Monday April 15 Ag News

Increased grain bin hazards can result from recent floods

Under normal conditions, grain and grain bins pose many safety hazards. Once damaged by floodwaters, safety risks around grain and storage bins are even higher.

In every reclamation situation, personal safety must be of the utmost concern. Assembling appropriate and effective personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the first step in all grain bin reclamation activities.

“Use of respirators (dust masks) and goggles or some form of eye protection is critical,” said Aaron Yoder, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health. “An N95 mask or one that provides even greater protection is crucial for protecting you from mold and other bacteria that may be growing in wet grain or inside a compromised bin.”

Choose a dust mask that is certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH-certified dust masks will have a NIOSH (N) rating on the mask and will have two straps to ensure a proper fit. When used properly, a mask labeled as N95 removes at least 95 percent of airborne particles. Dust masks are available in N99, and N100 efficiency levels. To determine if your mask is fitting correctly, watch this short instructional video – http://bit.ly/fityourmask.

Anyone with a breathing condition such as asthma should not enter a bin that has suspected mold damage, as the mold can significantly aggravate asthma symptoms. Individuals with health issues such as a compromised immune system (due to cancer treatment or immune suppressing medications) are very vulnerable to contracting serious illness related to mold. Children should never enter grain bins.

Long pants and waterproof boots also are effective PPE while working in post-flood recovery. Duct tape can be used to attach the top of the boot to your pants. This will reduce the chance of getting moisture and grain in your boots.

Other key PPE includes a long-sleeved shirt, protective gloves (rated to protect against sharp materials, chemicals, solvents, etc.). Kevlar gloves have a wide variety of industrial applications, since they are cut- and abrasion-resistant and provide protection against both heat and cold.

Additional information on respiratory protection and mold cleanup are available at:
www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup-guide.html and https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/respiratory.html.

Insurance companies have policies that should be followed prior to beginning any restoration work. Digital images are easily captured and stored. However, insurance professionals are likely to require documentation of specific issues/items.

“Some insurance companies may want to send a representative out before any work is done,” Dr. Yoder said. “Typically, in disasters such as Nebraska and Iowa recently experienced, organizations such as FEMA hire extra help so they’re able to quickly assess damage.”

There are many advantages for bringing in experts such as bin manufacturers and engineers to assess bin damage. Before anyone approaches a damaged bin, all electrical, gas and other types of utilities should be turned off.

“Many times, significant hazards at the bin site aren’t easily visible. These include washouts at the bin foundation or the presence of debris that was never around the site before,” Dr. Yoder said. “Manufacturers and engineers who are familiar with bin equipment more readily identify equipment issues that can occur in situations such as a flood.”

Some common damages to look for in the bin include compromised caulking seals, sheared bolts and elongated holes, misaligned doors, and any damage that occurred during a shift of the bin and/or the foundation.

“There are many busted bins across Nebraska that were damaged due to swelling grain,” Dr. Yoder said. “Even if the bin hasn’t given way, look closely at bin fasteners and joints to detect potential for imminent collapse.”

Inside a compromised bin, in addition to mold and spore inhalation, hazards include grain entrapment. Undetected loading, unloading and grain management equipment damage can also pose serious safety hazards.

“Grain bins must be perfectly round in order for stirring devices to perform,” Dr. Yoder said. “If the bin or the stirring device is misshapen at all, it can cause many problems. If you bring an inspector to the bin, make sure they’re aware of all the equipment installed in the bin.”

None of a compromised bin’s electrical or gas-powered equipment should be turned on before an inspector has checked it out. Utility companies often provide these kinds of services.

Grain in elevated bins may be protected from flood waters, but the bin foundation may be compromised.

“If the foundation has been damaged, there’s potential for the foundation to crack and for the bin to tip over,” Dr. Yoder said. “Inspection done by your bin manufacturer or installer will help identify any hazards caused to your elevated bin by flood waters.”

When it comes to salvaging damaged grain, he said each bin site needs to be assessed carefully to determine whether grain can be reclaimed. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has provided guidance on flood damaged grain and hay http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/11-023.

“Grain vacuums will be helpful to many bin owners,” Dr. Yoder said. “All the safety practices related to working around flowing grain apply to those using a grain vacuum for reclamation or any other purpose.”

