Wednesday June 13 Ag News

STOCKPILE EXTRA SUMMER GROWTH FOR WINTER PASTURE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Abundant rain produces abundant grass.  If this describes your grasslands, let’s find the best way to take advantage of this blessing.

               When you get abundant rain and warm, sunny weather, your pastures may produce more growth than needed for your current summer stocking rates.  Options to use the extra growth are needed.

               Sometimes we cut and bale extra growth as hay.  This is a good plan if you need the hay.  Other times we simply let cattle graze what they want and leave the excess in the field, rebuilding surface litter.

               How about another option?  Try stockpiling, or saving some extra pasture growth for grazing during the winter.

               There are lots of advantages to winter grazing.  For starters, less hay needs to be fed next winter.  Thus, you won’t need to make as much hay this summer.  And stockpiling in summer and fall followed by winter grazing is one of the best methods to improve the health of your grasslands, especially native range.

               If you have some run down, poor condition, low producing pastures, these often are the best candidates for winter grazing.  Grasses that need invigorating will be strengthened if you avoid grazing them during the growing season.  Later, your winter grazing will clean off much of the frozen growth during winter.  Cattle may even eat some plants like yucca and ragweed during winter that they won't hardly touch during summer.  Sure, you'll need some protein supplements, but cattle do a pretty good job of picking high quality plant parts to eat while winter grazing.

               Extra growth is an opportunity to both reduce winter feed costs and improve pasture condition.  Get it by stockpiling extra summer growth for winter grazing.

CONTROLLING BLUEGRASS IN IRRIGATED ALFALFA
               Bluegrass is a common weed in irrigated alfalfa.  Fortunately, there are several ways to control this pesky plant.

               Irrigation can really boast alfalfa yields.  But weeds like bluegrass often invade, which lowers quality and shortens stand life.  Bluegrass competes so well because it likes moisture and it has many basal leaves that help it grow rapidly after alfalfa is cut.

               Effective control requires thick alfalfa stands, good water management, and sometimes, herbicides.  It is essential to start with thick stands, both to compete with the bluegrass and to have good yield potential after control is achieved.

               The key to slowing down bluegrass invasion is irrigation water management.  Irrigation must be timed so the top several inches of soil are dry at harvest — and they need to remain dry until alfalfa regrowth is several inches tall.  Bluegrass grows slowly in dry soil, but alfalfa roots will use subsoil moisture for regrowth if your previous irrigation stored a supply down below.  Once your alfalfa gets a little bit of growth, it will compete well with the bluegrass.

               If thick stands and water management are adequate, then herbicides like Select Max or Roundup might be cost effective to weaken or kill bluegrass.  Apply any one of these immediately after harvest.  Be especially careful using Roundup, though, if your alfalfa isn’t RoundupReady.  It should be used only if no new growth has developed from your alfalfa.  Otherwise, plants could be killed.  Of these herbicides, Select Max may work the best and is safe for your alfalfa.

               Bluegrass is a problem in many irrigated alfalfa fields, but it does not need to be.  You can control it.



Agricultural Education Students Receive Scholarships

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded nine scholarships to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education Teaching Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

“Each of these nine students have demonstrated a passion for agriculture and excitement to continue to grow the agricultural education and FFA programs in Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are happy to support scholarships that align with our vison of developing strong agricultural leaders to ensure a bright future for agriculture in Nebraska,” she continued.

Each recipient will receive a $1,500 scholarship during his or her student teaching semester at the University. Applicants shared why they wanted to be an agricultural education teacher, professional goals for the future, and what the scholarship would mean to them.

“UNL more than doubled the amount of new agricultural education teachers this year compared to the average graduating classes of the past decade!” said Matt Kriefels, Nebraska Department of Education agricultural education staff. “We are thankful that the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation supports these future teachers and ensures a strong foundation for the future of agriculture.”

The nine recipients of the scholarships are:
  - Rachelle Allen, York County
  - Eleanor Aufdenkamp, Lincoln County
  - Alex Cumming, Platte County
  - Lynn Hanson, Saunders County
  - KateLynn Ness, Dodge County
  - Haley Rogers, Dawson County
  - Trevor Spath, Cass County
  - Emilye Vales, Saline County
  - Haley Zabel, Lancaster County

Scholarships recipients were honored at the Nebraska Career Education (NCE) Conference in Kearney, June 6. Four of the nine honorees were in attendance and recognized at the Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association banquet. In attendance were Alex Cumming, Lynn Hanson, Trevor Spath, and Haley Zabel.

