Wednesday November 06 Ag News

Pillen to Lead State Delegation to Czech Republic and Germany

This week, Governor Jim Pillen and state leaders will embark on a diplomatic and trade mission to the Czech Republic and Germany. The delegation includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), Nebraska National Guard, the University of Nebraska, the state’s agriculture and banking industries, and the ag tech sector. The mission will take place from November 7-14.

“European consumers place a high value on sustainability,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska’s low-carbon production of food, feed, and fuel can help meet this demand. We are excited to showcase our state’s precision ag technologies and leadership in animal agriculture while in Czechia and Germany.”

In the Czech Republic, Nebraska’s delegation will meet with the national government’s ministries of agriculture and foreign affairs, military leaders, and Czech agribusinesses. The goal of the mission is to deepen existing military, commercial, and educational partnerships. The State will also explore opportunities for agricultural research collaboration, particularly in livestock production.

Nebraska has longstanding cultural ties to the Czech Republic. From the mid-1850s to the 1910s, an estimated 50,000 Czechs settled in Nebraska. By the early 20th century, Nebraska had welcomed more Czech immigrants, per capita, than any other state. To honor this heritage, Gov. Pillen signed LB 140 into law this year, creating Czech Heritage license plates. Additionally, Nebraska’s National Guard has a 30+ year partnership with the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic through the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program. Since 1993, the partners have cooperated on more than 300 engagements, such as joint training exercises and military expertise exchanges.

In Germany, Nebraska’s delegation will recruit investment into the state’s bioeconomy; meet with leaders of German state governments; and take part in EuroTier, the largest international trade show for animal agriculture. Gov. Pillen will give the keynote address at EuroTier’s International Cattle & Pig Event on Nov. 11. The state delegation will also meet with German companies doing business in Nebraska to thank them for their ongoing investment. Additionally, the trade mission will promote Nebraska ag products, especially beef. In 2023, Nebraska exported $111 million of beef to the European Union—more than any other U.S. state.

“German businesses are renowned for their manufacturing prowess,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Nebraska’s world-class workforce, central location, and strengths in transportation and logistics are strong selling points as we invite manufacturers to locate or expand in our state.”

Bayer, CLAAS, Continental, Evonik, and Graepel, and Siemens are among the German companies with significant operations in the Cornhusker State.



Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 16 Counties in Nebraska as Natural Disaster Areas Due to Major Storms in Summer 2024

This Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Impacted Area: Nebraska
Triggering Disaster: Severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring between June 20 and July 8, 2024
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025

Primary Counties Eligible: Boyd, Clay, Dakota, Dawson, Douglas, Fillmore, Holt, Howard, Lincoln, McPherson, Nance, Nemaha, Saunders, Scotts Bluff, Thomas and Washington

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible: Nebraska counties also eligible for assistance as contiguous counties: Adams, Antelope, Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Boone, Box Butte, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cherry, Custer, Dixon, Dodge, Frontier, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Hayes, Hooker, Jefferson, Johnson, Keith, Keya Paha, Knox, Lancaster, Logan, Loup, Merrick, Morrill, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Perkins, Phelps, Platte, Richardson, Rock, Saline, Sarpy, Seward, Sherman, Sioux, Thayer, Thurston, Webster, Wheeler and York.

More Resources On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local  USDA Service Center.

FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit fema.gov/assistance.



Midwest Dairy Seeks Applicants for Nebraska Dairy Ambassador Program

High school seniors and juniors and college students with an interest and passion for dairy can now apply to be a dairy ambassador in one of eight states across the Midwest including Nebraska. The Dairy Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for high school and college students interested in promoting dairy designed to shape future dairy champions who will promote the dairy community. Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals.

Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including connecting with consumers at the Nebraska State Fair, ag literacy festivals, other partnering organizations’ events, and attending dairy industry meetings as well as participating in leadership opportunities.