Confined entry safety practices for grain bins include:
·                     De-energize (turn off) and disconnect, lockout and tag or block off all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, especially grain-moving equipment.
·                     Workers cannot be inside the bin when grain is being removed.
·                     Prohibit walking down grain or any other practices where a worker walks on grain to make it flow.
·                     Prohibit entry onto or below a bridging condition, or where grain is built up on the side of the bin.
·                     Provide each worker entering a bin from a level at or above stored grain with a body harness with a lifeline or boatswain’s chair. Ensure that the lifeline is positioned and of sufficient length to prevent a worker from sinking further than waist-deep in grain.
·                     Provide works with rescue equipment, such as winch systems that are specifically suited for rescue from the bin.
·                     Station an observer who is equipped to provide assistance and perform rescue operations outside the bin.
·                     Test the air within a bin for oxygen content and the presence of hazardous gases before entry.

Safety practices specific to grain vacuums include:
·                     Ensure that the vacuum has an emergency stop device.
·                     Make grain vacuum operators aware of hazardous conditions caused by clumped or spoiled grain.
·                     Enforce manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation of the vacuum, including working at a shallow angle and frequently moving the vacuum intake. Avoid forming a cone depression in the grain. Rather, work to keep the grain surface level and work from the outside wall and move inward.

Grain vacuums may be used infrequently, making it critical to review operation procedures prior to using the vacuum. Thoroughly review the operating manual and check to make sure all safety shields and features are in place and operating. Check the vacuum to ensure it is in good repair.

Grain vacuums provide powerful suction and any attempt to troubleshoot the vacuum must be done after it’s turned off. Extra caution is required when using a grain vacuum to work with damaged grain.



AGP Contributes to Midwest Flood Relief Efforts

Ag Processing Inc (AGP) announced today that the Company is aiding in the recovery efforts from the recent floods that have affected parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. The aid consists of a $100,000 contribution split equally among four charities and relief organizations assisting recovery efforts in the region: the American Red Cross of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa; the Salvation Army of Omaha, NE; the United Way of the Midlands; and the Fremont Area United Way of Fremont, NE.

“The flood damage to farms and communities in this region negatively affected many people,” said AGP Chief Executive Officer Keith Spackler. “We are encouraged by the care and assistance of countless volunteers and organizations who have provided relief to the people and communities who need it the most. AGP’s contribution supports these recovery efforts.”



Grants available for Iowa farmers impacted by flooding

Grants are available for Iowa farmers impacted by the recent flooding. The Center for Rural Affairs is partnering with Farm Aid and Iowa Farmers Union to provide grants up to $500. Individuals must be located in an area damaged by the recent flooding and must be farmers.

“We are working together with partners to help farmers navigate the recovery process,” said Cora Fox, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs. “We understand the challenges farmers face, and want them to know that they aren’t alone.”

The grant can be used for household expenses, including medical bills, and may not be used for professional expenses related to farming operations.

To apply, visit cfra.org/2019FloodGrant.

Nebraska farmers impacted by recent flooding and looking for assistance can reach out to Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska, which is partnering with Farm Aid and the Center for Rural Affairs. They can be reached on the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 800.464.0258.



EPA-required paraquat training among additional use restrictions

New, federally required training now is available for certified applicators who use products that contain paraquat as an active ingredient.

The new training is in addition to certification for applicators of restricted use pesticides, say officials with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and Nebraska Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The reason is paraquat requires extreme care when handling and applying.

The Environmental Protection Agency states the new restrictions are intended to help reduce accidental ingestion and other exposures. Since 2000, 17 deaths have been caused by accidental ingestion of paraquat. Many resulted from people illegally transferring the pesticide to beverage containers, with victims later drinking from the containers.

“Paraquat is so toxic that a single sip can be fatal and there is no antidote,” said Tim Creger, NDA Pesticide/Fertilizer Program Manager.

In addition to deaths by accidental ingestion, since 2000, three more deaths and many severe injuries have been caused by the pesticide getting onto the skin or into the eyes of those working with it.

“Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely important when handling and applying paraquat,” said Clyde Ogg, PSEP extension educator. “Proper PPE for applicators includes goggles or other protective eyeware; a NIOSH-approved respirator with any N, R or P filter; chemical-resistant gloves; plus the usual fare of long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes and socks.” Handlers must wear all of the previous PPE, plus chemical-resistant apron and face shield.

Products that contain paraquat dichloride as an active ingredient may be known to growers under brand names such as Gramoxone, Firestorm, Helmquat and Parazone.

“As an aggressive leaf desiccant, paraquat has become more popular with the onset of herbicide-resistant weeds such as Palmer amaranth,” Creger said. Applicators wearing backpack sprayers must be especially cautious because of the potential for leaks.

