Tuesday August 14 Ag News

Don't Miss Nebraska Extension Soybean & Corn Clinics

Examine and work with corn and soybean plants from early vegetative to maturity growth stages at Nebraska Extension’s Aug. 22 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic and Aug. 23 Midwest Corn Production Clinic.

Agribusiness professionals and crop producers will get hands-on, in-field experience working with crop scientists to identify crop issues throughout the production cycle. They’ll be able to identify agronomic issues and key insect and disease pests at different plant growth stages and discuss management strategies based on university research.

Both clinics will be held at the University of Nebraska's Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead as part of the Nebraska Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic Series. Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building.

August 22 Midwest Soybean Clinic
Participants can examine fields to see why early soybean planting is a crucial first step to improving yield potential and how four seeding rates and four seeding depths impacted soybean emergence, plant branch numbers, and pod numbers at the lowest stem nodes. They’ll also examine disease, insect, and weed effects at different stages.

The hands-on diagnostic work will include some of our newest soybean insect pests and best practices for taking sweep net insect samples. Small plots set up with different numbers of Japanese beetles will give participants experience in estimating defoliation. Information on the orange gall midge, an increasing pest in eastern Nebraska soybean this year, will be included.

Presentation and field demonstrations throughout the day will cover
    cultural practices;
    genetics/agronomics;
    insect management;
    plant pathology;
    soil fertility;
    irrigation; and
    five keys to successful weed science.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by the clinic from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

August 23 Midwest Corn Clinic
Participants will dig plants and stage corn while exploring the differences between corn growth and development. They’ll examine the most critical development stages and what affects yield at these stages as well as how different hybrids react to the same weather conditions. Plots will also show how decisions about plant population can expand or cap crop yield opportunities. Participants will examine disease, insect, and weed effects at different stages. They can practice scouting for European corn borer and fall armyworms at two states of development as well as infestations of aphids and mites.

Presentation and field demonstrations throughout the day will cover
    agronomy cultural practices;
    genetics/production;
    insect damage;
    plant pathology;
    soil fertility; and
    keys to successful weed management.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by the clinic from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Registration and CCA Credits
Registration begins at 8 a.m. both days and the clinics run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the university’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead.

A total of 8 Certified Crop Adviser credits (crop management – 2, nutrient management – 2, and pest management - 4) have been applied for and are pending approval for each clinic. Participants will earn 16 credits by attending both days.

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost for one clinic is $95 for those registering one week in advance and $120 after. Special pricing is available for those registering for both clinics - $150 by Aug. 17, $200 after.  We offer a money back guarantee of your registration fee if you’re not satisfied with the training.

For more information or to register, contact the Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit https://enre.unl.edu/crop/.



Nebraska FSA Announces New Application Deadlines for Disaster Assistance Coverage for Some Crops

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Nancy Johner today announced new policy application deadlines for several crops covered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) that provides disaster assistance coverage for crops that are ineligible for federal crop insurance coverage, such as grasses, fruits and vegetables.

Johner said NAP application closing deadlines for alfalfa and mixed forages, grass, aronia berries and grapes have been changed for the 2019 growing season and beyond.

“In some cases, the new deadlines are as much as six months earlier than in the past,” Johner said. “We want to be sure producers who normally purchase NAP, or think they are interested in it for next season, are aware of the earlier sign-up deadlines.”

Impacted crops and the new policy application closing deadlines include:
-    Alfalfa and mixed forages - deadline to apply for 2019 coverage is Oct. 1, 2018;
-    Grass - deadline to apply for 2019 coverage is Nov. 15, 2018;
-    Aronia berries and grapes - deadline to apply for 2019 coverage is Nov. 20, 2018.

“Producers of these crops who wish to have NAP coverage in 2019 must visit their local FSA office prior to the policy application closing deadline,” Johner said.

Like crop insurance, NAP coverage is valuable when weather and disease disasters strike. Eligible causes of loss for NAP include drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture or wind, flooding, excessive heat, among others. NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production. The fee for basic coverage is $250 per crop, with a maximum of $750 per county and a multi-county maximum of $1,875. Beginning, underserved and limited resource farmers are eligible to have the service fee waived for the NAP basic level of coverage.

To learn more about NAP, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/nap. To find out about the crops covered by NAP in your local area, visit your county FSA office. To find your local office, visit https://www.farmers.gov.



Menke Heading USDA Rural Development in Iowa

The Trump Administration appointed Grant Menke as the new state director for USDA Rural Development in Iowa.

