Weekend Ag News Roundup - June 28

NDA CONFIRMS VESICULAR STOMATITIS CASE IN HORSE

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has confirmed a case of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in a horse in Buffalo County. The horses on the infected premises have been quarantined. At present time, one additional horse on the premises is also exhibiting VS symptoms. All animals on the infected premises will be quarantined for at least 14 days after the onset of lesions in the last affected animal.

VS is a viral disease which primarily affects horses and cattle, but can also affect sheep, goats and swine. The disease is characterized by fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves and teats. When the blisters break, there is usually salivation and nasal discharge. As a result of these painful lesions, infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. There are currently no USDA-approved vaccines for VS.

“Vesicular Stomatitis is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black flies, sand flies and midges,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes. “There are things livestock owners can do to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed, but, until freezing temperatures move in and kill the insects that spread the virus, VS will continue to be a threat in Nebraska.”

Hughes went on to say, “Since VS can also spread by contact between animals and by shared equipment, like tools or tack, we want livestock owners to be aware and practice good biosecurity measures with their animals, particularly with animals that may comingle with others.”

To help prevent the spread of the disease, Nebraska has import restrictions for livestock coming into the state from states that have confirmed VS cases. If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402-471-2351 to learn more about the importation order.

VS also affects exports. Individuals from Nebraska transporting animals and animal products to other states and countries should contact the destination state/country to learn about their import requirements before transporting animals.

“The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for an infected animal to recover from the symptoms,” said Hughes.

Although humans can become infected when handling the affected animals, it rarely occurs. To avoid human exposure, people should use personal protective measures when handling affected animals.

VS is a notifiable disease. Individuals or practitioners who suspect or have concerns about VS should contact NDA at 402-471-2351.  For more information on VS, visit: http://www.nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/vs/index.html.



Japanese Beetles Emerging; Scout Corn and Soybean Fields
Robert Wright - NE Extension Entomologist

Japanese beetle adults are beginning to emerge in eastern Nebraska. Their distribution has been increasing in Nebraska the last few years and they are being seen in corn and soybeans more frequently, in addition to feeding on landscape trees and shrubs. They will continue to emerge for the next few weeks. First identified in counties along the state's eastern border several years ago, the beetles were found as far west as Scottsbluff County in 2019.

Japanese beetles have one generation per year. They often feed in clusters due to an attraction to the female sex pheromone and an attraction to volatile chemicals produced by damaged plants.

Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman) can contribute to defoliation in soybeans, along with a complex of other insects, such as bean leaf beetles, grasshoppers, and several caterpillar species. They feed by skeletonizing the leaves, leaving only the leaf veins. They feed primarily in the upper canopy, making the damage very visible. In soybeans insecticide treatment is recommended when insects are present and damage is expected to exceed 30% defoliation in vegetative stage and 20% in reproductive stage soybeans. For more information see Managing Soybean Defoliators, NebGuide G2259.

Similar to corn rootworm beetles, Japanese beetles will scrape off the green surface tissue on corn leaves before silks emerge, but prefer silks once they are available. Japanese beetles feed on corn silks, and may interfere with pollination if abundant enough to severely clip silks before pollination. University of Illinois Extension recommends: "An insecticidal treatment should be considered during the silking period if:
-    there are three or more Japanese beetles per ear,
-    silks have been clipped to less than ½ inch, AND
-    pollination is less than 50% complete."

Be aware that Japanese beetle numbers are often highest on field margins, so scout across the whole field before making a treatment decision. Japanese beetle adults are about ½ inch long and have a metallic green head and thorax. A key characteristic is a series of white tufts of hair on each side of the abdomen.

A variety of insecticides labelled on corn and soybeans would be expected to provide control of Japanese beetles. See product labels or the "Insecticides for Field Crops" section from Nebraska Extension EC130 for rates and restrictions.

In some cases people have mistaken the Japanese beetle for its look-alike, the false Japanese beetle, or sand chafer, Strigoderma arboricola, which is a native Nebraska insect found across most of the state. Sand chafers are commonly found along the Platte River valley and other river valleys in Nebraska. False Japanese beetle adults are about the same size as Japanese beetles, but do not have a metallic green head. They may vary in color from coppery brown to black. They may have some white hairs on the side of the abdomen but they are not organized into tufts of hair.

