Thursday October 24 Ag News

 Great Plains Heifer Development Program recaps first year

The Great Plains Heifer Development program team held their first annual recap at Haskell Ag Laboratory near Concord Nebraska to round out and review year one performance. The event brought together consignors, local producers, industry partners and researchers to explore the possibilities for year two of the program.

Program Overview
Connor Biehler, Nebraska beef extension educator and Kiernan Brandt, professional service technician with Trans Ova Genetics and former extension educator with South Dakota State University, spearhead the program with a shared vision of optimizing and enhancing reproductive efficiency, longevity and heifer development.  

This program is unique, as all the heifers are consigned by producers looking to enhance their heifer development strategies and increase longevity in their females. It offers a blend of services focused on the foundational principles of heifer selection, nutrition, management strategies, genetic tools for sire selection, estrus synchronization protocols, post-breeding management, and more. This year 11 producers from across Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota consigned 132 heifers to the program, providing variability of type and kind for the program. Ultimately, this variability allows the program to look at more types and kinds and find what fits each individual herd best.    

"The goal isn't to create a new ‘tool’ but rather to help producers improve upon what they already have," said Biehler.

Biehler and Brandt hope to continue to identify strengths and shortcomings of the cow herd in the Great Plains to figure out applicable methods to improve cattle longevity and decrease fallout of replacement heifers in every herd. Data collected included frame score, pelvic measurements, reproductive tract scores prior to breeding, average daily gain per pen (heifer group), and genomic-enhanced EPDs to help with reproductive and nutrition decisions.

Performance Review
From a nutrition standpoint, the program's goal was to increase the plane of nutrition prior to breeding to help with breed-up. Heifers came in with body condition scores in the three to four range with a target to increase that score to six, which was met with an average daily gain of 1.67 pounds.

The goal is to produce replacement heifers that outperform their herd mates and are more likely to rebreed on time in the future.

"The only way to put pressure on a lowly heritable trait like reproduction is to be okay with not getting 100% of your females bred," said Dr. Rick Rasby, UNL beef reproduction and management systems specialist.  

The pregnancy rate reached in year one was slightly over the benchmark 87% with the overall conception rate after two cycles being 88%. Next year the plan is to incorporate the use of 14-day CIDRs, emphasizing consolidated group synchronization to tighten up the breeding window and increase conception rate.

Partnerships
Partnerships with Cattler, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Zoetis and ABS played a pivotal part in helping Biehler and Brandt make nutritional and breeding decisions in their program. Representatives from each business spoke about this at the recap event.

Dr. Jarrett Proctor, Cargill animal nutritionist, covered nutritional development of beef heifers and explained how he helped Biehler tailor initial diet decisions to promote program goals. The Cattler software system was used to track pen-by-pen performance and the animals’ overall health. The software tracks factors such as feed efficiency, how much is fed average daily gain, cost, overall animal health and gives real-time updates and feeding recommendations, reducing issues caused by human error.

Zoetis's Inherit Select Test was used for genomic testing to help with breeding decisions for each heifer. Along with speaking at the recap event, they co-hosted a webinar with Biehler and Brandt to discuss their findings with producers. Most of the semen used in the program was purchased from ABS. "We knew many of the producers in the program and were familiar with the type and kind of their females," said Stephanie Nelson of ABS, "We knew the kind of calves they were after and based on that, made sire recommendations."

Looking Forward
The enrollment period for the 2025 heifer development program is open now. Producers can find more information at go.unl.edu/heiferdev or by contacting Biehler at 402-624-8007 or heiferdev@unl.edu



Scoular’s new sustainability report highlights progress

Initiatives to promote regenerative agriculture, reduce carbon emissions and bolster employee safety are highlighted in Scoular’s fourth annual sustainability report released Wednesday.

Omaha-based Scoular continued to make strides in its sustainability efforts ranging from trialing emissions-reduction technology to launching a regenerative agriculture pilot program.

“Scoular’s fiscal year 2024 sustainability report reflects our continued commitment to driving our five sustainability pillars, established in 2020,” said Scoular CEO Paul Maass. “As the marketplace continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we are well positioned to invest in ways to support our producers, customers and other industry partners to meet their goals and create value.”

