Wednesday January 2 Ag News

Syngenta Settlement Approved by Federal Judge
J. David Aiken - NE Extension Water and Agricultural Law Specialist

On December 7, 2018, Kansas US District Court Judge J. W. Lungstrum approved the $1.51 billion settlement of the Syngenta GMO corn class action lawsuit. According to attorneys close to the litigation, the earliest time for settlement distribution checks to producers and others is April 2019. If the judicial order approving the settlement is appealed, that additional litigation would delay settlement checks by months or even years.



Nebraska Crop Management Conference January 28-29

The Nebraska Crop Management Conference offers 27 unique sessions over two days with up-to-date information for successful cropping system management. Experts from Nebraska and surrounding states will provide research-based information in crop production, soil and water management, pest management, agricultural economics, and climate analysis. The conference provides opportunity to interact with farmers and ag professionals from across Nebraska. As well as commercial and private pesticide license recertification, CCA credits, and chemigation training.

Registration Fees
The Full Conference option includes all educational sessions and social events, lunches, and recertification (if needed) Monday and Tuesday. The One Day option includes all educational sessions, lunch and recertification (if needed) Monday OR Tuesday. Early conference rates are valid through January 20.

Pesticide Recertification
Commercial and private pesticide license recertification is available on both days of the conference by attending the recertification sessions. This provides flexibility to attend only a single day or to stay for both days.

Certified Crop Advisor Credits
Up to 7 CCA credits are available for one day or 14 credits for both days the conference. The following CCA categories will be offered:
-    Soil and Water Management
-    Nutrient Management
-    Crop Management
-    Pest Management
-    Professional Development

Questions about the Conference
Conference website is: https://agronomy.unl.edu/NCMC.  For more information about the conference contact: Chris Proctor at caproctor@unl.edu or 402-472-5411.



Grain Marketing: Dollars & Cents - A Grain Marketing Workshop

Dates:  Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, 2019
Location:  University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center
Time:  9:30am to 4:00pm
Cost:  $100 per person

This two-day, in-depth, hands-on workshop will help row-crop farmers create effective grain marketing plans specific to their operation and financial condition. Grain Marketing: Dollars
and Cents is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to understand financial benchmarking, improve their basic marketing knowledge, develop accurate production costs estimates and write a grain marketing plan. 

Grain Marketing: Dollars and Cents will take participants through a case-study farm, making them evaluate different financial situations: one with a strong financial standing and cash on hand, the other a tighter scenario where they would need to rely on grain sales to make payments on operating loans.

Register by calling Nebraska Extension, 402-624-8030.  



Nebraska Ethanol Board Meeting Feb. 1, 2019

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet at noon Friday, Feb. 1. The meeting will be held in Lincoln at the downtown Hyatt Place Hotel (600 Q Street).

The board welcomes Erick Lutt, senior director, Industrial & Environment Section (IES) with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, as the keynote speaker during the board meeting. Lutt will join the group on a video conference call and discuss policy issues related to biofuels.

At the Biotechnology Innovation Organization in Washington, D.C., Lutt is responsible for developing policy options for the IES Governing Board and working groups, and focuses on advanced and cellulosic biofuels, bio-based products, renewable chemicals and agricultural feedstocks. His policy work entails working with members of Congress on energy and agricultural legislation and the administration on regulatory affairs dealing with industrial biotechnology and the bio-based economy.

Previously, Lutt worked for former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska as his legislative assistant, where he developed the Senator’s legislative agenda for agriculture, biofuels, biotech, energy, environment and trade. He also led Sen. Nelson’s committee agenda for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Prior to joining Sen. Nelson’s office, Lutt worked for Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle’s campaign in South Dakota.

Lutt has a degree in government and international affairs from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Lutt will speak on a video call at approximately 12:20 p.m. The meeting agenda highlights inlcude:
-    Erick Lutt, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (Video Conference)
-    UNL Economic Impact Study Reveal
-    Industrial Training
-    Marketing & Education Programs
-    E30 Demonstration Update
-    State and Federal Legislation update
-    Ethanol Plant Reports
-    Fuel Retailer Reports
-    Election

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature.