To be eligible, applicants must be (1) enrolled as a Nebraska high school junior (11th grade) or senior (12th grade) during the current year of application, or (2) college student enrolled full-time in a Nebraska post-secondary school for the duration of the appointment. Applicants are not required to have an agriculture background but must have a passion for dairy and the resources to communicate effectively through email, text messaging and in-person.

This is a one-year program, running from January through December 2025. During the program, ambassadors will receive stipends and have approved expenses covered upon participation. After successful completion of the one-year program, Dairy Ambassadors are eligible to apply for an educational scholarship up to $1,000. Eligible students can apply at www.MidwestDairy.com, in the Young Dairy Leaders tab/section, under Ambassador Program then select Nebraska. The online application (APPLY NOW) is at the bottom of the Nebraska Ambassador program page. Online applications are due DECEMBER 15, 2024. Selected ambassadors will be notified by JANUARY 10, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy J. Behnken, Manager, Farmer Relations at tbehnken@midwestdairy.com or 531-207-4291.



DARI Processing, LLC Selects Seward, Nebraska for New Dairy Processing Facility

At the Seward City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, it was announced that DARI Processing, LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company, has selected Seward, Nebraska to explore constructing a new dairy processing facility. DARI Processing is owned by Tuls Dairies, which headquarters in Butler County, Nebraska.

“Our team has felt welcomed by leaders in Seward beginning from the first community site visit,” stated Todd Tuls, CEO for Tuls Dairies and DARI Processing. “We are excited to explore pursuing construction in Seward in the near future.”

DARI Processing is initially signing a lease agreement to secure a 38-acre parcel from the City of Seward and will now conduct due diligence on the site. DARI Processing is considering building a new 236,000 square foot plant to be used in dairy production. The proposed location is within the 300-acre City-owned industrial park called the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus.

“The City of Seward is honored to have been selected through a competitive nationwide site selection process for DARI Processing’s new dairy processing facility,” said City of Seward Mayor Josh Eickmeier. “We look forward to working with them through their decision-making process to determine when to begin construction.”

DARI Processing will Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) process milk to be packaged into aseptic shelf stable products for domestic and international markets. The City of Seward is anticipating a TIF application from the business to support their various public improvements related to the project.

“This is a huge win for dairy in Nebraska,” said Kris Bousquet, Executive Director for the Nebraska State Dairy Association. “As this project moves forward, it will support our entire statewide industry.”

Dirt work on the Seward industrial site will begin soon. A final decision about how to proceed with the project will be made after a few months’ due diligence period.

“Thanks to the Tuls family for their interest to make further significant investments in Nebraska’s ag economy,” stated Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “Our state is fully committed to supporting multi-generational farms to diversify their operations through vertical integration into their chosen segment of the market.”



Central Valley Ag expands grain storage capacity in Narka, Kansas

Central Valley Ag is committed to supporting the evolving needs of its producers by increasing its grain storage capacity by 2 million bushels at the Narka facility in Kansas. This expansion reflects CVA’s dedication to enhancing service quality and efficiency for its member-owners in Republic County and nearby communities.

“At CVA, we believe in adapting and evolving alongside our members to meet their growing demands. This expansion in Narka is a testament to our commitment to support our producers with the infrastructure needed to streamline their operations and enhance their harvest experience,” said Brent Reichmuth, Senior Vice President of Operations at CVA.

The grain expansion will replace the existing bunker site at CVA’s Narka facility, enabling the facility to fill the 600,000-bushel circle pile from the new pit while providing future integration opportunities with current bin structures. Once completed, the facility will feature a 2-million-bushel hoop building, filled by a 20,000 BPH leg and receiving pit, along with a 10,000 BPH center belt reclaim.

To further support operational efficiency, CVA is incorporating an overhead bin, in-floor aeration, and two 12,000 BPH Day Paddle Sweeps, which will streamline the final cleanout process. The facility will be fully automated, enhancing both inbound and outbound loading speeds, a significant time-saving benefit for CVA producers.