At the conference, the Foundation announced a call for applications for the Nebraska Agricultural Education Teacher Retention Program. Current teachers who have existing student loans and are in their first through fifth year of teaching are invited to apply. Applications can be found at www.nefbfoundation.org and are due August 15.



Bipartisan Farm Bill Clears Senate Agriculture Committee With Senator Fischer’s Support

Today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry passed the 2018 Farm Bill. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the committee and the chairman of the Livestock Subcommittee, voted in favor of advancing the bill. The bipartisan bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

“Today I represented Nebraska on the Senate Agriculture Committee as we crafted important legislation for our state, the Senate farm bill.

“This bill continues a strong farm safety net that includes crop insurance, my number one priority going into this process. Additionally, the bill recognizes the importance of our trade promotion programs, and builds upon efforts to enhance agricultural productivity by expanding broadband access in rural America.

“I was also pleased to sponsor several amendments, which were adopted unanimously in the manager’s package, to reward ag producers using efficient water irrigation conservation technology, support precision agriculture, and provide relief for agriculture haulers.

“Overall, I am confident this is a strong, bipartisan bill that would give Nebraska farmers and ranchers the tools and certainty needed to provide food, fuel and fiber to the world.”

The following amendments sponsored by Senator Fischer were included in the Senate Farm Bill committee print:

Rewarding Producers Using Efficient Water Irrigation Conservation Technology
Senator Fischer’s amendment would direct the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to recognize as a best management practice, the use of remote telemetry data systems for irrigation scheduling. Such systems combine the use cloud-based field, weather, crop and soil data, which ensures that the precise amount of water, and no more, is applied to crops, saving water and energy and increasing yields.

Expanding the Definition of Livestock for Hours of Service Requirements
Senator Fischer’s amendment would expand the definition of livestock to include llamas, alpacas, live fish, and crawfish. With the expanded definition, these products would receive the exemption for agriculture haulers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours of service requirements.

The Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act
The Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act amendment, cosponsored by Senator Fischer, would create a task force at the FCC charged with identifying breaks in high-speed internet connectivity across America’s farm and ranch land. Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the task force would promote the rapid expansion of high-speed broadband, with the goal of achieving service to 95 percent of agricultural lands by 2025. 



Senate Committee Vote a "Positive Step" for 2018 Farm Bill

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera today issued the following statement in response to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee’s vote to advance the 2018 Farm Bill:

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is pleased to see the positive step of moving the Senate bill out of committee successfully. This brings us closer to providing producers with the certainty they need to focus on their operations and feed the world. While areas of improvement remain, the Senate bill does include some important provisions that address the priorities of America’s cattlemen and women. We look forward to working with Congress during the next stages of the legislative process, and ultimately passing a new Farm Bill before the September 30, 2018 deadline.”

Today the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee held a mark-up of the Senate version of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Committee voted to advance the bill on a 20-1 vote.



Senate Agriculture Committee Approves Farm Bill That Enhances Dairy Safety Net

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today commended the leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee for crafting a bipartisan Farm Bill that contains beneficial provisions for America’s dairy farmers. Following today’s passage by a margin of 20-1, the bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The Senate Farm Bill contains enhancements to the dairy Margin Protection Program sought by NMPF, including improved coverage levels and greater program flexibility. The measure raises the maximum covered margin to $9/cwt. and adjusts the minimum percentage of milk that can be insured. It also includes an important agreement reached between NMPF and the International Dairy Foods Association on price risk management.

NMPF applauded Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for their leadership in finalizing the measure before the current Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30. Sen. Stabenow helped secure $100 million in additional funding for the dairy title budget baseline.

“The leadership of Senators Roberts and Stabenow has led to the creation of a bipartisan Farm Bill that has important provisions for dairy farmers during this prolonged period of low milk prices,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “With the House also set to move on its version of the Farm Bill later this month, we are hoping a final measure will pass Congress by this fall.”

The Senate bill also contains conservation provisions that will help producers access technical and financial assistance to carry out conservation practices on operations. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) added a helpful amendment to the bill to give dairy farmers greater flexibility in meeting their goals under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Under the trade title, the Farm Bill re-authorizes the trade promotion programs that are critical to dairy farmers and their cooperatives. Mulhern said NMPF also appreciates the successful efforts of Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) to include provisions in the bill that promote the consumption of fluid milk.



