Friday January 8 Ag News

 Loseke Joins Nebraska Beef Council Board

June Loseke, a veterinarian and feedyard operator from Columbus, has been elected to the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors in 2021. Loseke will represent fellow beef producers in the council's seventh district including Nance, Merrick, Hamilton, Platte, Polk, York, Colfax, Butler, Dodge, Saunders, Washington, Douglas, Sarpy and Cass counties. Loseke will replace outgoing board member Buck Wehrbein from Waterloo who completed two consecutive four-year terms.

“We’re excited to have June joining our board,” said Ann Marie Bosshamer, Executive Director for the Nebraska Beef Council. “She is well respected among producers in her district and will no doubt bring great ideas that will help us continue our mission to strengthen beef demand.”

Current board members Ivan Rush of Scottsbluff, Doug Temme of Wayne, George Cooksley of Anselmo and Jeff Rudolph of Gothenburg will each begin second terms representing their respective districts in 2021. Board members may serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.

For more information and a complete list of the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors, visit www.nebeef.org.



Platte Valley Cattleman to meet Jan 18
Brandon Groteluschen, President

January is our membership month. January is usually one of our most important meetings of the year. Your membership is something that keeps this organization alive and going. Platte Valley Cattlemen are always open to new members.

We would like to thank our sponsors for this month. Lindsay Co-op is sponsoring our meal and Rosendahl Seed & Feed will be sponsoring the social hour.

Our speakers for the night will be Bonita Lederer and Ashley Kohls with Nebraska Cattlemen. They both will be giving updates on Nebraska Cattlemen.

Our January 18th meeting will be held at in Humphrey at the Community Center. We will have a 6:00 p.m. social hour with the meal/meeting beginning at 7. Hope to see you there.

The banquet will also be held in Humphrey at the Community Center on February 13, 2021. Tickets are available now from any of the directors.



Nebraska Soybean Board to meet

The Nebraska Soybean Board will hold its next meeting on January 14, 2021 at the Holthus Convention Center located at 3130 Holen Ave., York, Nebraska.

The Board will conduct regular business. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person meeting is not open to the public. Registration for attending through Zoom and the complete agenda for the meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org.  



Lindsay Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, Thursday announced results for its first quarter of fiscal 2021, which ended on November 30, 2020.

Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $108.5 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 1 percent, compared to revenues of $109.4 million in the prior year first quarter. Net earnings for the quarter were $7.1 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $8.3 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, for the prior year first quarter. Net earnings for the quarter include an income tax benefit of approximately $1.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, related to the release of a valuation allowance in a foreign jurisdiction.

"Irrigation market conditions improved during the quarter with rising agricultural commodity prices and higher projected net farm income. This resulted in stronger than expected order flow for irrigation equipment, particularly in the latter part of the quarter." said Randy Wood, president and CEO. "Our infrastructure business performed well, although results were lower than a very strong first quarter in the prior year."

Irrigation segment revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 increased $4.1 million, or 5 percent to $87.4 million, compared to $83.3 million in the prior year first quarter. North America irrigation revenues of $52.8 million decreased $0.8 million, or 2 percent, compared to the prior year first quarter. The decrease resulted primarily from lower engineering services revenue related to a project in the prior year that did not repeat that was partially offset by higher irrigation equipment unit volume. International irrigation revenues of $34.6 million increased $4.8 million, or 16 percent, compared to the prior year first quarter. The increase resulted from higher unit sales volumes in several regions which were partially offset by the unfavorable effects of foreign currency translation of approximately $2.4 million compared to the prior year first quarter.

Irrigation segment operating margin was 12.2 percent of sales, compared to 11.7 percent of sales in the prior year first quarter. The increase resulted primarily from the impact of higher irrigation system unit volume and was partially offset by the impact of higher raw material and freight costs.

Infrastructure segment revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 were $21.1 million, a decrease of $5.0 million, or 19 percent, compared to $26.1 million in the prior year first quarter. The decrease resulted primarily from a large order delivered in the prior year that did not repeat and from lower road construction activity in the current year.

Infrastructure segment operating margin was 20.1 percent of sales, compared to 33.5 percent of sales in the prior year first quarter. The decrease resulted primarily from lower revenue in higher margin product lines and an increase in raw material and other costs compared to the prior year.

The backlog of unfilled orders at November 30, 2020 was $89.2 million compared with $69.2 million at November 30, 2019. Included in these backlogs are amounts of $5.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, that are not expected to be fulfilled within the subsequent twelve months. The increase in backlog is primarily attributable to higher order activity in North America irrigation.

