Wednesday July 3 Ag News

Unverferth Announces Intent to Purchase Blu-Jet Products

Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. announces the intent to purchase the Blu-Jet equipment assets including the wide variety of fertilizer application and tillage products from Thurston Manufacturing Company, Thurston, NE.

"Blu-Jet products will expand our current offerings in fertilizer application and tillage products and bring a wider variety of quality implements to offer agricultural producers and suppliers across North America", states Larry Unverferth, President. "As with other lines we have brought into the Unverferth product family, we envision continuing with the Blu-Jet brand and its strong heritage that has been built and nurtured by the Jensen family since 1971".

Upon successful completion of the sale, manufacturing will begin being relocated to the company's other manufacturing locations, once a planned integration of the Blu-Jet lines can occur.



Wilkerson joins Nebraska Corn Board as director of market development

Jeff Wilkerson is NCB's director of market developmentThe Nebraska Corn Board is pleased to announce the hiring of Jeff Wilkerson as its director of market development. Wilkerson began his role on July 1.

In this role, Wilkerson will work on behalf of the state’s corn farmers to contribute to the mission of the Nebraska corn checkoff, which is to promote the value of corn by creating opportunities. Wilkerson will work with corn farmers and industry partners to coordinate all facets of the Nebraska Corn Board’s market development efforts. He will foster and build relationships with local, national and international partners to strengthen demand for Nebraska’s corn and value-added products, such as biofuels, distillers grains and livestock products.

“Along with research, education and promotion, market development is one of the four key pillars of the Nebraska corn checkoff,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Jeff’s background and previous experience make him well-suited to lead our market development efforts. While global trade deals continue to be negotiated and as we’re seeing some positive news in the ethanol industry with the expansion of E15 sales, Jeff will certainly have his work cut out for him, and I know he’ll be able to hit the ground running.”

A native of Coleridge, Nebraska, Wilkerson graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Prior to joining the Nebraska Corn Board, Jeff spent nine years in the broadcast industry. He spent seven of those years as the host of UNL’s “Market Journal” television program. Most recently, Jeff managed communications with UNL’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

“I’ve always greatly admired and appreciated what our state’s checkoff programs have done to improve Nebraska’s number one industry,” said Wilkerson. “I am excited to join the Nebraska Corn staff and work for our state’s corn farmers to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability of agricultural production.”

Wilkerson replaces Roger Berry who served in the position since October 2015. Berry was named the administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board in May.



ACE to host newly appointed USGC CEO at annual conference

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomes Ryan LeGrand, newly appointed President and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), as a keynote speaker during its 32nd annual conference taking place August 14-16 at the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District.

“Increasing the global use and trade of U.S. ethanol continues to be a commitment of the U.S. Grains Council and is even more critical for the U.S. ethanol industry and farmers given the difficulties they are facing at home with profit margins and abroad with market access roadblocks,” LeGrand said. “I look forward to addressing the markets we’re working to open around the world and the ones we’re working to defend at ACE’s annual conference.”

“One market the Council is working to open for U.S. ethanol is Mexico,” LeGrand added. “Having been in the trenches with ACE’s Ron Lamberty to educate Mexican petroleum marketers and equipment suppliers as Mexico’s fuel sector evolves, I’ll provide an in-depth update on our progress in the country the last few years.”

LeGrand served as the director of the USGC’s Mexico City office since 2016. In this capacity, he has overseen the expansion of the USGC’s programming in that country to include ethanol promotion and worked to steady relations during the negotiations of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Given the extra attention on export markets and trade policy this year, we’re pleased to have USGC leadership join us to provide an update and answer questions for farmers, ethanol producers, and other conference attendees about the opportunities and challenges to increase ethanol and coproduct markets around the world,” said Ron Lamberty, ACE Senior Vice President. “Working alongside Ryan and his team over the last two years, as they build the foundation for U.S. ethanol market expansion in Mexico makes me confident he will do a great job leading the USGC and we look forward to hearing his perspective after his first few months in this role.”   

LeGrand’s trade keynote address will follow Governor Ricketts’ welcome and an update from ACE leadership during the August 15 morning general session. Later in the agenda, attendees will get a more in-depth update of the ethanol promotion efforts in Mexico, by hearing firsthand from USGC representatives in the Mexico office ACE has worked with to help introduce ethanol into the fuels’ discussion in the country. Stay tuned for more information.

