Monday March 25 Ag News

USDA Announces Availability of Additional Emergency Programs in Nebraska

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Nancy Johner today announced that emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres is authorized for all Nebraska counties, due to the impacts of recent adverse weather. Johner also announced that 45 Nebraska counties have been approved to begin accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from recent flooding. 

“FSA has a variety of disaster assistance programs to support farmers and ranchers through times of adversity,” Johner said. “Once you are able to evaluate your losses, it is important to contact your local FSA office to report all damages and losses and learn more about how we can assist.”

Emergency Grazing
The emergency grazing authorization is effective immediately and ends April 30, 2019. The authorization was granted to address the impacts of the recent extreme weather, including flooding, snowmelt and mud. CRP contract holders who are interested in using this emergency grazing authorization must contact their FSA county office to complete required paperwork before allowing grazing to begin.

“It is important for CRP contract holders to work with their FSA county office before moving their own livestock onto these acres or allowing another producer to move livestock there,” Johner said.

CRP participants who use this option will need to obtain a modified conservation plan, which includes emergency grazing provisions, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). CRP participants can allow others to use their CRP acres under this emergency grazing authorization; however, the livestock owners also will need to complete FSA paperwork indicating their grazing land was adversely impacted by severe weather. There will be no reduction in CRP rental payments to CRP contract holders who use the emergency grazing authorization. CRP contract holders are not permitted to charge livestock producers for the emergency grazing option.

Emergency Conservation Program
The approved ECP practices under this authorization include debris removal; fencing replacement and repair; grading, shaping and leveling of impacted fields; conservation structure rehabilitation; and shelterbelt rehabilitation.

ECP enrollment deadlines will vary by county as the timeframe is set by each county committee. More information on ECP enrollment deadlines will be provided by FSA county offices.

Counties approved to begin accepting applications include: Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Buffalo, Butler, Brown, Burt, Cass, Cedar, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas, Franklin, Garfield, Greeley, Hall, Harlan, Holt, Howard, Keya Paha, Knox, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Nemaha, Otoe, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Richardson, Rock, Sarpy, Saunders, Sherman, Stanton, Thurston, Valley, Washington, Wayne and Wheeler.       

ECP assists producers with the recovery cost to restore agricultural land to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the cost of approved restoration activity.

“Dealing with natural disasters is never easy, especially when you have to consider the health and safety of livestock, but it’s important for producers to call our office before they take action to permanently repair damages,” said Johner.

Producers with damage must apply for assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work in order to qualify for cost-share assistance. This allows FSA offices to assess the need for on-site inspection and environmental compliance requirements, taking into consideration the type and extent of the damage.

The use of ECP funds is limited to activities to return the land to the relative pre-disaster condition. Conservation concerns that were present on the land prior to the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance.

More Information
For more information on CRP emergency grazing and ECP, please contact your FSA county office. To find your local FSA office, go to https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. Visit USDA's disaster resources website to learn more about USDA disaster preparedness and response.



Flood Damaged Grain & Hay
http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/11-023   

It would be rare to be able to use flood-soaked grain or hay for its intended original use of food or feed. The grain or hay is almost certainly contaminated with floodwater contaminants or related toxins. It can also harbor fungal growth such as Ergot, which can lead to lethal poisoning if consumed. Even drying the damaged grain or hay will not make the materials safe for consumption and storing the materials in stacks or bundles presents a potential fire danger.

It is not unusual for soaked bulk grain, hay bales, or hay “piles” to spontaneously ignite. Freshly bailed or piled hay or grain can go through a process of fermentation leading to combustion when as low as 20% water by weight. If flood-damaged grain or hay must be stored, carefully spread the material out to encourage drying without the potential of creating heat sufficient for combustion. Because the dried grain or hay will still be unusable as a product this presents a disposal problem for the farmer or rancher in possession of the flood-damaged grain or hay.

The department has historically allowed spoiled grain, hay, or some food processing by-products to be spread evenly on farm or ranch fields. This allowance has, and continues to be, based on factors such as the land topography, season, amount, proximity to inhabited structures, and nature of the spoilage. Spoiled, unusable grain or hay will rarely ever exhibit the characteristic of hazardous waste toxicity. If it is, or is suspected of being, a hazardous waste then Title 128 – Nebraska Hazardous Waste Regulations must be followed and the waste grain or hay cannot be spread on the ground. If the grain is spoiled but not capable of causing an infectious disease to humans then it may be either sent to a permitted municipal solid waste landfill or land applied. For land application prior approval is required from the NDEQ (Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations, Chapter 13, §003) if the material is not applied to the land at an appropriate agronomic rate for the application site. If approval is required, use the following form for land application: Special Waste Disposal Request. This form can be accessed at the NDEQ web site. If approved, the department will provide information on application procedures with the approval.

