Monday March 4 Ag News

The Importance of Colostrum to the Newborn Calf 
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator

Colostrum, or first milk produced by the mother after birth, is high in nutrients and antibodies.   A newborn calf lacks disease protection because antibodies do not pass across the cow’s placenta to the fetus’ circulatory system.   Antibodies in colostrum provide calves with their initial protection. 
Calves need about two quarts of colostrum (or at least five percent of the calf’s body weight) within four hours of birth – ideally within 30 minutes – and one gallon within 12 hours.

Time is important because a newborn calf’s digestive tract allows antibodies to pass directly into the blood.   After 24 hours, the calf’s intestines cannot absorb antibodies intact.   The absorbed antibodies protect against systemic invasion by pathogens while antibodies that are not absorbed play an important role in protection against intestinal disease.

Allowing the calf to suckle the dam is the most efficient method of feeding colostrum. However, sometimes this is not possible due to problems with the dam or calf.   In cases such as these the calf will need to be fed colostrum.   Acquire colostrum by milking the dam as soon as possible after calving or using colostrum that you have previously acquired.   Acquired colostrum should be from healthy cows to minimize disease transmission.   Cows in at least their third lactation generally provide higher-quality colostrum than heifers.   A yellow color and a thick, creamy consistency are good indications of quality. 

Colostrum can be stored by freezing in milk cartons or plastic containers.   The containers can be easily thawed and mixed with warm water for feeding.   Studies have shown rapid defrosting using boiling temperatures destroys a portion of the antibodies.   A warm water bath will ensure that antibodies are intact. 

You may also want to consider purchasing a commercially available colostrum supplement or replacer if you don’t have ready access to fresh colostrum.   Consult your veterinarian on the use of these supplements or replacers.

Due to the importance of colostrum to the newborn calf it is always a good idea to have some alternative sources of colostrum on hand “just in case” during the calving season.

Here’s a trick for storing colostrum.   Use a 1 gallon Ziploc freezer bag.   Fill half full (2 qts.) and squeeze the air out before sealing.   They lay flat and you have room to store more.   When needed, take one out and put in sink of hot water.   It thaws and warms up very rapidly and it’s a ready measured feeding. You should date the bag when you store it.



Farm Service Agency Reminds Livestock Producers of Assistance for Those Impacted by Winter-Related Weather in Cuming County

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Cuming County Executive Director Sarah Beck today announced producers who suffered livestock losses due to natural disasters, including extreme cold, blizzards or other severe winter weather, may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

“The Livestock Indemnity Program provides producers with a vital safety net to help them overcome the financial impact of extreme or abnormal weather,” said Beck. “We’ve had some harsh winter weather this season that may have had a significant impact on livestock. We encourage producers who suffered losses to reach out to our office for more information about LIP.”

LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to an adverse weather event, including blizzards and extreme cold. The payment rate is based on 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.

A livestock producer must file a notice of loss with FSA within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is first apparent.

Livestock producers must provide evidence that the death of livestock was due to an eligible adverse weather event or loss condition. In addition, livestock producers should bring supporting death documentation, including documentation of the number and kind of livestock that died, dated photographs or video records to document the loss, purchase records, veterinarian records, production records or other similar documents.

For more information on LIP, to submit a notice of loss or to submit an application for payment, please contact the Cuming County FSA office at 402-372-2451. To learn more about LIP visit www.fsa.usda.gov and scroll to “Fact Sheets” under “Popular Topics.”



Part 2 - Grain Marketing: Dollars & Cents, March 7-8 in Lincoln

Part 2 of the “Grain Marketing: Dollar and Cents” workshop will help row-crop farmers go deeper into grain marketing decisions and factors influencing the market.

The workshop will take place March 7 & 8, 2019 on UNL’s East Campus in Filley Hall. The workshop will run each day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The cost to participate is $100 per person for those who did not attend Part 1 of the workshop. To register call the Department of Agricultural Economics 402-472-1742.

Topics include:
-    Understand more about the futures and options markets.
-    Get a real look at Nebraska cost of production data.
-    Learn about becoming “anti-fragile” by surviving in high costs of production and low commodity prices.
-    Discuss how to work with a broker to become a more effective marketer.
-    Explore how crop insurance differs between counties.