Center for Rural Affairs: farm bill passed by Senate Agriculture Committee is a mixed bag

Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed its version of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bill. In response, Center for Rural Affairs Senior Policy Associate Anna Johnson applauds the Senate for its bipartisan work, but says there still are issues to address.

“There are several encouraging proposals in this bill that we will work to support toward final passage,” Johnson said. “For example, the bill strengthens the coordination between conservation and crop insurance, improves sodsaver provisions, and would create greater incentives for cover crops.”

“The bill also takes a historic step by creating a pathway to permanency for several programs essential for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers,” she continued. “Additionally, the restoration of the position of Undersecretary for Rural Development would bring rural development back on equal footing with the rest of the agencies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).”

Johnson said the bill falls short on bringing greater fairness to government agriculture programs.

“We were extremely disappointed that Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was not allowed to bring forward a proposal to address abuse of farm programs,” she said. “We will work with Sen. Grassley as the bill moves to the floor. We call on the Senate to close loopholes that allow excessively high payments of taxpayer dollars to go to a small number of large and wealthy operations.”

In addition, Johnson said she is troubled by the committee’s vote to increase the size of loans available from the USDA.

“Raising loan limits without providing additional funding for loans will deplete available funds more quickly,” she said. “If USDA has another funding shortfall for loans, many farmers and ranchers may struggle to access credit as a result of today’s decision.”

“Additional structural reform proposals to cap crop insurance premium subsidies were unfortunately also absent in the bill,” Johnson continued.

Furthermore, Johnson expressed concern that the bill cuts funding from working lands conservation programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. These programs allow farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices on their land while maintaining production.

Finally, the bill fails to renew funding for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, "undercutting the work of rural entrepreneurs." The program allows rural entrepreneurs to access loan capital to start businesses, strengthen their communities, and realize their dreams. Johnson said restoring funding for this program is critical.

The bill passed by the committee today will next be debated on the Senate floor. The current farm bill expires Sept 30.

“We look forward to supporting the several improvements in this bill while vigorously pushing on its harmful measures as the bill moves to the floor,” Johnson said.



NAWG Comments on Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Markup

Today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture marked-up its version of the 2018 Farm Bill. In response, NAWG President Jimmie Musick made the following statement:

“NAWG commends the Senate Agriculture Committee for working together to move the Farm Bill forward and out of Committee. It’s vital for the bill to be reauthorized before the September 30th deadline, so that farmers can have access to these beneficial programs.

“NAWG is pleased that the Committee accepted language to allow trade promotion dollars from Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) to be used in Cuba. Cuba is a growing market for U.S. wheat growers and these programs help strengthen this partnership. 

“NAWG also supports the Senate Ag passing language to strengthen the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA)’s loan programs. FSA loan programs help growers access financing at a time when they are experiencing extreme low prices and high input costs. The Committee also accepted several amendments addressing wetlands compliance which provide more flexibility for growers.

“As the Bill moves to the Senate floor, NAWG will continue to make maintaining a strong crop insurance program a top priority. Wheat growers want a well-rounded Farm Bill with a strong safety net program that allows for producer choice between revenue-based (Agriculture Risk Coverage) and price-based (Price Loss Coverage) coverage.

“Additionally, NAWG supports provisions that provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt conservation practices into their operations. We also appreciate the Committee’s commitment to a strong research title and support the bill’s reauthorization of the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and other important research programs which will help wheat growers continue to produce the highest quality crop.”



NFU Statement on Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill Passage

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee today advanced its version of the 2018 Farm Bill by a vote of 20-1. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell signaled he intends to bring the bill up for a vote on the floor prior to the Senate’s July 4 recess.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the committee’s work:

“Today’s farm bill markup in the Senate Agriculture committee embodied the bipartisan, cooperative spirit that federal agriculture policymaking has traditionally enjoyed. We commend Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for their hard work and leadership to advance a farm bill this year.

“We’re encouraged by a number of amendments that were approved today that will strengthen the bill. Refunding dairy Margin Protection Program premium payments made between 2015-2017, restoring funding for bio-based programs, and removing separate payment limits for organic producers in EQIP, will all help struggling producers.