As State Director, Menke will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Iowa. Menke comes to USDA from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association where he served as the organization's policy director working on behalf of Iowa's ethanol and biodiesel producers. Prior to that position he worked in Washington, D.C. on the United States Senate Committee on Finance staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.

Menke, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, was raised on a corn and soybean farm near Calumet, Iowa, in rural O'Brien County and currently lives in Ankeny with his wife, Susie, and their three boys.

Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ia or by calling (515) 284-4663. USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.



Nationwide to Crown Agricultural Educators of the Year

Farming is the backbone of America, but recent trends show a growing need for more agricultural educators. An increase in popularity of agricultural education has created a demand for the recruitment of new teachers and the retention of knowledgeable industry mentors.

To help shed light on the importance of agricultural education and the tremendous contributions of teachers, Nationwide, the number one farm insurer in the United States1, has established the Golden Owl Award, honoring the agriculture educator of the year. During the inaugural year, Nationwide partnered with the Iowa FFA, Ohio FFA, and Ohio Farm Bureau® to introduce the accolade in Ohio and Iowa.

Seven teachers from Iowa and ten teachers from Ohio will be selected as honorees, receiving a $500 prize and entrance into the final selection stage. One honoree from each state will be chosen for the grand prize, winning the coveted Golden Owl Award and a $3,000 prize. All donations are designed to reward the educator for their dedication, and support their continued educational efforts.

"We created this award to bring attention to the growing need for agricultural teachers in this country," said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness for Nationwide. "Providing teachers with these additional resources will help develop their programs and provide their students with an optimal learning experience. Our goal is to spread this award to more states in the coming years to highlight all the talented agriculture teachers across the country."

Teachers eligible for nominations include middle school and high school agricultural educators, as well as college level professors teaching agricultural courses. Students, faculty and community members can nominate their agricultural instructors now through Nov. 16th by going to www.GoldenOwlAward.com.

Honorees for each state will be announced in December 2018. The grand prize winners for each state will be announced in April 2019. For additional contest details, see Official Iowa Rules and Official Ohio Rules.



NMPF Welcomes USDA’s $50 Million Milk Purchase for Needy Americans

The National Milk Producers Federation welcomed the announcement today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it will purchase $50 million worth of fluid milk for distribution to domestic food assistance programs – the first time the agency has bought milk for use in this manner.

The USDA said Tuesday that it will authorize the expenditure of $50 million in Section 32 funds to purchase a range of consumer-friendly milk varieties, including whole, 2 percent, 1 percent and skim.  The agency will purchase the milk from approved vendors, and distribute the product – an estimated 12-15 million gallons, depending on the prices agreed to by USDA and its suppliers – to food assistance organizations such as Feeding America. The USDA will be offering informational webinars to dairy companies that wish to sell milk to the agency through this donation program.

“We are pleased that USDA is now including fluid milk in the assortment of foods it is buying and donating, as milk is in high demand at food banks because of its unparalleled nutritional benefits,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF.  “This effort will help more Americans meet their U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended daily consumption of milk.  We appreciate this initial step and look forward to working with the department to continue building upon this effort.”

The Agriculture Department noted that this purchase is a separate action from the unfair trade practice mitigation program – announced July 24 by the agency – that will provide financial assistance to agricultural producers through a combination of product purchases, direct payments and trade promotion programs.  The USDA has yet to release any details about that effort, but the $12 billion budget for that assistance, coming from Section 5 of USDA’s spending authority, is distinct from the Section 32 funds being used for this new milk purchase program.

“NMPF has been sharing information with USDA about the best way to maximize the value of the farmer assistance program that will be implemented soon, and we are hopeful that the agency moves quickly to get resources in the hands of dairy farmers this fall,” Mulhern said.



Next Strategy Forum on Livestock Traceability Moves Forward from NIAA

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) brings next steps identified in 2017 and 2018 to a new Strategy Forum on Livestock Traceability, to be held in Kansas City, Missouri, September 24-26, 2018.

“We need to follow up on work that occurred last year and the subsequent work of the Cattle Traceability Working Group (CTWG) and begin to synthesize those efforts,” says Dr. Nevil Speer, NIAA Board Chair, speaking on the efforts from the group which grew out of the NIAA Strategy Forum on Livestock Traceability in 2017.

A comprehensive and continued focus on cattle for this year’s Strategy Forum is understandable, according to Speer, who says the cattle industry is the most complex and the most fragmented. “There are 750,000 producers and most States operate on different systems,” says Speer. “NIAA brings everyone together to emphasize collaboration across segments and across states.”

