Tuesday September 17 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending September 15, 2024, there were 7.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 18% very short, 40% short, 40% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 15% very short, 42% short, 41% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 4% very poor, 8% poor, 20% fair, 44% good, and 24% excellent. Corn dented was 91%, near 94% last year and 90% for the five-year average. Mature was 45%, behind 52% last year, but near 43% average. Harvested was 5%, near 6% last year and 4% average.

Soybean condition rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 26% fair, 48% good, and 17% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 44%, well behind 67% last year, and behind 54% average. Harvested was 1%, near 3% both last year and average.

Winter wheat planted was 21%, near 18% both last year and average. Emerged was 3%, near 2% last year and 1% average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 49% good, and 23% excellent. Sorghum coloring was 93%, near 92% last year and 89% average. Mature was 12%, behind 24% last year and 23% average. Harvested was 1%, equal to both last year and average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 23% fair, 40% good, and 27% excellent. Dry edible beans setting pods was 97%, equal to last year, and near 99% average. Dropping leaves was 69%, ahead of 53% last year, and near 67% average. Harvested was 31%, ahead of 15% last year and 24% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 13% very poor, 32% poor, 27% fair, 20% good, and 8% excellent.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa experienced hot and dry conditions this week. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 15, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Field activities included chopping corn silage and harvesting corn and soybeans.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 38 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 6 percent very short, 32 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dent stage or beyond reached 85 percent this week, 8 days behind last year and 2 days behind the five-year average. Corn mature reached 41 percent, 4 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the average. Corn harvested for grain began this week at 2 percent. Corn condition was rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 72 percent, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Soybean dropping leaves reached 31 percent, 3 days behind last year. The soybean harvest began this week at 1 percent. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 96 percent, 9 days behind last year but 1 week ahead of the five-year average.

Pasture condition fell 11 percentage points to 52 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

The U.S. corn harvest continued to outpace the five-year average last week, and the nation's soybean harvest also kicked off ahead of normal, according to USDA NASS' weekly national Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn dented was estimated at 85%, 3 points behind last year's 88%, but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 84%. Corn mature was pegged at 45%, 3 points behind last year's 48% but 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 38%.
-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 4 percentage points last week to reach 9% complete as of Sunday. That is 1 point ahead of last year's 8% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 65% of the corn still in fields was in good-to-excellent condition, back up 1 point from 64% the previous week and above last year's 51%. Twelve percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week but below 20% last year.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 44%, 3 points behind last year's 47% but 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 37%. As with corn, Minnesota's and North Dakota's soybeans were lagging other states in reaching maturity.
-- Harvest progress: In its first soybean harvest report of the season, NASS estimated 6% of the crop was harvested as of Sunday, 2 points ahead of last year's 4% and 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 3%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 64% of soybeans still in fields were in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 65% the previous week but still above last year's rating of 52% good to excellent.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest moved ahead 7 percentage points last week to reach 92% complete as of Sunday. That put this year's harvest progress at 1 point ahead of last year's 91% and 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 90%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting moved ahead 8 points last week to reach 14% nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 13%.



Lower Elkhorn NRD approves budget decrease for Fiscal Year 2025

Do you know your NRD? Created in 1972, Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are unique in the nation with Nebraska being the only state with this form of local government in place.  NRDs are tasked with 12 areas of responsibility aimed at helping to conserve, develop, and manage our natural resources.

NRDs are granted the authority to generate revenue by levying property taxes, providing them with a consistent source of revenue that can sustain critical programs and projects, but also heightens the need to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars. The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff work diligently to prioritize spending to ensure that local tax dollars are used efficiently.

The operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 was approved by the LENRD Board of Directors at their September 12th meeting with a tax request of $4,501,887 – a decrease of 8.07% or $395,019 from last year’s budget.  The estimated levy, based on the property tax request, is 1.8459 cents per $100 of valuation, which is a decrease of 18.27% from the fiscal year 2024 levy of 2.2586 cents per $100 of valuation.  For example, if a person owns a $300,000 house, the taxes owed to the LENRD would have been $67.76 in 2024 and will be approximately $55.38 in 2025.

The LENRD’s total operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is estimated at $12,823,153 which is an increase of $773,221, or 6.41% from last fiscal year.

