Friday April 17 Ag News

Project compares yields from three irrigation prescription methods in Nebraska and Wyoming
Naisargi Dave, Research Associate

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at UNL and The Climate Corporation recently completed their second year of an irrigation scheduling project that started in spring 2018. The project’s goal to better understand the field level application of evapotranspiration (ET) research. Understanding plant ET can help farmers know how much and when to irrigate, to make best use of our water resources.

Despite a rainy spring year, we provided irrigation recommendations for 11 center pivot irrigated corn fields on a weekly basis, maintaining communication directly with the growers. Each field was divided into three sections, with irrigation prescriptions divided three ways:
-    ½ based on regular grower management
-    ¼ determined by The Climate Corporation's proprietary software
-    ¼ by DWFI researchers using weather data, satellite thermal imagery, past irrigation data, soil mapping, soil water monitoring and SETMI (Spatial Evapotranspiration Modeling Interface)

While we have yet to receive all yield data from growers, a quick summary of irrigation amounts shows that we have very high variation between the fields. The smallest total application was 2.8 inches for a field while the largest was 11.3 inches for another field. This variation is primarily due to field geographic locations and varying rainfall. Some hail events also forced us to drop two fields from the study.

During this project, we learned a lot about the farming trends, farmers’ irrigation decisions and field technology used by farmers. Some key lessons we’ve come away with are:

-    It is important to learn about farm technology like pivot mechanics, well capacity, etc. Often we saw that after generating water demand using models, we were limited by how much water the pivot can actually apply within one week. For X amount of water, some pivots need 20 hours to finish a circle while some need up to 30 hours. Thus, it is very important to adjust modeled numbers for realistic field level implementation.

-    Limitations to our recommendations included fertilizer applications, electricity costs and unprecedented rainfall. Farmers were always willing to comply, unless they were limited by one of the factors mentioned above. Fertilizer applications are generally flat rate. Power companies offer a large amount of electricity cost reduction if farmers allow maximum load control. When a grower wishes to allow load control, power companies can control their pivots and shut them off during whatever number of days per week the grower enrolled for. Growers do not change this schedule for any reason, since there is a great trust already built and there is an immediate economic benefit involved.

-    Grower decision making on irrigation was the most important lesson involved in implementing an irrigation schedule. There is a multitude of factors involved in deciding when to run a pivot and how much water to apply. Is the pivot on load control for next two days? Will it rain or not? What if the heat index increases in the two days of load control? All growers were very informed on the soil structure and water holding capacity. However, most of their decisions are based on rainfall events and temperature. Two to three days a week, they were typically on load control. If rainfall is in forecast, they would wait it out. Athe same time, almost all growers use rain buckets to account for local precipitation events, which are missed by weather stations and models.

There were some late harvests as a result of flooding early in the spring and late plantings. We will now be collecting yield data from growers, and making biomass maps to estimate the results. These will be compared with irrigation data to further explore the three irrigation prescription methods and determine next steps for the project in the United States.



Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with end-of-season tree sales

In Nebraska, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The 148th Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated Friday, April 24th.

Since Nebraska is the birth state of Arbor Day, it’s only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year.  The LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase next Friday in celebration of Arbor Day, at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the LENRD Tree Distribution Center (approximately 2 miles north of Stanton).

The Center will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Arbor Day.  Seedlings must be purchased in bundles of 25 for $22 plus tax.  Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’ll be cleaning out the cooler on Arbor Day, quantities are limited, but there’s still enough variety if you’re looking for trees or shrubs to fill in your windbreak.  Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ll be using a drive thru lane for tree purchase and pickup at the distribution center at Maskenthine.”  Stewart added, “Plant a tree to protect your property and the future.  Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor for future generations.”

Contact the LENRD office if you have questions about the trees or if you need further assistance.

Senior Scholarships now available
This year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating High School Seniors within the district.  These scholarships are available for students who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.  Seniors who are interested should contact their guidance counselor or the Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk for further information, eligibility requirements, and applications.  Scholarship information has been sent to all schools within the district boundaries and is also available here... http://www.lenrd.org/s/Senior-ScholarshipCRITERIA2020.pdf.  The deadline for all scholarship applications has been extended to Friday, May 22, 2020.



