Tuesday October 30 Ag News

Grazing Corn Residue
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County
With corn harvest moving rapidly in many areas and calf weaning time for many producers happening soon, farmers and ranchers are likely to be negotiating the terms of agreements with landowners to graze their corn stalk residues.

How much rent should a corn producer get for allowing animals to graze the crop residue? There is no single number that works in all situations. The amount will vary according to the level of service being provided by each party, such as fencing, watering, and care of the cattle. 

The Cornstalk Grazing Cow-Q-Lator may provide some help in answering this question. It is an Excel spreadsheet available online. Download it at  http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral/ag-economics/.

This tool is designed for cattle producers to evaluate costs of cornstalk grazing and to determine if the corn stalk acres leased are adequate to support the number and size of cattle for the planned grazing season.  However, it could be used by a corn producer to calculate how much a prospective lessee can pay.  The critical calculation for the lessee is the total cost per head per day. The cattle producer will be comparing that number against the cost per head per day of other options. The corn producer can adjust the cost per acre for cornstalks until the total cost per head per day is competitive compared to the lessees other options.

While the Cornstalk Grazing Cow-Q-Lator may provide a way for corn producers to estimate the value of their crop residue, there are many issues that must be addressed between the lessee and lessor. An important one is who builds the fence around the corn fields if one is needed.

Many crop producers have concerns that cattle trampling could negatively affect soil physical properties and subsequent crop yields. However, research conducted at UNL has shown that grazing corn residue at the recommended stocking rate does not reduce corn or soybean yields in irrigated fields the following growing season.   In fact, a long-term study at Mead showed slight improvements (2 to 3 bu/ac) in soybean production following grazed corn residue when managed in a corn-soybean rotation.   This result was the same regardless of whether cattle were grazed in the fall (November through January) or the spring (February through April).

In a five-year study at Brule corn yields were measured after cattle had been grazed in the fall in a continuous corn field: No effect on subsequent corn yields has been observed.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommendations for determining stocking are based on 50% utilization of the leaf and husk (8 lb/bu) or about 20% of the residue. Some additional residue would disappear by trampling and other factors such as wind loss. For most corn fields in Nebraska, there would be no increased risk of erosion if 40% to 50% of the corn residue was removed.  The UNL recommended stocking rates are listed in a table in this article: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/grazing-corn-residue-win-win-crop-and-cattle-producers .  Grazing at these recommended stocking densities would leave plenty of soil cover.

Grazing corn residues can benefit both crop and cattle producers.   Corn residue should be viewed as an economical source of winter roughage for cattle that can provide additional income for corn producers while not affecting next year's crop production.



UNMC Offers Anhydrous ammonia safety training to the Public

Anhydrous ammonia has been used since the 1940s to efficiently deliver nitrogen to growing plants. While it can dramatically increase crop growth, anhydrous ammonia also can quickly lead to death if it’s mishandled.

In an effort to improve safe handling of anhydrous ammonia, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is working with Dan Neenan, paramedic and director of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), to bring safety training to farmers, cooperative employees and the public.

A hands-on safety training, using an anhydrous tank simulator, will be held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Thursday Nov. 29, from 1-2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 and includes a lunch that starts at noon. Information and registration can be found at www.i-cash.org/2018.mrash or by calling 800-551-9029.

Neenan discussed why understanding the hazards associated with anhydrous ammonia is important.

“This chemical is desperately seeking water,” he said. “Our bodies are 70 percent water, so anhydrous ammonia is naturally attracted to our eyes, nose, mouth, sweat glands and genitalia. Because anhydrous is normally at a temperature of -44 degrees Fahrenheit, it freezes tissue on contact. It pulls moisture out of tissue and inflicts an incredibly painful alkali burn.”

Unlike many burns, anhydrous ammonia burn is treated by flushing with water to wash the chemical off the skin. If creams or ointments are used without flushing, the chemical is trapped in the tissue and continues to burn.

“Our lungs are wet so if you inhale anhydrous ammonia, your lung tissue is burned,” Neenan said. “Any time tissue is burned, it swells. Because our airway has a limited space to take air in, inhaling anhydrous ammonia can quickly result in our airway being closed off.”

Donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is key to safely handling anhydrous ammonia. Among necessary gear is a full-face respirator. The respirator needs to be a high-efficiency P100 particulate filter with a minimum 99.97 percent filtration efficiency for solid and liquid aerosols. A respirator’s face seal design also provides a high degree of protection for eyes and airways.

Gloves must be impervious, chemical-resistant, and in compliance with approved standards for handling chemical products. Check gloves regularly to ensure they retain intended protective properties.