“We’re proud the cooperative can provide solutions that make a real difference in the lives of our producers, helping them achieve greater productivity each season,” said Jeff Bechard, Senior Vice President of Grain at CVA.

Construction for this expansion is set to begin this winter, with completion anticipated by spring 2025.



Iowa Beef Center to host Cattle Feeders Day at ISU Armstrong Farm

With the fall run in full swing, cattle producers want to make sure their spring-born calves have a good start in the feedyard. A new program offered by Iowa Beef Center will help cattle feeders and stakeholders prioritize herd health and ease stress on individual animals. Cattle Feeders Day is set for December 10 at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm/Wallace Learning Center, 53020 Hitchcock Ave., Lewis. The morning program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes with a noon lunch and discussion with speakers. An optional Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Iowa State University extension beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is a program organizer and will be joined by Iowa Beef Center research scientist Dr. Garland Dahlke and Dr. Terry Engelken with ISU Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine in presenting outdoor hands-on activities and indoor classroom segments.

“We’ll kick off the day with an interactive demonstration in the feedyard at the farm led by Dr. Engelken,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. “This will focus on proper handling and administration of common animal health products, and understanding the implications these products can have on carcass quality.”

The rest of the day will be spent in the classroom where all three presenters will share information on topics including health considerations in the feedlot and a recently completed research project evaluating nutritional impacts on beef on dairy steers.

“We’re also offering a Beef Quality Assurance certification workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the farm,” Lundy-Woolfolk said. “Both the morning and afternoon sessions are free, and producers can attend either or both. We do require preregistration to ensure adequate supplies and materials.”

The Iowa BQA program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Beef Checkoff, and the education is delivered as a joint effort in conjunction with the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.

There's no cost to attend and lunch will be provided, thanks to sponsor Zinpro. Producers can attend either or both sessions; however, preregistration is required. By December 3, please preregister by either completing this online form https://forms.gle/eLeU15tXmxwQ8Ubf6, or contacting Iowa Beef Center by email or phone at 515-294-BEEF (2333).



Second annual IA Beef Center Genetic Symposium will focus on female reproduction

Building on the success of the first Genetic Symposium that was centered on the bull, Iowa Beef Center has refocused the 2024 event on the female and improving reproduction. Iowa State University extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson said reproduction is the most economically significant trait of a cow-calf operation.

“If you want to make genetic improvements, you first have to get your cows pregnant,” she said. “Understanding the technologies available can help you improve the reproductive efficiency of your herd.”

A combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom-style learning will be used by a renowned group of speakers as they cover topics ranging from maternal indexes to breeding protocols. Reproductive physiologists, economists, geneticists, and producers will share their experiences implementing modern technology on a regular basis to improve the reproductive success of their cow herd.

Back by popular demand, an evening of fun activities is planned the first night of the symposium. This includes a prime rib dinner and a mock female auction, designed to help cattlemen study if females being purchased are aligning with their herd’s production goals and fitting into their local environment.

Featured symposium topics include:
    Current events in reproductive technologies
    Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization
    Economics of replacement heifers
    Maternal indexes
    AI protocols

The symposium will run from noon on Monday, December 16, through noon on Tuesday, December 17, with all sessions at the ISU Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Rd, Ames.

Registration is $75 per person and includes refreshment breaks, dinner and symposium materials. Deadline for registration is midnight, December 11. A block of rooms at $99 per night per room is available at the Spring Hill Suites, 1810 SE 16th St., Ames. Hotel reservation deadline is December 15. See the symposium website https://www.extension.iastate.edu/geneticsymp/ for program schedule, links to registration and lodging, and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information, contact Culbertson at rculber@iastate.edu or by phone at 515-294-6304.



Women in Ag Coming Together to Cultivate Confidence and Harvest Happiness

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference takes place at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames. The two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. and continues Thursday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Breaking Ground, Seeding Success,” reflects the hard work women put into their agricultural careers and the rewards they achieve. The conference focuses on career advancement, leadership development and trending topics in agriculture.

