Contract Informational Meetings Announced

In response to the proposed construction of a Costco-owned chicken processing plant in Nebraska, two national experts on poultry contracts and the poultry industry will make presentations and answer questions from participants at four upcoming area informational meetings scheduled for June 20-21-22-23.

Mike Weaver, a long time poultry contract grower and cattle producer from Fort Seybert, W. Va., serves as President of the Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias.  He is also on the OCM (Organization for Competitive Markets) Board of Directors.  Mike’s years of experience as a grower make him an expert in identifying contract problem areas to be improved or avoided.

Lynn Hayes, Senior Attorney and Program Director of the Farmers Legal Action Group, Inc., has many years of experience working with poultry producers and the issues they experience with their contracts.  She is a nationally known and respected expert on poultry contracts.

All four meetings are free and open to the public, and will serve food.  Please RSVP to (402) 936-4870.

The four meeting time and locations are:
12:00 to 2:00 PM Monday, June 20th at Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point
12:00 to 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 21st at Columbus Library, 2504 14th St., Columbus
7:00 to 9:00 PM Wednesday, June 22nd at Saunders County Historical Society, 240 N. Walnut St., Wahoo
7:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday, June 23rd Arlington Multipurpose Senior Center, 305 N. 3rd St., Arlington

The series of meetings are being co-sponsored and financed by a combination of national, state, and local organizations: OCM (Organization for Competitive Markets), Farm Aid, Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation, Nebraska Communities United, and GC Resolve.

“The time to fully understand the binding provisions of the proposed contracts is before you sign, not after you commit for 15 years,” said Mike Callicrate, OCM President.  “We hope farmers take advantage of the expertise these national experts will be sharing.”

“Through our farmer hotline, Farm Aid knows first-hand the disastrous consequences of abusive poultry contracts. The poultry industry has worked to the benefit of poultry integrators, at the expense of producers, workers and communities,” said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar.  “Unless farmers have more power in the relationship with integrators and unless they have fair contracts that establish and protect their rights, the sad result will be more farms lost. Nebraska farmers and Costco have an opportunity to lead the way to much needed improvements in the contract poultry industry. The relationship between integrators and farmers is in desperate need of balance.”

“The problems with poultry contracts are well known and longstanding. Farmers Union, OCM and others successfully got USDA GIPSA poultry contract reforms included in the 2008 Farm Bill.  The reforms designed to address abusive and unfair market practices including poultry processor retaliation against poultry producers in 2008 are yet to be implemented by USDA.  Tragically, poultry processors continue to flex their political muscle in Congress to get riders attached in Appropriations Committees preventing USDA funding from implementing the law of the land. That is a disgrace,” said Nebraska Farmers Union President and OCM Vice President John Hansen.  “The industry standard is mighty low and one-sided.”

“We thank Farm Aid, Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation, and OCM for their financial support, and all the organizations that have been willing to partner with us to make this set of outstanding meetings possible.  We hope farmers attend and benefit from these meetings,” said Randy Ruppert, a local leader with Nebraska Communities United.     



Register Now for Iowa Swine Day: June 17 Deadline for Discounted Rates 

On June 30th, Iowa State University, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and the Iowa Pork Producers Association will celebrate the 5th anniversary of Iowa Swine Day.  The industry-focused event offers a high quality program designed specifically for the pork industry: registration has doubled since the program began. Attendees include owner-operators, sow and growout supervisors, managers from production companies, representatives from the feed, genetics, equipment and pharmaceutical sectors, and students and researchers. Held at the Scheman Building in Ames, the event features nationally recognized speakers addressing topics of urgent interest.

Morning plenary sessions tackle broad ripped-from-the-headlines issues such as antibiotic resistance, ground water quality, industry sustainability and future economic prospects. Afternoon concurrent sessions address practical issues with take-home messages about restrictions on the use of antibiotics in feed, new genetic technologies that may change our industry, and a producer’s experience with the adoption of group housing of sows. One concurrent session will provide updates on research at Iowa State University, including manure handling, producing full-value pork as well as full-value pigs and using fat in the diet effectively and economically. Speakers include:

Sandra Vijn, Director of Food Sustainability of the World Wildlife Fund in Washington, D.C., will address the issue of how to feed people while conserving natural resources as the earth gets hotter, hungrier, and more crowded.

Michael Agerley, a DVM from SwineVet in Haderslev, Denmark, will discuss the ways in which the reduction of antimicrobial use in Denmark has affected his clients’ farms and their productivity.  He will share the approaches he has used on large scale farms to maintain productivity when fewer antibiotics are used in the feed.

