Tuesday August 25 Ag News

 NE NE Corn Growers Plot Night

All are welcome to the Northeast Nebraska Corn Growers Association 2020 Show Plot tour on  Thursday September 3rd at the Jackson City Park near Jackson, NE.  Members are asked to bring a friend and/or potential member.  

The plot viewing is at 5pm, and a meal and beverage will be provided at 6:30pm.  Then there's a featured speaker.... Jamie Brand, Business Development Manager for AgriVision Equipment, talking about practices proven to generate ROI for the Farm.  Nebraska Corn will also give updates on their activities.  

Don't miss out on your chance to win a big Yeti Cooler from Nutrien Ag Solutions... and make your guess for the winning bushels and variety.  The person who guesses closest without going over will win $500! (must be present and be a member to win).  

For more information, call Mitch at 402-380-4931 or Taylor at 712-203-1922.  



Washington County Cattlemen Banquet to be Sept 12

The Washington County Cattlemen is happy to announce their annual banquet, postponed from April, WILL BE HELD on Saturday September 12th at Two Rivers Bank Arean, Washington County Fairgrounds in Arlington!  Social hour starts at 6pm, with the steak dinner at 7pm.  After dinner, they will honor scholarship recipients, announce the silent auction winning bidders, and hold the annual scholarship auction.  

The proceeds from the banquet and auction go towards college scholarships.  This year they are awarding ten $2500 scholarships to local youth.  

Banquet tickets are $30 each, but can be combined with a supporting membership.  

For more information, call Clark at 402-720-3323 or Todd at 402-533-3741.  



STORAGE AND PROTECTION OF CORN SILAGE
Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator

Cover the pile. Cover the silage pile with plastic.

The time and money spent on chopping silage for feed does not go unnoticed. But if the pile isn’t covered, the loss of feed will be noticeable. Even after the silage is packed correctly, air and water can penetrate the outer layers and severely damage the quality and quantity of silage. Additionally, molds, mycotoxins, and fungi have a prime place to grow in uncovered silage.

Many studies at Kansas State University have reported a minimum three percent loss in dry matter from the top three feet of silage in uncovered silage bunkers compared to covered. Much like the last span of a pivot irrigates a large percentage of a field, the outer portion of a silage pile makes up a large portion of the pile. Covering with plastic will give about an 8:1 return on investment for the producer.
 
Silage should be covered as soon as possible with plastic. The standard plastic is still the black and white sided 6mil sheeting. However, some producers have also gone with an additional layer of oxygen barrier plastic to reduce dry matter loss and spoilage even further. Some will also use one sheet that is thicker or made of different material and is more of an oxygen barrier than the standard plastic. Make sure the edges are sealed and the top has plenty of weight on it. Usually tires cut in half are the most common.
 
An 8:1 return on investment isn’t easy to find these days, but it is right here with covering silage with plastic. Covering isn’t the easiest job, but returning the favor with neighbors or providing some incentive will make the job a whole lot easier.



LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
Jerry Volesky, UNL Extension

Late summer always seems to be a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures, especially if you are in an area that received significant August rain.  Stick around to learn to deal with this problem.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, verbena and annual weeds like horseweed, sunflowers, and buffalo bur can be plentiful in some pastures.  They are especially a problem in areas in pastures that have relatively thin grass stands or in areas where animals congregate.

Spraying weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill so herbicides might only reduce some seed production and may make pastures a bit more attractive.  Shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might actually work better to reduce weed seeds if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control.  First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures.  This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan.  An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over the long term.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  October and early to mid-June usually are the two most effective times to control most perennial weeds and many annuals, especially with herbicides like Grazon, Forefront, Curtail, Milestone, 2,4-D, and Banvel.  Good grazing, along with weed control, will thicken your grass stands so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future.

Don’t let weeds take over your pasture, but don’t spend money controlling them needlessly.  A good plan will work best.  



Research farm test plots will be discussed during webinar on evaluating forages

Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at noon about a current research project that assesses forage quality and potential yield of various annual crops.

