Thursday September 6 Ag News

2018-19 CASNR enrollment is largest in history

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln announced Sept. 5 that total enrollment in the college has increased for the 2018 fall semester. The total number of CASNR undergraduate, graduate and professional students is 3,199, which is a 3.4 percent increase from the previous academic year and the largest enrollment in the history of the college.

Total undergraduate enrollment increased 3.8 percent from last year with 445 incoming first-time freshman students and 187 transfer students for a total of 2,422. Just over 75 percent of undergraduate students are from Nebraska, with 585 non-resident students. Enrollment for non-resident students increased 19.9 percent compared to fall 2017.

“Over 90 percent of CASNR’s spring 2018 eligible students are enrolled for the fall semester, which reaffirms the success and importance of our retention programming,” CASNR Interim Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss said.

Graduate enrollment increased to a total of 711 students who work side-by-side with faculty recognized worldwide for innovation and creativity. Enrollment in CASNR’s professional programs remains strong with 13 students in the Doctor of Plant Health program and 53 students in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, a joint program with Iowa State University.

CASNR also welcomed 101 international undergraduate students to campus this fall. As part of the incoming class, 50 students from Rwanda joined the CASNR Undergraduate Scholarship Program (CUSP). CUSP students will pursue a bachelor of science degree in integrated science that is focused on conservation agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovative thinking and is aligned with the areas of need as identified by the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

Fifty transfer students from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) started their fourth year of the 3+1 dual degree program in food science and technology. As part of this international collaboration, students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to learn from NWAFU faculty as well as faculty in Nebraska. For the first two years of the program, NWAFU students in China are taught in English. In the third year, Nebraska faculty travel to NWAFU to teach the students, and in the fourth year students travel to Nebraska to complete their degrees.

“Enrollment in both the CUSP and 3+1 programs are evidence of CASNR’s commitment to inclusive excellence and identifying opportunities to leverage the diversity of our students, staff and faculty to enhance the learning experience for all,” Heng-Moss said.

Fall enrollment at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is 25,820. The university experienced its third-largest enrollment after graduating its largest class in history. The student body is also its most diverse in history, and enrollment of out-of-state freshmen continues to increase.



GRASSLAND STUDIES FALL SEMINAR SERIES BEGINS SEPT.17

The 24th annual fall seminar series offered by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Center for Grassland Studies will include 9 presentations on topics related to transforming range curriculum in the 21st century, producer perspectives of systems management, ranch profitability given increased precipitation variability and flexible stocking and the history of grassland science at Nebraska.

The seminars take place on most Mondays during the fall semester from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Nebraska East Union. The first lecture is Sept. 17 and the last is Nov. 26, with no presentations on Oct. 15 or Nov. 19. The seminars are free and open to the public. The series features Chuck West, this year's Frank and Margaret Leu Distinguished Lecturer.

West is program director and Thornton Distinguished Chair, Department of  Plant & Soil Science at Texas Tech University. He is an internationally known expert in forage ecophysiology. His interests include the management, ecology and research techniques of forage crops and pastures. His current research concentrates on quantifying the water use of forage crops and pastures as affected by grazing management in an effort to improve forage utilization by cattle and to make most efficient use of limited water supplies to sustain profitable agriculture.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. West’s background and expertise to visit with us about managing our forage and pasture resources for livestock production at a time when the Center for Grassland Studies and IANR are growing our programs in Integrated Beef Systems,” said Steve Waller, interim director of the Center for Grassland Studies.

The seminar schedule can be found at https://grassland.unl.edu/past-seminars. The schedule is subject to revision; any changes will be noted on the website.

Each seminar is videoed and uploaded to the website above a few days after the presentation. Contact the Center for Grassland Studies for more information at (402) 472-4101 or email grassland@unl.edu.



What do YOU want from Nebraska Mesonet?

The Nebraska State Climate Office is conducting a survey of Nebraska Mesonet users through at least the end of September.

“Weather impacts us all, and we want Nebraska’s network to meet or exceed the needs of our users,” said Martha Shulski, NSCO director. “We want this survey to answer the question: ‘Why do you care about Nebraska’s ever-changing weather?’