More event and agenda details are available at ethanol.org/events/conference.



Beatrice biodiesel plant to close

After a three-year run of producing fuel, the biodiesel plant in Beatrice is winding down operations.

Flint Hills Resources announced Monday that the company plans to idle its Duonix biodiesel plant in Beatrice.

The plant is expected to cease production this month and will remain idle indefinitely, according to a statement from Flint Hills resources.

The Beatrice Duonix plant specializes in processing corn oil and greases into biodiesel. Low soybean prices, the primary feedstock for most other biodiesel producers, have put the Duonix plant at a “significant competitive disadvantage” and the company does not expect those conditions to change.

The statement added that government intervention in the marketplace, including the federal blenders tax credit, continues to create uncertainty for the business.

Michael Wilhelmi, community relations specialists with Flint Hills Resources, said the company invested more than $100 million into retrofitting the plant.

“Our intention is to idle the facility indefinitely and are working directly with each employee,” he said. “Folks should know the workforce did everything they could to make plant work, but economic headwinds were too strong.”

Employees affected by the idling of the plant, there are fewer than 40 current employees, will be offered severance packages.

The plant was originally built in 2008, but wasn't initially finished and never operated.

The plant was initially constructed at a cost of $50 million, then sent to auction and purchased for $5 million.

Duonix Beatrice, a joint venture between Flint Hills Resources, which is a subsidiary of Koch Industries Inc. and Benefuel Inc., purchased the plant in 2011 and started production five years later.

Biodiesel can be used in most diesel engines, especially newer ones. The fuel has about 90 percent of the energy traditional diesel does, but comes with less sulfur, resulting in less buildup and fewer injector issues.

Regarding the plant’s future, Wilhelmi said the company is exploring all its options.



'Financial Impairment on the Farm' Webinar Offered

I-29 Moo University and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a Financial Impairment on the Farm webinar from 12-1 p.m. on July 30. The webinar is free and open to all those involved in production agriculture, specifically, producers and agribusiness personnel.

The program will focus on issues producers face during times of financial impairment with emphasis placed on mediation, reorganization options and Chapter 12 Bankruptcy.

Donald Swanson, an attorney with Koley Jessen in Omaha, and Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation and an adjunct assistant professor at Iowa State University, will facilitate the discussion.

"Don Swanson has devoted his career to helping clients with financial impairment, bankruptcy issues and mediation, and Kristine Tidgren works with these issues every day," said Fred M. Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. "The program will be informational and answer questions for many local ag producers and businesses alike."

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, online pre-registration is required. After registering, information on accessing the webinar will be provided.

The webinar will also be archived for viewing at a later date. For more information on this and other programs, contact Fred M. Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.



Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll Shows Conservation Increasing, but Rented Land Remains a Barrier

As the percentage of rented farmland in Iowa continues to grow, farmers are seeing a steady shift in who is responsible for what happens on the land.

According to the “2018 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll,” (SOC 3090) a publication of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, 46% of respondents said that they rented farmland in 2017, up from 45% in 2013, the last time they were asked this question. On average, those who responded rented 431 acres in 2017, compared to 392 acres in 2013.

The statement, “if conservation practices are needed on the land I rent, it is my responsibility,” received 72% agreement in the 2018 poll, slightly higher than the 67% who agreed in 2008. Conversely, 29% agreed in the 2018 poll, that conservation practices are the landlord’s responsibility, down from 38% in 2008.

“Together, these results indicate that tenants perceive an increase in their responsibility for conservation actions and a decline in their landlords’ responsibility. But that doesn’t mean that conservation is getting done,” said J. Arbuckle, associate professor and extension sociologist at Iowa State University, and the report’s primary author.

The most recent poll was published in May 2019, and is available through the ISU Extension Store, as is an archive of previous polls.

Known also as the “Farm Poll,” the survey has been conducted since 1982, and is the longest-running survey of its kind in the nation. Questionnaires were mailed in February 2018 to 2,151 farmers, and the response rate was 50%, with an average age of respondents of 66.

Conservation investments and rented land
Although farmers may perceive a shift in who is responsible for conservation, the poll shows they are less likely to invest in conservation on the land they rent.

Nearly half (47%) of respondents said they were less likely to spend their own money on structural conservation practices such as grassed waterways and terraces on rented land, and 42% said they would be less likely to use cover crops on rented land.

