Thursday December 5 Ag News

All invited to invest in future of agriculture at Northeast Community College

All residents of northeast Nebraska are invited and encouraged to invest in the future of the area through the Nexus project at Northeast Community College, no matter what size their contributions may be.

“For the past few months, we have been highlighting significant donations to the capital campaign to build new agriculture facilities at Northeast Community College,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, associate vice president of development and external affairs and executive director of the Northeast Foundation. “Those large gifts are vital to the Nexus project, but we want everyone who believes in the future of agriculture and of small communities to be included in this effort.”

With agriculture as the largest industry in Nebraska, Kruse said more than 60-percent of the gross regional product and half of all jobs in the northeast part of the state are related to agriculture.

“Communities of all sizes, from Norfolk to Monowi, will only be successful if agriculture is thriving,” she said.

Kruse has been leading an effort to design a “farm of the future” for Northeast ag students, and to raise private funds for that project.

The initial phase of construction on the Northeast Community College Agriculture & Water Center of Excellence includes a new veterinary technology building and clinic, and a new farm site with a large animal handling facility and other farm structures for livestock operations, a farm office and storage. The new facilities will be located near the Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex on E. Benjamin Ave. in Norfolk.

“It is important that every person in Northeast’s 20-county service area feels invested in this project, “Kruse said. “The students who graduate from the Northeast Community College ag department are the future farmers and ranchers of this area, and the future employees who will help agri-businesses grow. They are the next generation of residents of our small communities, the new families whose children will attend our smaller K-12 schools, join our churches, and make a difference in this region.”

Kruse said there is no doubt that more trained agricultural workers are needed in the region. To help address the demand, Northeast Community College has committed $10 million to enlarge and enhance ag facilities that will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment and help draw more students to Northeast, while another $13 million in private donations is needed to ensure a spring groundbreaking. The Acklie Charitable Foundation is among the organizations that believes in the project that it has committed $5 million to the campaign.

Kruse said other foundations, businesses and individuals have made significant contributions ranging from $25,000 to $1 million, “and now it is up to individuals and small businesses to show their support.”

Those who would like more information on the Nexus Campaign are urged to contact Kruse, at tracyk@northeast.edu, or call (402) 844-7056. Online donations may be made through the website agwaternexus.com. Checks may be mailed to: Nexus Campaign, Northeast Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 469, Norfolk, NE 68702-0469.

All gifts to the Northeast Foundation are tax deductible, and pledges may be paid over a five-year period, allowing a small recurring gift to become a significant contribution. The Nexus campaign is also accepting gifts of grain and livestock, appreciated assets, or through life insurance policies, wills, IRA’s and 401K accounts. More information on the ways to donate can be found on the website www.agwaternexus.com.



Improving the Bottom-line of Breeding: Three State Beef Conference

In a joint effort, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa Extension are hosting three meetings to address how to set up an economical and successful breeding season. The registration fee is $25 per person. It includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings.

Presentations include:
  - Pre-calving nutritional strategies: Am I staying ahead or getting behind? - Dr. Travis Mulliniks, Range Cow Nutritionist, University of Nebraska
  - Vaccines and implants: effects on production and reproduction - Dr. Craig Payne, DVM, Extension Veterinarian, University of Missouri Extension
  - Reproductive performance: Are you leaving money on the table? - Dr. Jordan Thomas, State Beef Reproduction Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

Dates and locations (All meeting times are 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
January 14, 2020: Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square, Greenfield, Iowa, 50849
January 15, 2020: Andrew County Youth Building, 201 S Banyon, Savannah, Missouri, 64485
January 16, 2020: Otoe County Fair Center, 197 Plum St, Syracuse, Nebraska

Pre-registrations are appreciated by Friday, January 10, 2020.  To register call or email:
  - Syracuse, Nebraska: Sarah Purcell 402-269-2301 / sarah.purcell@unl.edu
  - Greenfield, Iowa: Kathy Rohrig 641-743-8412 / krohrig@iastate.edu
  - Savannah, Missouri: Jim Humphrey 816-324-3147 / humphreyjr@missouri.edu



Nebraska Crop Management Conference set for January 22–23

The 2020 Nebraska Crop Management Conference is set for January 22 and 23 at the Younes Convention Center in Kearney and will include pesticide applicator training.  Sponsored by Nebraska Extension, the conference will feature research updates and information tailored to Nebraska crop issues and grower interests. Session topics will include cropping system management, extreme weather impact on agriculture, soil nutrition, irrigation, pest management and marketing.  The Nebraska Ag Technology Association is partnering with the conference this year and will present several sessions on new agricultural technology for Nebraska.