Speakers include Dr. Fabio Mattos, Dr. Cory Walters, Tina Barrett of Nebraska Farm Business Inc., and Jeff Peterson of Heartland Farm Partners.

Call 402-472-1742 to register. Space is limited.



ASA Recognizes Soy Leaders at 2019 Annual Awards Banquet

The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized exceptional volunteers and leaders at its annual awards banquet in Orlando, Fla. on Mar. 1., awarding individuals for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. Congratulations to the 2019 winners:

ASA Outstanding State Volunteer Award Winner Jim Miller, Belden, Neb
The Outstanding State Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication and contributions of individuals who have given at least three-years of volunteer service in any area of their state soybean association operation.

Miller is recognized for his dedication, passion, and many hours of volunteer commitment. He continuously educates himself about the policy issues at the state and national level that impact soybean farmers and consistently relays the messages to government officials.

Miller served in all the top offices for the Nebraska Soybean Association and was involved in policy development, advocacy, promotion and membership recruiting.

His many hours of volunteer work and interaction with other farmers and elected leaders have served to increase awareness about the important work of the Nebraska Soybean Association and its mission.

ASA Pinnacle Award Winner Paul Casper, Lake Preston, S.D
The Pinnacle Award is an industry-wide recognition of individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of contribution and leadership within the soybean family and industry, through work involving a significant amount of their lifetime.

Casper has served as a leader and innovator in the soybean industry for 41 years. He has been involved on the South Dakota Soybean Association Board in numerous roles, including director, president and member of many committees.

Casper was instrumental in establishing the first soybean processing plant in South Dakota, helping lower feed costs for local livestock producers by processing soybeans in-state. His perseverance and planning resulted in development of the South Dakota Soybean Processors (SDSP) Cooperative in the mid-1990s, where he served as president for 13 years.

ASA Distinguished Leadership Award Winner Ron Moore, Roseville, Ill
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes a soybean grower or association staff leader whose leadership has strengthened the national or state association, enhanced soy-related policy efforts and increased farmer education or engagement.

Ron Moore has served in many leadership roles, providing a voice for soybean farmers and advocating in their best interests. He is a past chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association and past president of the American Soybean Association. Moore is a steadfast advocate and spokesperson for soy policy, frequently meeting with state and national lawmakers and administration officials, and testifying on Capitol Hill.

Moore is a strong advocate on issues like farm bill, trade, transportation and infrastructure, farm safety net, biofuels and regulations. In recent years, he has been a guiding force in helping to strategically position and strengthen both the Illinois Soybean Association and ASA.



Slowing U.S. Ethanol Output Reduces Supplies of Distillers Dried Grains, Raising Demand for Soybean Meal

Eroding production margins have resulted in lower U.S. ethanol output in the last half of 2018. According to monthly National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Grain Crushings data, U.S. distillers dried grain (DDG) output in the first ten months of 2018 fell to 3.515 million metric tons (MMT) versus 4.012 MMT the same period in 2017. Monthly data since January 2015 shows that U.S. DDG output in 2018 has consistently fallen below previous year levels since May 2018.

Losses in ethanol exports in the last half of 2018 have been blamed for the slowing of DDG production, and prices for the feedstuff in pork production have risen on the tighter supplies. As a result, soybean meal has become more attractive for domestic hog feeders as prices of the cheaper and relatively less-nutritious DDGs have risen. The data shows that DDG prices have surged nearly 29 percent since the first week of October while soybean meal prices have fallen by 3 percent over the same period.  Domestic soybean meal prices may need to maintain depressed relative to other feedstuffs in order to prevent a sizeable build in soybean meal stocks.



Red Meat and Pork Production at Record High for January

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.70 billion pounds in January, up 2 percent from the 4.59 billion pounds produced in January 2018.

By State         (million lbs.  -  % Jan '18)
Nebraska ........:     714.9            103      
Iowa ...............:     702.0            107      
Kansas ............:     495.5            101      

Beef production, at 2.31 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.83 million head, up 3 percent from January 2018.  The average live weight was down 13 pounds from the previous year, at 1,363 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.6 million pounds, 1 percent below January a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 53,800 head, 10 percent above January 2018.  The average live weight was down 22 pounds from last year, at 213 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.37 billion pounds, 4 percent above the previous year.  Hog slaughter totaled 11.0 million head, 3 percent above January 2018.  The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 288 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was slightly below January 2018.  Sheep slaughter totaled 186,800 head, 6 percent above last year.  The average live weight was 134 pounds, down 8 pounds from January a year ago.



Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Annual Report Available

Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced today that the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Annual Progress Report is now available to the public at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/documents.

“We are committed to robust measuring and reporting around each of the steps necessary to reach our water quality goals,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “This report shows progress in each of the areas measured. We are encouraged by the efforts of the public and private sectors to implement conservation practices across the state, and are working to build on this success going forward.”

“The Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a very important and critical effort working to enhance water quality, and to see positive changes and results is gratifying,” said Bruce Trautman, acting director of the Iowa DNR. “We are continually committed to improving and protecting water quality, and with partnerships developed through the strategy, we are making great strides, but we still have work to do to meet the goals.”

The annual report provides progress updates on point source and nonpoint source efforts to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads leaving the state. The report follows the “logic model” framework that identifies measurable indicators of desirable change that can be quantified, and represents a progression toward the goals of achieving a 45 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus loads.

The framework recognizes that in order to affect change in water quality, there is a need for increased inputs, measured as funding, staff and resources. Inputs affect change in outreach efforts and human behavior. With changes in human attitudes and behavior, changes on the land may occur, measured as conservation practice adoption and wastewater treatment facility upgrades. Finally, these physical changes on the land may affect change in water quality, which ultimately can be measured through both empirical water quality monitoring and through modeled estimates of nutrient loads in Iowa surface water.

“The report highlights the increase in activities in the five years since the release of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which is encouraging,” said Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University. “But, it is also important to recognize the scale of change required to meet nutrient reduction goals, and the need for increased levels of practice adoption and implementation throughout the state.”
Highlights from the report

Inputs - funding, staff and resources
    $512 million in private and public sector funding for Nutrient Reduction Strategy efforts identified during the 2018 reporting period.
    Long-term funding is now in place that will provide an additional $270 million for conservation practices and wastewater treatment upgrades over the next 12 years.
    Since 2013, the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State University has funded $8.7 million for 76 research projects led by scientists at the state’s three Regents universities. The research evaluates the performance of current and emerging nutrient management practices and helps to provide recommendations on implementing the practices and developing new practices.
    Of the 154 municipal wastewater plants and industrial facilities required to assess their nutrient removal capacity, 125 have been issued new permits and 82 of those have submitted feasibility studies on potential technology improvements to reduce nutrient loss.
    The Conservation Infrastructure Initiative engaged a broad cross-section of leaders within and outside of the agriculture industry to address barriers, innovative market-based solutions, and new revenue streams to improve water quality.

Human - outreach efforts
    Partners reported 511 outreach events focused on water quality were held in 92 counties.
    Partners reported 45,800 participants attended an outreach event.

Land - conservation practice adoption
    Statewide estimates indicate 760,000 acres of cover crops were planted in 2017, including 330,000 acres enrolled in government cost share programs.
    1.8 million acres of land were enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, about 200,000 acres more than in 2011.
    Statewide mapping of six types of conservation practices was completed. An analysis of the results shows the value of this public and private investment in conservation would be $6.2 billion in today’s dollars. Additional analysis is underway to quantify the water quality impact of these practices in terms of reduced sediment and phosphorus loads to Iowa streams.

Water quality monitoring and estimates
    Iowa has an extensive water quality monitoring system in place, including 32 more real-time nitrate sensors deployed by the University of Iowa’s Hydroscience and Engineering - IIHR than in 2016.
    At least 88 percent of Iowa’s land drains to a location with water quality sensors installed and maintained mainly by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Hydroscience and Engineering - IIHR, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
    Surface water samples are collected regularly at 302 locations, plus 582 edge-of-field sites by the Iowa Soybean Association and Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance.

The annual report works towards evaluating progress using an updated baseline that is consistent with the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force and follows the direction of the Iowa Legislature. The baseline looks at the 1980-1996 time period. In future reports, the baseline period will be used to measure progress toward water quality goals identified by the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

The annual report was compiled by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University with support from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A draft of the report was shared with the Iowa Water Resources Coordinating Council in November and their feedback was incorporated into the recently finalized report.