Sand chafers are often noticed because they have a habit of landing on people and seem to be attracted to people wearing light-colored clothing. They have not been reported to cause economic damage to crops as adults, although the immature white grub has been reported to cause damage to potato tubers.



Grasshoppers Return ― It’s Time to Scout Field Borders
Justin McMechan - NE Extension Crop Protection and Cropping Systems Specialist

Populations of immature grasshoppers are being reported in areas bordering crop fields in several parts of Nebraska. If these grasshopper species are one of the four major species that are likely to infest cropland, control may be warranted if high numbers are present. These insects will likely continue to be a present for the rest of the summer.

If they are abundant, it's best to try to control grasshoppers while they are concentrated in the border areas before they spread into the crops and before they become adults and become harder to control.

Only four of the more than 100 species of grasshoppers found in Nebraska normally damage field crops. These species are the
-    twostriped,
-    redlegged,
-    differential, and
-    migratory grasshoppers.

(For a detailed guide on identifying these four species see Grasshopper Identification Guide for Cropland Grasshoppers Summer Feeding Species, EC1569.) These species feed on a wide range of plants and are most often found in mixed habitats that include broadleaf weeds.

Because grasshoppers move into cropland generally from untilled areas surrounding crop fields, scout and, if necessary, treat these adjacent untilled areas first. Sometimes grasshoppers may hatch out from eggs laid in no-till crop fields as well. If grasshoppers have already invaded the field, also sample field areas to determine if control is warranted. The grasshoppers are most likely to move from these areas to adjoining crops when their food supply in these borders dries up or the borders are mowed.

Scouting
Estimating grasshopper densities is difficult and can only be done accurately with some practice. The best method for estimating grasshoppers in field borders or hatching areas is the square-foot method.

Randomly select an area several feet away and visualize a one square-foot area around that spot. Walk toward this spot while watching this square foot area and count the number of grasshoppers you see in or jumping out of this area. Repeat this procedure 18 times and divide the total number of grasshoppers by two. This will give you the number of grasshoppers per square yard (9 square feet). Counting sites should be chosen at random and include varied vegetation.

To sample for grasshopper densities within fields — where grasshopper density will be lower — use the same method except visualize and count the hoppers in a square yard area. Because of the difficulty of seeing hoppers in this larger area, counts will be somewhat less accurate. Take 18 samples. Average these estimates to get the number of grasshoppers per square yard. When the number of grasshoppers per square yard has been estimated, use Table 1 to determine the potential need for treatment.

Control Measures
Grasshoppers are easiest to control before they become adults and have fully developed wings. Numerous insecticides are labeled and effective for grasshopper control on various crops. (See the Insecticide Table for the respective crop, from Nebraska Extension EC130.) After grasshoppers become adults control success will be much more variable. If a range of rates is listed for a given insecticide, generally it's best to use the higher rates once adults are present. Always follow the recommended label rates, application directions, and restrictions.

Because grasshoppers do not like to enter dense plant canopies, most damage will be limited to field edges. Border treatments often are used to protect cropland from grasshoppers. A border spray should be effective for at least 7-14 days, depending on re-infestation pressure. Also, the residual activity of the treatments will vary with chemical and environmental conditions. It is important to monitor the border areas and crop margins after treatment to make sure grasshoppers do not reenter the field. Be sure to read and follow harvest and grazing restrictions when spraying borders adjoining cropland.

When treating borders, it is often necessary to treat the edge of the crop to reduce hopper numbers that have already moved into the field margin. One of the biggest problems with these treatments is that only a few insecticides are labeled for both crops and the surrounding areas (rangeland/pasture or non-crop areas).

Insecticides
Malathion and carbaryl are labeled on most crops along with range/pasture and non-crop areas, but these products are less effective on mature grasshoppers. Acephate (e.g., Orthene) is labeled for non-crop use, but the only common Nebraska crops it is labeled for are soybean and dry beans. Dimilin is labeled for range/pasture and non-crop use, but it's only additional label is on soybeans, and it is only active against immature grasshoppers. One advantage of Dimilin as a border spray would be the lowered impact on natural enemies, especially those effective on spider mites.

Perhaps the best products for this type of treatment are esfenvalerate (e.g., Asana) and lambda-cyhalothrin (e.g., Warrior II), because they are labeled for non-crop use and for use on several crops (corn, soybeans, sugar beets, dry beans, sunflowers, potatoes). Mustang MAX is labeled for grass forage/fodder/hay crops and also can be used on field corn, seed corn, popcorn, alfalfa, sunflower, sorghum, soybeans and wheat. Numerous other products are specifically labeled for grasshopper control on various crops (EC 130).



