Monday June 18 Ag News

Scouting and Treatment of First Generation European Corn Borer
Robert Wright - NE Extension Entomologist

While European corn borer numbers have greatly decreased regionally since the introduction of the first Bt corns active against caterpillars, local populations may still cause damage on untraited corn. There are significant acres of untraited corn grown in Nebraska, e.g. popcorn, white corn and growers planting Bt corn hybrids without above-ground Bt traits in an attempt to minimize seed costs.  There still is a need to scout for European corn borers in these situations.

UNL light traps at Concord, Clay Center and North Platte have been catching European corn borer moths the last few weeks, and whorl feeding by newly hatched European corn borers may be present in some fields. 

Nebraska Extension offers several resources to aid in scouting and making treatment decisions for first generation European corn borer on corn.
-    UNL Light Trap Data is available for Concord, Clay Center and North Platte. This information can help you monitor moth activity in your area, but should not be used to make treatment decisions for an individual field.
-     First Generation European Corn Borer Scouting and Treatment Decisions (NebGuide G1782) which includes a management worksheet to help determine whether control is warranted.
-    First Generation European Corn Borer Spreadsheet (EC3018) This spreadsheet is designed to be used in the field on mobile devices. This spreadsheet is designed to assist with making a management decision for first generation European corn borer in non-Bt corn.
-    For treatment options, rates and restrictions see the 2016 Insecticides for Field Crops section in the Nebraska Extension 2016 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska and the product label.



Weed Management and Cover Crop Field Day at SCAL 
Amit Jhala - NE Extension Weed Management Specialist

View demonstrations of new technologies and herbicides for weed control in corn, soybeans, and sorghum and effects of cover crops on soil health and pest management at the June 27 Weed Management and Cover Crops Field Day. It will be held at the South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center.

The day begins with registration and rolls at 8 a.m., followed by weed management tours from 8:30 a.m. – noon, and cover crop demonstrations from 1 to 3 p.m. A free lunch will be served.

In addition to the field demonstrations, Jim Specht, University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor emeritus, will presented on “Optimizing Soybean Planting Date, Seeding Rate, and Seeding Depth in Nebraska.”

Tour 1 (8:30 – 10 a.m.):  On-Site Demonstration of New Technology/ Herbicides for Weed Control in Soybean
    Comparison of Herbicide Programs for Weed Control in Soybean: Unbiased comparison of several herbicide pro­grams of different companies for weed control in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and Liberty Link soybeans. New herbicides and multiple herbicide-resistant soybean cultivars will be discussed.
    What NOT to Do? Considering several herbicide-resistant soybean traits, it is important to know which cultivar you have planted and spray herbicide accordingly. Demonstration plots will be shown to determine if you applied the wrong herbicide.
    Soybean Yield and Critical Time for Weed Removal as Influenced by Soil-applied Herbicide: Soybean must be kept weed free early in the season to avoid yield loss due to weed competition. This research project is examining the effects of removing weeds at different soybean growth stages. Soybean yield will be measured for each.
    Weed Control and Crop Safety in MGI Soybean: Understand mul­tiple herbicide-resistant soybean and herbicide programs for weed control and crop safety.

Tour 2 (10:15 a.m. – noon):  On-Site Demonstration of Herbicides for Weed Control in Corn
    Comparison of Herbicide Programs for Weed Control in Corn: Unbiased comparison of several herbicide programs by different companies for weed control in glyphosate plus glufosinate-resistant corn. Several new herbicides in corn will be discussed.
    Response of White and Yellow Popcorn Hybrids to Glyphosate, Enlist DUO, or XtendiMax: Nebraska is the number one producer of popcorn in the USA. With commercialization of Xtend soybean and Enlist corn, off-target movement of dicamba, glyphosate, and 2,4-D may injure popcorn. Response of white and yellow popcorn to these herbicides will be demonstrated.
    Control of Roundup Ready/LibertyLink Volunteer Corn in Enlist Corn: Volunteer corn is an important weed in corn-soybean cropping systems and in continuous corn, it can be even more of a challenge. This project demonstrates control of volunteer corn in Enlist corn.
    Weed Control and Crop Response in INZEN Sorghum: INZEN sor­ghum is resistant to the ALS-inhibiting herbicide nicosulfuron (Zest). Herbicide programs will be discussed for weed control in INZEN sorghum.

