Wednesday October 02 Ag News

 Nominate Local Nebraska Teachers for Top Agricultural Educator Award

Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry. To honor their contributions and support them with additional resources, Nationwide and Nebraska are accepting nominations for Nebraska’s leading agricultural teachers for a chance to be named the 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide and its state partners recently recognized 64 exceptional agricultural teachers as 2022-2023 Golden Owl Award® finalists and then honored nine grand prize winners as their state’s Ag Educator of the Year. Every finalist received $500 in funding to help advance their programs and the grand prize winners received an additional $3,000 to boost their efforts and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.

Nominate any Nebraska agriculture educator for the 2024-2025 Golden Owl Award from October 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2024.

“The Golden Owl Award seeks to thank agricultural teachers for the extraordinary care they bring to their work as they go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We encourage students, parents, fellow teachers, and others to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.”

Following the nomination period closing on 12-31-24, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select 6 finalists in Nebraska, who will be recognized in front of their peers and students and awarded a personalized plaque and $500. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year title for Nebraska and receiving the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Nebraska FFA Foundation, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.

To nominate a teacher or learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.



Targeted Grazing, A Successful & Low-Cost Method to Manage Cheatgrass When Timed Properly

Targeted livestock grazing is a successful and cost-efficient method to manage cheatgrass in the U.S. western Great Plains when timed to coincide with cheatgrass growth rather than based solely on the time of year, according to a recent study published by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL).

Findings show the targeted grazing window lasts approximately 38 days in the spring, with some variation depending on the year and location.

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is an annual grass native to Eurasia that has become one of the most problematic invasive species in the western U.S. This invasive species outcompetes native vegetation in the spring, and after completing its growth, it dries into fine fuels during the summer, leading to more frequent, widespread wildfires.

One low-cost method is known to help manage this problem. Early spring targeted grazing, where cattle are allowed to graze cheatgrass early in the season at the right time, can help limit seed production and reduce the competitiveness of cheatgrass. However, what is the right timing for this grazing method to be successful?

ARS Research Ecologist Dana Blumenthal, one of the co-authors of the recently published paper, explains a key finding of the study, “Cattle are very predictable in when they like to eat cheatgrass. Producers can effectively graze it from when it’s four inches tall until it’s done flowering, and the seeds are hardening up. That is a window of about a month to a month and a half. The window moves around from year to year, so it’s important to use cheatgrass growth as a guide for when to graze rather than calendar dates.”

Researchers at the ARS’ Rangeland Resources & Systems Research facility (with locations in Colorado and Wyoming) and the UNL’s Panhandle Research and Extension Center collected data from mixed-grass prairie sites in the western Great Plains, including Nebraska and Wyoming, over a period of four years. The scientists identified pastures with areas of cheatgrass intermixed with native plant communities and grazed them with yearling cattle from April through June. Samples of fecal material from the grazing cattle were collected twice a week and analyzed to determine the proportion of different grass species in their diets.

Researchers measured vegetation phenology (height and flowering stage), forage quality, and biomass of cheatgrass and coexisting native plant species. These measurements helped them compare the differences in cattle selection for plant species and forage quality over the four years.

“We were surprised by how late in the season the cattle kept using cheatgrass. That’s really helpful because it gives producers more time to get cattle out into cheatgrass areas and have an impact,” said Blumenthal.

Results of this four-year study showed that grazing can be timed effectively by keeping track of two easily observable cheatgrass characteristics – height at the beginning of the grazing window and seed maturity later on. The resulting grazing windows, on average across the years of this study, were seven days longer in the western Nebraska site compared to the southeastern Wyoming site. In terms of impact, results showed that targeted grazing in the early spring can reduce seed production of cheatgrass by as much as 77 percent when compared to summer grazing. Furthermore, spring targeted grazing can lead to favorable cattle weight gains due to higher crude protein and energy in cattle diets during this period.

“Moving forward, we’d like to learn in which years grazing has the largest effect on cheatgrass seed production. Is it when cattle eat more cheatgrass because the plants are larger, or when cheatgrass is already struggling to grow, for example, in a drought?” said Julie Kray, an Agricultural Science Research Technician with the Rangeland Resources & Systems Research facility. “We know that multiple years of targeted grazing will be needed to control cheatgrass, but there may be certain years in which it is more important to prioritize grazing it.”



