Monday December 28 Ag News

 BACK TO THE FUTURE: FORAGE REFLECTIONS
– Daren Redfearn, UNL Forage/Crop Residue Specialist
 
As the year comes to an end, it can help to look back at forage management production and learn what to improve to make it better next year.  Stick around and I'll give you some ideas.
 
Did last spring come in so fast that before you knew it, thistles were already blooming?  This spring, make it a point to spray just as corn planting begins and you should have good success.
 
When did your pastures run out?  Mid-summer?  Late-summer?  Fall?  You have plenty of annual forage options to fill any gaps – forages like sudangrass, pearl millet, oats, and turnips are few of the common ones that can be very productive.  Plant and use these annual forages when your other pastures have slow growth and are stressed so you have plenty of grazing for your cattle.  Your regular pastures will bounce back quicker as well.
 
Did you take an extra late cutting of alfalfa in the fall because of good September and October growth?  That hay was high quality, so either sell it for a premium price or use it only for special feeding situations.  This coming spring, though, it may start to grow a little slower.  If so, let it start to bloom before cutting.           
 
We all can do better next year than we did this year.  One of the best ways to accomplish this is to look back to learn what we hope to do better in the future.   



Nebraska Cattlemen Honors Ann Marie Bosshamer with the 2020 Industry Service Award

The Nebraska Cattlemen recently awarded Ann Marie Bosshamer with the Nebraska Cattlemen’s 2020 Industry Service Award at the Nebraska Beef Council headquarters in Kearney, NE.

Ann Marie has dedicated well over 20 years to the Nebraska Beef Council and is currently the executive director. At the Nebraska Beef Council she leads a team that oversees the collection and management of the $1 per head Beef Checkoff in Nebraska. From being featured on radio and television commercials for the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” campaign over the years Ann Marie has been recognized as the “Voice of Beef” by many Nebraskans.

Ann Marie and Husband Brian Bosshamer reside near Amherst Nebraska with their two daughters Brook & Breanna. When they are not working on all things BEEF they are busy with sports, show cattle and other extracurricular activities the girls are involved in. Ann Marie is an Alumni of the Nebraska Lead Program, the 2016 UNL Block and Bride Honoree and the Bosshamer’s were named the Grand Marshals at the Nebraska State Fair in 2019.

While presenting the award, Nebraska Cattlemen Past President Mike Drinnin said, “Ann Marie is the voice of Nebraska beef, with an unwavering dedication to not just the Nebraska Beef Council but Nationally, and for that the beef industry could not have picked a better spokesperson.”



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Announces Availability of Youth Scholarships

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is accepting applications for scholarships from qualified youth in Nebraska who have an interest in the beef industry. These scholarships will be awarded for the 2021-2022 academic year and are provided through contributions received by the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. Applications are available on the Nebraska Cattlemen website (www.nebraskacattlemen.org) or can be obtained by calling the NCF office at (402) 475-2333.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding college junior, senior or graduate-level student. Eligible students must be residents of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry-related degree. The scholarship will be awarded based on student need, Nebraska beef industry involvement (past achievements and future plans) and academics. Students will be required to complete the written application (due in the NCF office by February 15, 2021) and finalists will be invited to a final interview with the selection committee.

NCF offers numerous other $1,000 minimum scholarships, awarded on the basis of academic achievement, beef industry involvement and goals/quality of application. This application is due into the NCF office by March 15, 2021. Scholarship recipients must be a high school senior or college student, have a “C” or higher-grade point average, and be enrolled or intending to enroll full time in a college or university that offers a bachelor’s degree, an approved vocation or trade school, or a state accredited junior college. Refer to the application for complete selection requirements.



Registration now open for Iowa Farm Bureau's virtual Young Farmer Conference

Registration is open for the 2021 Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) Young Farmer Conference, geared toward farmers and agribusiness professionals ages 18-35. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s conference will be held virtually Jan. 29 and 30 and features two dynamic keynote speakers, eight live breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more.

“This year’s theme, ‘Always Essential,’ encompasses how farmers, agriculture and food production have been a focal point during the pandemic, and it’s clear that food will always be essential. And, of course, we know food production starts on the farm,” said Mary Ebert, IFBF Young Farmer chair. “While more than 500 young farmers across the state would normally gather in person to learn and network at this annual event, we’ve found some great speakers to safely bring perspective and valuable insights virtually to young farmers after a challenging year. The sessions offer something for everyone.”

Jan. 29 keynote speaker, Zach Johnson, known as The Millennial Farmer to his 700,000 YouTube subscribers, is a fifth-generation farmer from Minnesota. With his talk, “Farmers Are Just Like Real People,” he’ll share his vision to build a connection between farmers and consumers and provide farmer to farmer education. The next evening, Jan. 30, Jeff Havens, a business growth expert, will dive into how to “Uncrapify Your Future!” Havens is known for providing serious solutions with a side of humor to bring fresh perspectives that run counter to conventional wisdom.

