Monday February 4 Ag News

PRESEASON HAY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Looking for something to do while waiting for snow to melt and spring arrive?  Preseason maintenance of hay equipment now might save you time a couple months later.

               Hay equipment needs proper maintenance to perform well.  Preseason maintenance also can help prevent costly downtime when delays can be very costly.   Let's briefly review some important maintenance steps.

               First off, inspect, lubricate, and service all power driven areas such as belts, bearings, chains, and gears.  Set tension on belts and chains as well.  Also check, sharpen, or replace cutterbar sections or disc blades and adjust wear plates, hold-down clips, and guards.  Make sure your cutterbar has proper knife register.

               Conditioning rollers often are overlooked.  Check the spacing between the rolls and adjust roll timing for your crop.  Better conditioning will help your hay dry faster.

               On round balers, inspect belts, chains, and slats or rollers frequently for wear.  Trim frayed edges and repair belts as needed to maintain uniform tension.  When not in use, keep belts clean and release belt tension.

               Rectangular balers need plunger knife clearance and plunger alignment checked.  Also inspect the tying mechanism and adjust it as needed.  Pick-up teeth on balers and on rakes frequently are broken or bent.  Replace defective teeth and adjust height if necessary.

               Also, be sure you have replacement parts on hand of frequently broken or replaced items.  And most important of all, review your owners manual to identify recommended maintenance procedures and proper settings.

               Take a little time now and you will reduce down time later.



Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics this February 

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. The clinics offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, February 7
    North Platte — Thursday, February 14
    Fairbury — Thursday, February 21
    Valentine — Thursday, February 26
    Norfolk — Wednesday, February 27

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



IPPA Announces 2018 Master Pork Producers, Pork Partners

At the 2019 Iowa Pork Congress, the Iowa Pork Producers Association introduced the 2018 class of Master Pork Producers and Master Pork Partners.

A Master Pork Producer award denotes an individual's or family's excellence in pork production, as measured by their pork production statistics, their commitment to We Care® principles, and their contribution to their community. There are six We Care principles that outline a pig farmer's responsibilities to uphold high standards for animal care, food production, the environment, people, and community involvement.

IPPA's 77th class of Master Pork Producers includes nine pig farmers. They are:
    Chet and Cassie Mogler, Alvord, Lyon County
    Bryian Lundell, Odebolt, Sac County
    Kathy Pratt, Aurelia, Cherokee County
    Fred and Donna Zenk, Akron, Plymouth County
    Dominic and Karen Hogan, Monticello, Jones County
    Gene Tinker, Manchester, Delaware County
    Ryan Kress, Winthrop, Buchanan County
    Terry and Janet Mann, Turin, Monona County
    Denis and Laurel Heithoff, Carroll, Carroll County

IPPA started the Master Pork Producer Award program in 1942 and has now named 1,484 Iowa pig farmers as Master Pork Producers.

IPPA created the Master Pork Partner Award in 2014 to recognize pork production company employees who have made positive impacts on pork production systems, even though they don't have active daily roles at a specific production site. , but have demonstrated positive impacts in their production systems and a commitment to the pork industry's We Care ethical principles.

The 2018 Master Pork Partners are:
    Dr. Cassandra Jass, DVM, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls
    Dr. Josh Bowden, DVM; Winthrop Veterinary Clinic, Winthrop
    Chris Riesgaard, Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic (AMVC), Audubon

All award winners are nominated by their peers and neighbors, and represent the diversity of Iowa's pork production farms. This production diversity helps maintain the strength of the industry and enables Iowa producers to compete successfully in the domestic and international commodity and niche markets.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension co-sponsor the Master Pork Producer program to demonstrate the character and breadth of Iowa pork production. Nominations for the 2019 Master Pork Program awards will open in May.



Houston Takes Helm of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, Tenn., was named president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans, La., Feb. 2. Houston had served as 2018 president-elect.

              Houston and her husband, Mark, own and operate East Tennessee Auction Market in Sweetwater. She has been active in the beef industry for more than 30 years, first serving at the state level then being elected to positions in national posts. She has been an NCBA board member since 1996.