Incorporating annual forages into Iowa’s cropping system provides flexibility for land use, alternative forage availability at times of limited perennial forage for cattle, as well as other conservation practices. In an effort to benchmark utilization of winter and summer annuals as a forage resource for beef cattle, forage test plots at three outlying Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms have been established to evaluate nutrient quality and potential yield.

Erika Lundy, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will share the current results of this research project, which aims to provide research-based information that will help establish reasonable expectations in terms of forage quality and yield of various cover crop and summer annuals.

“In addition to the alternative forage resource annuals bring to farming enterprises, forages are valuable additions for preserving Iowa farmland’s soil and water quality,” said Lundy, whose current extension and research programs are focused on beef cattle nutrition and forage management to improve profitability on the farm level.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on Aug. 26, click this 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 Iowa Learning Farms website, so that it can be watched at any time.

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.



Reynolds Announces Remaining CARES Act Funds for Iowa Farmers and Biofuels Producers

Today, Governor Reynolds announced the additional allocation of Iowa’s funds from the federal CARES Act of $100 million with many of the dollars available to assist and support Iowa’s agricultural economy.

“ICGA is thankful and commends Governor Reynolds on her finding new avenues to support our state’s farmers and biofuels producers; every bit of help is needed,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association® President and farmer from Monticello Jim Greif. “2020 has been a trying year with the lowest corn prices in over a decade, trade disputes, attacks on the Renewable Fuels Standard, and pending small refinery waivers all while navigating a global pandemic. This additional funding is welcome news this week.”

ICGA advocated for the following CARES Act funds:
              +/- $60 million for livestock producers, mostly for owners, some for contract producers
              +/- $15.5 million for biofuels producers
              +/- $6 million for beginning farmer assistance
              +/- $2.5 million for meat processors
              +/- 500,000 for specialty crops

For more information on the programs, contact the Iowa Economic Development Authority at https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/.



ICGA Delegates Adopt Policies Impacting Iowa Corn Farmers at Annual Grassroots Summit  

The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) held its Annual Grassroots Summit virtually today where ICGA delegates set the direction for the policies and priorities for the coming year.

During the virtual Summit, over 100 farmer delegates had the opportunity to review expiring policies and debate new policy resolutions. This ICGA policy process includes a member-wide survey in the spring, local roundtable discussions held in the summer, and the Annual Grassroots Summit in late August. Policies related to national issues will be brought forward at the Commodity Classic meetings in February with National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) farmer delegates.  

ICGA’s delegates deliberated on many important state issues impacting Iowa corn farmers, including these priority issues:  (Listed in alphabetical order, not by priority ranking)
Conservation/Water Quality – Maintain legislative funding stream for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Ethanol – Obtain and increase funding for renewable fueling infrastructure cost-share program (Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program)
Livestock – Support existing regulatory framework for the livestock industry
Taxes – Protect critical tax credits (such as Section 179 and biofuels)

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association wouldn’t exist without our engaged grassroots members who form and develop ICGA policy,” stated incoming ICGA President Carl Jardon, a farmer from Randolph, Iowa. “While it may be a tough year, we know we are stronger together and ICGA will continue to build strong policy and priorities to fight for Iowa’s farmers. We encourage all to invite other farmers to join ICGA as we work toward our goal of 10,000 members strong.”

Delegates also weighed several key federal issues:  (Listed in alphabetical order, not by priority ranking)
Ethanol – Retain the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), reallocation of unjustified Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs), and reduce regulatory barriers for higher blends
Trade – Expand new and protect existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements
Trade – Protect/expand the Market Access Program (MAP) & Foreign Market Development (FMD) program funding annually, and as part of the Farm Bill
Transportation – Maintain and upgrade our inland waterways and transportation system

Governor Kim Reynolds virtually addressed ICGA members to give a powerful message in these tough economic times and shared her strong support for Iowa’s corn farmers. Additionally, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President and farmer from Iowa Kevin Ross spoke to the virtual group about NCGA’s efforts in providing assistance and resources to his fellow Iowa corn farmers.