A special feature of the conference this year is the option to take part in a Red Cross First Aid and Life-Threatening Bleeding and Tourniquet Application certification course.

On Wednesday, the popular campus tours will be back. Attendees can choose from one of five tours highlighting everything from a Victorian era Christmas at the Farm House Museum to Regenerative Agriculture at the Bioeconomy Institute.

As the conference opening speaker, Iowa’s homegrown advocate for women in agriculture, Lexi Marek Beeler, will discuss three actions all women can implement to make an impact.

Intensive workshops feature strong women who are leaders and role models. Mastering mental strength to thrive under pressure, leading effectively on the board, and managing land and sharing a vision for the farm are key skills they’ll help attendees build. The day ends with a relaxed dinner, networking and a social hour.

On Thursday, the conference will feature keynote speaker Heather Malenshek of Land O’ Lakes Inc. Forbes named Malenshek as one of the country’s most influential chief marketing officers. She has a passion for helping others achieve their true potential.

The 2024 Women Impacting Ag honorees Chris Cornelius, Julie Kenney, Wendy Johnson and Janette Smith will share their stories. The luncheon panel will feature Angie Treptow and Karen Rawson, leaders in finance and lending, who will share their stories and discuss the farm economy.

The breakout sessions offer topics such as agricultural entrepreneurship, family business transitions, better conversations, the emotional connection of marketing, leading as communicators and growing into farm management roles.  

The capstone speaker is April Hemmes. Her passion for agriculture is at the core of who she is. Throughout her 40-year career in farming she has taken on leadership roles from supporting the local FFA chapter to becoming a director on the United Soybean Board.

Early bird registration is available through Nov. 22 and saves $20. Regular registration is $140.00 for adults and $80 for students. Scholarships may be requested. Register online at www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Farm Credit Services of America is a major sponsor.

The ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Program improves the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs to expand agricultural enterprise, improve natural resource management and support the community of women in agriculture. Visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag to learn more about our programs.



September DMC Margin Sets Second Consecutive Monthly Record
NMPF

The monthly margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program rose by $1.85/cwt from August’s previous record level to $15.57/cwt, again the highest since margin protection became the basic dairy safety net program in January 2015.

The September all-milk price was $25.50/cwt, $1.90/cwt higher than the month before, while the DMC feed cost formula inched up from August by $0.05/cwt of milk, mostly on offsetting price moves for corn and premium alfalfa.

The end of October dairy and grain futures indicated that the DMC margin would average around $12/cwt for all of calendar year 2024.

October CWT-Assisted Export Sales Nearly 11.2 Million Pounds
CWT member cooperatives secured 89 contracts in October, adding 11.2 million pounds of product to CWT-assisted sales in 2024. In milk equivalent, this is equal to 100.9 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Europe, Central America, the Caribbean and South America and will be shipped from October 2024 through June 2025.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



September U.S. Ethanol Exports Climb, DDGS Exports Hold Strong Despite Drop
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association

U.S. ethanol exports climbed 5% in September, reaching 148.5 million gallons (mg), with 70% of total shipments concentrated in just three primary markets. Canada retained its position as the top destination for the 42nd consecutive month, accounting for 44% of all U.S. ethanol exports. Exports to Canada rose 14% to a nine-month high of 64.9 mg, predominantly comprising denatured fuel. The United Kingdom, with U.S. ethanol shipments rising 25% to a two-month high of 21.1 mg, emerged as the largest market for undenatured fuel ethanol in September. Exports to the European Union continued an upward trajectory for the second consecutive month, surging 44% to a six-month peak of 18.3 mg. Other significant markets included Colombia (12.9 mg, up 30%), Mexico (6.9 mg, down 21%), Oman (6.0 mg, up 7%), India (5.6 mg, down 47%), and the Philippines (5.1 mg, a striking 380% increase). Notably, both Brazil and China were absent from the September export market. U.S. ethanol exports have reached a record 1.39 bg, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period last year.

