Thursday February 13 Ag News

Fischer, Fortenberry Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expedite Disaster Recovery

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) today introduced bicameral legislation which would help speed up disaster recovery and infrastructure repairs by creating opportunities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to cooperate with local sponsors.

“Nebraska has made progress recovering from last year’s devastating floods, but some districts are still waiting for permanent repairs to their levee projects. I am proud to introduce this bill, which I am working to have included in water resources legislation. It will enable local sponsors to assist with flood-control infrastructure repairs, making rehabilitation more efficient and saving communities time and money on their road to recovery,” said Senator Fischer.

“A year ago this coming March, Nebraska experienced a devastating 500-year-flood event. Nebraskans responded with characteristic care and resilience.  The RELIEF Act makes water infrastructure repairs in the wake of such disasters more cost-efficient and timelier. If passed, this legislation would allow a number of local sponsors, such as natural resources districts, to swiftly make Corps-approved repairs in order to free up federal resources for those areas of a disaster that require federal assistance,” said Representative Fortenberry.

More information:
The legislation would shorten the timeframe between disaster and repair/recovery by allowing non-federal sponsors to carry out repair work under the Emergency Rehabilitation Program and seek reimbursement from USACE.

Given the magnitude of damages incurred along the Lower Missouri River in 2019 and the resource constraints of USACE, there are still several Nebraska districts waiting for permanent repairs to their levee projects as they head into this year’s spring flood season. A number of local sponsors would be able to react faster and more efficiently than the USACE currently can, freeing up more federal resources for disaster areas that need additional federal assistance.



Beef Feedlot Roundtable: Sign Up By Feb 14

Beef feedlot managers, owners, employees, and allied industries will learn new information related to feedlot nutrition and health at Nebraska Extension’s 2020 Beef Feedlot Roundtables Feb. 18-20 in Bridgeport, Lexington and West Point.

University and industry representatives will speak about improving the safety and health of employees, open pen management and repair and beef sustainability.

Employee safety is always a priority and various resources will be provided to address that issue. With recent weather challenges, discussions will center around pen maintenance options such as roller compacted concrete and the use of fly ash.

New research pertaining to beef sustainability and the beef industry as a whole will be shared. A Nebraska research update from Nebraska Feedlot Extension Specialist Galen Erickson will conclude the program. Topics from the 2020 beef report include water, shade, implants and more.

Pre-register online at https://go.unl.edu/2020roundtable by Feb. 14. Cost is $20 for those who preregister and $30 for those who have not preregistered. Payment for both will be collected at the door.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. at each location with welcome and introduction at 1 p.m. Roundtables will conclude at 4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at the meeting.

Exact dates and locations are as follows:
    BRIDGEPORT: Feb. 18, Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N Main St.
    LEXINGTON: Feb. 19, Dawson County Extension Office, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway
    WEST POINT: Feb. 20, Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave.

For more information or to request a registration form, contact Galen Erickson at 402-472-6402 or gerickson4@unl.edu.  You can also call the Cuming County Extension Office at 402-372-6006. 

2020 Beef Feedlot Roundtables are sponsored by Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Beef Council.



Cattlemen Webinar Series: Making the Best Use of Current Genetic Selection Tools
February 27, 2020 - 7 p.m. Central

Bull buying time is here for many producers and cattle selection tools and resources are constantly evolving. Join the Cattlemen’s Webinar Series as genetic selection experts Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD (UC Davis) and Matt Spangler, PhD (U of Nebraska) provide an overview of how best to understand changes in genetic evaluations and new or updated indexes from the major breed associations. The team will also evaluate and respond to results from a recent BEEF magazine producer survey on genetic selection.