The survey available online seeks to understand who uses the weather station data collected across the state, and as well as how they use it and the value they place on having access to the information. The survey is just 19 questions long and takes about five minutes to complete.

“With people’s input, we will be able to improve the Nebraska Mesonet program,” Shulski said. “People’s answers will help guide the direction of future products, so we know where to focus our limited resources.”

Understanding how people use weather station data, which includes air temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, among other variables, will inform the office’s long-term planning. Precipitation rates, for example, have so far been one of the most utilized observations, but the current rain gauge sensor is subject to environmental factors, such as spider webs. If desire for that rain data holds true, Nebraska Mesonet would look to install a second rain gauge at each weather station, as weather networks in neighboring states do.

The survey also will inform what data is made available on the Nebraska Mesonet website. The mesonet site currently makes available real-time data for each of its 68 stations, which are funded by 24 private, corporation or state agency investors.

“We want to make sure that, first and foremost, the entities who fund the stations are getting what they want and need out of our service. But we do have a broad spectrum of users,” Shulski said. “Weather and climate information is important for many applications, and we want to hear from all of our customers on data utility.”

To participate in the survey, click here... https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bjPU2JsmJr4gefX. 



GSI Introduces Z-Series™ Bins with FlexWave® Technology
Husker Harvest Days Exhibit #349

GSI is introducing its new Z-Series™ Bins with Flexwave® Technology in a 24-foot diameter model that will be available to U.S. and Canadian farmers this fall. This first-of-its-kind grain system technology gives farmers a safer, more efficient and less labor-intensive option for unloading their grain bins.
   
Standard grain bins are typically emptied through a combination of gravity and sweep augers, but there’s always a remaining level of grain on the bin floor that needs to be removed using brooms or shovels. It’s hard, time-consuming, dusty work that can also be dangerous if this chore is performed while a sweep auger is still running.
   
GSI’s Z-Series Bins utilize two large liners made of durable fabric that alternately inflate and deflate, gently pushing the remaining grain into a central reclaim for removal. “The result is 99.9 percent cleanout, without the need to enter the bin,” said Jonathan Waits, GSI product manager for storage and accessories. “The inflation/deflation process automatically turns off when the bin is emptied.”
   
Waits noted that each inflatable liner can unload more than 100 tons of grain at a time using less than one psi of air pressure. The liners are constructed of durable, commercial-grade material designed to last over 30 years under normal conditions. In addition, they can easily be repaired in case of accidental puncture with a simple glue patch.
   
The 24-foot Z-Series Bin has a storage capacity ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 bushels, depending on height. “This model size can also be a higher-capacity and more cost-effective alternative for similar-sized hopper tanks with cone bottoms,” Waits added. “A flat bottom storage tank that sits on the ground not only holds more grain, but also eliminates the need to install legs.”  
   
Z-Series Bins include an easy-to-use touchscreen control to automate the process and a unique aeration system proven through field testing to maintain uniform grain quality comparable to conventional systems. Air is distributed through the central reclaim to flexible tubes that move with the liners.
   
For 2019, GSI expects to expand its Z-Series Bins with Flexwave Technology with larger-capacity sizes. To learn more, farmers can contact their local GSI dealer or visit http://www.grainsystems.com/z-series.



Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors Elects 2018-19 Officers

Iowa soybean farmers were elected to state and national leadership positions at the September meeting of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors.

Those tabbed to serve as ISA officers were: Tim Bardole, Rippey – president-elect; Robb Ewoldt, Davenport – treasurer; Dave Walton, Wilton – secretary; and Randy Miller, Lacona – executive committee.

Lindsay Greiner of Keota accepted the gavel as president and welcomed the newly elected state soybean leaders to their key posts.

ISA directors also re-elected Wayne Fredericks of Osage and Dean Coleman of Humboldt as directors of the American Soybean Association.

Greiner joined those elected in welcoming the chance to serve.

“These are challenging times for the industry, but farmers are resilient,” he said. “The long-term outlook for domestic and global soybean consumption remains positive.