The U.S. imported 183,779 gallons of undenatured fuel ethanol, a 90% drop from August, sourced from Brazil and Canada. Total ethanol imports for the first nine months of the year reached 3.54 bg, down 80% compared to the same period last year.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, declined 10% in September to a three-month low of 1.01 million metric tons (mt), reflecting mixed market conditions. Mexico reclaimed its position as the largest market for U.S. DDGS, with exports up 9% to 178,206 mt. Exports to South Korea, while down 18%, remained substantial at 137,591 mt. Shipments to Turkey rose 2% to 119,542 mt, marking a six-month high, and exports to Vietnam surged 23% to a five-month high of 88,942 mt. Other notable markets included Indonesia (64,626 mt, down 9% to a 12-month low), Canada (53,102 mt, up 11%), the European Union (50,917 mt, down 52%), the United Kingdom (41,444 mt, up 78% to a 21-month high), Japan (30,464 mt, up 14%), and New Zealand (30,000 mt, up from zero). The remaining fifth of U.S. DDGS exports were distributed across another 24 countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports have reached 9.10 million mt, 13% higher than during the same period last year.



Farm Bureau Congratulates President-Elect Trump

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the election of Donald Trump to be the 47th President of the United States of America.

“Farm Bureau congratulates President-elect Donald Trump on his election to lead our great nation, as well as the representatives and senators elected to serve in the 119th Congress. We are committed to working with our nation’s leaders to strengthen agriculture and rural America, and we look forward to continuing that work in the days ahead.

“Now that the American people have spoken, it’s time to put politics aside and begin the work of ensuring families nationwide can prosper. Among the most pressing issues in rural America is the need for a new, modernized farm bill. The two-year delay is unacceptable. The new administration must also address the impending tax hikes, which would crush many of America’s farmers and ranchers when stacked on top of inflation, high supply costs and market instability. Another big issue on farmers’ minds is the labor shortage and skyrocketing costs.

“There is no shortage of critical issues requiring immediate attention and Farm Bureau stands ready to work with our elected leaders to tackle them. Clearing hurdles for America’s farmers and ranchers will contribute to the strength and continued growth of the entire nation.”

Tuesday November 05 Harvest Progress report + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 3, 2024, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 41% very short, 38% short, 21% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 41% very short, 39% short, 20% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 90%, ahead of 82% last year and 78% for the five-year average.

Soybeans harvested was 98%, near 94% last year and 96% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 10% very poor, 25% poor, 28% fair, 32% good, and 5% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 83%, behind 96% last year and 94% average.

Sorghum harvested was 81%, near 78% both last year and average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 34% very poor, 26% poor, 26% fair, 13% good, and 1% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Much needed rain across the State meant Iowa farmers had just 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 3, 2024, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, completing fall tillage, and applying fall fertilizer and manure.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 21 percent very short, 38 percent short, 39 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 27 percent very short, 42 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop reached 92 percent statewide, 6 days ahead of last year and 2 weeks ahead of the five-year average. Moisture content of field corn harvested for grain remained steady at 14 percent.

Livestock producers reported weaning calves and sending some to local sale barns. Many feedlots went from dry and dusty to muddy with the rain received during the week.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Less than 10% of both the U.S. corn and soybean crops were left to harvest at the end of this past week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday. But with heavy rain falling over parts of the central U.S. over the past few days and more precipitation in the forecast, it could take a while for farmers to get the last of their crops out of fields.

CORN
-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 10 percentage points nationally last week to reach 91% complete as of Sunday, Nov. 3. That was 13 points ahead of last year's 78% and 16 points ahead of the five-year average of 52%.

