Wednesday March 20 Ag News

ENREC Hay and Fencing Supplies Donation Site

The Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center near Mead is serving as a collection location for hay (large bales) donations and fencing materials for livestock owners/managers who were impacted by the recent adverse weather events in Nebraska.  This has been a rather quick developing project, so thank you for your patience as the details have come together, as I know people are anxious to learn about what is going on.

Information is online at:    https://enrec.unl.edu/haydonations/.

Below are details that are also shared on the website….
Donations can be brought to ENREC between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  But it is important to contact us first at the number listed in the directions below!  Material unloading equipment/operators provided.

Directions for making donations follow:
·         Call (970)759-8626 or (402)624-8000 to let us know the day and approximate time that you plan to deliver hay (large bales only, no small bales) or fencing supplies.  And please let us know what you are donating.   Collection hours at ENREC near Mead, NE are between 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Material unloading equipment/operators provided.

·         Hay Donations - LARGE BALES ONLY - Large round and square hay donations will be collected approximately 1/2 mi. west of the intersection of County Road 10 (blacktop road that goes south out of Mead, NE) and County Road H.  Enter from the EAST and exit to the WEST.  Small bales should be taken to the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln.

·         Fencing Materials Donations - Fencing materials donations will be collected at a designated location at the ENREC Farm and Facilities Operations Shop.  Follow redwood directional signs off County Road 10 (blacktop road that goes south out of Mead, NE) and County Road J.  Look for the redwood "Farm Operations" sign.

·         For those affected by the recent flooding that wish to obtain donated hay or fencing materials, please contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550.  Load out hours 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Material loading equipment/operators provided.  Additional resources are available at:  http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/resources/index.html.

Looking for a donation location in Northeast Nebraska? 
University of Nebraska Haskell Ag Lab - Concord, NE is also a donation site.



Ricketts Issues Two Executive Orders Waiving Certain Requirements for Trip Permits & Deceased Livestock

Governor Pete Ricketts has issued two new executive orders to provide relief to flood impacted communities.  Executive Order 19-03 gives farmers and ranchers a reasonable amount of time to dispose of deceased livestock lost due to severe weather and flooding.  Executive Order 19-04 temporarily suspends requirements for trip permits and fuel tax permits for certain vehicles engaged in flood relief.

“In light of the historic flooding and devastation our communities have experienced, the Governor’s Office is working to cut red tape,” said Taylor Gage, Director of Strategic Communications for Governor Ricketts.  “These executive orders will help our communities as they work to recover and rebuild after the most widespread natural disaster in state history.”

These orders are in addition to the Governor’s emergency declaration issued on March 12th and another executive order issued last week.  The directives are effective immediately until April 15, 2019.  Nebraska continues to encourage surrounding states to temporarily ease their restrictions as well.

The Governor’s Office, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency are staying in touch with Nebraska’s agriculture associations on a daily basis to assess emerging needs.  State agencies are providing assistance as requests are made by local emergency managers. 



USDA Ready to Help Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Recent Blizzards, Floods

Extreme weather conditions like the recent “bomb cyclone” and the ongoing flooding impacted many farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover from these natural disasters.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) offer programs that help producers recover losses, rehabilitating farms and ranches, and managing risk. 

Recovering Losses
FSA offers many programs to help producers recover from losses, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, Emergency Forest Restoration Program and the Tree Assistance Program. Producers located in counties receiving a primary or contiguous disaster designation are eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.

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

Rehabilitating Farms and Ranches
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other conservation programs to help producers recover and build resilience to better withstand future disasters. NRCS plans to direct additional EQIP funds to cope with livestock lost due to flooding in Nebraska. These dollars will help landowners remove and properly dispose of livestock carcasses that are obstructing streams and waterways.

“NRCS can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery effort,” said Craig Derickson, State Conservationist for the NRCS in Nebraska. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop approaches that focus on effective recovery of the land.”

Meanwhile, the FSA Emergency Conservation Program provides funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters.