“I also recommend wearing a chemical resistant rain suit or rain wear rated to protect against anhydrous ammonia,” Neenan said. “Cotton lined gloves must have a fold-over cuff so any anhydrous ammonia that might get on the glove doesn’t run down your sleeve and burn your arm or get into your sweat glands.”

Footwear should include chemical resistant “boots” that slip over standard boots and protect feet from accidental exposure to hazardous chemicals.

A main precaution for anhydrous ammonia use includes approaching tanks with caution in case someone has tampered with a shutoff or compromised the tank in some way.

“When people steal anhydrous ammonia to make methamphetamine, they’re not concerned about getting it properly shut off,” Neenan said. “That means the next person approaching the tank is at risk for injury. Never approach a tank without appropriate PPE and always inspect it carefully before hooking it to any equipment. Ensure no one has tampered with it.”

It’s also key to note wind direction before approaching a tank. The reason: if a leak has occurred, it will be swept along on the wind. Anyone in its path is at high risk for injury.

“Our instinct when approaching something is to go back the way we came if there’s danger,” Neenan said. “With anhydrous ammonia, if there’s a leak, you want to stay upwind. Always check the wind direction before going near the tank.”

To learn more, plan on joining the training at the Mid-America Center on Nov. 29.



Pro-Ag Seminars to Examine Market Outlook and Farmland Operating Margins

As harvest comes to a close, producers, ag lenders and suppliers are planning ahead for next year. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach economists will offer valuable insight on key factors impacting 2019 operating decisions at 12 Pro-Ag Outlook and Management Seminars to be held across the state in November and December.

Each three-hour seminar includes information on grain price outlook and global factors to watch, livestock prices and margins, and farmland operating margins, outlook and trends.

The focus of the program is to provide agribusiness leaders a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential and management implications. Participants also will gain insight on implications trade agreements have on Iowa producers and the critical role of land values and interest rates in the stabilization of the agricultural sector.

Speakers line-up will vary by location but will include ISU Extension and Outreach state specialists Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist; Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor and extension economist; Lee Schulz, assistant professor and livestock economist; Keri Jacobs, assistant professor and co-operatives economist; and Wendong Zhang, assistant professor and extension economist. ISU Extension and Outreach field specialists will also be present at the meetings.

This program takes an in-depth look into the outlook for agriculture in 2019 and provides an opportunity to discuss the current Iowa economic situation with university experts.

Seminar locations and dates:
    Altoona – Friday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Polk County office, 515-957-5760
    Carroll – Monday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Carroll County office, 712-792-2364
    Fort Dodge – Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 4 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Webster County office, 515-576-2119
    Waterloo – Thursday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m., Hawkeye Community College, Tama Hall, 319-234-6811
    Mason City – Friday, Nov. 16 at 12:30 p.m., Muse-Norris Conference Center, North Iowa Area Community College, 641-423-0844
    Cresco – Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m., Howard County Fairgrounds, Featherlite Center, 563-547-3001
    Greenfield – Monday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m., Warren Cultural Center Auditorium, 641-743-8412
    Iowa City – Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 12:30 p.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office, 319-337-2145
    Mt. Pleasant – Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 a.m., ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County office, 319-385-8126
    Bloomfield – Thursday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m., Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, 641-673-5841
    Sheldon – Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m., Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, Room 117, 712-957-5045
    Storm Lake – Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m., Prairie Lakes AEA, 712-732-5056

The sessions are open to the public, however pre-registration is requested two days prior to the date of the event. Speakers, registration fees and provided meals vary by location. For locations, times and program information, contact the farm management field specialist in your area or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html.



CORN ROOTWORM RESISTANCE IN DELAWARE COUNTY

The Bt corn rootworm trait has been extremely valuable to corn growers as it provides safe and effective control of corn rootworm insects and has allowed farmers to reduce insecticide use. These Bt traits allow the corn plants to produce a protein which prevents this pest from damaging the roots. Previously, corn rootworm resistance has been confirmed with some of the existing commercial Bt events.

Just this week, Corteva has reported that the first case of corn rootworm resistance to their Herculex® trait has been confirmed in an individual field in Delaware County, Iowa. (See story here) The Herculex trait contains a different protein than the other companies’ rootworm events and offers another line of defense against the rootworm.

Corteva has reported this to the EPA, which regulates these Bt traits, and Corteva is working with farmers in Delaware County to limit the spread of this resistance. These corn rootworm traits are very valuable for corn growers and every effort is being made to ensure these traits remain an effective tool for as long as possible.

