Friday March 26 Ag News

High levels of nitrate in our groundwater pose challenges for the future

Almost 300 people attended the Open House Public Hearing at the Nielsen Center in West Point on Thursday night.  The public was provided the opportunity to learn more about the rising levels of nitrate in our groundwater, along with the proposed boundaries and requirements in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties.

The Hearing was hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), giving the public the opportunity to address the issue, one-on-one, with the Board of Directors and Staff.  After engaging in the educational portion of the Open House, the public was invited to either leave written or oral comments for the Board.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “We were very pleased with the turnout.  We hope everyone took advantage of the time to meet with us and get their questions answered as we work together towards a solution that will improve and protect groundwater quality.”

The next step will be to compile the written and oral testimony and present all comments to the board for review.  The proposed changes to the Groundwater Management Plan will then be placed on the agenda for discussion at an upcoming board meeting.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “It was a successful event and I hope the public left with a better understanding of the challenges the district is facing.  We appreciate the feedback and the sharing of local ideas as we develop plans for local solutions.”

The LENRD recently launched a new website which brings to light the concerns that are plaguing northeast Nebraska.  Please visit www.nitrateinwater.org to find out more about the rising levels of nitrate across the LENRD’s 15-county district and the steps that are being taken to address the environmental and health issues associated with this problem.

The LENRD board held their March board meeting following the Open House Public Hearing.  During the meeting, the board approved an agreement to assist the Village of Winslow with a demolition project for homes destroyed during the 2019 flood.  Winslow’s flood levee does not provide protection for a 100-year storm, therefore, the village is looking to relocate out of the floodplain.

The Village applied for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This funding will pay for a percentage of the structures left in the floodplain, and the homeowner would have the option to accept or deny the buyout.  The Village would then be responsible for the demolition of the property.  The board approved the agreement to cost share with the Village to provide funding for a portion of the demolition, not to exceed $109,562.50.

In other action the board also approved an agreement to assist the Village of Pender with flood control.  After two significant flood events in 2018 and 2019, the community of Pender completed two studies to define the source of the flood hazards in Pender.  From these studies, a mitigation project was identified to better protect the Village.  The board voted to provide 50% of the local costs for the west detention cell and west drainage ditch projects along with the Rattlesnake improvement project, not to exceed $527,671.88.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails.  The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, April 22nd at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m.



NDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2021 AG POSTER CONTEST

In celebration of National Ag Week (March 21-27), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s annual poster contest. More than 1,700 students in grades 1-6 from all over the state entered NDA’s annual contest by highlighting Nebraska agriculture, the state’s number one industry.

“There are many talented students in Nebraska who learned about agriculture and how important the ag industry is to our state through this contest,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “The posters we received this year were outstanding. The students did a good job of incorporating this year’s ‘Good Life’ theme to show that agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska.”

NDA announces the winners of its annual poster contest during National Ag Week to highlight the diversity of agriculture and celebrate the food, feed and fuel that farmers and ranchers provide every day. The winning posters and the names of the schools submitting entries are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.

The posters, depicting this year’s theme of “Nebraska Agriculture: Straight from the Good Life,” were judged in three separate categories: first and second grade; third and fourth grade; and fifth and sixth grade. The poster contest is in its 18th year.

In the first and second grade division:
• 1st place: Claire Janda, 2nd grade, Blue Hill Schools
• 2nd place: Myah Glidden, 2nd grade, Sandhills Elementary in Halsey
• 3rd place: Ashlynn Auten, 2nd grade, Blue Hill Schools
• Governor’s Choice: Peyton Banks, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial

In the third and fourth grade division:
• 1st place: Emerson Yantzia, 4th grade, Ord Elementary School
• 2nd place: Baylee Clark, 4th grade, North Park Elementary School in Broken Bow
• 3rd place: Kylie Fischer, 3rd grade, St. Paul Lutheran School in West Point
• Governor’s Choice: Alivia Erickson, 4th grade, Avery Elementary School in Bellevue

In the fifth and sixth grade division:
• 1st place: Rogan Hoesing, 6th grade, Wausa Public Schools
• 2nd place: Mackenna Wollenburg, 5th grade, St. John Lutheran School in Seward
• 3rd place: Eliseo Lucas, 5th grade, Knickrehm Elementary School in Grand Island
• Governor’s Choice: Addison Richards, 6th grade, Hayes Center Public Schools

“I would like to thank each and every student who participated in this year’s contest,” said Wellman. “I’d also like to thank all the teachers and parents who continue to teach Nebraska youth about the important role agriculture plays in our lives every day.”



