Monday June 8 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending June 7, 2020, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 19% short, 76% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2% percent very short, 12% short, 83% adequate, and 3% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 0% very poor, 1% poor, 16% fair, 63% good, and 20% excellent. Corn emerged was 95%, ahead of 76% last year and 89% for the five-year average.

Soybean condition rated 1% very poor, 1% poor, 16% fair, 65% good, and 17% excellent. Soybeans emerged was 85%, well ahead of 50% last year, and ahead of 68% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 2% percent very poor, 10% poor, 22% fair, 59% good, and 7% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 67%, ahead of 62% last year, but behind 82% average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% percent very poor, 1% poor, 9% fair, 86% good, and 4% excellent. Sorghum planted was 93%, well ahead of 49% last year and 72% average. Headed was 1%.

Oats condition rated 0% percent very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 63% good, and 6% excellent. Oats emerged was 96%, ahead of 89% last year, but near 97% average. Headed was 37%, ahead of 21% last year, but behind 44% average.

Dry edible beans planted was 81%. Emerged was 49%.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 2% percent very poor, 4% poor, 17% fair, 69% good, and 8% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Drier weather allowed Iowa farmers 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 7, 2020, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Weather conditions were ideal for farmers to cut hay across much of the state.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 4% short, 85% adequate and 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0% very short, 3% short, 87% adequate and 10% surplus.

Corn planting was virtually complete with emergence at 97%, over 2 weeks ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition rated 85% good to excellent.

The soybean crop moved to 97% planted, 3 weeks ahead of last year and 12 days ahead of average. Emergence reached 87%, 10 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 82% good to excellent.

Oats headed progressed to 18%, 2 days ahead of last year but 5 days behind average. Oat condition rated 81% good to excellent.

Dry weather allowed over one-third of the first cutting of alfalfa hay to be completed during the week ending June 7, 2020, reaching 54 percent complete. Only southwest and south central Iowa producers were unable to complete at least one-third of the first cutting of alfalfa hay during the week. Hay condition rated 75% good to excellent.

Pasture condition improved to 70% good to excellent. There was little stress on livestock reported.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report:  Corn 97% Planted; Soybeans 86% Planted

Warmer, drier weather across much of the central U.S. the first week of June allowed farmers to push ahead with planting and also aided crop emergence, USDA NASS said in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

NASS estimated that 97% of the nation's intended corn crop was planted as of Sunday, June 8, a gain of 4 percentage points from the previous week's 93%. This year's current progress is 19 percentage points ahead of last year at the same time and 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 94%.  Eighty-nine percent of corn had emerged, 32 percentage points ahead of last year and 5 percentage points ahead of the average pace of 84%.  NASS estimated that 75% of the nation's corn crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition as of Sunday, up 1 percentage point from the previous week's 74% and 16 percentage points above 59% at the same time last year. The current good-to-excellent rating is the third highest for this time of year in the past 10 years.

Soybean planting also moved ahead significantly last week, gaining 11 percentage points to reach 86% complete as of Sunday. That put this year's current progress 32 percentage points ahead of last year's pace and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 79%. Soybean emergence was estimated at 67% as of Sunday, well ahead of last year's 30% and also ahead of the five-year average of 61%. NASS estimated national soybean crop condition at 72% good-to-excellent, up 2 percentage points from 70% the previous week.

Meanwhile, 85% of winter wheat was headed at the end of last week compared to 81% last year at the same time and a five-year average of 88%.  Winter wheat harvest moved ahead only 4 percentage points last week to reach 7% done as of Sunday, equal to the five-year average pace. After falling the previous week, winter wheat conditions held steady last week at 51% good to excellent. The current good-to-excellent rating is below last year's 64%.

Spring wheat planting also entered the homestretch last week with an estimated 97% of the crop planted as of Sunday, 1 percentage point ahead of last year and 2 percentage points behind the five-year average of 99%. Spring wheat emergence jumped to 81% last week, slightly ahead of last year's 80% but 10 percentage points behind the average of 91%. Spring wheat condition was estimated at 82% good to excellent, up 2 percentage points from 80% the previous week and the second-highest rating in the past 10 years.