“I look forward to working with our executive committee and all directors to represent the needs of farmers and our industry while effectively managing the hard-earned investment farmers make courtesy of the soybean checkoff,” Greiner added.



AFRICAN SWINE FEVER CASES IN CHINA HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF BIOSECURITY, VIGILANCE BY IOWA FARMERS

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the importance of strict biosecurity by pork producers following the confirmation of several cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Pork Producers Association are encouraging pork producers to be on the lookout for clinical signs of the disease and to contact their veterinarian if they have herd health concerns.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a number of cases of African Swine Fever confirmed in China across a large geographic region. China has about 700 million pigs, or half the world’s swine population, so these discoveries are a serious concern,” Naig said. “While this virus poses no threat to human health or any food safety concern, it could have a devastating economic impact if it would be found in the U.S. Our pork producers do a great job with biosecurity and protecting pig health and the new cases highlight the importance of everyone remaining diligent in their biosecurity efforts.”

Signs of ASF can be variable but often include high fever, decreased appetite and weakness. The skin may be reddened, blotchy, or have blackened lesions. Infected pigs may also have diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and difficulty breathing. Currently, no vaccine or treatment exists.

The virus is easily spread between pigs by direct contact or indirectly from contact with contaminated objects. The virus can survive in the environment, on shoes and clothing, vehicles, and in feed components.

Uncooked or undercooked meat (including refrigerated and frozen products) can carry the virus, making the feeding of food waste to pigs a pathway to spread the disease. Ticks, flies, and other insects may also spread the virus.

Feed ingredients imported may also be a potential source of disease transport and producers should evaluate feed ingredient sources for potential risk.

In addition to China, the disease had previously been detected in Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa.

ASF is a reportable foreign animal disease (FAD). Suspicious cases should be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship or USDA Veterinary Services, especially when higher than normal mortality is evident.

Biosecurity Important for Farmers
Farmers can take steps to protect their animals and prepare for a possible FAD event. Maintaining a high level of on-farm biosecurity is the best protection. Tips include:

·         Ensure biosecurity plans are up-to-date and being implemented. This includes using a disinfectant specifically labeled for ASF

·         Proactively follow industry best management practices if hosting international visitors or traveling abroad. More information is available at https://www.pork.org/production/animal-disease/foreign-animal-disease-resources/.

·         Obtain or update premises identification number (premises ID) for each location where swine are located. Forms to complete or update premises registration information is available at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp2.pdf. If farmers have questions they can contact the Department’s Animal ID Coordinator toll free at 888-778-7675 or by email at idals_id@iowaAgriculture.gov.

·         Work with a veterinarian to use electronic certificates of veterinary inspection or Swine Production Health Plan herd agreements for all animal movements



Reynolds, Naig Win Farm Bureau's Friend of Ag Award

The Iowa Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (PAC) has designated Governor Kim Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig as a 'Friend of Agriculture' for the 2018 general election. Guided by grassroots input from every county Farm Bureau in the state, Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig were selected based on support of Farm Bureau policies and commitment to Iowa's farm families and agricultural economy.

Candidates earn the Friend of Agriculture designation by supporting issues that directly impact Iowa's agricultural economy, farm families, and their communities.

Reynolds has a proven track record of leading the way on issues that matter to Iowa's farm families and their communities. She championed efforts to pass historic water quality funding and provide affordable health care options for Iowans. Governor Reynolds also signed a sweeping tax reform package with several provisions that will encourage continued economic and job growth across Iowa.

Since his appointment, Secretary Naig has hit the ground running as a leader in the successful implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy to continue to advance water quality and soil conservation efforts, and he fully understands that agriculture, both crops and livestock, are key to growing a more prosperous Iowa.

"With one in every five Iowans employed in agriculture and ag-related industries, we must elect leaders such as Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig, who will continue to be champions for agriculture and the hard-working Iowa families who make their living feeding and fueling the world," said Chickasaw County farmer and IFBF PAC Chair, Cassie Hackman. "From water quality to affordable health care, to tax reform and job growth, Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig have earned Iowa Farm Bureau's endorsement and we need to keep them working to make our great state even better."