The report outlines Scoular’s sustainability progress from June 2023 through May 2024. Key accomplishments on each of the company’s five sustainability pillars during this period include:

    Reducing Scoular’s carbon footprint: Scoular is trialing emissions-reduction technology at its sustainability showcase hub in Adrian, Missouri. This includes the installation of solar panels and energy saving technology on grain bunker fans.  

    Fostering responsible product sourcing: Scoular launched a regenerative sourcing program in conjunction with two wheat milling customers, which incentivizes growers to use farming practices that build soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

    Engaging in Scoular’s communities: The Scoular Foundation made 217 grants to 180 organizations and employees logged more than 1700 volunteer hours.

    Promoting diversity and inclusion: Scoular held Perennial, a virtual conference for women in agribusiness. More than 250 attendees virtually participated in free leadership and career development workshops.  

    Upholding workplace health and safety: Scoular continued to build a culture of safety with a 32% increase in safety engagement including observations and hazards reported year over year.  

“Our sustainability report highlights many of our achievements, including supply chain collaborations to reduce the environmental impact of the commodities we source,” said Beth Stebbins, Scoular Director of Sustainability. “We pride ourselves in building out sustainability solutions, like our regenerative sourcing pilot, that provide value to both our growers and end-use customers.”  



Iowa Welcomes International Trade Teams Before and After Export Exchange Conference

Iowa Corn welcomed two U.S. Grains Council (USGC) trade teams this month in coordination with the Export Exchange global conference hosted by USGC, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Trade teams serve as a crucial opportunity for international buyers and traders to visit the U.S. value chain, learn more about U.S. commodities and generate potential business connections while building relationships with farmers.

The first team included delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. While in Iowa, the team attended a seminar at Iowa State University about corn fermentation, co-products and processing skills. In this seminar, attendees learned new feed milling methods before heading to a POET ethanol plant in Shell Rock. Later, they experienced corn harvest first-hand while visiting Mark Mueller, ICGA First Vice Chair and farmer from Bremer County as well as Steve Kuiper, ICGA District 8 Director and farmer from Marion County. Before ending their time in Iowa, the delegates visited Two Rivers Cooperative in Pella to see the elevator storage and loading process as well as interact with local farmers that use the co-op’s services.

Post-Export Exchange, a team with delegates from Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia also visited Iowa to learn more about the U.S. marketing system and export value chain for feed grains and co-products. Their mission began with a visit to an ADM facility in Burlington to watch corn being loaded onto barges. The attendees also visited Big River Resources in West Burlington for an ethanol plant tour before finishing their time in Iowa with a farm visit to Dan Keitzer, ICGA District 9 Director and farmer from Des Moines County, to learn more about corn and hog production as well as sustainable production research.

“With over 97% of our world’s population living outside of the U.S., it is a priority for us as corn farmers and an organization to engage our customers from across the globe,” shared Kuiper. “As the number one producer of corn in the U.S. we must make sure we are continuing to grow and build new demand with other countries. The connections made here on the farm and at Export Exchange go a long way to move our product to these markets.”

Trade teams offer the opportunity for attendees to visit each aspect of the agricultural value chain, inspect the quality of U.S. agricultural products, connect with farmers and build new business relationships. The information learned during the visits can be applied to future business practices and strengthen ties between Iowa corn farmers and global customers.



Timing Your Fall Manure Application: Why Soil Temperature Matters and How to Balance the Challenges

Manure is a valuable source of nutrients; timing manure application correctly is crucial to maximize benefits and minimize environmental impacts. A critical factor in this process is soil temperature, which directly influences how nitrogen in manure behaves. This article explores why soil temperature is essential for fall manure application, why delaying application is recommended and how farmers can manage the challenges of waiting.

Why soil temperature matters
Manure application using a dragline manure system.A primary nutrient farmers look to supply through manure is nitrogen, much of which is in the form of ammonium in liquid manures. Ammonium carries a positive charge, and Iowa soils do an excellent job of holding it, but during warm temperatures, soil bacteria convert ammonium into nitrate, a process called nitrification. Once nitrogen is in nitrate form, it becomes more mobile in the soil, meaning it can leach into groundwater or be lost as runoff as water moves through the soil.