CWT Assisted Dairy Product Export Sales Top 300 Million Pounds Milk Equivalent

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) member cooperatives accepted 14 offers of export assistance from CWT that helped them capture sales contracts for 2.158 million pounds (978 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, 524,700 pounds (238 metric tons) of butter, and 1.543 million pounds (700 metric tons) of whole milk powder. These products are going to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product will be delivered during the period from February through August 2019.

CWT-assisted member cooperative 2019 export sales are equal to 337.8 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. The dairy products assisted total 22.436 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 1.709 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 12.641 million pounds of whole milk powder to 21 countries in six regions.

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



NCBA Partners with BF Goodrich® Tires in Tradesmen Support Program

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has joined BFGoodrich Tires to launch the new Tradesmen Support Program. The program benefits the cattlemen and cattlewomen who rely heavily on their pickup trucks to get work done on their farms and ranches across the United States. 

“This is the first time a tire brand has partnered with NCBA and we’re pleased to work with BFGoodrich® Tires Tradesmen Support Program,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston, a cattlewoman and livestock auction market operator from Sweetwater, Tenn. 

“By working closely with BFGoodrich Tires, we’re able to extend an important members-only benefit that will ensure our 25,000 members are reducing downtime and costs because of tire and vehicle issues. This benefit will go a step farther and allow our members to improve the bottom line of their operations, because of the discounts being extended by BFGoodrich Tires,” Houston explained.  

The partnership with BFGoodrich will provide NCBA members with the following benefits:
-    $100 off a set of four BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KO2® tires for association members– a substantial discount on the brand’s toughest all-terrain tire capable of handling virtually any farm or ranch work.
-    Roadside assistance for two years, with towing up to 150 miles.
-    30-day satisfaction guarantee.
-    Chances to win VIP experiences to races such as the SCORE BAJA 1000 and the MINT 400.

“Partnering with NCBA has been a great way for BFGoodrich to become a part of this community and offer cattlemen our Tradesmen Support Program so they’re spending less time on tire and vehicle issues and more time contributing to their farms and ranches. This is a community that values hard work and expects equipment like tires to work as hard as they do. We feel the same way and that’s why this is going to be a special partnership,” said Jessica Parris, BFGoodrich Director of Consumer Communications.

NCBA members can access the BFGoodrich Tires Tradesmen Support Program by visiting www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tradesmen or through the member portal at http://www.beefusa.org/.



NFU Kicks Off 117th Anniversary Convention in Bellevue, WA

National Farmers Union (NFU) officially convened its 117th Anniversary Convention this afternoon in Bellevue, Washington, to celebrate American farm families and set the organization’s policy for the coming year. More than 460 Farmers Union members from across the country are gathered for the annual event, which runs through March 5.

“NFU is a grassroots, family farmer-led organization, and this structure is best embodied at our annual convention. The convention is an opportunity to celebrate what makes Farmers Union truly unique – and that is family farmers of all types, sizes, and backgrounds banding together to make sure they all can enjoy the American dream,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

Over the next three days, attendees will engage with industry experts, policymakers, thought leaders and fellow farmers on topics of importance to modern family farm agriculture. Top of mind for most attendees and speakers are the state of the farm economy, international trade disruptions, extreme consolidation in the agricultural sector, climate change and sustainability, and the success of the next generation of family farmers.

The information learned will provide context for the organization’s annual line-by-line policy review by Farmers Union delegates in the final days of the convention. “Our grassroots policy adoption process allows Farmers Union members to decide the direction of the organization and the policy we bring to the table in Washington, D.C.,” Johnson explained.

“This year’s policy deliberations will be especially important, as family farmers and ranchers face a difficult farm economy, an increasingly volatile climate, and extreme consolidation in agricultural marketplaces, among the normal unpredictability that they deal with on a day-to-day basis,” Johnson added. “The policies they adopt will carry significant weight in the nation’s capital, as they represent the collective will of America’s farm and ranch families.”

Keynote remarks at this year’s convention will be delivered by Andrew Winston, a globally recognized expert on helping businesses thrive and create a more sustainable world, and Bill Northey, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. NFU President Roger Johnson will deliver his annual State of the Farmers Union speech here tonight at the convention opening banquet.

The convention will feature a panel on agriculture trade under President Trump, which will examine the President’s goals, his tactics, and the repercussions of current trade disruptions. NFU President Johnson will moderate the panel featuring Michael Stumo of Coalition for a Prosperous America, and Kathy Baylis of the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics.