U.S. Pork and Beef Export Volumes Strong in July; Pork Value Squeezed by Higher Duties

July exports of U.S. pork and beef were higher than a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Export value results were mixed, with beef exports posting another near-record month while pork export value declined, reflecting the impact of retaliatory duties imposed by Mexico and China.

Pork exports totaled 176,413 metric tons (mt) in July, up 1.5 percent from a year ago, valued at $465.3 million – down 5 percent year-over-year and the lowest monthly value since February 2016. For the first seven months of the year, pork exports remained 2 percent ahead of last year’s record volume pace at 1.45 million mt, while value was up 3 percent to $3.83 billion.

“It is encouraging to see pork export volume continue to grow, even in the face of considerable headwinds in some of our most critical markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “But as anticipated, the 20 percent duty in Mexico and 62 percent duty in China weigh heavily on the price these exports can command and on the returns generated for producers and for everyone in the U.S. supply chain. Buyers outside of Mexico and China have stepped up to purchase our product, which is fantastic. But they are capitalizing on a buying opportunity made possible by the higher costs of doing business in Mexico and China.”

July exports accounted for 24.7 percent of total pork production and 21.7 percent for muscle cuts only, down from 25.9 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively, last year. For January through July, the percentage of total pork production exported fell from 27.5 to 27 percent, but for muscle cuts the percentage increased from 22.8 to 23.3 percent. July pork export value averaged $48.49 per head slaughtered, down 11 percent from a year ago. Through July, per-head export value was up slightly to $54.27.

Led by another spectacular performance in South Korea and strong growth in Japan, Taiwan and Latin America, July beef exports climbed 12 percent in volume to 116,575 mt, valued at $722 million – up 16 percent from a year ago and just slightly below the May 2018 record of $722.1 million. For January through July, beef exports established a record pace in both volume (779,450 mt, up 10 percent year-over-year) and value ($4.76 billion, up 20 percent).

July exports accounted for 14 percent of total beef production and 11.8 percent for muscle cuts only (the highest since December 2016) – each up nearly a full percentage point from a year ago. For January through July, exports accounted for 13.5 percent of total beef production and 11.1 percent for muscle cuts – up from 12.8 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively, last year. Beef export value averaged $326.18 per head of fed slaughter in July, up 9 percent from a year ago. Through July, per-head export value was up 16 percent to $318.31.

“The worldwide momentum for U.S. beef has rarely been as strong as it is today,” Halstrom said. “To a large degree our mainstay Asian markets are driving this growth, but emerging markets in Asia and in the Western Hemisphere are also displaying a tremendous appetite for U.S. beef and contributing significantly to the surge in export value. From high-end restaurants to convenience stores, U.S. beef is gaining new fans across the globe on a daily basis.”

Pork exports show resilience, but July value suffers due to trade headwinds
The duty rate on most U.S. pork entering Mexico increased from zero to 10 percent in early June and from 10 to 20 percent in early July. This took a toll on July exports to Mexico, especially in terms of value. July volume was 56,484 mt, down just 4 percent from a year ago. But pork moved south at lower prices, with value falling 25 percent to $92 million.

In China, the duty rate on U.S. pork and pork variety meat increased from 12 to 37 percent on April 1, and to 62 percent on July 6. July exports to the China/Hong Kong region totaled 22,199 mt, down 31 percent from a year ago, while value dropped 19 percent to $55.9 million. Pork variety meat volume to China was hit especially hard in July, dropping 49 percent from a year ago to 7,446 mt. For January through July, pork and pork variety exports to China/Hong Kong dropped 22 percent year-over-year in volume (238,207 mt) and 10 percent in value ($563 million) – due in part to the higher duty rates, but also due to an upward trend in China’s domestic pork production.

The July export picture was much brighter in other major markets – including Japan, the leading value destination for U.S. pork. Exports to Japan totaled 31,248 mt in July, up 10 percent from a year ago, while value climbed 6 percent to $127.2 million. For January through July, exports to Japan were 1 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (230,315 mt) and 2 percent higher in value ($948.6 million). This included a 2 percent decline in chilled pork exports to 120,288 mt, though chilled pork value increased 1 percent to $580.4 million.

