Tuesday February 19 Ag News

Extension Trainings Cancelled/Delayed because of Weather

Nebraska Extension Educators Aaron Nygren and Megan Taylor, along with the Lower Platte North NRD, have decided to cancel three trainings that we had scheduled for Wednesday in Columbus due to the forecast in weather. They include: 

LPN-NRD Nitrogen Management Training @ 9:30 a.m. – Canceled
  - Other dates already scheduled include March 21st @ 7:00 p.m. @ Columbus, Ag Park

Pesticide Training @ 1:00 p.m. – Canceled 
  - Other dates already scheduled include Feb 28th @ 1:00 p.m. @ Leigh, Fairgrounds & Mar 21st @ 1:00 p.m. @ Columbus, Ag Park

Chemigation Training @ 6:00 p.m. – Rescheduled for March 1 @ 1:00 p.m. @ Columbus, Ag Park

If you have any questions, please contact Aaron in Schuyler or Megan in Columbus. 

NE Extension Land Application Training in WP ppd to Feb 27
NE Extension Educator Larry Howard also want to remind you that the NE Extension Land Application Training planned for Wed Feb 20th has been postponed because of weather, and will be held on Wed Feb 27th, same time at 9am at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point.  For more information, contact Larry at the Cuming County Extension Office at 372-6006. 



Fortenberry Announces Postponement of Farm Bill Review Session in Norfolk

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) announced today that, due to severe weather conditions, the Farm Bill review session scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20, at the Elkhorn Natural Resources District Conference Room in Norfolk has been postponed. Congressman Fortenberry is hoping to reschedule the Farm Bill review session shortly.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Congressman Fortenberry’s office at (402) 438-1598.

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies and is sponsor of the Rural Health Insurance Act, among other ag-related initiatives.



Chancellor Elected as State Pork President

Tim Chancellor of Broken Bow, Nebraska was elected as President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NePPA) at their Annual Meeting held on February 13, 2019 at the Graduate in Lincoln, Nebraska. Joining Chancellor as NePPA’s new leaders are President-Elect, John Csukker of Columbus with The Maschhoffs and Shana Beattie of Beattie Family Farms near Sumner will serve as Vice President. Newly elected Directors are Matt Marquardt of Tekamah and Ali Prochaska of David City. Chad Johnson of Norfolk and Mark Wright of Fremont will serve as 1st and 2nd Alternate Directors.

Chancellor was first elected to the Board of Directors in 2014. Chancellor is a member of the Executive, Finance, and Legislative Committees for the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, has served as a National Pork Board Delegate, and represented NePPA on a foreign trade mission to Japan.

President Chancellor is the Wean/Finish Supervisor for Thomas Livestock Company (TLC). He has been with TLC since 1993 and also owns finishing facilities. Tim and his wife Minnie have three children and he is a newly elected member of the Broken Bow School Board.
 
In accepting the NePPA Presidency, Tim said, “he is looking forward to the day to day engagement, challenges and rewards that come with his new position.”



PVC Ladies Night is Feb 25th

The Platte Valley Cattlemen will host their Ladies’ Night on Monday, February 25th at Wunderlich’s. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with the meal to follow. The guest speaker will be from the Hy-Vee cooking school. They will be sharing cooking tips and ideas with everyone. They look forward to seeing everyone on Monday the 25th!



Ricketts Proclaims “FFA Week” in Nebraska

This afternoon, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman hosted FFA members for a proclamation signing ceremony declaring “FFA Week” in Nebraska.  FFA, also known as “Future Farmers of America,” started in 1928.  Its mission is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”  FFA Week is celebrated nationally February 16-23, 2019.

“FFA is helping raise up the next generation of Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and ag innovators,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Through FFA, students across Nebraska receive great agricultural education and training from this historic organization.  FFA is developing the fresh thinkers and strong leaders our growing agriculture industry needs to innovate and move it forward in the 21st-century.”

The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth chartered by the National FFA Organization.  Nebraska currently has over 9,000 FFA members in 189 chapters.  Throughout the years, state departments have teamed up with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.

“FFA Week provides us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our FFA members,” said NDA Director Wellman.  “FFA allows students an opportunity to grow as leaders while building their agricultural education, and, in turn, impacting their communities for the better.”

The Nebraska FFA program is supported by the Nebraska FFA Foundation.  



Ricketts Leads Second Trade Mission to Mexico

Governor Pete Ricketts recently returned from leading a delegation on a trade mission to Mexico.  The visit marked the Governor’s second trade mission to Mexico in as many years.  The purpose of the mission was to meet with government officials and to promote Nebraska as a destination for investment.

