Tuesday April 16 Ag News

THICKENING ALFALFA WITH SPRING CEREALS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

How is your hay supply?  How about for next winter?  Maybe you need to think about boosting yields from some older, thinning alfalfa fields this spring.

Let me paint a verbal picture for you.  Very little carryover hay following winter.  Fewer alfalfa acres than ususal.  And some of that alfalfa is old and noticeably thinning.

Does this describe your operation?  If so, how does your hay supply picture look for next winter?  Even if you receive average rainfall throughout this growing season, your hay tonnage could be down and not meet next winter’s needs.  And if it turns dry, there could be big problems.

Maximizing tonnage from every inch of rain your alfalfa hay fields receive this year may be necessary.  Unfortunately, alfalfa uses quite a bit of water for each ton of hay, especially as temperatures rise.  So it is critical to get as much tonnage out of first cutting as possible, before summer heat sets in.

One way to boost first cutting hay yield from older, thin alfalfa stands is to drill cereals like oats, spring triticale, or spring barley right now into those alfalfa stands.  Try to get the seed about one inch deep.  These cereals will use spring moisture very efficiently to add tonnage to your first cutting.

Drill 30 to 60 pounds per acre directly into your existing alfalfa stand as soon as possible.  Where alfalfa is thick you may not get much but in thin spots these cereals should fill in rapidly.  Cut your hay a little later than usual to get the most yield benefit from this addition.

Getting the most out of each inch of moisture could be especially important this year.  Using cereals is one way to do it.

EARLY GRAZE TO CONTROL WEEDS IN NATIVE PASTURES
Have you noticed green-up in your pastures?  This usually is a good sign, except when the green is weeds in warm-season grasses.

Early weeds should be controlled in warm-season grass pastures.  Weeds remove moisture that could be used for grass growth later on and they remove valuable nutrients from the soil.  Early weeds also can develop so much growth that they can shade, smother, and reduce early growth of your summer pasture grasses.

Herbicides like glyphosate and imazapic as well as prescribed burning can control many early weeds, but I think another method actually is better — grazing.  Heavy, pre-season grazing costs you nothing.  In fact, you get some feed from these weeds while herbicides or burning would only kill and remove growth.  Plus, this early pasture might be especially valuable if it gets your cattle out of mud or saves you from feeding expensive hay this spring.

Pre-season grazing will not harm your summer grass — provided you stop grazing before new grass shoots get more than a couple inches tall.  This usually doesn’t occur until late April or early May in southern Nebraska and slightly later as we move farther north.  Early, pre-season grazing of warm-season grass also removes some old growth from last year, which starts the recycling of nutrients trapped in dead plant tissue.  In fact, about the only bad news about early, pre-season grazing is you have to get fences and water ready earlier, you need to move animals to the pasture, and you won't completely kill out these weeds in one year.

Funny thing, though.  These so-called weeds might actually make pretty timely and valuable pasture.  Give pre-season grazing a try, I think you'll like it.



Ag Land Management Quarterly Webinar
Date: May. 20, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm
Contact: Jim Jansen, 402-261-7572, jjansen4@unl.edu

The Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar series will offer management advice and insight for Nebraska landowners, agricultural producers and others with an interest in agricultural land.

The first episode will examine recent trends in Nebraska cash rental rates and considerations for updating agricultural leases for 2019. Future episodes will address landlord-tenant communication, lease decision-making issues and seasonal lease considerations. The webinars will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session where participants can get answers to their land or lease questions.

Additional Info at: https://agecon.unl.edu/landmanagement.



Search is on for Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin of 2019

There is no one right way to make a delicious breaded pork tenderloin. That's one of the reasons the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is beginning its search of Iowa restaurants to find the best in Iowa for 2019. And, you can help!

IPPA is accepting nominations for its 17th annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, and will continue to take those nominations of your favorite pork tenderloin and restaurant that serves it until June 6.

"We look forward to this contest each year because we love how excited and passionate our Iowa tenderloin connoisseurs get," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA marketing and program director. "This contest recognizes Iowa dining establishments that have pork as a regular menu item in support of Iowa's nation-leading pork industry."