“Farmers want to use best tools and technology available, including these Bt traits. However, to maintain their effectiveness, good stewardship of these technologies is important”, according to Mark Mueller, ICGA Director from District 3. “It is also important to use appropriate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches when dealing with crop pests, including weeds, insects and diseases.  These approaches allow for better control and will help maintain effectiveness of our biotech and chemical technologies to delay or avoid resistance developing.”

Iowa is the first state to develop a pest resistance management plan. The Iowa Pest Resistance Management Program (IPRMP) was initiated in 2015 to be proactive in helping growers avoid weed, insect and disease resistance issues and to deal with them when they arise.  The IPRMP outlines approaches for effective, integrated management solutions that will sustainably control weeds, insects and disease pests. Iowa Corn has been involved with IPRMP from the beginning and supports a staff member at Iowa State University to establish pilot projects to address various on-farm pests. The IPRMP is currently seeking volunteers to address corn rootworm resistance issues.

For more information on the Iowa Pest Resistance Management Program, go to www.protectiowacrops.org. 



Consider Corn Challenge Brings Attention to the Untapped Potential of Corn

Today, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the launch of the second Consider Corn Challenge contest. The goal of this global competition is to find new and innovative uses of field corn. NineSigma is serving as the facilitator of the competition.

In 2017, America’s corn farmers produced 14.6 billion bushels of corn and are on pace to produce the second largest crop ever. One of NCGA’s strategic plan goals is to partner with industry to establish three new uses, for a minimum of 75 million incremental bushels by 2020.

“There are many unexpected uses of corn, and there’s a lot of untapped potential,” said NCGA Feed Food and Industrial Action Team Chair and Nebraska farmer Dan Wesely. “Corn is an economical, abundant and environmentally friendly source which can be converted into a range of high-value uses including plastics, solvents and fibers. Right now, consumers are asking for products that are more environmentally friendly and corn has a role to play in that space.”

Between three to six winners will be selected for a total prize pool of U.S. $150,000. An informational webinar will be held in January and submissions are due March 20th. This year’s winners will be announced in July.

“Finding new uses and increasing corn grind outside of our normal customer base is the primary driver for holding another contest,” said NCGA Market Development Director Sarah McKay. “With another large corn crop being produced by America’s corn farmers, we need to find additional uses for corn, and we know there’s a lot of great work already happening in this space. We want to capitalize on that and help companies get their products to commercialization.”

In 2018, the contest garnered 33 submissions from eight countries. The Consider Corn Challenge winners were: Annikki – Illinois; The Iowa Corn Promotion Board; Lygos – California; Sasya – Minnesota; South Dakota State University – South Dakota; and Vertimass – California.

For more information on the contest go to: https://9sig.co/UseCorn.



NMPF Calls Out Plant-Based Beverage Industry Misinformation, Citing New Consumer Data

Citing data that shows consumers are being misled about the nutritional merits of cow’s milk versus plant-based imitators, NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern today called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to end deceptive labeling of fake-dairy products.

“The plant-based food and beverage industry has used FDA inaction as a cover to sell consumers a product that is heavily processed to look like real milk, but doesn’t deliver what matters most: a consistent, high-quality package of nutrients,” Mulhern said in remarks at NMPF’s annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. “This is contrary to the national goal of a healthy population and FDA’s mission to promote transparency and fairness,” he said. The consumer research will be shared with FDA as the agency solicits information on the public health implications of mislabeled, imitation dairy products.

In a survey by IPSOS, commissioned by Dairy Management Inc.:
-    73 percent of consumers believed that almond-based drinks had as much or more protein per serving than milk. Milk has eight times as much protein.
-    53 percent said they believed that plant-based food manufacturers labeled their products “milk” because their nutritional value is similar. That is not the case.
-    Misinformation was more prevalent among those who only bought plant-based drinks. Of those buyers, 68 percent strongly or somewhat agreed those drinks have the same nutritional content as dairy milk. In reality, those beverages do not.

With media reports suggesting an increase in the number of U.S. children suffering from nutritionally inadequate diets, milk labeling “is much more than a sideshow over whether consumers can tell the difference between an almond or a cow,” Mulhern said. Consumers deserve more respect than that – but FDA needs to help them out by clearly distinguishing between true milk and water-heavy, nutrition-poor imitators, he said.

“FDA needs to immediately end the application of the term ‘milk’ to non-dairy products,” he said.



Ag Groups Emphasize Dire Need for Farm Bill Completion

Warning that the financial security of America’s farmers and ranchers is in jeopardy, 16 agriculture organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, are urging House and Senate agriculture leaders to complete the farm bill by the end of this year.