“Promoting Nebraska internationally is one of the four pillars to grow Nebraska, and trade missions help us share our story with new customers,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Mexico is Nebraska’s second largest trading partner and a critical market for our agricultural products.  During this mission, the delegation focused on strengthening our business and trade relationships with public officials, so we can expand our relationship with Mexico.”

The Governor was joined on the trade mission by representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Farm Bureau, and Nebraska-based companies, including Tenaska, Lincoln Industries, Union Pacific, and Werner Enterprises.

“One of the most powerful ways to grow Nebraska is to tell our story.  By showing the world what Nebraska has to offer, we can be even better positioned to succeed,” said DED Director Dave Rippe.  “This trade mission gave us an excellent opportunity to showcase Nebraska’s business and trade advantages among investors and customers in one of our largest global markets.”

“This trade mission allowed us to continue showcasing Nebraska agricultural products to our neighbors in Mexico – our second largest agricultural export market,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.  “The United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) was completed last year and we urge the US Congress to take swift action to approve the agreement as quickly as possible.”

During the visit, the delegation held scheduled meetings with numerous Mexican business, government, and trade officials to discuss opportunities for strengthening the economic ties between Nebraska and Mexico.  Priority objectives ranged from creating new export opportunities for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and businesses; to encouraging Mexican companies to invest in Nebraska; to voicing support for bilateral trade between Mexico and the United States.  The delegation also invited senior officials to visit Nebraska this July for the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha.

“It’s all about building relationships.  Since we entered NAFTA in the mid-90s, we’ve seen ag trade between Mexico, Canada, and the United States grow sensationally,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.  “Mexico is one of Nebraska’s largest agricultural export markets doing $6.4 billion in agricultural business in 2017.  And because of where Nebraska is located geographically and because of the commodities we grow, we’ve been a big beneficiary of our relationship with Mexico.  So, the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement, USMCA, is vitally important to protecting those export markets.”

Mexico is Nebraska’s second largest export market.  It is currently the largest market for Nebraska corn, wheat, meat, and dairy, and the second largest market for soybeans and sorghum among other products.  A number of global Mexican companies also operate in Nebraska.  These include companies such as Grupo Bimbo, a baking and snacks industry leader with locations around Nebraska employing over 400 people.

This was Governor Ricketts’ second trade mission to Mexico and seventh international trade mission.  Other missions have included Europe, Canada, China, and Japan.

International engagement has been a pillar of Ricketts’ vision for economic growth since taking office.  In 2017, he formed the Governor’s Council for International Relations to spearhead Nebraska’s global engagement initiatives.  Last year, the Council debuted a five-year plan for international engagement that includes a continued focus on trade missions.  The Strategic Plan for International Engagement can be found at opportunity.nebraska.gov/strategicplan.



Coon Rapids (IA) Crop Fair

In the tradition of providing farmers the latest industry insights, the Iowa Corn District 4 Committee along with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will host a crop fair in Coon Rapids, Iowa at the American Legion Center, 419 Main Street, on Thursday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“The crop fairs give Iowa corn farmers access to information they might not get elsewhere,” explained Larry Buss, an ICPB director and farmer from Logan who chairs the Iowa Corn Grassroots Network, Membership & Checkoff (GNMC) Committee. “Crop fairs are customized to include topics that fit each region of the state, with opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning and a chance to interact with subject area experts on a variety of topics including legislative policy, water quality, market development and risk management.”

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided at noon to attendees.

9 a.m.  Iowa DOT Rules and Regulations that Affect Your Farming - Sargent Kevin Killpack, Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement
10 a.m.   Ag Market Outlook - Tim Christensen, Farm Management Specialist, ISU Extension
11 a.m.  Creating Long-Term Profitability Opportunities Through the Iowa Corn Checkoff - TJ Page, Market Development Manager, Iowa Corn Growers Association

RSVPs are appreciated by March 4 to Janelle Kracht by calling 515-229-9980 or email jkracht@iowacorn.org.

“Through the power of your membership we are able to advocate at both the state and federal level for issues which directly impact your bottom-line. If you are not an ICGA member, I encourage you to join us today to have your seat at the table and get engaged on issues impacting your farm,” said GNMC committee Vice Chair Roger Wuthrich, an ICGA director and a farmer from Bloomfield. You may join at the crop fair or at iowacorn.org/join.

Crop fair sponsors include Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn District 4 Committee, Carroll County Corn Growers, ISU Extension Offices of Carroll, Greene and Guthrie Counties, Willow Creek Custom Inc., POET of Coon Rapids, Al’s Ag, Sporrer Seeds, Iowa Savings Bank and Helena.



