Wednesday June 19 Ag News

 High-moisture corn and earlage for feedlots
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

Corn harvested after the kernel has reached maturation as earlage or snaplage or high-moisture corn represent alternatives to harvesting dry corn. Before going further, a word on the terms earlage, snaplage and high-moisture ear corn. At least two of these terms, earlage and snaplage, are used interchangeably.

High-moisture ear corn (rightfully earlage) is harvested with a corn combine in which the concave clearance is reduced so the cob is crushed, and the sieves are removed except for the one below the concave auger. The fan speed is also increased so that husk and trash are removed. This process should result in material that contains from 85% to 90% corn and from 10% to 15% cob with only traces or no husks. The recommended moisture content at harvest time for this product is 28% to 35%.

Snaplage, as its name indicates, is harvested with a snapper head mounted on a forage harvester equipped with a kernel processor. The processor must be set to crack all the kernels and break the cob into pieces smaller than ¾.” Snaplage harvest should proceed when the material moisture is between 35% and 38%. Snaplage contains from 75% to 80% corn, from 10 to 15% cob, and from 5% to 10% husk. Incidentally, the energy value of the cob is only 23% the value of corn grain; thus, there is an incentive to reduce cob size or presence in both earlage and snaplage.

Lastly, high-moisture corn is harvested with a combine adjusted to handle corn kernels containing 28% to 35% moisture. Generally, combine headers are set at the highest possible point to reduce the introduction of wet leaf and stalk material. Operating the stripper plates wider to prevent leaf and stalk material from entering the combine. Other adjustments for proper high-moisture corn harvest include ensuring that the concave is leveled, and the cylinder or rotor speed is fast enough to thresh the grain but slow enough to prevent grain damage. High-moisture corn has the same nutrient attributes as corn grain

except for moisture content is from 26% to 32%. The energy value of high-moisture corn is greater than that of dry corn grain; like that of steam-flaked corn. Thus, more efficient conversion of feed to gain is expected when high-moisture corn substitutes dry corn in feedlot diets. However, if moisture in corn is less than 25%, its energy value is closer to that of dry corn.

Why would a cattle feeder choose to feed one of these ingredients over the other, particularly when harvest date of earlage, snaplage and high-moisture corn overlap? As for many decisions on the farm, the choice to harvest corn at high moisture content with or without ear, cob and husks depends on harvest and processing equipment available (or access to a custom harvest crew, for earlage, particularly), hybrid, bunker capacity, availability of other ingredients (hay, corn silage, dry corn and ethanol co-products), and preference.

At harvest, both earlage and snaplage will yield greater tonnage than corn grain harvested at high moisture. Yield in tons of snaplage or earlage containing 75% or 80% corn grain, respectively, can be predicted by multiplying dry corn grain yield in bushels by 4.5% (earlage) to 5% (snaplage). Thus, a field expected to produce 200 bu/acre will likely produce 10 or 9 ton of snaplage or earlage, respectively. Remember, there is more “extra” material in snaplage than in earlage why there is an expected difference in yield between these two products.

Recently, we completed a survey of feedlots using high-moisture corn and earlage in IA, SD, ND, and NE. Because of participants, results of the survey are applicable to situations where normal dent corn hybrids are harvested, earlage is harvested by custom crews, both products are processed before ensiling, both products are stored covered in bunker silos, and earlage is inoculated with bacteria preparations.

Other results of the survey indicate that digestibility of high-moisture corn increases as material remains in the bunker but moisture content decreases. This implies that nutritionists and feeders must be diligent in intake management as days in the bunker increase, particularly because this coincides with heat stress events. Adjustments to the diet including greater fiber inclusion or lowering inclusion of the product may be in order.

In contrast, feeders and nutritionists should expect earlage to have less digestibility as time passes. As this occurs, one might consider earlage as shifting from an energy and fiber source to a fiber source.

Other considerations are in order. There are data that suggest that expenses to grow and harvest earlage may be greater and more variable than those to grow and harvest corn grain. This may be related to harvest costs as most feeders relying on earlage hire custom crews. Careful consideration of expenses associated with earlage crop should be made particularly when earlage makes up more than 35% of the diet. Current research data indicates that performance of cattle fed diets where earlage substitutes corn (dry or high moisture) at 35% or above is poorer than that of cattle fed diets containing no earlage.



