Cuming County FSA, NRCS, and UNL Extension to Hold Informational Meeting on Flood Recovery Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Cuming County Executive Director Sarah Beck announces an informational meeting is planned for Monday, April 1, at 1 p.m. at the Cuming County Courthouse located at 200 S. Lincoln St. in West Point. The meeting has been scheduled to review resources available to assist producers with recovery from the recent floods.
Representatives from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the University of Nebraska Extension will share information. All area producers are encouraged to attend.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Sarah Beck at 402-372-2451, ext. 2, or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, by March 28, 2019.
DHHS Partnering With EPA to Provide Free Water Testing March 21-24 for Private Well Owners Impacted by Flood
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency to open a mobile lab in three Nebraska communities that will offer free water testing for private well owners.
Recent flood conditions can pose threats to the quality of private water supplies. Flooded private water wells or wells suspected of being impacted by flooding may need to be tested to ensure that they are safe. Cloudiness or a change in taste or smell are signs of possible contamination. However, if there is any indication that the water supply has been breached by flood waters, even without noticeable changes in taste or smell, residents are encouraged to test their well water.
The mobile lab will be available in:
Fremont Location – 2400 North Lincoln St.
March 21 – 2:30-6:30 p.m.
March 22 – 7:30-11:30 a.m.
Norfolk Location – 302 West Phillip Ave.
March 22 - 2:30-6:30 p.m.
March 23 - 7:30-11:30 a.m.
Verdigre Location – 301 South Main St.
March 23 – 2:30-6:30 p.m.
March 24 – 7:30-11:30 a.m.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick up a free testing kit at either the mobile lab location during the hours specified or from one of the local health departments below ahead of time
- Get a water sample from the private well.
- Bring sample back to mobile lab for testing.
Local health department locations:
Three Rivers Public Health Department, 2400 North Lincoln St., Fremont
Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, 2104 21st Circle, Wisner
North Central District Health Department, 422 East Douglas St., O’Neill
Nebraskans can also request kits from the Nebraska Public Health Environmental Laboratory to test for coliform bacteria. Order kits online at http://www.nebraska.gov/dhhs/water-test-kits/private.html or by calling (402) 471-3935 between 8 and 5 Monday through Friday.
NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERS RESOURCES TO FLOOD VICTIMS
As Nebraskans begin returning to their homes in the aftermath of widespread historic flooding, Nebraska Extension has mobilized a number of resources to aid in the road to recovery.
“Extension is committed to helping Nebraska recover from this disaster,” said Chuck Hibberd, dean of Nebraska Extension. “Our team of statewide experts is available to offer assistance with immediate needs and will be there every step of the way for as long as it takes.”
Those affected by the flood are likely unsure of where to begin. Extension encourages individuals returning to homes and properties to first take steps to ensure their safety. When a home or building is flooded, there is likely damage to the structure. Buildings need to be thoroughly dried, and before drinking water it is critical to test domestic wells for bacteria. Also, be cautious when working in and around contaminated floodwater.
Extension has compiled a list of the state’s certified public health environmental laboratories where homeowners can obtain a water test kit. This information is available on Nebraska Extension's flood resources website, https://flood.unl.edu, which serves as a resource hub for families, homeowners, businesses and producers facing flood cleanup. New and updated information will be added to the site on an ongoing basis.
Tips for homeowners facing food-safety concerns after the flood can also be found on the flood resources website. This includes guidelines to help people decide when to throw out food and how to disinfect food that can be saved. For instance, screw-topped or crimp-topped jars or bottles of food that have come into contact with floodwaters should be thrown out, even when the jars have not been opened.
Extension is also a resource for those wanting to help flood victims. The Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead and Haskell Ag Lab near Concord are serving as donation locations for hay (large bales) and fencing materials for livestock owners and managers impacted by the flood. Those wishing to obtain the donated materials should contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
“We’re partnering with a number of state agencies and organizations to do what we can to help those who need it most," Hibberd said. "We’re all in this together."
For the latest flood resources from Nebraska Extension, visit the flood resources site or follow @UNLExension on Twitter.
National Guard Completes Successful Hay Drop in Colfax County
A Nebraska Army National Guard helicopter crew delivered 10 round hay bales to cattle stranded by the recent devastating flood yesterday near Richland, in rural Colfax County.
The Nebraska Soldiers, who were part of mixed crew of multiple Army National Guard units, utilized a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the Grand Island-based Company B, 2-135th General Support Aviation Battalion, to drop the hay bales to the cattle, which were stranded in multiple locations, often standing in several feet of water far from any other available access. The aerial hay drop took place on a fifth-generation family farm.