Any Iowa restaurant, café, or tavern that has hand-breaded or battered pork tenderloins on its menu is eligible to be nominated. In order to win, the nominated business must be open year-round, however seasonal restaurants can be in the final top five.

It's the first round where you, the tenderloin-lover, will have the biggest impact. Nominations can be made online at www.iowapork.org/tenderloin-form, or by mailing in a form from the May issue of the Iowa Pork Producer magazine to the IPPA office. Only one nomination per person, so you may have to try a few of your favorites out before sending in your selection! Also, your nomination could help you win some money. The people nominating the winning restaurant will be entered in a drawing for one $100 prize.

The nomination round will generate up to 40 restaurants that will get a bit more scrutiny over the summer. That's when the restaurants with the most nominations from each of the eight IPPA districts will be selected for a review by IPPA's restaurant and foodservice committee. Their reviews will determine which restaurants are turned over to a secret panel of judges who will score the tenderloins on the quality of the pork, taste, physical characteristics and eating experience. The winner will be named during October Pork Month.

As she's looking ahead to crowning the winner, Sutter said "We're looking forward to discovering more of the greats and finding Iowa's best of 2019!"

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque to display in their business, and statewide publicity that will bring in new business.

Winners from the past five years (past winners are not eligible for the competition): 2018 - Three C's Diner, Corning; 2017 - Grid Iron Grill, Webster City; 2016 - Nick's, Des Moines; 2015 - Belmond Drive-in, Belmond; 2014 -The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill, Ogden.

Nominations in 2018: - IPPA received nearly 1600 nominations for 380 different establishments.



Iowa Corn Promotion Board® to Hold Director Elections for USDA Crop Reporting Districts 2, 3, 5 & 7

Since 1978, Iowa corn growers have elected their peers to serve on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa Corn checkoff program.

On July 16, 2019, corn farmers in Crop Reporting Districts 2, 3, 5 and 7 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for representation on the Iowa Corn Promotion Board for a 3-year term. The board’s primary priorities and responsibilities include domestic and foreign market development, research of new and value-added corn uses and education on corn and the farmers who grow it.

Corn producers within Districts 2, 3, 5 and 7 who have produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year (September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018) and are interested in running for a position may still file a petition with the ICPB. Petitions can be obtained by contacting the Iowa Corn office and must contain the signatures of 25 corn producers from the same district as the prospective candidate. Completed and notarized petitions must be delivered to the Iowa Corn office no later than 4:30 PM on April 26, 2019. Once all grower petitions have been received, a final list of candidates will be generated, and candidate names will be listed on the election ballots.

Current candidates are as follows:

USDA Crop Reporting District 2 (Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth and Wright)
    Monica Lursen, Butler County
    Jerry Maier, Wright County
    Kevin Pope, Cerro Gordo County

USDA Crop Reporting District 3 (Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek)
    Jim Fitkin, Black Hawk County
    Derek Taylor, Winneshiek County

USDA Crop Reporting District 5 (Boone, Dallas, Grundy Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Marshall, Marion, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, Tama, Warren, Webster)
    Mark Kenney, Polk County
    Rod Pierce, Dallas County

USDA Crop Reporting District 7 (Adair, Adams, Cass, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Taylor)
    Ralph Lents, Adair County
    Jeff Thomsen, Cass County

Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the local ISU extension office on July 16 can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be requested beginning May 29. Requests must be made no later than June 24 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or on our website at www.iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or returned to the Iowa Corn office no later than July 16. Results of the election are announced publicly July 19.



Iowa Leaders Submit Comments on EPA’s Proposed Definition of WOTUS

Iowa Governor Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Naig, Acting Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Bruce Trautman, and Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation Mark Lowe submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday. The letter voiced support for the EPA’s proposed changes to the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS).