EPA Offers Clarity to Farmers in Light of Recent Court Vacatur of Dicamba Registrations

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a key order providing farmers with needed clarity following the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ June 3, 2020 vacatur of three dicamba registrations. Today’s cancellation order outlines limited and specific circumstances under which existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time. EPA’s order will advance protection of public health and the environment by ensuring use of existing stocks follows important application procedures.

“At the height of the growing season, the Court’s decision has threatened the livelihood of our nation’s farmers and the global food supply,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Today’s cancellation and existing stocks order is consistent with EPA’s standard practice following registration invalidation, and is designed to advance compliance, ensure regulatory certainty, and to prevent the misuse of existing stocks.”

EPA’s order will mitigate some of the devastating economic consequences of the Court’s decision for growers, and particularly rural communities, at a time they are experiencing great stress due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Details of the Order
EPA’s order addresses sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products – XtendiMax with vapor grip technology, Engenia, and FeXapan.
-    Distribution or sale by any person is generally prohibited except for ensuring proper disposal or return to the registrant.
-    Growers and commercial applicators may use existing stocks that were in their possession on June 3, 2020, the effective date of the Court decision. Such use must be consistent with the product’s previously-approved label, and may not continue after July 31, 2020.

Background
On June 3, 2020, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order vacating EPA’s pesticide registrations containing the active ingredient dicamba: Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology (EPA Reg. No. 524-617); Engenia – (EPA Reg. No. 7969-345); and FeXapan – (EPA Reg. No. 352-913).

Dicamba is a valuable pest control tool that farmers nationwide planned to use during the 2020 growing season. Since the Court issued its opinion, the agency has been overwhelmed with letters and calls from farmers citing the devastation of this decision on the millions of acres of crops, millions of dollars already invested by farmers, and threat to America’s food supply.



 ARA Seeks Clarification from EPA on Court's Dicamba Decision's Impact on Ag Retailers

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is seeking clarification from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today after it announced guidance on the limited and specific circumstances under which existing stocks of the three vacated dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time.

“Today’s cancellation and existing stocks order is consistent with EPA’s standard practice following registration invalidation, and is designed to advance compliance, ensure regulatory certainty, and to prevent the misuse of existing stocks,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

"ARA is concerned with these details, as it appears inconsistent with EPA’s long-standing existing stocks practice following registration invalidation," said ARA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Counsel Richard Gupton.

"ARA is seeking clarification on the impact on agricultural retailers that do not provide commercial application services.

"The current order will create confusion, especially since it is being issued at the end of today with the June 3, 2020, cut-off date and after many individual states publicly authorized the continued sale and use of these products over the weekend and through today.

"This EPA announcement does not fully address the continued confusion being created by the Ninth Circuit Court decision."



Steve Nelson, NE Farm Bureau President, Thanking Gov. Ricketts, Director of Agriculture Wellman for Allowing Continued Dicamba Use

“On behalf of Nebraska Farm Bureau members from across the state, I want to publicly thank Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman for acting over the weekend to clarify that the Department of Agriculture would continue to allow the sale and utilization of dicamba products impacted by a recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling vacating the labels for these products. Dicamba is a widely used weed control product utilized by many Nebraska farmers, largely in the protection of soybean fields. The application of dicamba is highly regulated and the timing of such applications are restricted. To say the court’s action was ill-timed would be a major understatement given it was issued right in the middle of the growing season, during the window in which dicamba could be used by Nebraska farmers. The Department of Agriculture’s action to allow the continued sale and use of these products provides much needed relief to farmers until the legal uncertainties, including appeals to the decision and action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are clarified. The governor and director’s actions are not only welcomed, but consistent with similar actions in neighboring states.”



Ricketts Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced recent appointments he has made to fill Nebraska’s boards and commissions, including....

Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board
Michael K. Amen, Norfolk

Thank you to the many Nebraskans that generously give their time and talent to make a difference in our state.  These appointments will provide crucial insight and expertise to their respective boards, committees, and commissions.  To learn about openings and apply to serve on a board or commission, go to https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req.



Platte Valley Cattlmen Cancells Summer Tour, Golf Tournament is Aug 10
Brandon Groteluschen, Columbus, PVC President

Just a few updates for the summer. We held a directors meeting last week and it was decided with the Covid-19 going on, to postpone the tour until next year as we were planning on traveling this year.

We will be grilling burgers for Platte County 4-H cattle show and plan on grilling for Colfax County show, too, if they decide to have a show. This will only be for families and 4-H kids as the show not will not be open to public.

We are planning to have the golf tournament on August 10th in Humphrey and Leigh again this year. More info to follow.

August 17th will be our Outlook meeting in Clarkson at the Barn.



Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay
Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specalist

As haying season approaches, producers across Nebraska will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay; this often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives. These additives do have their place within the hay production system, but it’s important to understand the proper time to consider the use of such products.


Keep in mind that ideal storage moisture ranges for hay depends upon bale size. Small square bales- should be stored at 18-20% moisture, and larger bales should be about 3-5% dryer. When moisture is higher than these ranges, a hay preservative or inoculant may be an appropriate consideration; however according to many sources, if moisture reaches more than 30%, additives and preservatives are not recommended.

Often times, inoculants and preservatives are used with silage and haylage, but there are also ways that these products can be used effectively on hay bales, if particular circumstances are met. When used properly, inoculants and preservatives may allow hay to be baled at higher moisture levels than typically acceptable. High moisture baling often tends to cause heat and mold development and these additives are designed to help avoid such losses.

Bacteria Inoculants
Bacterial inoculants are essentially designed to add more ‘good’ bacteria that aid in fast fermentation and to help reduce dry matter losses in hay by improving aerobic stability (ie: stopping mold growth). Most hay already contains such bacteria, as it is naturally sourced from many forage plants and inoculants simply add an additional amount; common lactic acid producing bacteria include: Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus. These bacteria may help to reduce mold growth and yeast development within bales.

In order to achieve desired results from these products, careful attention to environmental conditions and application should be taken. Inoculants work best on hay that is wetter than average but less than 25% moisture during mid-summer conditions because plant sugars are high during this time. Inoculants should be applied uniformly (typically at the pick-up) as hay is baled, and before any rain lands on the bale. Generally speaking, they tend to help protect against small moisture changes (3-5% higher moisture than you would typically bale). Avoiding these recommendations can result in ineffective outcomes and uneconomical losses.

Overall advantages of using bacterial inoculants include the opportunity to reduce or stop mold growth, improve hay quality and palatability, and to maintain the hay’s green color. Disadvantages may include investment in application equipment, and inconsistent research results when tested for effectiveness and cost analysis in hay bales versus anaerobic, ensiled feed.

Preservatives and Additives
Hay preservatives are generally applied using an aftermarket spray system mounted near the baler pick-up. They are designed to prevent heating and subsequent dry matter losses of hay baled at higher moistures (18%+) by inhibiting growth of aerobic microbes. Essentially, preservatives allow hay to be baled wetter than recommended, reducing the time it lies in the field exposed to precipitation risk.

Organic acids are the most common form of additives with propionic acid being the most prevalent. Effective application of hay preservatives relies heavily upon using the proper rate (dependent on moisture content and size of bale) and quality of forage. Preservatives containing high amounts of propionic acid are generally accepted as effective in reducing spontaneous heating in moist hay; however the use of ammonium propionate (buffered propionic acid) is often recommended over propionic acid because it is less caustic.