Other January-July highlights for U.S. pork include:
-    Korea is the growth pacesetter for U.S. pork in 2018, with exports up 44 percent from a year ago in volume (148,233 mt) and 50 percent in value $424.3 million. The U.S. has supplied 40 percent of Korea’s imported chilled/frozen pork this year, up from 36 percent in 2017. U.S. pork dominates Korea's imports of picnics and butts while Europe supplies most of the bellies. But Korea is also importing more of a wider range of U.S. pork cuts, including loins, hams and ribs.
-    Fueled by strong results in Colombia and Peru, pork exports to South America increased 30 percent in volume (73,003 mt) and 26 percent in value ($180.3 million). Although year-to-date pork exports to Chile were down 7 percent, exports gained momentum in July and were the second-largest on record at 4,103 mt. U.S. pork also recently gained access to Argentina, which could further boost exports later in the year.
-    Double-digit growth in all seven Central American nations pushed pork exports to the region 19 percent above last year’s pace in volume (46,020 mt) and 18 percent higher in value ($108.9 million). Honduras and Guatemala are the leading destinations, but U.S. pork continues to gain momentum throughout Central America.
-    The Dominican Republic has also been a top growth market this year, with exports up 22 percent in volume to 25,985 mt and value up 19 percent to $56.7 million. This included a 79 percent increase in July volume (3,718 mt), with July value up 42 percent to $7.2 million.
-    In Oceania, a critically important market for U.S. hams used for further processing, exports climbed 7 percent in volume (49,649 mt) and 9 percent in value ($145.7 million), with exports trending higher to both Australia and New Zealand.
-    With strong growth to the Philippines and shipments to Vietnam more than tripling from a year ago, exports to the ASEAN region climbed 23 percent higher in volume (32,888 mt) and 25 percent higher in value ($85.9 million).

Beef export value reaching new heights in wide range of markets
U.S. beef exports to Japan hit a post-BSE volume high in July, reaching 31,883 mt (up 15 percent from a year ago) valued at $196.3 million (up 12 percent). For January through July, exports were up 7 percent in volume (191,237 mt) and 12 percent in value ($1.21 billion). This included a 4 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 87,034 mt valued at $694.9 million (up 13 percent). U.S. beef has captured 50 percent of Japan’s chilled import market this year, down slightly from a year ago.

Beef export growth to Korea continued at a remarkable pace in July, with volume up 51 percent from a year ago to 23,614 mt and value soaring 66 percent to $169.2 million. This shattered the previous monthly value record of $154.8 million, set in June 2018. For January through July, exports to Korea jumped 38 percent to 136,897 mt, valued at $971.2 million (up 54 percent). This included a 33 percent increase in chilled beef exports to 29,923 mt, valued at $289.2 million (up 45 percent). U.S. beef has accounted for 58 percent of Korea’s chilled beef imports this year and 53 percent of the chilled/frozen total (up from 54 percent and 47 percent, respectively, during the same period last year). Australia is expected to trigger its beef safeguard in the coming weeks, resulting in a temporary tariff rate increase agreed to in the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement. This could further strengthen momentum for U.S. chilled beef to Korea through the end of this year.

