Friday July 13 Ag News

Temperature/GDD Trend Indicates Early Corn Maturity
Al Dutcher - Associate Nebraska State Climatologist

A cool start to the crop season followed by two months of above normal temperatures appears to be pushing Nebraska's corn crop to an earlier than normal maturity.

Begining in April, cool conditions delayed planting, resulting in 50% of the state’s corn crop emerging between May 6 (25% emergence date) and May 20 (75% emergence date), according to the Nebraska office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Above normal temperatures since emergence have rapidly advanced the state’s corn crop. (May was the fourth warmest and June the fifth warmest month on a statewide basis since records began in 1895.)

If normal temperatures are realized for the remainder of the season, 75% of the state’s corn crop will reach physiological maturity by Sept. 7. Most locations were running 20-40% ahead of the normally expected GDD accumulations.

Looking at Lincoln temperature records, a normal GDD accumulation from July 7 through August 31 is just over 1400 units. Therefore, with normal conditions through Aug. 31, corn in the Lincoln area that emerged May 6 would be expected to reach physiological maturity August 23; corn that emerged May 20, based on a 2700 GDD variety, would reach maturity Sept. 1. Normal GDD accumulations for this period range from just under 1500 GDDs at Falls City to just under 1350 GDDs in the northwest corner of the state.

Whether this rapid advancement of the state corn crop will be detrimental to yields remains to be seen, but consistent lows in the low to mid 70s like we saw in June can limit grain fill due to inadequate respirational cooling during the nighttime hours. We need cooler weather during grain fill to maximize kernel size. Temperature data suggests maturity will be extended 1.5 days for every degree we are below normal over the next 30 days.

Drought Areas Lessen
Thankfully, Nebraska saw significant rainfall in many areas in June, resulting in widespread elimination of drought conditions according the U.S. Drought Monitor. The only drought currently depicted is in extreme southeastern Nebraska. There were multiple rounds of precipitation dropping 2-6 inches over 24-hour periods; runoff was likely significant in areas with precipitation totals exceeding 3 inches in a given event.

However, I was on vacation and unable to contribute to Drought Monitor discussions of upgrades over a three-week period and believe the authors placed too much emphasis on short-term precipitation events. As has been a common problem with the U.S. Drought Monitor, reaction to short-term precipitation events are emphasized over long-term trends. Much of south central and southeast Nebraska still have 3-6 inch deficits dating back to the beginning of our water year (October 1).

Vegetative Health Index maps for this week show good to excellent crop health for much of the western Corn Belt this year. Drought-stressed crops quickly responded to recent rainfall through improved crop health. The lack of significant deep subsoil moisture (below 3 feet) in south central and portions of southeast Nebraska will continue to place these areas at risk for rapid deterioration if moisture is absent for more than 7-10 days through mid-August.

July Forecast
The current short-term outlook indicates a cold front will try to push through the state during the first half of this weekend. This would place much of north central and northeast Nebraska on the southern periphery of an area forecasted to receive 1.5-3.0 inches of rainfall. The front is expected to fall apart as it reaches southern Nebraska, resulting in more scattered convection.

Another cold front is expected to make its way southward from the Dakotas on Sunday, with reinforcing cool air on Tuesday. Thus, several additional chances of moisture exist, but models differences indicate a range of precipitation from 0.50 to 1.50 inches. Temperatures are expected to cool 6-10 degrees below normal during the middle of next week, gradually warming to near normal temperature by next weekend.

Forecasts beyond next weekend are exceedingly difficult. Recent model trends point to cooler than normal conditions redeveloping the last full week of July, the intensity of the forecasted cool down varies significantly depending on whether one looks at the morning or evening model updates. On the extreme end of the cool forecast are highs in the 70s and lows in the low 60s, while on the warm end of the forecast, highs would be in the mid-80s with lows in the upper 60s.

Precipitation forecasts from the middle of next week through the last full week of July are all over the board. Precipitation amounts appear more widespread using the cooler temperature forecast. The warmer forecast does indicate several opportunities for moisture, but they appear more isolated and localized. Both solutions would be enhanced if the atmosphere is able to draw monsoonal moisture out of the southwestern U.S. into central High Plains region.