Fischer, Bennet Resolution Promoting Mental Health in Ag Industry and Workforce

The Senate unanimously approved U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.), bipartisan resolution designating May 29th as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.” The full text of the resolution can be found here.

“From unpredictable weather to volatile markets and trade agreements, the livelihood of Nebraska’s agricultural producers and workforce depend on several factors beyond their control. This uncertainty, paired with extreme stress, leads to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Our resolution recognizes those unique challenges and supports the farmers, ranchers, and workers who perform the essential work of producing high quality food, fuel, and fiber,” said Senator Fischer.

“Unprecedented challenges are taking a toll on the mental health of Colorado's farmers, ranchers, and farm workers — including severe drought and increased costs. I’m grateful to stand with Senator Fischer and my Senate colleagues to raise awareness about mental health and to work to expand access to care for Americans in every community,” said Senator Bennet.

Stakeholder Support: The National Rural Health Association, Nebraska Rural Health Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farmers Union, and National Farmers Union.

“The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) appreciates Senator Fischer’s and Senator Bennet’s strong commitment to uplifting the mental health of agricultural workers. NRHA is proud to support the Senators’ resolution to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. We join the Senators in recognizing the importance of those working in the agriculture industry, improving their mental health, and reducing stigma around mental health,” said Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Health Association.

“Increased mental health resources are needed in rural Nebraska and especially for those in the Ag community. Bringing attention to the unique challenges our farmers and ranchers face is a crucial first step towards positively impacting their health and well-being. NeRHA extends our gratitude to Senator Fischer for her dedicated leadership in raising awareness on this vital issue,” said Jed Hansen, Executive Director, Nebraska Rural Health Association.

“Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that we need to check in with ourselves and check up on each other. Farming and ranching is a stressful business that is full of uncertainty, which is why at AFBF we’re proud to offer resources through our Farm State of Mind campaign. I’m grateful for Senator Fischer’s leadership in working to designate a specific day during this month to bring focus to the unique challenges of the agricultural community. It’s important for all of us to remember that a healthy farm or ranch is nothing without a healthy farmer or rancher,” said Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation.

"While the lifestyle and work of producing our nation and world's food, fiber, and fuel is both noble and very rewarding, the challenges and uncertainties can weigh heavy. Outside of our typical day to day chores and activities, we all need to also be conscious of our own mental health and that of our family, friends, and neighbors. I want to thank Senator Fischer for bringing this issue to the forefront by offering this resolution to designate May 29th as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. As a rancher herself, Sen. Fischer knows firsthand the importance of this issue and the need to ensure everyone in agriculture knows it’s "ok to not be ok" and reach out if you or someone you know needs help,” said Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau.

“Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) thanks Sen. Fischer for her sponsorship of the “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day” to draw needed attention to the importance of agriculture and its high stress mental health needs. 40 years ago, NeFU along with Grange, WIFE, a variety of religious denominations with the help of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture organized the Nebraska Response Council that sponsors the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline (800-464-0258) that is staffed by Legal Aid of Nebraska. The Hotline provides legal and financial counseling, and thanks to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, mental health vouchers for rural residents so they can receive professional mental health counseling from one of the over 400 statewide cooperating mental health counselors. We thank Sen. Fischer for shining the light on the need to improve our awareness of mental health needs, further reduce the stigma around mental health services, and help get agricultural and rural people access to affordable mental health counseling services,” said John Hansen, President, Nebraska Farmers Union.



USDA Reminds Nebraska Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports

Agricultural producers in Nebraska should make an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as soon as possible to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete. The acreage reporting date for spring-planted crops, perennial forage such as pastures and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres is July 15, 2024. “Many USDA programs require producers to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline in order to receive program benefits,” said Tim Divis, Acting FSA State Executive Director in Nebraska. “We’ve had the benefit of spring moisture in various locations across the state, but it slowed planting and therefore has delayed the acreage reporting process at some county FSA offices. Once planting is complete, please call your local FSA office as soon as possible to complete the acreage reporting process.”

