Monday July 22 Ag News

Soybean Gall Midge Adults Emerge from this Year’s Soybean Fields
Justin McMechan - Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

A significant number of soybean gall midge adults were collected from this year’s soybean fields in east-central and northeast Nebraska. In east-central, adult numbers ranged from 2 to 38 adults per location on July 16. In the northeast, a total of 22 adults from this year’s soybean were collected for the first time on July 15 from near Pilger. No adults have been collected from this year’s soybean at the Randolph or Belden sites. Dead and dying plants have been observed near infested sites in both northeast and east central Nebraska. Orange and white larvae are still being observed on infested plants in these same fields.

Three additional counties were identified as infested with soybean gall midge in 2019, including Nance, Butler, and Seward counties. Many of you may be concerned about the number of adults we collected from these fields. It’s important to note that the placement of cages was based on infested plants increasing the likelihood for capturing adults whereas cages used to collect adults from the overwintering generation were placed in areas where gall midge larvae were expected but not known to be present in large numbers.

Management
The emergence period of soybean gall midge adults from this year’s soybean field (1st generation) is likely to be as long as what was observed for the overwintering population (last year’s soybean fields). Extended emergence will greatly reduce the likelihood that insecticide will have enough residual activity to control this population. Growers with soybean fields planted in early- to mid-May in high pressure areas have likely already observed infestations in their fields and it would be difficult to gain any control with another application. However, growers who planted around June 1 may have missed the overwintering generation and it might be practical to take action on those fields. This information is based on a planting date study at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center nead Mead that found infestations around 45-47% for plantings on May 1 and May 15 but only at 3% for June 1 plantings. Fields late-planted on June 15 and July 1 had no signs of infestation.



Summer Pneumonia in Spring-born Beef Calves 
Steve Niemeyer – NE Extension Educator 

Beef producers know from experience that calving season is fraught with perils for baby calves.   Calving difficulties, failure of cow and calf to bond, failure of passive transfer of immunity (colostrum intake by the calf), weather, mud, scours, and injuries are all threats during calving season.   Often, once cows and calves are on summer grass, most of the calf-related risk and workload are in the rear-view mirror.   It is still time for vigilance, however, because things like nursing calf pneumonia and pinkeye can take a lot of the fun out of baseball games and county fairs.   Let’s take a quick look at summer/nursing-calf pneumonia. 

Beef producers normally spot this condition when they notice a listless calf with droopy ears and a high body temperature (fever).   The calf may or may not cough or have visible difficulty breathing.   Speak with your veterinarian if you have questions regarding how to best approach vaccinating calves as well as what you’ll want to use to treat summer pneumonia if you identify it in your calves.   Treatment is usually effective with this condition when administered early in the course of the disease. 

If the calf dies, a veterinarian can generally diagnose this condition with a high level of certainty during a post-mortem exam.   Having these calves posted by a veterinarian can also rule out other possibilities and allow the vet to recommend the ideal course of action for future cases.   During the summer months it is very important to get any dead calf that will be presented for a post-mortem exam to the veterinarian as soon as possible, because the carcass will decompose rapidly in hot conditions.   It may not be possible for the vet to make a diagnosis from a badly decomposed carcass. 

In order to shed light on approximately how often summer pneumonia occurs within the beef industry, a recent survey of veterinarians led by AR Woolums suggested that across the Plains states about 1 in 5 herds will have cases of summer pneumonia in a given year.   In a related survey of beef producers by the same research group, the number of cases of summer pneumonia appeared to correlate with herds that had fought scours in the calves, had a calving season that lasted three months or longer, or that brought in orphan calves from other farms.  

Dr. Richard Randle wrote a BeefWatch article, Summer Pneumonia in Beef Calves, in July of 2015.   In it, he explained that a case-control study was underway in Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota beef herds to better identify risk factors for nursing calf pneumonia.   Since then the project has been completed.   It identified several risk factors for the condition, including increasing herd size, especially herds with 500 cows or more, intensive grazing, and estrus (heat) synchronization.   It is thought that these practices increase the number of “effective contacts” between calves, meaning that they have more chances to effectively spread bacteria and viruses to one another.   These practices may carry significant benefits for the beef operation, but care must be taken to manage the associated risks. 

Cattle across Nebraska endured prolonged weather stress this past winter, and many cows appear to be thinner than usual across the state, even in areas not affected by the historic and devastating flooding.   Due to the stress on cows caused by extended cold, wet weather, it is probable that there are a large percentage of calves that have received lower quality colostrum than usual this year.   This is likely to predispose them to illness of all types, including summer pneumonia.   Reports and personal communications have also suggested that there have already been many struggles with calf health across the state this spring.   This should lead us to consider that this summer will be an especially important one in which to keep very close tabs on calf health, and if treatment is necessary, to intervene earlier rather than later. 



