Monday February 24 Ag News

WATER INTO SWINE: U.S. USING LESS WATER FOR LIVESTOCK THAN IN 1960

Six decades after pouring water into its livestock production, the United States is investing relative drops in the bucket to produce its meat, milk and eggs, says a recent analysis from the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute.

Relying on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other sources, the team analyzed the annual U.S. outputs of beef, pork, poultry and milk from 1960 to 2016. The researchers also estimated the yearly amounts of water invested in each class of livestock: the rainfall and irrigation needed to grow grains and other livestock feed; the drinking water those livestock consumed; the water used to clean the animals and their living quarters.

By dividing the annual weight of each livestock product by the volume of water needed to produce it, the researchers then calculated water productivity, a per-animal measure of how efficiently U.S. producers converted water into food.

They found that U.S. water productivity for all six livestock products — beef, pork, chicken, turkey, milk and eggs — improved incrementally but substantially across the 56-year span. The United States produced milk about five times more water-efficiently in 2016 than in 1960; pork nearly four times more efficiently; chicken, turkey and eggs, collectively, about three times more efficiently; and beef about twice as efficiently. Annual water investments in that U.S. livestock dropped 36% from 1960 to 2016, the study reported.

Nebraska’s Mesfin Mekonnen, the study’s lead author, said the projected rise in global population — from an estimated 7.7 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050 — will continue to demand improvements in water efficiency.

“Globally, we see that the population is growing, income is improving, and with that, the demand for livestock products is increasing,” said Mekonnen, research assistant professor with the Water for Food Institute. “When comparing a livestock product to a nutrient-equivalent crop product, livestock demands more water. So with the increase in demand for animal products, there will be more water demand, creating more pressure on the limited available water.”

The recent improvements in water productivity, Mekonnen said, likely stem from a few factors. A combination of selective breeding, genetic engineering and supplements have increased the sheer size of the average livestock, he said, generally resulting in more food from each animal.

But similar efforts have also improved the efficiency with which livestock convert their own feed — usually grains, grasses or their byproducts — into meat, milk and eggs. While the total weight of U.S. livestock products increased 48% over the 56-year period, the weight of their feed rose by just 8%, the study found. And many of the grains that constitute livestock feed have themselves been bred or modified to require less water than they did a few decades ago, directly reducing the industry’s water footprint.

Though the water efficiency of beef improved the least among the livestock products — beef cattle account for nearly half of the U.S. livestock industry’s water footprint — Mekonnen emphasized the importance of context when evaluating consequences for the environment and food security. Many cattle, particularly those in the Nebraska Sandhills, forage on grasses that are inedible by humans and grown on rangelands ill-suited for other crops.

Mekonnen did cite the diets of grain-fed cattle and other livestock as targets for further improving water productivity. The team reported that swapping out some corn and soybean for so-called distiller grains — byproducts of the grains distilled for biofuels and other purposes — could improve the water productivity of milk by roughly 20%, pork by more than 10%, and beef and poultry by about 5%. Because distiller grains can contain more protein and provide more energy than corn and soybean meal, they might also indirectly improve water productivity via livestock growth, Mekonnen said.

“It creates the awareness that we need to look at the full supply chain when we talk about livestock or other products — from feed production to the final output,” he said. “We cannot say, ‘This is enough.’ There is a need to keep on improving.”

The team detailed its findings in the journal Environmental International. Mekonnen authored the study with the late Arjen Hoekstra, formerly of the University of Twente, along with Nebraska’s Christopher Neale, professor of biological systems engineering and director of research at the Water for Food Global Institute; Chittaranjan Ray, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Nebraska Water Center; and Galen Erickson, Nebraska Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science.



A Calf’s Most Important Meal: Colostrum
Mary Drewnoski - Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist
Haley Linder - MS Student
Halden Clark - Health Stewardship Veterinarian

Colostrum is the "first milk" produced after calving. It has a different composition than milk as it has an important role in being the first meal a calf receives. Colostrum is more nutrient dense than milk and contains antibodies essential for calf health. 