Tour 3 (1-3 p.m.):  On-Site Demonstration of Cover Crops
    Travel to Location 1 (1 - 1:15 p.m.)
    An Overview of the Effects of Cover Crops on weed suppression, pests (particularly wheat stem maggot) and beneficial insects. (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)
    Travel to Location 2 (2:00 - 2:15 p.m.)
    Cover Crop Effects on Soil Health, including changes in soil microbial communities and soil physical properties with a focus on cover crop root biomass. (2:15 - 3:00 p.m.) 

Registration and Information
Preregister for the field day at https://agronomy.unl.edu/fieldday. CCA credits will be available. For more information contact: Amit Jhala, Extension weeds specialist, at amit.jhala@unl.edu or 402-472-1534 or Roger Elmore at roger.elmore@unl.edu or 402-472-1451.

The South Central Ag Lab is 4.5 miles west of the intersection of Hwy 14 south (to Clay Center) and Hwy 6 or 12.4 miles east of Hastings on Hwy 6. GPS coordinates: 40.57539, -98.13776.



Business & Farm Leaders Seek Relief from Limits on Nebraska Biofuels

In letters to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, over 100 business and farm leaders across seven Midwest states called on regulators to lift restrictions on the sale of ethanol, a crop-based biofuel that drives Nebraska agricultural revenues and rural manufacturing. Signers from Nebraska included Alan Tiemann of Seward, Dinkle’s of Norfolk, Midwest Labs of Omaha and 20 others.

“New markets for American-made biofuels promise to rejuvenate growth, but long-standing policies designed to promote cleaner, more cost-effective options at the fuel pump have been under siege by special interests in Washington,” wrote 73 business groups and Midwest employers. “We ask that you stand firm against these attacks and use every tool available to prevent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt from adopting regulatory schemes that would further undercut demand for biofuels and their energy-rich farm feedstocks.”

The business leaders noted an urgent need to reverse a five-year dive in farm income that threatens to stall the rural economy “well beyond farm communities.” They also called on Perdue to act swiftly on the President’s pledge to lift outdated restrictions against the summer-time sales of E15, a motor fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. The message was mirrored by farm leaders in their own letter to Secretary Perdue.

“For far too long, the EPA has failed to update regulations on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), which hold E15 to tougher standards than traditional gasoline during the summer,” wrote 37 Midwest agricultural groups and farmers, who harvest the renewable energy for nearly every gallon of U.S. ethanol. “There’s no reason for the restriction, which prohibits many retailers from offering cleaner, more-affordable options to their customers. Lifting these needless restrictions would provide a vital outlet for America’s 3.9 billion bushels of surplus grain, boost rural growth, and promote American energy dominance.”

The letters were offered in a show of support for an ongoing campaign organized by Growth Energy, America’s leading trade association of biofuel producers and supporters. Under Growth Energy’s leadership, rural advocates from across the country have urged policymakers in Washington to unleash America’s vast renewable resources to lower fuel prices, strengthen U.S. energy security, protect the climate, and put an end to a farm crisis that threatens to send an entire generation of farmers out of business. A similar call to action was issued earlier this month by 55 public officials from Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

“Starting June 1, outdated federal regulations cut off millions of drivers from a lower-cost fuel that supports farmers and rural manufacturing,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “President Trump promised Midwest lawmakers that he would fast-track a fix, and Secretary Perdue is working with the EPA on a solution, but time is running out. Farmers cannot afford to be locked out of the market for another driving season, especially when we could be holding down quickly-rising gas prices .”

Intended to reduce evaporative emissions, the current RVP guidelines were drafted before E15 hit the market, resulting in outdated restrictions that hold E15 to higher standards than less eco-friendly options offered all year long. Those limits now threaten growth opportunities for farm crops amid the sharpest agricultural downturn since the 1980s.

“Ethanol is really about enhancing the value of corn, as I sell #2 corn as a commodity and then buy distillers grain as a feed for my cow herd, and then you add in the cleaner air that ethanol provides, it is such a win-win for Nebraskans”, stated LaVon Heidemann of Elk Creek another signer on the letter.



Register Now for the 12th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference

Iowa Women in Agriculture invites has announced its 12th annual conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny Aug. 2. This year’s theme is Connections, Challenges and Celebrations.

The 2018 Conference will deliver a full menu of decision-making ingredients for today’s volatile economic climate: the current outlook for ag trade agreements, marketing strategies for low commodity prices, financial risk management tactics, income and estate-tax tips, and the latest on the new farm bill.