“The new WOTUS rule provides much-needed stability for our farmers whose livelihoods depend upon their ability to work the land,” said Gov. Reynolds. “It’s another win in the battle against the Obama administration’s massive federal overreach in 2015. During this time, I’ve been proud to be Iowa’s voice at EPA hearings and our recent district court victory in 2018. We must continue to be vigilant as future generations of farmers are counting on us to succeed.”

“Farmers, businesses and communities need to clearly understand what bodies of water are and are not covered under the WOTUS rule,” said Secretary Naig. “We appreciate the EPA’s willingness to listen to farmers, address their concerns about the previous definition, and give the public the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes.”

“DNR is responsible for implementing many programs under the Clean Water Act. We hope the EPA’s response to these comments and suggestions will clear up some uncertain areas of the proposal,” said DNR Acting-Director Bruce Trautman. “We are grateful for the opportunity to submit comments and look forward to supporting the process as it moves forward.”

In February, the EPA proposed changes to the definition of WOTUS as outlined in 2015. The letter from Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, Trautman and Lowe were submitted to the EPA during the 60-day public comment period.



Nominate Your Neighbors for the 2019 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Bruce Trautman invite Iowans to nominate families in their communities for the Farm Environmental Leader Award. Farmers who voluntarily take actions, like planting cover crops or installing conservation infrastructure in their fields, are eligible for the award.

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

“Iowa farmers do an incredible job feeding and fueling the world in a way that’s sustainable and acknowledges important conservation practices,” said Gov. Reynolds. “They go above and beyond improving water quality and soil sustainability which serves as a model for others to follow.”

“I commend the farmers who have implemented conservation practices that help us achieve the goals outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy,” said Secretary Naig. “The award recipients are leading by example and helping preserve Iowa farm land for the next generation.”

“It is always gratifying to be able to recognize the farmers who are voluntarily leading the way when it comes to protecting our land and waters,” said DNR Acting-Director Trautman. “Being conscientious of our natural resources will ensure a rich legacy for future generations.”

Nominations are due by June 15, 2019. An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Iowa State Fair.

Since the creation of the award in 2012, more than 500 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Bayer. The nomination form, a list of previous awardees and other information can be found at iowaagriculture.gov/farm-environmental-leader-awards.



CATTLEMEN'S BEEF BOARD NAMES HANES AS NEW CEO

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB) has named Gregory Hanes of Colorado as their new chief executive officer, effective June 17, 2019.

“Knowledge of beef producers and the overall beef industry is a must in this role,” notes Chuck Coffey, CBB chairman from Davis, Oklahoma. “Greg is well-regarded – both here in the U.S. and abroad – for his background and understanding of promoting beef and building industry relationships.”

The Beef Board is a body which oversees the Beef Checkoff and works very closely with the USDA, state beef councils, contractors, beef industry leaders and cattle producers. As a result, the person who serves as the Beef Board’s operational leader needs to function in many different roles and in many environments. According to Coffey, Hanes fits that description very well.

“Greg is extremely talented with a diversified skillset,” said Coffey. “He already has knowledge of the Beef Checkoff, and he’s an outstanding public speaker who clearly articulates his message, has a great work ethic and is a team builder at all levels. Most importantly, he is passionate about the beef industry. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board is elated to have him as part of the team.”

Hanes comes to the CBB from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) in Denver, Colorado, where he most recently was vice president of international marketing programs, and he led the marketing team through global strategic planning processes. Hanes also served as the USMEF liaison to the beef industry and worked closed with a variety of national and state beef organizations. From 2006 to 2009, he was the director of the USMEF’s Tokyo-based office, where he was responsible for all activities occurring in Japan. During his time as the USMEF Japan director, Hanes lived in Japan for nearly 11 years. Throughout his time overseas, he was the only foreigner in a Japanese company, and he held an additional position with responsibilities across Asia.

Hanes currently serves as the chair of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC), a group comprised of 80 U.S. commodity trade associations, farmer cooperatives and state regional trade groups from around the country, representing the interests of growers and processors of U.S. agricultural products.