Flood-damaged grain and hay has been demonstrated to be a danger to bird wildlife. As a result, the department recommends land application of flood damaged grain or hay to be disked into the soil within 24 hours of application. The department discourages stockpiling of flood-damaged grain or hay prior to application except for a short period of time prior to land application..

Depending on the nature of the contamination and the condition of the flood-damaged grain or hay, burning might be the best method of waste management. If so, Title 129 – Nebraska Air Quality Regulations covers the exceptions to the general prohibition against open burning. Generally, this on-site open burning can be exercised without an Air permit if the damaged grain or hay was on the site when initially flooded and there is no other debris or waste. On any open burning situation always contact the local fire department to secure a burn permit.

Flood damaged grain or hay has no exclusions from requiring a waste permit from NDEQ for burial. Waste farm products other than trees or brush must be disposed at a permitted municipal solid waste landfill unless burned per the discussion in the previous paragraphs. Ash from such a burn is considered a newly generated waste and as such cannot be buried on site, it must be sent to a municipal solid waste landfill.



Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation is Accepting Flood Relief Donations

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Foundation President Jeff Kirkpatrick announced the foundation will be accepting tax deductible donations to support flood relief efforts for family farmers, ranchers, and members of rural communities.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of Nebraskans who suffered both financial and emotional losses as the result of the recent unprecedented 500 year floods in the eastern part of our state and severe blizzards in western Nebraska.  Our foundation board will do our best to put the donated money where it will do the most good,” said NeFU Foundation President Jeff Kirkpatrick.

NeFU President and NeFU Foundation Secretary Hansen said, “This is the most severe and widespread natural disaster in Nebraska in our lifetime and in the history of our state.  The frozen ground, heavy snow base, the thicker than normal river ice due to the coldest February on record, and the heavy spring rains set in motion river flooding that set all-time flood stage records for the Missouri, Platte, Elkhorn, and Loup rivers as well as many of their tributaries at the same time. The financial losses for agriculture are currently estimated at $400 million for livestock and $440 million for cropland.  By the time farmsteads, equipment, and stored grains, most of which will not be covered by insurance is counted, the loss numbers will grow.”

Kirkpatrick continued, “In addition to the loss of at least five lives, many rural people who lost their homes also lost personal family photos, mementos, and records whose values cannot be measured in dollars. We continue to be amazed at the overwhelming response of Nebraskans to pitch in and help their friends, families, and neighbors in their time of need.  In addition, we thank all the organizations and people from around the country who have called and contacted us to ask what they can do to help. We will put your donations to good use.”

NeFU Foundation Secretary Hansen concluded, “Please make out checks to: Nebraska Farmers Union Foundation, and send them to 1305 Plum Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.  If you want to make contributions in some other manner, contact the office at (402) 476-8815, or email accounting@nebraskafarmersunion.org.



Nominations sought for 2019 AG-ceptional woman award

Each year, Northeast Community College recognizes the vital role that women play in agriculture and honors one individual during its AG-ceptional Women’s Conference.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2019 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year Award, which will be presented during the 11th Annual AG-ceptional Women’s Conference on Friday, November 22, in the Lifelong Learning Center at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The recipient will be featured in a video tribute sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America.

Corinne Morris, dean of agriculture, math and science, said she looks forward to honoring all women in agriculture during the annual event.

“This will be our 11th annual conference and we expect it to be the best conference so far!  At Northeast Community College, we recognize the contributions women make as advocates for agriculture, in their own operations, and in their communities. They make a difference and we want to provide a day to educate, motivate and celebrate these special people. The AG-ceptional Woman of the Year Award draws attention to the importance of their role in agriculture. We encourage you to nominate a deserving woman in agriculture for this award.”

Shana Beattie, Sumner, was honored as the 2018 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year for her commitment to agriculture. She was nominated by Karen Grant, of Grant Family Farms of Meadow Grove, and a past AG-ceptional Woman recipient, who said Beattie “has such a passion for life, for her family and for agriculture in general.”

Other past AG-ceptional Woman of the Year honorees include: Bonnie Schulz, Battle Creek, in 2010; Jan Miller, Belden, in 2011; Nancy Kirkholm, Homer, in 2012; Jan Frenzen, Fullerton, in 2013, Dawn Winkelbauer, Norfolk, in 2014; Karen Grant, Meadow Grove, in 2015; Anne Meis, Elgin, in 2016; and Liz Doerr, Creighton, in 2017.