Awards were given to Davis County farmer Roger Wuthrich as the Local Leader Award as well as the top recruiter to Larry Buss a farmer from Harrison County for recruiting 66 members. ICGA awarded Guthrie County for their Farm to Table event as the Best County Activity and District 9 for their Corn Grows Iowa reception. ICGA congratulated the 2020 I-LEAD Class 9 as well as the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture scholarship winners.

ICGA will release its finalized top 2021 state and federal policy priorities in December based on ICGA Corn Board discussion as well as the grassroots input provided during today’s Summit. The complete 2020-2021 policy resolution book is available online and upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242.



Reynolds Announces Relief for Iowa Biofuels Producers

When COVID-19 hit the United States and most Americans were opting to stay home as much as possible, Iowa biofuel producers were badly hurt by the decline in fuel demand. Today Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the state is dedicating over $15 million of relief funding for Iowa renewable fuels producers, making Iowa the first state in the nation to provide direct aid to the biofuels sector.

“Governor Reynolds has provided a much-needed lifeline for Iowa’s renewable fuels producers,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “At its peak, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the idling of roughly 50 percent of Iowa’s biofuels production capacity. Even today fuel use has not returned to normal and biofuels producers are struggling to simply breakeven. IRFA members from across the state are deeply grateful for Governor Reynold’s leadership as they work to recover from the financial blow wrought by the pandemic.”

The relief funding will be awarded based on the number of qualifying gallons produced in the first quarter of 2020. IRFA continues to work with members of Congress on possible federal relief.

“We appreciate the work done by our federal legislative champions on language for the next COVID relief package,” Shaw said. “Ethanol and biodiesel producers across the country are suffering from suppressed fuel demand and still need comprehensive, in-depth relief from the federal government. Today’s action by Governor Reynolds will help Iowa’s biofuels producers keep going until Congress and the Trump Administration act.”



Reynolds, Naig Announce New Grant Opportunities for Iowa Fuel Retailers to Add Biofuel Blends

Today Secretary Mike Naig unveiled the details of the $7 million Iowa Renewable Fuels Recovery Program that Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds first announced on June 30. The new program, which utilizes the state’s CARES Act funding, provides grants to Iowa fuel retailers that add E15, B11, and higher biofuel blends to their stations.

“IRFA members want to thank Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig for seeing the many benefits biofuels provide to the state of Iowa and prioritizing their growth,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Policy Director Nathan Hohnstein. “Iowa fuel retailers and biofuel producers have both been struggling under the weight of demand destruction from COVID-19. These grants will help retailers stay competitive by adding low-cost, home-grown biofuel blends and provide a demand boost for Iowa’s biofuels producers.”

These new grants are separate from Iowa’s existing biofuel infrastructure program, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), and RFIP funds cannot be used on the same equipment or costs.

The program will provide up to $30,000 per approved project, and applicants may submit both ethanol and biodiesel-related applications for a single site for a maximum funding of $60,000 per site. Funds will be awarded to projects completed by December 30, 2020 or for purchasing equipment delivered by December 30, 2020 and installed at a later date. The retailer must commit to selling the qualifying biofuel blend for a minimum of 60 months. To provide flexibility, the 60-month commitment may begin anytime within 24 months of project completion.  Forty percent of the funds are being initially reserved specifically for Iowa’s smaller fuel retailers, those with ten fuel stations or less.

To apply for a grant or learn more about the new program visit: https://iowaagriculture.gov/grants.



United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Up Slightly

All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 115 million head on July 1, 2020, up slightly from the 115 million head on July 1, 2019. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 46.0 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.
                        
All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2020, totaled 103 million head, up slightly from July 1, 2019. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 41.4 million head, were down slightly from a year ago.

All cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2020, totaled 12.2 million head, down 1 percent from the 12.3 million head on July 1, 2019. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 4.58 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the number of cattle and calves by class and calf crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States cattle industry to provide producers additional information about potential beef supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on July 24, 2020. Canadian inventory numbers were previously released on August 20, 2020.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory up 4 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2020 was 93.6 million head. This was up 4 percent from June 2019, and up 9 percent from June 2018. The breeding inventory, at 7.57 million head, was down 1 percent from a year ago but up slightly from 2018. Market hog inventory, at 86.1 million head, was up 5 percent from last year and up 9 percent from 2018. The semi-annual pig crop, at 84.2 million head, was up 3 percent from 2019 and up 8 percent from 2018. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.56 million head, up 2 percent from last year and up 4 percent from 2018.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2020 was 79.6 million head. This was up 5 percent from June 1, 2019 and up 3 percent from March 1, 2020. The breeding inventory, at 6.33 million head, was down 1 percent from last year, and down 1 percent from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 73.3 million head, was up 6 percent from last year, and up 3 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 34.9 million head, was up 1 percent from 2019 and up 7 percent from 2018. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 3.17 million head, up 1 percent from 2019 and up 4 percent from 2018.  

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on July 1, 2020 was 14.0 million head. This was up slightly from June 1, 2019 and up slightly from June 1, 2018. The breeding inventory, at 1.24 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up slightly from 2018. Market hog inventory, at 12.8 million head, was up slightly from last year and up slightly from 2018. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.5 million head, was up 3 percent from 2019 and up 4 percent from 2018. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.23 million head, up 2 percent from last year and up 1 percent from 2018.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential hog supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on June 25, 2020. Canadian inventory numbers were released on August 20, 2020.



Farmers, Ethanol Producers File Court Brief Defending EPA’s Year-Round E15 Regulation

Responding to the oil industry’s effort to undermine the expansion of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, and National Corn Growers Association on Friday filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit supporting and defending the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 regulation that finally allowed year-round availability of E15.

As intervenors in the oil industry’s lawsuit against EPA’s regulation allowing year-round E15, Growth Energy, RFA, and NCGA are vigorously protecting the agency’s final rule, which finally extended the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver for E10 blends to E15 as well. The intervenors’ brief provides strong support for EPA’s position that parity in RVP regulations for E10 and E15 is consistent with the provisions of the Clean Air Act and the congressional intent behind those provisions. The organizations further point out that extending the volatility waiver from E10 to E15 is appropriate because the volatility of the fuel actually decreases as more ethanol is added into gasoline beyond E10.

“This disparate treatment of E10 and E15 made little sense,” the intervenors argue. “The volatility restrictions are intended to limit evaporative emissions, and the 1-psi allowance promotes the sale of ethanol-blended fuels. Yet adding 5% more ethanol to E10 uses more ethanol and lowers volatility and evaporative emissions. … The Final Rule removes a volatility restriction for E15 that EPA long ago removed for E10—enhancing consumer choice while reducing volatility and evaporative emissions. This Court should not allow the petroleum industry and its allies to stymie competition in this comparatively small but important portion of the U.S. transportation fuel supply.”



Growth Energy Applauds Biofuel Role in Climate Plan from Senate Democrats

Growth Energy today welcomed the inclusion of biofuels in a new plan released by the U.S. Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. In a section devoted to the role of farmers and rural communities in combating carbon emissions, the report outlines strategies to expand the role of clean, affordable ethanol and other biofuels.

“Investments in American biofuels continue to pay dividends for our climate, driving down carbon emissions and replacing toxic fuel additives that poison our air,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We’re pleased to see climate leaders in the Senate examining opportunities to accelerate progress toward a carbon-neutral future by opening the door for cleaner low-carbon biofuels, more green jobs, and continued innovation in renewable bioproducts to replace petroleum. It’s encouraging to see a growing chorus of lawmakers ready to harness the full potential of biofuels to decarbonize our transportation sector, open new doors for agricultural innovation, and break down regulatory barriers holding back production of advanced biofuels.”



RFA Welcomes Inclusion of Renewable Fuels in Senate Democrats’ Climate Plan

Today, the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis released a plan to build a “clean economy for the American people.” The report calls on Congress to, among other things, reduce U.S. emissions rapidly to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050 and stimulate economic growth by increasing federal spending on climate action to at least 2 percent of GDP annually.