Wende Settles, a cattle producer with Wolfe Ranch, said it’s hard to ask for help. But this time there were no other options.
“We’re used to helping other people, we’re not used to having to ask for it.” Settles said. “The [agricultural] community from one end of the state to the other end of the state has just been hit so hard… but we’re fortunate everybody got out safe…we just want to do what we can to help the animals… We calf all night long and check every two to three hours, and so not being able to get to them has just been really hard.”
Settles said her family appreciated all the assistance they have received. “[The] community has been wonderful. They’ve reached out, we’ve got cows at neighbors and other neighbors… Everybody has just been trying to help.”
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeff Caniglia, Nebraska National Guard, said the mission was critical, considering that Nebraska’s farmers are the “lifeblood of Nebraska.” While speaking to Settles, Caniglia said: “That’s why we’re here, to help… don’t hold back, if you need resources, if you need help, please ask.”
Those requesting assistance should go through their local emergency manager. An interactive list of all local emergency managers can be found under the “2019 Flood Dashboard” button on the NEMA website: http://nema.nebraska.gov.
Funds from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Help with Livestock Mortality
As the flood water recedes and snow melts, farmers and ranchers are getting a better look at the amount of damage their operations have suffered from last week’s extreme weather events.
One of the more significant losses experienced by landowners has been livestock death. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has assistance available to help landowners cope with the aftermath of livestock death.
Through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, commonly referred to as EQIP, farmers and ranchers can apply for assistance to properly dispose of dead livestock. Applications are being accepted now through April 5. The second cut-off date is May 1. Additional application cutoff dates may be announced if there is demand and available funding.
NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “This was an unprecedented and devastating event for Nebraska. Some ranchers are dealing with hundreds of dead animals. This is not only damaging to their bottom-line, but if these animals are not disposed of properly, there could be negative impacts to water quality and other natural resources. NRCS conservationists are available to provide technical and financial assistance to help producers dispose of livestock carcasses in a safe manner.”
Producers who have not already disposed of livestock can apply for EQIP now. Producers can then get a waiver to allow them to begin working to dispose of deceased livestock before having an approved EQIP contract.
“Typically, producers cannot begin working on an EQIP practice before their EQIP contract has been approved. But since this situation is so time-critical, NRCS is encouraging producers to sign up for EQIP first, then submit a waiver to go ahead and begin animal disposal prior to having their EQIP contract approved,” Derickson said.
Producers in the area who suffered other damages due to the blizzard and flooding – such as damaged fencing, water sources, or windbreaks – may also seek assistance from NRCS through general EQIP funding. The sign-up period for general EQIP is continuous and has no cut off application date.
Derickson said, “NRCS is committed to helping producers get back on their feet after these extreme weather events while also ensuring Nebraska’s natural environment remains healthy and productive.”
For more information about the programs and assistance available from NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Iowa State, IDALS and DNR offer information on how to handle grain affected by flooding
Rapid snowmelt this spring has caused instances of stored grain being covered with floodwater. According to current Food and Drug Administration policy, grain inundated by uncontrolled river or stream water is considered adulterated and must be destroyed. The current situation is one of river water flooding rather than of rain-driven pooled water in low ground, for which there are salvage options. River-based floodwaters can bring in many hazards and rapid spoilage.
Flooding affects both the stored grain and the storage structures. Try to move the grain before the flood reaches the bin, but stop using underfloor conveyors and legs once the water starts entering the pits.
Grain and Grain Products
Flood damaged grain is adulterated grain because of the potential for many contaminants to enter through the water. This grain should be destroyed, never blended. Contact local Department of Natural Resources officials for the best disposal process in your area. The recent Food Safety Modernization Act has increased public awareness of food and feed related hazards.
Water coming up from tiles and pits is just as suspect because storm and sanitary sewers are usually compromised in floods. Even field tile water may contain animal waste products, high chemical levels and other contaminants.
Corn will stay at about 30 percent moisture after the water drains off; soybeans about 25 percent moisture. The moisture won't travel more than a foot above the flood water line.
Remove good grain on top of flooded grain from the top or side, not down through the flooded grain. The reclaim conveyors and pits under bins contain flood water as well. Remove all the good grain before doing anything with the bad portion. The good grain is still suspect, which is why FDA must evaluate the situation on a case-by-case basis before the grain can be sold into any uses.