Some major expenditures for FY 2025 are: Levee/Flood Protection Projects – which includes the West Point Levee, McKenzie Dam, Winslow Demolition, and Logan East Well Project, and the City of Wayne Prairie Park Project - $1,579,000;  Water Resources Programs - $384,250;  Project Construction – Willow Creek Artesian Pressure Mitigation, Maple Creek Shoreline Stabilization, Maple Creek Storm Damage, Maskenthine Bike Trail, Willow Creek Park Renovations, and Pilger Recreation Area Renovations - $397,000;  Conservation Cost-Share Programs – Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project (BGMA) and Willow Creek Best Management Practices (BMPs) - $708,000;  and Sinking Funds – Battle Creek Project Sinking Fund ($1,000,000) and Flood Mitigation Sinking Fund ($750,000).

The LENRD has received major grant funding for the Willow Creek Dam Artesian Pressure, and Hazard Mitigation Plan (Federal Emergency Management Agency & Nebraska Emergency Management Agency); Bazile Groundwater Management Area and Willow Creek Watershed Project (Environmental Protection Agency) as well as State Grants and Funds from Department of Natural Resources, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Forest Service.

The LENRD has also received grant funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO).  Funding through this program has assisted with the environmental assessments for the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Plan, the Maple Creek Watershed Plan, and the Battle Creek Watershed Plan.

Because the LENRD strives to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars, there is a strong focus on the continuation of allocating resources towards Sinking Funds in the budget. The funds are put into savings now to be used for future projects. “By setting money aside today into a sinking fund, tagged for use for a specific project, it helps to minimize impact to the property tax levy for tomorrow,” said Brian Bruckner, LENRD General Manager.  He added, “Our board continues to be conservative as we invest and save for the future needs for the citizens of our district.”

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 www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be September 26, 2024 at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



Great Plains Heifer Wrap-up Meeting
Connor Biehler, Beef Systems Asst. Extension Educator

I wanted to make you aware that the Great Plains Heifer Development Wrap-up Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd from 10:00-3:00 at the Haskell Ag Lab in Concord. There is no cost to attend but please RSVP by Friday, Sept. 27 for lunch count.

If you are unable to make it but would like the information, please let me know. If enough interest is expressed, I will set up a zoom link for the day.

Agenda for October 2nd Wrap-up Meeting
10-10:15 a.m. Welcome
10:15-11 a.m. Dr. Jarret Proctor, Cargill Animal Nutrition - Nutritional Development of Beef Heifers
11 a.m. - Noon Dr. Kent Anderson, Zoetis - Genetics and INHERIT Select
Noon-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:30 p.m. Great Plains Heifer Development Center Tour
1:30-1:50 p.m. ABS
1:50-2:10 p.m. Cattler Software
2:10-3:00 p.m. Project Recap

The enrollment period for 2025 opens Tuesday, Oct. 1. More information and enrollment criteria are available online at https://go.unl.edu/2025heiferdev. Register for the meeting or request more information at https://forms.gle/Mv8z4oEgsSe52V1UA or by contacting me.



Iowa Dairy Industry Doubleheader Set for Nov. 1-2

Iowa dairy professionals, farmers and industry stakeholders are invited to join a unique two-day event this fall. The Iowa Dairy Industry Doubleheader will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, featuring a professional development workshop and a social networking tailgate co-hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team and the Dairy Science Club at Iowa State University.

On Friday, Nov. 1, the event kicks off at the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association headquarters in Ankeny, with an afternoon session titled "Professional Development for Iowa Dairy Industry Consultants." Beginning at 1:30 p.m., the program will offer hands-on learning opportunities and presentations from expert speakers on cutting-edge topics in dairy management. Space is limited, ensuring a highly interactive learning experience.

“The program will provide three hours of meaningful Continuing Education credits approved by both the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine and the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists,” said Dr. Phillip Jardon, state dairy extension veterinarian. “The topics (experiences with automatic calf feeders, HPAI and biosecurity) were chosen as important current topics to animal dairy producers, nutritionists, veterinarians and other industry consultants.”

Following the workshop, attendees are invited to a social hour, sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, providing additional time for informal networking and discussion.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, the event moves to Jack Trice Stadium in Ames for the Iowa Dairy Industry Tailgate, a fun and casual gathering for students, faculty, industry professionals, farmers and alumni. The tailgate will be held before the Iowa State Cyclones football game, with food, refreshments and plenty of time to connect and network. The Iowa State Dairy Science Club will also be hosting its annual alumni reunion as part of this event. This event is sponsored by the Iowa State Dairy Association.

"The tailgate is all about building connections and celebrating our dairy industry community," said Dr. Gail Carpenter, state dairy extension specialist. "Whether you're a student, an alum or a professional in the industry, it's a great opportunity to come together and enjoy the day."