The 2014 farm bill expired on Sept. 30. Both the House and Senate have passed separate versions of the legislation. Lawmakers are now working to draft a single bill for Congress to approve and send to President Donald Trump for his signature.

“As you well know, conditions for producers across the country are daunting.  Low prices, uncertain market opportunities, and the current weather challenges are all weighing heavily on the minds of our respective members,” the groups said in a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

The farm bill provides policies that support food safety, production agriculture, environmental quality, crop insurance, animal disease prevention, conservation, research, renewable energy, and new foreign market access. In addition, without a farm bill in place, it’s very difficult for farmers to secure the credit they need to plant crops, buy fuel, and repair and invest in equipment in 2019. 

“We appreciate each of your efforts to move this bill forward.  It is our sincere hope, however, that you will be able to resolve any remaining differences so that this bill can be finalized and sent to the president for his signature before the close of the year,” the groups wrote.



New National FFA Officer Team Elected in Indy

Students from California, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Alabama and Oregon have been elected by delegates throughout the United States to serve on the 2018-19 National FFA Officer team.

Luke O'Leary, an agricultural leadership and development major at Texas A&M University, was elected national president.

Layni LeBlanc, an animal science - science and technology major at Louisiana State University, was elected national secretary.

Adrian Schunk, a communications major at Michigan State University, was elected eastern region vice president.

Ridge Hughbanks, an agribusiness major at Oklahoma State University, was elected central region vice president.

Jordan Stowe, an agriscience education major at Auburn University, was elected southern region vice president.

Shea Booster, an agricultural business management major at Oregon State University, was elected western region vice president.

Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, six students are elected by delegates to represent the organization as national officers. Delegates elect a president, secretary, and vice presidents representing the central, southern, eastern, and western regions of the country.

National officers commit to a year of service to the National FFA Organization. Each officer travels more than 100,000 national and international miles to interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, the general public, and more. The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.



Conference on Connections between Soil Health and Human Health Results in 10 Research Priorities

Almost 200 scientists and organization leaders engaged with 41 researchers and subject matter experts during a two-day Conference on Connections Between Soil Health and Human Health, October 16 – 17, 2018.  Topic-rich briefings were led by experts in soil health, microbiome research, nutrition, and public health, where participants discussed the state of the science, identified gaps, proposed research priorities, and discussed policy and funding related opportunities, which will be provided in a future report.

The Conference Resulted in 10 Recommended Research Priorities:
-    Understand the fundamental microbiome structures and functions related to land management, soil health and human health. Connect existing research on the human microbiome to the soil microbiome.
-    Integrate the vast amount of existing data into a summary review of soil health and human health that links gaps, knowns, unknowns and immediate actions. Integrate stakeholders, facilitate transdisciplinary knowledge, and compile short bullets and references to communicate those results to many diverse stakeholders, including students and Extension personnel.
-    Understand soil health and regenerative systems around the world and their impacts on the environment and the global food system. Validate methods for soil health measurement across soils and regions. Involve farmers in research efforts. Use Extension and Farm Bill programs to take action.
-    Frame future research questions with the following thought in mind: If farmers and health care providers are hired to deliver soil health and/or human health outcomes associated with a research question, how might that affect the implementation and adoption of the research findings?
-    Capitalize on long-term experiment stations by using them to engage the medical community and industry in tracking bioavailability of nutrients and toxins from soil to plants to humans and microbes. This includes studying farm laborers and consumers relative to food consumed and chemical exposures.
-    Determine how the known suite of soil health practices can impact human wellness, economics and the environment. Determine the mechanism linking soil management with nutritional content of the food produced.
-    Develop a network of permanent research sites in different regions (at least three: East, Midwest, and West) that allows comparison of conventional, organic, and regenerative agricultural production systems, along with urban areas and native habitats (e.g., forests) for their nutrient uptake and other properties. Such a network would attract other researchers bringing additional tools, analyses, and expertise to the effort, such as food companies, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-    Create a center to quantify the positive and negative impacts of increasing soil organic matter and associated management systems across the entire agricultural value chain. With a community of diverse researchers contributing quantitative data to value chain analysis, determine how to maximize benefits and minimize adverse impacts on human health through agricultural management practices.
-    Characterize human-soil interactions for exposure analyses, health impacts, and identify avenues for intervention. Communicate results with scientific, grower and technical stakeholders at various scales and locations.
-    Identify specific partners to increase and optimize bioavailability in soil health agricultural management systems to decrease contamination and promote community well-being.