CAP Webinar: Fill Your Freezer: Purchasing Local Meat in Bulk
Oct 3, 2024 12:00 PM
With Elliott Dennis, Associate Professor, Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Gary Sullivan, Associate Professor, Meat Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Join us for an informative webinar designed for consumers interested in purchasing meat directly from local producers. We'll cover everything you need to know, from understanding meat pricing and common labeling terms to estimating how much meat you'll receive when buying in bulk. Whether you're new to buying local meat or just looking for more guidance, this webinar will provide practical insights to help you make informed decisions. Don’t miss this chance to support local farms and fill your freezer with quality, farm-fresh meat!

Miss the live webinar or want to review it again? Recordings are available — typically within 24 hours of the live webinar — in the archive section of the Center for Agricultural Profitability's webinar page, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars. You can also use this link to register for the webinar.



Beck’s Expands Research Operations with Acquisition of Nebraska Facility

Beck's is excited to announce the acquisition of the BASF Research Station in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, which will be named Beck’s Goehner West Research Station (Goehner West). The purchase includes 400 acres of farm ground, located just two miles west of Beck’s 100-acre facility acquired in 2021 for sales support, distribution, product testing, and Practical Farm Research PFR)®.

As Beck’s continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of farmers, the new Goehner West facility will play a crucial role in advancing the company’s breeding program. This strategic move strengthens Beck’s ability to provide farmers with the right products for their unique growing conditions, ultimately helping them maximize yields and profitability.

“We’re excited to add this facility to our growing research network,” said Scott Beck, president of Beck’s. “This acquisition is vital to strengthening our corn breeding program, which is focused on developing high-yielding, acre-specific products that meet the diverse needs of farmers. We’re creating an environment for heightened collaboration that will accelerate the innovation necessary to produce the right seed solutions.”

The Goehner and Goehner West facilities are integral to Beck’s mission to support farmers throughout Nebraska, western Iowa, Kansas, eastern Colorado, and South Dakota. “In the past decade, Beck’s has expanded from serving eight states to twenty states,” said Jim Schwartz, Beck’s director of research, agronomy, and Practical Farm Research (PFR). “The addition of Beck’s Goehner West will not only enhance our breeding program but also fuel the company’s continued growth, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of farmers and expand our presence across the country.”



ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team webinar on October 16 will be A Review Of The Proposed Changes To The Federal Milk Marketing Orders

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues Thursday, October 16, from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

USDA recently proposed the most important changes in two decades to how minimum milk prices will be set under Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).  These changes will affect milk prices and dairy farm profitability for years to come.  Dairy farmers and their cooperatives will vote on whether to accept the proposed changes once they are finalized in November.  This webinar will discuss the changes and their potential impacts on milk prices.

Two presenters will discuss this topic.

Dr. Charles Nicholson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. My work focuses on the analysis of dairy markets, policy and supply chains and is supported by the UW Dairy Innovation Hub. I teach undergraduate courses on food systems and supply chains. I also maintain an affiliation with the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University and contribute to research on the economics and environmental impacts of controlled-environment agriculture (greenhouses, vertical farms). I also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams doing research on food security in low-income countries. I previously worked with the Nijmegen School of Management in the Netherlands, the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University and the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University.

Leonard Polzin serves as a Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

Leonard Polzin grew up on a century-old Wisconsin dairy farm. He has held positions in both the public and private sectors and takes pleasure in applying research to industry scenarios. With considerable experience as an educator and analyst, he has developed and delivered programs covering a wide range of topics, including market analysis, outlook, market expectations, risk management, and policy analysis.

Producers, dairy consultants, and industry representatives are encouraged to attend the free webinar from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on October 16 by registering at least one hour prior to the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/MILKPRICE2024

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.



Iowa Farm Bureau hosts branding workshop series to help rural entrepreneurs grow their business

Early bird registration opened today for a two-part branding workshop by Iowa Farm Bureau to help farmers enhance and grow their direct-to-consumer business on Nov. 13-14 and Dec. 4-5 at West 48 in West Des Moines, Iowa.

The interactive workshops will help participants learn the fundamental principles of great brands through a variety of exercises and activities.  The first workshop, “Creating a Zebra Brand,” Nov. 13-14, will help participants develop their own “Spotted Zebra” brand, to stand out from the rest in a crowded market.  

The second workshop, “Let’s Go to Market,” Dec. 4-5, will help participants understand essential marketing principles and explore the digital landscape and offer proven social media tactics to capture target audiences.

“Selling direct to consumers presents exciting new marketing opportunities for farmers and has really grown since the pandemic, but an essential and often overlooked component for success is establishing a strong personal brand,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm business development manager. “Typically, working with an agency can cost upward of $150 per hour, so we’re partnering with the Flying Hippo agency to share their expertise with our farmer-entrepreneurs to help them build distinct identities that resonate with consumers without breaking the bank.”