An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch and its intended uses. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits, Divis said. “We are asking producers to pay close attention to communications from their county FSA office as it may have processes in place to facilitate the completion of acreage reports, including specific timelines to return maps,” Divis said. Producers also should report crop acreage they intended to plant, but due to natural disaster, were unable to plant. Prevented planting acreage must be reported on form CCC-576, Notice of Loss, no later than 15 calendar days after the final planting date as established by FSA and USDA’s Risk Management Agency.

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the date listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

FSA offers continuous certification for perennial forage. This means after perennial forage is reported once and the producer elects continuous certification, the certification remains in effect until a change is made. Check with FSA at the local USDA Service Center for more information on continuous certification.



FSA Seeking Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees

Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2024 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2024.

“Serving on a Farm Service Agency county committee is your chance to ensure that other producers who share your interests, your production practices, and your perspective are represented. County committee service is a unique opportunity in the federal government for citizen stakeholders to participate in the implementation of policy and programs at the local level,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Nominations are now open, and elections will begin in November; don’t miss this chance to help FSA serve all producers.”

Elections for committee members will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.

Customers can locate their LAA through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections and determine if their LAA is up for election by contacting their local FSA office.

Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they:
· Participate or cooperate in a USDA program.
· Reside in the LAA that is up for election this year.

A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages minority, women, urban and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote and hold office.

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues.



Northwest Iowa Research Farm Field Day and Windbreak Workshop Is July 2

The annual field day at Iowa State University’s Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm will be held Tuesday, July 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the farm, 6320 500th St., Sutherland. An optional Windbreak Management Workshop will follow lunch at 1 p.m.

The field day will focus on challenges and opportunities in the crop markets, a recap of navigating nitrogen during the wet spring, soybean cyst nematode management tips and other timely agronomic topics.

“Farmers and agronomists can plan for a full day of learning at the research farm,” said Leah Ten Napel, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We believe the day will provide a great deal of education and networking time for everyone in attendance.”

Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. with “Markets in 2024: Opportunities and Challenges,” led by Chad Hart, crop marketing specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Following Hart, in-field learning will address:
    “Navigating Nitrogen,” led by Richard Roth, nitrogen specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach
    “Soybean Cyst Nematode Management,” led by Greg Tylka, Morrill Professor with Iowa State, and director of the Iowa Soybean Research Center
    “Timely Agronomic Topics for the 2024 Growing Season,” led by Gentry Sorenson and Leah Ten Napel, field agronomists with ISU Extension and Outreach

One NM, one IPM and two CM CCA credits will be available for the morning field day. At the completion of the morning field day, a complimentary noon lunch will be served.

Following lunch at 1 p.m., an optional windbreak management workshop will begin. The workshop will be led by DNR district forester Sarah Bell and O’Brien County district conservationist Andrew Koehlmoos. One and one-half CM CCA credits will be available for the afternoon workshop.

Attendance at the morning and/or afternoon field day is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Complimentary morning refreshments are sponsored by Security State Bank, with lunch sponsored by O’Brien County Ag Supply, J&K Insurance, C-S Agrow and 5th Gen Ag.

For more information, contact Gentry Sorenson at 641-430-6715 or gentrys@iastate.edu or Leah Ten Napel at 712-541-3493 or lre@iastate.edu



Enjoy BBQ & Brew for a good cause this Saturday

The 2nd annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark takes place this Saturday, June 22 at Principal Park in Des Moines. Attendees can consume numerous offerings of delicious Iowa pork, sample Iowa craft beers and ciders, learn barbecue tips from a grill master, vote for their favorites in the Backyard BBQ Contest, meet local celebrities, and enjoy live music performances.

Your purchase of a ticket gets you all of that, and you’ll also be helping fight food insecurity in our state. Proceeds from BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark will benefit Iowa food banks, who are struggling to keep up with demand from families in need.

“In the state of Iowa, we have an increase in food insecurity,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “Pork is a very valuable protein and every ounce makes a difference. 10 percent of Iowans are food insecure. The Iowa Food Bank Association works with 1,200 pantries across the state of Iowa and six food banks. We all work to help serve, and we couldn’t do it without friends like the Iowa Pork Producers and every individual that donates.”

