Monday January 4 Ag News

 FEEDING MOLDY HAY
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator
 
No matter how great we are at putting up hay, we’ve probably fed hay that was moldy. Some has more some has less. But how do we know what’s safe to feed?
 
Feeding any moldy hay is a risk, but that risk level will change depending on the amount of mold. Any bale of hay can have mold, but the ones with noticeable mold need to be paid special attention.
 
Most times, mold will make the hay much less desirable and palatable to livestock. This can cause refusal or decreased intake. The real concern with mold is the mycotoxins that are created by some fungal molds. Some are more toxic than others and are extremely difficult to identify.
 
Some of the effects of feeding moldy hay include calf abortions. Mycotoxins can be found in hay as well as silage and distiller’s grains. Respiratory problems can also be seen. Horses are much more susceptible to mold effects than other livestock. Not only can livestock be affected, but us humans can too. Farmer’s lung is a condition where mold spores enter the lungs causing allergic reactions that can become chronic.
 
If we have moldy hay we have to use, try to reduce the risk when fed. Feed the hay to less susceptible animals such as steers and open cows. Take special care with horses. Diluting the moldy hay by feeding good hay is also an option. Grinding can be an option, but can eliminate the animal’s natural ability to refuse eating bad hay. Don’t just grind the moldy hay to make animals eat it. Only grind to help dilute with good hay. For bales of particular concern, roll out the bale and let animals pick out the good parts.  Have additional feed available so hunger doesn’t lessen selectivity.
 
Mold is something to be aware of and manage. Reducing the risk by making sound sensible decisions will help keep you and your livestock safe.



Extension webinar to prepare ag producers for loan renewal

A Nebraska Extension webinar planned for Jan. 14 at noon will feature a panel discussion offering strategies for agricultural producers to prepare for operating loan renewals.

The webinar will focus on balance sheets and cash flows, including details on how to value assets and inventory, refinancing, correcting negative working capital and more. It is the first in  a series of webinars designed to assist farmers and ranchers to better understand their financial positions.
 
Panelists will include Dallas Zimbelman, branch manager of Archer Credit Union, and Nebraska Extension agricultural economists Jessica Groskopf and Austin Duerfeldt.

The webinar is presented as part of the Agricultural Economics Extension Farm and Ranch Management weekly series.

Registration is free at farm.unl.edu/webinars.



Conservation Reserve Program General Signup Begins Today, Ends February 12

Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can sign up for the popular program beginning today, Jan. 4, 2021, until Feb. 12, 2021. The competitive program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

“This signup for the Conservation Reserve Program gives producers and landowners an opportunity to enroll for the first time or continue their participation for another term,” FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner said. “This program encourages conservation on sensitive lands or low-yielding acres, which provides tremendous benefits for stewardship of our natural resources and wildlife.”

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local region and the nation’s environment and economy. CRP general signup is held annually and is competitive.

New cropland offered in the program must have been planted for four out of six crop years from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, producers with land already enrolled but expiring on Sept. 30, 2021, can re-enroll this year. The acreage offered by producers and landowners is evaluated competitively; accepted offers will begin Oct. 1, 2021.

CRP signup informational resources, including an educational video and the opportunity to sign up for online, live question and answer sessions, have been posted at nebraskapf.com/crp-signup/. Three question and answer forums are scheduled for Jan. 19 at noon MST; Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. CST; and Jan. 21 at noon CST. These virtual meetings are being hosted by several Nebraska natural resource and wildlife partners.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. The program marked its 35-year anniversary in December 2020.



NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending January 3, 2021, topsoil moisture supplies rated 15% very short, 41% short, 41% adequate, and 3% surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 16% very short, 47% short, 36% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 4% very poor, 11% poor, 48% fair, 36% good, and 1% excellent.

The next report will be issued January 25, 2021.



Prospects for Iowa Drought Conditions to be Discussed

About half of Iowa's population is currently challenged with abnormally dry or drought conditions. To learn more about the potential for drought next year, plan to attend a teleconference from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 13.

Sponsored by DNR and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, state and federal experts will provide insight into last year's conditions and discuss the potential for drought continuing into 2021.

A year ago, Iowans faced potential flooding on the Missouri River, after the wettest two years recorded in Iowa. Despite above normal moisture at the beginning of the year, dry conditions set in. As localized rainfall during the 2020 growing season fell eight to nine inches short of normal, some areas in western Iowa experienced reductions in crop yields and reduced drinking water availability.