"Our backlog of irrigation equipment orders in North America supports solid revenue growth for our second quarter. We also expect improved activity levels to continue in international irrigation markets. At the same time, we are seeing rapid and significant increases in steel and freight costs that will pressure margins in the short term until pricing actions are fully implemented." said Wood. "In our infrastructure business, we continue to be encouraged by the quality of our Road Zipper sales funnel. However, the timing of those projects can be difficult to predict, particularly in the current environment with coronavirus-related effects on road construction activity.

"Our financial position remains strong, providing support for our innovation growth strategy across our businesses that address global megatrends and provide solutions that conserve natural resources."



USDA Seeks Members for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture.

“We are looking forward to a robust group of nominees to serve on this important new advisory committee,” said Jeff Vander Wilt, Acting State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Nebraska.

Added Nancy Johner, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska: “This group will underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture and has the potential to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.”

USDA is seeking nominations for individuals representing a broad spectrum of expertise, including:
    Four agricultural producers (two agricultural producers in an urban area or urban cluster and two agricultural producers who use innovative technology).
    Two representatives from an institution of higher education or extension program.
    One representative of a nonprofit organization, which may include a public health, environmental or community organization.
    One representative of business and economic development, which may include a business development entity, a chamber of commerce, a city government or a planning organization.
    One individual with supply chain experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale food distributor, food hub or an individual who has direct-to-consumer market experience.
    One individual from a financing entity.
    Two individuals with related experience or expertise in urban, indoor and other emerging agriculture production practices, as determined by the Secretary.

Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership. Self-nominations also are welcome.

Nominations should include a cover letter, resume and a background form. Nomination packages must be submitted by mail or email by March 5, 2021. They should be addressed to Ronald Harris, Designated Federal Officer, Director of Outreach and Partnerships, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 6006-S, Washington, D.C. 20250, or emailed to Ronald.Harris@usda.gov.

The 2018 Farm Bill established the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production and directed USDA to form this advisory committee as well as make other advancements related to urban agriculture. It is led by the NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction. More information is available in this notice on the Federal Register or at farmers.gov/urban. Additional assistance is available Ask.USDA.Gov or by calling (202) 720-2791.




Property taxpayer protection and development of Iowa ethanol standard are among 2021 legislative priorities for Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowa’s largest grassroots farm organization, will focus its 2021 legislative lobbying efforts on issues most important to members, including protecting property taxpayers.

“Our members from all over Iowa have clearly stated that protecting property taxpayers should be our key focus during the 2021 legislative session,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president and Warren County farmer.  “Property taxes will reach $6.3 billion in Iowa this year and have more than doubled in the past 18 years.  This puts a significant burden on farmers and all Iowans.”

Iowa Farm Bureau members believe that property taxes should be used to provide essential services linked to property, while the state budget should be used to pay for services for citizens, such as mental health.  The state must make mental health a priority in their budget and assume the costs of the system, providing dollar-for-dollar property tax relief for Iowans.

“Now is the time to transition to an equitable funding source, and it’s important that lawmakers resist any moves to shift state obligations onto the backs of property taxpayers,” Hill said. “People in rural, unincorporated areas of Iowa end up with a far higher tax burden for those services than those living in urban areas.”

Iowa is the nation’s top producer of ethanol, but neighboring states have seen biofuels make up a higher percentage of its fuel sales.  Members will work with lawmakers to develop an ethanol standard for Iowa and seek to work towards standardized labeling and pump handle colors.

“We have a great opportunity in Iowa to make biofuels part of the solution as the U.S. works to reduce its carbon footprint. However, Iowa needs to establish an E10 standard or higher, along with a system of uniform labeling and pump handle colors,” Hill said.  “That will boost sales of ethanol in our state while supporting jobs in rural communities and improving water quality.”

Iowa Farm Bureau members will continue their support for conservation and water quality efforts through the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.  The organization will work to make sure the state upholds its obligation of cost share funding, especially helping farmers implement scientifically based conservation practices in priority watersheds.  IFBF will also work to protect designated funding through Senate File 512, as well as funding for Iowa’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and the Conservation Cost Share program.

“Iowa farmers have made conservation work a priority and have continued to make progress,” Hill said.  “It’s important to have state funding along with sensible state and federal cost share programs in place to help continue that progress.”

Farm Bureau will also work with lawmakers during the 2021 session to develop a driver’s permit for minors under the age of 16 to independently drive a passenger vehicle for farm work.  The farm driving permit would provide important efficiencies for Iowa farm families, and would work like a school permit, which is available to youth at age 14 and a half.   Several other states have successfully implemented driving permits for minors who are essential workers on family farms.