Ogg urged that the best advice still remains to read and follow the label directions on the product being used, keep product in its original packaging, and NEVER put product in any type of food container -- especially a drink container.

Companies are required to have newly labeled product in the market after Nov. 14, 2019, although some may produce and sell newly labeled product before that date.

When purchasing the newly labeled product:

    Product may ONLY be mixed, loaded, or applied by certified applicators who have successfully completed the paraquat-specific training before use
        http://usparaquattraining.com
        Application "under the direct supervision" of a certified applicator is NO LONGER allowed

·  Training must be repeated every three years

The requirement for training is only one of several actions EPA has taken to prevent poisonings with new label changes, including:

·  Restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only

o   Certified Applicator Statement (for mixers, loaders, & applicators)

·  Clarifying toxicity in English and Spanish language formats

·  New graphics and statement on the label:

        “DANGER-ONE SIP CAN KILL” and skull and crossbones symbol on the container

·  A “product package safety requirements sticker” affixed to the container

·  A “counter card” reiterating the same important warning information to be distributed with every container

·  Plans for closed system packaging for containers less than 120 gallons    

It is also important to note that:

·         EPA is allowing the sale of paraquat already in the channels of trade, so some paraquat sold this growing season may NOT have the new training requirement on the label.

·         If the new training requirement is listed on the label of the product that applicators purchase, applicators MUST complete the training

·         Growers who currently have a supply of paraquat that DOES NOT have the new labeling listing the required training ARE NOT required to complete the training.

    Pesticide registrants were to submit label changes and new product registrations for the closed system packaging by March 30, 2019, and will have 12 months from EPA’s label approval date to adopt the closed system packaging.

EPA’s approved training module was developed by paraquat manufacturers and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center. It may be accessed at: https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=1660.

EPA’s Q&A and other information about paraquat is at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.



Kevin Anderson Lyons-Decatur N.E. FFA Advisor Receives Award

The Nebraska FFA Foundation presented Mr. Kevin Anderson, Lyons-Decatur N.E. FFA advisor, with the 2019 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award at the Nebraska FFA Convention on Thursday, April 4.

Anderson, FFA advisor for the Lyons-Decatur N.E. FFA chapter, was nominated for the award with support by colleagues and community members. Kylie Penke, whom nominated Anderson shared that “Kevin gravitates toward leadership roles…He has been a teacher for twenty years and served as president of the Elim Church Council and Lyons Community Foundation. He has raised his children to be active in 4-H and FFA, and has lead their 4-H clubs. In all of the organizations mentioned, Kevin has been active in selecting and distributing college scholarships to youth all over the country!”

Other nominations also shared stories of the commitment Anderson has to helping other agriculture teachers and their students be successful. Jill Hensley Arlington Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor says, “Kevin spent an entire evening in late January with myself and two of my students working through their record books and helping us understand how to fill out the Sate Degree Application…Kevin Anderson is a true mentor.”

The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture teacher or FFA advisor for what he or she has done in helping others, specifically in the school and community outside of agriculture education and FFA. Anderson was announced as the award winner during the Nebraska FFA State Convention in Lincoln. He received a plaque and $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

“The Foundation Board is honored to present this award to Mr. Anderson today. He exemplifies many qualities that defined Gary Scharf’s life – commitment, self-sacrifice and genuine kindness,” says Stacey Agnew, Executive Director, Nebraska FFA Foundation.

The annual award is named for Gary Scharf, who was a victim of an Omaha mall shooting in December 2007. Scharf grew up on a family farm outside of Curtis, Nebraska and worked in the agricultural chemical industry. He made a significant contribution to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA community through his years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, including a year as Board President in 2002-2003.



Record Breaking I Believe in the Future of Ag Donations

Nebraska FFA chapters broke the record from 2017-18 by nearly $70,000 by receiving over $412,000 from local donors through the 2018-19 I Believe in the Future of Ag fundraising campaign.

This campaign serves as an outlet for local FFA chapters to receive donations for innovative projects in their classrooms, leadership programming, community service projects and field trips to advance agriculture education in their schools. Chapters receive 100% of all funds directed to them and a portion of a $35,000 matching grant provided by the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

This year, 123 of the 189 Nebraska FFA chapters participated in the campaign. The average total donation per chapter was over $3,000 from local donors.

Chapters are rewarding for receiving at least $500 in donations and participating in the sponsor engagement contest. Those top chapters receiving recognition this year are the following: McCool Junction FFA, Ravenna FFA, Elgin FFA, O’Neill FFA, Heartland FFA, Johnson County Central FFA, Verdigre FFA, Litchfield FFA, Riverside FFA, Lakeview FFA and Oakland-Craig FFA.