To prevent this loss, delaying manure application until soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) is crucial. Consequently, microbial activity slows down significantly, reducing the nitrification rate. When the soil is too warm, applying manure can lead to substantial nitrogen loss before the crop can use it, reducing its value and potentially causing environmental harm.

In areas like the Midwest, where winter freezes halt microbial activity, targeting this 50 F threshold is a standard recommendation. By waiting until the soil is sufficiently cool, farmers can retain more nitrogen in a form that will still be available for the crop in the spring.
The challenge of delaying fall manure application

While waiting for the right soil temperature can maximize nitrogen retention, it can be challenging to delay application, especially given the unpredictable nature of fall weather. As harvest concludes, many farmers are eager to clear their storage pits before winter. However, applying manure too early can result in nitrogen losses, creating a dilemma.

Some common challenges that arise when waiting for ideal conditions:
    Storage capacity. Many farmers need more manure storage capacity, making it difficult to hold off until soil temperatures fall. Farmers may feel pressure to apply manure sooner if pits or lagoons are full, even when conditions aren't ideal.
    Weather risks. Fall can be an unpredictable time for weather. In some years, conditions can go from warm to frozen quickly, limiting the window for applying manure at the right temperature.
    Labor and time constraints. Fall is a busy time on the farm, with harvest wrapping up and winter preparations beginning. Labor availability is often limited, and with shorter days, the time available for manure application narrows. Balancing these demands can make waiting until soil temperatures drop below 50 F a challenge.

Strategies to manage the challenges of waiting
Despite these challenges, there are strategies farmers can adopt to manage fall manure application timing better:
    Monitor soil temperature. Invest in a soil thermometer or use local agricultural extension resources to track soil temperatures. Regular monitoring ensures you can take advantage of the right conditions as soon as they arrive.
    Use nitrification inhibitors. For farmers who must apply manure before soil temperatures are ideal, nitrification inhibitors can help slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. These products extend the window before nitrogen becomes susceptible to leaching, offering some protection in warmer conditions. Typically, these products allow one to two weeks of reduced nitrification and need soil temperatures to trend towards 50 F to be effective.
    Plant cover crops. Planting a cover crop can help capture and hold nutrients during winter, reducing the risk of nitrogen loss from fall-applied manure. Cover crops like cereal rye can absorb nitrate, keeping it in the field until the primary crop is planted in spring. If using cover crops, especially if manure was applied when the soil was still warm, planning for some starter nitrogen in the spring alleviates early season N tie-up concerns.
    Consider split applications. In some cases, applying part of your manure in the fall may be advantageous, as well as reserving some for spring application or planning to use a starter N fertilizer. This approach can help manage storage needs while spreading the nutrient availability over time and help ensure sufficient N for crop production.

Conclusion
Fall manure application offers many benefits, but timing is critical to ensure you get the most out of your manure and protect the environment. By waiting until soil temperatures drop below 50 F, farmers can maximize nitrogen retention and minimize losses. While waiting presents challenges — such as storage capacity, weather and labor constraints — there are strategies to help manage these issues. Using nitrification inhibitors, planting cover crops and considering split applications are all ways to balance the needs of the farm with the best practices for nutrient management. Taking the time to plan and ensure conditions are suitable for manure application will pay off in the long run, both in terms of crop yield and environmental stewardship.



RADICLE GROWTH ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR THE RADICLE CORN VALUE CHAIN CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY US CORN FARMERS

Radicle Growth is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, sponsored by US Corn Farmers. The event, held yesterday in San Francisco, showcased innovative ideas and exceptional entrepreneurial spirit from a competitive global pool of applicants.

The Challenge set out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in start-up and growth companies worldwide whose innovative technologies and business models create new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand for corn production. These companies are expected to be developing new uses for corn that result in replacements for fossil fuel-derived materials with plant-derived materials such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, compostable materials, and as yet unidentified products and product categories that could be new areas for corn-derived products to be used.