“We are glad to see Senate Democrats recognize that renewable fuels like ethanol have an important part to play in our nation’s low-carbon future,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We are pleased to see the Committee acknowledge the role the Renewable Fuel Standard has already played in reducing emissions and we welcome the report’s discussion of a potential national Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). This report complements the House Select Committee’s recommendations in June, and it is clear that consensus is building around the need to further reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector.”
 
The Senate report highlights the success of state LCFS programs, like the first-of-its-kind California LCFS. According to the California Air Resources Board, corn ethanol used in the state is reducing GHG emissions by an average of 35% compared to gasoline, and the ethanol made from cellulosic crop residue is reducing GHG emissions by an average of 70% compared to gasoline.

“We look forward to speaking with the Committee about the value and contributions of grain-based ethanol under existing LCFS programs in California, Oregon, and British Columbia,” Cooper said. “Grain-based ethanol has already reduced transportation-related GHG emissions by 24 million metric tons in California, more than any other low-carbon fuel since the program began in 2011.”

Cooper said the LCFS model is spreading to other states and regions. “We are proud to be part of a broad coalition of stakeholders who recently developed a framework and set of guiding principles for a potential Midwest LCFS program. RFA served on the steering committee for the Midwest LCFS coalition, and we prioritized the inclusion of approaches that would reward farmers for reducing the carbon intensity of agricultural practices; we were happy to see the Committee recommend including incentives for lower-carbon farming practices.”

In particular, the senate report also endorses the value of carbon sequestration, noting that it can help sustainable farmers survive and thrive, and cites the important growth of bio-based products as smarter and healthier alternatives to those derived from fossil fuels – using corn ethanol as a prime example.



ACE Welcomes Senate Democrats’ Report Providing More Congressional Credit to Biofuel’s Role in Reducing GHG Emissions

Today, the U.S. Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis released a report “The Case for Climate Action: Building a Clean Economy for the American People” detailing a framework for future legislation in Congress to address climate change.

“ACE has been laying the strategic groundwork necessary to leverage ethanol’s low carbon value in the market through new clean fuel policy solutions at the state and federal level,” said American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings.  “We appreciate the Senate Committee acknowledging the significant role alternative liquid fuels could play in reducing the carbon intensity of the transportation sector and our reliance on petroleum, as well as the need for new policy tools like a Low Carbon Fuel Standard due to improper implementation of the RFS in recent years.”

ACE helped lead a diverse coalition of Midwestern organizations in developing a policy blueprint to encourage new low-carbon fuel markets, resulting in “A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest” report released in January of this year. At the federal level, ACE has engaged key congressional offices to position agriculture and ethanol as part of the solution to their policy efforts designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Our engagement with Congress led the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis to include a page from our Midwest Clean Fuel Policy blueprint in its June 30 report by recommending Congress develop a technology-neutral LCFS that would provide meaningful economic benefits to farmers and biofuel producers,” Jennings added. “Today’s case made by the Senate committee is further recognition from Congress that increasing the use of biofuel is part of the climate change solution. We look forward to continuing to engage with Congress on the need for new clean fuel policy built on top of the RFS that can further expand the domestic marketplace.”



Brazil's Conab Sees Good Prices Boosting 2020-2021 Soybean, Corn Crops to Records

Brazilian farmers will produce record harvests of soybeans and corn in the upcoming 2020-2021 growing season as good prices for both crops spur growers to increase the area planted, according to crop agency Conab.

The country will produce 133.5 million metric tons of soybeans in 2020-2021, up from an estimated 120.9 million tons in the 2019-2020 season, Conab said. Soybean planting begins in some Brazilian states in September and continues through December, and harvesting begins in January and usually finishes in April.

Productivity by soybean farmers will improve from 2019-2020 and the area planted with the crop will increase by 3%, according to Conab's forecast.  

Brazil overtook the U.S. in 2019-2020 to become the world's biggest soybean producer, and the South American country will be the world's biggest grower of the oilseeds in 2020-2021 as well, according to the USDA.