Field to Market 2020 Farmer Spotlight Honoree, Andy Jobman
   
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is proud to announce that Nebraska farmer Andy Jobman of Gothenberg has been recognized as one of Field to Market’s 2020 Farmer Spotlight Honorees! NeCGA works to support farmers such as Andy to improve environmental outcomes and advance sustainable solutions across the value chain. Field to Market recognized Andy Jobman on June 24 during its annual Plenary and General Assembly Meeting, recognizing his outstanding leadership in implementing innovative approaches to environmental stewardship on his farm.

NeCGA is dedicated to engaging with farmers to advance continuous improvements in sustainable outcomes across the food and agriculture value chain. Congratulations to Andy for his accomplishments in delivering sustainable outcomes for U.S. commodity agriculture.



UNL to co-host 2020 Silage for Beef Webinar Series

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will join the Iowa Beef Center, and Lallemand Animal Nutrition to host the 2020 Silage for Beef Webinar Series.  Times are 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Central time. Dates are July 7, July 14, July 28 and August 4.

Topics and speakers are as follows:
    July 7, Silage Production and the impacts of dry weather and limited water,
    Jourdan Bell, PhD, Asst. Professor & Agronomist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research

    July 14, Making silage under adverse conditions,
    Renato Schmidt, PhD, Technical Services – Forage, Lallemand Animal Nutrition

    July 28, Tips & tricks for silage pile construction,
    Becky Arnold, Territory Business Manager, Lallemand Animal Nutrition

    August 4, Silage feeding and management for beef cattle in the current environment,
    Galen Erickson, PhD, Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Webinars will be recorded and will be available online.  Those who wish to register for the webinar may do so online at https://bit.ly/2Nqpw0A.  



Save The Date: Farm Bureau Member Appreciation Nights

Reconnect with neighbors and friends at one of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s upcoming “Member Appreciation” nights this August. Full details coming soon! Be sure to get the dates in your calendar...
Aug. 4 – Upland, NE
Aug. 12 – Chapman, NE
Aug. 18 – Alliance, NE
Aug. 19 – Taylor, NE
Aug. 20 – Enders, NE
Aug. 21 – West Point, NE
Aug. 31 – Ceresco, NE



Nebraska Promise for free tuition at NCTA

The University of Nebraska is providing $50,000 for its on-campus classes in Curtis, Nebraska this fall.

The pledge through “Nebraska Promise” enables tuition-free college classes to fulltime students who are new, transfers or returning Aggies to the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

Nebraska residents with family income of less than $60,000 per year are eligible.

“This scholarship of $3,336 to $5,000 per year for 24 to 36 hours of coursework can be a difference-maker to some students,” said Larry Gossen, NCTA dean. “An eligible student can enroll now and start their college program here at NCTA, with in-person classes when the fall semester begins August 24.”

“I was notified this week by University President Ted Carter of the Nebraska Promise assistance to NCTA, so that we can ensure faculty, staff and academic resources for all eligible Aggie students,” said Dean Gossen.

The tuition-free pledge was announced in April by NU President Ted Carter for use at any NU campus. It ensures full-time resident undergraduates whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who quality for the federal Pell Grant can attend college this fall.

Nebraska Promise criteria:
    Must be a Nebraska resident who applied for FAFSA (federal aid) by June 1.
    Take at least 12 credit hours each semester
    Family income of $60,000 or less (adjusted gross income) or be Pell Grant eligible
    Maintain a 2.5 GPA

NCTA is unique, and a one-of-a-kind campus within the NU system, Gossen said, with its hands-on programs in agriculture education, agribusiness, ag mechanics, ag production and animal health (veterinary technicians).  

“Our New Student Enrollment for students coming to NCTA this fall is at campus on July 7,” Gossen said. “I look forward to meeting students and their families.”

Tuition at NCTA is $139 per credit hour, and is the same for Nebraska residents and out-of-state students. Housing and other costs are not included in the Nebraska Promise.

For details on applying to NCTA, see https://ncta.unl.edu/apply-now or call Gaylene Stinman, enrollment associate at 308-367-5267.  