Upcoming Cattle on Feed Report
Brenda Boetel, Extension Economist, Dept of Ag Econ, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

This coming Friday, the February Cattle on Feed Report will be released. As most of you know, this is a monthly publication that reports data on the number of cattle in U.S. feedlots, the number of cattle being placed in feedlots and the number being marketed for slaughter. Friday's report is anticipated not only for the monthly stock and flow information that enables market analysts to estimate current and future slaughter cattle supplies, but also because the January report was unpublished due to the government shutdown. Additionally, the February report typically contains information on inventory and marketings based on feedlot capacity. This additional data is obtained from the January Cattle report, which provides information on cattle on feed in all known feedlots, regardless of size. Since the January Cattle report is delayed until February 28, the inventory and marketing data based on feedlot capacity will likely be delayed until the March report.

The cattle on feed report provides information from NASS surveys of feedlots with 1,000 head or greater in 17 major feeding states. These 17 states comprise approximately 97% of all cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1000 plus. The February report will provide information on the full impact of the harsh weather impacts. Although the number of cattle on feed more than 90 days or more than 120 days is not reported directly, one can calculate by it by subtracting the net placement numbers for the previous three or four months from the number of cattle on feed reported in the current month. This provides an indication of the currentness of cattle marketings. Given that front-end cattle supplies are on the decline and are at the tightest levels for over a year, and that carcass weights are down due to harsh weather, we can expect the number of cattle on feed greater than 90 days to have increased.

Another way to measure the currentness of the market is to examine marketings as a percent of on-feed inventory. This number provides information on the proportion of cattle that left feedlots relative to total inventory. The higher the percentage, the more current the market. Conversely, if marketings as a percent of the on-feed inventory decline, it is an indication that cattle are being fed for longer periods of time. Typically, the lengthier time frame would mean heavier carcass weights, and lower prices, but given the harsh weather we have seen lower weights and higher prices.



Applications Now Open for 2019 Pork Industry Scholarships

The National Pork Board announces the opening of the application period of the 2019 Pork Industry Scholarships. This program, now in its tenth year, is open to college juniors and seniors who have plans to pursue a career in swine production management or a related field. In addition, students who will be seeking to attend veterinary or graduate school with an emphasis on swine are encouraged to apply. The National Pork Board will award up to 20 scholarships in 2019 totaling $46,000. The top applicant will receive $5,000, the second-ranked applicant will receive $3,500 and all others will receive $2,000.

“Human capital and identification of future leaders is critical for the continued success of the swine industry,” said Chris Hostetler, animal science director for the Pork Checkoff. “The National Pork Board’s Animal Science Committee recognizes this need and continues its commitment to encouraging these students through these scholarships.”

The guidelines for the scholarship application and the online form can be found at www.pork.org/scholarship. The deadline for application submission is March 15, 2019. Following review and selection, recipients will be notified in April.

“Students who meet the scholarship criteria are encouraged to submit an application for consideration.” Hostetler said. “This is an excellent opportunity for financial assistance for our students who are seeking swine-oriented careers.”

Approximately 80 percent of the previous recipients of the Pork Industry Scholarship have pursued advanced degrees as they prepared to serve the industry as veterinarians, nutritionists, reproductive biologists and management consultants.



Perdue Will Be Keynote Speaker of 2019 Commodity Classic

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Commodity Classic, held Feb. 28-March 2 in Orlando, Fla. Commodity Classic is one of the largest agriculture industry events, with close to 10 thousand attendees annually the past three years.  Perdue will speak during the General Session, which is open to registered event attendees and is scheduled for Friday, March 1, at 9:00 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center.

Secretary Perdue is expected to share current news and perspectives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with topics including international trade, farm bill implementation, rural development and the role of agriculture in America’s food security and economic health.

Before Secretary Perdue, the General Session will include comments from leaders of the five associations that present Commodity Classic each year: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Finally, the audience will hear from Christine Cashen, known worldwide for her ability to entertain and energize audiences. Cashen will deliver a fast-paced, funny program on handling conflict and reducing stress, as well as tips on life, love, work and happiness.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is a farmer-focused event with an emphasis on educational opportunities. It is unlike any other agriculture event, featuring a robust schedule of educational sessions, a large trade show featuring the latest technology, equipment and innovation, top-notch entertainment, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

Detailed information on all educational sessions, the full Commodity Classic schedule and online registration are available at commodityclassic.com.



Deere Reports First-Quarter Income of $498 Million

Deere & Company reported net income of $498.5 million for the first quarter ended January 27, 2019, or $1.54 per share, compared with a net loss of $535.1 million, or $1.66 per share, for the quarter ended January 28, 2018. Affecting first-quarter 2018 results were charges to the provision for income taxes due to U.S. tax reform legislation (tax reform). Without these tax reform charges, first-quarter 2018 net income results would have been $442.1 million, or $1.35 per share. (Information on non-GAAP financial measures is included in the appendix.)