Winning first place, and taking home a $1M investment prize, is me energy GmbH.  me energy has developed unique technology enabling Rapid Chargers that generate climate-friendly electricity from low-cost ethanol. me energy’s portable, rapid chargers, powered by renewable energy such as corn bioethanol, can also create a new use for corn.  The stations do not require a connection to the power grid because they generate their own electricity from sustainable bioethanol.

In second place, winning a $500,000 investment prize, is Låkril Technologies.  Låkril’s bifunctional catalyst enables the efficient conversion of corn ethanol into bio-based acrylics, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical methods. This innovation leverages renewable corn resources to produce acrylics, reducing carbon emissions and aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly chemical production solutions.    

Iowa Corn Growers Association Vice President, Mark Mueller, states “As a farmer, it’s exciting to see companies like me Energy and Låkril tapping into corn’s potential as a feedstock, unlocking its many benefits and helping to drive its demand. These innovators are finding new ways to convert corn into bio-based chemicals and green energy solutions. While U.S. corn farmers continue to boost productivity and yields— while using less land and embracing more sustainable practices—we’re also facing growing global competition, which has led to supply outpacing demand. Innovations like these, along with initiatives like the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, not only help create the demand needed to match supply but also pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers and the industries that depend on us.”

“We are proud to recognize the groundbreaking innovations from our finalists in the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge. These projects not only highlight the versatility of corn but also demonstrate the potential for transforming our economy towards sustainability. By investing in these visionary companies, we are paving the way for a greener future where agriculture and innovation go hand in hand,” shared Kirk Haney, Managing Partner, Radicle Growth.

For more information about future Radicle Challenges please visit www.radicle.vc/challenge.



SOUTH DAKOTA VACCINE COMPANY BEGINS FIELD TRIAL ON H5N1 VACCINE FOR CATTLE

Medgene, a South Dakota based animal health company, has begun a field trial on their H5N1 vaccine in cattle. The trial began earlier this month at a contract research facility. The goal of the field trial is to demonstrate a reasonable expectation of efficacy and preliminary safety in animals specific to the company’s H5N1 vaccine, data to support a conditional license by the USDA.

Dr. Alan Young, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer for Medgene stated, “As unfortunate as the H5N1 spread is, this is exactly the kind of situation that our technology was created to address. Our goal from the very beginning of this outbreak was to be ready for our cattle customers whenever the USDA gave us the green light.”

Medgene’s H5N1 cattle vaccine study is expected to be complete in five weeks, with results then shared with the USDA.

As background, the USDA created a regulatory pathway in 2018* for animal health companies to address emerging disease challenges through vaccination. Medgene’s proprietary model of vaccine production was developed by leveraging important advances in science.

Medgene’s platform vaccines (ISPrime™) involve a carefully managed system and process that begins with field work, is heavily supported by advanced bioinformatics (Spice™) and managed by continuous surveillance of the disease environment - from farm to lab to farm.  Veterinarians are involved in every critical step.



Half of Major Retail Fertilizer Prices Move Higher

Average prices for half of the major fertilizers tracked by DTN were higher compared to last month, according to retail fertilizer sellers surveyed for the second week of October. The latest average prices collected show a break in a recent multi-week trend of falling prices for seven of eight fertilizers tracked by DTN. No significant price increases or declines were seen in the latest data. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

UAN32 led the way with nearly a 3% price increase to $361 per ton, followed by anhydrous at $701/ton, or about a 2% bump. Urea also came in at about 2% higher with $496/ton. The average price of 10-34-0 was also nearly 2% higher at $604/ton.

Potash led the way in price drops to $451/ton or around 2% lower. UAN28 was about 1% lower compared to last month at $316/ton, while MAP and DAP were fractionally lower at $806/ton and $738/ton, respectively.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.56/lb.N and UAN32 $0.56/lb.N.