Other January-July highlights for U.S. beef include:
-    Although export volume to China/Hong Kong slowed in July, the January-July total was still up 10 percent from a year ago to 72,193 mt, while value climbed 37 percent to $572.9 million. Efforts to build a presence for U.S. beef in China have been hampered by retaliatory duties, which increased the tariff rate from 12 to 37 percent in early July. January-July exports to China were 4,138 mt valued at $36.4 million.
-    U.S. beef is enormously popular in Taiwan, where the United States captures nearly 75 percent of the chilled beef market. July export volume was record-large at 5,640 mt, up 46 percent from a year ago, while value climbed 32 percent to $48 million. Through July, exports to Taiwan increased 34 percent from a year ago in volume (32,504 mt) and 38 percent in value ($297.7 million). Chilled beef exports totaled 13,040 mt (up 32 percent), valued at $161.3 million (up 41 percent).
-    Despite recent trade tensions and uncertainty, beef exports to Mexico have been very solid in 2018, with volume up 2 percent from a year ago to 137,560 mt and value up 9 percent to $596.5 million. For muscle cuts only, exports increased 10 percent in volume to 80,450 mt and 11 percent in value to $465.7 million.
-    Strong growth in the Philippines helped push beef exports to the ASEAN region 9 percent higher in volume (25,520 mt) and 24 percent higher in value ($141.6 million). Exports to Singapore and Indonesia have also increased this year, though volumes to Indonesia slowed the past two months.
-    In Central America, larger volumes to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama pushed exports 29 percent higher in volume (8,320 mt) and 28 percent higher in value ($45.4 million). Despite a modest decline in volume, export value also increased to Honduras.

Lamb exports still climbing
U.S. lamb exports continue to rebound from last year’s low totals as July volume jumped 104 percent from a year ago to 1,209 mt and value increased 46 percent to $2.17 million. Through July, lamb exports increased 54 percent in volume (6,680 mt) and 21 percent in value ($13.44 million). While much of this growth is attributable to stronger lamb variety meat demand in Mexico, muscle cut exports trended higher to the Caribbean, the United Arab Emirates, the ASEAN region and Taiwan.



EIA: Ethanol Supplies Extend Lower

Domestic ethanol stocks extended lower for a second straight week as supply at the Gulf Coast eroded further in the final week of August, Energy Information Administration data released Thursday, Sept. 6 shows.

EIA reports ethanol inventories fell 358,000 barrels (bbl) during the week ended Aug. 31 to 22.703 million bbl, a 1.6 million bbl, or 7.6%, year-over-year supply surplus.

Plant production jumped 17,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.087 million bpd during the week ended Aug. 31, a four-week high and 2.5% higher than the same week in 2018. Four-week average production was 1.076 million bpd versus 1.053 million bpd during the corresponding four-week period in 2017.

Net refiner and blender inputs, a measure for ethanol erased the prior week gain, fell 7,000 bpd to 943,000 bpd during the week-ended Aug. 31, 20,000 bpd higher than a year ago. For the four weeks ended Aug. 31 blending demand averaged 946,000 bpd, 2,000 bpd below the same period in 2017.



NCGA, BASF Accepting Applications for Scholarships to Build Ag’s Future

The National Corn Growers Association and BASF Corporation announced today that it is now accepting applications for five $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree during the 2019-20 school year.

For the first time, NCGA will accept applications from students pursuing degrees in all subject areas. Previously, only those pursuing those in agriculture-related fields were considered.

“The future of agriculture as an industry depends upon keeping our best and brightest interested, and the Engaging Members Committee decided to acknowledge the breadth of areas impacting agriculture by opening the scholarship to non-ag majors in recognition of that fact,” said John Linder, who chairs the committee. “All applicants will submit an explanation of how their future work will benefit agriculture. In doing so, we will foster those who will help our industry while inspiring young people to consider how their future impacts farmers in ways which they may have previously not realized.

“NCGA partners with BASF to offer scholarships as an investment in not only their future but also our own.”

Applicants for the NCGA William C. Berg Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program must be entering at least their second undergraduate year or any year of graduate study, and they or a parent or legal guardian must be an NCGA member. Scholarship applications must be received by December 1, 2018. Notably, this year all scholarship applications will be completed online.

Scholarship recipients will be selected in early 2019. Recipients and a parent or guardian will enjoy travel and lodging to attend the 2019 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Fla. to be recognized at the NCGA Banquet and have the opportunity to learn more about modern agriculture.

This is the 12th year for the partnership between BASF and NCGA. The complete rules and application can be found on our website www.ncga.com.



USGC Outreach Encourages Mexican Customer To Reexamine U.S. DDGS

Reversing an overseas buyer’s single bad experience can be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). A recent trade team representing the Mexican company Granjas Carroll exposed key decision-makers to improvements in U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) production and use, paving the way for future potential sales.

