Monday December 16 Ag News

2 New On-Farm Research Options for Nitrogen Inhibitors 
Amy Timmerman – Extension Educator

Two new on-farm research protocols have been released to help growers evaluate the impact of using a nitrification inhibitor when applying anhydrous ammonia. These are among the many Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) guides for growers wanting to conduct tests using established research practices with their equipment on their farms.

Evaluating Nitrogen Inhibitors
Following periods of heavy precipitation, such as those seen in many areas of Nebraska in spring and summer 2019, fall- or spring-applied anhydrous ammonia has the potential for leaching losses of nitrate-nitrogen before crop uptake in the next growing season. Nitrification inhibitors can slow down the conversion of ammonium to nitrate and decrease the risk of nitrate-nitrogen loss.

One of the new on-farm research plans evaluates the use of a nitrification inhibitor on nitrogen retention, NO3 leaching, crop yield, and profits. The protocol includes a field plan for laying out a replicated treatment design of field-length strips with and without a nitrogen inhibitor. A total of five replications need to be harvested, although seven replications are preferred.

The second research option allows growers to evaluate fall- and spring-applied anhydrous ammonia with and without a nitrification inhibitor, looking at the impact of each treatment on nitrogen retention, NO3 leaching, crop yield, and profits. Each replication includes four treatments. At least three replications are needed for this study and four are preferred.

More details for each of these research protocols, including treatment design, data collection, grower requirements, and NOFRN contributions, are on the individual protocol pages linked in the descriptions.

Connecting with On-Farm Research
The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network offers guidance, support, and analysis of the research results. In February, six meetings will be held across the state so growers can present their work and discuss their findings with other growers and university faculty. Plan now to attend one of these sites:
Beatrice — Feb. 18, Holiday Inn Express
Near Mead — Feb. 19, Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center
Norfolk — Feb. 20, Madison County Extension Office
Kearney — Feb. 26, Buffalo County Extension Office
Alliance — Feb. 27, Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, 908 Yellowstone Ave.
York — Feb. 28, Holtus Convention Center. Jointly sponsored by USDA-NRCS and the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. local time with the program running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at all sites except Alliance, where the program will end at 2 p.m. MST.

While all locations will feature on-farm research related to cover crops and soil health, the York location will focus specifically on these topics with special guest speakers.

You can pre-register and secure your spot now by emailing onfarm@unl.edu or calling 402-624-8030 and indicating which location you plan to attend.

If you’re interested in conducting a research trial on your farm in 2020, check out some of the resources available at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch/getting-started.



Local FFA Chapter Grant Recipient: Norfolk

Norfolk was selected as one of the 2018 Nebraska FFA Foundation Local Chapter Grant Recipients for their Grow, Show, Know project. FFA members at Norfolk have the chance to raise chickens and pigs for meat. This grant now allows them to add another project- fish.

The Norfolk FFA Advisor, Jonathan Anderson, said that this project would not have been possible without this grant because it costs too much in one year to start. All of the meat that is raised at the school is then donated to the local mission. This project not only teaches the students about where their food is grown, but also about the importance of community service.



Forecast: Nebraska Economy will Grow Slowly

Farm income, which improved in 2019 with the help of rising government payments, is expected to remain near 2019 levels through 2022.

Nebraska's economy is expected to grow slowly in the coming years, supported by the expansion of service industries.

Growing personal income will support job growth in the health care, leisure, finance, business service and construction industries, according to the latest three-year forecast from the University of Nebraska--Lincoln's Bureau of Business Research and the Nebraska Business Forecast Council.

Farm income, which improved in 2019 with the help of rising government payments, is expected to remain near 2019 levels through 2022. Nebraska farm income is expected to reach $3.3 billion in 2019, with about one-quarter of that income due to government support. Crop and livestock revenue is expected to grow through 2022, allowing earned income to replace falling government payments.

Nebraska's overall employment is projected to grow by 0.6 to 0.8% through 2022, and forecasters expect non-farm income to grow up to 3.8%.

The Nebraska manufacturing sector is expected to lose employment. Nationally, the manufacturing sector is struggling due to a weaker global economy, a strong dollar and ongoing trade disputes.

"The Nebraska manufacturing sector also will struggle, especially given tepid growth in the agricultural economy," said Eric Thompson, economist and director of the Bureau of Business Research.