The workshop is open to Farm Bureau members only. Registration is $50 before Oct. 1 or $75 after that date. Registration fee provides access to both workshops and includes breakfast and lunch at each session. Discounted hotel rates are available at the Comfort Inn & Suites in West Des Moines.  

For more information and to register, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/BrandingWorkshops.



Secretary Naig Encourages Proactive Biosecurity Measures Against the Threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

As fall migration begins, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is strongly encouraging poultry producers, dairy farmers, and those with backyard flocks to proactively take steps to strengthen their biosecurity defenses against the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to pose a serious risk for our state’s poultry and dairy farms as well as those who have backyard birds. We encourage all livestock producers to be alert, revisit their biosecurity plans, and ensure those measures are effectively put into practice. While preventing disease is the top priority, our team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in collaboration with USDA and industry partners, is prepared to respond quickly to any new detections,” said Secretary Naig. “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza isn’t just a poultry issue or a dairy issue, it’s an issue for all of agriculture. Our emphasis on foreign animal disease preparedness and response is reflective of Iowa’s significant livestock industry, and I want to thank our farmers for their commitment and ongoing focus as we continue to meet these evolving challenges.”

Iowa’s last reported case of HPAI in poultry was announced on June 20, 2024, though cases have continued to surface in other states. To date, Iowa has reported 13 cases within dairy, with the last two cases announced on June 27, 2024. To date, 243 cases have been reported in 14 different states.

Heightened Biosecurity  
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has biosecurity recommendations for dairy herds to utilize. In addition, the Department has numerous other biosecurity resources for poultry producers and livestock farms to reference on its website. Farmers or farm workers who interact regularly with both dairy and poultry or who interact frequently with other farm workers in poultry or dairy, should take extra precautions to limit possible transmissions.

Suspected Cases in Poultry
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

Clinical signs of HPAI in birds may include:  
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling and/or falling down
    Diarrhea

Suspected Cases in Dairy
If dairy producers suspect cases of HPAI, they should contact their herd veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

Clinical signs of HPAI in dairy may include:
    Decrease in food consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination
    Clear nasal discharge
    Drop in milk production
    Tacky or loose feces
    Lethargy
    Dehydration
    Fever
    Thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk

Food Safety
There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. It also remains safe to enjoy poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.

Public Health
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at alex.murphy@hhs.iowa.gov.



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 525 million bushels in August 2024. Total corn consumption was down 2 percent from July 2024 but up 7 percent from August 2023. August 2024 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.91 million bushels, down 16 percent from July 2024 and down 21 percent from August 2023. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 473 million bushels, was down 2 percent from July 2024 but up 7 percent from August 2023. Corn consumed in August 2024 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.8 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 2.00 million tons during August 2024, down slightly from July 2024 but up 10 percent from August 2023. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.23 million tons in August 2024, up less than 1 percent from July 2024 but down 6 percent from August 2023.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 291,428 tons during August 2024, down 1 percent from July 2024 but up 13 percent from August 2023. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 191,305 tons in August 2024, down 9 percent from July 2024 and down 8 percent from August 2023.

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.03 million tons (168 million bushels) in August 2024, compared with 5.80 million tons (193 million bushels) in July 2024 and 5.07 million tons (169 million bushels) in August 2023. Crude oil produced was 1.99 billion pounds, down 14 percent from July 2024 and down 1 percent from August 2023. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.68 billion pounds during August 2024 decreased 9 percent from July 2024 and decreased 2 percent from August 2023.



USDA Announces Results of Soybean Request for Referendum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order will not be conducted. The decision is a result of a soybean Request for Referendum held May 6-31, 2024, through USDA Farm Service Agency County offices.

The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a Request for Referendum every five years to determine if there is sufficient interest among soybean producers to vote on whether to continue the order. The last Request for Referendum was held in May 2019.

During the recent Request for Referendum, 229 soybean producers participated with 207 submitting valid requests. To initiate a continuance referendum, at least 10 percent, or 41,336 of the 413,358 soybean producers nationwide, had to vote in the Request for Referendum with not more than one-fifth of the voting participants from any one state.



NMPF, USDEC Call for Immediate Government Intervention to Resolve Port Labor Strike

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) called on the Biden Administration to immediately intervene in the port labor strike that began at 12:01 AM EST today at East and Gulf coast ports. The dairy organizations warned that this disruption could have a devastating impact on American dairy farmers and exporters who rely on the smooth functioning of these ports to get their products to international markets.