Farmers were also asked to compare their landlord’s priorities – with regard to income and land stewardship.

Some 38% said they felt their landlord placed land stewardship ahead of income, a decrease from 44% in 2008. There was a substantial decline in the number of farmers who said their landlord “requires” them to minimize impacts on soil and water quality, dropping from 46% in 2008, to 32% in 2018.

“There appears to be a feeling among farmers that landlord commitment to conservation is declining,” said Arbuckle. “Considered along with their lower likelihood to invest in structural practices or cover crops, the data suggest that conservation practice use on rented land is sub-optimal.”

Making strides
Despite the shifts in perceived responsibility for conservation on rented land, farmers reported measurable increases in their use of in-field and edge-of-field conservation practices.

Fifty percent of farmers reported no-till on at least some of the land they farm, up from 42% in 2015. Other notable results were an increases in the use of nitrogen rate calculators (18% to 26%) and in-season nitrogen application (28% to 35%).

Arbuckle said the results are encouraging, and likely reflect the efforts that farmers and agricultural stakeholders have made to help meet the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

He said the results show farmers still have a long way to go with conservation, but “they’re definitely making strides.”

Other topics covered in the 2018 Farm Poll summary include perceptions of quality of life and farm financial well-being, awareness of and participation in watershed management activities, and use of precision agriculture practices.



Market volatility, trade uncertainty, risk management and new opportunities top discussion at IFBF Economic Summit

More than 200 farmers gathered in downtown Des Moines for Iowa Farm Bureau’s Economic Summit to gain valuable market insight and opportunities to manage risk and find profit opportunities as farmers struggle through the sixth year of a downturned ag economy.

Governor Kim Reynolds opened the Economic Summit sharing her affinity for Iowa agriculture as a leading driver for Iowa’s economy.  Governor Reynolds shared an impassioned commitment to remain a strong voice for Iowa agriculture. “Farmers exemplify tenacity, grit, and determination in the face of low commodity prices and natural disasters. I’m honored to be part of a coalition to advocate for Iowa agriculture,” she said. 

“Trade was a major topic of discussion among attendees,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill. “With one-third of Iowa-grown soybeans and a quarter of Iowa’s hogs raised for export, international trade is critical to our farmers and Iowa’s workforce overall.”

John Hinners, Vice President of Industry Relations with the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF), says market access with some of our largest trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, China, and several other Asian countries, face an uncertain future. “As farmers continue to increase efficiency and generate high-quality food with international demand, it’s critical they learn how to best take advantage of export opportunities to stay on course with production numbers,” Hinners said.    

“Farmers are really good at what they do– producing, but we are reliant upon export markets to market what we produce,” he said. “As countries accumulate wealth, they can afford and demand more high-quality protein. We have to put priority in the Mexico and Japan markets, because we don't want to be left behind.  It’s important to our next generation and our legacy.”

Debra Bauler, chief information officer with Cargill Protein and Salt, discussed how they incorporate blockchain technology in response to consumer demand for more information about their food. One example she gave focused on their signature Honeysuckle White Turkey, where consumers can scan a tag and learn about the family who raised the turkey including where it traveled before reaching their refrigerator.

“This is an exciting time, and the goal is to have a technology that solves problems, and we hope that blockchain does that,” said Bauler.  “We know that consumers have more questions and want to know how and where their food is raised and who was involved in raising and marketing it.  Blockchain provides a great opportunity to connect consumers and farmers.”

The passage of this year’s farm bill legalized hemp production nationally, and the Iowa legislature followed suit by passing the Iowa Hemp Act, with restrictions, in the state.  Robin Pruisner, State Entomologist and Ag Security Coordinator with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), told attendees that ‘hemp is not legal in Iowa right now, though we expect it to be starting next year.’ Pruisner cautioned attendees to ‘think long and hard about something that seems too good to be true’ adding that hemp marketing greatly differs from corn and bean sales.  Unlike traditional Iowa grain, which can be pre-sold and marketed, hemp growers are encouraged to secure a contract and aren’t likely to get paid until after the crop is processed.  

Richard Fordyce, Administrator, UDSA, Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided an update for summit attendees on the implementation of farm bill programs.  The farmers were particularly interested in the disaster relief bill and disaster recovery programs following devastating flooding this spring, although Fordyce warned there is a lot to digest, and encouraged working with local FSA officials and utilizing available farmer resources such as www.farmers.gov.