“Family farmers and ranchers need the certainty and support of a strong Farm Bill this year, especially given the dramatic drop in net farm income in the years since the 2014 Farm Bill was passed and signed into law, and given the ongoing trade disruptions. Farmers Union encourages the Senate to continue the bipartisan work witnessed today and pass a farm bill that shores up the safety nets for farmers and consumers, promotes farm and ranch sustainability, and ensures fair and diverse markets for family farmers. We look forward to additional improvements as the bill progresses through the Senate.”



Soy Growers Following Progress of Senate Farm Bill

The American Soybean Association (ASA) today congratulated the Senate Agriculture Committee on passage of the proposed Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and is calling for its swift passage by the full Senate.

“Soy growers and farmers across the country are in need of certainty during this time of low crop prices and volatile conditions affecting export markets,” said ASA Vice President and Kentucky soybean farmer Davie Stephens. “The Senate Committee’s action today takes us one step closer to completing the farm bill this year, providing much needed stability across the countryside.”

With the Senate farm bill now through Committee on a 20-1 vote, ASA looks forward to working with the full Senate on this bipartisan effort to bring certainty and stability to growers before the current farm bill expires at the end of September.



Farm Bureau: Farmers Buoyed by Senate Farm Bill Vote
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Farmers and ranchers welcome today’s markup and passage of the farm bill by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Low commodity prices, rising interest rates and an uncertain future for exports hang heavy over America’s farm and ranch land. But today’s vote means light on the horizon. We know that Congress is determined to see us continue to provide food security, fuel and fiber for all Americans.

“We applaud the spirit of cooperation shown in today’s 20-1 vote, and are eager to see that carry through on the floor of the Senate in the coming days. The American Farm Bureau Federation thanks Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for bringing this important legislation forward. Farmers and ranchers are counting on our lawmakers to come together and pass the farm bill soon, followed quickly by the President’s signature.”



Put Northwest Iowa Corn Silage Clinic on the Calendar for Aug. 28

Northwest Iowa beef and dairy producers depend on quality corn silage to build profitable rations. To help them accomplish this, the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team are hosting the Northwest Iowa Corn Silage Clinic on Aug. 28 at the Northwest Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm near Sutherland. ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist Fred Hall and beef specialist Beth Doran, both from northwest Iowa, are organizing the program.

“The Northwest Iowa Corn Silage Clinic will feature top experts from the upper Midwest," Hall said. "They'll present the most current information on topics that affect corn silage, earlage quality and economics."

The program will begin promptly at 9 a.m. with presentations, break at noon for lunch and adjourn by 3:30 p.m. All experts will be available to answer questions.

Topics and speakers are:
-        Agronomic practices impacting corn silage digestion - Fred Owens, DuPont Pioneer feedlot nutrition specialist.
-        Silage and kernel processing equipment - Aaron Ostrander, John Deere silage specialist.
-        Silage additives and inoculants - Scott Dennis, DuPont Pioneer ruminant microbiologist.
-        Evaluating corn silage and earlage: What’s typical - Dan Loy, ISU Iowa Beef Center director.
-        Quality corn silage going in and coming out - Hugo Ramirez, ISU state dairy specialist.
-        Pricing corn silage - William Edwards, ISU ag economist emeritus.

In addition, there will be two concurrent sessions - one by Owens featuring feeding corn products to the beef animal and the other with Ramirez focused on feeding corn products to the dairy cow.

Producers will be able to walk through corn silage variety plots and talk with seed company technicians.

“There also is a trade show, which will allow producers to compare equipment and products used in putting up quality silage,” Doran said.

Registration is $25 per person and payment can be made at time of preregistration or at the door. Preregistration is required by Aug. 22 for an accurate meal count. Call the Sioux County Extension office at 712-737-4230 to preregister. For more information, contact either Doran or Hall at the Sioux County office at 712-737-4230.



Extension Offers Resources for Times When Extreme Weather Strikes

The forecast for this weekend is for temperatures to approach 100 degrees, and with added humidity it will feel like 100+ degrees. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef veterinarian Grant Dewell has these reminders for cattle producers:
-    For feedlot cattle, hot temperature for two or three days plus warm nights mean increased risk for heat stress. With a chance for rain on Thursday, humidity will increase, making it difficult for heavy cattle to maintain thermo-neutral body temperature.
-    Avoid working cattle this weekend, expect feed intake to drop and consider bumping the forage up.
-    Mitigation strategies such as shade and sprinklers should be available.