GRASS TETANY
Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman.

Greening spring pastures and growing cover crops are great opportunities for livestock to graze and get out of yards and dry lots.  This fresh growth also allows animals to start putting back on condition that may have been dropped over the winter months.  However, this is also the perfect set of conditions for a case of grass tetany.

Grass tetany is the result of low levels of magnesium in an animal’s blood stream.  This mineral imbalance can be brought on by diet due to low magnesium levels in lush, newly growing grass.  Because high levels of potassium interfere with the body’s ability to absorb magnesium, diets that are high in potassium (greater than 2.5%) are at even higher risk.  Another mineral to look at is calcium.  Calcium can act as a sort of buffer, limiting the impact of high potassium.  Diets with calcium levels below 0.4% are considered low.  In lactating animals, this drain on magnesium and calcium from milk production throws these imbalances off even more.

Animals with tetany issues will often graze separate from the rest of the herd, be irritable or excited, show muscle twitching especially round the ears and face, and walk with an uncoordinated, stiff, or staggering gait.  Eyes may be wide and staring.  In severe cases, animals will collapse, thrash around and can lapse into a coma leading to death.

To prevent tetany problems this spring, it’s best to wait till grass in pastures has grown to at least 6 inches high before grazing.  Legumes like alfalfa or clover, are a good source of magnesium, so feeding or grazing pastures with a good mixture of grass and legume can help balance mineral demands and prevent possible problems.  Keep an especially close eye on high milk producing or older animals, as these are the most likely candidates for a tetany issue.

While cultural practices can reduce risk, providing correct and adequate mineral supplementation may be the most fool proof solution.  Sodium is important in the absorption of magnesium into the cell, so ensuring adequate salt is available and being consumed by the herd is important.

A sure prevention for grass tetany is feeding a mineral with supplemental calcium and magnesium included.  Cattle should be consuming 3-4 ounces daily of mineral containing 10-13% magnesium oxide.  This needs to be fed at least 30 days before grazing begins to ensure proper intake has been established.  Most high magnesium mineral utilize magnesium oxide, which is bitter tasting and can reduce animal consumption.  Mixing magnesium fortified mineral with salt into a complete package may help intake.  If the 3-4 ounce target is still not being met, consider mixing the mineral with a highly palatable protein or energy supplement.

High magnesium mineral should be provided for animals until cool season grasses slow down growth and the levels of lush, fresh forage are reduced.  This usually happens around mid-May.  

Dealing with grass tetany in the spring is one of the annual cycles producers must deal with every year. However, with proper management, it doesn’t have to negatively impact your herd. Plan now to adjust grazing management or mineral supplementation for a tetany-free spring.



Webinar: Understanding the How and Use of NASS Cattle Reports
Apr 29, 2021 12:00 PM

Nick Streff is the Director of the USDA NASS Northern Plains Regional Field Office in Lincoln NE. Nick oversees data collection, analysis and publication of NASS estimates for the state’s of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. Prior to moving to Nebraska, Nick was the hogs and pigs statistician for USDA NASS. Nick will be taking us through an in depth look of the NASS cattle program.  Get information at register at farm.unl.edu/webinars.  



Farmers with Visitors Can Learn to Manage Risk during Free Online Course

“Risk Management Education for Farmers with On-Farm Visitors” is a free online course now available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  Producers will learn practical management techniques to enhance the safety and health of their on-farm visitors.  Presenters are experts from extension and Iowa Farm Bureau Financial Services. Topics include:
    Loss Control and Identifying Hazards in Agritainment.
    Beyond the Fine Print: Considering Legal Risks for Specialty Producers.
    Farm Emergency Preparedness Training.
    Protecting Animals and Humans from Biosecurity Risks.
    Food Safety Best Practices: Food, Farm and Consumer.
    Food Licensing for Value Added Products.
    Pesticide Safety.

“Agritourism is a great opportunity to share about agriculture in a fun, engaging and educational way,” said Kendra Meyer, program assistant for the ISU Extension and Outreach Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program. “The purpose of this course is to give information and tools to mitigate the risks that arise when you open your farm to visitors.”

The course is expected to take approximately eight hours and participants will have three months to complete it. Register at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15787.

The online course is funded by a Risk Management Education grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, making it free to register. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under award number 2018-70027-28586.



National Ag in the Classroom Conference Heads to Iowa

Registration is open for the 2021 National Ag in the Classroom Conference. The event will be held June 28 to July 1 in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Iowa Event Center/Hilton Des Moines Downtown.