Learn to Optimize Corn Yield Following a Cereal Rye Cover Crop
Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar on Wednesday, July 1, at noon about the effect of a cereal rye cover crop on corn yield.

Alison Robertson, professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University, will share results from one of her research projects, which investigates the effect of planting green on corn growth and development, and seedling disease.

It is recommended that rye cover crops be terminated at least 10 days before planting corn to reduce potential yield drag in corn. However, in some years this is not possible, due to conditions at planting, or when a farmer would prefer to let the cover crop grow as long as possible for soil health and environmental benefits. This webinar will explore the benefits or disadvantages of this practice.

“Starting to incorporate cover crops on a farm may seem daunting, so our research seeks to better understand the system and provide management options to ensure new adopters are successful,” said Robertson, whose research lab focuses on seedling diseases of corn and soybean caused by oomycetes (water molds), particularly in corn and soybean planted after cover crops. “The benefits of cover crops far outweigh the disadvantages; and there are ways to manage the disadvantages.”

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before 12 p.m. CDT on July 1, click the following URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172. Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing  +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923; meeting ID: 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for, for those who are able to participate in the live webinar. Information about how to apply to receive the credit (if approved) will be provided at the end of the live webinar.



Iowa Pork Crawl Rewards Customers for Supporting Eateries

As Iowa restaurants reopen following loosened coronavirus-related restrictions, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is rewarding customers for supporting them---while eating pork, of course!

Today IPPA kicked off the Iowa Pork Crawl Freestyle, a summer promotion that encourages customers to enjoy pork at eateries around the state. Participants can dine in, carry out or have their meal delivered, then share photos of their food on social media channels for a chance to win prizes. The contest runs through Aug. 30.

Rules are simple: Order an entree featuring pork from your choice of five different Iowa food establishments, including restaurants, vendors and food trucks. Pork must be the main ingredient, such as a pork chop, a breaded pork tenderloin, pork tacos, a BLT or pork ribs.

To be entered for prizes, snap a photo of yourself with each of the five dishes, and share all five photos in a post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Tag @Iowa Pork, tag or list the five restaurants you visited, and use the hashtag #IowaPorkCrawl. For every five pork entrees and restaurants visited, participants can post again for more chances to win.

"Iowa Pork values our relationships with foodservice entities across the state, and it has been a tough couple months for both them and our farmers," said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA's marketing and programs director. "This program is aimed to celebrate the resilience and perseverance of both."

Bars and restaurants have seen a dramatic hit in business because of COVID-19, and some have permanently closed. In March, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds---like leaders in many other states---ordered a mandatory shutdown of public dining areas to help slow the virus's spread across the U.S.

According to Jim Murray, national channel marketing and innovation manager with the National Pork Board, nearly every state has since reopened their foodservice operations in some capacity, though customers may experience limited or simplified menu options.

"We are excited about this summer program, as it benefits all Iowa restaurants that offer pork, it's simple and the prizes are fun," Sutter said.

The first 25 individuals who correctly share a completed Iowa Pork Crawl will win a pork swag bag that includes a T-shirt, a meat thermometer, an Iowa Pork can koozie and $10 in Pork Cash that can be redeemed for fresh pork products at most major Iowa grocery retailers.

Once the crawl ends, two participants will be randomly selected to each win a grand prize valued at $500. One package features a catered party for up to 20 guests, with pork among the meat offerings, while a YETI explorer package includes a YETI cooler, two YETI Rambler® Tumblers, $100 in Pork Cash and a $25 gas card.

All prize winners must be Iowa residents. For complete rules and details, visit https://www.iowapork.org/iowa-pork-crawl-freestyle/.



NPPC SIGNALS ALARM ABOUT AGRICULTURE INSPECTION FUNDING SHORTFALL
NPPC Newsletter

The National Pork Producers Council is leading a coalition of agriculture, trade and related groups to highlight the massive COVID-19-related funding shortfall for the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI), which plays a critical role in protecting U.S. agriculture and the environment from plant and animal pests and diseases. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) collects the AQI user fees that pay for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture inspections. These fees have fallen off dramatically due to the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic on international travel and cargo shipments.

As user fee collections are not expected to rebound for the foreseeable future, it is estimated that APHIS' AQI user fee reserve will only last through the end of FY 2020 and that FY 2021 funding will be short approximately $630 million. To ensure the country is able to respond to animal health threats, such as African swine fever, NPPC is leading efforts to garner congressional support to ensure these vital agricultural inspections are fully funded and U.S. agriculture is protected.