Despite the complexity of risk management programs from the farm bill, Fordyce noted Secretary Perdue’s goal to modernize the Department of Agriculture to make program updates and descriptions more easily available to farmers.  By utilizing technology to host the information online, farmers can navigate programs easier to make the best decisions for their farms.

“We know many farmers are struggling right now and we hope the summit provided them with some additional tools they can use as they continue to navigate these challenging times,” said Hill.



Register Today for the Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference August 1

“Road Map to Resilience” is the theme of the 13th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture (IWIA) Conference Aug. 1st at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

The 2019 Conference will address a range of challenges posed by agriculture’s current economic climate: Commodity prices, marketing strategies, global trade agreements, financial risk management, ag advocacy, water quality initiatives, transition planning, resilience, and balancing family medical care with financing the family farm.

The Conference kicks off at 8:15 a.m., and concludes at 5 p.m. Julie Kenney, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, will keynote the Conference with the State of Iowa Agriculture.

Elaine Kub, author of Mastering the Grain Markets: How Profits Are Really Made, DTN analyst and IPTV’s Market to Market commentator, will offer the challenge, New Ways of Thinking about Grain Trading. Angie Treptow, Farm Credit Services of America regional vice-president, will wrap up the morning sessions with a deep dive into lender expectations for 2020.

The afternoon’s choice of breakout sessions and presenters include:

Key Elements of Succession and Continuity Planning: How to Ensure Your Operation Will Thrive During Transition: Rena Striegel, Transition Point Business Advisors and author of Building the Ultimate Network

Laying Pavers on the Road to Resilience: Charlotte Halvorson, certified occupational health nurse and Linda Emanuel, community health nurse and Nebraska farmer, AgriSafe Network will focus on healthy coping strategies and available resources

Caring for Parents without Putting Your Farm on Life Support: Nancy Lowenberg, vice president of commercial banking relations at US Bank in Cedar Rapids and Nancy Brannaman, sixth generation farm owner and manager of her family’s farm in Illinois

The 2019 conference capstone speaker is Kim Bremmer, a farm girl, mother, science junkie and ag advocate from Loyal, Wisconsin who will inspire with her presentation, Celebrating the Real Story of Agriculture . . . and How Women Can Lead the Way!

A complimentary Wine and Cheese Welcome & Networking Reception will be held on Wednesday, July 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Cellar Winery at White Oak in nearby Cambridge. Guest speaker is Rose Danaher, the Iowa County environmental specialist and an Amana, Iowa, cattle producer, who is one of two U.S. 2019 Nuffield International Farm Scholars. She’ll share her worldwide travels to study water quality in Bringing It Home: A Life-Changing Look at Global Agriculture and Water Quality.

Participants also have a unique pre-conference opportunity to attend an optional pre-conference tour on July 31, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture Program. The motor coach tour begins and ends at the Courtyard Marriott at SE Creekview Drive in Ankeny, with a choice of stops at John Deere Works in Ankeny, Kemin Industries, Inc. in Des Moines, the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor in Ames, and The Cellar at White Oak Winery in Cambridge.

Early bird registration is $50 until July 24, and $70 after that date. Registration includes the pre-conference tour, evening welcome reception, continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Register online in advance, by mail, or from 7:15 a.m.-8:00 a.m. on the day of the conference. (Sorry, but no registration refunds will be possible.)

For conference information, contact IWIA president Cheryl Tevis at 515-353-4425 or visit www.iowawomeninag.org for a full Conference agenda and registration details.

The premier sponsor of the 2019 Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference is Farm Credit Services of America. Additional sponsors include: Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Bankers Association, Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, NEW Cooperative and KCoe Isom.



ASA Disappointed by Decision to Reduce Duties on Subsidized Biodiesel Imports

The American Soybean Association (ASA) would like to express the concerns of soybean farmers across the country regarding the preliminary decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to reduce existing countervailing duties on imports of unfairly subsidized biodiesel from Argentina.

Under the preliminary decision announced July 2 by DOC, countervailing duties on unfairly subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina would be reduced significantly, while antidumping rates would remain the same. The duties were imposed in 2018 following an in-depth analysis by DOC and the International Trade Commission. Just months after the duties were imposed, Argentina requested and DOC undertook a “changed circumstances” review.