            Elected NCBA president-elect was Marty Smith (Florida). Jerry Bohn (Kansas) was elected vice president. Don Schiefelbein (Minnesota) was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Todd Wilkinson (South Dakota) was elected vice chair. Laurie Munns (Utah) was elected chair of the NCBA Federation Division and Buck Wehrbein (Nebraska) was elected vice chair. Past president is Kevin Kester (California).

            Elected to serve on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee from the Federation of State Beef Councils, joining Munns, Wehrbein and ten members elected from the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, were: Katie Brenny (Minnesota), Gary Deering (South Dakota), Bradley Hastings (Texas), Chris Jeffcoat (Pennsylvania), Clark Price (North Dakota), Jeff Rudolph (Nebraska), Don Terry (Tennessee) and VeaBea Thomas (South Dakota).

            NCBA policy priorities were also established at the meeting. These priorities included 2019 work in Fake Meat; Trade and Market Access; Dietary Guidelines; and Regulatory Reform and Implementation. In addition to the NCBA annual meeting, the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, CattleFax, American National CattleWomen and National Cattlemen’s Foundation also conducted business meetings.
 
Capping a Huge Event
             The Board meeting followed a highly successful 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. A total of 8,774 people attended the event, one of the most well-attended cattle industry conventions ever.

Attendees of the event enjoyed a wide array of events that enlightened, educated and entertained Jan. 30 – Feb. 1. The proceedings began a day earlier, on Jan. 29, when more than 1,500 producers attended Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis. Cattlemen’s College keynote speaker was Bill Cordingley, head of wholesale banking North America, RaboBank. Cordingley spoke on “Greater Expectations, Bigger Opportunities.” Eight Cattlemen’s College session tracks followed to educate attendees.

              Entertaining a full audience at the Opening General Session Jan. 30, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, was four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Singing the National Anthem at the session was Kari Wheeler of Biggs, Calif., winner of NCBA’s fifth annual National Anthem contest, sponsored by Norbrook.

              CattleFax held its popular U.S. and Global Protein and Grain Outlook Seminar Thursday, Jan. 31. Sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC and Zoetis, the session looked at the factors that drive the market, such as domestic and international supplies and demand. Dr. Art Douglas presented his outlook for 2019 U.S. and world weather at the session.

              The Closing General Session Friday, Feb. 1, sponsored by American National, featured an appearance by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, who encouraged the audience to tell its story to today’s consumers. At the session Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Ondrasik, better known by his stage name Five for Fighting, asked his audience What If? Harnessing Inspiration and Creativity to Design the World that You Want, offering insights from someone who has lived the process.

              Entertainment was prevalent in New Orleans. For instance, a Mardi Gras Masquerade along the Mississippi River the evening of Jan. 31, allowed attendees to experience much of what makes New Orleans a popular tourist location. Sponsored by Central Life Sciences, the event featured dancing and fabulous food, as well as songs from country singer Paul Bogard.      
     
              Wrapping up the Convention on Friday night, Feb. 1, was the 2019 Cowboy Concert Series, sponsored by IMI Global, with popular headliners Big and Rich. After the concert the Louisiana Last Call After Party, also sponsored by IMI Global, with beef donated by BPI and Dos Rios, allowed the good times to continue to roll.

              Cattle industry members honored fellow producers throughout the Convention. Stewards of the nation’s natural resources, for instance, will again be recognized in the National Environmental Stewardship Award Program, while on Friday the Best of Beef Breakfast honored others with many different awards.

              Opportunities to engage and educate at Convention were endless – especially during the NCBA Trade Show. More than 350 exhibitors showcased their profit-enhancing products and services on more than seven acres.

            The NCBA Trade show is just one part of the most important national event for anyone in the cattle business. The 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show was a great chance for cattle producers to charge up their personal and industry batteries for 2019; get re-acquainted with cattle industry friends from around the country; see the newest and most innovative products in the industry; be captivated by outstanding entertainment and presenters; and enjoy some of the flavor of Louisiana food and entertainment.