“Granjas Carroll experimented with using U.S. DDGS a decade ago, but the company was not set up to properly handle the co-product and had difficulty unloading the DDGS from the railcars they received,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC director in Mexico. “As a result of these handling issues, the company decided to forgo using DDGS and the co-product has not worked on pricing terms since then.”

The trade team allowed members of Granjas Carroll to see firsthand how DDGS is produced, managed and utilized in the United States.

The Council kept in touch with the company as part of its wider engagement in Mexico, waiting for the right time and conditions to gauge interest in testing if U.S. DDGS would work in the company’s feed formulations. This year provided the right conditions for the company to reexamine that decision.

“A lot has changed in 10 years, especially with respect to how ethanol plants handle DDGS as far as watching the moisture and sugars and making sure the product has time to cool down before loading into rail cars,” LeGrand said. “Ethanol plants have made drastic improvements and Granjas Carroll has decided maybe it is time to take a look at DDGS again.”

To do so, the Council - in collaboration with Minnesota Corn and Iowa Corn - brought a small team from Granjas Carroll to those states this month to demonstrate the cost-saving and nutritional benefits of using U.S. DDGS and to see firsthand how the feed ingredient is produced, managed and utilized in the United States.

Team members represented different facets of the company - a buyer who could talk pricing options, a nutritionist key to understanding how to incorporate DDGS into swine rations and an operations manager who oversees the feed plant and is involved in the physical handling of the product.

“We had a really well-rounded team of decision-makers with us, which is very important to send the knowledge gained back to Mexico,” LeGrand said. “The main idea was to put the knowledge in their hands to make the best decision going forward.”

The team learned how to formulate DDGS by examining the metabolizable energy of DDGS, rather than looking at protein and fat content or color, and how doing so can bring additional value to swine feeding operations.

The team also met with marketers that provided logistics and storage solutions that could help the company receive a consistent product, central to their evaluation of whether or not to include DDGS in their rations. Additionally, the team toured several ethanol plants to see the different types of DDGS produced in the United States as well as swine operations to understand how DDGS is incorporated into their feed mixes.

“Now that they are home in Mexico, team members are going to continue to talk to suppliers, put the knowledge they gained in the United States to work and see if U.S. DDGS works for their rations,” LeGrand said. “The Council will be there to provide additional information, supplier contacts and anything else they need as they move forward.”

Mexico was the top buyer of U.S. DDGS in the 2016/2017 marketing year, setting a new record at 2.06 million metric tons. Thus far this year, Mexico has imported 1.76 MMT of U.S. DDGS, a 4.2 increase year-over-year. Granjas Carroll would add even more potential demand to that total in coming years, projected to potentially use between 60,000 and 100,000 MT of U.S. DDGS each year, depending on inclusion rates.

“Mexico is a very mature market for DDGS, taking record amounts of tons every year,” LeGrand said. “Now the Council is looking for pockets of demand around the country that are underserved or not using DDGS to find incremental demand increases, and Granjas Carroll is one such company with potential growth opportunity.”



Cattle Disease Traceability Project Moving Forward

Announced publicly in June, the Kansas-based CattleTrace pilot project is on track to begin testing a purpose-built infrastructure for cattle disease traceability by fall 2018. Cattle disease traceability is a top priority in the beef cattle industry, and the CattleTrace pilot project will help guide discussion and development of an enhanced traceability system in Kansas and on a national scale.

In late August, CattleTrace, Inc., was formally established as a private, not-for-profit corporation to securely maintain and manage the data collected as part of the disease traceability pilot project. In addition, a Board of Directors was named to lead CattleTrace, Inc. The Board of Directors includes Chairman Brandon Depenbusch, Innovative Livestock Services, Vice Chairman Tom Jones, Hy-Plains Feedyard, LLC, Mike Samples, Farmers and Ranchers Livestock, Ken Stielow, Bar S Ranch, and Mark Gardiner, Gardiner Angus Ranch. The Board appointed an industry advisory committee comprised of representatives from the Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas State University, Kansas Department of Agriculture and private industry to implement operations of the project.

