Wednesday August 5 Ag News

RURAL POLL: NEBRASKA COMMUNITIES SHOW CHARACTERISTICS OF RESILIENCE

Most rural Nebraskans surveyed say their community exemplifies characteristics of resilience, according to the 2020 Nebraska Rural Poll.

More than six in 10 Nebraskans who responded to the Rural Poll, which was sent to 7,000 rural households across the state in April, said they agreed or strongly agreed with the following statements: People in my community help each other (82%); I believe in the ability of my community to overcome an emergency situation (76%); people in my community work together to improve the community (69%); I can depend on people in my community to come to my assistance in a crisis (68%); my community keeps people informed about issues that are relevant to them (65%); and there is trust among the residents of my community (63%).

However, rural Nebraskans were less likely to say their community treats everyone fairly, actively plans for disasters, trusts public officials, or looks at its successes and failures to learn from the past, according to Becky Vogt, survey research manager for the Rural Poll.

Community size played a role in some of these perceptions. Residents of larger communities were more likely to agree that their community looks at its successes and failures to learn from the past, keeps people informed about relevant issues, actively prepares for disasters, and trusts local leaders to respond to emergency situations. Those living in or near mid-sized communities (populations ranging from 500 to 9,999) were most likely to say their community has priorities and sets goals for the future.

Meanwhile, residents of smaller communities were more likely to report that they knew how to help solve major community problems. Just over half of those living in or near the smallest communities (populations under 500) agreed that they knew how to help solve major problems, compared to 37% of those living in or near communities with populations of 5,000 to 9,999.

These findings suggest that although larger communities appear to have more formal planning for emergencies, residents of smaller communities remain more confident of their ability to handle challenges, according to Brad Lubben, extension associate professor and policy specialist at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“While residents of the smallest communities lack existing plans, services or infrastructure of larger communities, they are ready to get the job done when something happens,” Lubben said.

Even if small communities have the willingness and know-how to handle emergencies, they may lack necessary resources, said Jason Weigle, associate extension educator.

“Last year’s extreme weather helped illustrate the gap between feeling prepared and being prepared,” Weigle said. “Filling this gap is where planning and preparation can set the stage for success in disaster recovery and long-term resilience.”

Perceptions of community resilience varied by region, and the Panhandle stood out in many areas. Poll respondents from the Panhandle were the regional group least likely to agree that people in their community work together to improve the community, that their community looks at its successes and failures, that their community has priorities and sets goals for the future, that they believe in the ability of their community to overcome an emergency situation, that the community trusts public officials and that they trust local leaders to respond to emergency situations.

Just under three in 10 Panhandle residents agreed that people in their community trust public officials, compared to more than four in 10 residents of the other four regions.

The 2020 poll was mailed just after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many schools and workplaces across Nebraska and disrupted agriculture and other industries. Most rural Nebraskans who responded to the poll (89%) agreed that infectious diseases will have a major impact in the country in the next few years. And most rural Nebraskans assumed there will be limits on what federal and local governments can do to contain a widespread infectious disease outbreak. Fifty-one percent indicated a lack of confidence in the federal government’s ability to contain a national outbreak, and four in 10 indicated a lack of confidence in local authorities to contain an outbreak in their community.

Those living in or near larger communities were more confident in their local emergency management authorities to contain a widespread infectious outbreak.

The 2020 poll also asked about respondents’ financial resilience. The poll asked respondents whether they would be able to come up with $3,000 in the next month to deal with an emergency. Most rural Nebraskans surveyed (54%) responded they could tap into savings, while 45% said they could use credit cards and 44% said they could use a bank loan. Most of those surveyed said they wouldn’t use a payday lender loan (62%), or more distant family members or their wider social network (50%).

Some groups, including those with a household income under $40,000, those who are divorced or separated, and those who work in food service or personal care occupations, were less prepared to handle a financial emergency. Three in 10 respondents from those groups said it would not be possible to use savings to cover a $3,000 emergency.