Dr. Cameron Schmitt of Pipestone System, Independence, Iowa, and Wayne Cast of Nutriquest, Mason City, Iowa, will provide both a veterinarian’s and a nutritionist’s view of getting pigs off to a solid start at weaning when respiratory disease is an issue.

Dr. Noel Williams, Chief Operation Officer of Iowa Select Farms in Iowa Falls, Iowa, will discuss the ins and outs of open pen gestation with drop feeding, including design implementation and management practices.

Immediately after the program ends, a bar will open and a barbecue sponsored by TechMix and AB Vista will feature grillman Darren Warth of Smokey D’s of Des Moines, currently ranked in the top 10 of competitive BBQers in the U.S.

Iowa Swine Day 2016 will be held from 9:00 am until 4:35 pm on Thursday, June 30 in the Scheman building on the Iowa State University campus.  Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.  Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, which is $60 until June 14, and then increases to $80.  Students of all ages can register at no cost until the 17th.  To register and view the full program, visit our website at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday/registration.html.



Center of the Nation Sheep Sale Is July 23 in Spencer

Farmers will have an opportunity to purchase seedstock through the National Sheep Improvement Program at the 2016 Center of the Nation NSIP Sale on July 23 at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Iowa. Sale catalogs for the sheep, which includes estimated breeding values (EBVs) will be available through Conover’s Auction Services after June 25. Over 100 rams and 25 ewes will be available at the sale.

This year’s sale will include pen groups of rams. Groups of 3-5 rams will be offered for sale with buyers having the opportunity to buy their choice of animal or the whole pen. This portion of the sale is being implemented to offer groups of rams to large commercial operations.

Another new feature of the sale in 2016 will be the offering of select proven rams that NSIP consignors have successfully used in their own flocks. These elite rams are ranked in the top five percent of the breed for various traits measured within NSIP. This sale provides an opportunity for new members of NSIP to connect genetically to other flocks to improve the value of their efforts in breeding more productive seedstock.

Educational seminars will be conducted in the morning of July 23, before the sale. Details on the seminars will be listed in the catalog. The sale will also be broadcast online through the Conover Auction Service website at https://www.conoveronlinesales.com/ . Commercial transportation from Iowa to Idaho will be available from Farnsworth Livestock. Cntact Doug directly (208-520-5065) to make arrangements.

For more information contact Dan Morrical, professor of animal science and extension sheep specialist at Iowa State University, at 515-294-2904 or morrical@iastate.edu. Additional information on NSIP can be received through Rusty Burgett, NSIP program director, at rustyburgett@gmail.com.



Choice Select Spread Hits Record
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife

The Choice-Select spread hit a record high weekly average of $23.81 per cwt.  The week included a record high day on June 8th of $24.55.  This record reflects the cutout values for 600-900 pound carcasses and the data begins in January 1999.  Choice-Select spreads exceeded $20 per cwt at this time of the year in both 2004 and 2006.  Prior to 1999 cutout values were reported for light and heavy Choice and Select carcasses with weight breakdowns of 550-700 pound and 700-850 pound.  From 1999 through 2004 the weights were reported for 600-750 pound and 750-900 pound carcasses.  The carcass cutout weights reflect changes in dressed weights over time.

The strength of the Choice-Select spread is due largely to demand side issues.  There appears to be more buying for retail sales of Choice beef cuts rather than Select.  More grocery stores and restaurants are stocking Choice beef.  There is a supply effect at work too.  The percent of beef grading Choice in April hit a record high (for April) of 73.4 percent.  In May, the weekly percent grading Choice has fallen to, or below, year ago levels.  Total supplies of beef, both Choice and Select, are higher than a year ago, but the percent grading Choice has not increased.

Feed prices, corn and soybean meal, have surged over the last few weeks.  Cash corn prices at Omaha are up $0.52 per bushel since the first week of May.  Soybean meal prices are up a whopping $77 per ton, or over 20 percent, over the same time period.  Worries about poor weather causing a smaller crop in South America kicked off the run.  The last two weeks have brought concerns about rain shortfalls and hot weather in the Midwest.  "Weather markets" are fairly common in the summer as heat and rainfall concerns get incorporated in markets.  USDA also revised upward their expectations for U.S. corn and soybean exports.  Higher feed costs should pressure feeder cattle prices lower, as will seasonally lower fed cattle prices this summer.