Grain Handling, Management Webinar Set for April 22

Producers will have an opportunity to learn more about grain handling and storage during a webinar April 22 at 9 a.m. CDT.

"This webinar brings a group of six experts in grain postharvest from industry and land-grant universities in the north-central and southern regions of the U.S. to directly address questions and discuss solutions that may arise related to grain handling and storage on-farm or at the elevator," says Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension agricultural engineer and grain handling expert.

The panel style format will be moderated by three experts and topics will focus on:
- Grain conditioning (drying grain stored wet through the winter, condensation management, etc.)
- Stored grain management (temperature management, monitoring methods and tools, etc.)
- Handling (issues with jammed discharge wells, preventing blockage during unloading, etc.)
- Safety (safe practices during unloading, how to assess situations and mitigate dangers, etc.)

The panelists are:
- Hellevang, who also is a professor and interim chair of NDSU's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- Carol Jones, professor and Buchanan endowed chair at Oklahoma State University
- Dirk Maier, professor and Extension engineer at Iowa State University
- Chuck Schwab, professor and Extension safety specialist at Iowa State University
- Sammy Sadaka, associate professor and Extension engineer at the University of Arkansas
- Bob Marlow, a consultant in grain quality and facility operations from Walton, Ind.

The moderators are:
- Klein Ileleji, professor and Extension engineer at Purdue University
- Sam McNeill, Extension professor at the University of Kentucky
- Janie Moore, assistant professor in postharvest engineering education at Texas A&M University

Visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5916473574663392781 to register for the webinar.

For more information, contact Hellevang at 701-231-7243 or kenneth.hellevang@ndsu.edu.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks Congressional Leaders to Boost Funding, Provide Clarity for Paycheck Protection Program

Nebraska Farm Bureau is asking leaders in the U.S. House and Senate to push partisanship to the side and move quickly to boost funding for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Funding for the forgivable loan program ran out this week, a mere 48 hours after the administration provided rules on program participation for sole proprietors, including farmers and ranchers.

In an April 17 letter addressed to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson asked for additional funding, as well as a number of clarifications be included in legislation so farm and ranch businesses could better utilize the program.

“It is imperative Congress respond quickly on this matter to help preserve our nation’s struggling economy,” said Nelson.

Among the clarifications Nelson requested are changes to the Small Business Administration’s final rule for sole proprietors that link PPP eligibility to IRS Schedule C rather than Schedule F or other forms regularly filed by farmers and ranchers.

“We’ve asked Congress to ensure that sole proprietors who file a Schedule F are clearly eligible to participate in the PPP program,” said Nelson. “In addition, we asked that profits from farm equipment trades that are reported on Form 4797 be include in the calculation of income for loan purposes.”

Nebraska Farm Bureau also asked that rental payments farmers and ranchers make on a variety of business-related items including equipment, land, and other items be an eligible expense in the program.

“The economic and health challenges facing our great country require courage and action. I know farmers and ranchers are up to the task of continuing to produce the food, fuel, and fiber for our nation and the world, but it’s critical Congress act quickly to pass legislation to provide funding and clarity for this vital COVID-19 relief measure,” said Nelson.



Lincoln Premium Poultry Announces Two Additional Cases of COVID-19

Lincoln Premium Poultry announced their second and third cases of COVID-19 today.

“These two employees worked on day shift in the 2nd processing part of our facility and worked night shift in the 2nd processing part of our facility. Once we learned these team members were demonstrating symptoms, we advocated for testing and also removed additional employees known to be in close contact with these individuals” said Jessica Kolterman, Director of Corporate and External Affairs. “All employees are self-isolating at home with pay.”

This brings the total number of confirmed cases at the company to three.  Later today, Lincoln Premium Poultry will be hosting UNMC and Three Rivers Health Department officials at their facility with the hope of receiving additional guidance on further mitigation efforts they can implement.  The company had previously limited visitors to the facility, stopped food service and installed dividers on tables, implemented nightly intense cleaning interventions, is taking the temperature of all entering their facilities and has provided masks to their workforce.  They have also provided a $2/hour increase to all hourly workers, which began in March.  This virus is not foodborne and cannot be transmitted through food or potable water.