Smith, Sewell Introduce Bipartisan RURAL Act

U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith (NE-03) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) have introduced the Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL) Act, bipartisan legislation which would help preserve jobs and encourage infrastructure development by ensuring tax-exempt electric cooperative organizations’ continued access to government grants and assistance, including rural broadband grants and FEMA disaster relief.

“Nebraska has a long tradition of relying on public and cooperative power generation to affordably meet the needs of families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” Rep. Adrian Smith said. “While continuing to ensure rural electric co-ops are largely funded by their membership as a condition of their tax-exempt status, we should also ensure funds received from grants or for pole usage do not affect their tax status.  Just as rural power generation and transmission were vital to rural economic growth in the 20th century, access to both power and broadband will drive our rural economies in the 21st.”

“Our rural communities depend on reliable infrastructure, access to broadband, and secure energy sources for their local economies to thrive,” Rep. Terri Sewell said. “Alabama’s rural electric co-ops provide essential broadband services in rural areas where high-speed internet is limited but essential to that areas’ economic growth. We must do more to provide high-speed internet – and the opportunities and resources that it brings – to the 22.4 million Americans living in rural parts of our country without quality internet access. The RURAL Act would ensure that these co-ops can retain their tax-exempt status when applying for grants to expand rural broadband or disaster assistance and provide these co-ops with the ability to secure the grants needed to continue to grow their renewable energy, economic development and energy efficiency initiatives.”

The RURAL Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to ensure tax-exempt cooperative organizations do not lose their tax-exempt status when they apply for and use certain government grants, contributions and assistance, including rural broadband grants and FEMA disaster relief.

A Senate companion measure was introduced by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tina Smith (D-MN).



Nebraska Farmers Union Board Releases Legislative Positions

The Nebraska Farmers Union Board of Directors met April 13th for their spring board meeting.  They spent a good deal of time reviewing bills before the legislature. Their list of legislative positions is below.

Strong Support
1.  Property tax reform and relief. NeFU reaffirmed their strong support for the efforts of Nebraskans United Coalition to broaden the sales tax base, eliminate income tax exemptions, and more fairly fund K-12 education.  Efforts to undo the one billion shift from state income and sales tax based education funding to property taxes over the last 25 years must be addressed this session.  There must be immediate and substantial property tax relief.

2. Take full advantage of the 2018 Farm Bill’s decriminalization of industrial hemp. The board reaffirmed their longstanding support for Senator Lathrop’s LB457 that removes industrial hemp from the scheduled drug list and Senator Wayne’s LB657 that authorizes 2019 hemp production under the rules and regulations still in place under the 2014 Farm Bill, and authorizes the development of state rules and regulations that accommodate the USDA guidelines that will authorize production under the 2018 Farm Bill. They welcome the prospect of adding a new profitable crop as an option for farmers to consider.

3.  Expansion of Cottage Foods.  The board reaffirmed their support for Senator Crawford’s LB304 that expands the opportunity for people to sell non-potentially hazardous “cottage foods” already allowed at farmers markets from their homes or at certain events.  Many of these cooks are farm women.

Strong Opposition
1.  Efforts to radically change Right to Farm protections. The NeFU board took strong opposition to Senator Hughes LB227 that undermines Nebraska’s Right to Farm’s traditional protections for agricultural activities and neighbors.  It would provide carte blanche nuisance exemptions for one neighbor who dramatically changes or expands their operation at the expense of their neighbors, most of whom are also farmers. The clear intent of this bill is to proactively provide nuisance exemptions for Costco poultry growers and other mega CAFO livestock operations. Everyone in rural Nebraska should use good neighbor practices and be responsible for the well-being of their neighbors. LB227 picks one winner at the expense of all their next door neighbors who will be the losers. 

2. Efforts to undermine Nebraska wind development.  The NeFU board strongly opposes Senator Brewer’s LB155 and LB373 and Senator Bostelman’s LB700.  All these bills are unnecessary, and intended to discourage wind development in Nebraska. Wind development has brought $3 billion of new capital investment and tax base and millions of dollars additional income landowners and local and state taxes.  These bills are intended to yank the Nebraska “Welcome Mat” for clean burning renewable energy that uses no water, emits no carbon, and uses only willing buyer/willing seller landowner easements. Only willing landowners have wind turbines on their land.



