Friday January 25 Ag News

CANCERS AND EXPOSURES IN AGRICULTURE
Randy Pryor, Extension Educator, Saline County

I had an inquiry from a Saline County farmer who both he and his wife, within a couple of years, a kidney removed due to cancer.  Water tests for nitrates, heavy metals, arsenic and uranium were all negative.  He wanted to learn more if his pesticide use in his farming career could have been a factor.  He admitted he didn’t use personal protective equipment like I have preached at applicator trainings but now it was hitting home.  Kidney cancer is very low incidence in Nebraska, let alone both he and his spouse?

I looked at the National Agricultural Health study which is a highly regarded cohort study where more than 89,000 farmers and spouses in Iowa and North Carolina have been monitored concerning their health since 1993. More specifically, the study included 52,394 licensed private pesticide applicators (mostly farmers) from Iowa and North Carolina, as did 32,345 of their spouses. UNL Professor Emeritus Larry Schulze emphasized the high credibility that this ongoing study has.

As a cohort study, the Ag Health Study enrolled participants, collected their detailed medical history, and then monitored these individuals over the years for any health developments. Over time, participants are re-contacted to learn of changes in health, for updated information on farming practices, lifestyle, and health and they were asked to complete a dietary questionnaire and provide a sample of cheek cells as a source of DNA.  That is the beauty of a cohort study.

In contrast, a case health study contacts individuals that have known cases of health concerns and attempts to search backwards in time to determine the causes of illnesses, the sources of exposures to pathogens and/or chemical/environmental residues.  In case studies, information that is collected is fully dependent upon the memories of the participants. These data automatically can be incorrect. In many situations, information is collected from participants' survivors, which can be highly unreliable.

Schulze found only one report concerning kidney cancer since the study began 26 years ago and it was related to cigarette smoking.  No report has been published from the Ag Health Study that associated any pesticide (which includes herbicides) with kidney cancers, however, there are some disturbing trends.

A higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease was associated with some applicators using Paraquat, Permethrin or Trifluralin (Treflan).  It was not associated with those applicators who wore gloves and practiced good workplace hygiene.  Of note, a chemical called “MPTP” causes Parkinson’s like symptoms. MPTP is chemically similar to Paraquat herbicide.

The study indicated significant increases of the risk of aggressive prostate cancer associated with four older insecticides: Fonofos (organophosphate, no longer registered for use), Malathion (organophosphate), Terbufos (organophosphate), and Aldrin (organochlorine, no longer registered for use).

The study adds further evidence that high level pesticide exposure, such as physician-diagnosed pesticide poisoning, is associated with increased risk of depression with women.

Participants who used the old chlorinated insecticides (Lindane and DDT both now banned for use) were more likely to develop NHL or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Researchers state there needs to be further work on a possible link with Terbufos, Diazinon, and Permethrin with NHL.

There is a wide range of exposures in agriculture, including pesticides, solvents, engine exhaust emission, UV light, dust, as well as zoonotic viruses and bacteria. Exposures can vary considerably between occupations, and even between farms, therefore, future research must focus on specific exposures to identify and clarify which risk factors may contribute to the observed pattern of cancer incidence.  For more information on the Ag Health Study, go to: https://aghealth.nih.gov/. 



LENRD Board moves forward with flow meter compliance notifications

All active wells which pump greater than 50 gallons per minute, within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, are required to have a flow meter installed.

The board decided at their January 24th meeting to move forward with sending out compliance notifications to the owners of irrigation wells impacted by the meter installation requirement who have yet to install a meter on their well.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “We have been working diligently with well owners in our district to help them understand the installation requirements, and have provided financial assistance to many property owners to incentivize them to install water meters.  Irrigation well owners had a deadline of January 1, 2018, while all other high-capacity well owners had until January 1, 2019 to get their meters installed.”

Sousek said, “We are here to answer your questions and develop a plan.  We know there are cases where excavation may need to occur after the ground thaws, and we are working with those individuals.  If you still need to install your meter, and you haven’t developed an installation timeline and plan with our staff, you will be receiving correspondence that articulates the next steps.”

Those individuals who receive a compliance notification in the mail will have until April 1, 2019 to install their meters, if they wish to irrigate in 2019.  If meters are not installed by April 1, a notice of intent to issue a cease and desist order will follow.  The letter will also provide reference to the consequences that could occur, if a well owner elects to ignore the requirement.