Organizers say the conference will be offered as a hybrid event, which means it will be hosted in- person and virtual. The 2021 theme is 'Field of Dreams.'

The conference moves to a different region every year and is only in the Midwest every four years. This will be the first time that it has been hosted in Iowa.

Registration information can be found at www.agclassroom.org/conference. The early rate for in-person registration is $435. The virtual registration rate is $50. Social distancing measures, including mask wearing, will be implemented to keep everyone safe at the conference.



March 2021 Dairy Market Report Now Available

Effective risk management continues to be essential for dairy farmers, even as price forecasts for 2021 have somewhat improved on robust domestic demand and at least some hope that milk-production gains may be moderating.

2021 began with particularly strong domestic consumption growth of butter, American-type cheese and yogurt, as well as milk in all products, but also saw export declines related to shipping problems. Meanwhile, milk production growth slowed as the year began, although revised data showed a more modest slowdown than initially reported.

The combined effect of these changes have raised milk-price forecasts, though not enough to push Dairy Margin Coverage program margins above the maximum $9.50 per cwt coverage level under the program, making government payments a near-certainty for the next several months and a worthy investment for farmers who enrolled. For context: The January DMC payment alone will more than cover the cost of enrolling in the program at this maximum coverage level for the entire year.

View the full report here:  https://www.nmpf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dairy-Market-Report-March-2021.pdf.  




Land O'Lakes, Inc. unveils Dairy 2025 commitments

Land O’Lakes, Inc. has announced new on-farm sustainability commitments to be adopted by its more than 1,600 member-dairy farms by 2025. Within the next four years, all Land O’Lakes’ dairy farmer-owners will complete an intensive, industry-leading on-farm sustainability assessment aligned with the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment while maintaining universal compliance with the National Milk Producers Federation’s National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. This announcement is the next step in Land O’Lakes’ enterprise-wide approach to on-farm sustainability.

“As a champion of sustainability practices, Land O’Lakes, Inc. is proud to partner with our member-owners and customers to build a system of measurement and improvement,” said Tim Leviny, Land O’Lakes’ Senior Vice President of Global Dairy Ingredients. “This new commitment will help us measure our member-owners’ on-farm sustainability footprint to meet our customers’ sustainability goals. This is just the next step in our company’s longstanding focus on quality, transparency and accountability across our supply chain.”

In early 2021, Land O’Lakes launched a large-scale measurement project that will yield more than 250 data points per farm across more than 1,600 farms located all over the United States. This effort collects on-farm sustainability data from the largest number of farms from any single supplier in the U.S. dairy industry. The assessment measures actionable information on fuel, electricity and water usage, nutrient application, crop rotation and manure management.

To support this effort, Land O’Lakes has created a new Dairy 2025 Commitment team dedicated solely to the collection of on farm data, and helping develop measurable ways for its farmer-members to improve on-farm efficiency and further reduce their environmental footprint.

“Farmers are the original conservationists, so this initiative is us putting a stake in the ground around on-farm sustainability measurement, and more proactively telling our story to our valued customers and consumers,” said Pete Kappelman, Land O’Lakes Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations. “Our commitment is focused on measurement and continuous improvement, which we believe can help achieve specific reduction goals and lead to lasting change.”

Many Land O’Lakes dairy farmer-owners are already participating in significant sustainability initiatives, but this assessment is intended to provide a cooperative-wide understanding of members’ collective impact and set baselines for future goals. Examples of projects farmers are carrying out with Land O’Lakes’ current customers, which are driving immediate results, include:
-    Land O’Lakes and Bel Brands have initiated a project to increase the use of cover crops and other sustainable agricultural practices among the Land O’Lakes member-owners who ship milk to Bel Brands’ facilities.
-    Land O’Lakes is working with The Hershey Company and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to implement best management practices to reduce GHG emissions and help improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and other watersheds in the region.

The Dairy 2025 Commitment is an opportunity for Land O’Lakes to further demonstrate its leadership in sustainability alongside the groundbreaking work of its wholly owned Truterra business and the development of the Truterra™ Insights Engine and the TruCarbon™ Program.



ALB, ASI Report Assesses Sheep Industry in 2020
 
The COVID-19 pandemic, major changes in the processing sector and changes in consumer behavior all led to a year of challenges for the American Sheep Industry. But, there were also definite positives. The year of ups and downs is summarized in 2020 Sheep Industry Review, a checkoff-funded report commissioned by the American Lamb Board and compiled by the American Sheep Industry Association.
 