“Individuals with higher income and more education consistently reported higher levels of individual and financial resilience,” said L.J. McElravy, associate professor of youth civic leadership at Nebraska. “Although not shocking, the results drive home the importance of money and education in how people think about hardships in their community and finances.”

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll of rural Nebraskans' perceptions on quality of life and policy issues. This year's response rate was 33%. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 2%. Complete results are available at http://ruralpoll.unl.edu. The university's Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



Estimating Fair Value for Standing Nebraska Forage

Several things need to be considered when deciding what value to place on standing forage. Forage prices reflect current inventories, demand, expected current season production and associated yield risk, and quality characteristics.

Standing forage can be harvested in a number of different ways which also needs to be taken into account in deciding how to price it.

The article in the recent UNL Cornhusker Economics newsletter called Estimating a Fair Value for Standing Forage explores the following:

- Provides a few general thoughts and questions concerning harvesting method and comparable feed value to consider when pricing standing forage.

- Gives a few examples illustrating pricing calculations for forage mechanically harvested as hay, haylage, and silage.

- Includes pricing considerations for forage harvested by grazing.

Nebraska farmers and ranchers can read more in Cornhusker Economics at https://agecon.unl.edu/cornhusker-economics/2020/Estimating-Fair-Value-Standing-Forage. 



Hoegemeyer Hybrids launches new website for farmers in the Western Corn Belt

Hoegemeyer Hybrids, the leader of seed solutions and farmer success in the Western Corn Belt, is pleased to introduce a new and improved website just in time to help growers plan for the 2021 season.

“We wanted to make TheRightSeed.com better for our customers as they begin their seed selection plans for the upcoming growing season,” says Jeremy Thompson, general manager for Hoegemeyer Hybrids. “Navigating the site is easier, with more product information and localized agronomy – providing growers access to information that will help them be the most successful on every acre they plant Hoegemeyer seed.”

Highlights of the TheRightSeed.com include:
    Product portfolio – corn, soybeans, alfalfa, sorghum and seed treatments
    Agronomy – latest research and local plot data solely for the Western Corn Belt
    The Dirt – blog on the latest news, insights and growing tips from Hoegemeyer
    Seed guide – the entire 2021 seed guide is available online
    Yield data – view the latest yield data and proven performance in your area
    Become a dealer – apply online for Hoegemeyer job opportunities

For more than 80 years, Hoegemeyer Hybrids has combined local expertise with personalized service to give growers the right products that thrive in the Western Corn Belt – including industry-leading genetics and traits like Qrome© corn products, Enlist E3TM soybeans and much more.

Visit TheRightSeed.com today to discover more about what thrives in the Western Corn Belt.



Nebraska partners to provide energy answers for new farmers

Energy is not always the first thing a new farmer or rancher thinks about when getting started, but it is a critical component of any successful farm.  To help get folks off on the right foot, Nebraska Extension, in partnership with Extension programs from several other states and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), have developed a new series of extension materials designed specifically with new farmers in mind. 

The series, "Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer & Rancher,” utilizes farm energy experts from university extension programs across the country to answer pressing energy questions.  The main product of the project is a series of short, engaging videos and resources that give useful tips and information on farm energy. 

"Energy is typically one of the highest ongoing costs of any farm operation," says project manager Siobhan Fathel of Penn State.  "These resources act as the first step to better managing your energy costs and needs.”

 In addition to the short, engaging videos, there are also links to complementary materials designed to aid beginning farmers and ranchers in making informed decisions about on-farm energy.  For example, the “Online Energy Selector” developed by the project team helps farmers compare and select the heating fuel that will give them the best value for their dollar. 

Topics addressed in the video series include:
    Can I use biodiesel in farm diesel engines?
    How can I save on the cost of grain drying?
    Where can I find money to implement energy efficiency measures?
    How to select LED lights for agriculture?
    How to determine pellet durability 
    Why do an energy audit on your farm?
    Is wood heat right for you?
    How can proper livestock ventilation save energy & feed?
    What is it like to apply for farm energy incentive programs like REAP?
    How to choose a heating fuel?
    How to save money by understanding your electric bill?
    How to choose proper livestock ventilation fans? 
    How do I size a cooler for on-farm produce storage?
    How to design an energy-efficient hydroponic system?
    Solar-on-a-farm series

These videos are posted on the project team's YouTube channel, Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer & Rancher. Additional resources can be found online at https://farm-energy.extension.org/energy-answers-for-the-beginning-farmer-and-rancher/. Contributing extension programs include Illinois, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin.  