Will Fertigation Now Endanger Corn Pollination? 

Question from Northeast Nebraska farmer: 
We farm in northeast Nebraska where we had heavy precipitation and wet conditions for several weeks, likely leading to leaching of previously applied nitrogen and delaying a nitrogen application to corn. Will adding N now via fertigation endanger pollination?

Tom Hoegemeyer, corn breeder and UNL adjunct professor of practice, responded:
Pollination isn't a particularly fragile time in regard to applying water and nitrogen. Pollination mostly occurs between 8:30 a.m. and noon. When the temperature is 90°F to 95°F, the pollen is killed by heat and is seldom viable past 2 p.m. That leaves lots of time to run pivots, apply N, etc. when it won't harm pollination. Silks tend to be viable for three or four days at these temperatures, so if a plant isn't pollinated one day, generally the next day will work just fine. As a precaution, I would not run a pivot on pollinating corn from 6 a.m. to noon.

I'd recommend that nitrogen go on as soon as practical. Corn nitrogen use is very high during the pre-tassel growth phase and again at kernel growth, from one to three weeks post pollination. About seven to ten days post pollination (before brown silk) lower N will start causing kernel abortion and serious yield loss in corn.

Extension Educator Chuck Burr added: Generally, the UNL recommendation would be to use 30 lb of N with 0.25 inch of water or 50-60 lb N with 0.50 inch of water.



CVA Coop Hosts Photo Contest

You're invited to submit your photos to the #WEARECVA Photo Contest! The contest is designed to highlight various aspects of agriculture and CVA through vivid imagery.

The #WEARECVA Photo Contest is open to all. Submit your stunning photos by Friday, July 20th for a chance to win cash prizes and some serious bragging rights.

Three winning photos as well as a People’s Choice award will receive $100 cash gift cards. All submissions will be shared on social media as a part of the “People’s Choice” award selection. We encourage you to share, tag and like your photo!

For more information regarding contest rules or to submit your photo, click here.... https://www.cvacoop.com/wearecva. 



 Fischer Underscores Importance of Trade to NE Producers

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) penned a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross noting her concerns about the ongoing tariffs and their effects on Nebraska’s agricultural exports. In her letter, Fischer highlighted the importance of strong trade agreements and international markets to Nebraska’s agriculture producers and the state’s economy.

Fischer wrote, “Free trade and foreign markets are important to the hardworking men and women that devote their lives to feed our nation and the world. They rely on international trade opportunities to sell their products around the globe and provide for their families.

“I respectfully request the administration work expeditiously to resolve the tariff issues impacting agricultural commodities while also working diligently with Ambassador Lighthizer and Secretary Perdue to continue opening new markets. Doing so will further demonstrate this administration’s commitment to rural America and provide the certainty and predictability our farmers and ranchers need.”

Fischer is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee.



Veteran Learning Circle series set

Veteran farmers, landowners, and land managers are invited to attend a free conservation workshop series, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs. The events are designed to help broaden farmers’ understanding of farming practices under changing weather patterns.

Five classroom sessions are included in this series, starting Monday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This “Veteran Learning Circle” workshop series continues at the same time on Aug. 3, 13, 20, and 27, all at Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, 319 E 25th St., in York.

“As modern agriculture works to maximize production, stewardship is often overlooked,” said Kirstin Bailey, project organizer for the Center for Rural Affairs. “However, conservation practices are critical for farmers and the public, and it is vitally important that farmers learn about, understand, and select the best conservation practices based on a solid understanding of climate and soil science.”

The workshop series will include field tours at local farms, and demonstrations by experts in Nebraska cropping systems, conservation, and climate change.

Presenting the workshop is Martha Shulski, state climatologist and director of the Nebraska State Climate Office at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources. Shulski translates climate data and conditions.

“High Plains states experience what is considered a ‘highly continental climate’ when it comes to weather and climate,” Shulski said. “This means it’s highly variable and mitigating impacts is even more relevant in ever-changing conditions. A lot of opportunity exists to take what we’ve learned in the past and apply it to the future. We learn how to better prepare.”