The retail sector also will lose employment in Nebraska through 2022, as retail sales continue to shift online.

Most services, however, must be provided locally, so growing incomes will lead to more spending and employment for the construction industry; banking and other financial services; and services such as health care, restaurants and other leisure activity. The services sector, which includes the health care industry, will add 5,100 jobs per year, or about two-thirds of all job growth. The construction sector will add 1,100 jobs per year. Federal government employment will temporarily expand in 2020 as workers are hired to complete the decennial census.

The Nebraska Business Forecast Council is composed of David Dearmont, Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Scott Hunzeker, Nebraska Department of Labor; Scott Loseke, Nebraska Public Power District; Brad Lubben, Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska; David Rosenbaum, Department of Economics and Bureau of Business Research at Nebraska; Jim Schmidt, Department of Economics at Nebraska; HoaPhu Tran, Nebraska Department of Revenue; Brian Williams, Nebraska Public Power District; and Thompson.



High Oleic Soybean Oil Paves Way for Cleaner Asphalt

High oleic soybean oil is put to work in a new video released today by the United Soybean Board. The video features a paving demonstration where USB, the Iowa Soybean Association, Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa and the research team at Iowa State University came together to showcase a new biobased polymer for asphalt made possible with the power of soy.

The polymer is made from high oleic soybean oil and offers a lower-cost and cleaner alternative to the traditional binding agents used in asphalt.

“We get pretty excited about what our beans can do and where they end up — particularly when it fills a market need and brings profit opportunities to farmers across the country,” said Gregg Fujan, soybean farmer from Weston, Nebraska, and USB director. “It’s our mission to innovate beyond the bushel, and we work hard to provide opportunities like this one through building strategic partnerships, funding innovative research and more to drive demand and preference for U.S. soybeans.”

Iowa State University paved a parking lot at their BioCentury Research Farm in Boone, Iowa, to do additional testing and demonstrate their confidence in the product. Asphalt test tracks paved last year with the soy-based substitute are performing exceptionally well, according to the researchers.

“Asphalt chemistry is very complex, and the oleic acid content in soybean oil is kind of the secret sauce they’ve been able to use. It increases the reuse rate on asphalt grindings from 17% to over 30%, so it changes the chemistry of that mix, and it’s very advantageous for the industry,” Fujan added.

Soybean oil has also been used successfully as an asphalt sealant. According to the recent tests conducted at Iowa State University, high oleic soybean oil outperforms competition of other natural oils and even petroleum- and formaldehyde-based lubricants and applications in asphalt — building on previous success in everything from plastics to rubber to turf and tires.

There are over 4 million miles of paved roads in the U.S. that require significant upkeep, opening the door to significant opportunities for high oleic soybean oil for years to come. Contracts to grow high oleic soybeans in 2020 are available now, with several elevators across the Midwest and select areas in Maryland.

“These beans make more money than conventional beans,” said William Layton, soybean farmer from Vienna, Maryland, and USB director. “It just seems like a no-brainer to grow these. They’re easy to take care of, and you get paid more for it.”



New Motor Oil Made with High Oleic Soybean Oil Now Available on Amazon

America’s drivers have a new choice that unites performance and sustainability at a competitive cost. Biosynthetic® Technologies’ high-performing biobased synthetic motor oil, using high oleic soybean oil from soybeans grown by U.S. farmers, is now on commercial shelves. 

“Soy-based motor oil is another great opportunity to drive demand for U.S. soybeans and allow companies to give customers what they want at the same time. These partnerships benefit soybean farmers and agriculture as well as a variety of industries and end users,” said United Soybean Board Director Mike Korth, a soybean grower from Randolph, Nebraska.

Department of Defense and Washington, D.C.-area fleet demonstrations found the product meets or exceeds their performance requirements. Biosynthetic Technologies’ motor oil is also recognized as a USDA Certified Biobased Product in the United States Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program. The company will market both 5W-20 and 5W-30 through Amazon.com and direct from their website. The product is available for purchase and use immediately. Biosynthetic is also offering farmers a limited-time 20% discount to purchase the synthetic oil. They can use code BioTrialFarm available only at motoroil.biosynthetic.com through January 31. 