Meet the Speakers

Matt Spangler, Ph.D. - Associate Professor, of Animal Science and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist
Matt Spangler grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Kansas. He received degrees from Kansas State University (BS; 2001), Iowa State University (MS; 2003), and the University of Georgia (PhD; 2006) and is currently an Associate Professor and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Nebraska. He works as part of a team with colleagues at UNL and US MARC to improve genetic/genomic selection tools and methods and is currently part of an effort funded by the USDA to develop genomic predictors for feed efficiency in beef cattle.
 
Alison Van Eenennaam, Ph.D. - Cooperative Extension Specialist, University of California-Davis
Alison Van Eenennaam is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the field of Animal Genomics and Biotechnology in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis.  She received a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne, and both an MS and a PhD in Genetics from UC Davis. A passionate advocate of science, Dr. Van Eenennaam has given over 650 invited presentations to audiences globally, and was the recipient of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) 2014 Borlaug Communication Award, and American Society of Animal Science 2019 Rockefeller Prentice Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics.

Register here:  https://www.ncba.org/cattlemenswebinarseries.aspx. 



Central Plains Dairy Expo features cutting edge technologies and services

The Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE), March 25-26, in Sioux Falls, S.D., showcases 300-plus exhibitors and their latest innovations, informative breakout sessions and a free concert – featuring Joe Nichols – on March 24. The Welcome Reception starts at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m.  Plus, the 2020 CPDE includes a mobile app and new registration system. Download the app so you don’t miss events and exciting offers available at CPDE. This year’s online registration simplifies and speeds up the registration process at the event. Simply register online at: https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration. CPDE is still a free trade show, but registration is required. You may register prior to arriving in Sioux Falls or on site at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

In conjunction with the Tuesday evening welcome reception, get in on the action and fun of the annual Central Plains Dairy Foundation Auction. Donated items include a life-size fiberglass cow, cowture jewelry, hunting and fishing packages, dairy equipment, feed testing services, milking supplies, coolers, art prints, consumer electronics, bovine genetics and gender-sorted semen. Auction proceeds support dairy scholarships, workforce grants and community diversity programs in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In addition to the free concert and trade show, CPDE offers several other free items and events, including 33 educational breakout sessions, with five presented in Spanish. CPDE visitors may also enjoy free doughnuts, grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream novelties. And, you won’t want to miss the free Pancake Breakfast on March 24, 8-10:30 a.m.

Starting at 7 a.m. on March 25, attend the inspirational prayer breakfast – featuring Erin Mosley, a dairy nutritionist and mother. Erin and her husband, Sam, have four children – Louisa, Eleanor, Walter and Beatrice. In September of 2016, their lives were forever changed – after a traffic accident ultimately took the lives of their two oldest daughters. Erin will share her grief journey and the testing of her faith when God’s answer to her prayers was “no.” Prayer breakfast tickets cost $30 and may be purchased online at: centralplainsdairy.com/prayer-breakfast. A limited number of tickets may be purchased at the door.

“We encourage dairy producers, calf and heifer growers, beef feedlot, farm and ranch employees, and other agricultural professionals to attend this year’s Central Plains Dairy Expo,” said Olga Reuvekamp, Central Plains Dairy Association president, Elkton, S.D., with Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership and Hilltop Dairy. “CPDE is where Central Plains dairy enthusiasts gather to network, learn and foster relationships to build and sustain a strong dairy industry.”

For more information about CPDE, visit www.centralplainsdairy.com.



Feb. 20 Webinar Probes Weather, Climate Issues Facing Growers

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is partnering to offer a free webinar called “Dealing with the Changing Climate in Agriculture: Issues in 2020 and Beyond.” The session will air Feb. 20 from noon to 1 p.m.

The webinar will discuss issues leading into the 2020 growing season and put that information into a larger context of what is happening with Midwest weather and climate long-term.

“Those who participate in the webinar will have an understanding of the current climate and weather issues and discover where to find resources to help with decision-making,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to have Dennis Todey, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Midwest Climate Hub, leading the discussion.”