Beef Profit Tips Programs to be Held in Nebraska

During the winter of 2019 Nebraska Extension will host 17 beef profitability workshops in Nebraska to help Beef Producers evaluate their operations to make them more profitable through the latest research information. Topics will vary depending on presenter and specific location. These workshops have been held across Nebraska for the past fifteen years. The cost is $15.00 but may vary from location depending on local sponsorship.

2019 Locations are as follows (no meal unless otherwise stated)
*along with private pesticide training sessions                                                             

 *January 17 - Cody – 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time at Adamson Community Center Contact Jace Stott at 402-387-2213

January 24- Hartington- Cedar County Extension office- at 1:30 p.m. Contact Ben Beckman at 402-254-6821

January 30- Fullerton- Nance County Extension Office- 3:30p.m.  Contact Mariah Woolsoncroft 308-536-2691

*February 4- Verdigre- Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m.  Contact Ben Beckman 402-254-6821

February 5- Mead- ENREC at 1:00 p.m. contact Kristen Ulmer at 402-624-8030

*February 7- Butte- Boyd County Extension office at 1:00 p.m. Contact Amy Timmerman 402-336-2760 or Steve Niemeyer 308-346-4200                     

*February 7 – O’Neill- Holt County Extension Office at 6:30 p.m. Contact Amy Timmerman 402-336-2760  or Steve Niemeyer at 308-346-4200                       

February 7- Neligh- Antelope County Extension Office – 1:30 p.m. Contact Ben Beckman at 402-254-6821

*February 12- Taylor- Loup County Event Center- Time 1:00 p.m. contact Steve Niemeyer 308-346-4200                                                          

February 19- Wilber – Lutheran Church meeting room- time 1:00 p.m. Contact Randy Pryor at  402-821-2151 or Kristen Ulmer at 402-624-8030

*February 25- Burwell- Garfield County Courthouse- time 6:30 p.m. Contact Steve Niemeyer  at 308-346-4200                                      

February 28- Nelson- Nelson Community Room- time 1:30 p.m. contact Brad Schick 402-746-3417

*February 28- Springview- Senior Center- 1:30 p.m.  Contact Jace Stott 402-387-2213                                             

*March 4- Bartlett- Wheeler County Fairgrounds- 1:00 p.m. contact Steve Niemeyer 308-346-4200

March 12- Dakota City- Dakota County Extension office- 1:00 p.m. contact Larry Howard 402-372-6006

March 13- West Point- Cuming County Extension Office – 1:00 p.m. Contact Larry Howard 402-372-6006

March 14- Fremont- Dodge Co. Extension office 1:00 p.m. contact Larry Howard 402-372-6006

For more information contact Steve Niemeyer, NE Extension Beef Educator, at 308-346-4200 at the NE Extension in GLW Office, Burwell, NE.  Or contact your local Nebraska Extension office.



2019 PorkBridge Education Series Begins in February

Since 2005, the distance education series PorkBridge has provided relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities. Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist Ken Stalder is the Iowa contact for the program which offers participants six opportunities each year to hear from industry experts on topics relevant to those who are involved in grow-finish operations.

The 2019 program begins on Feb. 7 with programs on an every-other-month basis through Dec. 5. A committee of faculty and staff from 11 land grant universities plans the topic and presenter schedule based on current industry needs and trends, and input from participants. Individual sessions start at 11:30 a.m. central time and last no more than an hour.

“Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting,” Stalder said. “PorkBridge participants can take part where it works best for them whether at home, in an office or in the swine unit. And all can listen later to the audio we record of each live session.”

PorkBridge session information is provided through electronic materials and live speaker presentation via teleconference.  About a week before each session, participants receive a web link to download the session’s presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with their own copy of the presentation on their computer or other device. There is also an option to request the electronic materials be mailed via CD.

Stalder said there’s an added incentive to participate this year.

“We’ve lowered the registration price to $100 for the entire series,” he said. “We recognize the challenges and hardships in the industry, and by decreasing the cost $25 we hope people will see even more value in participating.”

As in the past, each subsequent registration from the same entity is half the cost, $50. Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session. Program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. Anyone with questions, regardless of location, should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information.