Naig, Wellman to Present at Animal Health in the Heartland Symposium

Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) and Bio Nebraska announced today that Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and Steve Wellman, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, will present at the Animal Health in the Heartland virtual symposium on Wed., Aug. 18 and Thurs., Aug. 19, with Secretary Naig providing opening comments on Aug. 18 and Director Wellman providing opening comments on Aug. 19.

“We are honored to have Secretary Naig and Director Wellman kicking off each day of our Animal Health in the Heartland symposium,” said Jessica Hyland, executive director of IowaBio. “As the leaders of Iowa and Nebraska’s agricultural landscape, Secretary Naig and Director Wellman understand the important and timely conversations around whole animal health.”

“COVID-19 has highlighted the critical role production animals play in our food chain and our state’s economy,” said Secretary Naig. “Now more than ever we must find opportunities to strengthen our food production system, and it all starts by protecting the health and wellness of our animals. Bringing this group together to discuss new technologies and research advancements that support animal health is one way to protect our livestock, jobs and our food supply from potential disruptions.”

The Animal Health in the Heartland symposium will be held virtually on Aug. 18-19, 2020 with this year’s focus on whole animal health. Four presentation Tracks will be available to symposium attendees and will cover topics ranging from vaccines to overcoming regulatory challenges.

Animal Health in the Heartland Presentation Tracks:
    Vaccines: Collaborative Development, Manufacturing Strategies and Effective Uses
    Technology on Today's Smart Farm
    Advancements in Probiotics and Animal Feed
    Overcoming Challenges: Regulatory Pathways, Facing Pandemics, and Making Rapid Decisions

“Livestock production plays a critical role in Nebraska’s economy and the health and wellbeing of their livestock is of upmost concern to our producers,” said Director Wellman. “I appreciate the work of IowaBio and Bio Nebraska in bringing together this group to learn more about advancements to continue to benefit overall animal health.”

“This year’s virtual event allows us to provide our attendees with more information and insights than during any of our previous symposiums and having Secretary Naig and Director Wellman as part of the program is a real bonus,” said Rob Owen, executive director of Bio Nebraska. “I can’t think of a better way to start each morning than hearing from these leaders in the agricultural ecosystem.”

To get more information or to register for Animal Health in the Heartland, you can visit the event website here http://www.iowabio.org/.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/31/2020

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 31, ethanol production moderated by 2.8%, or 27,000 barrels per day (b/d), to 931,000 b/d—equivalent to 39.10 million gallons daily. Production remained 10.5% below the same week in 2019 as a result of the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.4% to 932,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.29 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks ticked 0.4% higher to 20.3 million barrels, which was 12.0% below year-ago volumes. Inventories increased in the East Coast (PADD 1) and Midwest (PADD 2) but declined across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, scaled back by 2.2% to 8.62 million b/d (132.10 bg annualized). Gasoline demand remained 10.7% lower than a year ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol contracted by 1.1% to 844,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.94 bg annualized, which was 10.7% below the year-earlier level.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 11,000 b/d, or 3.23 million gallons for the week. This was the second consecutive week of imports. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of June 2020.)



June 2020 Global Sales of U.S. Ethanol and DDGs Pick Up the Pace, Recovering Lost Ground
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.
   
U.S. ethanol exports were 78.5 million gallons (mg) in June, an 11.0 mg increase (up 16%). Sales across our northern border returned to pre-COVID levels, as Canada purchased 27.4 mg (up 89% from May), regaining its status as our largest export market. However, sales to India slipped 15% in June to 12.6 mg, and exports to Mexico eased 1% to 9.0 mg. Other sizable customers of U.S. ethanol included Finland (7.8 mg), South Korea (4.6 mg), the Netherlands (3.4 mg), and Jamaica (3.0 mg), while Brazil was nearly absent. Exports over the first half of the year were 730.7 mg.