Specialists will reflect on the droughts of 2020 and 2012, and provide insights on how today's abnormally dry conditions could affect future drought. Experts will discuss streamflow and groundwater conditions, trends in water use and the climate outlook for next year. Weaving this information together will provide projections for 2021.

Find the complete meeting agenda and sign-in information on the Water Summary page.

Presenters come from Iowa DNR, Iowa DALS, U.S. Department of Agriculture--Midwest Climate Hub and U.S. Geological Survey--Central Midwest Water Science Center.



Fuel Retailers and Drivers Raise Thousands for Local Cancer Center
 
In the past three years, fuel retailers across Nebraska have joined forces to raise more than $18,000 for cancer research as part of “Fuel the Cure.” During October, when drivers chose higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15, E30 and E85 at participating retail locations, gas stations donated 3 cents for each gallon sold. This year, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha received $5,488.60.
 
“Donations to cancer research truly make a difference,” said Jenn Klein, a wife, mother, and breast cancer survivor. “I’m thankful funding was available to discover treatment before I needed it or I might not be here today.”
 
When Klein was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32, her cancer cells were growing and dividing at a rate of about 80%. Treatment was needed immediately. A funded researcher discovered two of the four chemotherapy treatments she underwent.
 
While biofuels and cancer research may seem like an unlikely pairing, it is a known fact that using more biofuels leads to less air pollution. According to the American Lung Association, up to 70% of ground-level ozone-forming pollutants come from mobile-source emissions such as our cars.
 
Chemicals in gasoline are the same carcinogens found in tobacco, which are linked to cancer. Higher blends of biofuels dilute the toxicity and help reduce cancer-causing aromatics released from tailpipe emissions. Ethanol-blended fuels also reduce greenhouse gases by 42%.
 
“Fuel retailers who provide the choices of E15, E30 and E85 know regular and premium gasoline without ethanol is harmful to the air we breathe. By making higher ethanol blends available, they are empowering consumers to help in the effort of cleaner air. Supporting ‘Fuel the Cure’ is a step beyond because the funds are directly impacting lives of patients at the Cancer Center,” said Roger Berry, administrator for the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “By choosing higher blends of ethanol in the fuel we put in our cars, we can all do more toward creating a healthier environment now and for the future.”
 
Drivers who choose ethanol at the pump often see a price break, and their use of ethanol supports Nebraska’s rural communities and the entire Nebraska economy. To find a location near you, visit fueledbynebraska.com.
 
E15, also called Unleaded88, is approved for use in passenger vehicles 2001 and newer. Nebraska has approximately 200,000 registered flex fuel vehicles, which can run on any blend of ethanol up to E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or a yellow gas cap.
 
The Nebraska Ethanol Board is already preparing for next year’s event and would encourage Nebraska fuel retailers who are interested in participating to reach out to Jessica Sodeke, Nebraska Ethanol Board program manager, at Jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov for more information.
 
“We continue to see the number of fuel retailers in Nebraska offering E15 increase, and we are going to continue helping fuel retailers to make the option more easily accessible,” Berry said. “The greater the accessibility to higher ethanol blends we make available to drivers, the bigger the impact we are making.”
 
The Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska sponsor “Fuel the Cure” in conjunction with retail stations. To see the full list of stations that donated funds, visit www.fuelthecure.pink.



Skor Urges Action on Outstanding SRE Petitions

Today, a notice was published in the U.S. Federal Register of a proposed consent decree that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make a decision regarding a 2019 small refinery exemption (SRE) petition by Feb. 19, 2021. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement on the notice:

“Even with the promise of a new year, there are continued challenges with EPA’s SRE program given the secrecy and lack of transparency into the entire process,” said Skor. “With the 2020 blending compliance deadline at the end of March looming, EPA’s swift action on all 66 outstanding SRE petitions remains critical to providing stability for biofuel producers and farmers. President-elect Biden’s administration has an opportunity to uphold a key campaign promise to rural America, and deny any and all SRE petitions that are not in accordance with the Renewable Fuel Standard or the 10th Circuit’s ruling on SREs, which was almost a year ago.”  

On the campaign trail, Biden often condemned the Trump Administration’s handling and abuse of the SRE program, and repeatedly affirmed that “A Biden-Harris Administration will fight for family farmers and revitalize rural economies — [keeping] our promises to farmers by ushering in a new era of biofuels."  