USDA Nov '18 Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.34 million tons (178 million bushels) in November 2018, compared with 5.51 million tons (184 million bushels) in October 2018 and 5.20 million tons (173 million bushels) in November 2017. Crude oil produced was 2.06 billion pounds down 3 percent from October 2018 but up 4 percent from November 2017. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.46 billion pounds during November 2018 decreased 7 percent from October 2018 but increased slightly from November 2017.

USDA Nov '18 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 504 million bushels in November 2018. Total corn consumption was down 1 percent from October 2018 and down 4 percent from November 2017. November 2018 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.94 million bushels, down 11 percent from October 2018 and down 15 percent from November 2017. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 455 million bushels, was down 1 percent from October 2018 and down 4 percent from November 2017. Corn consumed in November 2018 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.9 percent and 9.1 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.93 million tons during November 2018, down 2 percent from October 2018 and down 3 percent from November 2017. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.31 million tons in November 2018, down 2 percent from October 2018 and down 4 percent from November 2017.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 285,362 tons during November 2018, up 1 percent from October 2018 but down 9 percent from November 2017. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 257,003 tons in November 2018, up 5 percent from October 2018 but down 15 percent from November 2017.



Annual Report Highlights NCGA’s Farmer-led, Farmer-driven Work in 2018
   
The National Corn Growers Association’s annual report for the 2018 fiscal year is now available online. Themed “Deeply Rooted,” the 2018 report spotlights efforts made by NCGA throughout the year to reach long-term, strategic goals to improve the future of the industry by creating opportunities through trade and ethanol as well as a strong support system through the farm bill. A printed copy of the report, which also features current financial information, will also be sent to all active members.

Click here to view the full report.... http://www.ncga.com/file/1640/GRWR_2018%20Annual%20Report-FNL21.pdf. 

“Our mission, to create and increase opportunities for corn growers, and vision, to sustainably feed and fuel a growing world, are deeply rooted in all we do. You’ll find on the pages of this annual report the highlights of how National Corn Growers Association fulfilled its mission and vision over the past year,” said NCGA Chairman Kevin Skunes, a grower from North Dakota, in a joint letter to readers co-authored by NCGA CEO Jon Doggett.

“Yet if we dig a little deeper, you’ll discover we’re really deeply rooted in our members – their challenges, their successes, their goals and hope for the future of corn and agriculture. It’s our grassroots who set the agenda, and NCGA works every day to make it happen.”

The report also includes perspective from grower leaders, information about the activities of NCGA’s action teams and committees and updates on its major image programs. This document provides a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to delve further into what NCGA does on behalf of our nation’s farmers.



Two Million Servings Strong: Hams Across America Tackles Food Insecurity

More than half a million pounds of pork comprising nearly 2.2 million servings were distributed in 2018 through the Hams Across America program.

“As pig farmers, our We CareSM ethical principles are the core of who we are as farmers, and it is important for us to not only to talk about them, but to live them out every day,” said Steve Rommereim, president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer from Alcester, South Dakota. “Hams Across America allows me and other farmers to live the We Care ethical principles and share our love of the product that we produce.”

The program that lasts from “Giving Tuesday,” Nov. 27, through the Christmas holiday is dedicated to helping overcome the challenge of food insecurity. In 2018 in the United States, Hams Across America was supported by a record number of participants, with more than 120 individuals and businesses contributing time, resources and pork to the nationwide effort organized and managed by the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council, state pork associations, and U.S. pig farmers.

In addition to helping ease the nation’s food insecurity problem, Hams Across America highlights the diverse products produced by the pork industry at events across the nation. In 2018, this included donation events in Illinois, North Carolina, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Ohio and Minnesota. In Illinois, for example, nearly 90,000 pounds of pork were donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In North Carolina, 42,000 pounds of pork went to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

In its third year, the pork industry responded strongly to the Hams Across America call to action in 2018. Smithfield Foods and Prairie Fresh Pork participated as major contributors to the program, showcasing and exemplifying the We Care ethical principle of contributing to a better way of life in communities around the nation. The principles are an integral part of how today’s pig farmers work, and Hams Across America is a great way to showcase farmers’ service ethic while providing pork for their communities.