Do not start aeration fans on flooded bins. Have the entire structure and related electrical components inspected by a qualified electrician, to verify that nothing is still energized, before taking action to salvage the grain. Use professional salvage operators that will take correct safety precautions for bin entry.
Mold toxins are likely in rewetted grain. Warm wet conditions are ideal for mold growth. Moldy grain is a safety hazard. Use precaution and wear protective equipment when working with moldy grain. Grain will be moldy by the time the water has receded.
Take care not to track or mix mud or gravel from flooded grounds into good grain during salvage operations. These materials are potentially toxic for the same reasons as the floodwaters.
Structures
Grains swell when wet, so bin damage is likely; more so with soybeans. Bolts can shear or holes can elongate. Look for signs such as stretched caulking seals, doors misaligned or similar structural problems. Farm bins typically have lighter-grade steel and fasteners than commercial bins. Stay aware for signs of failure when working around bins containing wetted grain. Check bins with stirring devices carefully. The bin must be perfectly round for them to work correctly.
Bin foundations can shift, float or deteriorate from flooding. Inspect structures and foundations carefully, and have an engineering evaluation for larger bins.
Expect electric wiring, controls, motors and fans to be ruined. Do not energize wet components. Be sure the power is off and locked out before touching any electrical components of flooded systems.
Wood structures will be hard hit and may retain mold and contaminants.
Clean and disinfect facilities and grounds completely. Then do a careful food safety inspection before returning facilities to operation. A third party inspection is recommended. Maintain records of cleaning.
Action Checklist
- Cut all power and professionally verify that all structures are not energized.
- Determine where the water line was, and therefore the extent of adulterated grain.
- Consult your insurance carrier before moving any grain.
- Remove good grain from the top or side, collect a 5-10 pound composite sample for grading by an official grader including a mycotoxin screening. Off-farm use will require consultation with the FDA; contact Keely Coppess (keely.coppess@iowaagriculture.gov) at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for assistance.
- Consult your local Iowa DNR field office for instructions on disposal of adulterated grain.
- Clean and disinfect storage structures. Replace electrical components.
- For on-farm feeding of the good grain, develop a use plan in consultation with a veterinarian.
Salvage (for grain in flooded bins but above the water line, and for pooled water inundation)
Evaluation and potential reconditioning for further sale has to be done with the written consent of the FDA. For feed on site by owner, producers have three alternatives:
- Dry the grain if needed.
- Feed it immediately to their livestock.
- If wet, ensile the grain for future livestock feed in bunkers or bags.
Feeding should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian. Ensiling may be the best way of protecting quality and palatability of wetter grain.
Decisions need to be made quickly. The good grain should be removed immediately, again not down through the soaked grain. No flooded grain can be sold to any market without approval of FDA, to document its exposure only to uncontaminated (pooled) water, with subsequent reconditioning for an intended use. The flooded grain in 2019 is primarily from river water, which is considered contaminated.
There is no problem, other than spoilage within a day or two, with using uncontaminated soaked corn as a livestock feed. Just replace the corn in the animals' current diet with the wet corn. Remember to adjust amounts fed for moisture.
Wet, whole soybeans can be fed to cattle if the soybeans are limited to 10 to 12 percent of the ration's dry matter. Soybeans substitute well for the protein in soybean meal, but they need to be fed with a vitamin- mineral-additive premix if substituted for a complete protein supplement.
It is not necessary to heat-treat the soybeans for cattle. Also, if adding whole soybeans to diets high in distillers' grains, watch the total ration fat content. For hogs, raw soybeans can only be fed to mature sows. The soybeans need to be heat treated if fed to younger pigs.
USDA Emergency Conservation Program Details
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and to implement emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
ECP is administered by FSA state and county committees and county offices. Producers should inquire with their local FSA county office regarding ECP enrollment periods and eligibility.
LAND ELIGIBILITY
FSA county committees determine land eligibility based on on-site inspections of damaged land and the type and extent of damage. Eligible land includes land used for:
- Commercial farming, ranching and orchard operations;
- Growing nursery stock and Christmas tree plantations;
- Grazing for commercial livestock production; and
- Conservation structures; such as, waterways, terraces, diversions and windbreaks.
Conservation problems existing before the applicable disaster event are ineligible for ECP assistance.
COST-SHARE PAYMENTS
Cost-share payments are:
- Up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved restoration practices;
- Up to 90 percent if limited resource producers; and
- Limited to $200,000 per person or legal entity per disaster.