The keynote speakers will highlight the unique challenges of women’s roles, offer opportunities to laugh and learn, and to celebrate agriculture.

The one-day conference runs from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Mary Kay Thatcher, former American Farm Bureau senior director of Congressional relations and current senior lead of Federal Government Relations for Syngenta, will keynote the conference with the latest highlights on the 2018 farm bill. Thatcher also will share her experiences as an ag leader, and encourage women to pursue active roles in agricultural associations and agribusinesses.

Keri Jacobs, Iowa State University ag economist and cooperatives specialist, will offer her insights on producer cooperatives in an era of ag competition and consolidation.

Angie Treptow, regional vice-president, Farm Credit Services of America, will wrap up the morning sessions with a deep dive into lender expectations for 2019.

Luncheon keynoter Delaney Howell, the first woman to host Iowa Public TV’s Market to Market, will share her personal experiences as well as the observations she’s gleaned from meeting farmers and reporting on the markets during her first year on the job.

The afternoon’s choice of breakout sessions and presenters features:

    The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: 10 Key Changes that May Impact You: Kristine Tidgren, director, Iowa Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University.
    
    Cultivating Your Culture: Sally Hollis, accounting and human resources manager and family member of Lanehaven Farms, Inc., Waterloo.
    
    Turn Off the Noise: Making Smart Market Decisions in Today’s Noisy World: Angie Setzer, Algona; Vice-President of Grain, Citizens LLC; and Market to Market commentator.

The conference will conclude with capstone speaker Rebecca Long Chaney, Nebraska author and ag advocate, who will inspire attendees with her message: Dare to Risk Life’s Change.

Participants also will have a unique pre-conference opportunity to attend a farm/ag business tour on Wednesday, Aug. 1, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program. The motor coach tour begins and ends in Ankeny, with stops at Louis Dreyfus Ethanol Plant in Grand Junction and the ISU 450 Farm in Ames.

A welcome and networking reception will be held on Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Geisler Farms, four miles east of Ankeny.

Malinda and Darrell Geisler will share the story of their third-generation grain farm and their journey of building an agrotourism business, Growing Family Fun, as well as tips for becoming a wedding and reception event destination.

Registration for the conference is $50 until July 23, and $70 after that date. Registration includes the pre-conference tour, evening welcome reception, continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Register online, or from 7:15-8 a.m. on the day of the conference. No registration refunds will be possible.

Early bird registration is required for those attending the pre-conference tour. For questions, contact Madeline Schultz at 515-294-0588.

The premier sponsor of the 2018 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America.

Additional key sponsors include: Syngenta, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Corteva Agriscience, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Pork Producer Association, and NEW Coop.

For more conference information, contact IWIA president Cheryl Tevis at 515-353-4425 or visit www.iowawomeninag.org for a full conference agenda and registration details.



World Pork Expo Wraps Up 30 Years; Sets Sights On Future

In search of new ideas and solutions, not just for today but for tomorrow, too, more than 20,000 producers, employees and pork professionals attended the 2018 World Pork Expo, June 6-8. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council, Expo also welcomed nearly 1,000 international guests from 35 countries to Des Moines.

Marking its 30th year, the 2018 Expo presented a record number of trade-show exhibitors, hospitality tents, educational seminars and live hogs in the Junior National show. The Iowa State Fairgrounds provided the perfect backdrop for a festive summer evening during MusicFest, giving visitors the opportunity to share fun and fellowship. A long-time highlight, the Big Grill — staffed by Iowa’s Tama County Pork Producers Association — served up more than 10,000 free pork lunches over the event’s three days.

“It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “Just as the U.S. pork industry has evolved over the years, so too has Expo. Today it is an excellent venue to visit with a number of pork professionals and share insights in a short period of time. I hope there are many more Expos to come.”

More exhibits, more innovations
Topping the list of priorities for Expo attendees was the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, and this year’s offering set a record. The addition of the Jacobson Exhibition Center and an expanded outdoor exhibit space pushed the trade show beyond 360,000 square feet. A mix of first-time and long-time exhibitors from more than 500 U.S. and international companies displayed the latest products, services and technologies for pork production.

A record 60 hospitality tents provided pork producers and their employees an opportunity to meet with allied industry representatives in a relaxed setting.