The 2018 Hams Across America program also saw a sharp upturn in the number of participants, that helped to bolster donations. Farmers and many others encouraged a pay-it-forward initiative by sharing their personal stories on social media using #RealPigFarming and #HamsAcrossAmerica, creating a presence on social media. In all, more than 400 public social media mentions featured #HamsAcrossAmerica or #WeCareGiveAHam.



Growth Energy Files Federal Lawsuit Against EPA on Small Refinery Exemptions

Today, Growth Energy filed a petition in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to address small refinery exemptions in its 2019 renewable volume obligation (RVO) rulemaking, which was issued late last year.

“EPA’s inaction on addressing lost gallons due to small refinery exemptions in this rulemaking is a clear violation of law,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “In doing nothing to remedy these and other deficiencies, EPA has again failed to meet its statutory obligation to ensure that annual RVOs are met each year. Today’s filing calls for greater accountability from EPA to ensure that every renewable fuel obligation is fulfilled as the law intended.”  

Background:
Each year by November 30, EPA is obligated to issue RVOs, which establish the total volume of renewable fuel that must be blended with transportation fuel for the upcoming calendar year. In 2018, it was revealed that in previous years EPA had been granting an unprecedented amount of small refinery exemptions to numerous refiners.

Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), refineries producing transportation fuel must demonstrate each year that they have blended certain volumes of renewable fuel into gasoline or diesel fuel or acquired credits from others called renewable identification numbers, or “RINs”, representing all of part of those volume obligations.  

The RFS allows certain “small” refineries – those with a throughput of less than 75,000 barrels per day – to petition EPA for a temporary extension of an earlier exemption from the renewable fuel volume requirements. The exemption is supposed to exempt only those refiners who can show that compliance with the RFS would cause “disproportionate economic hardship.” 

In 2018, Growth Energy became aware of a stark increase in the number of small refinery exemptions being granted in recent years, with no apparent effort by EPA to publicly identify those who received the exemptions, explain the increase, or account for renewable fuel obligations lost to the exemptions. The exemptions added up to close to 2.25 billion gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. Many of the exemptions had also been granted after EPA established the RVOs for a given year, but EPA made no effort to reallocate billions of biofuel gallons that had been lost as a result.  

Despite repeated challenges by Growth and others in 2018, both in petitions and comments to the agency and before federal courts, EPA has steadfastly failed to make good its statutory obligation to ensure that RVOs established by the Agency are met each year. EPA explicitly refused to take up the issue of small refinery exemptions in its 2019 RVO rulemaking, stating that such exemptions were “beyond the scope” of the rulemaking.

Growth Energy filed extensive comments challenging EPA’s refusal to address the issue, in particular challenging EPA’s failure to reallocate renewable volume obligations of exempt refiners.



CWT Assists with 5.4 million Pounds of Dairy Product Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted 10 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture sales contracts for 1.116 million pounds (506 metric tons) of Cheddar, and Gouda cheese and 4.242 million pounds (1,924 metric tons) of whole milk powder. These products are going to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and South America. The product will be delivered during the period from March through July 2019.

CWT-assisted member cooperative 2019 export sales total 12.844 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 707,684 pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 6.490 million pounds of whole milk powder to 18 countries in six regions. These sales are the equivalent of 181.9 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers and all dairy cooperatives by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. It does this by helping member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share for U.S dairy products. As a result, the program has significantly expanded the total demand for U.S. dairy products and the demand for U.S. farm milk that produces those products.



USDA Dairy Products November 2018 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.08 billion pounds, 1.0 percent above November 2017 but 4.3 percent below October 2018. Italian type cheese production totaled 464 million pounds, 1.6 percent above November 2017 but 2.2 percent below October 2018. American type cheese production totaled 423 million pounds, 2.2 percent above November 2017 but 3.5 percent below October 2018. Butter production was 146 million pounds, 2.7 percent below November 2017 but1.5 percent above October 2018.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with November 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 130 million pounds, down 7.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 30.4 million pounds, down 26.9 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with November 2017)
Dry whey, total - 74.7 million pounds, down 8.6 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 97.9 million pounds, up 13.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 39.4 million pounds, down 2.9 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with November 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 51.9 million gallons, up 4.6 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 26.9 million gallons, down 3.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.37 million gallons, up 0.9 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.89 million gallons, down 4.4 percent.