ELIGIBLE FARMLAND RESTORATION PRACTICES
To rehabilitate farmland, ECP participants may implement emergency conservation practices, such as:
- Debris removal from farmland (cleanup of woody material, sand, rock and trash on cropland or pastureland);
- Grading, shaping or leveling land (filling gullies, releveling irrigated farmland and incorporating sand and silt);
- Restoring fences (livestock cross fences, boundary fences, cattle gates or wildlife exclusion fence from agricultural land);
- Restoring conservation structures (waterways, diversion ditches, buried irrigation mainlines and permanently installed ditching system); and
- Providing emergency water during periods of severe drought (grazing and confined livestock and existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
This is for informational purposes only; other eligibility requirements may apply. More information on ECP is available at FSA offices, local USDA service centers and on FSA’s website at
http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
Farm Credit Services of America Supports Flood Relief for Agriculture and Rural Communities
Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) today announced the farmer-owned cooperative is mobilizing its financial and staff resources to help customers impacted by area floods.
To date, FCSAmerica has donated $175,000 to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross, the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association. Additional donations are being made by other Farm Credit entities, including CoBank, which has committed $300,000 to Midwest flood relief.
"Officials have only begun to assess the damage of recent flooding, but already the devastation is clear in the lives lost, the homes and farmsteads damaged, and the livestock and grain operations that now face new financial challenges,” said Mark Jensen, FCSAmerica’s president and CEO. “All of us in agriculture feel the enormity of the losses and are committed to help our communities recover.”
FCSAmerica financial officers and crop insurance agents are reaching out to customers in impacted areas to help them with individualized plans and assistance to manage their loss.
“As a financial services cooperative serving farmers and ranchers, we understand that agriculture is inherently risky,” said Bob Campbell, senior vice president in Nebraska. “Whether producers are impacted by natural disasters, such as what we are seeing today, or trying to navigate economic cycles, we use our financial strength to support agriculture.”
Growth Energy Calls on DOT to Provide Critical Rail Assistance During Midwest Flooding
Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to help expedite rail delivery of biofuels amid historic flooding. The recent flooding has not only had devastating impacts on residents but has delayed the transportation of critical supplies of biofuel, which in turn, could impact consumer fuel costs.
In her letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Skor said:
“While we certainly understand and appreciate that these rail issues have been caused by the calamitous flooding currently occurring in the Midwest, it is imperative that all possible actions be taken by the nation’s railroads to ensure that these critical fuel supplies are immediately prioritized and reach markets as quickly as possible. Further delays could not only impact our industry, but could also ultimately increase fuel costs for American drivers.”
NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 3 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.60 million cattle on feed on March 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 3 percent from last year. Placements during February totaled 455,000 head, up 3 percent from 2018. Fed cattle marketings for the month of February totaled 415,000 head, up 1 percent from last year. Other disappearance during February totaled 20,000 head, up 10,000 head from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 710,000 head on March 1, 2019, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was up 3 percent from February 1, 2019, but down 3 percent from March 1, 2018. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 645,000 head on feed, up 1 percent from last month and last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,355,000 head, up 2 percent from last month but down 1 percent from last year.
Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during February totaled 133,000 head, up 20 percent from last month and up 13 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 48,000 head, down 20 percent from last month and down 9 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 181,000 head, up 6 percent from last month and last year.
Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during February totaled 109,000 head, unchanged from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 39,000 head, down 15 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 148,000 head, down 5 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 8,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on March 1, 2019. The inventory was 1 percent above March 1, 2018.
On Feed: By State 1,000 hd - % Mar 1 '18)
Colorado ......: 1,050 111
Iowa .............: 710 97
Kansas ..........: 2,300 98
Nebraska ......: 2,600 97
Texas ............: 2,770 103
Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.86 million head, 2 percent above 2018. Net placements were 1.79 million head. During February, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 340,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 345,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 530,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 442,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 135,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 65,000 head.
Placements:
By State (1,000 hd - % Feb '18)
Colorado ......: 185 112
Iowa .............: 133 113
Kansas ..........: 425 101
Nebraska ......: 455 103
Texas ............: 370 101
Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.68 million head, slightly above 2018. Other disappearance totaled 66,000 head during February, 16 percent above 2018.
Marektings:
By State (1,000 hd - % Feb '18)
Colorado ......: 170 100
Iowa .............: 109 103
Kansas ..........: 365 96
Nebraska ......: 415 101
Texas ............: 340 106
Nebraska Cattlemen Joint Venture with Harry A. Koch Co.
Nebraska Cattlemen has announced an exciting new opportunity in order to offer another member benefit. Nebraska Cattlemen has been working with The Harry A. Koch Co. (HAK) for the past several months to establish Nebraska Cattlemen Insurance Group (NCIG), providing you with a full range of risk management services specific to the line of work you perform.