Sousek continued, “Some individuals may still be asking, why meters?  The board has long supported the use of flow meters as another groundwater management tool by first adopting an installation requirement for any new high capacity well in July of 2007.  After the drought of 2012, it became very evident that we needed to be proactive in the management of our groundwater since numerous in-season shortages were reported across the district, from all types of groundwater users (irrigators, public water supply systems, livestock, and domestic) with a high number of impacts being felt in Madison, Pierce and Wayne Counties during the 2012 irrigation season.  Quantity management sub-areas were delineated within those counties which required the installation of flow meters on irrigation wells.  More recent changes to the District’s Rules and Regulations for Groundwater Management made flow meter installation mandatory on all other high capacity wells effective January 1, 2018 for irrigation wells and January 1, 2019 for other types of high capacity wells located within the District.  With meters installed across the district, we can be better equipped to handle a drought and share the water in a manageable way.  Meters not only protect the farmers, the domestic users, and the cities, but they also protect the resource.”

Sousek said, “The meters protect current water users and allow for the development of new water users.  They provide a fair and equitable measurement that will allow the LENRD to manage groundwater and provide policies that concentrate on sharing our most precious resource among all users.  Should allocations ever be needed, all stakeholders will be treated equally through the meter program.  Meters can also be a very effective learning tool in measuring how much water is needed to grow a crop.”

In other business, eight board members recently took the Oath of Office and settled into their four-year terms.  They are: Chad Korth, Meadow Grove; Scott Clausen, Norfolk; Scott McHenry, Norfolk; Bob Noonan, Humphrey; Kurt Janke, Wayne; Dennis Schultz, Wisner; Roger Gustafson, Emerson; and Joel Hansen, Wayne.

The board also elected officers for 2019.  The Executive Board is Joel Hansen, Wayne, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Alternate; Dennis Schultz, Wisner, Past-Chairman; Scott McHenry, Norfolk, NARD Delegate; David Kathol, Norfolk, Treasurer, Matt Steffen, West Point, Secretary; Gary Loftis, Craig, Chairman; and Kurt Janke, Wayne, Vice-Chairman.

The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their email list at www.lenrd.org.



NeCGA Tours St. Louis Locks & Dam

Join Nebraska Corn for a complimentary tour of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam as well as the Bunge Shuttle Loading Facility along the Mississippi River. This trip is open to all corn growers, but space is limited. If you are interested in participating in this day tour, please call the NeCGA office at (402) 438-6459 or email Morgan Wrich, Director of Grower Services, at mwrich@necga.org.

The flight to St. Louis will leave from Omaha at 6:20 AM on Tuesday, March 26th. Hotel rooms are available in Omaha for those who would prefer to drive in the evening before.

RSVP's for this day tour are due February 8th!



Nebraska Ag College to Host Visit Day Feb. 13

The University of Nebraska--Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is offering potential students a glimpse at what it means to be a member of the CASNR community. The college's annual Experience the Power of Red Visit Day will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

With 30 diverse majors and a pre-professional program, the agricultural college creates an educational experience and positions students to have a lasting and impactful career that aligns with their passion. During the event, attendees will meet faculty, staff and current students to see what life in the college is like. Experience the Power of Red Visit Day will not only expose potential students to their academic future, but also the unique living-learning spaces on campus.

"CASNR is focused on fostering an inclusive environment that empowers students to be difference makers in the college, the state and the world," said Sue Ellen Pegg, college relations director. "We look forward to showing potential students what that means at Experience the Power of Red Visit Day."

The visit will begin with refreshments and a browsing session, where students will get a brief introduction to each department in the college. Following a welcome at 9:15 a.m., students and parents will attend academic sessions that offer more in-depth information about each academic program. The event concludes with lunch and a scholarship drawing at 11:45 a.m. Optional tours of City Campus and East Campus will begin at noon.

Advance registration is required by Feb. 6. To register and see the complete schedule, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/visitday.

For more information, visit http://casnr.unl.edu or contact Pegg at 402-472-0615 or spegg2@unl.edu.



Pork Producers name Youth Leadership Team at Iowa Pork Congress

Gracie Greiner, Washington; Carli Grau, Newell; and Isaac Wiley, Walker are the 2019 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team. They will spend the next 12 months representing Iowa pork producers and educating others about pig production and pork.