The Iowa Dairy Industry Doubleheader offers something for everyone in the dairy industry, from education and professional development to socializing and networking. Hotel room blocks are available for both nights, and registration for the events is now open.

Event details
    Friday, Nov. 1 – Professional Development for Iowa Dairy Industry Consultants, IVMA Headquarters, Ankeny, 1:30 p.m. Social to follow at Magee’s Irish Pub and Eatery at 6 p.m.
    Saturday, Nov. 2 – Iowa Dairy Industry Tailgate, Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, time TBD (based on football game schedule)

Registration. For more information, visit the Iowa Dairy Industry Doubleheader webpage https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/iowa-dairy-industry-doubleheader. Space is limited for Friday's program, so early registration is encouraged. Registration is not required for the Friday evening social or Saturday tailgate. Hotel blocks are available in Ankeny until Oct. 7.

For more information, contact Dr. Gail Carpenter at ajcarpen@iastate.edu or Dr. Phillip Jardon at pjardon@iastate.edu



Are We Nearing Expansion? A Look at Cow Slaughter and the Inventory Cycle
Rob Ziegler, Extension Specialist, University of Wyoming

The U.S. beef cow herd inventory has received significant attention recently, due to historically low levels driven by market prices and drought conditions that have incentivized producers to sell. Droughts impacted much of the U.S. in 2011-2014 and again in 2021-2023, coinciding with the contraction phase of the cow cycle. A closer look at cow slaughter during these contraction phases and drought periods could shed light on producers’ current intentions to rebuild and the potential trajectory of market prices.

Beef cow slaughter peaked in 2011 at 3.9 million head, roughly midway through the last contraction phase, which ended in 2014 when expansion began. Slaughter bottomed out in 2015 at 2.2 million head and started increasing again in 2016. Another peak in cow slaughter was observed in 2022 at nearly 4 million head. In 2023, cow slaughter declined by 12% compared to 2022. From January through August 2023, 2.2 million head of beef cows were slaughtered, compared to 1.9 million head during the same period in 2024. It appears that total cow slaughter in 2024 will be lower than that of 2023. Historically 35% of cow slaughter occurs between September and December, which could bring total slaughter for 2024 to around 2.9 million head. While the final figure for 2024 is yet to be determined, if the decline continues, 2024 could mark the second consecutive year of lower beef cow slaughter volumes.

Examining the CME Feeder Cattle Index over this period provides insight into the price impacts resulting from supply and demand dynamics. The index peaked in 2014 and 2015 at just over $200/cwt, when cow herd inventory and slaughter volumes reached their lowest points at the end of the contraction. From 2016 to 2020, the index trended mostly sideways, with a slight downward drift around the $150/cwt mark, as cow herd numbers increased and peaked in 2019. When feeder cattle supplies peaked in 2020, prices hit their low, but in 2021, the Feeder Cattle Index rose again as cow numbers declined and slaughter volumes increased. Currently, the index hovers around $242/cwt. Given the projected increase in slaughter volumes for 2024, it appears the cow herd is contracting at a faster pace. If this trend continues, feeder supplies will likely tighten during this contraction period, supporting prices.

If history repeats itself, as it did in 2011, we may have another 1-2 years of contraction before moving into the expansion phase. However, despite strong feeder prices, elevated interest rates and higher input costs in recent years have negatively impacted income per cow. The question remains whether these margins will be sufficient to encourage expansion within that timeframe. While the drought in 2024 has been more regional, some heifer retention may be correlated with these areas. That said, heifers retained this year will not contribute to the feeder cattle supply for approximately two more years. These factors suggest that the expansion phase may unfold more slowly than it did in 2014.



Growth Energy Amicus Brief Points Toward EPA’s Lost Opportunity on Biofuels

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, filed an amicus brief recently in a case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, otherwise known as the “tailpipe emissions rule.” In the brief, Growth Energy noted that EPA’s rule was a missed opportunity to recognize the positive impact biofuels can have on reducing tailpipe emissions.

“As Congress recognized when it enacted the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) almost twenty years ago, biofuels offer numerous climate and other benefits. When compared with petroleum, corn ethanol emits only about half as much greenhouse gases (GHGs), and cellulosic ethanol, made from the waste components of crops, emits even less,” Growth Energy said in the brief. “Ethanol and other biofuels also emit less particulate matter and other pollutants harmful to human health. And all these benefits are readily available right now, all while enhancing energy security and supporting U.S. jobs.”