Farmers Urged to Contact EPA on Atrazine

The National Corn Growers Association this week urged farmers to submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, following publication of the Agency's draft Ecological Risk Assessment for atrazine, an herbicide used for weed control in growing corn and other crops. If it stands, EPA's recommendation would effectively ban the use of atrazine in most farming areas in the U.S.

"Atrazine is a safe and effect crop management tool. If EPA succeeds in taking away this option, it will be sending farming practices back decades - and hurt the environment in the process," said Maryland farmer Chip Bowling, President of NCGA. "As a farmer and a conservationist, I can't let this go unanswered. That's why I'm urging farmers to contact the EPA and make their voices heard."

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide proven to combat the spread of resistant weeds, while also reducing soil erosion and improving wildlife habitats. When farmers have access to atrazine, they do not have to do as much tilling, or turning up of the soil - a practice that erodes soil and leads to water and nutrient loss. Studies suggest farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $59 per acre.

As part of the assessment, EPA recommends reducing the aquatic life level of concern (LOC) from 10 parts per billion (ppb) on a 60-day average, to 3.4 ppb. Scientific evidence points to a safe aquatic life LOC at 25 ppb or greater.

Visit www.ncga.com/atz to submit your comments to the EPA. The deadline to submit comments is August 5. For more information on atrazine, visit agsense.org.



Small Tractor Sales Up in May, Combines Down

The Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report" shows that the sale of all tractors in the U.S. for Mayl 2016, were up 6% compared to the same month last year. For the five months in 2016, a total of 86,741 tractors were sold which compares to 82,781 sold thru May 2015 representing a 5% increase year to date, reports Agri Marketing magazine.

For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 9% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were ip 1%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 4%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 26%.

For the five months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 16% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 2%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 24%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 31%.

Combine sales were down 40% for the month. Sales of combines for the first five months totaled 1,408, a decrease of 29% over the same period in 2015.



Dow and DuPont Shareholders to Vote on Merger

DuPont and Dow Chemical said that they will hold separate shareholder meetings next month to vote on their merger.

Both meetings will be held on July 20. DuPont's meeting will take place at its Wilmington, Del., headquarters, and Dow Chemical's meeting will be at its Midland, Mich., offices.

The two agriculture and chemical companies announced their plan to merge in December. After the merger, the companies plan to split the combined company into three separate publicly traded companies focused on agriculture, material science and specialty products.

DuPont and Dow Chemical Co. still expect the deal to close in the second half of this year. The split into three separate companies is expected to happen within two years after the merger.



Instinct® Nitrogen Stabilizer Wins U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Dow AgroSciences a Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for the company’s achievement in nitrogen stabilization. Dow AgroSciences is the only agriculture company to receive the award this year.

The award program promotes environmental and economic benefits of developing and using novel green chemistry. Dow AgroSciences was recognized for Instinct® nitrogen stabilizer. Instinct and the active ingredient, nitrapyrin, were developed to help growers maximize yield potential by reducing the loss of nitrates into the environment.

“Dow AgroSciences is focused on the importance of environmental stewardship and fertilizer efficiency,” says Jason Moulin, nitrogen stabilizers portfolio marketing leader, Dow AgroSciences. “Using a nitrification inhibitor like Instinct keeps more nitrogen available in the root zone of crops, which reduces the escape of nitrates into groundwater and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.”

Studies with nitrapyrin show soil nitrogen retention increased by 28 percent and nitrogen leaching decreased by almost 16 percent. Instinct and N-Serve® nitrogen stabilizer also have been proven to provide an average 6-bushel-per-acre increase compared with untreated acres by keeping more nitrogen available for crops to use.

“Growers rely on our technology to have a positive impact on not only the environment but on their ROI at the end of the year,” Moulin says. “We are proud and excited to be recognized with this award and look forward to continuing to provide growers with tools that support environmentally beneficial farming practices.”

Instinct and N-Serve are the only nitrogen stabilizers on the market approved for registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dow AgroSciences has previously won four U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for agricultural technology.

“Instinct is designed to make nitrogen fertilizers work more effectively for farmers and the environment,” says Tim Hassinger, president and CEO, Dow AgroSciences. “We build sustainability into our product development process and this national recognition speaks to our focus and commitment to advance products that address pressing challenges in an environmentally sustainable way.”

Instinct® nitrogen stabilizer can be used with UAN, urea and manure to stabilize applied nitrogen. In fewer than five years, acres treated with stabilized nitrogen have grown more than fivefold. In 2014 alone, based on calculated adoption in the United States, it is estimated that Instinct reduced carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by about 664,000 metric tons.