Brazil is also a major corn grower, and the country will produce 112.9 million metric tons of the crop in 2020-2021, according to Conab. In the 2019-2020 season, Brazilian farmers produced an estimated 102.1 million tons of corn.



China's July Pork Imports Hit Record 430,000 Tonnes

China's July pork imports more than doubled to 430,000 tonnes from a year earlier and hit a record monthly volume, customs data showed, despite tough new checks on cargoes that had slowed clearing at ports. According to Reuters, Chinese importers have been bringing in huge volumes of meat this year to fill a large domestic supply shortage after an epidemic of African swine fever killed millions of pigs.

However the data, released late on Sunday, came as a surprise after many overseas processing plants were forced to halt or slow production in the prior months due to coronavirus infections among workers.

The data does not reveal the origins of the shipments but a meat industry source, who declined to be identified, said June exports to China from major suppliers including the United States, Brazil, European Union and Canada had all declined compared to the prior month.

The July import number surpassed June's 400,000 tonnes, which had been the highest ever.

"Considering the U.S. and Europe had suspensions or slower production in May, that's really incredible," said Pan Chenjun, senior analyst at Rabobank.

China has asked overseas plants since June to suspend shipments if they experience coronavirus cases among workers, even though most experts say there is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted through food.

Beijing also started coronavirus checks for frozen food containers, which slowed meat cargo clearing at ports.

Domestic pork prices remain high, and rose in early July to 51.17 yuan ($7.40) per kilogramme , the highest since February, Reuters reports.

January to July pork imports reached 2.56 million tonnes, up from just over 1 million tonnes a year ago.

Imports of pork including offal in July came to 560,000 tonnes, bringing total imports for this year to end-July to 3.38 million tonnes, the data also showed.

Beef imports in July came to 210,000 tonnes, according to customs, with shipments for the first seven months reaching 1.2 million tonnes.



Six Projects Funded Through NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff

The U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Research Initiative (USAFRI), better known as the Alfalfa Checkoff, recently awarded its 7th round of funding to projects submitted by researchers from across the country. Researchers in six states were awarded funding.

“NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff program continues to fund much-needed research into a wide range of topics within the alfalfa community,” said Beth Nelson, NAFA President. “Just as we anticipated when we began the program, we’re engaging many new researchers who are eager to work on alfalfa.”

NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff request for proposals generated 15 research projects from a broad geographic area, stretching from California to Virginia, demonstrating continued demand among researchers for alfalfa research funding. Proposals addressed a wide range of topics intended to drive innovation and profitability in the alfalfa industry - from developing an app for smart irrigation scheduling to evaluating non-fiber carbohydrates in alfalfa. Research projects in California, Georgia, Montana, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin were funded. They include: (project objectives can be viewed on the NAFA website):

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Saflufenacil Tank-Mixes and Sequential Applications Applied in Early Fall for the Control of Plantain and Field Bindweed in Alfalfa Fields
-     Leslie Beck, New Mexico State University

Inclusion of Alfalfa Hay in Diets for Non-Lactating Dairy Cows During the Prepartum Period
-   Gonzalo Ferreira, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Development of New Alfalfa Products in Combination with Almond Hulls for Emerging Domestic and International Markets
-   Dan Putnam, University of California-Davis

Closing the Alfalfa Yield Gap While Improving Soil Fertility and Health
-   Nicole Tautges, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Alfalfa Bermudagrass Management Guide and Additional Educational Resources
-   Jennifer Tucker, University of Georgia

On-Farm Research to Support the Registration of New Insecticides for Alfalfa
-   Kevin Wanner, Montana State University

The NAFA review committee selected projects that best met established research priorities, including: feed value consistency (i.e., harvest, storage, digestibility, sampling); forage quality improvements; new uses and market development; and yield improvements. Proposals were scored on methodology/analytical approaches; industry need; cost effectiveness/budget/matching funds; partnerships; and outreach.  