The deadline to comment on the proposed consent decree is Feb. 3, 2021.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 481 million bushels in November 2020. Total corn consumption was down less than 1 percent from October 2020 and down 5 percent from November 2019. November 2020 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.95 million bushels, up 20 percent from October 2020 and up 16 percent from November 2019. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 432 million bushels, was down 1 percent from October 2020 and down 5 percent from November 2019. Corn consumed in November 2020 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.1 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.79 million tons during November 2020, down 2 percent from October 2020 and down 5 percent from November 2019. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.08 million tons in November 2020, up 7 percent from October 2020 but down 20 percent from November 2019.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 295,358 tons during November 2020, up 1 percent from October 2020 and up 9 percent from November 2019. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 230,611 tons in November 2020, down 6 percent from October 2020 and down 12 percent from November 2019.

USDA Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.73 million tons (191 million bushels) in November 2020, compared with 5.90 million tons (197 million bushels) in October 2020 and 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in November 2019. Crude oil produced was 2.21 billion pounds down 3 percent from October 2020 but up 10 percent from November 2019. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.52 billion pounds during November 2020 decreased 4 percent from October 2020 but increased 12 percent from November 2019.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 207,700 tons in November 2020, compared with 215,878 tons in October 2020 and 152,430 tons in November 2019. Canola crude oil produced was 174 million pounds, down 3 percent from October 2020 but up 37 percent from November 2019. Canola once refined oil production, at 147 million pounds during November 2020, was down 5 percent from October 2020 but up 53 percent from November 2019.

Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 44.1 million pounds during November 2020, was up 4 percent from October 2020 and up 7 percent from November 2019.

Edible tallow production was 82.6 million pounds during November 2020, up 32 percent from October 2020 but down 9 percent from November 2019. Inedible tallow production was 279 million pounds during November 2020, up 10 percent from October 2020 but down 18 percent from November 2019. Technical tallow production was 97.1 million pounds during November 2020, up 1 percent from October 2020 but down 18 percent from November 2019. Choice white grease production, at 117 million pounds during November 2020, increased 21 percent from October 2020 but decreased 4 percent from November 2019.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for January 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for January 2021, which are effective January 4-January 31. These rates are used for a variety of farm credit options available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).  

The CCC’s borrowing rate-based charge is 0.125%, same as December. The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed is 1.125%, same as December.  

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans are the same as they were for December:
    0.250% with three-year loan terms;
    0.375% with five-year loan terms;
    0.625% with seven-year loan terms;
    0.875% with 10-year loan terms; and
    1.000% with 12-year loan terms.

FSA loan programs provide low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and other structures. They also help producers with interim financing to meet cash flow needs. More information on loans can be found at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.



Great Plains Growers Conference Is Online in February

The Great Plains Growers Conference is an educational opportunity for commercial fruit, vegetable, cut flower and honey bee producers from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and other Midwest states.

Participants have access to research-based information, from both vegetable research specialists and local growers, to help their farms grow and thrive.

Due to anticipated ongoing COVID-19 issues, the 2021 conference will be held virtually. Growers can participate on their computers from the comfort of home. Concurrent sessions on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, provide more than 35 presentations offering information for new and experienced growers.  
Sessions will include:
    Marketing in the new normalcy.
    Tree fruits.
    Small fruits.
    Vegetable production.
    Vegetable integrated pest management.
    Controlled environment production (greenhouse, high tunnels, and hydroponics/aquaponics).
    Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Farmer Forum.

Keynote Speakers
Friday’s keynote is “Farming: Challenges and Pivots to Success,” with Liz Graznak, farmer and owner of Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown, Missouri. Learn how Graznak’s farm responded and thrived when faced with challenges over the last 10 years of growing certified organic produce on her nearly seven-acre farm.

She grows vegetables, fruits, eggs and flowers for a 72-member CSA 32 weeks a year, and for farmers markets and local Columbia restaurants.

Saturday’s keynote is “Moving Forward, and Where to Go from Here,” with Vaughn Hammond, agriculture and orchard manager at Valla’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna, Nebraska.

Hammond will talk about ways growers can be nimble and seek success during challenging times.
Trade Show

Trade show exhibitors will be available online, each during an assigned time slot, to show and discuss current product offerings, including the latest seeds, supplies, equipment and grower information.

A full program, registration information and more information can be found on the Great Plains Growers Conference website. More information is also available by contacting the Buchanan County extension office in Missouri, at buchananco@missouri.edu or 816-279-1691.
Registration

Per-person registration covers participation both days. Early bird online registration ends Friday Jan. 15 at 11:30 p.m. After then, registrations will be accepted at the regular rate throughout the conference. Online and credit card registrations are accepted through EventBrite and additional processing fees apply.
    Early bird registration is $50.00 (ends Jan. 15).
    Early bird student registration is $30.00 (ends Jan. 15).
    Regular registration is $60.00.
    Regular student registration is $40.00.