During pregnancy, certain molecules important to immune system defense called antibodies, are not passed from dam to calf. When calves are born, they have inactive immune systems and therefore, need protection against potential diseases until their own immune systems mature. Colostrum provides just that as it contains antibodies called immunoglobins. Immunoglobins have important roles in the immune system recognizing and destroying pathogens. Bovine colostrum contains 3 types of Immunoglobin – A, G, and M. However, IgG is over 85% of the total immunoglobin concentration in colostrum. However, the calf's gut can only absorb IgG in the first 24 hours of life. The earlier that calves receive colostrum the better though as the gut's absorptive ability slowly decreases over those first 24 hours. Really consumption within the first 4 to 6 hours is best.   Failure to receive an adequate amount of IgG results in failure of passive transfer of immunity. Calves with failure of passive transfer are more likely to get sick.

Research done at USMARC in Clay Center, NE found that calves with inadequate blood serum IgG concentrations 24 hours postpartum were more likely to experience preweaning sickness or death. In fact, calves with inadequate IgG concentrations had 5.4 times greater risk of death during the preweaning period than calves who had adequate IgG concentrations. Additionally, failure of passive transfer can impact cattle performance. Sickness during the first 28 days of life was associated with a 35-pound lower expected weaning weight.

Healthy newborn calves typically consume enough colostrum for passive transfer of immunity. Still, there maybe cases in which producers should hand feed colostrum to ensure the calf receives this important first meal. If the calf appears to be too weak to stand or experienced a difficult birth, this might affect their ability to suckle. Additionally, if the calf has been abandoned or the dam refused to let the calf suckle, colostrum should be hand fed.

Feeding colostrum from the dam is the best option followed by another cow in the herd. If collecting colostrum is not an option, it is important to understand the difference between colostrum replacer and a colostrum supplement. A colostrum replacer will contain more than 100 g of IgG per dose as well as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals needed in the calf's first meal. It is meant to fully replace colostrum. On the other hand, colostrum supplements are meant to supplement low quality colostrum.

They usually have 40-60 IgG per dose and do not contain those additional nutrients. There is a price difference between the two but only colostrum replacer can completely replace maternal colostrum. Calves should receive 5% of their body weight in colostrum, typically 2 quarts. Producers should aim to feed colostrum within 4-6 hours of birth as this is when the calf's gut can absorb the most IgG.

Before handfeeding colostrum, warm a wet or cold calf up first. While one may think that feeding a warm meal may help raise body temperature, the calf's gut is not as motile if they are cold. This can negatively affect how they absorb the nutrients and immunoglobins in colostrum.

Colostrum is crucial to getting calves off to a great start in life. Receiving this first meal within the first 4 to 6 hours can help to keep calves healthy before their immune systems mature. Consult with your herd veterinarian for further information about your calves' health.



Ricketts Proclaims “FFA Week” in Nebraska

This morning, Governor Pete Ricketts hosted members of the Nebraska FFA Association for a proclamation signing ceremony declaring “FFA Week” in Nebraska.  FFA started in 1928.  Its mission is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”  FFA Week is celebrated nationally February 22-29, 2020.

“FFA is preparing the next generation for leadership in our state’s number-one industry,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “FFA students learn by doing and grow by serving.  Through hands-on involvement in agriculture and related fields, they’re gaining valuable skills and insights that will benefit them throughout their careers.”

The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth state group chartered by the National FFA Organization.  Nebraska currently has nearly 10,000 FFA members in 189 chapters.  Throughout the years, State agencies have partnered with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.

“FFA Week celebrates the initiative and accomplishments of FFA members,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman.  “FFA is equipping students with the leadership skills and agricultural education to grow their communities and our state’s economy.”



NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the month of February 2020, topsoil moisture supplies rated 3 percent very short, 11 short, 79 adequate, and 7 surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 8 short, 83 adequate, and 8 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 26 fair, 65 good, and 4 excellent.