Managing Risk
Producers with coverage through federal crop insurance should contact their agent for issues regarding filing claims. Those who purchased crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. 

RMA Regional Director Collin Olsen said, “If you are concerned that you may not be able to get your crop planted, you should contact your crop insurance agent. The agent can provide details on your prevented planting coverage and how and when to file a claim. The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”

Compensation is also available to producers who purchased coverage through FSA’s  Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which protects non-insurable crops against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting. Eligible producers must have purchased NAP coverage for 2019 crops.

Supporting Communities
In addition to helping producers, USDA also offers assistance to local governments and other entities with rebuilding infrastructure and removing debris. The NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program provides assistance to local sponsors with the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards like debris removal and streambank stabilization. Interested entities should contact Allen Gehring, NRCS State Conservation Engineer at (402) 437-4037.

More Information
USDA offers a disaster assistance discovery tool that walks producers through five questions to help them identify personalized results of what USDA disaster assistance programs meet their needs. For more information on disaster assistance programs, contact your local USDA service center or farmers.gov/recover.



SCOULAR ANNOUNCES NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN SEWARD, NEBRASKA

Scoular, an employee-owned company based in Omaha, Neb., that offers diverse supply chain solutions for end-users and suppliers of grain, feed ingredients, and food ingredients around the globe, has announced that an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the company will build a new freeze-drying manufacturing facility in Seward, Neb. The facility will establish Scoular’s new freeze-dried pet food ingredients platform. Approximately $50 million will be invested to build this initial facility, which is expected to create nearly 100 new jobs once operational.

“For 126 years, Scoular has invested in the people of Nebraska. We are excited to build on this legacy and advance our strategy with a unique facility that brings all phases of the freeze-drying manufacturing process under one roof,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass. “It was clear to us following an extensive national search that Seward is an ideal community for us to join and grow together. We are excited to begin this process with the people of Seward.

As the pet food industry has grown and expanded, so too has the need for quality ingredients. Pet owners increasingly seek protein-rich, nutritious and convenient products. Scoular has worked with pet food partners for years providing procurement and supply chain solutions. This facility will provide our pet food customers a simplified and efficient ingredient supply chain, while meeting the fast-growing demand for freeze-dried protein ingredients.”

“This latest expansion by Scoular, one of America’s largest private companies, is a testament to our state’s world-class business climate and agricultural strength,” said Governor Pete Ricketts. “Their investment in Seward will deepen their already strong roots in Nebraska, create new great jobs, and grow our state.”

"We are very excited to welcome Scoular to the Seward community. Communities across Nebraska don't see very many $50 million economic development projects and Seward hasn't seen a large industry come here since Walker, now Tenneco, built their facility more than 40 years ago,” said City of Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier. “We are truly blessed to have a new community partner like Scoular.”

A ground-breaking ceremony is anticipated for June, which will celebrate the start of construction on an approximately 105,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus. Construction will take approximately 14-16 months, with the goal of being operational by early Fall 2020.

One of the many reasons Seward was chosen was the available labor pool of talented, hard-working people. As the company begins to recruit for jobs at the new facility, it looks forward to hiring from within Seward and surrounding communities for new positions.

“We appreciate the teamwork and partnerships between Scoular, the community of Seward and the State of Nebraska that have made this project a reality,” said Department of Economic Development Director Dave Rippe. “Scoular is a valued member of our business community, and we’re excited to see that relationship continue to grow and thrive.”

To learn more about the project and see progress updates, please visit www.scoular.com/freeze-dried.



U.S. Presidential Candidates to Discuss Farm Issues

Iowa Farmers Union is hosting the Heartland Forum to bring together leading Democratic presidential contenders to discuss their ideas for solving the range of economic and social challenges facing rural and small-town communities in Iowa and beyond.

"We are glad to have this discussion focused on family farmer and rural Iowa issues," said Aaron Lehman, Iowa Farmers Union president. "Our members will be anxious to see how candidates connect with voters on issues vitally important to them."