This program is made possible with funding from a Conservation Innovation Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Lunch will be provided. Registration is required by July 27. Contact Kirstin Bailey at kirstinb@cfra.org or 402.367.8989. Visit cfra.org/events for more information.



Huge Fuel Savings on E85 at CPI Juniata

Flex fuel vehicle drivers can save 85 cents per gallon on E85 at Cooperative Producers Inc. Juniata (West 12th St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 19. Consumers will be limited to 30 gallons and no containers are allowed.

Complimentary hot dogs and soft drinks will be available to customers throughout the promotion. Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board and local corn growers will be on site greeting drivers, pumping fuel, and providing giveaways.

“When we choose renewable biofuels at the pump, we save money and support a homegrown fuel,” said Megan Grimes, Nebraska Ethanol Board program manager. “Nebraska-produced biofuels are cost-effective, American-made, renewable, and better for our environment.”

One in seven Nebraskans are driving a flex fuel vehicle, which can run on any blend of American Ethanol up to E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or have a yellow gas cap.

American Ethanol is a clean-burning, non-toxic, renewable source of octane. Using homegrown, locally-produced ethanol reduces the levels of harmful chemicals in our fuel — and in the air we breathe.

A portion of CPI Juniata’s flex fuel pump, which now dispenses E15, E30 and E85 ethanol blends, were paid for with the Access Ethanol Nebraska (AEN), a grant program administrated by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board and Nebraska Department of Agriculture, with the Nebraska Energy Office as the lead agency. Nebraska’s federal award of approximately $2.3 million for the AEN program came from the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation’s Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). USDA rules require that the USDA funds be matched dollar for dollar with funds from state, private industry or foundations. Matching funds will come from the Nebraska Corn Board through the state corn checkoff funds paid by Nebraska corn farmers and from the Nebraska Environmental Trust approved funding of $500,000 for each of the two years. Matching funds will also come from contributions made by individual ethanol plants and “Prime the Pump,” a nonprofit organized and funded by the ethanol industry to improve ethanol infrastructure.



 Huge Fuel Savings on E85 at CPI Giltner

Flex fuel vehicle drivers can save 85 cents per gallon on E85 at Cooperative Producers Inc. in Giltner (23 Railroad St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 24. Consumers will be limited to 30 gallons and no containers are allowed.

Complimentary hot dogs and soft drinks will be available to customers throughout the promotion. Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board and local corn growers will be on site greeting drivers, pumping fuel, and providing giveaways.

“When we choose renewable biofuels at the pump, we save money and support a homegrown fuel,” said Megan Grimes, Nebraska Ethanol Board program manager. “Nebraska-produced biofuels are cost-effective, American-made, renewable, and better for our environment.”

One in seven Nebraskans are driving a flex fuel vehicle, which can run on any blend of American Ethanol up to E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or have a yellow gas cap.

American Ethanol is a clean-burning, non-toxic, renewable source of octane. Using homegrown, locally-produced ethanol reduces the levels of harmful chemicals in our fuel — and in the air we breathe.



Farmers Encouraged to Vote in Corn Checkoff Director Elections on July 17

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will hold director elections in Crop Reporting Districts 4, 5, 8, and 9 on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Iowa corn farmers elect their peers to serve on the ICPB to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. Voting will take place at their local county ISU extension office for their representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board for a 3-year term.

The Board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research into new and value-added corn uses, and education on corn and the farmers who grow it.

Current candidates are as follows:
USDA Crop Reporting District #4 (Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Harrison, Ida, Monona, Sac, Shelby, and Woodbury)
    Larry Buss, Harrison County
    Brandon Strutzenberg, Calhoun County

USDA Crop Reporting District #5 (Boone, Dallas, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, Tama, and Webster)
    Michael Fritch, Jasper County
    Rod Pierce, Boone County 

USDA Crop Reporting District #8 (Appanoose, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Union, Warren, and Wayne)
    Corwin Fee, Marion County
    Gary Petersohn, Ringgold County

USDA Crop Reporting District #9 (Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Mahaska, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington)
    Paul Gieselman, Louisa County
    Stan Nelson, Des Moines County

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017) is eligible to vote in the election. Results of the election will be made public on Monday, July 23.