There is more information available in the publication Heat Stress in Beef Cattle, available for free download from the Extension Store. The Iowa Beef Center posts relevant publications and notices on the website www.iowabeefcenter.org/.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach provides resources on the Disaster Recovery website www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterrecovery/ for heat and other severe weather events, as well as flooding and drought. ISU Extension and Outreach offers educational resources to reduce the personal impact of natural disasters, working in partnership with the local, state and federal agencies addressing the disaster.



Farm Animal Care Coalition Urges Safe Transport of Livestock

Des Moines metro commuters recently found themselves in a traffic jam as authorities attempted to direct traffic and safely corral pigs after a semi transporting the animals tipped over in the southbound lane of I-35 near the east Mixmaster. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident.

This past March, another semi hauling pigs tipped over as it attempted to exit onto Northeast 14th St. from I-80. Due to cases like these, the experts at Iowa Farm Animal Care (IFAC), a network of professionals, veterinarians, animal behavior scientists and farmers committed to farm animal care, are working with transportation authorities to encourage semi-truck and livestock haulers to use caution to prevent such situations from reoccurring on Iowa roads this summer, which is a peak time for transporting market-ready livestock from Iowa farms.

"With the number of livestock being transported on highways every day, accidents are inevitable, especially given the high profile of a livestock trailer which leaves little room for correction if necessary. When a truck approaches a curve, animals can shift enough to create momentum for the truck to roll," said IFAC Executive Director Mike Telford. "Truck rollovers result in public safety issues and loss of livestock and equipment. It's a problem that can affect everyone on the road, so it's important to use extra caution when traveling through highway mix masters and on and off ramps."

Driver fatigue, recent weather patterns in Iowa, which have included high winds and rain-slicked roads, as well as impairments in the roads, can add to the risk of trailer rollovers. Telford recommends those who transport livestock be well-rested, watch their speed, observe road elevation changes and plan ahead for possible livestock 'shifting' long before they approach major interchanges.

"At IFAC, we know Iowa has a lot of pride in our state's agriculture, and making sure farm animals are treated well is part of that," said Telford. "That's why from the moment livestock arrive to a farm to the time they are taken away to market, we're doing all we can to ensure that animal's safety and well-being."

Those who have questions on farm animal care are encouraged to visit www.iowafarmanimalcare.org. A toll-free hotline is also available to report concerns: 1(800) 252-0577.


Federal Judge Rules Against California’s Attorney General in Prop 65 Case

In another win for U.S. agriculture and the national agriculture coalition fighting California’s false and misleading Prop 65 labeling requirement for glyphosate, U.S. District Court Judge William Shubb, for the Eastern District of California, upheld the preliminary injunction prohibiting California from enforcing the requirement until a final ruling on the matter is issued by the court.

California Attorney General Xavier Beccera had filed a motion to lift a preliminary injunction issued by the court in February prohibiting the state from enforcing its labeling requirement. That motion was denied by Judge Shubb, who upheld the preliminary injunction prohibiting the state from enforcing its Prop 65 labeling requirement for glyphosate until all of the facts are considered by the court.

“California is attempting to implement a policy that would cause damage to American farmers,” said Chandler Goule, Chief Executive Officer for the National Association of Wheat Growers.  “The facts and science are on our side which show that glyphosate is safe for use. Farmers and growers are defending U.S. agriculture against California’s false and misleading Prop 65 labeling requirement, and maintaining this preliminary injunction is another win for them.”

In the order, Judge Shubb ruled the state’s additional arguments “[do] not change the fact that the overwhelming majority of agencies that that have examined glyphosate have determined it is not a cancer risk.” (p. 5).  He also reiterated that “the heavy weight of evidence in the record is that glyphosate is not known to cause cancer.” (p. 9)

Glyphosate is approved for application in over 250 agricultural crops throughout the United States.  Despite scientific findings from hundreds of studies and conclusions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and regulatory agencies around the world that glyphosate is safe for use, California ignored facts, data, and science when it added glyphosate to the state’s Prop 65 list.

For more information on the national agriculture coalition and glyphosate go to FixProp65.com.