"Farm income has been dropping for five years. According to USDA statistics, the median farmer is losing money again this year. The average age of the Iowa farmer is over 59 years old. Agribusiness consolidation is at an all-time high. Farmers are being called upon to do more and more to help clean up Iowa's waters. Our challenges are huge."

"At the same time, farmers continue to find creative and innovative ways to make their farms and communities better places. We hope this event serves as a jumping off point for discussions with presidential candidates about the future of rural America."

Iowa Farmers Union, Open Markets Institute Action Fund, HuffPost and The Storm Lake Times are sponsors of the event which will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning Storm Lake Times columnist and editor Art Cullen and hosted by Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa on Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 1-3pm.

Candidates confirmed so far include Julian Castro (former HUD Secretary), U.S. Rep. John Delaney, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI), Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA). Questions for the candidates will be developed by Farmers Union members.  More information about the event is here.... https://iowafarmersunion.org/. 



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/15/2019

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production edged 1,000 b/d lower to an average of 1.004 million barrels per day (b/d), or 42.17 million gallons daily. Conversely, the four-week average ethanol production rate grew 0.2% to 1.015 million b/d—equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.56 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol increased 2.9% to a new record high of 24.4 million barrels, surpassing the high set 53 weeks prior.

There were no imports for the eighteenth week in a row. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of December 2018.)

Average weekly gasoline supplied to the market popped 2.9% higher to 9.409 million b/d (395.2 million gallons per day, or 144.24 billion gallons annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 1.3% to 909,000 b/d—equivalent to 13.93 billion gallons annualized. The ethanol content in gasoline supplied to the market averaged 9.66% compared to 9.82% a year ago.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production decreased to 10.67%.



Lower Fertilizer Prices Continue

Retail fertilizer prices continue their recent trend of mostly lower fertilizer prices, according to prices tracked by DTN for the second week of March 2019. This marks the third week in a row that prices are declining.

Like last week, five of the eight major fertilizers' prices were lower compared to last month. Once again, the moves lower were fairly minor. DAP had an average price of $510/ton, MAP $534/ton, urea $402/ton, UAN28 $269/ton and UAN32 $318/ton.

Three fertilizers were higher compared to the prior month, but again the move higher was slight. Potash had an average price of $386/ton, anhydrous $596/ton and UAN32 $318/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.44/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.48/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.

The prices of all eight major fertilizers are now higher, compared to last year: MAP by 6%, both DAP and urea are up 9%, potash rose by 10%, 10-34-0 by 11%, UAN32 by 13%, UAN28 increased 14%, and anhydrous jumped 19%.



Impacts of the Cold Wet Winter
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Ag and Resource Econ. - Colorado State University

The returning to normal of U.S. federal government reports and data sources are revealing the impact of the cold and wet winter on the fed cattle production. As pointed out in last week's ITCM, cattle on feed inventories are very high: 11,678 thousand head in the seven major states. This is above last year's 11,630 thousand head and average of the prior five years for February 1 of 10,781 thousand head. The inventory of long-fed cattle - cattle calculated to have been on feed over 120 days - is also substantial. This inventory is 3,993 thousand head, is well above last year's 3,558 thousand head, and the average of the prior five years for February 1 of 3,500 thousand head. There are a lot of cattle to be marketed through the end of March and into April and May. Slaughter volumes reported in the weekly Livestock Slaughter report do not communicate that this is happening. Total cattle slaughter is up modestly. Within total cattle, cow slaughter is higher some weeks by 10 thousand head, fed heifer slaughter is up some weeks 10-20 thousand head, and the largest portion - that being fed steer slaughter - is even with the prior year or softer. April marketings will be an important indicator of the potential strength of the cattle markets through the summer. Weak marketings will suggest a backlog of animals.

The Livestock Slaughter reports are also revealing the lower fed animal carcass weights. Fed steer weights for 2019 are all lower than the same week in 2018. Carcass weights are one to 13 pounds lighter each week of this year. Fed heifers, which are a larger portion of the slaughter mix this year, are almost always more than 10 pounds lighter than the week of the prior year. Clearly, the cold wet winter has slowed marketings, extended days on feed, decreased feed conversion, held down slaughter weights, and increased costs of gain. Information provided by Kansas State University and other sources indicates costs of gain are 5-7 cents per pounds higher than the same month this time last year with very similar feed input costs. There is a large volume of animals coming but at lighter weights.