Invasive Scotch Thistle Weed has Staying Power
Gary Stone - Extension Educator

Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is a concept to identify potential invasive species prior to or just as the invasive is becoming established. An Integrated Pest Management plan (IPM) can be developed to manage, contain and eradicate the invasive species before it can spread further. This will avoid costly, long-term control efforts.

Description
Scotch thistle, generally found along the Platte River in western Nebraska, also can be found in poorly managed pastures. Scotch thistle is a non-native biennial forb but can behave as an annual or short-lived perennial. It reproduces/spreads from seed.

Scotch thistle is a prolific seed producer. Each thistle plant can produce up to 40,000 seeds. Less than 20% of the seeds initially produced are ready to germinate. The remaining seeds (more than 80%) have a water-soluble coating that serves as a germination inhibitor that requires moisture to break dormancy. Light can also serve as a seed germination inhibitor; therefore, seeds need to be in the soil or covered to germinate. This allows seeds to remain viable in the soil up to 20 years. Water, livestock, wildlife, and humans disperse seed.

Scotch thistle forms a rosette the first year and then bolts the second year to produce flowering stalks. It has a taproot. Plants are usually 2-6 feet tall but can grow to a height of 12 feet with a width of 5 feet. Plants appear blueish-gray because of the thick hairs covering the leaves. Leaves are arranged on an alternate pattern from the stalk and can be 20 inches long. Leaves are oblong and lobed with yellow spines. Stems have spiny wings and become rectangular with plant age. Flowers are purple to white in color. There can be one to seven flower heads per branch. Seeds are small brown to black in color.

Habitat
Scotch thistle is found in any type of habitat but normally establishes quickly in disturbed areas dominated by annual plants such as cheatgrass. It also can be found in over-grazed sites, roadsides, and riparian areas. Scotch thistle is found across most of North America. It can invade healthy, undisturbed sites as well, out-competing desirable forbs and grasses in pastures and rangeland and reducing biodiversity. The sharp spines deter wildlife and livestock from grazing. Scotch thistle is considered a noxious weed in some counties of Nebraska and in some neighboring states.

Management
Prevention is the best and cheapest management option. Having well-established perennial grasses and forbs on a maintained pasture or rangeland with proper grazing and rotational grazing techniques can go a long way to prevent its establishment. Scouting, monitoring, and proper identification are key factors for management. Infestations of this weed can occur very rapidly. Management of seed production is the key to keep this plant from spreading. Several different management options will need to be utilized to manage this weed.

There are no biological control methods available at this time, other than early grazing with sheep or goats that can reduce seed production. A chemical follow-up treatment may be needed to manage surviving plants. Pulling and/or digging up the plants below the crown is effective if there are a few plants.

Mowing can be done but will have to be repeated for the regrowth. Mowing will not kill the plant. Mowing plants with visible seed heads will not prevent seed production. Chemical treatment should follow the mowing to prevent seed formation.

Numerous chemical treatments are available to manage Scotch thistle. Products containing aminopyralid, clopyralid, chlorsulfuron, dicamba, metsulfuron, picloram (Restricted Use), triclopyr, glyphosate (non-selective) and 2,4-D have been shown to work. Spring or fall applications, especially in the rosette stage, prior to the pre-bud stage, are best. Fall treatments are better after a light freeze.

Tank mixes of several of these compounds may provide better control. The addition of a non-ionic surfactant to the herbicide mix will aid in control. Re-treatment is usually necessary for three to five years or until the seed in the soil is exhausted. Spray early as plants with visible seed heads will still produce viable seed. Be sure to select a product labeled for the site. Read, understand and follow all label instructions when using any pesticide.

Nebraska Extension has a number of publications on management of thistles and other invasive species. These publications and much more are found at http://extensionpubs.unl.edu/. Search “thistle” or “invasive.”



IOWA CROP VALUES SUMMARY

The production of Iowa’s field and miscellaneous crops was valued at $14.0 billion in 2018, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Values summary. This was a 2 percent decrease from 2017.

The value of corn for grain production totaled $8.78 billion, up 2 percent from the previous year, and production was down 4 percent. Iowa’s corn price averaged $3.50 per bushel, an increase of $0.19 from the last marketing year.

Down 7 percent from 2017, the value of soybean production was $4.86 billion, and production was down fractionally. Average prices decreased $0.65 from the previous year to $8.60 per bushel.

Value of production decreased in 2018 from 2017 for alfalfa hay, other hay, oats and winter wheat.