The program focuses on two things: helping your bottom-line and providing top-notch customer service. These represent NC values and The Harry A. Koch Co. experience. The NC Board and leadership believes NCIG is a valuable benefit for current and new NC members and encourage you to explore these competitive offerings.
There are many benefits for working through our NCIG program. Some of which include the following:
- Access to a variety of insurance carriers & products typically not available from local agents
- Access to employee and family health insurance options
- Superior policyholder services through licensed professionals
- Loss control and safety support
- Claims advocacy in the event of a loss
NCIG offers members a variety of risk management products including farm owner, rancher and business protection, personal insurance as well as employee benefits.
To learn more about NCIG, a joint venture between Nebraska Cattlemen and The Harry A. Koch Co., please view our website at: https://nebraskacattlemen.org/ncig/.
Star City BaconFest
April 7th 2019 - 4:30-7PM
Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel
Enjoy Bacon-Inspired Delights - Sample Lincoln’s finest takes on a Classic.
Experience Live Music - Listen to the sounds of Screamers Cabaret
Help Provide Education - All Proceeds create scholarships for local Culinary students
Purchase tickets at https://starcitybaconfest.com/.
Makin’ Bacon … and a Whole Lot More!
Apply now to participate in the 2019 Nebraska Youth Pork Conference: Makin’ Bacon … and a Whole Lot More! sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Extension, and the UNL Department of Animal Science.
The conference will be conducted from Wednesday afternoon, May 29th through approximately noon, Friday, May 31st.
What Participants Experience
Participants will grade carcasses, fabricate carcasses into wholesale and retail cuts, and exercise basic culinary methods on a variety of different pork products.
Throughout the program youth will discuss important issues related for consumers and farmers too. Additional lab activities include a hands-on food safety lab, and a biosecurity/animal health and animal handling activity. Not only will youth learn about pork as a wholesome food product, but they will also learn how the pork industry is using science to address many significant challenges.
Finally, various and engaging life skills activities will be intermixed throughout the program that focus on development of communication, leadership, networking and agriculture advocacy skills. Upon conclusion of this workshop, our youth will have a more thorough understanding of the product we produce, the consumers who purchase those products, and will have greater confidence in their ability to effectively communicate with one another regarding the many issues and challenges facing the pork industry.
Apply Today!
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high-school are encouraged to participate in the 2019 Nebraska Youth Pork Conference: Makin’ Bacon … and a Whole Lot More! Applications will be reviewed and up to 32 students will be selected to participate.
The deadline to apply is April 13th. A complete application includes a letter of recommendation from an advisor or educator.
Remember, the conference will be conducted from Wednesday afternoon, May 29th through approximately noon, Friday, May 31st.
Other than the youth’s transportation to and from Lincoln, there will be NO COST to participate. All lodging, meals, and conference materials are covered!
Nebraska Corn Growers Association Returns from Washington DC Leadership Mission
Earlier this month young leaders from across the state took part in the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) 31st Annual Washington D.C. Leadership Mission. From March 11th to March 15th, 20 producers, along with five grower leaders, got a firsthand experience of Washington D.C. and the legislative process.
The leadership mission trip to Washington D.C. is a great way for Nebraska corn farmers to engage with key contacts and help put a face on Nebraska agriculture. The participants had a full slate of meetings over three days. This included meeting with the Nebraska congressional delegation as well as important industry partners. The participants were able to talk with a wide variety of people and organizations who have a great deal of influence over their farms back in Nebraska.
Deanna Finke, from Gothenburg, and her husband Adam, were first time attendees. Deanna had the opportunity to sit in on a meeting at the White House with Ambassador Gregg Doud and a meeting at the Mexico Embassy. “Getting a chance to sit in on a meeting at the White House was a once in a life opportunity. This trip opened my eyes to all the work that is going on behind the scenes. I am so glad I decided to participate in this program,” said Deanna.
“The DC Leadership Mission is a chance for new leaders to gain a better understanding of the legislative process and the current issues that face Nebraska’s corn farmers. It is our hope that they will take this knowledge and enthusiasm back with them to their local organizations. This trip is the place where many of our current leaders got their start,” said Dan Nerud, president of NeCGA.
This leadership mission trip would not be possible without support from our sponsors, the Nebraska Corn Board and Farm Credit Services of America.
GRASS-ALFALFA MIXTURES INSTEAD OF PURE ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Will you plant a new hay field this year? Instead of planting pure alfalfa automatically, maybe mix some grass into your planting.