Rob Shaffer, an ASA board member and chair of the association’s Biodiesel and Infrastructure team said, “Given the administration’s strong view on addressing unfair trade practices and leveling the playing field for U.S. producers, this decision is surprising.”

Shaffer, who grows soybeans in Illinois, continued, “Biodiesel is an important, homegrown fuel source, and it makes sense that the blend requirements established by EPA are filled by domestically-produced biodiesel. Biodiesel is important to U.S. soybean farmers and also helpful to U.S. consumers.”

Over the past year, ASA farmer-leaders participated in several meetings with the Department of Commerce, including with DOC Secretary Wilbur Ross, to reiterate the impact of the subsidized imports on U.S. biodiesel producers and soybean farmers. ASA, along with the National Biodiesel Board (NBB)-led Fair Trade Coalition, emphasized that there is no material change in the export tax rate for soybeans or its depressing effect on Argentine soybean prices relative to world market prices.

An abrupt reversal on the countervailing duties on subsidized imports would add to the challenges the biodiesel industry is facing, including great uncertainty due to the lapsed tax credit and Small Refiner Exemptions issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“While we continue to feel the impacts of hardline trade negotiations, the enforcement of countervailing and anti-dumping duties on unfairly subsidized biodiesel imports has been welcome. We don’t want to see the administration back down on that front,” said Shaffer.

The current duty rates remain in place until DOC issues a final decision in the review, expected in September 2019. If finalized, the existing countervailing duty rates on Argentine biodiesel would be reduced from their current average of 72% to 10%.

Soybean farmers urge the Department of Commerce to uphold its initial determination and continue to enforce trade rules that provide a level playing field for American soybean and biodiesel producers.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/28/2019

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 28, ethanol production averaged 1.081 million barrels per day (b/d), an increase of 8,000 b/d, or 0.7%. This is equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. The four-week average ethanol production rate rose 0.8% to 1.082 million b/d—the highest since December 2017. This is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.59 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks grew 5.9% to 22.8 million barrels, a 6-week high. Stocks expanded across all PADDs except the Rocky Mountain (PADD 4) region.

There were no imports reported for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of May 2019.)

The volume of gasoline supplied edged 0.3% higher to 9.492 million b/d (398.7 million gallons per day, or 145.51 bg annualized). Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 0.4% to 947,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.52 bg annualized.

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production increased to 11.39%.




U.S. Ethanol Exports Soften in May while Distillers Grains Exports Build
Ann Lewis, Research Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
   
U.S. ethanol exports decreased to 99.6 million gallons (mg) in May, according to data issued by the government and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). This was a 34% decrease from April and the lowest volume since last September.

Canada was the top destination for the first time this year despite a 26% decline in sales at 23.1 mg of ethanol, or just under one-quarter of total May U.S. shipments. India was the second-largest destination at 14.4 mg, a 58% drop from a month earlier. Brazil imported 10.6 mg of U.S. ethanol, dropping 74% after remaining our largest customer for seven consecutive months. Other top importers included the Philippines (9.1 mg, up 20%), South Korea (9.0 mg, up 7%), Colombia (9.0 mg, up 69%), and the United Arab Emirates (7.4 mg). Year-to-date exports stood at 631.5 mg through May—19% lower than the first five months of 2018, implying an annualized export volume of 1.52 billion gallons.

May exports of undenatured fuel ethanol retreated 41% to 48.7 mg as sales to our two largest customers declined by nearly 40 mg. That said, purchases by India (14.4 mg, down 42%) and Brazil (10.6 mg, down 73%) represented half of our global market for undenatured fuel. Other key destinations were the Philippines (7.4 mg, up 179%), Colombia (5.9 mg, up 473%), and South Korea (4.6 mg, up 33%).

U.S. exports of denatured fuel ethanol declined 26% in May to 46.3 mg. This reflects a 27% decrease in sales to our northern neighbor, with shipments to Canada totaling 21.7 mg (47% of global sales). The United Arab Emirates (7.4 mg), South Korea (4.3 mg), United Kingdom (3.6 mg), and Colombia (3.1 mg) were other major markets.

U.S. exports of ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes pared back 14% to 4.7 mg. Shipments of denatured product for non-fuel applications declined from 4.1 mg in April to 341,288 gallons in May—the lowest monthly volume exported since 2011. However, exports of undenatured product were 3 mg higher than April, with 4.3 mg primarily dispersed to Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Canada.