The next monthly report (for March) will be issued March 30, 2020. Weekly reports will begin April 6th for the 2020 season.



More farmers convert to organic in 2019, beating previous forecast

U.S. farmers harvested nearly 3.3 million acres of certified organic field crops in 2019, driven by 14% more organic field crop operations, according to Mercaris, the market data service and online trading platform for organic, non-GMO and certified agricultural commodities.

The numbers reported in Mercaris’ Final 2019 Acreage Report show that the number of growers converting land to organic production escalated significantly over 2019, adding to the U.S. organic harvest and offsetting the impact of a rainy growing season.

Furthermore, the report shows the importance of understanding regional variations that drive the overall growth of certified organic production.

According to the report, released today, final numbers beat previous estimates for every region of the U.S.  Highlights Include:
-      1.1 million acres of organic hay and alfalfa were harvested over 2019, up 8% y/y with 11% more certified organic operations.
-      13% more certified organic operations harvested organic corn over 2019, offsetting a significant decline in the number of acres harvested per operation.
-      Certified organic operations harvesting organic soybean reached 2,835, up 11% y/y.
-      Harvested organic wheat acres, mostly driven by expansion in the High Plains region, grew 16% y/y.

“2019 was a tough year for agriculture overall, with a number of macroeconomic and weather/climate-related events adding to the uncertainty,” said Kellee James, CEO of Mercaris. “Because of this, it’s more important than ever to track and understand key production statistics for organic agriculture, a sector that continues to show strong growth.”

According to the report, there were 99,442 organic acres harvested in Nebraska in 2019, and the total organic acres harvested in Iowa last year was 140,813. 

“Despite what can be fairly described as the most difficult growing season in more than a decade, 2019 was a remarkable year for organic production,” said Ryan Koory, Director of Economics at Mercaris.  “While growth in the organic industry was anticipated, the 14% y/y expansion in certified organic field crop operations well exceeded expectations. Overall acreage expansion did prove to be limited by weather throughout the growing season. That said, the addition of new organic growers suggests that 2020 could see organic production reach new record highs.”

Mercaris is currently the only organization publishing regional and national data on organic acreage in the United States.



USDA Cold Storage January 2020 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on January 31, 2020 were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 8 percent from the previous month and up 11 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 6 percent from last month and up 32 percent from last year.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on January 31, 2020 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from January 31, 2019.  Butter stocks were up 28 percent from last month and up 15 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen poultry supplies on January 31, 2020 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 12 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 30 percent from last month but down 23 percent from January 31, 2019.

Total frozen fruit stocks on January 31, 2020 were down 10 percent from last month and down 10 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 7 percent from last month and down slightly from a year ago.



Dairy Beef Short Course to Focus on Carcasses and Animal Health

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for March 24, as part of the pre-educational events for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in rooms 8, 9 and 10.

“The focus of this year’s program is dairy beef carcasses at the farm, processor and consumer end, along with targeting health considerations for maximum performance,” said Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy specialist Fred M. Hall.

This year’s presenters include Ty E. Lawrence from West Texas A&M University; Kevin Hueser, senior vice president of beef margin management with Tyson; Bill Munns, head of sales and supply chain with JBS USA; Russ Daly, extension veterinarian and professor in the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department at South Dakota State University; and Jan Shearer, professor and extension dairy veterinarian at Iowa State University.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. with Lawrence presenting “Finishing Dairy Cattle for Beef: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” Afterward, Munns will lead a discussion of the commercial science behind purebred Holstein beef, followed by Hueser, speaking on dairy cross opportunities in the plant.

Lunch will be provided at 12:30 p.m., followed by Daly outlining health consideration for dairy beef cattle during the feeding period. Shearer is the final presenter for the day and will share information on feedlot cattle lameness and economic impacts. The program will conclude at 3 p.m.