SOYBEANS
-- Harvest progress: Soybean harvest moved ahead 5 percentage points to reach 94% complete as of Sunday. That was 5 points ahead of last year's 89% and 9 points ahead of the five-year average of 85%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting moved ahead by another 7 points to reach 87% complete nationwide as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year's 88% and 2 points behind the five-year average of 89%.
-- Crop development: An estimated 66% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 6 points behind last year's 72% and 5 points behind the five-year average of 71%.
-- Crop condition: An estimated 41% of winter wheat that had emerged was in good-to-excellent condition, up 3 points from 38% the previous week. That continued to trail last year's rating of 50% good to excellent by 9 percentage points. Twenty-three percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, unchanged from the previous week.

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Gov. Pillen Announces Appointments to Boards & Commissions
 
Monday, Governor Jim Pillen announced appointments made to boards and commissions from June 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024. A list of current board and commission openings can be found on the Governor’s website (https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req), along with instructions for completing an application.

County Bridge Working Group
Pamela Dingman, Lincoln
Gary Connot, O’Neill
Ross Barron, Lincoln
Kellie Troxel, Lincoln
Jodi Gibson, Lincoln
 
 Dry Bean Commission
Christopher Kelley, Scottsbluff
Justin D Relka, Mitchell
 
Dry Pea and Lentil Commission
Ronald Rushman, Gurley
Eric Thalken, Dorchester
           
Nebraska Brand Committee
Duane Gangwish, Lexington
 
Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board
Andrew Groskopf, Scottsbluff
Ted L Schrock, Elm Creek
John C Krohn, Albion

Nebraska Ethanol Board
Randy L Gard, Grand Island
 
Wheat Development, Utilization and Marketing Board
Douglas Hashman, Colon
Monte Murkle, Clatonia
 


I-29 Moo University Webinar On Nov. 19 To Feature Metritis In Dairy Cows

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Tuesday, November 19 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, with Dr. Adrian Barragan discussing Metritis in dairy cows.

Dr. Barragan is involved in Penn State Extension and Outreach activities and field investigations and develops and performs applied research to help dairy producers. His research interests have been related to developing new disease preventive practices to improve cow welfare and fertility and developing better training and management programs for Spanish-speaking farm employees in dairy operations.

In this webinar, Dr. Barragan will cover the latest discoveries on uterine infection diagnosis and preventative and treatment strategies. He will provide applied concepts that fit farm logistics and discuss best recommendations to manage these diseases in different farm settings (e.g., conventional versus organic).

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/NOVI29MOOU.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.

I-29 Moo University is a consortium of Extension dairy specialists from the land-grant universities in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The I-29 Moo University is a multi-state learning collaboration and connects extension dairy staff with the dairy community to share research, information and management practices through workshops, webinars, e-newsletters, podcasts, and on-farm tours.  For more information about the I-29 Moo University Collaboration and programs visit www.i29moou.com.



ISU Extension to host Urban Cow program in Sioux City

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a new Urban Cow program beginning Dec. 12 at the Extension Office in Sioux City.

The Urban Cow series is a five-part educational program providing information about dairy cattle, goats and sheep for the urban producer.

“Before you can grow your food source there is some work and research that needs to be done,” according to Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Understanding your goals and resources, understanding the animals you will be caring and providing for, and finally understanding the systems required for your new lifestyle are all important factors. This program will help you gain knowledge and resources to make the best decision for your family and lifestyle. You can choose to attend any or all of the five programs.”

All sessions will be hosted from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County Office located at 4728 Southern Hills Drive in Sioux City.

The schedule is as follows:
    Dec. 12 – Goals and Resources: Let’s determine your goals and evaluate what resources are available. We will also discuss the legal issues of selling raw milk and raw milk products, and how the homesteader lifestyle is a progression that can include many forms of agriculture that can be mutually beneficial to each other.
     Jan. 23 – Asset Needs: What animal(s) will best fit your needs? We will discuss species and breeds, as well as their land, housing facilities, milking equipment, and time and labor requirements.
    Feb. 13 – Animal Husbandry: The discussion will focus on animal husbandry, nutrition and health.
    March 6 – Sanitation: Having a plan for sanitation and milking protocols is extremely important. We will cover some guidelines and talk about some options.
    April 3 – Cheese Making: This session will explore best management practices for cheese production and feature a hands-on demonstration.