The National Association of Wheat Growers are the lead plaintiff in the case against California filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The plaintiffs include the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, the Agricultural Retailers Association, Associated Industries of Missouri, Iowa Soybean Association, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CropLife America, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Grain Growers Association, South Dakota Agri-Business Association and United States Durum Growers Association.



NCBA Statement on the Introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act in the U.S. House of Representatives

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester today issued the following statement in response to the introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“The House version of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act is another important step toward fixing the current Hours of Service rules for livestock haulers. The status quo presents major challenges for the beef industry and can often jeopardize the health and well-being of livestock. We are grateful that Representative Yoho and 45 bipartisan cosponsors stepped up to support the legislation.”

Background
The House version of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act is the companion legislation to the Senate version of the bill, which was introduced in the Senate by Senator Bill Sasse (R-NE).



Fertilizer Prices Mixed First Week of June

For the second straight week, average retail fertilizer prices were mixed the first week of June 2018, according to sellers contacted by DTN. Following a historical seasonal trend, the softening prices appear to be due to lower demand as the fertilizer application season is generally wrapping up in many parts of the Corn Belt.

Half of the eight major fertilizer were slightly lower in price compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $505 per ton, urea $364/ton, anhydrous $503/ton and UAN28 $241/ton.

Prices for three fertilizers were slightly higher than they were the previous month. DAP had an average price of $484/ton, potash $354/ton and 10-34-0 $440/ton.

In addition, one fertilizer's price was unchanged from a month earlier. UAN32 had an average price of $276/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.31/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Six of the eight major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year. Both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are now up 1%, potash is 4% higher, MAP and urea are 8% more expensive and DAP is 11% more expensive compared to last year.

The remaining two fertilizers are lower in price compared to a year prior. UAN32 is 1% lower, while UAN28 is 2% less expensive.



EIA: Ethanol Stocks Extend Higher

Energy Information Administration data shows domestic ethanol plant production increased during the week ended June 8 with inventories again higher while demand reversed the prior week's drop.

EIA reports ethanol inventories increased 277,000 bbl to 22.174 million bbl during the week profiled, although down 1.3% year-over-year.

Plant production rose 12,000 bpd to 1.053 million bpd during the week ended June 8, up 51,000 bpd versus than the same time in 2017.

Four-week average production at 1.041 million bpd as of June 8 was 33,000 bpd higher than the corresponding four weeks in 2017.

Net refiner and blender inputs, a measure for ethanol demand, reversed the week prior drop and a little more, rising 46,000 bpd to 947,000 bpd during the week ended June 8, 16,000 bpd higher than versus a year ago. For the four weeks ended June 8, blending demand averaged 933,000 bpd, down 2,000 bpd versus same period in 2017.



NCBA's Young Cattlemen's Conference Graduates Prepared to Advocate for the Beef Community

Following a ten-day tour showcasing every facet of the beef industry, 61 emerging beef leaders successfully completed NCBA’s 2018 Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC), sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, Elanco, Farm Credit, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, John Deere, Tyson and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Now in its 39th year, YCC is designed to develop and train the next generation of ranchers, beef producers, and advocates. The group began its journey in Denver, Colo., with classroom sessions designed to provide background knowledge about NCBA and the work it conducts on behalf of its members and the beef community.

In Denver, participants took part in leadership development sessions, media training, and hands-on demonstrations of NCBA’s consumer marketing programs. The group made a visit to Greeley, Colo., to tour Five Rivers Cattle Feeding’s Kuner Feedyard, the JBS processing plant and an opportunity to meet with the executive team at JBS Headquarters. Prior to leaving Denver, participants also stopped at one of Safeway’s flagship stores to learn more about beef marketing at the retail level, giving the group an in-depth understanding of every aspect of the beef supply chain.

“We really strive to give participants the full view of the industry,” said NCBA President-Elect Jennifer Houston, who also participated in the tour. “We know and expect that these individuals are going to go back to their state associations and become leaders within those organizations that are so important to the success of the beef community.”

Visits in Chicago included stops at Hillshire Farms and the new McDonald's global headquarters office. Participants also gained a behind the scenes look at the manufacturing facilities of OSI, Inc., one of the nation’s premier beef patty manufacturers.

The 2018 YCC class wrapped up in Washington, D.C., where participants learned about the impacts of public policy on their operations. After an in-depth briefing from NCBA’s lobbyists and policy experts, participants took to Capitol Hill, visiting more than 200 congressional offices to advocate for industry policy priorities.

