Monday May 10 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 9, 2021, there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 6% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 8% very short, 23% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 71%, behind 76% last year, but ahead of 57% for the five-year average. Emerged was 12%, behind 27% last year, and near 16% average.

Soybeans planted was 47%, near 51% last year, but well ahead of 26% average. Emerged was 3%, near 5% last year and 2% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 5% very poor, 12% poor, 42% fair, 37% good, and 4% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 3%, near 1% last year and 5% average.

Sorghum planted was 6%, behind 14% last year, and near 8% average.

Oats condition rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 39% fair, 47% good, and 6% excellent. Oats planted was 97%, ahead of 90% last year and 87% average. Emerged was 80%, ahead of 68% last year and 65% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 4% very poor, 12% poor, 36% fair, 43% good, and 5% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS REPORT

 Much needed precipitation across much of Iowa was beneficial to crop progress during the week ending May 9, 2021 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork for the week due to precipitation. Other field activities such as spraying and applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer were slowed by sporadic rains.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 10% very short, 27% short, 61% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 13% very short, 39% short, 46% adequate and 2% surplus.

Statewide, 86% of the expected corn crop has been planted, 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. North central and central Iowa farmers have less than 10% of their expected corn crop remaining to be planted. Corn emergence improved to 22% complete, an increase of 20 percentage points from the previous week.

Just over two-thirds of the expected soybean crop has been planted, 15 days ahead of the five-year average. Six percent of the expected soybean crop has emerged, 5 days ahead of normal.

Seeding of Iowa’s expected oat crop is nearly complete with 74% emerged, 4 days ahead of average. Iowa’s first oat crop condition rating of the season was 2% very poor, 4% poor, 36% fair, 51% good and 7% excellent.

The first hay condition rating of the season was 4% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 51% good and 7% excellent. There were reports of some farmers starting their first cutting of alfalfa.

Pasture condition rated 42% good to excellent. Rain during the week helped green up some pastures. Livestock were reported to be in good condition, especially in terms of calving.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report - Corn, Soybean Planting Move Further Ahead of Average Pace

Mostly favorable weather across much of the U.S. last week allowed farmers to push corn and soybean planting progress further ahead of the five-year averages for both crops, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

Corn planting progress saw another significant jump last week -- 21 percentage points -- to reach 67% complete as of Sunday, May 9. That puts this year's planting pace 15 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 52% and further ahead of average than the previous week when planting was running 10 percentage points ahead of average.  Corn emergence also moved ahead of average for the first time this growing season, with 20% of the crop emerged as of Sunday compared to the five-year average of 19%.

Like with corn, soybean planting also pulled further ahead of the average pace last week. NASS estimated that 42% of the crop was planted as of Sunday, 20 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 22%. That is further ahead of average than the previous week when planting was running 13 percentage points ahead of average.  Ten percent of planted soybeans had emerged, 6 percentage points ahead of the average of 4%.

Spring wheat planting also remained well ahead of normal last week, at 70% complete as of Sunday, 19 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 51%. Spring wheat emerged was estimated at 29%, 9 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 20%.

Meanwhile, development of winter wheat continued to trail the normal pace. Winter wheat heading was estimated at 38% as of Sunday, just 4 percentage points behind last year's 42% but 8 percentage points behind the five-year average of 46%.  Winter wheat condition improved to 49% good to excellent, up 1 percentage point from 48% the previous week but still below last year's rating of 53%.

Sorghum was 22% planted, 6 percentage points ahead of average. Cotton planting was 25% complete, 1 percentage point behind the five-year average. Rice was 74% planted, and 52% of the crop had emerged.  Oats were 85% planted as of Sunday, and emergence was at 60%, both ahead of average.

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SMALL GRAIN HAY OR SILAGE HARVESTING
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension

Cooler temperatures have slowed spring pasture growth; delayed crop planting; and limited cover crop production. So, cattle producers needing forage may consider harvesting small grains such as wheat, rye, triticale and oats as hay or silage.

When deciding timing and how to harvest, begin with the end in mind; noting that spring drying of windrowed forage can be a challenge. For young growing cattle, small grain hay should be cut in the boot stage or as soon as possible after heading to ensure higher protein and energy content. Awnless (beardless) varieties are preferred if harvest is delayed past the full heading stage. Mature cow and feedlot managers may consider delaying their forage harvest until the dough development stage to increase forage quantity; since these cattle can utilize lower quality forage than younger beef animals.