Trade show exhibitors were pleased not just with the number, but the quality of Expo’s attendees. “They are very business oriented, very professional,” says Kevin Hermesch, strategic account manager, Provimi North America. “It used to be that one person did it all within a pork production system. Today, you have experts within a specific production area, and they have different needs and expectations.”

Expo provides an opportunity to meet multiple people within a production company, from managers to finance specialists, over a couple of days, Hermesch points out. A 30-year Expo exhibitor, Provimi provides nutritional services to pork producers.

He reports that, despite some market uncertainty lingering in the background, producer attitudes remained positive. “They tend to focus on what’s in their control and where they need to go in the future,” Hermesch adds. “That means looking for ways to get better, be more efficient and improve the bottom line.”

Rick Knauer, national technical sales manager with SKOV, echoes that sentiment. “The customers and atmosphere of Expo have been great,” he says. “Producers are looking for solutions, new technologies and what they need for the future.”

A Danish company, SKOV provides energy-efficient climate control solutions and weighing options for pork production systems; 2018 marked its second year exhibiting at Expo. With a presence in 87 countries, Knauer particularly likes Expo’s link to international visitors.

Another plus is the training and education opportunities that Expo provides. SKOV sponsored a business seminar on barn climate solutions. “We’re excited to come back next year,” Knauer says. His message for producers who don’t attend Expo: “You’re missing out. There are more than enough companies here to find what you need for your business.”

Barn-busting Junior National Show
The vibrant World Pork Expo Junior National continued its steady growth, with nearly 1,200 youth, representing 32 states. That compares to 1,050 exhibitors from 32 states in 2017. Also breaking records were the number of live hogs exhibited — 2,800 head — an increase of 300 hogs from 2017’s record. To accommodate the ever-expanding show, the events began on Monday, June 4, and ran through the end of the week. Hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred, the Junior National combines educational activities such as a Skillathon and Youth PQA Plus® certification, with swine judging, live-hog competitions and showmanship.

On Friday, June 8, the open show featured more than 760 crossbred and purebred boars and gilts. Junior exhibitors were eligible to join other swine breeders for the competition and the opportunity to be selected for the breeding stock sale on Saturday morning, June 9. Results for the open shows and sales for National Swine Registry breeds can be found online.

Education, networking and entertainment
Pork producers are known for their continuous quest for information and ideas, which made the many educational and business seminars an Expo bonus. This year, pork producers and their employees could select from 20 free seminars. In addition to educational presentations, the sessions provided an opportunity for open dialogue and interaction with the presenters.

Presented by allied industry, the business seminar topics ranged from consumer trends to production-data analysis to maximizing vaccination and disease programs to environmental solutions inside and outside the hog barn and more. PORK Academy seminars, presented by Pork Checkoff, addressed such topics as sow longevity and productivity, antibiotic resistance and responsible use, and domestic and international pork marketing strategies. There also was an update on the industry’s Secure Pork Supply Plan, which is designed to address pork producers’ needs in the event that the United States faces a market-limiting foreign animal disease. Market outlook and weather presentations rounded out the educational events and provided information that producers can use for long-term strategic planning.

Each year, World Pork Expo offers pork producers and others a place to meet and visit with a wide range of people who share a common interest — to produce the world’s best pork products,” Heimerl says. “There is always something to learn and insights to share.”

World Pork Expo will move into its 31st year in 2019. So, mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2019 World Pork Expo, June 5-7, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.



U.S. SOY RESPONDS TO TARIFF ANNOUNCEMENT

In response to the announcement regarding U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, the American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the United Soybean Board (USB) release the following statements.

“Nobody is a winner today,” says ASA Vice President Davie Stephens, a Kentucky soybean grower. “In the midst of a down farm economy and down farm prices, this uncertainty has led to a drop of market prices. Adding additional export market uncertainty through an expected 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans into China ensures that soy growers and the rural communities that depend on them will see the effects of this for years to come. As the largest importer of U.S. soybeans, China is a vital and robust market we cannot afford to lose.”

“We know our U.S. farmers are great at producing soybeans and so do our customers, globally consumers are demanding soy products in record volume,” says USSEC Chair Derek Haigwood, a soybean farmer from Newport, Arkansas. “USSEC is actively working to minimize the impact of this action on U.S. farmers and the U.S. soy industry by ensuring customers around the world understand the value that U.S. Soy provides.”