“Those farmers and ranchers out here from states spanning the nation, from Hawaii to Pennsylvania, have told their stories over the course of the past week,” said 2018 YCC Chair Will Mayfield. “Getting into the offices of our elected officials on Capitol Hill to explain how these policies impact our operations is incredible.”



U.S. Tractor, Combine Sales Rose in May

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in May 2018, were up 17% compared to the same month last year.

Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 20% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 7%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 20%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 6%.

Combine sales were up 52% for the month.

For the five months in 2018, a total of 96,736 tractors were sold which compares to 92,154 sold thru May 2017 representing a 5% increase for the year.

For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 6% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 3%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 1%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are up 2%.

Sales of combines for the year total 1,550 compared to 1,225 in 2017, a 27% increase.



Mexican Sorghum Buyers to Visit Kansas, Texas

A team of Mexican grain importers and feed-millers from the National Association of Food Manufacturers for Animal Consumption (ANFACA) will visit the U.S. June 18-22, 2018, to tour major sorghum growing areas, develop new relationships as well as continue to strengthen existing relationships with U.S. suppliers.

The group of buyers selected by the U.S. Grains Council represents companies from central and northern Mexico, including the state of Jalisco, the number one livestock producing state in the country, Michoacán and Sonora. Mexico is the fourth largest producer of livestock feed worldwide accounting for 33.87 million metric tons. Of this total, Jalisco, Sonora and Michoacán contribute to a combined 31 percent of overall production.

“For years, Mexico has been a valued trading partner with the United States, and the ties between U.S. sorghum farmers and Mexican importers has only grown, due in large part to the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement,” said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “This team visit is another example of why maintaining an open line of communication is important. Mexican buyers have the opportunity to see the full U.S. sorghum value chain – from crops in the field to elevators and port facilities – and trips like these encourage continued direct sales between the two countries.”

The tour will include visits to sorghum suppliers and producers, feed mills, elevators, a rail facility, an ethanol plant and the Port of Houston. The team's visit will focus on U.S. sorghum production, marketing and export logistics in Texas and Kansas.

"This trade mission is a great reflection of how organizations like USGC, the Sorghum Checkoff and other state organizations, such as Texas Grain Sorghum Producers and Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, work together to build and maintain market opportunities for U.S. producers," said Florentino Lopez, Sorghum Checkoff executive director. "These buyers will leave with a better understanding of U.S. sorghum quality and production, helping build future sales to Mexico and increasing buyer trust."

The country of Mexico accounted for $103 million in exports of U.S. sorghum,equating to 568,254 metric tons (22.4 million bushels), during the 2016-2017 marketing year. Mexico remains one of the chief importers of U.S. sorghum, only second to China in purchases.



Syngenta sponsoring Iowa 250 presented by Enogen on Sunday, June 17

For the sixth consecutive year, Syngenta is sponsoring NASCAR® racing at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.

This year’s featured event is the Iowa 250 presented by Enogen, a 250-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series race, on Sunday, June 17. Enogen® corn helps to enhance ethanol production and provides corn growers the opportunity to be enzyme suppliers for their local ethanol plant. This year, Enogen premiums-to-date paid to Enogen corn growers are expected to surpass $100 million.

“We are proud to be working with Iowa Speedway and NASCAR to host this exciting event,” said Chris Tingle, head of commercial operations for Enogen at Syngenta. “This is a milestone year for Enogen corn – as measured by premiums paid-to-date – and we are pleased to be able to take this opportunity to say thank you to the ethanol plants and corn growers who are making this game-changing technology a success. To do so in collaboration with NASCAR makes it even more special.”

NASCAR has been a visible supporter of earth-friendly American ethanol since 2011, when it launched a long-term biofuels program to reduce emissions of the fuel used in all its racing series. As part of this partnership, NASCAR’s three national touring series began using Sunoco Green E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend biofuel made from American-grown corn. By utilizing Sunoco Green E15 race fuel, NASCAR has demonstrated that ethanol-blended fuel performs when held to the highest standards.

By the end of 2018, Syngenta anticipates more than 280 million bushels of Enogen corn will have been grown on nearly 1.5 million acres and contributed to approximately 7 billion gallons of ethanol produced.