Weekend Ag News Round-up - October 3

Precision Nitrogen Management On-Farm Research Project

Are you interested in how agriculture technologies can improve nitrogen management on your farm?

Nebraska Extension received a $1.2 million On-Farm Conservation Innovation grant from USDA – Natural Resource Conservation Service which connects corn and wheat producers across Nebraska with access to cutting-edge technologies through on-farm research.

The goal is for producers to get hands-on experience with new technologies to manage nitrogen more efficiently and evaluate how these technologies will work on their operation. Interested producers will be able to select from several project options. They include:
    Nitrification Inhibitors for Corn
    Crop Canopy Sensing for Corn N Management
    Crop Model Based Tools for Corn N Management and Split-Applications
    Crop Sensing for Wheat N Management.

Growers and consultants will work closely with Nebraska Extension to accomplish the project. Eligible producers who complete these studies will receive $1,300 for recognition of their time and resource commitments and to mitigate risk of potential yield (and therefore potential profit) loss. Cooperating producers will also be eligible to receive up to $1,200 for eligible technology costs associated with these studies.

Interested growers, especially those who fall apply nitrogen, should contact Laura Thompson, Extension Educator – Director, Nebraska On-Farm Research Network at laura.thompson@unl.edu or 402-245-2224. Additional information regarding the project can be found at the Precision Nitrogen Management On-Farm Research Project page https://cropwatch.unl.edu/precision-nitrogen-management-farm-research-project.



EXTENSION WEBINAR TO COVER RECENT PROPERTY TAX CHANGES

A webinar scheduled for Thursday at noon will cover the recent property tax legislation enacted in the closing days of the Nebraska Legislature’s last session.

The compromise passed in the session establishes a refundable state income tax credit of an estimated 6% of property taxes paid for local schools (excluding taxes for school bonds and budget overrides). Taxpayers will be able to claim this credit on next year’s state income tax return. In the coming years, the refundable state credits could eventually rise to as much as 18% of property taxes paid to local schools.

The webinar will cover events leading to the new legislation and what it means for Nebraskans, including details on how to estimate potential refund amounts. The presentation will be led by David Aiken, professor and agricultural law specialist in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Agricultural Economics. It is presented as part of the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management weekly webinar series.

Upcoming Seminars
Since mid-April, our weekly webinars have offered information and expert analysis on a range of management topics. Register now for one of our upcoming sessions on the webinar page.
    Oct. 15: Update on farm income and farm program payments
    Oct. 22: Financial state of ag for Nebraska producers
    Oct. 29: Ballot initiatives: Election Day 2020

Registration
Registration is free and can be completed at farm.unl.edu/webinars.



4 Schools to Lead Upper Missouri River Snowpack Monitoring

U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson, all of South Dakota, praised the news that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded major contracts to four universities, including South Dakota State University, to establish a network of stations to monitor snowpack and soil moisture throughout the plains area of the Upper Missouri River Basin. SDSU will receive a $12.8 million contract, and earlier today the first task issue was issued for the first 10 sites to be installed in South Dakota. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.

"This investment in the South Dakota Mesonet will pay dividends not only in the areas of flood and drought for which it is intended, but for precision agriculture, natural resource management, wildfire and severe weather," said Nathan Edwards, director of South Dakota Mesonet. "Every South Dakotan's life is touched by weather on a daily basis. The livelihoods of many depend on it. We can all benefit from improved monitoring."

The contract is part of a larger, $48.2 million project that is a collaboration with the mesonets of four neighboring states--Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota and Nebraska--and will cover about a quarter million square miles with over 500 weather stations, a station every couple of dozen miles.

"Following the flooding events of 2011 and 2019, it's abundantly clear that we need more accurate weather monitoring throughout the Missouri River Basin," said Rounds. "Since coming to the Senate nearly six years ago, I've been working to implement a snowpack monitoring system, which will allow the Corps to make better, more accurate decisions with regard to river management. While there is more work ahead, today's announcement is a huge first step toward better river system management."

"When it comes to weather-related events, having the most accurate, up to date information is one of the best tools we have to help mitigate potentially devastating consequences," said Thune. "As we approach the 10th anniversary of historic flooding of 2011 in the Missouri River Basin, this important system will build on our work to improve forecasting and information sharing in an effort to ensure reliable information is available to state and local governments and residents as flood mitigation efforts are implemented. I look forward to seeing the university's work on this important issue."

"No South Dakotan can forget the devastating flooding on the Missouri in 2011," said Johnson. "Accurate snowpack monitoring and preparation are key. I'm confident SDSU will utilize these tools to ensure boots on the ground have an accurate forecast so South Dakotans can be best prepared."