The Alfalfa Checkoff call for proposals is released twice a year, in May with proposals due in June, and in November with proposals due in December. Final reports continue to roll in and reveal important data and information. Those reports are available at http://alfalfa.org/USAFRI_FinalReports.php. Be sure to bookmark this page and continue to monitor it for continuing results throughout the year.

NAFA strongly encourages alfalfa farmers to patronize participating alfalfa seed brands to support the Alfalfa Checkoff: Alfalfa Partners – S&W Seed, Alforex Seeds, America's Alfalfa, Channel, CROPLAN, DEKALB, Dyna-Gro, Fontanelle Hybrids, Forage First, FS Brand Alfalfa, Gold Country Seed, Hubner Seed, Jung Seed Genetics, Kruger Seeds, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Legacy Seeds, Lewis Hybrids, NEXGROW, Pioneer, Prairie Creek Seed, Rea Hybrids, Simplot Grower Solutions, Specialty, Stewart, Stone Seed, & W-L Research.  



Trump Administration Announces Additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program
USDA Begins Issuing Agreements for Round Three

Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced up to an additional $1 billion for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The additional funding allows the program to continue critical support to farmers, distributors, and American families in need. The Farmers to Families Food Box program has provided over 70 million boxes to hungry Americans across the country.

“I’m so proud of the people of USDA for designing this program in record time. With this additional up to $1 billion in funding, the Farmers to Families Food Box Program will continue to save countless jobs, support our farmers and move food to where it’s needed most,” said Secretary Perdue. “As the President said, when a food box is delivered to a family, we show them that in this country no one is forgotten.”

Today, in a Fayetteville Observer op-ed, Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump said, “As we work to achieve the Great American Comeback, The President and his Administration have stabilized our American food supply chain and protected our Nation’s families, farmers and ranchers…We are proud of the profound effect the Farmers to Families Food Box Program has had by keeping our farmers in business, empowering the food distribution industry workforce, and providing for those most in need.”

Background:
Additionally, USDA today announced it has begun issuing agreements for distribution of Food Boxes in the upcoming third round of solicitations. The first two rounds of deliveries began on May 15th and will run to August 31st. The third round will put more emphasis on food insecurity by seeking entities that provide combination boxes and requiring distributors to illustrate how they will provide coverage to areas identified as opportunity zones, detail subcontracting agreements, and address the “last mile” delivery of product into the hands of the food insecure population.

As a part of the third round, USDA continues to review proposals and make announcements of Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA). A list of current BOA holders and more information about the third round of Farmers to Families Food Box Program purchases is available at www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box.

The additional up to $1 billion funding is part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) authorization. Entities that proposed under the previous solicitation, including current vendors, must resubmit a proposal to participate in the third round.

USDA is using BOAs in order to have greater flexibility to ensure contracted entities provide adequate coverage throughout the states and territories. A basic ordering agreement is not a contract but is a written understanding, negotiated between USDA and a company. It establishes terms for future contracts during a specific period, describes what will be provided and how future orders will be priced, issued and delivered under the contract. A BOA does not authorize companies to ship products and does not guarantee future work.

In the ongoing second round of purchasing and distribution, which began July 1st and will conclude Aug. 31, 2020, USDA has purchased over $1 billion of food, extended contracts of select vendors from the first round of the program worth up to $1.27 billion and approved up to $202 million in new contracts to increase the focus on Opportunity Zones in order to direct food to reach underserved areas, places where either no boxes have yet been delivered, or where boxes are being delivered but where there is additional need.

The first round of purchases totaling up to $1.2 billion occurred from May 15 through June 30, 2020 and saw more than 35.5 million boxes delivered in the first 45 days.



FMC Launches the Only Fungicide Brand That Delivers Season-long Corn Disease Protection From an At-Plant Application

FMC is launching new Xyway™ 3D fungicide, the first and only at-plant corn fungicide to provide season-long, inside-out disease protection from planting to harvest. It combines the most systemic triazole fungicide, flutriafol, with unique at-plant flexibility.