USB and USDA have supported the soy-based, drop-in synthetic alternative to petroleum-based motor oil. The biobased alternative is well-suited for high-temperature automotive and industrial applications. USB introduced the product to multiple Washington, D.C., region fleets, including DC Water, that field-tested the motor oil. DC Water concluded the field test to be successful with the biobased motor oil, reporting strong performance, improved fuel efficiency and cleaner engines when compared to the petroleum-based oil they previously used. Three other Washington, D.C.-area fleets also reported success with the biobased motor oil after participating in a trial. They included the Smithsonian Institution; Arlington County, Virginia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland. 

“At DC Water, we are always looking for innovative options that can help improve the sustainability of our fleet without sacrificing performance or increasing costs,” said Tim Fitzgerald, director of fleet management for DC Water. “This biobased motor oil exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and engine cleanliness. The oil samples have shown increased longevity and stability over time while the equipment appears to be cleaner, which is a definite plus for us. The oil is biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. I see real potential for greater use of this biobased alternative in the future.” 

USB recognizes the importance of valued partnerships and investments into projects like these, as they help drive demand for U.S.-grown soybeans. Finding opportunities for soybean farmers to use products developed with their own crops also results in higher demand for the product. The checkoff continuously seeks out innovation and areas where soybeans can strongly succeed. 

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation, in coordination with the Air Force and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, conducted an 18-month limited field demonstration project to evaluate synthetic biobased motor oil in non-tactical Department of Defense and federal agency vehicles with gasoline-powered engines. The effort included analysis of oil samples. They concluded: “The demonstrated biobased full-synthetic motor oils were found to meet or exceed the DoD and federal agencies’ performance requirements.” 

Participants in the demonstration included:
— Air Force Bases: Fairchild, Luke, Malmstrom and Seymour Johnson
— Army: Fort Irwin
— Navy: Naval Air Station Lemoore
— Department of Homeland Security: Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
— National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Kennedy Space Center, Langley Research Center, Armstrong Flight Research Center and White Sands Test Facility
— United States Postal Service
— The USAF 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron provided access to Air Force vehicles in various climates 

“We are extremely proud to launch our new line of high-performance motor oils manufactured with high oleic soybean oil from soybeans grown by U.S. farmers. Our motor oils are certified by the American Petroleum Institute, and not only do they reduce sludge and varnish, they improve fuel economy and provide environmental benefits for renewability and biodegradability as well,” said Mark Miller, CEO at Biosynthetic Technologies. “Our revolutionary new class of biobased synthetic compounds have enabled us to commercialize an automotive engine oil that is biodegradable while delivering the highest levels of performance, giving creed to our vision of delivering innovations for a sustainable future!” 



Records Broken in 2019 NCGA Corn Yield Contest

This year, corn growers hit new highs in the National Corn Growers Association 2019 National Corn Yield Contest with David Hula of Charles City, Va. setting the highest yield on record at 616.1953 bushels per acre. Despite adverse growing conditions that impacted most farmers, improved seed varieties, advanced production techniques, and innovative growing practices allowed corn growers to achieve many impressive yields across all categories again this year.

The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 55th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.

“Yield contest participants create and share information that shapes the future of the industry while participating in friendly competition,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “At both the state and national levels, contest winners find new ways to excel in a variety of situations. In turn, these innovations can help their fellow farmers face challenges as well. Our contest emphasizes invention and improvement, both from growers and technology providers, that enables U.S. farmers to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

The 27 winners in 9 production categories had verified yields averaging more than 383 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 167 bushels per acre in 2019. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 616.1953 bushels per acre.

“For many entrants, the National Corn Yield Contest introduces them to NCGA membership for the first time,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chair of NCGA’s Engaging Members Committee. “But this is, more often than not, just the initial step in a fulfilling journey. Their involvement and support increases as they discover the extensive range of impactful activities NCGA carries out to create and maintain opportunities for corn farmers. As the contest brings together farmers to create and innovate for the good of the industry, NCGA’s grassroots efforts create positive change and real opportunities by amplifying the impact of each member's voice as they join together.”

For more than half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved but the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2020 in San Antonio, Texas.

Please visit the National Corn Growers Association NCYC  for the complete list of 2019 National and State winners, including the list of all 2019 NCYC Entrants... https://www.ncga.com/for-farmers/national-corn-yield-contest.