Todey is a native Iowan who holds a doctorate in meteorology and agricultural meteorology from Iowa State University, and his master’s degree from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He is well-known across the region as a speaker and media source on various climate issues and is the former president of the American Association of State Climatologists.

The webinar is free and open to the public thanks to sponsorship and coordination from the I-29 Moo University, which is a consortium of ISU Extension and Outreach, University of Minnesota Extension, Nebraska Extension, North Dakota State University Extension Service and South Dakota State University Extension dairy specialists.

To register for the webinar, visit https://form.jotform.com/4Hregion1/changing-climate-webinar or contact Fred Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.



Iowa Pork Regional Conferences Offer Health, Feed and Market Information

The annual series of Iowa Pork Regional Conferences has been a long-standing partnership of Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center. Their shared goal of bringing research and education to the field continues with this year's program, topics and speakers. There are five sessions, one each day Feb. 17-21, at different locations, all starting at 1 p.m.

Iowa State extension specialists will offer PQA Plus® training each morning from 9 a.m. to noon at that day’s regional conference site. These training sessions are sponsored by IPPA and are free for those who preregister; conference walk-in cost is $5 per person at the door. See the series brochure.

Dr. Locke Karriker, Director of Swine Medicine Education Center, will discuss “Best Practices for Ractopamine Elimination.” This month, all three of the largest pork processors in the U.S. will no longer buy pigs raised with ractopamine. While Smithfield made that decision several years ago, JBS and Tyson announced this past fall that they will implement February stop-buying dates. Karriker will talk about ways to eliminate that feed ingredient, while striving to increase carcass muscle mass and production efficiency.

IPIC associate director Dr. Chris Rademacher will present the latest on African Swine Fever. With more than 18 months of living with the knowledge that ASF is actively moving in pig populations in Asia, the U.S. pork industry has been making plans to act if the disease reaches the U.S. or even North America. Rademacher will provide a current update on the movement of the virus and the preparedness activities and planning for Iowa producers.

Dr. Lee Schulz, Iowa State extension livestock economist, will present “Production, Health, Trade and Tariffs."  He'll follow the discussion of the first two speakers and talk about how those topics will impact the markets, along with how current trade and tariff issues impact the prices you’ll see.

Dr. John Patience, Iowa State professor of animal science, will talk on "Mycotoxins: Impact of Multi-Toxin Contamination." The 2019 corn crop had to battle many weather challenges to make it through harvest. Those plant challenges also can be interpreted as pig performance challenges as Iowa pork producers should keep an eye on issues that a lower-quality corn crop may offer.

Dates and Locations
- Monday, Feb. 17 – Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, 603 W. Park St.
- Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Audubon, Recreation Center, 703 Southside Ave.
- Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Ames, Jeff & Deb Hansen Agriculture Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd.
- Thursday, Feb. 20 – Washington, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St.
- Friday, Feb. 21 – Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.

Preregistration deadline is two business days prior to the location's meeting date. Materials are guaranteed for all who are preregistered. To preregister for any location or for more information, contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at 800-372-7675 or croepke@iowapork.org. You also can preregister online at bit.ly/IPPA2020Regional.



New Documents Provide Ractopamine Information

Recently several U.S. processors announced their intention to process only pigs that are free of ractopamine. This has led to many questions about what it means to sell "ractopamine free pigs."

Locke Karriker and Chris Rademacher of Iowa State University's Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine department have developed an FAQ document to help answer those questions.

Ractopamine Free Pork and Implications for Use in Growing Pigs: Frequently Asked Questions at www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/RactopamineFAQ2020.pdf offers a summary of the relevant scientific data about ractopamine, and includes producer experiences and anecdotal information to guide producers adjusting to the new requirements. This document is intended for pork producers, swine exhibition participants, feed manufacturers and veterinarians. It will be updated as new questions arise.

Also, a new document from Jodi Sterle of Iowa State's animal science department is intended to incorporate available information into the decision-making process for management of market hog exhibitions, fairs and shows, by providing options for considerations.