There were seven contestants who participated in the final portion of the contest that included two days of interviews, demonstrations of their outreach skills, and testing on their knowledge of pork and pig production. The top female contestant is crowned pork queen and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors.

Greiner, who is a senior at Washington High School, is the 2019 Iowa Pork Queen. Grau and Wiley are Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4000 scholarship and plaque noting their achievement. But according to their predecessors, the most valuable thing they will receive is many growth and leadership experiences. Over the next year, they will participate in public activities promoting pork and pig production from county activities around Iowa to the Iowa State Fair, World Pork Expo, and events in Washington, D.C.

Greiner, who is also the Washington County Pork Queen, is the daughter of Shaun and Heather Greiner of Washington. She plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall and major in animal science. Her hopes are to build on that experience and to become a large animal veterinarian serving southeast Iowa.

Grau is a former state FFA officer and is now a student at Des Moines Area Community College. The daughter of Shannon Grau-Quail and the late Gordon Grau of Newell also plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall and study agriculture and life science education. Her plan is to teach high school ag education.

Wiley, a senior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School, plans to study agriculture business this fall at Iowa State University. He plans to use that education to build a career in the pork industry. Wiley is the son of Todd and Denise Wiley of Walker, and has been active in sports, church and 4-H activities, and served as a District FFA officer, too.

The contestants were judged on their outreach skills, community involvement and experience, and knowledge about pork and pig production.



Iowa Corn Discusses 4R Plus at the Iowa Power Farming Show

Iowa Corn is hosting a panel discussion at the Iowa Power Farming Show January 29 and 30, 2019. Join Iowa farmers and Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Julie Kenney, as they make their business cases for healthier soils. Utilizing the 4R Plus approach of precise nutrient management and conservation practices provides nutrients when the crop needs them and improves soil and water quality. This approach makes the most of your most valuable asset – the soil beneath your feet. Moderated by Successful Farming Executive Editor, Betsy Freese.

While there, visit Iowa Corn booth #852 at the east entrance to the Community Choice Convention Center. ICGA members who stop at the booth get a free Iowa Corn T-Shirt (while supplies last). If you are not a member, you are able to sign up at the booth and receive a tumbler and beef certificate.

WHAT: Iowa Power Farming Show
WHEN: January 29 and 30, 2019
WHERE: Iowa Events Center, 833 5th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Seminars:
January 29, 11:15AM Room 311
    Julie Kenney, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Story County farmer
    Denny Friest, Hardin County farmer
    Ralph Lents, Adair County farmer
January 30, 11:15AM Room 311
    Julie Kenney, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Story County farmer
    Doug Adams, Humboldt County farmer
    Stuart Swanson, Wright County farmer



IFBF, IDALS sponsor cover crop workshop

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is proud to sponsor a Cover Crop Workshop in Ankeny, where farmers can learn how cover crops can improve their yields and soil structure, while also being an important part of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney will provide an update for the Nutrient Reduction Strategy at the event, which takes place January 29 at the Mistress Brewing Company, 1802 North Ankeny Boulevard, in Ankeny.  The event begins at 5:00 p.m. with a ‘mix and mingle’, followed by dinner, the address by Deputy Kenney and a local farmer panel, where farmers are invited to ask questions and learn more from those who use many varieties of cover crops.

The Cover Crop Workshop is one of several events to be held in 2019 by the Iowa Seed Corn Cover Crops Initiative, which is a project developed by the Iowa Seed Association in conjunction with the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Iowa Corn Grower’s Association.  The project is funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture under their Clean Water Initiative program, which got underway in 2016.  To RSVP for the Ankeny Cover Crop Workshop, email covercrops@agribiz.org or call 641-861-2280.



Meetings Will Look at Iowa Cow Systems Project, Offer Tours

Iowa is home to 4.2 percent of the United States’ beef cattle inventory, the seventh-largest number of any state in the country. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Denise Schwab said a project conducted through the Iowa Beef Center worked with 28 producers to characterize three production management systems.

“The traditional or conventional system consists of pasture grazing during the growing season and winter feeding of harvested or purchased feed in either a lot or open area,” Schwab said. “The second is an extensive grazing system, which aims to have cows grazing most of the year with little supplemental feeds. The third system is a limited grazing system where most of the feed is harvested and cows are confined in a building or drylot for much of the time.”