"This year’s conference will focus on preparing for extreme weather events, ag technology and research updates on important pests we are seeing in Nebraska," Chris Proctor, weed management extension educator and clinic coordinator, said. “For example, the soybean gall midge and tar spot are two new pests to pay attention to in the coming year.’  “Our goal is to provide practical, profitable, environmentally sound, information that is research-based for agricultural professionals and producers,” Proctor said.

The conference will also provide an opportunity for commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators to certify or recertify their licenses in agricultural plant and demonstration/research. Private pesticide applicators can also renew their licenses.

A maximum of 12 Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available in the following areas: crop production, nutrient management, integrated pest management, water management and professional development.

Pre-registration is required. Cost for the conference is $80 for one day or $150 for both days. Information and online registration is at http://agronomy.unl.edu/ncmc.



Gaesser, Shea to Appear on Panel in Madrid at COP 25

Solutions from the Land (SfL) Steering Committee member Ray Gaesser, an Iowa corn and soybean producer, and SfL President Ernie Shea are set to appear Saturday on a panel at the global climate talks in Madrid, Spain, where they will discuss the role farmers are playing in addressing climate change.

Gaesser, chairman of the American Soybean Association, and Shea, president of Solutions from the Land, will share with those attending the U.S. Climate Action forum the climate smart agriculture (CSA) initiatives being undertaken at the state and national level.

The panel discussion will recognize that American farmers are innovators, continually adapting to the increasing challenges of climate change impacts, like droughts, floods, record high temperatures, and wildfires.

They are also uniquely positioned to lead on climate solutions by providing renewable energy, keeping our water clean, storing carbon in the ground, and feeding a growing population.

The panel discussion aims to feature voices of those working with farmers in the United States and elsewhere on the role the agriculture sector is playing in addressing climate change.

Gaesser and Shea will share the work being done by SfL  to promote the role of CSA in statewide projects around the United States. Efforts in Ohio, Florida and Iowa, among others, aim to ensure farms, ranches and forestlands sustainably produce food, feed, fiber, energy and ecosystems services; enhance climate resilience; reduce and sequester greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute high value solutions to sustainable development goals.

The panel will also feature Tim Dwight, Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association; Noah Walker, Indigo Carbon; and Lauren Wolahan, who is with the panel's host, Climate Nexus, a non-profit organization formed to promote solutions to climate change.

The farmer panel is among a series being held in Madrid Saturday by the U.S. Climate Action Center, an alliance of U.S. cities, states, tribes, businesses, faith groups, universities and others operating under the premise "We Are Still In" and intent on preserving a U.S. role in finding solutions to the growing threat of a changing climate.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Guide Helps Farmers With 2018 Farm Bill Sign-Up

Nebraska Farm Bureau has developed a guide highlighting a series of items for farmers to consider as they start the process of signing up for programs under the 2018 Farm Bill. Farmers have until March 15 to sign-up for program participation. In December 2018, Nebraska Farm Bureau worked with Congress to pass a farm bill that protected crop insurance and provided modest reforms to commodity and conservation programs.

“Today, the average American farm produces enough food and fiber to care for 166 people. Beyond food, agriculture and the efforts of farmers and ranchers touch virtually every facet of our lives, ranging from fuel for our vehicles to the clothes on our backs, and everything in between,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president. “The guide was developed to help Nebraska farmers as they navigate the programs designed to help them continue to be the best food, fuel, and fiber producers in the world.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s “Ten Things to Remember: 2018 Farm Bill Sign-Up” provides helpful tips but is not a substitute for farmers consulting with their local Farm Service Agency office or their crop insurance agent. Topics noted in the guide for farmers to consider include:
-    Make sure to sign-up at your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and talk with your crop insurance agent.
-    Unlike the last farm bill, farmers aren’t locked into their program decisions for the life of the farm bill.
-    Don’t assume a previous decision between the Agriculture Loss Coverage (ARC) program and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program is the best decision moving forward.
-    Before making a program election, first decide whether to update farm program yields.
-    If you select the Agriculture Loss Coverage – County (ARC-CO) program, remember payments will be based on physical location of the farm and Risk Management Data will be the primary yield data set used.
-    Farms that took 100 percent preventative planting or experienced very large yield losses should give Agriculture Loss Coverage – Individual (ARC-IC) a strong look.
-    Reference prices used to determine a Price Loss Coverage (PLC) can change from year-to-year depending on year-to-year price shifts.
-    USDA made changes to the rules that determine eligibility for counties to have both an irrigated and non-irrigated guarantee.
-    Base acres planted to pasture or left fallow from Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2019 won’t be eligible for Agriculture Loss Coverage (ARC) / Price Loss Coverage (PLC) payments, but are eligible for the new Grassland Conservation Initiative program.
-    There’s a lot more to the 2018 Farm Bill than just commodity programs.