“COVID-19 made changes to the way U.S. consumers purchased and consumed lamb in the past year,” says ALB Chairman Gwen Kitzan. “Typically, heavily reliant on the foodservice industry, 2020 saw American lamb make its way into the home kitchen as restaurants, especially fine dining, were forced to close temporarily or even permanently. To make matters worse, the pandemic hit in the midst of peak spring holiday demand, and when one of our main processors was forced to declare bankruptcy. But, we came together as an industry and we came through it with renewed vigor.”
 
Commercial slaughter was down 4 percent from 2019, total sheep and lamb inventory decreased 1 percent to 5.2 million head, and leg, loin and shoulder sales outpaced ribs. Weekly feeder lamb prices started off above 2019 levels, but quickly declined and stayed low throughout the summer, then strengthened in the fourth quarter.
 
Feeder lamb (60 to 90 lbs.) prices in 2020 were up 6.65 to 9.5 percent across the board with Sioux Falls, S.D., seeing the greatest increase compared to 2019. The report cites increased direct consumer demand, smaller supplies and “real and perceived disruptions in commercial lamb supplies” as the cause. Lightweight lambs did especially well with the increased ethnic and direct-to-consumer markets.
 
Slaughter lamb prices in 2020 were down 10 percent from 2019, with lower incomes and decreased foodservice demand contributing, both a result of COVID-19. A disruption in USDA-AMS reporting during the second half of the year also produced a statistical effect. Commercial lamb slaughter was down 4 percent to 2.2 million head. Live, negotiated slaughter lamb prices averaged $162.65 per cwt. in 2020, up 9 percent from 2019.
 
The second quarter especially took a hit from COVID-related processing disruptions, followed by the closure of the nation’s second largest slaughter facility in July. Additional plant capacity eventually alleviated slaughter disruptions, but the plant closure plagued the industry for most of 2020.
 
The wholesale market for American lamb held its own, with retail demand gaining while foodservice sales slowed. Rib/rack prices were down 2 percent, averaging $858.07 per cwt. Trimmed 4x4 loin prices rose 12 percent to $587.31 per cwt. Trotter-off legs averaged $348.60 per cwt., up 2 percent. Shoulder prices rose 11 percent to 339.37 per cwt.
 
Looking ahead to 2021, the 2020 Sheep Industry Review report estimates a 3-percent increase in commercial production and a 2-percent increase in commercial slaughter of American lamb for 2021. Imports could decrease 10 percent. Total lamb availability is expected to decrease 7 percent to 444 million lbs.
 
Steady production, lower imports and the lowest available supply since 2017 could set the stage for solid prices in 2021. The report estimates feeder lamb prices could rise 7 percent, while national slaughter lamb prices (carcass basis) rise 10 percent.



Ceradis and WinField® United Form Distribution Partnership for CeraMax®

Ceradis Crop Protection B.V., a global developer and marketer of environmentally friendly plant nutrition and crop protection solutions, has formed a distribution partnership with WinField® United for its CeraMax® bio fungicide seed treatment.

"We are excited about the partnership with WinField United which is an important milestone in commercializing CeraMax in the U.S.,” says Jan Stechmann, Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “This collaboration is a testament to both company’s commitment to the future of biotechnology and a shared goal in delivering effective and environmentally friendly solutions to growers.”

CeraMax is a new biological seed treatment for the prevention of soilborne fungal diseases including Rhizoctonia and Fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in soybeans.

Containing the active ingredient Natamycin, CeraMax empowers the genetic potential of crops to increase early-season vigor for a stronger and more uniform emergence at the start-up of the season.

Registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a bio fungicide seed treatment for soybeans, CeraMax recently received the government’s stamp of approval for expanding its label to now include corn and wheat.

New Era in Plant Health
A next-generation solution for improved plant health, CeraMax provides growers with a new option against destructive diseases like SDS, which in severe cases can cause up to 50 percent yield loss in soybeans if not addressed.

In multi-year research trials across 10 states, soybeans treated with the addition of CeraMax to Acceleron® Standard showed significantly lower SDS disease incidence with an average yield increase of 4.3 bushels per acre compared to Acceleron Standard used alone.

In research trials, CeraMax also demonstrated extremely high-performance ratings in plant vigor, outperforming ILEVO® and Saltro® with no signs of phytotoxic stress on soybeans.

“CeraMax delivers outstanding SDS protection without the worry of stress on seedlings, and without growers sacrificing early-season plant health,” adds Stechmann.

Progressive Partnering
WinField United, which has an established track record for bringing innovations to growers, plans to market and sell CeraMax in 2021 in soybean-producing areas most impacted by SDS in years past.