     When soil-applied, the FMC proprietary active ingredient is rapidly taken up by plant roots and is quickly translocated throughout the plant before diseases emerge, providing early, systemic and long-lasting residual disease protection. The proven capability of flutriafol to move through the plant and outward to newly unfurled leaves has not been demonstrated by any other fungicide.

     Xyway brand fungicides will be available commercially for the 2021 growing season. Xyway 3D fungicide is formulated exclusively for the 3RIVE 3D® in-furrow application system, which allows growers to cover more ground in less time with fewer refills. It has received EPA registration for foliar disease protection from gray leaf spot, Southern corn leaf blight, Northern corn leaf blight, common rust, head smut and common smut.

     Furthermore, FMC has an additional formulation with registration pending with the EPA. Xyway LFR® fungicide which is formulated for use with liquid fertilizer application systems. The EPA registration for Xyway LFR fungicide is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2020. FMC is seeking registration for the same disease spectrum as Xyway 3D fungicide.

     “An at-plant application of a Xyway brand fungicide consistently results in the same level of disease protection and yields as a foliar fungicide applied at the R1 growth stage,” says Bruce Stripling, FMC regional technical service manager. “New Xyway brand fungicides make it possible for growers to conveniently and efficiently achieve season-long disease protection with an at-plant fungicide.”

Proven Performance
     In research and field trials throughout the U.S., the active ingredient in Xyway brand fungicides, flutriafol, demonstrated efficacy against gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight and common rust. Late-season disease severity ratings averaged for those three diseases across multiple trials were half that of the untreated check and statistically equivalent to competitive foliar treatments. Across the Mid-South, multiple research trials on formulations of Xyway brand fungicides yielded 13.7 bu/A more on average than the untreated check, and yields were statistically the same as competitive R1 foliar treatments of Trivapro® or Headline AMP® fungicides. Across 42 U.S. trials in 2019, tests on formulations of Xyway brand fungicides averaged an extra 8 bu/A compared to the untreated check.

     “We are seeing consistent performance results from Louisiana to South Dakota, across all soil types and on dryland or irrigated production. The active ingredient is very stable in the soil, staying in root zone where it can be continually taken up by the plant along with water and nutrients,” says Stripling.

     Growers and researchers also report more robust roots in corn treated with Xyway brand fungicides. An FMC trial documented 51% longer roots, 32% greater root surface area, 60% more root forks and 15% more root volume in corn treated with Xyway 3D fungicide than in the untreated check. A more robust root system improves the plant’s capacity to absorb water and nutrients and maximize yields.

Early Protection That Lasts
     Research by FMC and universities has shown that the active ingredient in Xyway brand fungicides, flutriafol, provides remarkably long-lasting protection for many key foliar diseases of corn when applied to the soil at planting. “We are seeing disease protection of more than 120 days after the at-plant application along with better stay-green and stalk health,” says Gail Stratman, FMC regional technical service manager. “That’s only possible because of the unique properties of flutriafol including how it stays near the root zone, is highly systemic and is xylem-mobile. Every time the plant transpires, it pulls water, nutrients and flutriafol from the soil and transports them via the xylem to green tissues, protecting the plant from the inside-out before diseases emerge. That’s very different from a foliar fungicide or a seed treatment.”

     The length of residual and the inside-out disease protection from the active ingredient in Xyway brand fungicides, flutriafol, could fundamentally change how growers manage disease, according to Kianna Wilson, the U.S. fungicide product manager for FMC. She is excited FMC is bringing this new technology to growers. “FMC has market-leading in-furrow formulations and novel application technologies that make us think differently than many manufacturers about how to use active ingredients and how they might be valuable to growers,” says Wilson. “We understand growers want to protect their plants from day one, ahead of disease onset. Scouting and treating can be time consuming and timing sensitive. Many growers will find it very attractive to apply a Xyway brand fungicide in one pass at-plant and get the same level of protection and yield response as with foliar fungicides.”

     Flutriafol is a member of FRAC Group 3 and is a demethylation inhibitor (DMI). It is the foundation for several important FMC foliar fungicide products for row and specialty crops.