Rates of acid required will vary based upon the moisture content of the hay and should be sprayed using the most uniform application as possible. According to sources cited below, smaller bales ranging from 20-25% moisture should be treated with approximately 0.5% propionic acid (in some cases products may be used at 0.5 ± 0.14% of wet bale weight). Increases in application rate may occur by 1% for hay with 25-30% moisture. Many studies to this point have shown no consistent response to preservatives used on hay over 30% moisture.

Research studies have shown that propionic acid, as well as buffered propionic acid is not harmful to animals, but keep in mind that propionic acid is corrosive and can cause damage to machines and people. Buffered acids and salts of acids have been developed to help overcome some of these issues. Both propionic and buffered forms of this acid will likely cause hay discoloration but may help protect feed value. Overall, many research studies show that the use of propionic acid or buffered acids have somewhat erratic results and are often only shown to be economical in large (not ensiled or plastic wrapped) round bales when used to reduce losses incurred from potential precipitation damage.

Summary
Hay inoculants and preservatives do not increase the quality of hay, but rather are designed help to maintain quality and reduce spoilage. Both methods have mixed cost analysis benefits when used on unwrapped (not ensiled) hay bales, and the value of the hay crop being baled should be considered when determining whether to use any additives.



Congressman Jeff Fortenberry Introduces Great American Outdoors Act

This past week, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Great American Outdoors Act. 

“Preservation of our precious natural resources is in Nebraska’s DNA.  Innovative thinking and proactive policy are required to restore wildlife, combat natural challenges, and reform our approach to environmental security.  It is why I am so pleased to be lead cosponsor of the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides critically needed funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and our national parks and other public lands,” Fortenberry said. 

“National parks and public land are special places of natural beauty that educate, inspire, and fascinate hundreds of millions of visitors each year.  The maintenance of these sites and facilities, however, has not kept pace with their popularity.  This bill’s investment is critical to preserve these national treasures now and into the future as a source of great national pride for all Americans,” Fortenberry added. 

Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and is the sponsor of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), which tackles habitat and species problems before they require the emergency-room interventions of the Endangered Species Act.



Senate Recieves Letter from 48 Livestock and Natural Resource Groups Opposing the Great American Outdoors Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) and many other affiliate organizations today wrote Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Energy and Natural Resources Chair Lisa Murkowski, and Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Joe Manchin urging Congress to retain its role in safeguarding public lands by opposing the Great American Outdoors (GAO) Act (S.3422).

The GAO Act as written creates more than $14 billion in new, mandatory spending and gives federal agencies free rein to spend $360 million per year solely to acquire new private land without any oversight from Congress. This raises concern among the 48 livestock and natural resource groups who signed the joint letter, as the groups point out the blatant conflict by pairing the mounting disrepair of current land under federal control and allowing rampant acquisition without accounting for management of future land acquisitions.

"As introduced, the GAO Act, and every other bill that preceded it that contained similar provisions, is an irresponsible way to fix a very real problem. Currently, land management agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management face staggering backlogs of much-needed maintenance...If passed, the GAO Act sentences hundreds of millions of acres of American land and water to a poorly-managed future," the groups wrote.

The Senate is expected to have the first procedural vote on S.3422 this evening. The groups are eager to engage in the process, and encourage Congress to vote 'no' and find a more responsible way to confront conservation challenges.



Growth Energy Thanks House Leaders for Defending U.S. Biofuels

Growth Energy thanked members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus for combating oil-backed efforts to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the wake of COVID-19. In a letter from the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, led by U.S. Representatives Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), the lawmakers demanded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reject RFS waivers that would deal “another crippling blow” to biofuel producers and “compound the challenges facing rural America.” 

“Rural America cannot afford another setback, and we’re grateful for the tireless efforts of House leaders to protect our road to recovery by defending the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Oil industry efforts to waive the RFS would do nothing to reverse the market challenges facing all fuel makers, but they would eliminate a vital economic lifeline for thousands of rural workers, biofuel producers, and farmers who already face unprecedented hardship. It’s past time for the administration to declare these schemes dead on arrival, so we can all get back to rebuilding America’s agricultural supply chain in the wake of COVID-19.”