In addition to a master’s degree in international management with an emphasis in marketing from the Thunderbird School of Management at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona, Hanes also holds a B.A. in economics from Colorado College. Hanes was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, visit DrivingDemandforBeef.com.



NCGA FILES WOTUS COMMENTS

The National Corn Growers Association this week submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers on the Agencies’ proposed rule revising the definition of waters of the United States, or WOTUS.

“Overall, NCGA supports the Proposed Rule,” NCGA President Lynn Chrisp wrote. Chrisp also highlighted NCGA and state affiliates’ work to balance environmental protection efforts while sustainably feeding and fueling a growing world, pointing to the benefits of the Soil Health Partnership and Field to Market as proactive efforts to help farmers fully utilize sustainability tools.

NCGA also submitted comments on the revised WOTUS rule as part of the organization’s participation in the Agricultural Nutrients Policy Council (ANPC) and the Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC).



NPPC THANKS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMITMENT TO RURAL BROADBAND

National Pork Producers Council President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, NC, on Friday, April 12, 2019, joined President Trump, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and Ivanka Trump for an announcement on the administration's plan to make the United States the global leader in 5G wireless deployment. Today, Herring issued the followed statement.

"It's meaningful that the administration has made the development of rural communities a centerpiece of its plans to deploy next generation broadband technology. While 'smart cities' and immersive gaming experiences may be more glamourous applications, no economic sector will benefit more from advanced broadband technology than farming, which will use it to more reliably gather data about barn temperatures, efficient water use, soil characteristics, feed consumption and other factors that help us better care for animals, the environment, people and communities.

"Agriculture is a competitive strength for the United States. Americans enjoy the safest, most affordable and highest-quality food in the world. Our farmers, who produce one of our nation's strongest export products, will play a leading role in meeting the ever-growing food-security challenge presented by a global population that will reach nine billion by 2050. Technology is a critical component for sustainably and successfully meeting this challenge. I would like to thank President Trump, Chairman Pai and Ivanka Trump for their commitment to our producers and rural communities, and their recognition of the critical role technology plays on our farms."

Friday's White House announcement included administration plans to create the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which will inject $20.4 billion into high-speed broadband networks in rural America over the next decade.



EU’s Exclusion of Agriculture Disappointing for Soy Growers

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is disappointed that the European Union has voted on a mandate to move forward with an EU-U.S. Free Trade Agreement that excludes agriculture. The EU is a critically important market for U.S. food exports, including soybeans.

Soybeans exported to the EU in 2017 were valued at $1.6 billion. ASA applauded the initial decision to launch comprehensive negotiations between the U.S. and European Union in order to liberalize trade and investment in a variety of sectors.

“We had high hopes that some of the longstanding concerns regarding the EU’s policies on agricultural biotechnology and on revising the EU’s pesticide laws would be addressed,” said Davie Stephens, Kentucky soy grower and ASA president. “With the EU now formally excluding ag, it will be difficult if not impossible to address these non-tariff barriers that severely inhibit trade between our countries.”

ASA maintains that the EU approach to biotechnology, gene editing and pesticide regulation needs to be risk-based and consistent with international practice under the Codex Alimentarius (Codex), which is the foundation of internationally-accepted standards and guidance. The current and emerging EU regulatory approaches lack alignment with Codex, are based on hazard rather than risk–based assessments, and represent barriers to trade.

ASA urges the U.S. Administration to push back on the EU and insist that these vital agriculture issues are addressed either in the context of an FTA or through bilateral discussions.



STEWARDSHIP PLANNING AN IMPORTANT PART OF PLANTING SEASON

Spring is a great time to revisit the use of best management practices (BMPs) as farmers plant a new crop, and the National Corn Growers Association is encouraging thoughtful use and handling of neonic seed treatments to protect crops, pollinators and wildlife.

“Spring is a busy time for farmers. We literally set the stage for the success or failure of our new crop and the future profitability of our farm, said Bob Hemesath, Decorah, IA farmer and chairman of NCGA’s Freedom to Operate Action Team. “It’s also a great time to reset and revisit the steps we are taking to improve stewardship and integrate best management practices as we grow the crops the public needs.”