Registration for the program can be completed online at https://go.iastate.edu/URBANCOW or by contacting the ISU Extension and Outreach Woodbury County office at 712-276-2157. Registration fee is $10 per session or $20 for all five sessions, and should be completed at least one day prior to the program.

For more information about the Urban Cow Program, call Hall at 712-737-4230 or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/Urban-Cow.



New Leadership elected to the American Angus Association® Board of Directors

The American Angus Association® 141st Annual Convention of Delegates gathered November 4 in Fort Worth, Texas. Five members were elected to the board of directors. They are Paul Bennett (second term), Red House, Virgina; John Dickinson (second term), Auburn, California; Ron Hinrichsen, Westmoreland, Kansas; Mark Johnson, Orlando, Oklahoma; and Danny Poss, Scotia, Nebraska. The delegation also elected new officers; Jonathan Perry, Fayetteville, Tennessee, president and chairman of the board and Jim Brinkley, Milan, Missouri, vice president and vice chairman of the board. Darrell Stevenson, White Sulphur Springs, Montana will serve as the treasurer for the 2024 to 2025 term.

“We have got to continue to make the American Angus Association relevant to its breeders and its members,” said Jonathan Perry, president and chairman of the American Angus Association® Board of Directors. “We have got to embrace diversity. We have got to continue to create tools that touch every member. The diversity of our breeders and our breed is our greatest strength.”

More about the elected directors:
Danny Poss, Nebraska  
Danny Poss, a first-generation Angus breeder and lifelong resident of Scotia, Nebraska, grew up on a diversified, family farming operation. The early foundation of the family’s commercial cattle operation was established by his parents, Melvin and Elizabeth. In 1985, as a sophomore in high school, Poss purchased his first registered Angus heifer. Poss attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) where he majored in animal science. After graduating from college, Poss returned home to the family operation and began growing his Angus cow herd, while working with his parents on their farming operation. That same year, 1993, he sold his first three bulls privately. In 2005, Poss purchased his own ground and continued to help his dad farm. Sadly, in February 2012, Poss lost his dad to brain cancer. In 2017, he and Kristi moved the bull sale to their ranch in Scotia, Nebraska. Today, with the help of their boys, they market more than 300 bulls a year. To Danny and Kristi’s 30 years of marriage, they have four children: Nolan, Nathan, Neleigh and Natalie.  

Directors can serve up to two, three-year terms on the board and, if elected, they serve an additional one-year term in office as president/chairman and/or vice president/vice chairman.



New Soy Survey Highlights Farmer Adoption of Seed Treatment Applications

What is the value of seed treatments to U.S. soybean farmers, and how do they feel about alternatives to seed treatments? A recent survey conducted by the American Soybean Association and the United Soybean Board sought to determine just that.

Seed treatments typically comprise one or more pesticides applied to seeds as a coating before planting—when plants are most susceptible and face the highest pressures—to limit early season risks to pest damage.

Jacquie Holland, an ASA economist who worked on the study, said it was not surprising the survey found seed treatments to be widely used across the country in soybean production: “Seed treatments are a proactive means of ensuring plant health and yield vigor while minimizing environmental impacts. Alternative methods to seed treatments do exist, but few are widely accepted by farmers as feasible options.”

Because seed treatments are broadly adopted by U.S. soybean producers, disruptions to this technology would likely alter on-farm operational strategies and product delivery methods. Holland said this work finds that farmers would likely face lower yields and higher costs without seed treatments.

Josh Gackle, ASA president and a soy grower from North Dakota, agreed. “On our farm and farms across the country, soybean growers rely on seed treatments as a cost-effective, reliable and safe method of providing early-season plant health and pest prevention. Farmers need these tools to help get our growing season off to a good start,” he said.