Winter weather and general conditions appeared to slow the feeder cattle market down through the end of last year and early this year. In January and February, I worked cattle feeding budgets with fall fed cattle futures, spring feeder cattle futures - both basis-adjusted, and with reasonable projected spring and summer cost of gains. There were close to $100 per head profits that could be hedged in this window for heavier calves. Needless to say, feeder cattle prices have improved since then.



DFA ANNUAL MEETING EMPHASIZES THE COOPERATIVE’S COMMITMENT TO FARMERS AND HELPING PRESERVE THE PLANET

When Dairy Farmers of America — the largest supplier of raw milk in the world — kicked off its Annual Meeting in Kansas City this week, one message was clear: A commitment to preserving the family farm for generations to come means a commitment to feeding the world responsibly.

The theme for this year’s Annual Meeting — “One Cooperative. One Planet. One Community.” — highlights how DFA is working together with others to protect the environment and nourish families around the world through all the possibilities of dairy.

“As a global dairy community, we impact and help support the livelihoods of more than 1 billion people, with our family farms at the core,” says Randy Mooney, chairman of DFA’s Board of Directors. “With this reach and impact both locally and around the world, it’s more important than ever that our Cooperative is focused on family farms and investing in what makes sense for the future of the dairy industry.”

The meeting kicked off with the Chairman’s Report, delivered by Mooney, who operates a dairy farm in Rogersville, Mo. Mooney, who also serves as chairman of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), talked about the importance of working together to create connections locally, across the United States and increasingly around the world, as well as the Cooperative’s member-focused strategic plan.

An overview of DFA’s business was delivered by President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Smith. His presentation highlighted DFA’s financial results for 2018 and provided insight on how DFA will continue to strengthen the Cooperative to better serve and provide value to members. He also talked about why DFA values community, and the Cooperative’s responsibility to ensure that we are doing our part for the future of the planet.

“As DFA grows and becomes more complex with a variety of investments across the entire dairy supply chain, the reality is that our business still starts on the farm by delivering value to our DFA farm families,” says Smith. “From sustainability practices and providing a voice on legislative issues to innovation and global export strategies, everything we do is about our farm families, and our commitment to preserving the tradition of family dairy farming for years to come.”

Special guests and additional highlights of the meeting included:
-    Thomas Halverson, president and chief executive officer at CoBank, discussing an economic outlook for the industry
-    Secretary Tom Vilsack, president and chief executive officer at U.S. Dairy Export Council, providing insights on global dairy export opportunities
-    An overview of the latest dairy promotion activities by Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer at Dairy Management Inc., along with Barb O’Brien, president of Dairy Management Inc. and president of Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
-    An update on key initiatives from Jim Mulhern, president and chief executive officer, National Milk Producers Federation

The Cooperative’s Annual Banquet brought a host of recognitions, including the 2019 Members of Distinction. Every year, family members at one farm from each of DFA’s seven regional Areas are recognized for service to their dairies, their families, communities and the industry.

In addition, outgoing Board of Directors David Chamberlain of Wyoming, N.Y., Keith Huber of St. Paul, Ind., Frank Ponterio of Melrose, Wis., George Rohrer of Dayton, Va., and Charles Untz of Lake Mills, Wis., were recognized for their contributions to DFA.

Winners of the 2019 DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship were announced at the banquet. DFA Cares scholarships are awarded to outstanding students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. This year, 46 recipients will receive a combined total of $69,000 toward their undergraduate and graduate studies.

DFA’s Annual Meeting concluded on Wednesday with the resolutions process, which brought together 250 elected delegates from across the nation to vote on a slate of issues that guide the policy position and business activities of DFA for the coming year.