Virtual Dairy Day to Feature Profitable Practices

Dairy producers and the industry will have the opportunity to learn about emerging dairy industry issues during Virtual Dairy Day, hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

dairy cattle.“Producers and industry partners will have a chance to hear about current and relevant information to help them make sound management decisions.” said Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This workshop is traditionally in-person for farmers to network and share ideas. Due to COVID-19 concerns, this will be a virtual workshop to network, connect and ask questions.”

The agenda for the virtual day includes:
    10 a.m. – Opening remarks.
    10:05 a.m. – “Making the Most of Your Manure Nutrients,” Brian Dougherty, ag engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    10:45 a.m. – “Think Outside the Box; Cocktail Mixes, Milking Frequencies and Grazing Heifers,” Josh Tranel, Wisconsin dairy farmer.
    11:20 a.m. – “Mindset Tactics to Improve Brain and Behavioral Health,” Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Noon – Virtual Lunch Break.
    12:15 p.m. – “Milk Market Update,” Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    12:55 p.m. – “Iowa’s Dairy Industry and Economic Impact,” Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

There is no fee to register; however, pre-registration is required to receive the ZOOM link. Online registration is available at: http://www.aep.iastate.edu/dairy. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For more information, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office or Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu or 563-382-2949; Tranel at tranel@iastate.edu or 563-583-6496; or Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu or 712-737-4230.

A copy of the event flyer is also available here... https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/files/eo-news/images/2021_virtual_dairy_day_flyer.jpg.  



Private Pesticide Applicator Course Offered Virtually

The Pesticide Safety Education Program at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a statewide online 2020-2021 Private pesticide applicator Continuing Instruction Course on Jan. 20 from 9-11:30 a.m.

Private pesticide applicators needing to attend a 2020-2021 P-CIC program should contact their county extension office to preregister. The cost of the program is $20.00.

“Due to the continued prevalence of COVID-19 positive cases, we have added an option for private applicators to view the P-CIC program from their home,” said Kristine Schaefer, manager for pesticide safety education with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Some county extension offices will still offer the opportunity to view the P-CIC DVD program in their office, or they may host a P-CIC live or virtual program with their field agronomist at different dates and times. Applicators have until April 15 to attend the P- CIC program to maintain their recertification by CIC.

Attendees will need to preregister with a county extension office and have a computer and a good internet connection to participate in virtual programs.

The PSEP will offer additional virtual P-CIC programs in February, March and April. For more information, contact a participating county extension office or Kristine Schaefer, at 515-294-4286 or schaefer@iastate.edu



Tyson Resumes Slaughtering Hogs at Idled Iowa Pork Plant

Tyson Foods Inc said it resumed slaughtering hogs at an Iowa meat plant on last Wednesday, three weeks after idling the facility because of a mechanical malfunction.

Reuters reports that workers at the plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, will begin butchering the animals into cuts of pork on Thursday, spokeswoman Liz Croston said in an email. The company plans to increase production gradually, she said.

Tyson said on Dec. 16 that the plant could be idle for a few days for repairs and that it was shifting production to other facilities.

The Columbus Junction plant kills about 10,100 pigs a day, or about 2% of the nation's total slaughtering capacity, according to industry estimates.



November Beef Exports Largest in More than a Year; 2020 Pork Exports Top Previous Annual Record

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019.

"Demand for U.S. beef in the global retail sector has been outstanding and we expect this to continue in 2021," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "Unfortunately, foodservice continues to face COVID-related challenges. We expect a broader foodservice recovery this year, especially from mid-2021, but will likely still see interruptions in some markets. For U.S. pork, it's great to set new records with an entire month to spare, but especially gratifying to see a diverse range of markets contributing to U.S. export growth. USMEF still expects strong pork demand from China in 2021, but we're seeing a much-needed rebound in other regions, especially in Western Hemisphere markets."

November beef exports totaled 115,337 metric tons (mt), up 6% from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed 8% year-over-year to $707.5 million. November beef muscle cut exports were the third largest on record at 91,338 mt (up 13%, trailing only July and August 2019), valued at $630.4 million (up 11%). November exports to China and Guatemala set new monthly records, while shipments to Mexico were the largest since 2016. Exports to Taiwan remained strong and are well-positioned to set in a new annual record in 2020.

Through November, beef exports were 6% lower year-over-year in volume (1.13 million mt) and down 7% in value ($6.9 billion). January-November muscle cut exports were 3% below 2019 in volume (883,012 mt) and 6% lower in value ($6.11 billion).