“The soy checkoff continues to focus on market diversification for U.S. soybeans to improve profit potential for all U.S. soybean farmers,” says USB Chair Lewis Bainbridge, a soybean farmer from Ethan, South Dakota. “In times like these we need to keep current and potential soy users informed about the benefits of U.S. soy.” 

The U.S. Soybean Export Council connects U.S. soybean farmers with opportunities to improve human nutrition, livestock production and aquaculture. This mission is accomplished with a science-based technical foundation and a global network of partnerships including soybean farmers, exporters, agribusiness and agricultural organizations, researchers and government agencies. USSEC operates internationally and works with aquaculture programs in different nations to help ensure sustainability and profitability for industry producers. USSEC programs are partially funded by the United Soybean Board.



CWT Assists with 1.5 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture contracts to sell 1.345 million pounds (610 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 137,789 pounds (63 metric tons) to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from June through December 2018.

CWT-assisted member cooperative 2018 export sales total 36.606 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 11.174 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 10.183 million pounds of whole milk powder to 25 countries on five continents. These sales are the equivalent of 663.624 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Totals have been adjusted for cancellations.

This activity reflects CWT management beginning the process of implementing the strategic plan reviewed by the CWT Committee in March. The changes will enhance the effectiveness of the program and facilitate member export opportunities.

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 affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



NGFA supports bill that would relieve ag truckers from electronic logging device mandate

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is urging Congress to enact a bill that would relieve trucks involved in hauling agricultural products from the U.S. Department of Transportation's costly electronic logging device (ELD) mandate.

Reps. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., introduced the Agricultural Business Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018, which would completely exempt agricultural businesses from the ELD mandate. The mandate requires commercial drivers who prepare hours-of-service records to connect an electronic logging device to a vehicle's engine to record driving hours. The bill would provide truck drivers hauling agricultural products the option to use paper logs or electronic logging devices to comply with the hours-of-service regulations.

"This legislation would eliminate costly and impractical regulations for agricultural shippers reliant upon truck transportation," said NGFA Director of Economics and Government Relations Max Fisher. "The NGFA believes the ELD rule is unnecessary for this segment of the trucking industry, and will provide no new safety, economic, or productivity benefits. If farmers and agricultural shippers are not relieved from the ELD rule, its implementation will add to freight costs and make U.S. agricultural products less competitive in the highly competitive global market in which it operates."

The current exemption for drivers hauling agricultural commodities expires June 18. Livestock and insect haulers have an extended exemption - through Sept. 30, 2018 - that was included in the spending package signed into law earlier this year. However, drivers hauling non-livestock agricultural commodities are required to begin using an ELD by June 19.

NGFA urged U.S. DOT to delay implantation and ultimately revoke the ELD rule for agricultural truckers in a statement submitted to the agency on Dec. 1. In its statement, NGFA noted how vitally important truck transportation is to the movement of grain, feed and feed ingredients, transporting approximately 20 million truckloads from field-to-storage and often at least one more time before arriving at the destination.

U.S. DOT estimates the average ELD cost per truck at $785 per year. Unneeded regulatory costs such as this add up and increase transportation costs, NGFA noted, and place additional burdens on an industry already struggling with driver shortages and other regulatory challenges.



Unapproved GM Wheat Found in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the discovery of unapproved genetically modified wheat plants containing a trait developed by Monsanto in southern Alberta.

The isolated patch of wheat plants were found growing on an access road to an oil platform last summer, the agency said in a briefing on Thursday. The plants were reported by a custom applicator after they survived an application of glyphosate, reports RealAgriculture.com.

Seven plants were taken for testing and the rest of the patch was destroyed. The Alberta government informed the CFIA about the suspicious plants in late January.

Testing conducted since then shows the wheat contains a GM trait or "event" that was field tested by Monsanto (MON71200), but the plants do not match any Canadian registered wheat variety. The nearest trials for the trait, which Monsanto says it tested from 1998 to 2000, were located hundreds of miles from where it was found, said the agency.

"The GM wheat has a genetic background that does not match any currently registered wheat in Canada. It has a fingerprint that is distinct from any registered wheat. CFIA is continuing our work to identify the specific class of this wheat, but this work is ongoing," said a CFIA scientist during the briefing.

The agency said it is confident it is an isolated case, and that none of the GM wheat entered the grain handling system or the seed system. The CFIA also emphasized that there is no food or animal health risk.

The CFIA has begun monitoring the location, and will continue to do so for the next three years, verifying that all GM wheat that may germinate is destroyed.