Session dates, speakers and their industry affiliations, and topics follow.
    Feb. 7 – Patrick Webb, National Pork Board: “Foreign Animal Disease Awareness”
    April 4 – Melissa Wilson, University of Minnesota: “Current Manure Value: Getting the Most from Manure”
    May 30 – Jesse McCoy, Neogen: “Water Quality Considerations”
    Aug. 1 – Dusty Compart and Chris Murphy, Compeer Financial: “Contract Growing: the In's and Out's”
    Oct. 3 – Brett Ramirez, Iowa State University: “Controlling Barn Environment”
    Dec. 5 – Max Rodibaugh, AMVC: “Timely Intervention of Sick Pigs”

The subscription form and payment must be received by Jan. 15 to assure receipt of program materials in time for the first session on Feb. 7. The program brochure has details and the registration form. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.



NAIG PROVIDES 2018 “AG IN REVIEW”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today highlighted passage of dedicated, long-term water quality funding, a challenging trade environment and ongoing economic uncertainty as some of the top issues facing Iowans involved in agriculture in 2018.

“The year started off with the passage of dedicated, long-term water quality funding to continue to scale up the ongoing conservation work underway across the state,” Naig said. “Uncertainty around trade and the impact that has had on markets has been a key issue throughout the year. While there has been significant movement on trade in recent weeks, the trade disruptions continue to impact our farmers and the state’s economy.”

Dedicated, long-term water quality funding
In January, the Legislature passed and Governor Reynolds signed into law dedicated, long-term water quality funding that commits more than $280 million to water quality efforts in Iowa over the next 12 years.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will receive $2 million this year, $4 million next year and then $15 million annually as part of the legislation. The remaining funds will go to the Iowa Finance Authority to support communities upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and urban water quality focused practices.

The new funding is being targeted towards conservation infrastructure practices such as wetlands, saturated buffers and bioreactors. These practices are placed on the edge of fields and provide significant, long-term nutrient reduction and habitat benefits. The science assessment as part of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy shows these practices can reduce nitrate levels by 40 to 60 percent in tile drainage water.

“There is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, but we are on the right path. We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively, with science as our guide, to make significant water quality improvements in our state,” Naig said.

Trade uncertainty
A number of international trade disputes with several of our largest trading partners have created a lot of uncertainty within Iowa agriculture and have also had an impact on the state’s economy. In particular, retaliatory tariffs put in place by Canada, Mexico and China, three of our state’s top four trading partners, have had a significant impact on prices for a number of ag products.

A study by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University looked at the impact of the trade disruptions and showed Iowa’s gross state product (GSP) losing in the range of $1 billion to $2 billion just this year.

Fortunately, there has also been positive news on the trade front recently. The Trump administration has finalized updated agreements with Canada and Mexico as well as South Korea. They have also started the process to begin negotiating with Japan and Europe.

Recent announcements that China is resuming soybean purchases is also welcome news, but the purchases that have been announced so far only represent a very small percentage of typical U.S. soybean sales to China.

The administration has created a Market Facilitation Program to help farmers being hurt by the current disruptions.

“Our message from the start has been farmers want trade, not aid. Agriculture has faced a disproportionate negative impact from the trade disputes and while the assistance program by no means makes farmers whole, it does help. We need to be on the offense on trade, working to open and expand markets for our ag products,” Naig said.

Bountiful production despite droughts, floods
Unfortunately, words like variability and extreme were the words used by many to describe the 2018 growing season. Despite the challenges, many farmers had record or near record yields this year. Drought persisted in southeast Iowa and the dry conditions impacted yields. In northwest Iowa, periods of heavy rain and flooding impacted yields in waterlogged fields.

Despite the weather challenges, Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.52 billion bushels according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Production report. This would be the third largest Iowa crop on record. The statewide average yield is expected to be 198 bushels per acre, down four bushels per acre from last year.

USDA has projected record soybean production for Iowa with 577 million bushels. The statewide yield forecast is 58 bushels per acre, up one bushel per acre from last year.

African swine fever highlights importance of animal disease response planning
Widespread reports of African swine fever (ASF) in China as well as confirmed cases in Europe have caused significant concern for Iowa pork producers and highlighted the importance of farmers following strict biosecurity protocols. ASF is a reportable foreign animal disease (FAD) that could have a devastating economic impact if found in the U.S.

The Department has scaled up foreign animal disease response preparations in recent years in response to concerns about ASF, Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease. The Department has received additional funding better equip and prepare for potential future outbreaks, including hiring an Emergency Management Coordinator, updating emergency response plans and organizing disease response exercises.