The deadline for nominating the 2019 AG-ceptional Woman of the Year recipient is April 30. Nomination forms may be accessed at: https://northeast.edu/Agceptional/Pdfs/Agceptional-Nomination-Form.pdf.

For additional information, contact Morris at (402) 844-7361.




NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the month of March 2019, topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 47 adequate, and 51 surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 4 short, 62 adequate, and 34 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 34 fair, 53 good, and 8 excellent.

Weekly reports will begin April 1st for the 2019 season.



Market Impacts of a Meat Tax
Regan Gilmore, Undergraduate Student, UNL Dept of Ag Economics
Azzeddine Azzam, Roy Frederick Professor - UNL Dept of Ag Economics

Over time, animal activists and environmentalists have made calls to put a tax on meat. What effect would that have? To find out, we estimated the impacts that a retail-level greenhouse gas (GHG) tax on meat would have on livestock and grain markets.

The research used a multimarket economic model that integrates the beef, pork, and poultry markets with the corn, distillers’ grain, soybean, soymeal, and ethanol markets. For GHG taxes, we used those provided by Springman et al. based on an emission price (social cost) of $52 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent estimated by EPA. Emissions by meat type include land use, feed production, livestock production, processing, and transport.

Using emission intensities of 26.83 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted per pound of beef produced, 5.75 pounds for pork, and 5.33 pounds for poultry, the carbon dioxide equivalent taxes as percentages of 10-year USDA retail price averages (2007-2016)  are 13.19%, 3.98%, and 7.52%, respectively. The percent tax for poultry is higher than that of pork because poultry is cheaper per pound, so the tax makes up a greater percentage of the price.

Implementation of the tax, using the same 10-year price averages as baselines, results in an increase in the price of beef by 6.95% and a decline in beef consumption by 3.31%. For pork, the price rises by 3.67% and consumption declines by 0.42%. For poultry, the price increases by 6.12% and consumption declines by 0.38%.

This implies that beef consumption would be more heavily impacted by a GHG tax than pork or poultry. The price of slaughter cattle at the feedlot level declines by 1.48%.

In general, grain markets are minimally affected, with the price of corn decreasing by 0.14% and corn usage decreasing by 0.04%, for example.

Taxing beef, pork, and poultry at retail is estimated to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. This would reduce total U.S. emissions by 0.17%, which is commensurate to taking 2.3 million cars off the road each year. This is approximately equivalent to 7% of cars registered in 2018.

The research was funded by a competitive grant from the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.



ALFALFA KILLED BY WINTER OR FLOODS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Following ice, historic snow, and historic floods, it’s natural to wonder if your alfalfa survived.  What should you look for?

               It’s nearly impossible to predict how much damage this past winter’s weather did to existing alfalfa fields.  While alfalfa usually comes through winter in pretty good shape in our area, I’m sure this year there could be plenty of exceptions.

               It will be a couple weeks at least before you might expect to see the beginnings of spring growth.  However, it’s important that you determine the amount of damage as soon as possible so you have time to respond in the best way possible.

               Flooded fields may be the most difficult to evaluate, especially if much sediment was left behind.  Alfalfa that went into winter in good shape might tolerate up to a couple weeks of flooding.  But alfalfa will have a difficult time emerging through more than two inches of sediment so expect poor stands any place where you have thick deposits.  Also, expect some delayed emergence where sediments are lighter.  Removing sediments mechanically may help in some situations.  Also be sure to remove any debris that might interfere with mowing or could contaminate your hay.

               For both winter-damaged and flooded alfalfa, older, dryland fields that have fewer than 30 new shoots per square foot coming from 2 or 3 plants may need to be replaced soon.  Very productive sites, such as irrigated and sub-irrigated fields, should have at least 40 shoots per square foot from 4 to 6 plants.  Check for these densities in several areas of your fields when the early shoots are 4 to 6 inches tall.

               No one knows for certain how much damage might be expected in alfalfa fields so check your fields early, just in case.



12TH ANNUAL NEBRASKA WIND & SOLAR CONFERENCE DATES ANNOUNCED— October 29-30, 2019
The 12th Annual Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference will be held Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The conference is a two-day event that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from Nebraska and across the country to share the latest information and innovations in wind and solar development.  Over 350 people are expected to attend this year’s conference to hear from and network with wind and solar industry experts and leaders.

In addition to general sessions and workshops, the conference features a tradeshow with 30 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in technology and development.  The tradeshow includes interactive and educational displays from exhibitors that include governmental agencies, nonprofits, and a wide range of professional service and product providers related to wind and solar development. 