In Nebraska Extension forage harvest studies, wheat and rye yields almost double by delaying spring harvest just one month. Compared to early May (boot stage) harvest, early June (soft dough growth stage development) irrigated biomass yields on average increase from 12 tons per acre to 20 tons per acre. However, the trade-off for delaying forage harvest is that forage crude protein content decreases proportionally dropping from 18% at the boot stage to 10% crude protein at the dough kernel grain stage. Another downside to delayed small grain forage harvest is shortening the growing season for double-crop annual forages planting such as corn or sudangrass intended for fall silage.

When small grains are chopped for silage (also termed: wheatlage or ryelage), there may be opportunity for add a week onto the subsequent annual crop growing season. However, if silage is your harvest choice, moisture content is critical; and the target moisture content for successful ensiling is 70-72% for proper packing. Generally, small grains have a 76-78% moisture content during the soft-dough grain stage and moisture drops 5% during harvest.



Nominations for 2021 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award due May 24

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon are reminding Iowans to nominate individuals or families in their communities for the 2021 Farm Environmental Leader Award. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, May 24, to be considered for the 2021 awards ceremony held at the Iowa State Fair.

Farmers and landowners who invest in conservation practices, like cover crops or wetlands, and incorporate best management practices into their operations to improve and protect the state’s natural resources are eligible for the award. They must also actively serve as leaders in the agriculture community.

An appointed committee representing both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Iowa State Fair. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Naig and Director Lyon will present the winners with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award and a yard sign donated by Bayer.

Since the creation of the award in 2012, more than 650 farm families have been recognized. The nomination form and a list of previous awardees can be found at iowaagriculture.gov/farm-environmental-leader-awards.



Lameness in Cattle: Causes Associated  With  Injury   
Russ Daly -  Professor, SDSU Extension Veterinarian, State Public Health Veterinarian   

Most cattle in feedlots and pastures are exposed to multiple potential causes of injury. If cattle can  successfully avoid  getting hurt from  feedbunks, fences, corral panels, waterers and other equipment, there are always other herd-mates to present a potential hazard (for example, bulls fighting with each other). 

A previous article, Lameness in Cattle: Causes Associated with Infection looked at  a number of  infection-related causes of lameness. This article will examine some of the more physical ways cattle can become lame, starting with the  foot  and working our way up. 

Injuries Linked to Lameness 

Hoof Cracks 
Sandcracks: While only occasionally associated with injury, the  most commonly encountered  hoof defects in cows and bulls are  sandcracks.  These manifest  themselves as vertical cracks that can extend from the coronary band (where the skin meets the upper part of the hoof) to the toe. They typically show up in the front outside claws. There are many theories about why these cracks form, including injury and persistently dry or wet environmental conditions. They are more common in mature, heavier animals. Most of these cracks are not associated with lameness, but these animals should be monitored regularly. 

Horizontal: The horizontal hoof crack should be differentiated from the vertical  sandcrack. Horizontal cracks are often associated with a stress or a disruption in the animal’s health at the time that hoof tissue was developing. Acute illness with  feve, or a short period of severe overnutrition or undernutrition are possible causes. As is the case with  sandcracks, most horizontal cracks will not result in lameness either. 

Foot Penetration 
A not-uncommon cause of acute lameness in adults as well as younger cattle, especially in pasture situations, is that of penetrating foreign objects into the sole of the foot. One typically thinks of nails in this regard, but many other potential objects can do the job as well. Regardless of  whether or not  the objects stay embedded in the sole of the hoof, the penetration carries bacteria from the outside environment deeper into the blood-rich inner layers of the hoof tissue, presenting the right conditions for infection to ensue. 

Back Injury 
In pasture breeding situations, injuries to the lower back may occur in smaller females ridden by larger cows or bulls. This often manifests itself as nerve damage that results in generalized weakness in both back limbs and sometimes a loss of tone or movement in the tail. This condition may improve given time and rest, but re-injury is a frequent outcome. 

Joint Trauma 
As with people and other animals, cattle are subject to injury due to joint sprains and trauma. The front carpal joints, as well as the hock joints in the rear and fetlocks on all limbs, are all places that trauma can cause pain, swelling and lameness. Instances of joint trauma may involve a penetrating wound, or simply be the result of blunt forces. Depending on the severity of the trauma, and whether infection has been introduced into the joint, these cases may or may not be self-limiting. 
One joint that more than occasionally is subject to trauma is that of the stifle joint. This joint is akin to our knee joint, and it is located at the rear flank of the bovine, between the hock and the hip joint. Trauma due to the cow or bull planting a leg and then being jostled,  butted  or ridden by another animal may result in a rupture of ligaments, similar to a basketball player blowing out their knee on the court. 