Advance tickets cost just $20 at IowaPork.org.

The second Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark begins at 2pm Saturday. It is guaranteed to be an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Brought to you by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa Cubs, there is something for everyone at this event.

30 backyard barbecuers will be competing for more than $10,000 in cash prizes. For attendees, you get to sample the competitors’ delicious pork, plus Smokey D’s BBQ & Berkwood Farms will provide grilled pork loin sandwiches, and you receive 15 samples of beer from Iowa’s top craft breweries. Netflix Barbecue Showdown Champion Thryon Mathews, an Iowa resident, will be offering grilling tips in his Barbeque Boot Camp.

The Iowa breweries and cideries participating in the event include:  
    Adventurous Brewing
    Single Speed Brewing
    Gezelling Brewing Company
    Confluence Brewing Company
    Exile Brewing Company
    Fire Ciders
    Jefferson County Ciderworks
    Central Iowa Home Brew
    Big Grove Brewery

Iowa musicians Jordan Beem, Neva Alden and the Midlanders will be performing throughout the event. Raffle prizes, including a Traeger grill, a Blackstone grill, Iowa Cubs package, and more will be available.  
Attendees who prefer not to partake in the “brew” portion of BBQ & Brew can get in for just $15. Kids 5 and under get in free.

One of the pillars of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s We Care principles is caring for the community. Events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark are a fun way to celebrate pork, while also showing that pork producers care.

“Food insecurity is a major issue in Iowa and this event is one way we can give back to the community,” said Iowa Pork Producers Association President Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, IA. “Pork producers care about Iowa.”

Fareway Stores is also serving as a sponsor of BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark and will provide resources and support for the donations to local food pantries.

Visit IowaPork.org to purchase your ticket today. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door.



NMPF Dairy Market Report - JUNE 2024

In a near-reversal of usual domestic consumption patterns, U.S. fluid milk sales during the first four months of this year were up by almost 100 million pounds over a year ago, or 0.7 percent on a leap year adjusted basis, while domestic consumption of most other major dairy products was lower, except for yogurt and non-American types of cheese.
The United States exported 8.7 percent of its total cheese production during February-April, an all-time high for this measure over a three-month period, or even for a single month.

April U.S. milk production was 0.4 percent below April 2023 production, the tenth consecutive month of below year-ago milk production, on a leap year-adjusted basis. Rapid increases in the price of cheese during May largely powered a $3.05/cwt jump in the May Class III price from the month before.

All subsequent references to percentage or actual changes in quantities over periods that include this February are adjusted for the leap year.  Read more here: https://www.nmpf.org/fluid-milk-sales-and-cheese-exports-surge-amid-production-decline/.  



NCGA, AFBF and Coalition Partners File Lawsuit to Stop EPA’s Emissions Rule for New Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association joined the American Petroleum Institute today in filing a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards for model years 2027-2032.

The groups said EPA exceeded its congressional authority with the regulation with targets that rely too heavily on electrification and do not fully appreciate the role low carbon fuels like ethanol play in the transportation sector.

“EPA has tried to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing climate change by prioritizing electric vehicles over other climate remedies like corn ethanol,” said Minnesota farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle. “But while it could take decades to get enough electric vehicles on the road to make a dent in GHG emissions, lower carbon fuels such as ethanol are critical and effective climate tools that are available now. Ethanol is not only critical in the climate fight, but it also saves consumers money at the pump while benefiting America’s rural economies. We look forward to making this case in court.”

The groups also noted that EPA’s standard will put America’s farmers and their livestock at risk.

“Farmers rely on heavy-duty trucks to transport livestock long distances, and they choose the most efficient routes to ensure the animals in their care remain on the vehicle for as little time as possible,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “Unfortunately, heavy-duty vehicles that are powered by batteries have short ranges and require hours to charge. Impractical regulations will extend the amount of time on the road, putting the health and safety of drivers and livestock at risk if they need to stop for long periods of time to charge.”

The groups further emphasized the impact the agency’s standards would have on America’s supply chain and on its small-business truckers.