The full guide is available on the Nebraska Farm Bureau website at www.nefb.org.



NMPF Urges Producers to Enroll in DMC and MFP With Signup Deadlines Approaching

Deadlines for Dairy Margin Coverage program signup and Market Facilitation Program payments are nearing for dairy farmers, and the National Milk Producers Federation is urging producers to visit their local Farm Service Agency offices to take advantage of programs meant to provide risk management tools for farmers and provide some relief against financial hardship.

The second tranche of 2019 Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments, which USDA announced in November, is designed to help farmers suffering from damage due to foreign trade retaliation against U.S. agricultural products. In the past, NMPF has urged USDA to enhance payments for U.S. dairy farmers by using current production data. Signup for the payments runs through this Friday, Dec. 6.

Dairy Margin Coverage signup for 2020 coverage runs through next Friday, Dec. 13. The popular DMC program, which paid dairy farmers more than $308 million in benefits for 2019, offers insurance against low prices and high feed costs. All farmers who signed up for 2019 are encouraged to re-enroll for 2020, given the unpredictability of dairy markets. Farmers who elected to enroll for the full five-year life of the program need to visit their FSA office to keep their information current for the upcoming year.




USDA to Open Signup for Conservation Reserve Program on December 9

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on December 9, 2019. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 28, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing.

Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands.

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors and a critical tool to help producers better manage their operations while conserving natural resources,” Secretary Perdue said. “The program marks its 35-year anniversary in 2020, and we’re hoping to see one of our largest signups in many years.”

CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. This means farmers and ranchers have a chance to enroll in CRP for the first time or continue their participation for another term.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the U.S. The program was originally primarily intended to control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. This Farm Bill program has evolved over the years, providing a variety of conservation and economic benefits from coast to coast. CRP has:

    Prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, enough soil to fill 600 million dump trucks;
    Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively;
    Sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road;
    Created more than 3 million acres of restored wetlands while protecting more than 175,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times; and
    Benefited bees and other pollinators and increased populations of ducks, pheasants, turkey, bobwhite quail, prairie chickens, grasshopper sparrows and many other birds

By enrolling in CRP, producers are improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, and restoring habitat for wildlife. This in turn spurs hunting, fishing, recreation, tourism, and other economic development across rural America.

CRP Enrollment Options

General Signup
CRP general signup will be held annually. The competitive general signup will now include increased opportunities for enrollment of wildlife habitat through the State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative.

Continuous Signup
While some practices under SAFE will remain available through continuous signup, CRP continuous signup will focus primarily on water quality within the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative. The 2018 Farm Bill prioritizes water quality practices such as contour grass strips, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetlands and a new prairie strip.

USDA will also be working with Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) partners to relaunch CREP continuous options in each state under new statutory provisions. CREP will continue to target high-priority local, state or regional conservation concerns.

Grasslands Signups
CRP Grasslands signup helps landowners and operators protect grassland, including rangeland, and pastureland and certain other lands while maintaining the areas as grazing lands. A separate CRP Grasslands signup will be offered each year following general signup. The sign-up period for CRP Grasslands in 2020 runs from March 16, 2020 to May 15, 2020.

Pilot Programs
Later in 2020, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will roll out pilot programs within CRP: CLEAR 30, which allows contracts expiring with CLEAR practices to be reenrolled in 30-year contracts and in the Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP) in the prairie pothole region. More information on these programs will be announced in the new year.

Land Transition
The CRP Transition Incentives Program (TIP) is an option for producers interested in transitioning land to a beginning farmer or rancher or a member of a socially disadvantaged group to return land to production for sustainable grazing or crop production. CRP contract holders no longer need to be a retired or retiring owner or operator to transition their land. TIP participants may have a lease less than five years with an option to purchase, and they have two years before the end of the CRP contract to make conservation and land improvements.

Previously Expired Land
Land enrolled in CRP under a 15-year contract that expired in September 2017, 2018 or 2019, may be eligible for enrollment if there was no opportunity for re-enrollment and the practice under the expired contract has been maintained.

CRP Rates and Payments
FSA recently posted updated soil rental rates for CRP. County average rates are posted on the CRP Statistics webpage. Soil rental rates are statutorily prorated at 90 percent for continuous signup and 85 percent for general signup. The rental rates will be reviewed annually. Under continuous signup, producers also receive incentives, including a signup incentive payment and a practice incentive payment.