In addition, animals will occasionally dislocate hip joints due to similar trauma situations, although this is relatively rare. These are typically painful situations with no effective treatment, and timely harvest at a local locker should be considered for these animals. Injured animals should not be sold through an auction barn, as they are unfit to withstand the rigors of the extra handling,  sorting  and transport. 

Degloving Injury 
Another injury that can inflict a great deal of damage to the hoof is that of a “degloving” injury. This is where a calf or cow gets a toe wedged into a small space (for example, between a  feedbunk  and adjacent fencepost) and quickly and forcefully jerks the foot out, damaging or even removing part or  all of  the hoof wall. As one can imagine, this is a very painful situation that will require intervention in the form of treatment, or in severe cases, euthanasia. 

 In Summary 
In pasture situations and many feedlot operations, it is not feasible for a cattle producer to protect 100% of his animals from injury around the clock. But common-sense measures, such as removing or fencing off junk piles and keeping fences and other partitions in good repair, may mean the difference between a healthy productive animal and one that will need to be salvaged due to an injury. 



Focus on Infrastructure: Inland Waterways and Ports

The American Jobs Plan, the Biden Administration’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal, includes several provisions directly impacting corn growers.

Sixty million rural Americans live and work in rural communities. They rely on reliable and safe infrastructure to effectively move their products and compete globally and roads, bridges, highways and waterways provide the first and last links in the supply chain. America’s inland waterways system provides the most fuel-efficient, lowest cost, and environmentally friendly method of transporting products.

Included in the Biden Administration plan is a proposed $17 billion for inland waterways, coastal ports, land ports of entry, and ferries. The inland waterways system is essential to getting U.S. corn to export, with more than 60% of the grain produced in the United States being transported by barge, but work needs to be done to bring the nearly 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels and 240 lock sites up to date.

American farmers rely on the inland waterways system to stay competitive internationally with countries like Brazil and Argentina who are quickly moving to surpass the United States in corn production but lack the infrastructure to move their product like the United States.

NCGA’s Market Development and Risk Management and Transportation Action Teams have taken an active role in seeking improvement to our nation’s infrastructure. You can view a series of videos on the Illinois River rehabilitation project that includes interviews with the Waterways Council CEO Tracy Zea, Army Corp of Engineers Tom Heinold and Illinois farmers Bill Leigh and Terry Smith and Colorado farmer Troy Schneider.

Congress will ultimately decide, and vote on, the provisions included in any infrastructure legislation. Discussions on Capitol Hill regarding an infrastructure package are currently taking place and NCGA is sharing corn farmer priorities with members of the House and Senate.



Importer-Controlled Cattle Exceed Purchases in Domestic Negotiated Cash Market

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently completed its reapportionment of the National Beef Checkoff Program to determine how many cattle are controlled by each of the states, which then determines the number of directors each state has on the Beef Checkoff Program’s Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). It also determines the number of live cattle and cattle equivalents (i.e., beef volume converted to cattle numbers) that importers control.

The USDA counts live cattle imports and then adds another head for each 592 pounds of imported beef to calculate the total number of cattle controlled by importers.  

The recent reapportionment reveals that importers control 6.8 million cattle, the largest cattle inventory of any state except the state of Texas.

Concerned that control of such large numbers of imported cattle by beef packers and other importers are contributing to today’s dysfunctional cattle market, R-CALF USA compared the number of importer-controlled cattle to the volume of fed cattle sold in the domestic negotiated cash market last year, when the volumes in that market fell to their second-lowest level since the market crash of 2015.

As depicted in the chart below, in 2020 the beef packers and other importers controlled far more live cattle through imports than the beef packers purchased in the industry’s price discovery market – the domestic negotiated cash market.

R-CALF USA director Brett Kenzy, a central South Dakota cow/calf producer, backgrounder and feeder, explains the significance of this finding for the U.S. cattle market:

“Beef packers are satisfying consumer beef demand using two inputs – cattle they slaughter and beef they import. But the millions of head of cattle imported in the form of beef are not included in the calculation of our shrinking domestic negotiated cash market, even though those imports are being used to satisfy demand that should be driving our domestic cattle prices.”