Compared to one year ago, prices for six of the eight fertilizers were lower. DAP is 4% higher while MAP is 2% more expensive compared to last year at this time. Compared to last year 10-34-0 is 1% lower, UAN28 is 11% less expensive, potash is 11% lower, anhydrous is 13% less expensive, while urea and UAN32 are 14% less expensive compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/18/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 18, ethanol production expanded 3.7% to a 9-week high of 1.08 b/d, equivalent to 45.40 million gallons daily. Output was 3.9% more than the same week last year and 5.5% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 2.2% to 1.04 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.05 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks nudged down 0.2% to 22.2 million barrels. Still, stocks were 3.9% more than the same week last year and 6.5% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, improved 2.5% to 8.84 million b/d (135.86 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 0.3% less than a year ago and 2.8% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol edged 0.3% higher to 915,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.07 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.8% more than year-ago levels and 1.1% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 106,000 b/d (4.5 million gallons/day), which is 24.3% below the prior week. It has been 57 weeks since imports of ethanol were recorded.



NMPF Annual Meeting Spotlights Dairy Vigilance on H5N1, Advances on Milk Pricing

U.S. dairy farmers are remaining resilient in the face of H5N1 influenza outbreaks while advancing in policy areas including nutrition and milk pricing, said NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney at the organization’s annual meeting held in Phoenix Oct. 21-23.

Dairy persists in its best practices in biosecurity and work with government officials, veterinarians and scientists to understand, contain and prevent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle, Mooney said in remarks at the meeting held jointly by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association.

“Everything we do, the future is going to take a level of cooperation and coordination from all of us. And we've had that, but it's going to take more than we've ever had,” said Mooney, a Dairy Farmers of America member-owner who farms near Rogersville, MO. “I continue to be inspired by all of you and the work that you're doing. Amid great change and preparation for the future, we are still part of the greatest industry that there is.

Dairy producers in the past year have grappled with HPAI and delays on a farm bill that expired in September even as milk prices have risen and consumer demand has remained strong. Meanwhile, farm-level margins have remained at a record high for months, well above levels that trigger payments under the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program, the main producer safety net, even as dairy is poised for growth with upcoming dairy manufacturing plant expansions.

Underpinning the entire industry is USDA’s plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization, which is likely to resemble a proposal released in July that incorporated key NMPF principles and would be voted on by dairy farmers early next year.

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates include:
    Darrin Monteiro, California Dairies Inc.
    Dan Kullot, Dairy Farmers of America
    Kimberly Parks, Dairy Farmers of America
    Deric Lindstrom, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
    Joel Eigenbrood, Foremost Farms
    Jon Cowell, Maola (formerly Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association)

Cowell and Eigenbrood also were elected to NMPF’s Executive Committee. The board also elected Craig Caballero of United Dairymen of Arizona to serve as its secretary. In addition, Jacob Larson of Southeast Milk, Inc. was elected chairman of the Small Cooperative Caucus and, in turn, to NMPF’s Executive Committee.

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to John Wilson and Kent Herman, both of Dairy Farmers of America; and Jay Bryant of Maola, NMPF’s outgoing secretary.

The meeting drew roughly 750 attendees and featured breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Environmental Stewardship updates, to be released Oct. 31.

FARM Executive Director Emily Yeiser Stepp said in a breakout session on biosecurity that many practices already established have been serving dairy farms under H5N1.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives have developed and embraced a robust biosecurity program through the National Dairy FARM Program,” NMPF’s Emily Yeiser Stepp said. “This program has been adapted and adopted by dairy farms across the U.S. to prevent the spread of H5N1.”

Featured panelists at the meeting’s general session included Doud, who appeared with fellow dairy CEOs Barb O’Brien of Dairy Management Inc. and Krysta Harden of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, along with a session on innovative dairy revenue streams that included Brent Lilienthal, president and CEO of LF Bioenergy; Katie Cook, vice president of livestock sustainability and U.S. farm animal marketing for Elanco; and Chris Cook, head of sustainable business solutions for Syngenta.

The annual meeting is also held in conjunction with NMPF’s Young Cooperators annual meeting for younger dairy leaders, as well as NMPF’s annual cheese contest. This year’s Chairman’s Award winner was a Garden Vegetable with Sweet Basil Rub cheese from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie, WI, while the Chairman’s Reserve went to Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. of Batavia, NY for its salted butter, in the first year butter was added to the competition.