A registration fee of $25 per person covers the short course, lunch and copy of the proceedings. Preregistration is requested by March 20 and limited to 130 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register at https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/2020-dairy-beef-short-course or on the I-29 Moo University website at https://dairy.unl.edu/i-29-moo-university. You also can register by mailing the registration fee to Tracey Erickson at 1910 West Kemp Ave., Watertown, SD 57201. Include your contact information and any dietary restrictions when mailing in your registration information.

If attendees also plan on going to the Central Plains Dairy Expo Welcome Reception, they should register for that ahead of time at https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration/.

The Dairy Beef Short Course, hosted by I-29 Moo University, is a collaboration of Iowa State University, South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, North Dakota State, and University of Nebraska Extension Services.

For more information, contact Hall by email at fredhall@iastate.edu or ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Beth Doran by email doranb@iastate.edu. Both can also be reached by phone at 712-737-4230.



CFTC to Hold Open Commission Meeting in Kansas City on March 31

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Heath P. Tarbert today officially announced the CFTC will hold an open commission meeting in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The meeting—which is the first to take place outside of Washington, D.C. since 1997—will be held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City at 2:00 p.m. (CDT).

“I often say that America’s farmers and ranchers are at the heart of our real economy, so when there’s an opportunity to get out of Washington to meet with end users, I’ll always take it,” said Chairman Tarbert. “My fellow Commissioners and I will be in nearby Overland Park, Kansas for the third annual Agricultural Commodity Futures Conference with Kansas State University on April 1st and 2nd, making this a perfect opportunity for the Commission to have an open meeting in the heartland.”

Matters that may be considered at the meeting include proposed amendments to bankruptcy rules (Part 190).

General Public Attendance Instructions: The meeting is open to the public, however advance notification is required. To attend, email your first and last name and affiliation to March31openmeeting@cftc.gov by close of business on March 20. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the meeting begins with a photo ID to undergo security screening. Walk-ins will not be allowed entry. Disabled persons requiring special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Susan Burns at 816-881-2572. 



USDA OUTLOOK FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY IN 2020
Shayle D. Shagam, Livestock Analyst, World Agricultural Outlook Board, USDA

Total red meat and poultry production in 2019 increased to a record 105.2 billion pounds, the fifth consecutive year of increase. Beef, pork, and broiler production increased in 2019; however, production of turkey and lamb was lower. For 2020, red meat and poultry production is forecast to increase over 3 percent to 108.8 billion driven by record production of beef, pork and broiler meat. Although turkey production is expected to increase for the first time in 3 years, it will remain below its recent peak.

With record beef and broiler meat production levels, cattle and broiler prices declined in 2019. Hog prices, on the other hand, increased despite higher production as strong packer demand, supported by increased slaughter capacity and export growth underpinned hog markets. After experiencing sharply lower prices in late 2017-18, turkey producers began cutting production. As turkey supplies were reduced in 2019, prices moved higher. For 2020, fed steer prices are forecast to remain fairly stable as production growth slows. Hog prices will increase despite relatively large gains in production as an increasing proportion of U.S. pork enters international markets. Broiler prices are expected to decline as the expected increase in production pressures prices. Turkey prices will average higher in 2020 as producers continue to balance supply and demand. Exports of all major meats are expected to increase in 2020.

Feed Prices will Remain Moderate and Economic Growth Will Support Demand
Feed prices during 2020 are likely to be slightly lower than 2019. Corn prices in the first part of 2020 are expected to be above a year ago reflecting a forecast 2019/20 crop year average of $3.85 per bushel. However, prices later in the year are expected be below 2019, reflecting a decline in the season average price to $3.60 per bushel for 2020/21. Soybean meal prices in the first part of 2020 will reflect a 2019/20 crop year average of $305 per ton and prices in the fourth quarter are expected to reflect a market year forecast of $310 for 2020/2021. Hay stocks on December 1, 2019 were 84.5 million tons, an improvement over both 2017 and 2018, but well below the 92-96-million-ton level of 2014-16. Although stock levels were higher in a number of major cattle producing states, stocks were lower in Oklahoma, Nebraska and in many Southeast states. In addition, the quality of the hay is reportedly variable.