Kenzy says this new information means the volume reported by the USDA that purport to identify the percentage that the domestic negotiated cash market contributes to the packers’ total inputs is skewed upward because USDA ignores the millions of head of importer-controlled cattle that should be included as packer inputs.

“This shows why the 50% minimum cash purchase requirement contained in the Grassley/Tester bill (S.949) is so important,” Kenzy said adding, “It also shows the importance of restoring mandatory country of origin labeling for beef – so consumers can choose between beef from our domestic cattle or imported beef.”




ADM to Build New Soy Crushing Facility in North Dakota to Meet Increasing Demand for Renewable Products

ADM today announced its plan to build North Dakota’s first-ever dedicated soybean crushing plant and refinery to meet fast-growing demand from food, feed, industrial and biofuel customers, including producers of renewable diesel.

Based in Spiritwood, ND, the approximately $350 million crush and refining complex will feature state-of-the-art automation technology and have the capacity to process 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. Strategically located in a major soybean producing area, ADM’s global logistics network will enable the facility to access both domestic and global markets for soybean oil and meal. The facility is expected to be complete prior to the 2023 harvest.

“ADM’s commitment to preserving and protecting our planet’s resources stretches from the farm gate to the food on our tables and the renewable fuel we put in our vehicles,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services & Oilseeds business. “This exciting new project allows us to partner with North Dakota farmers to further advance the role of agriculture in addressing climate change through the production of low carbon feedstocks for products such as renewable diesel.”

“This soybean processing plant is a gamechanger for North Dakota farmers, adding value and expanding the market for this important crop closer to home while also supporting the production of products such as renewable green diesel right here in North Dakota,” said North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. “Now, with innovative leader ADM and collaboration with local economic development and multiple state agencies, this exciting value-added project has come to fruition. We’re deeply grateful for ADM’s investment in our state and our highly productive farmers as well as the tireless efforts of so many who helped make this happen, including the Office of State Tax Commissioner, the Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Corp., North Dakota Department of Commerce, North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, the state Legislature, and our entire congressional delegation.”

“We’ve been working to bring this new soybean crushing facility to North Dakota and met with key leaders from ADM over two years ago to develop this plan,” said Senator John Hoeven. “We’re pleased that this new plant will be open in 2023, as it will provide a significant new market for North Dakota soybean growers, while creating good jobs and economic growth. We appreciate the work of ADM, as well as the governor, the other members of the delegation and the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation for their efforts on this exciting new opportunity.”

ADM also plans to invest approximately $25 million to expand refining and storage capacity at its crush and refining facility in Quincy, Illinois. This project will fully align the location’s refining capabilities with its crush capacity and allow for greater flexibility in meeting the needs of ADM’s food, biofuel and industrial customers. The expanded capacity is expected to be online by Q1 2022.

“ADM has an unparalleled opportunity to lead our industry in this area, and thanks to our extensive operational and commercial expertise, we are well-positioned to add these shovel-ready projects to our network and meet the fast-growing needs of customers worldwide for lower carbon, plant-based solutions,” Morris added.



ADM Directors Declare Cash Dividend

ADM’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of 37.0 cents per share on the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on June 9, 2021, to shareholders of record on May 19, 2021.

This is ADM’s 358th consecutive quarterly payment, a record of 89 years of uninterrupted dividends. As of March 31, 2021, there were 558,507,476 shares of ADM common stock outstanding.

ADM Elects Directors at Annual Meeting
ADM has announced at its 98th Annual Stockholders’ Meeting the election of its board of directors, including new director Ted Colbert.

Colbert has been executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Global Services since October 2019. Prior to this role, Colbert served in a variety of roles at The Boeing Company since 2009, including chief information officer and senior vice president of Information Technology & Data Analytics and vice president of Information Technology Infrastructure. Colbert also served as senior vice president of Enterprise Architecture at Citigroup from 2007 to 2009. Colbert brings extensive expertise in corporate leadership to the Board of Directors, as well as significant knowledge of information technology, information security, and data and analytics.

Eleven incumbent directors were also re-elected, including: Michael S. Burke, Terrell K. Crews, Pierre Dufour, Donald E. Felsinger, Suzan F. Harrison, Juan R. Luciano, Patrick J. Moore, Francisco J. Sanchez, Debra A. Sandler, Lei Z. Schlitz and Kelvin R. Westbrook.