U.S. undenatured fuel ethanol shipments in June dropped 58% to 12.4 mg—the lowest volume since September 2018—with India’s departure from the market responsible for the bulk of that dip. However, exports increased by 9% to Mexico, reaching 7.3 mg (representing roughly 60% of U.S. global sales). Jamaica (2.7 mg) and Switzerland (1.8 mg) also purchased significant volumes of American-made undenatured fuel ethanol.
 
Sales of U.S. denatured fuel ethanol nearly doubled in June to a three-month high of 54.1 mg. Shipments to chief customer Canada rose 11.8 mg to 23.8 mg (accounting for 44% of total exported product). Other large markets were India (9.3 mg), Finland (7.8 mg), South Korea (4.4 mg), the Netherlands (3.4 mg), and Peru (2.7 mg).
 
Exports of U.S. ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes grew 25% to 12.0 mg. India (3.3 mg), Canada (3.3 mg), Nigeria (2.3 mg), and Mexico (1.6 mg) were our largest customers.
 
The U.S. imported 10.5 mg of cane ethanol from Brazil, the first shipments since March. Imports totaled 46.5 mg during the first half of the year.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGs)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—shot up 47% to 883,193 metric tons (mt). Thailand became our largest market for the first time with a record purchase of 208,456 mt, or nearly a quarter of June U.S. DDGs export sales. Mexico reduced imports by 18% to a five-year low of 97,873 mt, while sales were robust in Vietnam (94,277 mt, +38%), Turkey (86,925 mt, +82%), South Korea (69,231 mt, +33%), and Indonesia (56,780 mt, -10%). Worldwide U.S. DDGs exports for the first half of 2020 were 4.98 million mt.



DAP, MAP Inch Higher, While Other Fertilizer Prices Continue to Decline

The average retail price of DAP and MAP fertilizers inched higher this week, while the rest of the complex saw continued declines, according to prices tracked by DTN for the last week of July 2020.

DAP prices increased by an average of $4 to $410 per ton. MAP showed a smaller increase of $2, putting the average retail price at $429/ton. Neither price move is significant, which DTN considers 5% or more.

Of the six remaining major fertilizers, the prices of UAN28 and UAN32 each declined by $10/ton, or 4%. On average, UAN28 cost $223/ton, while UAN32 cost $262/ton.

Price moves for the remaining fertilizers were even smaller. Potash, at $358/ton, and 10-34-0, at $465/ton, declined by $3. The average urea price dropped by $2 to $355/ton, while anhydrous declined $7 to $454/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea and anhydrous price were unchanged from last month at $0.39/lb.N and $0.28/lb.N. UAN28 at $0.40/lb.N and UAN32 at $0.41/lb.N are 1 cent higher than the last week of June 2020.

The retail price of all eight major fertilizers are lower than last year. Anhydrous leads the way, down 22%. It's followed by MAP, down 19%; UAN28 and UAN32, down 18%; urea and DAP, down 17%; potash, down 9%; and 10-34-0, down 4%.



USDA Extends Deadlines, Defers Interest Accrual Due to COVID-19

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced it will authorize Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to extend deadlines for premium and administrative fee payments, defer the resulting interest accrual and allow other flexibilities to help farmers, ranchers, and insurance providers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“USDA recognizes farmers and ranchers have been severely affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic this year and to help ease the burden on these folks, we are continuing to extend flexibility for producers,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “The flexibilities announced today support health and safety while also ensuring the Federal crop insurance program continues to serve as a vital risk management tool.”

Background:
Specifically, USDA is authorizing AIPs to provide policyholders additional time to pay premium and administrative fees and to waive accrual of interest to the earlier of 60 days after their scheduled payment due date or the termination date on policies with premium billing dates between August 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020. In addition, USDA is authorizing AIPs to provide up to an additional 60 days for policyholders to make payment and waive additional interest for Written Payment Agreements due between August 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through AIPs to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.