Convention attendees will also be treated to a host of informational breakout sessions, award ceremonies, and an event in support of NFU Foundation.

More information on convention programming can be found at NFU.org/convention.



General Mills to Advance Regenerative Agriculture Practices on One Million Acres of Farmland by 2030

General Mills today announced its commitment to advance regenerative agriculture practices on one million acres of farmland by 2030. The Company will partner with organic and conventional farmers, suppliers and trusted farm advisors in key growing regions to drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices. A contributor to climate change, it is estimated that the global food system accounts for roughly one-third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 70 percent of water consumption.

"We have been feeding families for over 150 years and we need a strong planet to enable us to feed families for the next 150 years," said Jeff Harmening, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Mills.  "We recognize that our biggest opportunity to drive positive impact for the planet we all share lies within our own supply chain, and by being a catalyst to bring people together to drive broader adoption of regenerative agriculture practices."

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic method of farming deploying practices designed to protect and intentionally enhance natural resources and farming communities. These practices focus on pulling carbon from the air and storing it in the soil in addition to helping the land be more resilient to extreme weather events. General Mills will partner with key suppliers to drive adoption across key ingredients including oats, wheat, corn, dairy feed and sugar beets.

"Our first on-farm training and education academies will focus on North American growers where we source high-quality oats for Cheerios, Annie's, Cascadian Farm, Nature Valley and Blue Buffalo," said Jon Nudi, president of North American Retail for General Mills.

General Mills is granting $650,000 to non-profit organization Kiss the Ground to support farmer training and coaching through Soil Health Academies where growers will learn how to increase farm profitability, build resiliency into the land and decrease input costs using soil health practices.

"Investing in soil health and regenerating our soils has numerous benefits including water infiltration, reduced pest pressure, resilience to unpredictable weather, and reducing greenhouse gasses," said Lauren Tucker, executive director of Kiss the Ground. "We have an opportunity to not just sustain our natural resources, but to restore them for generations to come. We can only advance the adoption of these practices that benefit people and the planet if we partner with and support our farmers."

Today's announcement builds upon the company's commitment to improve soil health and to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by 28 percent across its full value chain by 2025. General Mills reported it is nearly halfway to that goal, with its GHG emissions footprint down 13 percent in 2018 compared to 2010.

General Mills also drives awareness of regenerative agriculture with consumers through its brands. For example, in 2018, Annie's launched two limited edition products with ingredients grown using regenerative practices, and this year will offer two additional regenerative agriculture products: Macaroni & Classic Cheddar and Shells & White Cheddar. Cascadian Farm, in partnership with The Land Institute, is working to commercialize organic Kernza, a perennial grain whose 10-foot long roots are able to capture carbon and water, while preventing soil erosion. And EPIC Provisions is helping connect mission-based companies to progressive livestock producers using regenerative practices. Its Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Beef Bites product was the first consumer packaged product to feature the Savory Institute Land to Market Ecological Verification Outcome seal, which measures outcomes versus practices.

General Mills is leading the development of measurement science to connect regenerative agriculture practices, like no-till and cover cropping, to environmental and economic outcomes:
-    Healthy Soil: Carbon rich, biologically active soil plays an essential role in cleaning and storing water, supporting biodiversity and regulating the climate.
-    Above-Ground Biodiversity: Diversity in crop varieties, grazing animals, wildlife and pollinators supports resilient ecosystems that can better withstand disease, pests and climate fluctuations.
-    Farmer Economic Resilience: Regenerative agriculture practices can strengthen whole farm profitability and resilience over time.

Healthy soil is the foundation for regenerative agriculture and since 2015, the company has invested more than $4 million to advance soil health initiatives. Previous and ongoing examples of General Mills' work include:
-    Development of The Soil Health Roadmap in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, which outlines key steps to achieve widespread adoption of soil health systems on more than 50 percent of U.S. cropland by 2025. These efforts could deliver $50 billion in societal benefits annually.
-    Development of a Regenerative Agriculture Self-Assessment tool to help farmers understand how their practices influence soil health, biodiversity and economic resilience.
-    A strategic sourcing agreement with Gunsmoke Farms LLC to convert 34,000 acres of conventional farmland in South Dakota to certified organic acreage, using regenerative agriculture practices, by 2020.