“We knew that as additional testing became available we would have additional confirmed cases.  We feel fortunate that with this illness being in our communities since the beginning of the year, we have not had more cases. We have been working tirelessly to advocate for our team members who become ill to receive testing and have been in constant contact with the health department and other public health officials since mid-February,” said Kolterman. 

“We have appreciated the proactive approach of Lincoln Premium Poultry and the interventions they implemented early on.  We look forward to continued communication and to working with them on additional measures to protect essential workers who are critical to our food system,” said Terra Uhing, Executive Director of Three Rivers Health.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our team members.  We continue to be grateful for the work they are doing to provide food to families across the country during this difficult time,” said Kolterman. 



IPPA Donates Pork to Food Banks as Need Surges

Current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and related business closures have left many Iowa workers jobless, and food banks in the state are scrambling to keep up with a surge in demand. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and its county organizations are stepping up to help food banks replenish their supply of protein.

"In this time of need, this is just one way that pork producers can give back and help others," said Trish Cook, an IPPA board member and a pig farmer from Winthrop, in Buchanan County. "Caring for our communities is one of our ethical principles."

Most recently, IPPA is donating 8,500 pounds of ground pork, to be distributed equally among five food banks serving Iowans. Each location will receive 1,700 pounds, packaged in one-pound quantities, that will be part of cold-storage boxes the food banks send to pantries within their service areas.

The first pork delivery was this morning at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo.
 
Recipients of the pork are:
-    Food Bank for the Heartland, Omaha, Neb., serving 93 counties in Nebraska and western Iowa.
-    Food Bank of Siouxland, Sioux City, serving eight counties in northwest Iowa and three counties in Nebraska.
-    Food Bank of Iowa, Des Moines, which serves 55 central and southeastern Iowa counties, stretching from Missouri to Minnesota.
-    Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Hiawatha, serving six counties in eastern Iowa.
-    Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Waterloo, serving 16 Iowa counties.

Food banks across the state have adjusted their operations to respond to the growing need, while adhering to Gov. Kim Reynolds' social-distancing orders. According to Barb Prather, executive director at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, most of its pantries remain open, though many have transitioned to curbside, drive-through distribution. That means clients remain in their vehicles, while staff or volunteers load up the food.

Prather noted the food bank has seen about a 20 percent increase in the number of people served throughout its regional system.

"We are up against what could be the most people ever needing access to food," Prather said. "Fortunately, we are able to accept a lot of frozen items and put freezer boxes together for the clients we serve. To add ground pork is just another bonus for them."

Along with these efforts, last month IPPA partnered with the Illinois Pork Producers Association to donate $8,000 worth of ground pork to the River Bend Foodbank in Davenport, which serves both Illinois and eastern Iowa residents. Each state organization contributed $4,000.

IPPA also has been working with its county pork producer groups to provide nearly 8,000 pork snack sticks for grab-and-go meals that schools are offering to local families. In addition, IPPA and counties have teamed up to give coupons to food banks that clients can redeem for fresh pork products at Iowa retailers. Pork coupons and snack sticks have also been presented as thank-you gestures to health care and emergency workers who are on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 virus.




IPPA Cites Need of Packer Operations for Food Supply Chain

"This country's food supply chain is complex. It is vital to maintain this supply chain, especially those portions that operate in Iowa in order to provide food to Americans."

"The health of plant workers is very important, as is the health of other essential frontline workers in the food industry, such as those at grocery stores and warehouses. We need to both protect this work force and keep feeding our state and country.

"The Iowa Pork Producers Association has confidence that our food supply chain partners are up to the challenge of prioritizing worker safety while maintaining plant operations. The Tyson plant in Waterloo is critical to the work of many family pork producers. Closing it will create significant hardship for rural Northeast Iowa farmers, and that hardship will spread to farmers in other parts of the state and all the related businesses that keep them operational."

Statement of Support for Plants from the National Pork Producers Council
 "COVID-related plant disruptions have reduced harvest capacity and caused a back-up of hogs on our farms," said Neil Dierks, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council.
"As a result, hog values have plunged, creating a financial crisis across the pork production sector and creating an animal welfare challenge for pig farmers.

"We recognize worker safety is paramount, but it's imperative that we maintain and increase harvest capacity for hogs. We have asked for assistance for producers, but we are faced with a dire situation today. We recognize the role the entire pork chain plays in supplying consumers with safe, nutritious pork products."