Hay growers in our area often plant new fields to pure alfalfa without even thinking about other alternatives. For lots of folks, pure alfalfa is the best choice, but many of you might find it better to mix in some grass, like orchardgrass, smooth brome, or festulolium, with your alfalfa.
Let’s look at some advantages of a grass-alfalfa mixture. If you regularly feed more than 5 or 6 pounds of alfalfa per day to stock cows during winter, they probably are getting way more than enough protein but maybe not enough TDN or energy. Mixing grass with alfalfa usually lowers the protein but slightly increases the TDN content of hay. So your cows actually could receive a more balanced diet. Also, if you sometimes graze your hay fields, grass will reduce the risk of bloat.
In the field, grass can grow in areas where alfalfa is not well-adapted or fill in spots as alfalfa dies out. This is better than having weeds invade bare areas. Grass-alfalfa mixtures often dry out more rapidly after cutting than pure alfalfa so you might get more hay made without rain damage. And if it does rain, grass sheds rain well so the mixture usually suffers less injury, both in the windrow and in the bale.
Yield-wise, protein yield may be less with the mix, but total tonnage usually is about the same or higher than pure stands. Most of the grass yield will come at first cut, so regrowth will be mostly alfalfa. Selling a mixture can be more difficult, though, because dairies prefer pure alfalfa and grass is more difficult to grind.
You know alfalfa is good, but maybe for you, mixing it with grass is even better.
Management to Prevent Calf Scours
Cold and wet weather have added to the calving challenges of Iowa cow-calf producers. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist Beth Doran said both are ideal conditions for contributing to calf scours.
“There’s no magic bullet in preventing calf scours, but one key is to provide a clean, dry and draft-free environment,” she said. “That is tough to do given the weather we have had.”
Doran recommended providing shelter for the calves such as a portion of a shed dedicated for calves to get away from their mothers or a portable calf shelter. While this area needs to be draft-free, natural ventilation is still necessary to reduce humidity, and calves need bedding, such as straw, poorer quality hay or chopped cornstalks, to nestle down in.
“Getting colostrum into the newborn calf is extremely important in preventing calf scours because it provides antibodies to the calf,” Doran said. "Once the first 24 hours has lapsed, the absorption of antibodies ceases. The goal is to provide two quarts to the calf in the first two to six hours after calving, plus another two quarts in the remaining time. Ideally, the calf will nurse on its own, and intervention is not needed."
"However, not all colostrum is equal," she said.
The best colostrum is that which is provided by the calf’s mother, as it contains antibodies specific to the calf and its environment. If this isn’t possible, other sources include colostrum from other cows in the herd, a colostrum replacer or a colostrum supplement. Obtaining colostrum from other herds is not recommended for reasons of biosecurity.
One prevention strategy is pre-calving vaccination of pregnant cows and heifers, which increases antibody levels in the colostrum. If this is not doable, there are oral and injectable vaccines that may be administered at birth to the calf.
ISU Extension and Outreach has a publication, “Control of Calf Diarrhea (Scours) in Midwest Beef Cattle Farms” available for free download. Producers dealing with calf scours are advised to work with their local veterinarian to develop a vaccination and prevention program specific to their herd.
Last, but not least, try to segregate expectant cows from cow-calf pairs. For most Iowa producers, this involves bringing close-up cows into the calving area and moving pairs out of the calving area into a clean area as soon as possible. After each calving event, the calving area should be thoroughly cleaned.
The old adage, “Prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,” aptly applies to calving and managing calf scours, Doran said. May the weather soon warm, the ground dry up and your calves be butting heads with each other!
Top 10 Announced for Iowa’s Best Burger Contest
Iowans submitted nominations between February 11 – March 11 to kick off the quest to find the best burger in Iowa. Nominations were accepted online by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. The number of votes each restaurant received determined the 2019 Top Ten restaurants. The restaurants making the Top Ten list includes:
The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, Logan (Beebeetown)
Robin’s Nest Café and Bakery, Clarinda
Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge
Ankeny Diner, Ankeny
Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon, Elgin
Landmark Restaurant, Williamsburg
Morgan’s Corner Bar & Grill, Ottumwa
Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids
The IowaStater Restaurant, Ames
Wood Iron Grille, Oskaloosa
"Iowa has over 28,000 beef producers, and this contest is a great way to celebrate the beef they produce and the impact they have on Iowa," says Katie Olthoff, Director of Communications for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
To qualify, the burger must be a 100% beef patty or patties, although other ingredients may be added such as spices, and served on a bun or bread product. Burgers may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheese or toppings.