Apply Today for the Pork Checkoff Agricultural Marketing Fellowship

The National Pork Board announces the opening of the application period for the new Agricultural Marketing Fellowship. Students who are accepted for full-time enrollment in a graduate/professional school program for the 2018-2019 academic year are encouraged to apply.

Up to three students will be selected for fellowships of $20,000, spread across two academic years. The fellowship requires students to pursue coursework and research in the livestock and meat marketing areas.

“Land-grant universities have provided valuable educational services to pork producers for over 100 years,” said Dr. Steve Meyer, economist for Kerns and Associates. “I believe that making livestock marketing coursework and research more attractive will draw more students to the diminishing field of study.”

The guidelines and application form for the fellowship application can be found at https://library.pork.org/l/2408f6fb0ca9e94a/.   All submission materials must be received at the National Pork Board, Attention Bill Winkelman, 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, IA 50325, by August 8, 2018. Following review and selection, the recipient will be notified by Aug. 29, 2018.

“These professionals conduct important work by providing consultation and guiding pork producers in key decision making,” said Steve Rommereim, National Pork Board president and producer from Alcester, South Dakota. “When Dr. Meyer presented this opportunity to the Pork Checkoff Board of Directors, we all agreed just how important developing the next generation of leaders is to our industry. The Agricultural Marketing Fellowship will play a key role in that endeavor.”



Brazil Farmers Planning to Boost Soybean Area 2.3%

Brazilian farmers will increase the area they plant with soybeans by 2.3%, to 36M hectares, in the upcoming 2018-2019 growing season, according to consultancy Safras & Mercado. That will be the most area planted with the crop in the country's history, though total production might be only slightly more than in the now-finished 2017-2018 season because of possible lower productivity in 2018-2019, Safras said. Safras forecasts a crop of 119.8M metric tons of soybeans for 2018-2019, compared with its estimate of 119.4M tons for 2017-2018. Concerns about the strong dollar and uncertainty over a government project to set transport prices discouraged farmers from planting even more soybeans, Safras said.



Ag Voices of the Future Program Offers Students an Education on Ag Policy

A select group of 10 college students from nine different states completed the Ag Voices of the Future program this week in Washington, D.C. The program is sponsored by Valent U.S.A. and the American Soybean Association (ASA) and gives the students an inside look at how agricultural policies are made in Washington. The students received an education on effective advocacy and the significant legislative, trade and regulatory issues that impact farmers. The program also gave students the chance to visit with others who work in Washington to learn more about careers related to agriculture policy. The class was held July 9-12, 2018, in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Forum.

An application process for the Ag Voices of the Future program was initiated earlier this spring. The following students were selected for this year’s class.
• Erin Chalupa, Iowa
• Camryn Clift, Kentucky
• Abigail George, Wisconsin
• Courtney Heiser, Ohio
• Sarah Lehner, Ohio
• Miriam (Mary Kate) Morgan, North Carolina
• Shelby Riggs, South Dakota
• Benjamin (Caleb) Swears, Arkansas
• Cameron Walls, Illinois       
• Nathalie Yoder, Florida

“Building student interest in agricultural policy is an imperative for our industry, and a top priority for Valent,” said Matt Plitt, Valent U.S.A.’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We’re proud to partner with ASA to provide our young people with a meaningful learning experience that will help them shape the future of agriculture.”

The three day program was packed with educational meetings and valuable networking opportunities. The students visited with staff from USDA and EPA who have a direct impact on agricultural regulations; they participated in Hill visits with their state soybean associations; and they met with a senior staff member for the Senate Ag Committee and leaders from other national organizations, including CropLife America and the Agricultural Retailers Association.

“It’s important that young people have an understanding of the policy issues that directly impact the productivity and economic well-being of our farms and the soybean industry,” said ASA President John Heisdorffer, from Keota, Iowa. “ASA appreciates Valent’s support of this valuable program that develops future voices for the agriculture industry in Washington.”