Chinese Leaders Visit NCGA St. Louis Office
   
Two business leaders from the People’s Republic of China visited the National Corn Growers Association’s St. Louis office yesterday to discuss the U.S. corn industry and NCGA’s role in working to create opportunities for corn farmers.

Robyn Allscheid, NCGA director of Research & Productivity, said the visitors were intrigued by NCGA’s focused mission of sustainably feeding and fueling a growing world in a way that is profitable for our nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide as well as the 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs.

Rong Zhang and Rui Li are touring America as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The program connects current and emerging leaders who travel to the U.S. for programs that reflect their professional interests and U.S. Foreign Policy Goals.

Zhang, manager Dalian Yigu Information Consulting Co., Ltd., and Li, an Associate Professor, Phytochemistry Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are specifically looking at food safety and security in the U.S., Allscheid said.

“They were very interested in how farmers make independent planting decisions but also the role the market plays in determining corn prices,” Allscheid said. “Ethanol use is growing in China, so they were also interested in ethanol policy and NCGA’s role in growing the market for ethanol.”

While in St. Louis they also met with a farmer, AG Business Consultants, Bayer and the University of Missouri Extension.



Feed a Bee Program Reaches 50-State Milestone

Feed a Bee, the national pollinator forage initiative by Bayer, today announced it has reached its goal of awarding grants supporting diverse forage for honey bees and other pollinators in all 50 states. The 50th recipient awarded recently was Gateway to the Arctic Camp in Talkeetna, Alaska.

Dedicated to service and agriculture, the nonprofit camp teaches the significance of serving those in need and the value of hard work through fun activities involving sustainability, farming and environmental stewardship. This summer it will dedicate an entire field as forage for bees and other pollinators where campers of all abilities, including those with special needs, will discover the connection between honey bees and the crops they pollinate.

“We’re proud to have awarded more than $650,000 for pollinator-focused planting projects over the last three years,” said Dr. Becky Langer, project manager, Bayer North American Bee Care Program. “We’re now connected to nearly 170 organizations all over the country who are thinking critically about how to diversify forage for pollinators, have put that plan to action and, equally important, have integrated educational components encouraging their local community to get involved.”

“The Feed a Bee grant is a welcomed and powerful resource to continue our forage efforts at the farm,” said Raymond Nadon, executive director, Gateway to the Arctic Camp. “We’re committed to teaching Alaskans of all ages about the important role of honey bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem, and their connection to our food supply.”

Experts agree that one of the major health challenges facing honey bees is a lack of forage and habitat. Launched by the Bayer North American Bee Care Program in 2015, Feed a Bee has provided funds and sponsored educational activities encouraging people to get involved in meeting this need. To date, those efforts have led to the distribution of more than 3 billion pollinator-attractant wildflower seeds across the country.

In addition to Gateway’s efforts in Alaska, other groups awarded funding for their pollinator efforts include the Living Coast Discovery Center in San Diego, which is establishing a native pollinator garden, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which is planting pollinator-attractant wildflowers on former cropland and oil fields. Other recipients include additional nonprofits, growers and grower organizations, beekeepers and beekeeper groups, businesses, schools, clubs, gardening groups, government agencies, and more.

Feed a Bee proposals and grant submissions are selected by a steering committee comprised of independent educators, researchers and scientists. Members include:
·         Billy Synk – Project Apis m.
·         Dan Price – Sweet Virginia Foundation
·         Diane Wilson – Applewood Seed
·         Doris Mold – American Agri-Women
·         Keith Norris – The Wildlife Society
·         Barry Neveras – Massey Services
·         Nicole Hindle – Ernst Seed
·         Vince Restucci – R. D. Offutt Company
·         Richard Johnstone – IVM Partners
·         Scott Longing – Texas Tech University
·         Scott Witte – Cantigny
·         Zac Browning – American Beekeeping Federation; Project Apis m.; Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund

Feed a Bee, an initiative launched by the Bayer Bee Care Program, continues the company’s 30-year history of supporting bee health. For more information on Bayer bee health initiatives, please visit: http://beehealth.bayer.us.