“Producer privacy and data security are critical components of a disease traceability system,” Depenbusch said. “Establishing a private entity to own the CattleTrace database will provide necessary security to ensure the cattle movement data in the CattleTrace system is safe.”

Since the June 30 announcement, the CattleTrace advisory committee has been focused on recruitment of participants within each segment of the beef supply chain. Tyson Foods, Inc., Cargill and National Beef Packing Company, LLC, and U.S. Premium Beef, LLC will all participate in the pilot representing the beef processing sector. Feedyard participants include Green Plains Cattle Co., Hy-Plains Feedyard, LLC, Finney County Feedyard, LLC, Midwest Feeders, Inc., NA Timmerman, Inc., Cow Camp Beef, Innovative Livestock Services, Inc., Fairleigh Feed Yard, High Choice Feeders, Heritage Beef, LLC, Pratt Feeders, LLC, and Poky Feeders, Inc. Livestock market participants currently include Farmers and Ranchers Livestock in Salina, Winter Livestock in Dodge City, Winter Livestock in Pratt, Mankato Livestock, Inc., LaCrosse Livestock Market, Inc., and Manhattan Commission Company.

Depenbusch says the advisory committee is now turning its focus to installation of technology systems at the packer, feedyard and livestock market levels and also on recruitment of cow-calf producers.

“We have received tremendous support and commitment from industry participants, and we thank the industry leaders who have already stepped up to participate in CattleTrace. Now, we are excited to start recruiting cow-calf producers to the project,” Depenbusch said. “If you are a rancher who does business with one of the livestock markets or feedyards that are partners in the CattleTrace pilot project, we encourage you to consider participating. One of CattleTrace’s primary objectives is to test the infrastructure from end-to-end. Cow-calf producers will help achieve that objective and will also play an important role in the development of a cattle disease traceability system that works in and for the industry.”

During the two-year pilot project, CattleTrace will collect the minimal data necessary for disease traceability, including the date and time, an individual animal identification number, and a GPS location, each time an animal’s tag is read with pilot project readers in the production chain. Approximately 55,000 Kansas-based calves will be tagged for the pilot, which will conclude in 2020. For more information about the CattleTrace pilot project, visit www.CattleTrace.org.



NCGA Urges Farmers to Harvest Safely

The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers of the importance of proper grain bin safety procedures this harvest. With farmers across the country preparing to hit the fields in their combines, NCGA offers both a list of safety reminders and a video on the important topic of grain bin safety.

Safety Tips

1. Road Safety
Reduce vehicle width as much as possible and ensure adequate warning lighting.
Use “Slow Moving Vehicle” signs on all slow-moving equipment.

2. Equipment Safety
Be incredibly careful when approaching harvesting equipment. Approach from the front and gain eye contact with the operator before approaching.
Ensure the harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before climbing onto a vehicle.
Do not place yourself near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
Avoid pinch points between equipment – such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited and serious injury can occur.
Watch for trucks backing up or pulling away. Steer clear and maintain eye contact with the driver if you approach a truck or tractor.

3. Entanglement Hazard
Entanglement hazards can happen very quickly.
Do not ever try to unplug any equipment without disengaging power and removing energy from the equipment.
Never pull or try to remove plugged plants from an operating machine.
Always keep shields in place to avoid snags and entanglement when working around equipment.

4. Fall Hazard
Be careful climbing on and off equipment.
Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
Wear clothing that is well fitting and not baggy or loose. Also wear proper non-slip, closed toe shoes.
Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
Never dismount from a moving vehicle.

5. Fire Prevention
Carry a fire extinguisher with you in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pound).
Remove dust and buildup from equipment. Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and chance of fire.

6. Grain Wagon Safety
Be careful to monitor grain wagon weight to never exceed maximum weight limits. As weight increases, grain wagons can be more difficult to control.
Load grain wagons evenly to distribute weight to prevent weaving or instability across the grain wagon.
Inspect grain wagon tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.
In addition to these tips, NCGA is again offering a video highlighting the importance of proper safety procedures and reviewing helpful guidelines.