ASA Board Elects 2020 Governing Committee

The American Soybean Association (ASA) Board of Directors elected the leaders who will guide the organization through its 100th year during its annual meeting in St. Louis last week.

Bill Gordon (MN) will serve as 2020 ASA president. Gordon previously served as vice president and treasurer of ASA and has been a national director since 2012. He is a fourth-generation farmer who, with his father, grows 50/50 soybeans and corn across 2,000 acres, including 250 acres of buffer strips and wetlands. Gordon is also the owner of Worthington Tax and Business Services, a full-service business including farm analysis and planning.

Immediate Past President Davie Stephens (KY) moves to the role of ASA chairman. Former chairman John Heisdorffer (IA) rotates off the nine-member ASA Governing Committee but remains on the ASA board.

The ASA Board also elected Kevin Scott (SD) to serve as vice president, a position that places him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2021.

Scott previously served as secretary and an at-large member of the ASA Governing Committee. He has been on the ASA board of directors since 2012. Scott and his wife Jannell farm with a brother, nephew and son in southeast South Dakota on a fourth-generation operation that began in 1886.

In addition, the board voted to elect Brad Doyle (AR) as secretary; Brad Kremer (WI) as treasurer; and Bret Davis (OH), Josh Gackle (ND); Daryl Cates (IL) and Stan Born (IL) as at-large members of the governing committee.

New members beginning their nine-year terms on the ASA board are John Comegys (DE); Steph Essick (IA); Mauricio Garcia (TX); James Hereford (AL); Brad Macauley (NY); Matt McCrate (MO); Phil Ramsey (IN); Justin Rivers (SC) Dave Walton (IA); Casey Youngerman (TN) and Andrew Moore (GA).



Sen. Cory Booker Just Dropped a Bill That Includes First-Ever National Factory Farm Moratorium
FWW Press Release

This morning, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the Farm System Reform Act of 2019 (FSRA). The legislation is made up of a meticulous set of agricultural reforms that uplift independent family farmers, protect rural communities and public health, and overhaul our broken food system. Among the reforms is the first-ever nationwide ban on factory farms.

In May of 2018, Food & Water Watch identified the need for a ban on factory farms and launched the first national campaign dedicated to stopping these destructive facilities. The group applauds Sen. Booker for recognizing the role stopping factory farming must play in fixing our nation’s food system.

“Factory farming is at the heart of climate disaster. It fuels toxic air pollution and water contamination, feeds off of dangerous and unfair working conditions, wreaks havoc on independent farmers and rural communities, threatens food safety, and causes unnecessary animal suffering,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Action. “The Farm System Restoration Act is the bold approach we need.”

FSRA bans factory farms by placing an immediate moratorium - or “pause” - on the construction of new or expanding large factory farms while also initiating a phaseout of existing large factory farms by 2040. It includes $100 billion for farmer buyouts and debt forgiveness over the span of 10 years, along with programs for transitioning to alternative and healthy agriculture activities like pasture-based livestock, specialty crop cultivation, or organic commodity production.

Other essential components of FSRA include mechanisms to:
-    Hold meat companies responsible for harm caused by the factory farms that raise their animals
-    Provide a $100 Billion voluntary buyout program for contract farmers who want to transition away from factory farms
-    Strengthen the Packers & Stockyards Act to protect family farmers and ranchers:
       + Prohibit the use of unfair tournament or ranking systems for paying contract growers
       + Protect livestock and poultry farmers from retaliation if they raise concerns about their contract or join together in grower associations
       + Prohibit meatpacker ownership of livestock more than 7 days prior to slaughter
       + Prohibit meatpackers from buying livestock for slaughter using unfair forward contracts
       + Require meatpackers to acquire at least 50% of their livestock through spot market sales
-    Restore mandatory Country of Origin Labeling
-    Prohibit USDA from labeling foreign imported meat products as “Product of USA”

“With a transformational bill like FSRA, our nation’s food system will finally put public health, independent farmers, and the environment first. This is not just a rural issue - we all need clean water and healthy food to survive,” continued Hauter. “As climate change continues to cause chaos, now is the time to make agricultural center stage. FSRA is the sweeping solution we need.”