USDA REPORT FLAGS CONCERN WITH WORKER SAFETY DATA IN NEW SWINE INSPECTION SYSTEM
On Thursday, USDA's Inspector General issued a report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service's (FSIS) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), which went into effect in October 2019. The report concluded that FSIS didn't fully disclose sources for its analysis on how the rule would affect worker safety. NSIS is a voluntary program that is designed to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the federal inspection process and to provide more flexibility for adopting new food-safety technologies.

In its response, FSIS stated that the worker safety analysis was not used as a basis for the NSIS rulemaking, and the agency feels the inspector general has placed distorted emphasis on minor omissions in the NSIS proposal text, including a website citation and a typo in a table. The response also reinforced the responsibility that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), not FSIS, holds for regulating employee safety.



FFA to Host Virtual National FFA Convention & Expo in October; Extends Contract With Indianapolis

The National FFA Organization announced today that the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo will be held virtually. The organization also extended its contract with the host city of Indianapolis from 2031 to 2033.

“We wanted to ensure that our members and guests had the full convention experience. After a discussion with the National FFA Board of Directors, the decision was made to move forward with a virtual experience for 2020,” said Mark Poeschl, CEO of National FFA. “As we continued to plan for our national convention, it became clear that travel restrictions and public health concerns, among many other pandemic-related challenges, made hosting our in-person event impossible in 2020.”

The decision to hold a virtual event in place of in-person was recommended by National FFA staff and affirmed by the board of directors.

“The safety of our members and stakeholders is always top of mind,” said Dr. James Woodard, the organization’s national advisor and chair of the board of directors. “While the event might look a little different this year, rest assured that we will continue to be celebrating agriculture’s future leaders and conducting the organization’s official business.”

This year’s event will still be hosted by the 2019-20 National FFA Officer Team and continue the tradition of celebrating and inspiring the hundreds of thousands of FFA members who are becoming the next generation of leaders.

“While convention will look a little different this year than what we are used to, FFA members around the country have proven their willingness the past few months to not only adapt but create meaningful experiences while celebrating FFA and agricultural education,“ said Kolesen McCoy, 2019-20 National FFA president.  “Our officer team is humbled to share this fantastic experience with more members than ever before.”

National FFA looks forward to returning to Indianapolis with an in-person convention in 2021 as part of its long-term hosting partnership that will now run through 2033. The organization and the governing board of the board of directors also decided to extend the city of Indianapolis’ contract for two more years.

“We are grateful to our hosts and partners in Indianapolis and the state of Indiana for their support while making this difficult decision regarding an in-person event,” Poeschl said. “We plan to return to Indianapolis in 2021 as we continue our long-term relationship with the city. FFA as an organization is also committed to making a difference in the city this fall through contributions and service activities that support the people, places and organizations that have always offered their well-known brand of Hoosier Hospitality to our guests. We are pleased to extend our contract with this city that our FFA members and supporters have come to know and love.”

The year’s convention will allow FFA members, advisors, alumni, supporters, sponsors and exhibitors to connect more than ever before through online events, activities and competitions. The convention will occur virtually during the week of Oct. 28, as previously planned.



ASA Now Seeking Nominations for Annual Soy Recognition Awards

The American Soybean Association (ASA) wants to recognize exceptional soy volunteers and leaders—and we need your help. During ASA’s annual awards banquet, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 24, 2020.

The Recognition Awards categories are:
• Outstanding State Volunteer Award–Recognizes the dedication and contributions of individuals who have given at least three-years of volunteer service in any area of the state soybean association operation.

• ASA Distinguished Leadership Award–Distinguished and visionary leadership of ASA or a state soybean association is recognized with this award to either a soybean grower-leader or association staff leader with at least five-years of leadership service.

• ASA Pinnacle Award–An industry-wide recognition of those individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of contribution and lifetime leadership within the soybean family and industry.

For more information and to submit nominations, click here... https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/asa-recognition-awards/. 

All nominations must be received online, no later than Monday, Oct. 24, 2020. No nominations by telephone, email or fax will be accepted. A judging committee will be assigned to make the final selections.

Recipients will receive their awards at the ASA Awards Banquet on Friday, March 05. 2021, in San Antonio, Texas at Commodity Classic.