Landlord-Tenant Cash Rent Workshops Begin this Week

Current and future landowners and tenants should make plans to attend one of six Landlord-Tenant Cash Rent Workshops hosted by Nebraska Extension this July and August. This workshop will cover current trends in cash rental rates and land values, lease provisions, crop and grazing land considerations, and current university crop budget information.

Nebraska Extension land specialists Allan Vyhnalek, Austin Duerfeldt, Glennis McClure, and Jim Jansen conduct research and outreach in land management, crop budgets, communications and negotiations. They will address common agricultural landlord and tenant questions: What does an equitable rental rate look like for my land? How do I manage a farmland lease? How could the lease be adjusted for recent flood damage? What should I expect for communications between the landlord and tenant? What are key pasture leasing considerations including stocking rates? Who is responsible for cedar tree removal from grazing land? What does it cost to raise crops on my ground?

"Landlords and tenants often face land management questions and decisions." said Allan Vyhnalek, extension educator and workshop presenter. "Both may be concerned with equitable treatment and it can be difficult to keep up with the current trends. This workshop will provide participants with up-to-date information and discuss current issues to assist with decision making."

Registration is 15 minutes prior to start time. The meeting registration cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Please register with the local county extension office at least 3 business days prior to the event. Registration will include refreshments and handouts.

Dates and locations:
- July 23, 9 a.m.-noon: Platte County Extension Office, 2715 13th St., Columbus. Contact Megan Taylor at 402-563-4901

- Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead (includes lunch). Contact Keith Glewen at 402-624-8030.

- Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-noon: Dakota County Extension Office, 1505 Broadway St., Dakota City. Contact Carol Larvick at 402-987-2140

- Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: St. Paul Community Library, 1301 Howard Ave., St. Paul (includes lunch). Contact Troy Ingram at 308-754-5422

- Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-noon: Saline County Extension Office, 306 W 3rd St., Wilber. Contact Randy Pryor at 402-821-2101

- Aug. 21, 1 -- 4 p.m.: Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincoln. Contact Tyler Williams at 402-441-7180

For more information or to register, please contact the local county extension office, Allan Vyhnalek, extension educator, farm succession, at 402-472-1771 or avyhnalek2@unl.edu, or contact Jim Jansen, extension economist for eastern Nebraska at 402-261-7572 or jjansen4@unl.edu.



June Milk Production up 0.1 Percent
                       
Milk production in the 24 major States during June totaled 17.3 billion pounds, up 0.1 percent from June 2018. May revised production at 18.1 billion pounds, was down slightly from May 2018. The May revision represented an increase of 18 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 1,976 pounds for June, 15 pounds above June 2018.   

The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.78 million head, 62,000 head less than June 2018, and 12,000 head less than May 2019.

IOWA -  Milk production in Iowa during June 2019 totaled 433 million pounds, down less than 1 percent from the previous June according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during June, at 217,000 head, was the same as last month but down 3,000 from last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,995 pounds, up 20 pounds from last June.

April-June Milk Production down 0.1 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the April - June quarter totaled 55.8 billion pounds, down 0.1 percent from the April - June quarter last year.  The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.33 million head, 15,000 head less than the January - March quarter, and 89,000 head less than the same period last year.

Nebraska - Milk production in Nebraska during the April-June 2019 quarter totaled 352 million pounds, down 4 percent from the April-June quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 58,000 head, 2,000 head less than the same period last year.

2nd Quarter milk prod. - Iowa: 1,323 million lbs, -0.5% from Q2 2018    



National Pork Board Names Dr. Jerry Flint to Leadership Team

The National Pork Board today named Jerry Flint as vice president of engagement and outreach effective August 1, 2019. Flint, who has a doctorate in crop science from the University of Kentucky, joins the Pork Checkoff from Corteva Agriscience in Johnston, Iowa.

Flint was born and raised on his family’s farm in western Ohio and has spent his career in agriculture with progressive leadership roles in production agriculture, science, research, biotechnology and sustainability. He joined Corteva in 2010 and held positions specifically linked to global business management, sustainability, external relations, regulatory approvals and product research and development.

“Jerry is a widely-respected agricultural leader, scientist and driver of change through continuous improvement in all aspects of ag production and he understands the bottom-line business environment in which our pork producers operate,” said Bill Even, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. “Jerry’s vast experience and track record of consistently delivering results across complex issues through integrity-based relationships makes him the ideal person to help the Pork Checkoff launch our new strategic vision this fall.”

Prior to Corteva, Flint was director of regulatory affairs at Monsanto, which included spending three years in Singapore leading technology research and development in the Asia Pacific region.

“The National Pork Board plays a critical role in supporting the industry through research, promotion and education to create opportunities for pork producers,” Flint said. “I understand and appreciate the complexity of working with stakeholders from farm to fork, sometimes with competing interests, yet working to find common ground. I look forward to being part of the future success of the Pork Checkoff as it continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of pig farming and pork promotion.”

Flint currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture at Purdue University. Flint is also the past president of the American Seed Trade Association, past chair of the Biotech Innovation Organization Food and Agriculture Governing Board and has served on the USDA Agriculture Advisory Council.