Part of the research infrastructure of the SDSU Agricultural Experiment Station, the South Dakota Mesonet is the state's weather network with real-time weather and soil reports at https://climate.sdstate.edu/. Data collected by South Dakota Mesonet stations are utilized by the agriculture, natural resources, emergency management, water resources, research and the general public.



Register for the newest Cattlemen's Webinar Series
Protein Supplementation for Your Herd
October 8, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. Central

We all know protein is a vital nutrient for cattle, but many producers still have questions. How much? What are my options? In this presentation Jason Smith, PhD – Texas A&M University & Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD – University of Kentucky will break down the basics of protein supplementation with the goal of helping producers understand why protein is an essential component of cattle nutrition and how to be strategic with supplementation.

Click to Get Registered Today.... https://www.ncba.org/cattlemenswebinarseries.aspx.

Upcoming Webinars - October 20 - 7pm - Energy Supplementation for your Herd.  

Miss any of the Cattlemen's Webinar Series? View the recordings now to get caught up!
Click to view the Cattlemen's Webinar Series recording playlist... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsDMBXSb2jYcUGaCNrQ09f0JxDJXJQu24.



AFBF: Legislation Brings Needed Reform to CCP

Legislation introduced in the Senate would bring much-needed reform to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Compliance program.

The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), would require the NRCS to provide more evidence in determining wetlands and give farmers more rights in the appeals process.

Farmers have been subjected to repeated, unjustified and costly decisions by the NRCS, as documented by American Farm Bureau. It is important for these issues to be addressed.

"The plain truth is that farmers have been treated unfairly by NRCS when trying to be good stewards of the land," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "AFBF stood up for them by pressing for changes to conservation compliance programs, and we applaud Sen. Rounds for introducing the NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act. It would institute needed reforms, and although sweeping in nature in its current form, it takes important steps toward creating a fair and understandable process for America's farmers."

AFBF has advocated for clear rules and safeguards to ensure the fair treatment of farmers in conservation compliance. When USDA released the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation Final Rule, it was clear that the issues had not been remedied. Thus, the need for legislation.



NMPF 2020 Annual Meeting Free to Participants; Will Review Momentous Year for Dairy

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed, but not cancelled, the National Milk Producers Federation’s 2020 annual meeting. This year’s joint meeting, held again in conjunction with the national checkoff groups overseen by Dairy Management Inc., will be held online and offered free of charge to all participants.

The two days of general sessions will be held midday Oct. 27-28, while other events associated with the annual meeting will be spread out before and after the main events. The NMPF Board of Directors will meet Friday, Oct. 16, then convene again on Thursday, Nov. 12, for its 2021 organization meeting, including a wrap-up of the Nov. 3 elections. The NMPF Delegates meeting will be Monday, Oct. 26, while NMPF Young Cooperator 2020 program sessions will be Oct. 29-30.

Sessions will include:
    A panel featuring the farmer leadership of DMI, NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council focusing on lessons learned during unprecedented times.
    David Wasserman, House editor for The Cook Political Report, will offer an elections forecast.
    NMPF’s Town Hall session, in which senior staff will share updates and answer questions regarding key policy issues that affect dairy farmers and U.S. dairy via a moderated discussion.
    A dairy-organization executive panel will share promotion and policy priorities and plans for 2021 and beyond, including how COVID-19 has uncovered and accelerated opportunities for U.S. dairy. Featured panelists include DMI executives Tom Gallagher and Barbara O’Brien.
    Peter Sheahan, founder of Karrikins Group, will share his thoughts on what creates innovation for companies looking to create value in their industries.
    An industry spotlight panel will share critical updates and context around environmental stewardship and U.S. Dairy’s Net Zero Initiative. Panelists including dairy co-op, brand and organization leaders will share why this topic is more important than ever among dairy consumers and customers, and how U.S. dairy is positioning itself for today and in the future.

Registration information for the Oct. 27-28 programming can be found here... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-ndbnmpfudia-virtual-joint-annual-meeting-tickets-123071868271.



Advancing and Driving Demand for Biofuels

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) has expanded its capabilities and offerings over the years, but one thing remains the same; its mission to create opportunities for America’s corn farmers.

NCERC opened its doors, thanks to the work and partnership with the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA), back in 2003. Along with ICGA, NCGA has worked closely with NCERC to help underscore the advantages of renewable corn ethanol.

“Ethanol production in the United States has grown significantly since NCERC opened its doors from roughly 2.8 billion gallons annually to the nearly 16 billion gallons of production today,” said NCERC Executive Director John Caupert. “NCERC has assisted in advancements in fuel ethanol production, with more than 75 products and technologies that have passed through our doors now in the commercial marketplace. These products and technologies are being utilized in every commercial corn ethanol plant operating today, with a significant impact: more than 5,000 new jobs created and nearly $6 billion of annual revenue.”