More Information
To enroll in CRP, contact your local FSA county office or visit fsa.usda.gov/crp.



October Shipments of U.S. Ethanol Press Higher while U.S. DDGS Exports Slip
Ann Lewis, Research Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.

U.S. ethanol exports picked up in October, increasing 13% to 112.8 million gallons (mg), according to data issued today by the government and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Gains made in sales to India and midsized customers more than offset a reduction in shipments to Brazil and, to a lesser extent, Canada.

Canada was the top destination for the sixth consecutive month, despite a 7% decrease to 30.0 mg (27% of total U.S. ethanol sales in October). Exports to India at 17.7 mg (16% of global U.S. ethanol sales) were the largest in four months. U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil weakened, moving 33% below September sales to 11.7 mg for a five-month low. Brazil’s harvest and processing of sugarcane continued at a robust pace in October, and the Brazilian government implemented a restriction on the volume that can enter the country duty-free through February under the tariff rate quota. U.S. shippers also sent sizable volumes to Honduras (a record 10.9 mg), South Korea (9.3 mg, +4%), Colombia (8.5 mg, up more than 6 mg from September), and the European Union (8.3 mg, -16%).

Total year-to-date exports of U.S. ethanol stand at 1.22 billion gallons. This implies an annualized export volume of 1.46 billion gallons which, if realized, would be the second-largest volume on record.

Shipments of U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol jumped in October, increasing 48% to 59.2 mg. Half of exports were destined for India (17.7 mg following zero the prior month) and Brazil (11.7 mg, -33%). Honduras imported its first batch of U.S. undenatured ethanol, coming in at a sizable 10.9 mg. Other key destinations included the United Kingdom (3.6 mg, +100%) and South Korea (2.8 mg, -41%). Notably, U.S. undenatured exports to Mexico nearly tripled to 2.2 mg (however, there were no U.S. denatured exports following two consecutive months of sales).

Sales of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol eased in October, declining 21% to 45.8 mg. Nearly two-thirds of exports crossed the border into Canada (28.5 mg, -8%). Other top importers included Colombia (7.2 mg following zero exports the prior month), South Korea (5.7 mg, +40% to a 12-month high), Peru (2.2 mg, -73%), and the Philippines (2.1 mg, -69%).

Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes bounced back from a two-year low, up 5.8 mg to 7.8 mg. American shipments of undenatured product were distributed among a handful of countries, to include Nigeria (2.9 mg), Japan (1.3 mg), and Canada (1.0 mg). Most of the denatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes landed in Canada (28.5 mg), Colombia (7.2 mg), and South Korea (5.7 mg).

Imports from Brazil remained elevated as the U.S. purchased 21.9 mg of sugarcane ethanol in October. The U.S. has imported more ethanol from Brazil than it has exported to the country for three of the last four months for which data has been reported. Total U.S. ethanol imports for the first ten months of the year stand at 163.9 mg—nearly triple the volume imported last year during the same period. In fact, year-to-date U.S. ethanol imports have already surpassed collective volumes entering our borders over the past three years.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined 27% to an eight-month low of 759,979 metric tons (mt). However, shipments to Mexico climbed 8% to 147,471 mt as our southern neighbor once again secured its status as the top buyer of American DDGS (19% of our global market in October). Vietnam (117,897 mt, -6%), South Korea (69,633 mt, -25%), Indonesia (64,538 mt, -8%), Canada (42,071 mt, +4%), and Egypt (38,380 mt, +112%) rounded out our top markets. Notably, nearly all Latin American customers boosted imports of U.S. DDGS in October, collectively buying 24% more than the prior month. Total year-to-date exports of U.S. DDGS stand at 9.11 million mt. This implies an annualized export volume of 10.93 million mt.



ENGAGING WITH GOVERNMENT PARTNERS TO FIND NEW USES FOR CORN

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) staff and grower leaders will travel to Washington, D.C. next week for meetings on new uses for corn. Meetings are scheduled with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at their Beltsville, Maryland facility where staff will discuss projects related to research corn utilization for biobased products and chemicals, including a new project at the Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania facility.

Updates will also be provided on the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research’s project on amylose inclusion complexes, which was a winner of Consider Corn Challenge II. Their project plans to use emulsifiers, polymer films and coatings made from corn starch and vegetable oil rather than petroleum, which could open the door to new products with enhanced performance and lower environmental footprints. Other visits will include meetings with the Department of Energy (DOE) and USDA Rural Development.