Real U.S. GDP is expected to slow in 2020, increasing less than the 2-percent or better rates of the past 3 years. However, unemployment is forecast to remain low and consumer prices are forecast to only increase moderately relative to 2019; both these factors tend to be supportive for meat demand. Internationally, economic growth is forecast to be slower than last year. The U.S. dollar will likely strengthen slightly against key importers which could dampen prospects for exports. However recent trade agreements and imports from countries whose production has been affected by disease outbreaks are expected to be strongly supportive to meat exports.

Read the full report here, including the beef and pork breakout.... https://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2020/outlooks/Livestock_and_Poultry.pdf. 

The Grain and Oilseed outlook is here... https://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2020/outlooks/Grains_and_Oilseeds.pdf. 

The Dairy outlook is here... https://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2020/outlooks/Dairy.pdf. 



NFU Urges Public and Transparent Process for Any Future Trade Assistance

Amidst reports that recent trade deals may have a more gradual and modest impact on agricultural exports than initially thought, President Donald Trump today tweeted that “aid will be provided by the federal government” if necessary.

Though National Farmers Union (NFU) appreciates the administration’s ongoing support for farmers affected by trade disputes, the organization has been critical of its haphazard approach to development and implementation. In a letter sent today to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, NFU President Roger Johnson urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to follow a “public and transparent process.”

Echoing earlier sentiments, Johnson expressed concerns about the complete exclusion of Congress from trade assistance decision making during both rounds of the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), particularly considering the significant sums of money involved. “When the first iteration of MFP was announced in the summer of 2018 . . . the USDA did not seek input from the legislative branch and spent approximately $10 billion over the course of six months,” Johnson wrote. This “opaque process” drew widespread criticism, potentially undermining support for future farm bills and agricultural spending.

The first two rounds of MFP were marked not only by the absence of collaboration but also inadequate review and an absence of long-term solutions. “MFP was used as a quick fix, spent $14.5 billion in a matter of months, and did not tackle larger problems in the farm safety net,” said Johnson, adding that the implementation was “rushed” and “seemingly spurred by a similar presidential tweet.”

To ensure that any additional trade assistance is a “sound investment” and “does not erode the underpinnings of future farm policy,” Johnson compelled USDA to work closely with Congress on any future trade assistance packages. “Our members appreciate the much-needed help MFP provided in the last two years, but also know that this program must do better,” the letter reads. “I strongly suggest that USDA work with the House and Senate agriculture committees to convene a joint hearing to receive public comments, explore the present challenges with our export markets, and to consider sound policies for distributing financial assistance.”



NCBA CEO Colin Woodall Speaks At U.S. Chamber Event On Modernizing NEPA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall today spoke at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the Unlock American Investment Coalition about the need to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This event was held ahead of the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) second hearing tomorrow in Washington D.C. on proposed updates to NEPA.

“NEPA in its current form has become a costly and time-consuming burden for ranchers, with some ranch families facing grazing permit delays as long as 30 years,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall, who spoke at today’s press conference event in Washington. “I want to thank President Trump and his team at CEQ for listening to rural America and bringing common sense back to an outdated law. These proposed changes are welcome news for thousands of ranchers and farmers whose livelihoods depend on NEPA reviews.”

Led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Unlock American Investment Coalition is made up of 45 organizations representing a diverse cross section of the American economy who who are all in favor of updating NEPA – a law that was first enacted 50 years ago and has not been substantively amended in nearly four decades. Over time, NEPA evolved from a useful tool to a complex web of onerous processes and bureaucratic red tape. In fact, according to a 2018 report from CEQ, it took the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service an average of 4.5 years to complete an Environmental Impact Statement. This is just too long for ranchers who rely on NEPA reviews for renewals of a term grazing permits, construction of range improvements, or to become eligible for participation in USDA programs. Submit your comments on NEPA reforms by March 10th by visiting policy.ncba.org.