Beef Cattle Market: 2018 in Review and a Look Ahead
Josh Maples, Extension Economist, Mississippi State University

Large supplies, record exports, and trade concerns are just a few of the topics that dominated the beef headlines in 2018. Amidst all of these factors, U.S. calf and yearling prices have showed relatively consistent strength throughout the year. 2019 will likely bring a mostly flat year for national herd growth which will position the industry at a pivotal point for supplies and prices moving forward. In this article, we'll dig a little deeper into a few key drivers to watch in 2019.
 
Cattle and Calf Supplies
Cattle and beef supplies have been growing since the price peak in 2014-2015 and this continues to be the primary headwind to higher prices. The 2018 U.S. calf crop was about 8.5% larger than it was in 2014 - that is nearly 3 million more calves on the ground. However, that growth has been slowing recently with 2019 expected to be close to flat for cow herd growth. It takes time for the expansion that has already occurred to work through the cattle and beef supply chain. The stage is already set for modestly larger calf and beef supplies in 2019. We can look to 2014-2015 as a mirrored example. 2014 was the low point for most of the cattle supply numbers (number of cows, calf crop, etc.), but 2015 was the lowest year of beef production.
 
Beef Production and Supplies
Beef production was over 13 percent higher in 2018 than in 2015. Current forecasts suggest an increase of just under 2 percent in 2019. Put it all together and that would be an approximately 15 percent increase in beef production in just four years. This would be the fastest four-year growth since 1973-1977. Following the cattle supply story, the increases are slowing. With respect to the cattle cycle, recent cowherd trends suggest 2020 could potentially mark the end of the current U.S. cattle inventory build-up. But it is worth noting that this is looking like a unique cattle cycle. History might suggest that after herd growth stops, herd declines will follow. But the ingredients for near-term herd declines are not obvious at this point. Prices have mostly remained at or above profitable levels for cow-calf producers which does not provide much incentive for liquidation.
 
Beef Demand
While larger supplies will remain the biggest headwind to stronger prices in 2019, strong domestic and international demand for U.S. beef is continuing to provide price support. A strong domestic economy is supporting beef demand despite the larger supplies of beef and also larger supplies of other proteins chicken and pork. Domestic beef consumption per person in 2018 was about 57 pounds and is forecasted to grow slightly in 2019. Internationally, robust exports have supported the demand profile for beef and, therefore, cattle. Beef exports have risen by over 20 percent over the past 2 years which has helped absorb some of the beef production increases. More modest export growth is forecasted for 2019, but it is worth noting that the modest forecasts the past two years have been sharply exceeded.
 
Summary
The past few years have been a demand-driven environment where stronger-than-expected beef demand led to stronger-than-expected calf and yearling prices. These have been important transition years that coped with the sharp supply increases. Looking ahead, slower herd growth numbers begin to paint a brighter price picture for 2019 and 2020 if domestic demand and exports continue to grow.



Nitrogen Fertilizers Higher Once Again

Fertilizer prices continue to move higher, with nitrogen fertilizers once again leading the way, according to retailers tracked by DTN for the last week of December 2018.  For the third week in a row, three fertilizers' prices are significantly higher. Overall, seven of the eight fertilizers tracked by DTN saw price increases from last month.

Anhydrous prices are 9% higher compared to last month with an average price of $568/ton. That's an increase of $49/ton.  UAN28 prices are up 8%, an increase of $20/ton. The nitrogen fertilizer has an average price of $266/ton. UAN32 is $16/ton more expensive than last month, a 6% increase, with an average price of $303/ton.

Four other fertilizers' prices were slightly higher. DAP had an average price of $507/ton, up $6/ton; MAP $533/ton, up $3/ton; potash $379/ton, up $10/ton; and 10-34-0 $457/ton, up fractionally from last month.

One fertilizer was slightly lower in price compared to last month. Urea's average price dropped $2/ton to $407/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.35/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.47/lb.N.

All eight of the major fertilizers are now higher compared to last year. MAP is 9% more expensive, potash is 10% higher, 10-34-0 is 12% more expensive, DAP is 13% higher, urea is 17% more expensive, UAN32 is 20% higher, anhydrous is 21% more expensive and UAN28 is now 23% higher compared to last year.