In support of the call to action by elected leaders, Growth Energy sent a separate letter to the EPA, reminding regulators of urgent appeals that have already flowed in from Midwest governors, senators, mayors, and other rural champions.

“With these conditions, it is absurd to even entertain the thinly veiled attacks of the oil industry on the RFS,” wrote Skor. “Plummeting fuel demand affects everyone in the energy supply chain, and as you know, the RFS volume obligations are percentage calculations that automatically adjust with falling or rising fuel demand.”

“Waiving the 2020 RVO would push more and more biofuel producers to shutdown causing even more damage to a battered agriculture industry,” added Skor.



NBB Thanks Representatives for Defending the RFS

Today, the National Biodiesel Board thanked 44 Members of Congress for urging President Trump to deny recent requests to waive the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. Led by Reps. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Rodney Davis (R-IL), the bipartisan group of lawmakers delivered a letter to the President asking him "to stand with our farmers and rural economies during this challenging time" and work together "on ways to deliver on continued investment and support for biofuels."

Citing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the damage done by EPA's abuse of small refinery exemptions, the Congressmembers wrote, "This pandemic has severely strained the market for biofuels, closing plants and dealing another crippling blow to an industry that is already struggling."

Referring to requests from state governors that EPA waive the 2020 RFS volumes, the Congressional letter goes on to say, "In addition to the economic harm waiving the RFS would cause rural America, these requests are unjustified and run contrary to the EPA's well-established precedents."

Kurt Kovarik, NBB's VP of Federal Affairs, states, "On behalf of biodiesel producers across the country, I'd like to thank Representatives Finkenauer, Loebsack, Marshall, Peterson and Davis and many others who are standing up on behalf of the industry and the RFS. As they've noted, an RFS waiver would be unjustified and simply compound the economic challenges that biodiesel producers and farmers face. Further, it would undercut a successful environmental policy that is transitioning the United States to better, cleaner fuels."

Additional Congressmembers endorsing the letter include Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Ron Estes (R-KS), Steve Watkins (R-KS), James Comer (R-KY), Sean Casten (D-IL), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), TJ Cox (D-CA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Steve King (R-IA), Ron Kind (D-WI), Rick Crawford (R-AR), Jim Baird (R-IN), Jason Smith (R-MO), Jim Himes (D-CT), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Scott Peters (D-CA), John Larson (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), David Cicilline (D-CT), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), and David Scott (D-GA).



RFA Thanks Bipartisan Group of 44 Representatives for Defending RFS

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked 44 members of the House of Representatives for urging President Trump to “stand with our farmers and rural economies during this challenging time and deny any request for blanket statewide or nationwide waivers from the 2020 RFS blending requirements under the Clean Air Act.”

In their letter to President Trump, the diverse coalition of House biofuels supporters underscored that RFS waiver requests recently received by EPA must be rejected because they do not satisfy the rigorous statutory conditions required for a waiver.

“RFA is grateful to this bipartisan group of leaders in the House for standing with consumers, farmers and ethanol producers to uphold the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “While refiners are appealing to governors in a callous effort to evade the RFS under the guise of COVID-19 relief, the law requires—and EPA has previously concluded—that waivers can only be granted when any potential hardship is being caused by the RFS, not any other factor. However, in this case, the governors correctly state the harm is caused by plummeting oil prices attributable to an international oil glut and falling demand caused by COVID-19. Those factors are also hurting ethanol. In fact, half of the nation’s ethanol production capacity was shut down over the past several months.

“The rural communities that depend on a thriving renewable fuels industry are fortunate to have such dedicated supporters in Congress protecting the RFS from endless attacks,” Cooper concluded. “These lawmakers understand that caving into the whims of the oil industry and waiving the RFS would not only be illegal, but it would also have devastating impacts on working families and small businesses already reeling from the effects of this terrible pandemic.”