Pork Retail Sales Strong Through March; Foodservice Outlook Remains Bleak
National Pork Board

Pork sales at retail stores were strong March 9 through April 5 as consumers prepared more meals at home due to limited foodservice accessibility and offerings.
-    Total meat sales are up 38% compared to a year ago; fresh pork sales are up 49%.
-    Pork has increased market share vs. competing proteins.
-    Sales of smoked ham/pork are up 245%.
-    Sausage and bacon sales increased 47% from last year.

Technomic projects the near shutdown of foodservice reduced consumer spending on dining out in March by as much as 60%. Two-thirds of bacon typically goes to foodservice. Although bacon sales in retail are up, re-packaging and distribution is a challenge.

Pork Industry Helping Communities During COVID-19
While pig farmers are working hard to keep their families and employees healthy, they are also supporting their communities. To date, pig farmers, food companies and state pork associations have donated over 56 million servings of protein and $4 million to help feed their neighbors. There also are numerous examples of personal protective equipment donations for frontline healthcare workers. 



RFA to EPA: Oily Waiver Request Deserves Speedy Rejection

The oil refining industry’s latest attempt to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard should be rejected immediately, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper stated in a letter today to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The RFA letter, which responds to RFS waiver requests from five oil state governors, reminds EPA that a waiver may only be granted if petitioners can show that “economic harm” is “severe” in nature and is a direct result of the RFS, not some other factor.

“We are skeptical the letters you received even rise to the level of a petition that would necessitate the opening of a docket and solicitation of public comment,” Cooper wrote. “They fail miserably to make any defensible demonstration that the RFS itself is the sole source of ‘severe economic harm’ in their states.”

Cooper noted that the same harms cited by the oil-state governors have also been experienced by ethanol producers across rural America in the last six weeks, resulting in a 45 percent reduction in demand, a 47 percent drop in production, lost jobs, and economic instability across the Midwest. “The oil state request to waive the RFS is nothing more than a cynical gambit to capitalize on the public health tragedy of COVID-19. It’s a veiled attempt to achieve the refining sector’s long-standing goal of undermining the success of renewable fuels and protecting their chokehold on the nation’s fuel market.”
 
There is simply no reason to abandon the RFS, the nation’s most successful effort to promote clean-burning, homegrown, low-cost renewable fuels, Cooper concluded. Further destroying renewable fuel demand by vacating RFS requirements would unnecessarily, callously, and illegally exacerbate the economic harm already being inflicted on farmers and ethanol producers.

The letter concluded by stating, “EPA must abide by the statute. It must require any party seeking a general waiver to provide data and concrete evidence demonstrating that: 1) the RFS itself is the cause of economic harm to a state (i.e., not to individual refiners); 2) that the harm is ‘severe’ in nature; and 3) that a waiver would redress the harm. The letters sent to you by these five governors fail to satisfy any of those requirements and should not be considered ‘petitions.’ The Agency should immediately reject this cynical effort by oil refiners to capitalize on our nation’s current public health and economic challenge.”



Land O'Lakes Changes Logo

(AP) -- The Native American woman who has graced the packaging of Land O'Lakes butter, cheese and other products since the late 1920s has quietly disappeared.

Known as Mia, the woman was shown sitting in a serene landscape of lakes and woods. That landscape remains on the Minnesota cooperative's packaging, but Mia is no where to be found.

On some packaging she is replaced by photos of Land O'Lakes member farmers.

President and CEO Beth Ford said that as the cooperative, founded in 1921, looks toward its 100th anniversary it needed packaging that reflects the foundation and heart of the company's culture.

"As a farmer-owned co-op, we strongly feel the need to better connect the men and women who grow our food with those who consume it," Ford said in a statement.

The woman's image has been as modified over the years.

Ojibwe artist Patrick DesJarlait remade Mia in the mid-1950s. DesJarlait's work is included in the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul.

"I have mixed feelings about it," said Robert DesJarlait, Patrick's son and an artist and writer, told the Star Tribune from his home in Onamia, Minnesota. "I'm sad to see it go, but I can understand why it's gone. We live in a politically correct time, so maybe it was time to get rid of it. It certainly devolved into a stereotype."

Land O'Lakes, which is headquartered in Arden Hills, posted $14 billion in sales in 2019.