He has both a Doctorate and a Master of Science degree in crop science from the University of Kentucky (Lexington) and an undergraduate degree in agriculture from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana). Jerry and his wife Dayna live in Des Moines, Iowa.



USDA Cold Storage June 2019 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 30, 2019 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down slightly from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 12 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 11 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 12 percent from last month but up 6 percent from last year.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on June 30, 2019 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 1 percent from June 30, 2018. Butter stocks were up 4 percent from last month but down 3 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen poultry supplies on June 30, 2019 were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up slightly from the previous month but down 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 9 percent from last month but down 4 percent from June 30, 2018.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 2 percent from last month and down 15 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 3 percent from last month but down 5 percent from a year ago.



A Few Curiosities in the Cattle on Feed and Inventory Reports
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

While there were no great surprises in either the Cattle on Feed or the mid-year Inventory reports there were a few items of interest. First the headline numbers. Placements were down 2.3 percent from June, 2018. Marketings were also below the year before, down 3.1 percent. Given one less working day in the month, daily average marketings were up almost 2,000 head per day, and have been above a year ago every month this week. The combination of comings and goings left the number of cattle on feed up 1.7 percent. The 11.485 million head on feed is the most for a July 1 in the data which began in this form in the mid-1990s.

Placements were again skewed towards heavier feeders. The number placed weighing more than 700 pounds increased slightly over a year ago, about 23,000 head. Lighter weight feeders, under 700 pounds, were down 65,000 head, or 8.7 percent from a year ago. While we might attribute the weight distribution to higher feed prices and excellent range and pasture conditions, heavier weight placements have exceeded the year before every month this year, except January.

Particularly interesting was the breakout of steers and heifers on feed. For the third consecutive quarter the number of steers on feed was below the year before, down 120,000 head or 98.3 percent of a year ago. The number of heifers was up 7.7 percent from last year. Which brings us to the inventory report.

The report indicated no change in the beef cow herd compared to a year. That is about what was expected. Fewer replacements were held back, so the herd has about topped out for this cycle.

The report estimated a smaller calf crop than the year before. This combined with steer slaughter below a year ago, fewer steers on feed, elevated cow and heifer slaughter indicate that the data is supporting a lot of anecdotal stories over the last couple of years of reproductive problems. Reports of reproductive problems have often been attributed to extreme weather events, but also some uncertain factors. This combination of data might also suggest that the calf crop or maybe even the cow herd has been slightly overestimated the last couple of years.

All-in-all, these reports were largely as expected. Digging a little deeper presents some curious implications. But, marketings continue to move with no expectations of backed up cattle indicated. There are a lot of cattle on feed, but that is pretty normal at the peak of the cycle.



2019 CORN YIELD CONTEST DEADLINE APPROACHING

There is still time to enter the 55th installment of the National Corn Yield Contest but entries must be in by Wednesday, July 31, 2019. So, if you are looking to challenge yourself, explore new production techniques and learn about enhancing yields, you should check out the National Corn Growers Association’s contest.

NCYC is where high yields meet innovative production methods and razor-sharp management skills. The contest also helps chart a course for how corn farmers will continue to meet future demand while integrating the drive for more sustainable production practices.

A farmer must have an NCGA membership number to enter the contest. Please call 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com to get your membership number or to join the organization. Your full name, mailing address, phone number and email address are required to create your membership number and enter.

Winners will receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as other awards from sponsors in the seed, chemical and crop protection companies. At each Commodity Classic, state winners are recognized at the NCYC breakfast, and national winners receive awards at the NCGA’s Evening Awards Banquet. You can find both entry forms and harvest rules on the Corn Yield Contest website http://www.ncga.com/ncyc. 



Nufarm’s new nematode management technology, Trunemco™, now approved in 28 states

Nufarm Americas Inc. announced today that Trunemco, its new seed-applied nematode management technology, is now approved in 28 states. Following EPA approval of Trunemco in May, state approvals already include several soybean, corn and cotton growing areas impacted by nematode issues, such as Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas. More states are pending and updates on new state registrations can be viewed at nufarm.com/uscrop/trunemco.

Nufarm-exclusive Trunemco is an anticipated new nematode management technology because of its ability to provide a leading level of protection and higher yield profiles in soybeans, cotton and corn. Trunemco will be available for Crop Year 2020 and is expected to help seed treatment programs achieve better nematode management efficacy and consistency.

“As nematodes begin to develop resistance to many nematode-resistant varieties, growers may not realize they aren’t fully protected,” explained Tom Kroll, Nufarm seed treatment product and technical services manager.

Trunemco seed-applied treatment is a patented technology that primes plant physiology, activating the natural nematode barriers that optimize protection. Its biochemical and microbial actives provide a dual defense, inside and out, against nematode feeding and establishment. Trunemco protects against nematode damage while supporting root health and seedling vigor to help plants thrive, delivering higher yields.