There were no U.S. imports on record in May, according to the monthly data. Only 23.8 mg of foreign ethanol has been imported thus far in 2019, of which 88% was received from Brazil.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains, the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, intensified in May, yielding an 11% increase and the first time in 2019 to breach one million metric tons (mt). Mexico was again the top international customer of American-made distillers grains, increasing 25% over April sales, with shipments of 228,618 mt representing a 27-month high. Turkey imported 116,247 mt following a quiet April, albeit 29% under its March draw. Other key markets were South Korea (109,639 mt, up 2%), Vietnam (91,734 mt, up 3%), and Indonesia (75,134 mt). Our top ten largest customers purchased 85% of all exported U.S. DDGS in May, while another 24 countries accounted for the remaining sales. Year-to-date exports stand at 4.39 million mt, implying an annualized export total of 10.53 million mt.



Fertilizer Prices Make Minor Moves at End of June

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mixed, which has been the trend in recent months, according to locations tracked by DTN for the fourth week of June 2019.

Four fertilizers were lower compared to last month with none down a significant amount, which DTN considers 5% or more. DAP had an average price of $495/ton, down $2; urea $429/ton, down $1; anhydrous $584/ton, down $6; and UAN28 $269/ton, down $1.

Three fertilizers were slightly higher compared to last month, but again the move higher was fairly negligible. MAP had an average price of $531/ton, up $4; potash $392/ton, up less than a dollar; and UAN32 $318/ton, up $4.

In addition, one fertilizer was unchanged from the previous month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $487/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.47/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.48/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.

All eight of the major fertilizer prices are now higher compared to last year. DAP is 2% higher; MAP is 5% more expensive; potash, 10-34-0 and UAN28 are all 11% higher; UAN32 is 15% more expensive; anhydrous is 16% more expensive and urea is 18% higher compared to last year.



USDA Dairy Products Production May 2019 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.10 billion pounds, 1.6 percent above May 2018 and 1.5 percent above April 2019.  Italian type cheese production totaled 472 million pounds, 2.3 percent above May 2018 but 1.1 percent below April 2019. American type cheese production totaled 441 million pounds, 0.5 percent below May 2018 but 2.1 percent above April 2019. Butter production was 163 million pounds, 4.2 percent below May 2018 and 1.0 percent below April 2019.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with May 2018)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 174 million pounds, up 5.0 percent.
Skim milk powder - 30.1 million pounds, down 40.2 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with May 2018)
Dry whey, total - 78.8 million pounds, down 8.2 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 109 million pounds, up 13.8 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.2 million pounds, down 2.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with May 2018)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 64.9 million gallons, up 0.5 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 46.2 million gallons, up 8.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.26 million gallons, down 7.1 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 4.69 million gallons, down 4.0 percent.



Aureomycin from Zoetis Now Labeled for Bacterial Pneumonia Control in Dairy Heifers

Dairy producers can now add Aureomycin® from Zoetis to replacement heifer feed for control of bacterial pneumonia. This expanded label provides another option against costly pneumonia for veterinarians and dairy producers.

This label update recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows for this feed additive to be fed to dairy replacement heifers at a rate of 350 milligrams per head per day with a veterinary feed directive (VFD) from a licensed veterinarian.

“Aureomycin has been a flexible and reliable control for bacterial pneumonia [caused by Pasteurella spp. susceptible to chlortetracycline] for many years,” said Aubrey Schroeder, PhD, associate director, regulatory affairs at Zoetis. “Veterinarians and dairy producers can now use Aureomycin for this added indication in dairy replacement heifers and take advantage of a zero-day withdrawal period to help keep heifers healthy.”

Respiratory disease is one of the leading health concerns impacting dairy operations. It can reduce average daily gain of calves and heifers, which can lead to reproductive challenges, later calving ages that significantly impact profitability and decrease future milk production.1

“A VFD is required to feed rations with Aureomycin, but with a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, this process is simple and worth that added benefit to your herd,” Dr. Schroeder said. “This update for Aureomycin has already been added to electronic VFD forms.”

Dairy producers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for more information about Aureomycin. You also can learn more about the product here.

Do not use Aureomycin in calves to be processed for veal.

Caution: Federal law restricts medicated feed containing this veterinary feed directive (VFD) drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.