"Although Deere has continued to make solid progress on a number of fronts and reported higher earnings for the quarter, our results were hurt by higher costs for raw materials and logistics as well by customer concerns over tariffs and trade policies," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. "These latter issues have weighed on market sentiment and caused farmers to become more cautious about making major purchases. At the same time, sales of John Deere construction and forestry machinery have continued at a strong pace. We believe cost pressures should abate as the year progresses and are hopeful we will soon have more clarity around trade issues. As a result, we remain cautiously optimistic about our prospects for the year ahead."

Company Outlook & Summary
Company equipment sales are projected to increase by about 7 percent for fiscal 2019 compared with 2018. Included in the forecast are Wirtgen results for the full fiscal year of 2019 compared with 10 months of the prior year. This adds about 1 percent to the company's net sales forecast for the current year. Also included in the forecast is a negative foreign-currency translation effect of about 2 percent for the year. Net sales and revenues are projected to increase by about 7 percent for fiscal 2019. Net income attributable to Deere & Company is forecast to be about $3.6 billion.

"Despite unsettled conditions in some of our key markets, Deere expects to achieve strong financial results in 2019," commented Allen. "This is a testament to the success of our actions to create a more flexible cost structure, expand our global customer base, and develop leadership in the latest precision technologies. Customers are responding with great enthusiasm to the advanced features and technology in our new products. We are confident Deere is well-positioned to achieve its financial goals and firmly believe the company remains on track for delivering solid operating performance and significant value to customers and investors in the future."



2019 Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef leaders include Texas cattleman

The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) is pleased to announce our six-member 2019 Executive Committee:
    President-Ms. Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, OSI Group, LLC
    Vice President-Dr. Leon Mol, Ahold Delhaize
    Secretary-Treasurer-Mr. Ian McConnel, World Wildlife Fund*
    Member at large-Mr. Bob McCan, Beef Producer-McFaddin Enterprises*
    Member at large-Dr. Nicola Robinson, Veterinary Surgeon-McDonalds Corporation*
    Past-President-Mr. Dennis Laycraft, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
            *New to the Executive Committee in 2019

Since 2012, the GRSB has been working to advance sustainable beef through leadership, science, and multi-stakeholder engagement. Leaders are elected from a membership that represents the full value chain, including beef producers and producer organizations, civil society, commerce and processing, retail, and others who aim to continuously improve beef sustainability around the world.

More than 500 companies and producer organizations are engaged in the work of the GRSB and its members including regionally-focused beef sustainability roundtables and initiatives in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Paraguay, Southern Africa, the United States, and other countries around the world.

GRSB President, Nicole Johnson-Hoffman, who was re-elected for a second term as President said “Our members are committed to driving meaningful change and continuous improvement in sustainable beef production around the world. Topics like Carbon footprints, water management, and responsible antibiotic use in modern beef production (among others) require broad collaboration and relentless focus. Our aspirations are bold, and we’ve got big plans in store for 2019.”

New GRSB Secretary- Treasurer, Ian McConnel of World Wildlife Fund, and who is based in Australia said “Working globally on beef sustainability brings unique challenges and opportunities. The GRSB is a vital platform that allows people and organizations to share ideas, work on challenges and drive a global movement towards sustainable beef.”

McConnel also recognized the importance of partnerships, stating “As a conservationist, the collaboration with cattlemen, retailers, NGO’s and allied industry provide the greatest opportunity to work on collective solutions, and ensure that we all have a sustainable future.”

Texas beef producer, and new GRSB executive committee member Bob McCan echoed the need for global sustainability commitment. “We owe it to our industry to do all we can. Beef producers around the world are working tirelessly to feed the world sustainably, but we need perpetual engagement with our stakeholders to ensure that we are not working in isolation.”

McCan also said collaboration around communication is critical, and the GRSB’s focus on shaping the global dialogue will be increasing. “Tools like social media reach so many people. We can talk about beef production and ways it can contribute to healthy ecosystems and communities because it connects us. I’m excited because I’m seeing people from all over asking questions, and we have positive answers and powerful stories to share.”

Ruaraidh Petre, executive director of GRSB expressed his gratitude to the leadership for the time and energy they invest: “We recognize all of those who give their time on the board and on the executive committee.  Our leaders are accomplished people who shoulder heavy responsibilities in their full-time jobs. We are extremely grateful that they are willing to give their time and talents to the GRSB, and for beef sustainability overall.”

One of the first orders of business for the new GRSB leadership team was to announce the GRSB will host a 2019 Sustainability Communicators Summit in Chicago, IL, May 22-23. Stakeholders who are actively engaged in sustainability communication and who wish to collaborate in the design of global messages of sustainability that can be leveraged around the world are encouraged to participate.

For more information about GRSB visit https://grsbeef.org.