Foreign Ag Service Forges Ahead to Expand Trade

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forged ahead to expand export opportunities and diversify markets for U.S. farm and food products in 2018, and those efforts paid off with global sales remaining robust despite numerous challenges in the international trade arena.

"It's been a rollercoaster ride this year, but U.S. farm exports remain strong, thanks in no small part to the efforts of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney. "Under the leadership of Administrator Ken Isley, who joined the agency in March, FAS has been instrumental in the Administration's efforts to promote free, fair and reciprocal trade."

One of the year's highlights was the successful negotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), through which the United States strengthened its trade relationship with its North American neighbors.

"Dozens of experts from across FAS worked side-by-side with our partners in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure the best deal for U.S. agriculture, ultimately ensuring preferential access for U.S. exports and solidifying commitments to fair and science-based trade rules," McKinney noted.

In addition, USDA efforts to break down barriers and pursue export opportunities resulted in new or expanded market access for numerous U.S. farm products in 2018. These included dairy and poultry to Canada under the USMCA, as well as lamb and goat meat to Japan, beef and pork to Argentina, poultry to India and Namibia, lamb to El Salvador, beef and poultry to Morocco, eggs to South Africa and dairy to Turkey.

FAS staff around the globe also assisted U.S. exporters in releasing hundreds of shipments that were detained at foreign ports. USDA's intervention ensured that more than $77 million of perishable U.S. products arrived safely at their final destinations. Among them were beef to Bulgaria, cherries to Taiwan, cranberries to China, lobsters to the United Arab Emirates and squid to Peru. "In addition to these trade policy successes, we continue to focus our efforts on trade promotion, cultivating relationships with overseas customers and helping U.S. businesses get their products into new markets," McKinney said.

As part of that effort, FAS sponsored six agricultural trade missions in 2018, enabling more than 200 U.S. companies and organizations to engage in 3,000 one-on-one meetings with foreign buyers, generating more than $140 million in projected 12-month sales.

Similarly, USDA organized exporter participation in 19 trade shows around the globe, where more than 900 U.S. companies introduced 4,500 new products to potential customers and reported $296 million in on-site sales and $2 billion in projected 12-month sales.

"From Central America, to Southeast Asia, to Sub-Saharan Africa, it's been gratifying to witness the world's receptiveness to U.S. farm and food products. Consumers worldwide have a true affinity for the American brand and immediately recognize the safety and quality of our products," said McKinney.

To further strengthen those trade promotion efforts, FAS rolled out the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, which will provide $200 million to mitigate the effects of other countries' trade barriers by helping U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets. A total of 71 organizations applied for the new program, submitting requests totaling more than $600 million.

"In addition to pursuing these near-term opportunities, we continue to engage in what we call trade capacity building. That's where we're taking the long view -- looking down the road to where the markets might be in the future, and then engaging leaders in those markets who can help develop sound policies and strong agricultural sectors," McKinney noted.

Under the trade capacity-building umbrella, FAS international fellowship and exchange programs enabled 569 foreign researchers, policymakers, and agricultural specialists from 56 lower- and middle-income countries to work alongside U.S. mentors and trainers this year, acquiring knowledge and skills to help build their countries' agricultural sectors and increase their ability to engage in global trade.



NCGA Looking for a Few Good Leaders for FY20 Corn Board

The National Corn Growers Association Nominating Committee reminds interested members that it is accepting applications for the 2020 Corn Board through January 11. Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization’s leadership.  Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines.

“As a true grassroots organization, we rely upon farmers to volunteer to lead, helping to shape policy and drive efforts,” said NCGA Chairman and Nominating Committee Chair Kevin Skunes. “I have had the privilege of working with so many talented, dedicated volunteers who step forward to lead this organization during my years on the Corn Board. Their willingness to step forward as volunteer leaders plays a crucial role in building NCGA’s future successes. Serving on the Corn Board empowers farmers to play a proactive role in determining the collective future of our industry.”

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways. They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.

Applications are due Friday, January 11. Nominated candidates will be introduced at the 2019 Corn Congress meeting, held in conjunction with the Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida. Corn Board members will be elected at the July 2019 Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., and the new terms begin Oct. 1.

For more information, growers may contact Kathy Baker at NCGA’s St. Louis office at (636) 733-9004.