Last month, a bipartisan group of 24 U.S. senators sent a similar letter to President Trump, likewise urging him to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard and reject oil industry efforts to waive renewable fuel blending obligations.



2021 Commodity Classic Silver Celebration Schedule Announced

Plans for the Silver Celebration of Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience celebrates its 25th anniversary March 4-6, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas.

The preliminary schedule for the 2021 Commodity Classic has been posted at CommodityClassic.com.  The schedule outlines the tentative dates and times for the dozens of educational sessions, trade show hours, special events and commodity association meetings.  More details will be posted as they become available.

The trade show floor for 2021 is already sold out with a growing waiting list of exhibitors who are hoping to showcase their products and services in front of thousands of America’s top farmers.  Last year’s Commodity Classic set a record for total farmer attendance and also saw the second-largest total attendance in the show’s history.

Registration and housing for the 2021 Commodity Classic will open in mid-November.  Farmers can sign up now to receive periodic email updates at CommodityClassic.com.

Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and Association of Equipment Manufacturers.



Holstein Association Planning Virtual Meeting for June 25

Holstein Association USA will host a Virtual Member Update Meeting on June 25 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It will feature the President's Address, CEO's State of the Association Address, and the 2019 Financial Report.

The virtual format comes as the traditional face-to-face Annual Meeting has been postponed until 2021, when the National Convention will be held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This decision was made by the board of directors because of the unprecedented conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEO John Meyer states, "The current environment provides a unique opportunity to update the dairy community on the good things that are happening at the Holstein Association USA. We invite you to join us June 25th."

Details on how to register for the webinar will be posted on www.holsteinusa.com.



Proposed Changes to the National List for Organic Livestock and Handling

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The proposed changes are based on April 2019 recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board.

This action proposes adding:
-    Oxalic acid dihydrate as a pesticide for organic apiculture.
-    Pullulan as an ingredient for products labeled, “Made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).”
-    Collagen gel casing as a nonorganic ingredient allowed when an organic form is not commercially available.

USDA welcomes comments on the proposed amendments. The 60-day comment period will close on August 7, 2020.



NAFA Releases “Alfalfa: High Quality Hay for Horses”

Known as the “Queen of Forages,” alfalfa has long been accepted as one of the highest quality hays fed to horses. It is a widely-adapted, perennial forage legume which produces more protein per acre than any other crop. To provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages of feeding alfalfa hay to horses, the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) has recently updated and released, “Alfalfa: High Quality Hay for Horses,” serving as a quick & handy guide to everything horse enthusiasts should know about feeding alfalfa to horses. Some of the publications highlights include:
Ø  Physical Characteristics of High-Quality Alfalfa Hay
Ø  Equine Digestion of Forages
Ø  How Growth Stage Affects Forage Quality
Ø  Nutritional Needs of Horses
Ø  Storing and Feeding Hay

     “When we think of feeding alfalfa hay the first thing that comes to mind is its common use in dairy and beef cow operations,” said Beth Nelson, NAFA President. “But alfalfa is often overlooked as an integral part of a well-managed, nutrient-dense equine diet.”

In addition to discussing the use of alfalfa for mature horses on a maintenance diet, horses used for sport and competition, broodmares, and growing horses, Alfalfa: High Quality Hay for Horses also covers multiple options of bale size, how to assess quality through hay testing and visual inspection, and how the time of the year alfalfa is harvested can influence quality.

The new publication concludes with a valuable Myth vs Fact section which addresses many of the common misconceptions about feeding alfalfa to horses, such as the myth that excess protein in alfalfa hay will damage a horse’s kidneys. In fact, normal healthy horses have no issues metabolizing and excreting extra protein, whether it is consumed from alfalfa hay or lush pasture.

This publication is intended as a resource for both horse owners and hay farmers as a useful educational tool to provide valuable information to their regular customers and to potential buyers. Get your copy today!

Alfalfa: High Quality Hay for Horses is available to order for $2/copy in print form or may be downloaded for free at https://www.alfalfa.org/publications.php.