In EPA’s rule, which is designed to reduce emissions of GHGs and other pollutants in vehicles for model years 2027 and later, the agency ignored biofuels and their enormous, congressionally-recognized benefits.  

“EPA’s analyses treated vehicles that operate on biofuels the same as vehicles that operate exclusively on fossil fuels. EPA failed to consider using or incentivizing higher biofuel blends in vehicles as a way to reduce emissions. And EPA’s cost-benefit analysis looked only at the employment and energy security impacts of the petroleum industry, disregarding the biofuels industry entirely,” the brief said. “For the agency that Congress entrusted to promote biofuels, EPA’s total failure to acknowledge biofuels in the Rule is arbitrary and capricious.”  



Applications Now Open for Neil Dierks Scholarship Honoring Former NPPC CEO
 
The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and education within the pork industry, is now accepting applications for the Neil Dierks Scholarship. This scholarship honors Neil Dierks, the National Pork Producers Council's (NPPC) former longtime CEO, and his remarkable contributions to the industry.
 
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student enrolled in a land-grant university pursuing a field of study that directly supports the pork industry.
 
“We are honored to continue this scholarship in recognition of Neil’s exceptional legacy,” said Dwight Mogler, an Iowa pork producer and NPPC representative on the NPIF board. “Neil’s unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of pork industry leaders was truly inspiring. Through this scholarship, we are committed to carrying forward his vision by empowering students who are passionate about shaping the future of our industry.”
 
Applications for the Neil Dierks Scholarship, funded through generous contributions to the NPIF, are due by December 31, 2024. The recipient will be announced at the National Pork Industry Forum, scheduled for March 12-14, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
 
This scholarship program complements the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship, also sponsored by NPIF in partnership with the CME Group. The Lois Britt Scholarship awards $2,500 each to ten undergraduates pursuing careers in the pork industry, with recipients recognized annually at the National Pork Industry Forum.
 
For full eligibility requirements and to apply, check out NPPC’s online form https://nppc.org/neil-dierks-scholarship/. If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Russell, NPPC Manager of Producer Engagement, at 515-864-7983 or russelll@nppc.org.



Veteran Ag Economist John Newton Joins Terrain

John Newton, Ph.D., is the new Executive Head of Terrain, a team of industry-leading ag economists and analysts. As the leader, Newton will guide the team’s endeavors to provide analysis and information important for the business decisions of U.S. agricultural producers.

Terrain serves the customers of AgCountry Farm Credit Services®, American AgCredit®, Farm Credit Services of America® and Frontier Farm Credit® with analysis of a large number of agricultural sectors – from cattle and corn to wine, dairy and tree nuts – as well as the macroeconomy and its impact on rural America.

“Our customers are navigating a complex business landscape,” explains Tim Koch, Executive Vice President – Business Development for Farm Credit Services of America, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Frontier Farm Credit. “Combining data analysis with Farm Credit’s deep knowledge of agriculture, Terrain is bold in its outlooks on trends, economic activity, supply and demand, and other market-moving factors. John’s extensive experience enhances the already exceptional talent at Terrain, by bringing a deep understanding of how governmental policy and risk management programs impact the bottom line of America’s farming and ranching families.”

In his career, John has spent more than two decades using data to answer questions and find solutions to agriculture’s challenges.

A Ph.D. economist, John is known for his rigorous, data-driven analysis that is easily consumable for the agricultural industry. He was most recently the Republican Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. He previously served as the Chief Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and at the National Milk Producers Federation, as an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as an award-winning faculty member at the University of Illinois.

In 2021, the Ohio State University recognized John with its Distinguished Alumni award.

“John brings immense energy and thought leadership in the ag econ space, and by extension to our customer-owners.” says Gary Van Schuyver, Chief Banking Officer, American Ag Credit. “In the nearly two years that Terrain has been operating, our customers have been quick to recognize the value of the team’s insights. Adding a leader of John’s caliber is a testament to what Terrain has already achieved and its potential growth in the future. He’s a proven leader who brings a clear vision for the exciting, next era of Terrain.”

John’s tenure begins a leadership transition from Terrain’s current head, Don Close. Assembling a team of respected ag economists and analysts, Don oversaw the establishment of Terrain, which launched in November 2022. Don will continue with Terrain and focus on what he loves the most: working as a cattle and beef analyst and providing thought leadership to the U.S. beef industry.

Visit terrainag.com for Terrain’s current perspective on consumer demand of beef, the compounding effects of lower visitor traffic at West Coast wineries, and the unintended consequences to avoid with changes to the federal milk marketing order.