The conference and trade show are a collaborative effort by University of Missouri Extension, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Research, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Kansas State University Research and Extension, and Nebraska Extension, with North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education as a conference partner.



Young Cattle Producers Can Get More Out of 2021 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville

A fun, rewarding and engaging opportunity is available for college students wanting to attend the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee, Aug. 10-13, 2021.  A team of interns – vital to the success of the largest annual meeting in the U.S. beef cattle industry – will gain first-hand experience and be able to interact with leaders of every segment of the cattle and beef industry.
 
Up to 18 interns will be selected for this opportunity. They will be assigned to help many different staff members and attendees with meetings and events and should be prepared to handle a wide range of responsibilities, from setting up the indoor arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College to posting on social media and contributing in the NCBA booth. NCBA will strive to provide students time to maximize industry networking.
 
Students must be able to work Aug. 8 – 13, 2021, in Nashville. They must be at least a junior-level college student at an accredited university at the time of the industry meeting. Preferably they will have a background in, or working knowledge of, the cattle and/or beef industry, and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students should be well-versed in all areas of social media.
 
Interested students must complete a Student Internship Application and send college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume. Deadline for applying is April 15, 2021.



NGFA announces Michael Seyfert as new president, CEO

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today announced that Michael J. Seyfert will become its new president and chief executive officer.

Seyfert is scheduled to become NGFA’s top executive staff officer on March 1, succeeding Randy Gordon, who will retire by the end of March after serving nearly 43 years with the nation’s largest and most diverse agribusiness association – the last eight as its president and CEO. In so doing, Seyfert will become only the seventh person to serve in that capacity at NGFA since its founding in 1896.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Michael join NGFA’s outstanding 13-member team of dedicated staff professionals,” said NGFA Chairman JoAnn Brouillette, managing partner of Demeter LP in Fowler, Ind.  “He has the vision, energy, intellect, experience, leadership qualities and contacts in Washington to build on NGFA’s already strong record of achievement in serving the grain, animal feed/animal food, grain processing and milling, and export industry. We’re excited about what the future holds under his leadership as NGFA begins its 125th year in 2021.”

“Joining the NGFA family during its 125th anniversary is an honor and a privilege. I am excited to lead one of the top agricultural organizations in the United States and its talented, dedicated staff into its next 125 years,” said Seyfert. “NGFA has a history of vision and leadership that continuously moves the industry forward. It also provides services essential to the daily operations and success of its member companies. I understand the important value of these functions and am committed to their continued strength.”

Seyfert continued, “I also thank Randy Gordon for his nearly 43 years of leadership and service to NGFA and its members. I congratulate and wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter.”

Seyfert, who has extensive corporate and government experience, currently serves as director of government and industry affairs for FMC Corp., the world’s fifth largest crop protection company. In that role, he coordinates and directs the company’s federal, state and local North America government and industry affairs program.  

Prior to joining FMC in February 2014, Seyfert worked from 1997-2013 on the staff of former Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., capped by serving two years as staff director of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee from 2011-13. During that time, he managed a professional staff team of 12 and oversaw the development and Senate approval of the farm bill that became much of the foundation for final legislation enacted on Feb. 7, 2014.

He also was Roberts’ legislative director from 2005-11, during which time he interacted with five significant Senate committees on which the senator served: the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Finance; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Ethics and Intelligence, the latter committee at a time during which Roberts also served as chairman. During his Capitol Hill career, Seyfert also represented the U.S. Senate on official government missions to Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

During his nearly 25 years working in the nation’s capital, Seyfert has interacted and served in leadership roles with a host of agricultural producer, commodity and agribusiness associations. These include serving as chair and past vice chair of CropLife America’s Federal Affairs Committee, co-chair of CropLife America’s Trade Working Group, past co-chair of the National Corn Growers Association’s Agri-Industry Council; and as a member of the Farm Foundation’s Roundtable Steering Committee. During his Senate tenure, he also worked extensively with NGFA.

Seyfert received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude in agricultural economics and was a member of the Agriculture Honors Program at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., and subsequently earned a master of public administration degree from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Among various honors, he was selected for the FMC Keys to Leadership Program for those considered to be among the company’s 25 emerging leaders globally, received the CropLife America Pillar Award, was a Stennis Bipartisan Congressional Staff Fellow, and was named the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumnus of the K-State College of Agriculture.

Seyfert is married to Christy Cromley Seyfert. The couple has two daughters – Sydney and Madison – and reside in Alexandria, Va.