Scheduled breakout sessions include a mix of topics that are top of mind for young farmers, including balancing the business side of the farm with family life. Speakers will share advice on embracing farm life with a ‘city’ background and managing stress when different personalities are working side by side.  A variety of farm business experts will share insight on off-farm investments, taking advantage of disaster recovery programs, contract hog production considerations, hay marketing and more. A trauma care specialist with Iowa Methodist Medical Center will also review with participants actions they can take to “Stop the Bleed” and save a life when farm injuries occur.

During the virtual event, six ag-related businesses will also be participating in a live pitch-off in an effort to be named Iowa Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Future Award winner with a top cash prize of $7,500. Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite ag business, and the top three winners will be announced at the conclusion of the conference.

To view the full 2021 IFBF Virtual Young Farmer Conference agenda and to register, visit https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Farmer-Resources/Farm-Bureau-Leaders/Young-Farmer-Program/Young-Farmer-Conference. Registration is free and for members only. To become a member, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.



Iowa Beef Recognizes BQA Award Recipients

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) continues to be an important pillar of checkoff programming and each year we strive to recognize outstanding individuals that exemplify the tenets of the program. The awards were announced on December 18th during the Annual Meeting. We are pleased to share the winners of the 2020 Beef Quality Assurance Awards.

2020 BQA Feedlot Award
The Iowa Feedyard awards recognizes outstanding farmer feeders with a commitment to BQA principles. Mogler Farms of Alvord, IA is a family operation spanning three generations with seven family members currently working on the farm. This is a diversified farm operation encompassing a hog farrow-to-finish operation, row crops, beef feedlot, and a commercial grain elevator. The beef feedlot consists of 3000 head and is the pride and joy of Howard. Mogler Farms have been early adopters of electronic ID, feedyard performance monitoring programs and have participated in university studies to examine best management practices. Ross Mogler shared, “Since implementing the BQA  standards, we have seen improvement of cattle care, comfort, health, and performance. The team prides themselves on handling the cattle in the proper manner and seeing the benefits of leading animal husbandry standards.” Their commitment to a high standard of care is all encompassing, congratulations to Mogler Farms on being selected the 2020 Feedyard Award recipient.

2020 BQA Cow-Calf Award  
Setting cattle up for success starts early in life at the first stage of production. David Bruene, Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm Manager, works diligently to help students and farm employees understand the importance of BQA principles and how to implement those strategies every day to ensure calves are set for long-term success. When working in a teaching environment, safe cattle handling is paramount for students and the cattle. Student hires at the farm come with varying degrees of experience and the BQA program provides a consistent standard that helps build continuity within the team, no matter the task. Congratulations David Bruene on being selected the 2020 Cow-Calf Award recipient.

2020 Marketer BQA Award
Iowa is the home to a robust live auction system facilitated by the work of auction markets across the state. Dunlap Livestock Auction is a long-time builder of the next generation of livestock producers – having supported many local county fair 4-H and FFA beef shows, worked with ISU extension to study impacts of feeder cattle pricing, etc. and even hosted the World Livestock Auctioneer Contest in the early 2000’s. Family matriarch’s Jim and Ruth purchased the market in 1950 with the transition to Jay, Jim and Jon taking over the family business in the 90’s. Today, the third generation of Schaben’s are involved in the family business. Dunlap Livestock Auction has been a household name in the livestock business as their influence stretches far beyond the gavel. They have been integral in helping local cattlemen attain BQA certification by working alongside BQA educators to host several certification events for producers seeking assistance. Congratulations to Dunlap Livestock Auction for being selected as the 2020 Iowa Marketer Award recipient.



Registration Now Open for 2021-2022 SowBridge Educational Series

SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in February 2021, and registration is now underway. This opportunity pairs electronically provided materials with live presentations via teleconference. Suggestions from past participants help with planning the next year’s topics and speakers, and maintain the program’s value, according to Ken Stalder, Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist.

“Each year we ask participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, and follow through as much as possible to provide current content that people are interested in,” Stalder said. “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.”

Stalder, who also is the Iowa contact for SowBridge, said registration cost remains at $200 ($U.S.) for the first registration from an entity, and each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount, for subscribers from the U.S. or Canada.

“We recognize the current economic condition of the pork industry, and want to encourage participation by all producers,” Stalder said. “By maintaining the registration fee, we hope more people will be able to take part.”

SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. Sessions are typically scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month but occasionally may be moved a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays.

“With the live phone presentation and slideshow available on their computer or other device, participants can take part from anywhere without needing internet access,”  Stalder said.

The distance learning approach allows people to take part without having to travel, take time from work or worry about weather conditions. During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Remember that SowBridge can serve as continuing education for employees and meets this requirement for PQA certification.

Before each session, participants receive a link to download the presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session to listen to the presenter and while following the presentation file on their own computer or device. Sessions begin at 11:15 a.m. Central Time and last no more than an hour.

Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session. Materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. Regardless of location, those with questions on the program or registration should contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State for more information. Hoyer can be reached by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.

To provide a look at the content of SowBridge sessions, an example video was created using the presentation material and audio recording from a 2017 session where speaker Corinne Bromfield gave a presentation titled, “Identifying Scours.”

2021 session dates, topics, speakers and their industry affiliations are as follows.
    Feb. 4,  Day One Sow Care, Ashley Johnson, Zoetis
    March 3,  Preventing COVID-19 on Swine Farms, Erin Ehinger, Provimi North America
    April 7,  Mental Health of Barn Workers, Robin Tutor Marcom, North Carolina Agromedicine Institute
    May 5,  Gilt Development, Steve Brier, Smithfield
    June 2, How to Handle Activists on Farms, Jen Sorenson, Iowa Select Farms
    July 7,  Litter Size Adjustment Strategies, Steve Horton, Thomas Livestock
    Aug. 4,  Sow Lifetime Productivity Findings, Jennifer Patterson, University of Alberta
    Sept. 1, Pig Farm Safety Practices, Melissa Millerick-May/Beth Ferry, Michigan State University
    Oct. 6,  Gilt Synchronization- Tools &Techniques, Tim Safranski, University of Missouri
    Nov. 3,  Economics of Mortalities on Sow Farms, Caleb Shull, The Maschhoffs
    Dec. 1,  Interventions to Reduce Mortalities: Pre-Weaning, Kara Stewart, Purdue University
    Jan. 5, 2022,  Sow Lameness, Benny Mote, University of Nebraska

The yearlong program is offered by registration only with a Jan. 20, 2021, deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on Feb. 4. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website at http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/SowBridge/2021SBbrochureIPIC.pdf Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.

SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort  of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states including Iowa State University.



Cattle on Feed
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

Friday December 18th was the December Cattle on Feed report. The trade expectations told a consistent story of lower placements and marketings from a year ago. The actual numbers came in consistent with those expectations. The total on feed, 12.0 million head, was up slightly from 2019. Placements were seasonally lower overall. Kansas was an exception with steady placements, boosting their on-feed total from last year. The placements across weight categories reflected fewer placements in the heaviest and lightest weight categories, following uniformly lower placements last month. Many of the swings from the spring COVID-19 disruptions seem to be working through the system.

Heading into 2021, it is a prudent time to consider marketing plans for cattle. In the northern plains that may very well be several components: one for calves, one for yearlings, one for retained ownership, etc. The cash cattle trade has some consistent seasonal patterns. Catching the early spring seasonal high in fed cattle may be an objective. A way to do that in advance is to use futures or options. For example, the live cattle futures contract currently show the implied pattern prices may take for 2021, with April trading at a $4/cwt premium to the surrounding contract months. As a non-storable commodity, cattle do not have the carrying charge forces at work like the grains and oilseeds contracts.

Making sense of the patterns in futures prices requires looking across contract months and looking at patterns within specific contracts. For live cattle, the even-months have contracts: February, April, June, August, October, and December. It is important to understand the price chart you are looking at to guide decisions. Sometimes when you try to find a longer-run price chart, many providers will display a price series that reflects prices across a series of nearby contracts rolled at or before expiration. Such charts are useful for analyzing prices, but less useful when guiding specific hedge decisions. For example, last summer when the nearby rolled from June to August, the prices used went from $91.65/cwt to $97.30/cwt. Most other rolls were less extreme, but the underlying pattern could not be captured by placing hedges and not changing contract months.

A better approach is to use the cash price series or nearby futures series to guide target months for marketing, then switch to specific contact months to see the behavior of the chosen futures contract. For example, if cattle will not be finished until May, then the June contract would likely provide better hedge protection than the April contract, even though the April price may look more attractive. The price objective is then to pick a price level for June futures that is acceptable. The June futures price will likely adjust with other futures prices, but its tendency is to remain below the April futures price. To lock in a seasonally high June futures price will likely require monitoring the June contract price on its own. Usually, data providers have a way to overlay earlier charts on top of the current chart.



USDA and HHS Release Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025

TOMORROW, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, 10:00 am (EST), the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a virtual event to announce the release of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. The latest edition of the guidelines was built upon Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020, with updates grounded in the scientific reviews of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, along with comments received from the public and input from federal agencies.

Updated jointly by USDA and HHS every five years, the dietary guidelines provide Americans with science-based advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, help reduce risk of chronic disease, and meet individual nutrient needs.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 is the first set of guidelines to provide guidance for healthy dietary patterns throughout all stages of life – birth through older adulthood, including pregnant and lactating women. The 2020-2025 edition of the guidelines will help nutrition and health professionals encourage Americans to “Make Every Bite Count” by consuming nutrient dense foods and beverages.

Once the event has concluded, people can go to DietaryGuidelines.gov to access Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, along with other companion resources, including new tools through MyPlate.gov.