Findings from this project form the basis of a new Iowa cow systems manual, “Sustainably Growing Iowa’s Beef Herds: Evaluating Systems That Provide Economic Opportunities While Protecting Soil and Water Resources." The manual includes data collected on production cost records, feed usage and management, forage quality, soil samples and soil loss based on land use and conservation practices. Case studies were developed to demonstrate successful practices in each production system, and example budgets and decision tools helped evaluate which system best fit their individual resources.

“Cow-calf enterprises can have a positive impact on the environment when well-managed,” Schwab said. “For example, incorporating rotational or permanent pastures into crop rotations can increase organic matter and reduce soil erosion.”

This message and the economic opportunities of each cow system will be delivered by Schwab and fellow extension beef specialists at meetings to be held in late February. In addition to the results of the project, three locations will offer tours of cooperator operations. Attendance is free, thanks to sponsorship of Iowa Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Services of America and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Meeting dates, times and locations
-    Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St., Guthrie Center. Tour Curtis, Molly and Mike Clark’s farm, Linden.
-    Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Carpenter’s Hall, 1215 Court Ave., Chariton. Tour Duane and Jodi Steenhoek’s farm.
-    Feb. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Jones County Extension & Expo Hall, 800 N. Maple St., Monticello. Tour Lubben’s White Oak Farms, Monticello.
-    Feb. 27, 1-3 p.m. – Hancock County Extension, 327 W 8th St., Garner. No tour.
-    Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m. – Meyers Seed, 5204 Highway 63, Montezuma. No tour.

This project was originally funded by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and transitioned to the Iowa Nutrient Research Center. Staff time and expenses also were committed by the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.

Preregistrations for all locations are due Feb. 15. To preregister, call the Iowa Beef Center at 515-294-BEEF (2333) and leave your name, phone number and email address, along with the location you plan to attend. You also can email beefcenter@iastate.edu and provide the same information.



Tentative Deal Reopens Government for Three Weeks

President Trump and congressional leaders have reached a tentative deal to reopen the government for three weeks while negotiations over border security funding continue, according to congressional aides.

The deal -- would amount to at least a temporary concession by Trump to Democrats -- wouldn't provide immediate funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, administration officials said. The deal would fund the government through Feb. 15 and start negotiations between the House and Senate over a full-year bill funding the Homeland Security Department, which oversees the border, aides said.

For weeks, Democrats have urged the president to reopen the government while negotiations continue. Republican senators have been talking with increasing urgency in recent days about passing a stopgap spending bill.

The stopgap spending bill would include an extension of border security funding at current levels, which includes $1.3 billion for border security but not expressly for a wall.

Current law permits the Department of Homeland Security to build new fencing and levee walls but bars the administration from building a solid concrete border wall. Republicans consider such barriers a wall, while Democrats say this constitutes border security. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The accord also comes as the effects of the partial government shutdown started to interfere with the nation's air travel. A shortage of air-traffic controllers, who are not paid during the shutdown, prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to delay flights at major U.S. airport Friday, including New York's LaGuardia Airport.



Secretary Perdue Statement on Reopening the Federal Government

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of reopening the federal government:

“President Trump’s announcement of the reopening of the federal government is welcome news, as it will bring thousands of our employees back to work and return us to our mission of providing our customers with the services they rely upon.  I extend my sincere thanks to the thousands of USDA workers who stayed on the job during the shutdown to offer as many of our normal activities as we could.  The President has already signed legislation that guarantees backpay for all employees, and we will move forward on that as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, we will prepare for a smooth reestablishment of USDA functions.

“There will now be sufficient time for Congress to come to an agreement with the President on his pledge to protect our national security by securing our southern border with a reliable, effective barrier.”



AFBF Looks Forward to Government Reopening
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“We are encouraged that the federal government will be re-opened for three weeks while Congress and the administration work on a permanent budget solution. At our annual meeting last week, our delegate body from 50 states and Puerto Rico called on President Trump, Speaker Pelosi and all leadership to move quickly to put this shutdown behind us. Farmers have crops to plant, animals to raise and food to sell. We need the Agriculture Department and the rest of the federal government up and running to do the job the American people need us to do.