“We are continuously searching for novel technologies that maximize grower return on investment,” says Ashley Giese, Marketing Manager of Seed Treatment with WinField United. “Our objective is to provide growers with seed treatment offerings that are driven by innovation, performance, and value. We believe CeraMax helps us deliver on that strategy.”

Giese also says, the agreement with Ceradis not only strengthens her company’s mission in delivering next-generation products to customers but enhances the company’s rapidly growing seed treatment portfolio.

Natural Complement to Chemistry
Stechmann says the newly-formed partnership between the organizations represents an important validation in regards to the growing demand for biological inputs in the U.S.

“Growers are realizing how biological products complement the plant’s genetics and traits, as well as conventional chemistry,” he says. “By leveraging biologicals and conventional chemistry, we are helping growers become more productive, profitable, and sustainable.”

He adds by saying that growers are eager for new solutions that address the ever-changing landscape of crop production. “Ceradis is fully committed to delivering on that with high-performing, environmentally friendly products that help crops reach their full genetic potential, maximize grower ROI, and increase yield.”  



American Angus Auxiliary Scholarship Applications Due May 1

The American Angus Auxiliary 2021 scholarship applications for National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members are due May 1. Ten scholarships will be awarded to the top five young men and the top five young women. The top five young women’s applications are the basis of which the candidates for Miss American Angus are chosen. Apply now for an Auxiliary scholarship.

"The American Angus Auxiliary is honored and excited to continue the legacy of awarding the American Angus Auxiliary scholarships to 10 exceptional junior Angus high school seniors. By awarding these scholarships, we stand behind our mission to support the juniors as they grow into agriculture advocates," said Deanna Hofing, American Angus Auxiliary president-elect. "The American Angus Auxiliary scholarship application does not focus on one single component of a junior’s success but more importantly recognizes well-rounded applicants that are actively involved with the NJAA activities, their family livestock operations, communities, state organizations, leadership roles and their show ring achievements."

Scholarship applicants are judged on high school academic achievements, Angus awards and accomplishments, Angus leadership, other agricultural organization involvement, other organization activities, application of livestock knowledge and Angus experience, leadership and future and letters of recommendation.

"The American Angus Auxiliary scholarship program sheds light onto the Angus family's desire to support the next generation of agriculturalists and industry leaders," said Ellie Kidwell, 2021 Miss American Angus. "It is such an amazing opportunity for high school seniors, and I encourage everyone to apply."

NJAA members are nominated by their state or regional Angus association, and winners are announced at the awards ceremony during the National Junior Angus Show. For more information, visit the American Angus Auxiliary website.

The American Angus Auxiliary works with the American Angus Association® and the National Junior Angus Association to promote youth, education and the Angus breed.



Farm Credit Administration turns 88 years old tomorrow

The Farm Credit Administration’s 88th anniversary is tomorrow, March 27. It was on this day in 1933 that President Franklin Roosevelt established FCA and consolidated all federal agricultural credit agencies under its supervision.

“Today the Farm Credit Administration continues to serve the mission for which it was created so long ago,” says FCA Board Chairman Glen Smith. FCA regulates the Farm Credit System — the nationwide network of banks and associations that together provide 45% of our nation’s agricultural credit. FCA also regulates the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, or Farmer Mac, which increases the availability of credit to ag producers and rural Americans by providing a secondary market for ag mortgages, rural housing loans, and rural cooperative loans.

The agency’s anniversary happens to fall this year at the end of National Agriculture Week and a few days after National Ag Day, which has been observed every year since 1973 to raise public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our society. President Biden issued a proclamation in observance of National Ag Day, noting that “America’s agriculture sector safeguards our Nation’s lands through sustainable management; ensures the health and safety of animals, plants, and people; provides a safe and abundant food supply; and facilitates opportunities for prosperity and economic development in rural America.”

In his opening statement at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, Chairman Smith also stressed the importance of the agriculture sector. “One thing COVID-19 demonstrated to the American people, and to us all, is that agriculture and the food supply must not be taken for granted and must be protected,” he said. “FCA will do its part by helping ensure safe and sound credit for agriculture and rural America.”

Chairman Smith and FCA Board Member Jeff Hall appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. They discussed the condition of U.S. agriculture, the Farm Credit System, and the rural economy. A recording of the hearing is available on the YouTube channel of the House Appropriations Committee.

For information about the long history of the Farm Credit Administration and the Farm Credit System, go to History of FCA at www.fca.gov.