Ractopamine (Paylean) Use in Show Pigs: Show Management Considerations for 2020 https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/RactopaminePigShowConsiderations2020.pdf offers information, options and explanations for organizers, exhibitors and others associated with swine shows. It cautions readers that every situation is unique, and each show, fair and exhibition must make the decision that works for their specific circumstances.

Ractopamine is an FDA-approved feed additive used to produce leaner pork.



USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to Keynote 2020 Commodity Classic

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2020 Commodity Classic held Feb. 27-29, 2020, in San Antonio, Tex. The General Session is scheduled for Friday morning, Feb. 28, at 9 a.m. at the Henry B. Gonzáles Convention Center.

Secretary Perdue came by his knowledge of agriculture early: He was born into a farming family in Bonaire, Georgia. From childhood, and through his life in business and elected office, Secretary Perdue has experienced the industry from every possible perspective. Uniquely qualified as a former farmer, agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator and governor of Georgia, he became the 31st United States Secretary of Agriculture April 25, 2017. 

Secretary Perdue has served as a board member for the National Grain & Feed Association and as president of both the Georgia Feed and Grain Association and the Southeastern Feed and Grain Association. Secretary Perdue has long-standing, close relationships with the leadership of the American Farm Bureau Federation and has been recognized by the Georgia 4-H and FFA programs, among others, for his leadership in agriculture.

During the General Session, the audience will also hear an inspiring presentation from Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman, a decorated fighter pilot and New York Times bestselling author.

The General Session will include comments from the leaders of the five associations that present Commodity Classic: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic. In addition to the General Session, Commodity Classic offers learning centers, “What’s New” sessions, mini “What’s New” sessions, “Early Riser” sessions and events at the Commodity Classic Main Stage on the trade show floor. Commodity Classic also features a huge trade show, entertainment and the opportunity to network with thousands of America’s farmers.

Detailed information on all educational sessions and the full Commodity Classic schedule are available at commodityclassic.com. Attendees may register for all three days or choose one-day registration. Registration is also available on site.



Cobb to lead CAB production team

Describing beef supply and demand as a bit of a chess match, Bruce Cobb says he’s learned the game through various roles in the past three decades.

Starting March 1, the Texas native will take on a new vantage point as executive vice president of production for Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB).

"I’ve been able to participate on both sides of the industry, demand development and then supply and I enjoy figuring out: how can we satisfy the consumer and the end user by what we’re doing on the production side?" he says. "Blending those two pieces is where the good stuff is."

Since 2005, Cobb has been at the helm of Consolidated Beef Producers, the country’s largest cattle marketing cooperative. He and his team traded 700,000 head of cattle annually across the West and Midwest.

"It’s clear we’re on the right track as it relates to quality. You can look at how consumers have responded just in the last four to five years and how the brand has grown," Cobb says. "The challenge will be how do we get at those intangibles? These producers care for the animals. They care for the environment and the land. They want to do what’s right."

But the "opportunity is still there" to communicate and capture the value in those facts, he says.

That’s just one of the challenges Cobb looks forward to in his new role. As executive vice president, he will oversee the brand’s supply development, producer communications and packing divisions, while serving as the voice of the producer to the greater company.
Premiums for the brand are built at the packing level, so cattlemen will also benefit from Cobb’s ability to help packers further identify sales opportunities.

"It was important to us that we found somebody so grounded in the production side that they had credibility with the cattlemen we serve, but also that they were able to see beyond the ranch gate to the way the whole beef community is interconnected," CAB President John Stika says. "That is what’s really exciting about Bruce and the experience he brings.

"In addition, I really think he’s going to fit really well into the culture at CAB, which has been a hallmark of our success," he says.

Cobb brings diverse perspectives, with experience ranging from the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo to Daymon Worldwide to the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Texas Beef Council.