Back in 2010, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture co-hosted with the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) a Joint Strategy Forum Animal Disease Traceability, and as the topic grew in scope and urgency, NIAA hosted another Joint Strategy Forum on Animal Disease Traceability in 2013. Federal rules took effect that year, requiring the use of official identification for certain classes of cattle moving across state lines.

Over the next few years, state programs evolved along with types of identification and documentation required for covered livestock crossing their borders. Technology advanced, and other benefits of traceability began to be discussed. Consumers became more interested in where their food comes from.

In 2017, NIAA co-hosted with USAHA their first Strategic Forum on Livestock Traceability. The Forum began the exploration of how technology, from RFID use to data management, influenced traceability across animal agriculture. The USDA Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Program added to the interactive dialogue with updates and an assessment report of its implementation from 2013-2016, gathering important feedback from attending stakeholders.

Out of that vital 2017 meeting, the Cattle Traceability Working Group (CTWG) evolved to work collaboratively and independently across the various segments of the cattle industry to enhance the traceability of animals for the purposes of protecting animal health and market access. The overarching goal of the CTWG is to enhance cattle identification and traceability to a level that serves the needs of producers, marketers, exporters, and animal health officials. An update and report from the CTWG will be an important segment of this year’s Strategy Forum.

In early 2018, NIAA broadened the scope of the discussion by making Livestock Traceability: Opportunities for Animal Agriculture the theme for its 2018 Annual Conference, as well as with a follow-up workshop titled Traceability and the Real World. Bringing the topic to its entire constituency at its Annual Conference, NIAA highlighted the impact of traceability on livestock species across animal agriculture.

In addition to possible disease outbreaks, the conversation also turned to global trade concerns, biosecurity issues, brand marketing and place of origin labeling which concern and influence consumers, policy makers, producers and distribution industries.

Now, at the newest Strategy Forum this September, the CTWG, along with USDA, will be updating the industry on their work. Panelists will discuss traceability initiatives across the U.S. The opportunity for exchange will expand on global market dynamics, technology and innovation focusing on traceability.

There will also be a Technology Showcase featured at the Strategy Forum, with the most current technology, products and services focused on cattle traceability.

Join NIAA and the animal agriculture industry in Kansas City, Missouri at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center September 24 - 26, 2018 for the next step forward in the livestock traceability discussion. Registration is now open at www.animalagriculture.org. 



Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. Launches F2F Genetics Network

Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., the independent farmer-to-farmer network, today announced the F2F Genetics Network, a new seed line, model for the future of seed development and direct-to-farm distribution. The F2F Genetics Network will bring farmers conventional (non-GM) and post-patent seeds in corn, soybeans, and other crops direct to FBN members with greater transparency on genetic identity, yield performance and prices.

As seed companies consolidate and competition is reduced, high seed prices for farmers continue to hurt family farm incomes. Agrichemical companies have promoted increasingly expensive biotech traits to farmers, limiting the availability of non-GM seeds. Practices such as non-transparent pricing, regional Zone Pricing, relabeling, rebates, and hidden discounts have become seed industry standards at the expense of family farm profitability.

“FBN members are fed up with high seed costs and reduced competition from industry consolidation,” said Ron Wulfkuhle, Head of Seed at the FBN network, who will lead the F2F Genetics Network. “In the F2F Genetics Network, farmers go from seed consumers and price takers to seed creators and market drivers.”
 
A New Model For Seed: The F2F Genetics Network
The F2F Genetics Network combines a new independent breeder network, with the FBN farmer-to-farmer network and agronomic data science platform. The F2F Genetics Network puts farmers closer to the breeders than before, enabling farmers to actively co-develop genetics through data, creating a new era of high-performance seeds delivered at vastly lower costs for farmers.

The F2F Genetics Network was created to put Farmers FirstSM in seed, with these core principles:

    Interactive and Independent Network of Breeders and Farmers: Farmers take an active role in seed development through data to develop better performing varieties for their specific environments. By being totally independent, the F2F Genetic Network can find the best genetics from breeders, universities, and novel technology companies.

    Performance: F2F seeds will be uncompromising on performance with the flexibility to select and target the highest performing genetics from our independent breeder network. Farmers’ seed-soil placement, population, fertility and disease management, will be assisted through the FBN analytics network.

    Transparency: FBN members will get for the first-time greater transparency on genetic identity, trial and yield performance, and pricing. Fore genetic identity, seed parental lineages and relabeling matches will be shown up front. FBN members will get access to both pre-commercial breeder trial and actual in-field performance from other FBN members, instead of just the “promotional” test plots traditionally used to sell seed.  