November pork export volume was steady year-over-year at 258,801 mt, with value down 2% to $697.5 million. Although China/Hong Kong remained the largest destination for U.S. pork in November, momentum continued to build in other markets including Japan, Mexico and Central America.

January-November pork exports set new annual records for both volume (2.72 million mt, up 14% from the previous year's pace) and value ($7.03 billion, up 13%). Pork muscle cut exports also shattered previous annual records, increasing 18% year-over-year to 2.29 million mt, valued at $6.08 billion (up 15%).

Led by strong variety meat demand in Mexico, U.S. lamb exports reached 1,297 mt in November, up 4% from a year ago, valued at $1.5 million (down 32%). For January through November, lamb exports were up 29% year-over-year at 18,652 mt, but value slipped 8% to $21.9 million.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from state cattle associations or state general farm organizations interested in nominating beef, dairy or veal producers or importers to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Applications are due by Feb. 7, 2021.

State cattle associations or state general farm organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must meet the following criteria:
    The association or organization represents a substantial number of producers that produce a substantial number of cattle in the state.
    The association or organization has a history of stability and permanency.
    A primary or overriding purpose of the association or organization is to promote the economic welfare of cattle producers.

The following criteria will be considered for importer organizations or associations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership:
    The number and type of members represented (e.g., beef producers, dairy, beef and cattle importers).
    Annual import volume in pounds of beef and beef products or the number of head of cattle, or both.
    The stability and permanency of the importer organization or association.
    The number of years the organization has existed.
    The names of the countries of origin for cattle, beef or beef products imported.

State cattle or state general farm organizations or associations and importer organizations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete an Application for Certification of Organization or Association (LPS-25) available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

After reviewing the application, USDA will notify the organization or association whether or not it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certified organizations.

For more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at (202) 690-2611 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board is composed of 94 producers and seven importers.



USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from sorghum associations and farm organizations interested in nominating sorghum producers to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board. Applications are due by Feb. 7, 2021.

State, regional or national organizations that wish to participate in nominating individuals for board membership must be one of the following:

    State-legislated sorghum promotion, research and information organizations.
    Organizations whose primary purpose is to represent sorghum producers within a state, region or at the national level.
    Organizations that have sorghum producers as members.

Sorghum associations or farm organizations that wish to be certified to nominate members to the board must complete the Application for Certification to Make Nominations to the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board (LPS-27) found on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage.

After reviewing the application USDA will notify the organization or association whether it has been certified. Organizations currently certified to nominate board members do not need to reapply. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints board members from nominations submitted by certificated organizations.

For more information about the certification process, contact Barbara Josselyn, Research and Promotion Division, at (202) 690-2611 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board is composed of 13 sorghum producers.



Virtual Winter Agronomy Summits offer farmers advice for starting 2021 strong

Golden Harvest will host eight virtual Winter Agronomy Summits in January and February to provide farmers with timely agronomic advice to help start the 2021 growing season strong. The events will cover top-of-mind issues for farmers, including how to manage corn rootworm, corn silage, soybean weed control, new and emerging corn diseases, and more.

"Our network of local agronomists brings together a wide range of knowledge that helps farmers maximize yield potential," said Steve Wilkens, Golden Harvest East agronomy manager. "We are eager to provide farmers with several virtual options to learn more about important crop management issues as they plan for the upcoming season."

Event schedule and topics:
    Tues., Jan. 12 at 8:00 a.m. Central – Corn rootworm management
    Thurs., Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. Central – Corn silage management
    Tues., Jan. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Central – New and emerging corn diseases: What to watch in 2021 (includes tar spot, Physoderma brown spot, bacterial leaf streak and Southern rust)
    Thurs., Jan. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Central – Soybean weed management
    Tues., Jan. 26 at 12:00 p.m. Central – Corn seeding rate recommendations
    Thurs., Jan. 28 at 12:00 p.m. Central – Agronomy in Action 2021 Research Review
    Mon., Feb. 8 at 7:00 p.m. Central – E-Luminate® digital agronomy platform
    Wed., Feb. 10 at 7:00 a.m. Central – High yield corn management

The 60-minute sessions will be interactive with opportunities for farmers to ask agronomists questions and receive real-time, actionable guidance.

David Schlake, Golden Harvest West agronomy manager, said, "Although we prefer to meet face-to-face with farmers whenever possible, the current environment requires us to be flexible and make the best of a difficult situation. We have a great series of virtual summits that will allow us to share vital agronomic information and remain connected to our customers."

To view a full schedule with session descriptions and register to attend a Golden Harvest virtual Winter Agronomy Summit, visit www.VirtualAgronomySummit.com.