“Several restaurants have really unique and creative ways to encourage customers to vote. It was a close race to the finish line,” comments Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “In total, we had over 500 towns and cities across Iowa represented which proves that there are a lot of great tasting burgers all across the state.”
Three restaurants are new to the contest’s Top 10 list and include: Dotzy’s Restaurant and Saloon, Elgin; Landmark Restaurant, Williamsburg; and Wood Iron Grille, Oskaloosa.
Returning contestants include: Ankeny Diner, Ankeny; Morgan’s Corner Bar & Grill, Ottumwa; Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge; Robin’s Nest Café and Bakery, Clarinda; Saucy Focaccia, Cedar Rapids; The IowaStater Restaurant, Ames; and The Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon, Logan.
The quest for the winner of the Iowa’s Best Burger will now begin. All Top Ten restaurants will be visited by a panel of anonymous judges who will evaluate the burgers based on taste, appearance, and proper doneness (160 degrees Fahrenheit). The judges’ scores and comments will be accumulated and the winner will be crowned on May 1.
“We encourage everyone to visit the Top Ten restaurants,” says Peterson. “These are only a few of the many restaurants in Iowa that do an outstanding job of promoting and serving our beef products to their customers on behalf of Iowa’s beef farmers.”
To learn more about the contest and the Top Ten restaurants, including addresses and hours, visit www.iabeef.org.
Two Iowa Corn Grower Association Members Awarded AgGrad’s 30 Under 30
March 22, 2019, AgGrad announced winners of the first ever AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program created to celebrate the young professionals shaping the future of agriculture. Fourteen judges selected winners from peer and self nominations based on contributions in their career, community, and the industry at large. Elizabeth Burns-Thompson and Andrew Lauver both active members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association® were among the winners.
"I feel incredibly honored to be recognized alongside amazing young leaders in agriculture from across the country,” said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson. “Farming is in my blood, and I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to translate that passion into a career. I owe a great deal of thanks to the numerous farmer-leaders and industry-mentors for their continued support, guidance, and faith in me."
Recipients of this award find the recognition both personally and professionally rewarding. AgGrad 30 Under 30 is bringing together the brightest minds and future leaders of agriculture together to collaborate and advance the industry.
“The leadership development provided by Iowa Corn through the Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT) and I-LEAD has been instrumental in building confidence to speak out on behalf of agriculture,” stated Andrew Lauver. “The exposure to issues and opportunities affecting corn growers early in my career has taken me places I would’ve never imagined as a 5th generation farm kid. I’m thankful for all Iowa Corn has done to enhance the quality of life on our family farm.
"We are very excited to recognize our first class of AgGrad 30 Under 30 winners,” says Tim Hammerich, Founder of AgGrad. “These 30 individuals are at the forefront of agriculture and will one day be the leaders in agribusiness, innovation and technology, education and advocacy, entrepreneurship, and production.”
AgGrad was established in 2015 with the mission of “helping young professionals find their place in modern agriculture.” The company accomplishes this mission by providing a job board, blog posts, career profiles, “AgGrad Live” (a Facebook Live show), daily snapchat stories, and a weekly podcast called the “Future of Agriculture.” All is provided at zero cost to students and young professionals and supported by participating agribusinesses.
For more information about AgGrad 30 Under 30, please visit the website: 30under30.ag.
USDA: Record High Red Meat and Pork Production for February
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.17 billion pounds in February, up 3 percent from the 4.06 billion pounds produced in February 2018.
By State (mil. lbs. - % Feb '18)
Nebraska ...........: 611.3 101
Iowa ..................: 650.9 110
Kansas ...............: 424.3 102
Beef production, at 1.99 billion pounds, was slightly above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.45 million head, up 2 percent from February 2018. The average live weight was down 16 pounds from the previous year, at 1,352 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.1 million pounds, 6 percent above February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 48,500 head, up 18 percent from February 2018. The average live weight was down 23 pounds from last year, at 219 pounds.
Pork production totaled 2.17 billion pounds, up 5 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.1 million head, up 5 percent from February 2018. The average live weight was up 1 pound from the previous year, at 287 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was down 5 percent from February 2018. Sheep slaughter totaled 169,300 head, 3 percent above last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, down 11 pounds from February a year ago.
January to February 2019 commercial red meat production was 8.9 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2018. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was up 2 percent, pork was up 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 2 percent.