“The administration must act now to bring both sides back to the table. The stakes are too high,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “This strike puts the livelihoods of American dairy farmers and the strength of our supply chain at risk. The administration needs to step in and end the strike before further damage is done.”

The U.S. dairy industry relies heavily on ports to maintain access to global markets. In 2023, over 530,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of dairy products, valued at $1.7 billion, were shipped through East and Gulf ports, accounting for 21% of total U.S. dairy exports by volume. The ongoing strike directly jeopardizes $32 million in dairy exports per week, with additional indirect consequences looming as exporters are forced to reroute shipments and face rising transportation costs.

“Global customers depend on the reliability of U.S. dairy products,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Delays caused by this strike not only risk damaging those relationships but also severely impact perishable dairy products that require timely delivery. The negotiating parties need to come together to find a resolution and ensure port operations resume as soon as possible.”



Dockworker Strike Highlights Importance of Food Independence

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the impact of the East Coast dockworker strike.

“America is bracing for the impact of the massive dockworker strike that threatens to paralyze traffic of goods in and out of the United States. Our nation relies on international trade for everything from electronics to machinery.

“Families also count on the import of food like bananas, coffee and specialty items, including chocolates and European beer. While there is a risk of shortages of some items, the United States is fortunate that it can meet its nutritional needs without importing food. America’s farmers grow a diverse range of food items that ensure the nation’s food independence. Rest assured, America’s food supply is strong, and store shelves will continue to be stocked with domestically raised products.

“That’s not to say rural America won’t feel the effects of a dockworker strike. Farmers and ranchers rely on international partners to sell billions of dollars of home-grown food to markets around the world. A disruption at the ports could leave perishable food rotting at the docks, which threatens the livelihood of farmers.

“It’s important that farmers can continue to meet the needs of America’s families. They do that with help from the farm bill. Ironically, the farm bill extension expired at the same time the dockworkers strike began. Farmers and ranchers are focused on growing the food, fiber and fuel families depend on, but they’re working under a cloud of uncertainty as several safety net programs designed to help them survive tough times begin to sunset.

“We urge both sides of the dockworker disagreement to work on a solution that will return vital ports to normal operations. We also urge Congress to recognize the importance of America’s food independence and pass a new, five-year farm bill to ensure a stable food supply for America’s families.”



Farmer sentiment reaches lowest levels since 2016 as income expectations weaken

In September, the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded its lowest readings since March 2016. Declining income expectations pushed farmer sentiment down as the barometer fell 12 points to 88, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped 14 points to 94. The Index of Current Conditions also fell 7 points to 76, which nearly matched levels seen in April 2020, during the height of COVID-19 concerns for farmers. This month’s survey was conducted from Sept. 9-13, 2024.

September’s survey revealed that farmers are increasingly worried about commodity prices, input costs, agricultural trade prospects and the potential impact of the upcoming election on their farm operations. When asked to identify their top concerns for the coming year, low commodity prices and high input costs were nearly tied, with 34% of farmers citing input prices and 33% pointing to lower output prices as their primary concerns. Interest rates trailed behind as a top concern for 17% of respondents. Producers’ apprehensions about commodity prices matched up with their lack of confidence in the future of U.S. agricultural exports; only 26% of respondents expect exports to rise over the next five years, the most pessimistic response to this question since it was first introduced in 2019. Additionally, 78% of producers expressed concern that government policy changes following the fall 2024 elections could impact their farms.

“The continued drop in the barometer reflects deepening concerns among farmers regarding expectations for farm income in 2024 and 2025,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “It’s notable that producer sentiment dropped back to levels last seen in 2016 when the U.S. farm economy was in the early stages of an economic downturn. In addition to commodity prices and input costs weighing heavily on their operations, producers are also facing considerable uncertainty about what lies ahead for their farms with the possible government policy changes following the upcoming 2024 elections.”

The Farm Financial Performance Index fell for the third consecutive month, dropping to 68 in September from 72 in August. Farmers’ financial expectations have declined markedly compared to a year ago, as the index was at 86 in September 2023 — an 18-point difference. While the Farm Capital Investment Index increased by 4 points from August to a reading of 35, it sits just above its all-time low, indicating that many producers believe it is not an opportune time for making large investments.

The Short-Term Farmland Value Expectations Index dropped by 10 points to 95. This is the first time since 2020 that the index fell below 100, indicating that more farmers are expecting a decline in farmland values over the next year than those who anticipate an increase. This month’s shift from a positive to a weaker outlook is attributable to a significant decrease in the percentage of producers forecasting rising values and a rise in those who expect values to remain steady.