Thanks to the investment of checkoff funds by corn farmers, the work at NCERC has and will continue to bring value back to the farm. Having a partner like NCERC is more important now than ever.

“The advancements that have been made in the biofuels industry, thanks to the work of NCERC, has directly benefited corn farmers through the growth of ethanol and exploration for new bio-based products from U.S. corn,” said Illinois corn farmer and NCGA ethanol action team member Jim Reed. As we look to the future on how we can continue to drive corn demand, we will look to partners like NCERC for their expertise to help us chip away at corn surplus.”

NCERC partners with companies on dozens of renewable compounds, including biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials and bioproducts.

“At NCERC, ethanol will always be the foundation of our work,” Caupert added. “But just like building a home, a foundation is something we must build upon. At NCERC, we are building upon the foundation provided by ethanol. As policy, technology, and industry have evolved, NCERC has evolved along with it.

Now, more than ever, new uses and new market opportunities are needed for America’s corn farmers. NCERC is assisting in the development of new uses for corn by assisting private sector companies in the commercialization of processes by which biomaterials and bioproducts are produced. One of the most exciting areas of bioprocess development has been in the area of biopolymers. The commercial application of biopolymers is endless. From liners in cardboard boxes to liners in baby diapers, and everything in between, someday soon, we will be able to utilize corn-based biopolymers.

The future for corn utilization in bioprocessing is exciting - and the future is now.”

NCERC is located in University Park of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.



RFA Applauds Movement Toward COVID Relief for Ethanol Producers

Late Thursday, the House of Representatives passed another COVID economic relief package, the HEROES Act II, which provides for $2.2 trillion in coronavirus relief and includes an important provision for the renewable fuels industry. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper:

“We were pleased to see the House once again prioritize assistance for the renewable fuels industry as part of its economic relief package. The Renewable Fuel Reimbursement Program included in the original HEROES ACT, and now part of the new legislation, represents a potential lifeline for the 350,000 men and women whose jobs depend on a healthy and vibrant ethanol industry. We greatly appreciate the efforts and leadership of all those in the House who understand that rural communities across the nation depend on the renewable fuels industry for job creation, economic vitality, and new market opportunities for farmers.
 
“Just recently, a study by university economists found that ethanol producers will experience roughly $8 billion in losses this year due to the pandemic’s impact on world fuel markets. While market conditions have improved since the spring, the ethanol industry is still struggling to fully recover from the pandemic, and ethanol producers across the country remain under financial stress.”
 
If it were to become law, the Renewable Fuel Reimbursement Program provision would provide a 45-cent-per-gallon payment for qualified fuel produced by eligible producers from Jan. 1 through May 1, 2020.



CWT-Assisted Sales Contracts Top 78 million Pounds of Dairy-Product Exports

Cooperatives Working Together in September assisted member cooperatives in capturing 37 contracts to sell 1.7 million pounds of American-type cheeses, one million pounds of butter, 749,572 pounds of whole milk powder, and 875,235 pounds of cream cheese. The products will be going to customers in 11 countries in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Central and South America during the months of September 2020 through February 2021.

These contracts bring year’s total CWT-assisted product sales contracts to 78.1 million pounds. That includes of 26 million pounds of cheese, 8 million pounds of butter, 36.2 million pounds of whole milk powder, 2 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat, and 5.9 million pounds of cream cheese. These transactions will move the equivalent of 784 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis overseas.

Assisting CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term expands the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Twelve Senators Urge USDA to Approve Bison Meat Purchase

Twelve U.S. Senators, led by John Hoeven (R-ND) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) sent a letter yesterday to USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach urging approval of the National Bison Association’s request for a $17 million purchase of bison meat under the Section 32 surplus removal program.

“More than ever, the bison industry needs support. An unanticipated over-supply of harvest-ready animals, drought across the heart of bison production territory, and the COVID-19 public health emergency have created an uncertain economic outlook,” the Senators wrote. “As you know, existing authority under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 (Public Law 74-320) allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make purchases of farm products to be used for distribution through the federal food and nutrition programs."

Granting the National Bison Association’s $17 million purchase request would provide much needed stability and market relief for bison producers struggling in the current environment.” The Senators added.

As Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulation, Ibach oversees the Agricultural Marketing Service, which is considering the Section 32 request.

In addition to Hoeven and Bennet, Senators signing the letter were John Boozman (R-AR), John Barraso (R-WY), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Tina Smith (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), Cory Gardner (R-CO), John Tester (D-MT).

Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, said today, “We deeply appreciate the support from these 12 Senators, and particularly the leadership from Senators Hoeven and Bennet, to support the bison producers across the United States. Their input to USDA is a very positive development for our request.”