USDA Cold Storage February 2019 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on February 28, 2019 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 6 percent from the previous month but up 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 9 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up slightly from last month and up 10 percent from last year.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 28, 2019 were up slightly from the previous month and up 4 percent from February 28, 2018. Butter stocks were up 15 percent from last month but down 9 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen poultry supplies on February 28, 2019 were up 7 percent from the previous month and up slightly from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 16 percent from last month and up 6 percent from February 28, 2018.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month and down 7 percent from a year ago.
Dairy Producers Previously Enrolled in the Livestock Gross Margin Program Now Eligible for 2018 Margin Protection Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program (LGM-Dairy) now have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) for 2018 coverage. Sign-up will take place March 25 through May 10, 2019.
Producers enrolled in 2018 LGM-Dairy, administered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), previously were determined by the 2014 Farm Bill to be ineligible for coverage under MPP-Dairy, a safety net program available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
“The 2018 Farm Bill included substantial changes to USDA dairy programs,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “This includes the ability for producers with LGM coverage to retroactively enroll in MPP-Dairy for 2018. It also integrated recent improvements to the MPP-Dairy in the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, beginning with the 2019 calendar year.”
The MPP-Dairy program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost — the margin — falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producers in a dairy operation. LGM-Dairy is an insurance product that provides protection when feed costs rise or milk prices drop. The gross margin is the market value of milk minus feed costs.
This retroactive sign-up is only for dairy producers with 2018 LGM coverage who produced and commercially marketed milk in 2018 but did not obtain full year MPP-Dairy coverage. FSA will notify eligible producers by postcard and provide a one-time payment for all of the months in 2018 that had margins triggering MPP-Dairy assistance.
“I’m pleased that dairy producers will now be able to take advantage of enrolling in both Livestock Gross Margin and the Margin Protection Program for 2018 coverage,” RMA Administrator Martin Barbre said. “The 2018 Farm Bill gave dairy producers more options like these and when combined with the new Dairy Protection Program offered by RMA, that means more overall coverage for dairy producers.”
Pork Essentially Free of Veterinary Drug Residues
In a basic survey of more than a thousand pork kidney samples, almost no veterinary drug residues were found and none at levels that even approached U. S. regulatory limits, according to a study just published by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist in Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A.
These findings signal that U.S. pork producers are using veterinary compounds properly, and indicate that veterinary drug residues in pork are not posing a health concern to U.S. consumers, according to ARS research chemist Weilin Shelver. Shelver is with the ARS Animal Metabolism-Agricultural Chemicals Research Unit in Fargo, North Dakota.
A total of 1040 pork kidneys were purchased from four grocery stores in the Midwest and tested for residues of 5 commonly used veterinary drugs and feed additives: flunixin, penicillin G, ractopamine, sulfamethazine and tetracycline. Pork kidneys are commonly used as an indicator meat as they are readily accessible and tend to concentrate drug residues compared to more commonly consumed muscle meats.
Only 6 samples from the 1040 tested—0.58 percent—were positive when screened for antibiotics, indicating these samples potentially contained antibiotic residues.
As a further check, a 278-sample subset of the pork kidney samples was screened with a more specific type of test for residues of four veterinary drugs: flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent; ractopamine, an agent that enhances leanness in meat; and the antibiotics sulfamethazine and tetracycline. This testing used Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), which at times are capable of measuring residues at far lower concentrations than those called for by regulatory tolerances.
Regardless of the testing method, residue levels of all veterinary compounds were always well below U.S. regulatory tolerances. For example, of the samples assessed by the highly sensitive ELISA and other methods, only 4 percent were positive for minute amounts of sulfamethazine, 10 percent for trace quantities of tetracycline, and 22 percent positive for detectable quantities of the commonly used feed additive ractopamine.
Legislation Would Help Farmers Improve Irrigation Systems
Passage of the Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2019 (H.R. 807, S. 361) would help farmers and ranchers more efficiently operate mutual ditch, irrigation and water companies, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“Mutual ditch, irrigation and water companies are important to agriculture because they allow farmers, ranchers and others to form collaborative businesses to install and maintain vital irrigation infrastructure,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall wrote in a letter to the legislation’s sponsors, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).
Current law requires capital improvements be 85 percent shareholder financed. The Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act multiplies the sources from which mutual ditch, irrigation and water companies can obtain capital to expand and improve their water systems.
Specifically, the bills allow mutual water storage and delivery companies to maintain their tax-exempt status – even if they receive more than 15 percent of their revenue from non-member sources — as long as the revenue is reinvested into maintenance, operations and infrastructure improvements.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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