“We also want to express our great appreciation to the thousands of federal employees at USDA and other agencies who put in long hours without pay these last several weeks to ensure our country was protected and that the services farmers and ranchers depend on remained available.”



NMPF Calls for Fast Farm Bill Implementation as Government Reopens

With the federal government poised to reopen for three weeks after a 35-day partial shutdown that delayed implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill, the National Milk Producers Federation today sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging quick implementation of the law’s dairy provisions.

“Dairy farmers have just completed a fourth consecutive year of depressed milk prices and are facing an uncertain outlook for 2019,” wrote Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We believe that the significant dairy policy reforms we worked successfully with Congress to enact in the new farm bill will be critically important to helping farmers better manage difficult periods of low margins.”

Implementation of the law, passed in December, has been slowed by the recent shutdown. Dairy programs should be fast-tracked because of the nature of farm bill reforms, NMPF said.

“Because the dairy provisions of the law simply modify the pre-existing margin program, it is clear from Congress’ direction that USDA can move forward to enact the new provisions without conducting a formal rulemaking process,” Mulhern wrote. “We encourage you to utilize this flexibility to help add momentum to the process, especially in light of the fact that the government shutdown has delayed the department’s ability to proceed.”

NMPF looks forward to working with USDA on a farmer-friendly sign-up process that gives producers time to understand their options, with quickly updated online tools to streamline the process. The new farm bill includes several critical provisions important to dairy. The new Dairy Margin Coverage program (DMC) offers much more affordable and higher coverage levels than previous initiatives, with all dairy producers able to insure margins up to $9.50/cwt. on their Tier I (first 5 million pounds) production history. The DMC also offers lower-cost $5.00 margin coverage, a higher level of affordable catastrophic protection for operations wishing to cover more than 5 million pounds of production.



U.S. Energy Outlook Report Underscores Need for Higher Ethanol Blends

Federal forecasts in the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) newly released Annual Energy Outlook 2019 (AEO2019) underscore the importance of delivering cleaner, lower cost options to the fuel pump, said Chris Bliley, vice president of regulatory affairs at Growth Energy.

“America’s thirst for clean, affordable fuel options is set to remain strong for decades to come,” said Bliley. “Consumers deserve cleaner, more affordable options, and that’s exactly what higher ethanol blends like E15 can deliver. Regulators at the EPA must act quickly on the president’s pledge and open the door to competition at the fuel pump all year long.”

The EIA report predicts that “motor gasoline and diesel fuel retail prices increase by 76 cents per gallon and 82 cents per gallon, respectively, from 2018 to 2050, largely because of increasing crude oil prices.” The report also finds that light-duty vehicle miles traveled will increase by 20 percent, “growing from 2.9 trillion miles in 2018 to 3.5 trillion miles in 2050 as a result of rising incomes and growing population.” In addition, the EIA reports that “consumption of transportation fuels grows considerably in the reference case between 2018 and 2050.”



McDonald's to Host 'Bacon Hour' on Tuesday

McDonald’s is really going all-in on this bacon thing. Following news of McDonald’s bringing its Cheesy Bacon Fries nationwide, the fast-food chain has announced that it will be hosting a “Bacon Hour” on Jan. 29 at participating restaurants across the country, during which diners will be able to add bacon to any menu item for free.

“When we said there’s no such thing as too much bacon, we weren’t kidding. January 29, we’ll be upping the bacon ante — the bac-ante, if you will — and celebrating this glorious food favorite like never before,” said Michael Haracz, McDonald’s chef and manager of culinary innovation, in a press release.

The promotion comes "in celebration" of McDonald's new, limited-time bacon-inclusive menu items, including the Big Mac Bacon burger, the Quarter Pounder bacon burger, and Cheesy Bacon Fries, to be available the following day on Jan. 30 at participating restaurants, per Nation’s Restaurant News.

According to McDonald’s, customers hoping to take advantage of Mickey D’s upcoming Bacon Hour on Jan. 29 will need to make a purchase between 4 and 5 p.m., at which point they will also receive two half-pieces of Applewood smoked bacon, to do with as they please.

Bacon-heads be warned: McDonald’s says its Bacon Hour promotion will be available at “most” U.S. restaurants, but not at locations in Hawaii, Alaska or U.S. territories.