“Small business truckers make up 96% of trucking and could be regulated out of existence if the EPA’s unworkable heavy-duty rule comes into effect,” said Todd Spencer, president, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “This rule would devastate the reliability of America’s supply chain and ultimately increase costs for consumers. Mom and pop trucking businesses would be suffocated by the sheer cost and operational challenges of effectively mandating zero emission trucks, but this administration appears intent on forcing through its deluge of misguided environmental mandates. As the voice of over 150,000 small-business truckers, we owe it to our members and every small-business trucker in America to leave no stone unturned in fighting these radical environmental policies.”

Leaders at API highlighted the repercussions EPA’s standard will have on consumers.

“Today, we are standing up for consumers who rely on trucks to deliver the goods they use every single day,” said API Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers. “The EPA is forcing a switch to technology that simply does not presently exist for these kinds of vehicles – and even if it were someday possible, it will almost certainly have consequences for your average American. This is sadly yet another example of this administration pushing unpopular policy mandates that lack statutory authority, and we look forward to holding them accountable in court.”

In March, the Biden administration finalized new federal emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (including commercial vehicles). In the final rule, EPA projects that there would need to be significant deployment of zero emission vehicles throughout the heavy duty fleet to meet emissions standards. For example, over 40% of vocational vehicles (work trucks) would need to be zero emission vehicles by model year 2032. Additionally, long-haul tractors (semi-trucks), which currently have no ZEV deployment, would need to go from zero percent today to 25% of the fleet by model year 2032.



Clean Fuels Files Lawsuit Over EPA Heavy-Duty Truck Rule
 
Tuesday, Clean Fuels asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to review the Environmental Protection Agency’s final Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3. In the final rule, EPA evaluated a range of potential alternative fuel and engine configurations for 2027-2032 heavy duty vehicles. However, the agency specifically declined to consider biodiesel and renewable diesel in combination with existing engines that are already widely available.

“EPA put its thumb on the scale to favor electric and hybrid vehicles that are not guaranteed to be widely available in the timeframe addressed by this rule,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America. “The agency refused to consider the increasing availability of biodiesel and renewable diesel as an achievable, affordable technology for meeting the goals of the heavy-duty truck rule by 2032.”



Industry Responds to Brazil Upholding 18% Tariff on U.S. Ethanol

On Thursday, June 13, the Foreign Trade Chamber at Brazil’s Ministry of the Economy (CAMEX) upheld an 18 percent tariff on U.S. ethanol.

With support from the Brazil Association of Fuel Importers (ABICOM), the U.S. ethanol industry and the U.S. government previously submitted comments advocating for permanent tariff removal during a public consultation period that ended on April 11. Together, the U.S. ethanol industry—including the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy—reacted to CAMEX’s decision with the following statement:

“We remain extremely disappointed with this result and urge CAMEX and the Brazilian government to remove tariff barriers on U.S. ethanol and use this as an opportunity to strengthen the bilateral agenda and stimulate trade cooperation between Brazil and the United States. This tariff has placed a heavy financial burden on Brazilian consumers in a misdirected effort to protect the domestic Brazilian ethanol industry, which enjoys free and increasing access to the U.S. market.

“The U.S. industry remains united in seeking parity with Brazilian exports with reciprocal market access and will seek to take additional measures to rectify this unfair tariff treatment.

“We are committed to striving for fair and balanced trade in ethanol with Brazil.”



APLU Applauds Inclusion of Mandatory Funding in Agricultural Research Facilities in Senate Farm Bill Package

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities today released the following statement on the inclusion of the Research Facilities Act (RFA) and mandatory investment of at least $1 billion in public universities’ research facilities in the Farm Bill framework Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) unveiled last week.
 
“The public and land-grant university community applauds the critical mandatory investments in agriculture research facilities in the Senate Farm Bill package that Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Ranking Member Boozman released last week. We are grateful to Senator Boozman for his leadership on critical infrastructure needed to ensure the U.S. remains the world’s most innovative, productive, and vibrant agricultural sector. This funding would help address the substantial deferred national maintenance backlog of over $11.5 billion that has strained cutting-edge agricultural research. Moving forward, APLU urges Congress to advance a timely, bipartisan, and bicameral Farm Bill that includes these critical investments and supports the agriculture research key to global competitiveness, food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.”