Specifically, NCGA’s message to farmers is:
    Always read and follow the label when using treated seed
    Use the right amount of an appropriate seed lubricant to minimize dust
    Clean planters in non-sensitive areas and clean or cover up any seed spills
    Utilize the wealth of information online including this new seed treatment resource.

“Farmers understand the importance of reducing risks to bees and birds by using these products safely and responsibly. But, given the hectic pace of planting a timely reminder is helpful,” Hemesath said. “Seed treatments are a great tool that provide an economical means of protecting seeds and seedlings against early-season pests and diseases assuring they get a strong start, so proper handling and usage is in everyone’s best interest.”

NCGA applauds the new BeSure campaign supported by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC) that makes it easy to find the most up-to-date resources related to the handling, planting and disposal of treated seeds and from other neonic applications used throughout the growing season.



There Is More Bacon on Fastfood Menus

It's not just your imagination. Just about every fast-food chain, from McDonald's to Carl's Jr. to Burger King, is introducing more bacon items to their menus.

The number of restaurant menus across the U.S. that feature bacon has grown by 5% in the last 10 years. Bacon was found on 68.1% of fast-food menus in 2018, according to Datassential. By 2022, the number is expected to jump to 69.8% of menus.

The fatty meat has always been popular with consumers. A&W Restaurants, one of the oldest fast-food restaurants, claims to have invented the bacon cheeseburger all the way back in 1963. Dale Mulder, the restaurant's chairman, put the item on the menu after customers kept asking for bacon on top of their burger patties.

Over the last 15 years or so, the ingredient has fully made the switch from a breakfast staple to a food that U.S. consumers will eat at any time of day. Since then, it has become a go-to for restaurants to jazz up their dishes. Bacon bits can be found at supermarkets and on top of salads, while restaurants use whole slices of the fatty meat to wrap asparagus, pizza and every food in between.

Now fast-food chains are using bacon to lure customers through their doors without the hassle of real menu innovation. For example, Burger King added bacon to its cheesy tater tots as a way to add something new to the limited-time offer.

"It does seem like bacon is a way to change up the flavors," Darren Seifer, a food and beverage analyst for The NPD Group, told CNBC recently.

In some cases, like Carl's Jr.'s bacon truffle-flavored burger and fries, bacon just works as a complement to other new flavors.

Fast-food favorites like McDonald's, Yum Brands' Taco Bell and Wendy's have had to raise prices to keep sales from declining as foot traffic across the industry falls. Bacon not only offers a way to lure customers back, it can also be used to justify higher prices for the value-focused consumer by emphasizing the amount of bacon -- double or triple the usual serving.

"McDonald's is currently driving a great deal of excitement (and volume) around this popular ingredient," Charley Orwig, marketing director at Datassential, said in an email to CNBC.

At the beginning of this year, McDonald's added bacon to its Big Mac and Quarter Pounder burgers and introduced cheesy bacon fries. Like many other fast-food chains adding more bacon to their lineup, McDonald's chose to offer the bacon-centric menu items for a limited time only.

Limited-time offerings can drive foot traffic and encourage customers to buy more than just the promoted item, so fast-food restaurants likely also see similar benefits, according to Seifer.

To get customers excited for its bacon additions, McDonald's held a "Bacon Hour" that gave away free bacon to customers with any order. Wendy's used the lure of a free Baconator cheeseburger to get customers to order their food through third-party delivery service DoorDash. All they had to do was spend $10 and they would score a free burger without a delivery fee.

The ironic part of bacon's popularity is that it comes as consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness and are opting for low-calorie options or fewer processed foods. While packaged-food companies have tried to adapt by buying smaller, health-focused brands, changing consumer tastes has not stopped the fast-food industry from adding bacon, which contains high levels of saturated fat and has been linked to heart disease.

"Health at restaurants has a different meaning than what we think about when we think about health at home," Seifer said. "We're not looking for pure health when we go to quick-service restaurants."