Upcoming Changes to the May 2019 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report

Starting with the May 10 issue, the following changes will be made to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report (WASDE):
-    Price range forecasts will be eliminated in favor of single price points for all crops and livestock.
-    The international Supply and Use tables for Crops will include an aggregate value for “World less China,” representing the balance sheet values outside of China.
-    The ordering of countries and lists of Major Importers/Exporters will be updated to eliminate outdated aggregations (such as “Former Soviet Union”), and better reflect current trade patterns.

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report is prepared monthly by the USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board based on information from USDA and other domestic and foreign official sources. It includes forecasts for U.S. and world wheat, rice, and coarse grains (corn, barley, sorghum, and oats), oilseeds (soybeans, rapeseed, palm), and cotton. U.S. coverage is extended to sugar, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk.



NACD comments on revised WOTUS definition

Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed rule redefining waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Through the proposed rule, the agencies clarify the definition of jurisdictional waters designated under the CWA.

“NACD appreciates the certainty provided by this definition,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “America’s farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land. This clarified definition reduces the complexity of the rule, enabling landowners and operators to responsibly manage their resources and prioritize production of the nation’s food, fuel and fiber.”

Consistent with comments submitted in previous rulemakings to define WOTUS, NACD’s comments emphasize the need for the agencies to enhance coordination with local conservation districts when making local determinations for which waters may be jurisdictional. Conservation districts have worked for decades with landowners in their communities and can provide valuable insight during the development of maps and implementation of the proposed rule.

“Conservation districts are uniquely positioned to assist with the management and protection of the nation’s natural resources,” Palmer said. “Conservation districts’ local expertise is an invaluable strength in resource management. By enhancing coordination with local conservation districts, the agencies will ensure the jurisdiction of waters subject to the CWA is workable across the country.”



U.S. Cover Crop Acreage Surged 50% in a 5-Year Period

The adoption of cover crops as a key soil health practice continues at a rapid rate throughout the country, according to new data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Cover crops were planted on 15.4 million acres in 2017, an increase of 50% over five years, the census shows. Iowa led the way with a 156.3% increase during that period, and a number of other states also more than doubled their cover crop acreage, including Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, Nebraska, Vermont and Arizona.

“In visiting with my fellow farmers all over the United States, it’s been incredibly gratifying to see so many people committed to the stewardship of our soils,” says Steve Groff, a Pennsylvania farmer and one of a growing number of enthusiastic cover crop experts. “In too many places our soils have become degraded, and we really need to reverse that trend and rebuild the health of our soils going forward. Cover crops are one of the most effective tools we have to restore soil carbon and regenerate our soils.”

The remarkable expansion of cover crop acreage is a result of countless efforts by conservation advocates and others across the country. “This significant growth in cover crop acreage is providing major dividends in soil health and conservation on many types of farms and in all regions of the United States,” says Dr. Rob Myers, director of Extension programs for North Central Region SARE. “My hope is that this pace of increase will continue and even accelerate, leading us to 40 or 50 million acres of cover crops in the next decade.”

“Getting significant additional growth in cover crop adoption will take continued interest by farmers and a coordinated effort among many different partner organizations and agencies, which I believe we can accomplish," Myers says. "The need for additional protection and improvement of our nation’s soils is paramount, as our whole food system depends on having healthy soils."

According to Myers, a number of factors have contributed to this growth in cover crop acreage:
-    Perhaps most notable is the growing interest by farmers in increasing soil health. Along the way, a number of organizations have contributed to education on soil health, including USDA NRCS, the Soil Health Institute, the Soil Health Partnership, SARE, other conservation and farm organizations, and the agricultural media.
-    Awareness of how to best use and manage cover crops has grown in part through the innovative work done by leading farmers. The SARE program has supported some of these farmers directly with grants, while other farmers have gained incentive funds to try cover crops through NRCS or state agency programs.
-    Farmers are recognizing that cover crops can help with the efficiency and performance of their cropping system, including under extreme weather conditions. A national cover crop survey, conducted by the Conservation Technology and Information Center and funded by SARE and the American Seed Trade Association, found that soybean yields increased 11.6 percent and corn yields increased 9.6 percent in the drought year of 2012 following use of cover crops versus no cover crops.

The SARE program has funded close to 1,000 research and education projects on cover crops in the 30 years since SARE was first funded by USDA, including grants awarded directly to farmers to try new ideas such as different cover crop management approaches on their land. Program staff and grantees have also developed a wealth of educational materials on cover crops, much of which can be found at www.sare.org/covercrops.