The conference programming is guided by a planning committee of volunteers from state agencies, farmer and rancher organizations, public power utilities, the renewable energy industry, and academia working together to present accurate and objective information pertaining to all aspects of wind and solar development. Among others, attendees include private sector developers, public officials, landowners, environmental and wildlife interests, public utilities, and the public at large.

“This unique ‘Nebraska Nice’ conference is able to keep the registration costs much lower than most comparable conferences because of the generous support of our sponsors.  Every year we have new sets of challenges, information, ideas, and solutions to share,” said John Hansen, Conference Chair. “If you are interested in wind and solar energy, this is the one state conference to attend.”

Early bird registration is $125 until October 1. Tickets are $175 after October 1 and $200 the day of the conference. Students are encouraged to attend at a discounted rate of $65.

Rooms at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel are $114 per night until October 1 (conference block rate includes free parking). More information and past presentations are available on the conference website (https://www.nebraskawsc.com/).



New Beef Specialist Ready to be Resource for Iowa Producers

To put it simply, Beth Reynolds sees herself as a resource for producers. As the new extension program specialist with the Iowa Beef Center, she said her goal is to provide relevant materials and keep resources readily available.

“The diversity and unique qualities of cattle operations throughout Iowa was a big draw for me to pursue a career here,” she said. “I know that not everything available from IBC applies to every operation, and I want to stay on top of topics producers care about and need information on.”

For example, Reynolds said her primary interest is in the cow-calf sector and forage utilization. However, as a Colorado native who grew up on a diversified family farming operation that uses cover crops and corn residue for their commercial cow and registered Charolais herd, she knows she’ll need to shift her focus somewhat.

“We typically graze native range during the growing season, turn out onto cornstalks immediately after harvest, calve on stalks, move pairs onto rye after green up in the spring, and then move the cows back to native range during planting season,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed range management techniques, but in Iowa, I need to shift to pasture management. I anticipate a large part of my work here will be to focus on pasture and annual forages as this is a big topic in Iowa, and there is a need at the beef center for someone to focus on forages.”

Reynolds earned a B.S. in animal science with production focus from University of Wyoming in Laramie, and received her M.S. in animal science with focus on ruminant nutrition from University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Her thesis work centered on evaluating the risk of nitrate toxicity when grazing annual forages and determining how that risk might differ from feeding hayed annual forages. She also was involved with a research project that evaluated how the nutritive quality of oats, turnips and radishes changes when those crops are grazed from late October to January in south central Nebraska.

She said it’s important for producers to understand how to communicate with consumers about management decisions while keeping science at the forefront of the conversations.

“It’s challenging to discuss practices that aren’t well understood by consumers, yet still maintain consumer confidence in those discussions regardless of emotion,” she said. “For example, yes, ruminants produce methane. As producers we shouldn’t deny that, but they also convert otherwise non-useful products into a high quality protein and – when managed appropriately – can increase land productivity and health.”

Reynolds said producers should look forward to seeing her at meetings, field days and research projects. She looks forward to working with her IBC colleagues to share information and opportunities for education with producers and others in the beef industry.

“I am a firm believer in data driven conclusions and recommendations and hope information I provide remains relevant to the Iowa and national beef industry,” she said. “Our work is driven by the producers and we need feedback to stay relevant for all operations, however large, small, or unique they are.”



NFU, Broad Coalition Urge Full Funding for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

In an effort to improve mental health support for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, National Farmers Union (NFU) and a broad coalition of leading farm and rural advocacy groups are urging Congress to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) in fiscal year 2020.

FRSAN provides grants for extension services, state departments of agriculture, nonprofit organizations and other entities to provide stress assistance programs to farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and other agriculture-related occupations. Eligible programs include farm helplines and websites, training programs and workshops, outreach services, and home delivery of assistance.

“As you know, farming is a high-stress occupation,” said the groups in a letter to leadership of the Senate and House agriculture appropriations subcommittees. “Financial risk, volatile markets, unpredictable weather, and heavy workloads can all place a significant strain on farmers’, ranchers’ and farmworkers’ mental and emotional well-being. This is exacerbated by the fact that 60 percent of rural residents live in areas that suffer from mental health professional shortages.”

The groups noted the current prolonged farm economy downturn is causing even greater stress for farmers and ranchers. “Net farm income in 2018 was nearly 50 percent less than it was in 2013,” they said. “While current projections suggest slight improvements in 2019, a significant rebound could be years away.”

Congress provided $2 million in the fiscal year 2019 appropriations bill for a pilot of the program. The groups hope the pilot program will create an on-ramp to full program implementation.

“As the Subcommittee develops the FY 2020 agriculture appropriations bill, we urge you to fully fund the FRSAN at $10 million,” said the groups. “This funding will be critically important in meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers as they endure increasing financial and mental stress.”