The September survey marks the fourth consecutive year that the barometer has included questions regarding cover crop usage among corn and soybean producers. Consistent with prior years’ surveys, more than half of the respondents indicated that they currently plant cover crops on part of their farms, while an additional 1 in 5 farmers reported planting cover crops sometime in the past. Interestingly, farmers who currently use cover crops say they are devoting a larger proportion of their farm’s acreage to cover crops than in the past. In 2021, 41% of cover crop users noted planting them on more than 25% of their farm’s acreage. This figure rose to 50% in 2023, and in this year’s survey, 68% of cover crop users indicated planting cover crops on more than one-fourth of their farms.



Education Elevated at CattleCon 2025

For more than 30 years Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, has provided cattle producers with valuable information to help improve their herds and businesses. This premier educational experience will be held in conjunction with CattleCon 2025, Feb. 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Producer feedback drives the agenda for Cattlemen’s College, and we elevate our educational content every year,” said Michaela Clowser, senior director of producer education with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Our goal is to give producers the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and provide them with the latest advancements.”

The Cattlemen’s College luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 4, will feature four leading voices in the cattle industry providing fast-paced talks on nutrition, genetics, grazing and beef in a healthy sustainable diet. Each presenter will look back in time and share a little history, update the narrative on where the industry is today and provide a glimpse into the future for beef.

There will be two days of classroom sessions and one day of live animal handling demos. Industry experts will tackle innovative topics including business management, emerging trends, grazing, sustainability, nutrition, herd health, genetics and reproduction. Sessions will also be recorded and available for registered attendees to watch when they return home.

In addition to Cattlemen’s College, there are learning opportunities available on the NCBA Trade Show floor. Cattle Chats features 20-minute beef industry educational sessions. Attendees can also stop in the Learning Lounge to enjoy informal, face-to-face talks in an intimate setting. Speakers will tackle topics such as reproductive technologies, vaccination programs, ag lending and crop protection.

Cattle producers attending Cattlemen’s College are eligible for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights of hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.

Register today by selecting the Education Package, which offers the best value and combines admission to CattleCon and Cattlemen’s College. For more information, visit convention.ncba.org.



John Deere and DeLaval launch groundbreaking Milk Sustainability Center

Dairy farmers have a new tool that will help them enhance efficiency and sustainability while accommodating changing regulations that affect their operations. Launched today and available for customer registration, the Milk Sustainability Center from John Deere and DeLaval is an innovative digital ecosystem that integrates agronomic and animal performance into one unified platform.

Dairy farmers can use the Milk Sustainability Center to monitor nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) across their farm, herd and fields. It collects animal and agronomic data, providing insights to help farmers manage nutrient utilization effectively and reduce the need for manual data input.

“The Milk Sustainability Center is designed with input from dairy farmers to help them increase their productivity and efficiency and enable them to address the needs of dairy processors, retailers, and consumers,” said Dave Chipak, Director Product Management at John Deere. “Integration of agronomic and animal performance data will give farmers the future ability to benchmark the data and utilize recommendations to make real-time changes that provide for an increase in productivity and a reduction in CO2e emissions.”

Developed and powered by Dairy Data Warehouse BV (DDW), a Dutch company with 11 years of experience in providing data solutions for sustainable dairy farming, the Milk Sustainability Center will serve dairy farmers by integrating their machinery, milking equipment, and herd management software solutions into one platform to reduce the need for manual entry. The cloud-based platform integrates the agronomic data from the John Deere Operations Center™ and the animal data from the DeLaval system, allowing consultants such as nutritionists and agronomists to provide more wholistic recommendations to the farmer.

Lars Bergmann, executive vice president of digital service at DeLaval, explains: “Dairy farming involves using multiple unconnected software solutions. The Milk Sustainability Center links these different systems into one platform. This integration reduces the need for manual data entry and provides farmers with a comprehensive view of their farms’ sustainability. The tool helps identify where farmers can save money and improve their sustainability efforts by highlighting nutrient losses and offering recommendations for reduction.”

The Milk Sustainability Center is currently available at no cost to an initial group of dairy farmers in the United States, Netherlands and Germany, with plans to expand to other countries. John Deere and DeLaval invite interested dairy farmers in these areas to join the waiting list. As farmers are onboarded, the benefits of the Milk Sustainability Center will be extended to other farmers on the waiting list. For more information or to join the waiting list, farmers can visit milksustainabilitycenter.com.