    Fair Pricing: The F2F Genetic Network will use national, transparent pricing, and eliminate the practice of discriminatory regional zone pricing. By selling direct-to-farm through the FBN DirectSM e-commerce platform, we will be able to keep seed prices exceptionally low

    Freedom to Keep Seed: Seed keeping will be enabled with the Soy+1SM program, restrictive bundles are eliminated with flexible financing and discounts on other inputs in FBN DirectTM.  

“Farmers will not only have access to lower cost seed, but also the transparency farmers have come to expect from Farmers Business NetworkSM, and the opportunity to actively shape the future of seed.” said Wulfkuhle.

Farmers Business Network is steadfast in putting Farmers First and leveling the playing field.

“Farmers Business Network at its core believes transparency, competition and innovation are keys to farmer profitability,” said Amol Deshpande, CEO of Farmers Business Network. “Input prices, specifically seed, continue to grow fast than the commodity prices farmers receive. We are looking to reverse this unsustainable trend by fighting for farmer profitability with innovative solutions that give farmers leverage, even if they are unpopular with the industry, or downright contrarian.”
 
Farmer Freedom Through Keeping Seed: The Soy+1 Program
For decades, seed companies have barred U.S. soybean farmers from saving seeds after harvest to plant the following season at vastly lower cost – which has allowed seed companies to charge full price every year. The F2F Genetics Network’s Soy+1 program will allow farmers, for a fee, to keep, clean and replant F2F Genetic Network-branded soybean seeds.

F2F Genetics Network Seeds Now Available for 2019
Orders and commitments for F2F Genetics Network seed have already commenced, with a limited supply available for the 2019 season. Initial products will include five conventional corn hybrids (RM 102 – 112) and four glyphosate tolerant soybean varieties (RM 2.2 – 3.1). These seeds have multiple years of production history, and are bred to be suitable in the mid-latitudes from Nebraska to Ohio.

Additional hybrids and varieties, as well as other crops are rapidly being added to the network. 

Early order participants, who complete a credit application and qualify, will also receive 0% extended terms and the F2F UnbundleSM with discounts on an unrestricted selection of inputs offered through FBN Direct.
 
Creating an Independent Farm Economy to Put Farmers First
The idea for the FBN network originated from farmers who wanted to create an independent, farmer-driven information and commerce network.

With the launch of F2F Genetics Network, farmers are one step closer to having an totally independent full-farm profit system: from FBN Direct’s input ecommerce platform; to FBN Analytics comprehensive agronomic-network data analytics & decision support; to FBN Crop Marketing’s premium contracts, production contracts, advisory & risk management, and price intelligence powered by a global buyer network.

Yearly FBN membership costs only $700 with no punishing acreage fees, making it easily affordable for farms of all sizes. 



Syngenta receives approval for Vibrance Trio seed treatment for soybeans 

Syngenta announced today the registration of Vibrance® Trio seed treatment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The premix of three fungicide active ingredients – mefenoxam, fludioxonil and sedaxane – is recommended for soybean growers whose main early-season concerns are strong stands and disease protection.

“The higher rate of mefenoxam in Vibrance Trio offers the highest level of Phytophthora and Pythium protection available,” said Steve Gomme, Seedcare product lead at Syngenta. “This helps give growers confidence when they desire early planting in unpredictable conditions, establishing stronger soybean stands and reducing the risk of replants.”

Regardless of planting conditions, Vibrance Trio helps provide protection from these early-season soybean diseases:
·        Phytophthora
·        Rhizoctonia
·        Pythium
·        Fusarium
·        Seedborne Phomopsis
·        Seedborne Sclerotinia

In addition to its activity on Rhizoctonia, the sedaxane in Vibrance Trio offers RootingPower that creates healthier, more robust roots to help produce better yields.

“Much like tree branches, roots grow larger by developing root tips that fork and grow. The more forks that are present, the more root surface area that exists,” said Gomme. “It’s this root surface area that determines the amount of moisture and nutrients that can be taken up into developing soybean seedlings, as well as the size and density of beans ultimately produced by mature plants. In other words, robust root systems play a big role in driving yield potential.”

Stronger roots also enable soybeans to withstand environmental stress. In trials conducted over three years and across 31 different field environments, the early-season disease protection of Vibrance Trio resulted in a higher stand count 87 percent of the time, when compared to a check treatment. Additionally, in trials conducted over two years, Vibrance Trio increased yield by an average of 2.2 bushels per acre, compared to the industry standard in heavy disease environments.