Tuesday’s meetings will focus on sharing information on corn as an industrial feedstock and the opportunities for biobased products and chemicals to spur economic development with legislators on Capitol Hill. “Corn is a sustainable, abundant and affordable industrial feedstock that has myriad uses,” said Director of Market Development Sarah McKay. “We look forward to meeting with agencies and legislators to highlight the fact that U.S. corn is an extremely flexible feedstock.”

You can learn more about NCGA’s efforts on new uses at https://www.ncga.com/topics/new-uses.



USDA Proposes Updates to National Poultry Improvement Plan

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported Wednesday that it is proposing updates to the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to align with changes in the poultry industry, as well as to incorporate new scientific information and technologies into the NPIP. These updates are consistent with the recommendations approved by representatives from across the poultry industry at the 2018 NPIP Biennial Conference.

As part of the proposal, APHIS would:
- create a new U.S. Newcastle Disease (ND) Clean program;
- update low pathogenic avian influenza regulations on indemnity and compensation;
- create an NPIP subpart specific to the game bird industry; and
- clarify/update the program regulations to match current scientific information and technologies.

The ND Clean program and compartment status would focus on primary breeder egg-type chickens, meat-type chickens, and turkeys -- the animals that provide the foundation for the industry. Through the program, owners could show that their flocks meet all requirements to be considered unaffected by ND by both the Official State Agency and APHIS. The requirements for ND Clean compartments would be similar to those NPIP currently uses for the AI Clean compartments. This would allow clean flocks to participate in international and interstate trade, even during a ND outbreak. This will benefit not only the flock involved, but the overall industry, by keeping trade flowing.

The proposal would update NPIP regulations on indemnity and compensation payments for low pathogenic avian influenza detections so they reflect current policy and operational practices. The proposal adds/clarifies definitions for various terms related to providing payments for animals, materials, cleaning and disinfection, and other steps needed for infected farms to return to normal business. The proposal also codifies the use of appraisal calculators to determine compensation amounts.

APHIS would also create an NPIP subpart specific to game birds, an industry that has grown rapidly and become more complex since its inception. The new subpart would align with the terminology, production methods, and end uses in the industry, which are significantly different than those in other poultry industries. The new subpart would add testing regimes, terminology, and programs specifically designed for the game bird industry. USDA is accepting public comments on this proposed rule for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. The proposed rule may be viewed at www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-23973.

The NPIP is a cooperative Federal-State-industry mechanism for controlling certain poultry diseases. NPIP's objective is to provide a cooperative program through which new technology can be effectively applied to improve poultry and poultry products throughout the country. NPIP offers a variety of programs and identifies States, flocks, hatcheries, dealers, and slaughter plants that meet disease control standards specified in the various NPIP programs.



2019 New Product Contest winners revealed at Irrigation Show

The Irrigation Association is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 New Product Contest at the Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas Dec. 2-6, 2019.

Fifty-six new products and technologies were entered in five categories. Products were evaluated based on innovation, design quality, increased water/resource-use efficiency, ease of use and product life expectancy. Contest judges were experienced professionals with technical knowledge and industry expertise. The winners were announced Thursday, Dec. 5, during the IA general session.

The winner of the agriculture irrigation category is the CPH Sand and Silt Separator by Epiphene. The CPH Separator offers unparalleled removal of sand, silt and other solids in irrigation water. While operating on very low pressures, it allows for low energy use and flexibility in design for wells or other water sources.

The winner of the agriculture specialty category is Valley Scheduling by Valley Irrigation. This advanced farm management software provides irrigation recommendations to growers based on real data from the field and scientific calculations. Valley Scheduling works for any type and brand of irrigation system and can be adapted for use with nearly all agricultural crops.

The winner of the landscape irrigation category is Klift-It by KJ Ketterling Enterprises LLC. Klift-It extends the height of a rotor sprinkler to operate correctly above the vegetation with little or no digging. Components are added to extend the body and stem to raise sunken sprinklers for improved performance.

The winner of the landscape specialty category is the Drill Pump by Action Machining Inc. The Drill Pump connects to a cordless drill and can quickly evacuate up to 35 gallons of water per minute. There is no other similar pump on the market that can handle the dirty water encountered by installation and maintenance crews.

The winner of the landscape lighting category is the Lighting Design Module of Irrigation F/X 16.0 by Land F/X. Lighting design is a demanding engineering task that is both time-consuming and error prone. The new Lighting Design Module from Land F/X allows the user to focus on design and selection of products, while reducing errors.