For further information, visit www.soilhealthinstitute.org.



AGCO Reports Third Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, reported net sales of approximately $2.2 billion for the third quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately 11.5% compared to the third quarter of 2017. Reported net income was $0.89 per share for the third quarter of 2018, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, was $0.91 per share. These results compare to a reported net income of $0.76 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, of $0.79 per share for the third quarter of 2017. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 5.9%, net sales in the third quarter of 2018 increased approximately 17.4% compared to the third quarter of 2017.

Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were approximately $6.8 billion, an increase of approximately 17.0% compared to the same period in 2017. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 1.8%, net sales for the first nine months of 2018 increased approximately 15.1% compared to the same period in 2017. For the first nine months of 2018, reported net income was $2.33 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and costs associated with an early retirement of debt, was $2.58 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.77 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and a non-cash expense related to waived stock compensation, of $1.91 per share for the first nine months of 2017.

North America
AGCO’s North American net sales increased 22.2% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017, excluding the positive impact of currency translation. Precision Planting, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2017, contributed sales of approximately $97.2 million in the first nine months of 2018. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency translation, sales grew approximately 14.2% compared to the first nine months of 2017. The largest increases were in sprayers, high horsepower tractors and hay tools. Income from operations for the first nine months of 2018 improved approximately $42.5 million compared to the same period in 2017. The benefit of the Precision Planting acquisition and higher sales and production volumes contributed to the increase.

Outlook
AGCO’s net sales for 2018 are expected to reach $9.3 billion, reflecting improved sales volumes, positive pricing as well as acquisition and foreign exchange impacts. Gross and operating margins are expected to improve from 2017 levels due to higher net sales as well as the benefits resulting from the Company’s cost reduction initiatives, partially offset by increased engineering expenses and higher material costs. Based on these assumptions, 2018 earnings per share are targeted at approximately $3.35 on a reported basis, or approximately $3.75 on an adjusted basis, which excludes restructuring expenses and costs associated with debt retirement.



Arysta LifeScience Launches RAZE™ 0-3-2

Arysta LifeScience announces the launch of RAZE™ 0-3-2, an advanced foliar nutrition product that promotes more balanced uptake of essential plant nutrients necessary for optimum crop growth and higher yields. Available for corn and wheat crops, the foliar nutrition product is designed to be applied at key physiological stages of plant development for increased root, stalk and vegetative development.

“Innovative nutrition solutions are an increasingly important component for growers looking to unlock more of the genetic potential of their crops,” says Royce Schulte, Arysta LifeScience BioSolutions Business Manager. “Arysta LifeScience is bringing its global strength in biostimulants and plant nutrition technology to the North American market with the introduction of RAZE 0-3-2 to help growers further maximize their crops’ potential."

RAZE 0-3-2 is powered by RAZE Nutrient Technology, which features a proprietary Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp extract) extraction process that produces a high-quality foliar nutritional product with higher levels of product uniformity. The result is an efficient, concentrated and quality formulation that is also easy to apply at low use rates.

High-performance nutrition solution
In on-farm trials in the United States, RAZE 0-3-2 has demonstrated consistently strong efficacy at different physiological stages of the crop’s development and under varying field conditions. In three years of replicated research trials in multiple regions, RAZE 0-3-2 provided a consistent 6.5 bushel-per-acre yield increase in corn at V5 stage. In wheat, the product has demonstrated a 5 bu/A increase at Feekes 3–5 application timing.

“Every crop year, growers face environmental factors ranging from weather challenges to pest and disease infestations that limit the genetic potential of the seed,” Schulte says. “RAZE 0-3-2 helps bring balance to the changing environment at important stages of the crop life cycle by improving the crop’s ability to respond to adverse environmental stresses and reach more of its genetic potential.”

By creating bigger, stronger plants and root systems, RAZE 0-3-2 helps improve the overall nutrient absorption, photosynthesis capability and carbohydrate storage needed to fuel plant growth and development. In field testing, corn treated with RAZE 0-3-2 featured a 21.6 percent increase in root length and a 16.7 percent increase in total root area, compared to untreated corn plants.

Delivered in a concentrated formulation, RAZE 0-3-2 can be tank-mixed with commonly used herbicides, fungicides and other foliar nutrients. In corn, the optimal timing is between the V3 and V7 growth stage at herbicide application timing, and from the VT to R2 growth stage. In spring and winter wheat, a single application can be made from the 3-leaf stage (herbicide application timing) through flag leaf.

RAZE 0-3-2 is available now through growers’ preferred retailer channels.