The survey was conducted in July 2024 and gathered 491 online responses from farmers growing at least 150 acres of soybeans during the 2023 season across the 17 largest soybean-producing states in the United States. On average, 90% of soybean acres in the ASA/USB survey were planted with treated seeds. Only 3% of respondents had never planted any treated soybean seeds. Because seed treatments are so widely used by farmers, the technology impacts farms across the United States.

Without seed treatments, farmers must resort to alternative practices to maintain yield vigor and reduce early season pest pressure within a reasonable cost. These options include higher seeding population rates to account for seedling damage, later planting dates to avoid prime pest pressure, increased starter applications at planting, and more foliar pesticide applications. Increasing seeding population rates was the preferred alternative, followed by increasing foliar pesticide applications, with later planting the least preferred option. From both a yield and profitability perspective, seed treatments remained the clear preference.

The survey also looked at farmer safety when handling treated seeds. It indicated occupational exposure risk potential for growers, applicators and farm labor from these sources is limited.

Just over a third of seed treatment users rely on their dealers to treat their soybeans. Only 6% of respondents treat their own soybean seed, with the remainder relying on seed companies or retailers to treat their soybean seed ahead of planting.

Of the producers utilizing treated seed, nearly two out of five reported storing their treated seed in an enclosed storage building. It is worth noting that oftentimes these treated seeds are not stored for long after being delivered to the farm before farmers plant them.



USDA Dairy Products September 2024 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.16 billion pounds, slightly above September 2023 but 3.1 percent below August 2024. Italian type cheese production totaled 487 million pounds, 1.5 percent above September 2023 but 2.7 percent below August 2024. American type cheese production totaled 456 million pounds, 3.7 percent below September 2023 and 4.4 percent below August 2024. Butter production was 159 million pounds, 11.3 percent above September 2023 but 0.4 percent below August 2024.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with September 2023)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 114 million pounds, up 14.3 percent.
Skim milk powder - 53.2 million pounds, down 21.4 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with September 2023)
Dry whey, total - 68.0 million pounds, down 13.8 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 94.0 million pounds, down 1.3 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 36.7 million pounds, down 9.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with September 2023)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 59.3 million gallons, down 2.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 31.2 million gallons, down 12.6 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.68 million gallons, up 10.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.18 million gallons, down 2.2 percent.



ALMDA Formally Requests USDA-APHIS Delay Implementation or Enforcement of Animal Disease Traceability Rule

Monday, the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association (ALMDA) formally requested that USDA-APHIS delay the implementation or enforcement of the final rule on Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison (ADT Rule).

In a letter to USDA-APHIS, ALMDA requested that the implementation or enforcement of the ADT Rule be delayed at least 180 days ensure USDA, state animal health officials, veterinarians, tag manufacturers, and the entire industry are fully prepared support the ADT Rule in a way that does not reduce industry traceability, slow speed of commerce, or increase costs for livestock markets and dealers.

ALMDA, working alongside livestock markets, dealers, order buyers, veterinarians, and state animal health officials, has identified numerous gaps in the implementation plan and communicated these to USDA officials. In September, ALMDA provided USDA with data that illustrated potential issues with the ADT Rule. As the implementation date has approached, the issues ALMDA identified are becoming a reality.

“ALMDA understands the need to protect the U.S. livestock industry and the intent of the ADT Rule to make the traceability process faster and more accurate,” said ALMDA Chair Brian Forester, a livestock market owner from Texas. “We have been transparent with USDA and shared data from member livestock markets across the U.S. which illustrate the complexity and challenges associated with implementing the ADT Rule. At this time, livestock producers, tag suppliers, and state animal health officials have acknowledged they are not prepared to implement the rule so we believe it is in USDA and the industry’s best interest to delay rule implementation or enforcement.”

ALMDA supports animal disease traceability (ADT) and the role traceability has in protecting the U.S. livestock supply. Livestock markets and dealers are already subject to a range of state and federal traceability requirements across all livestock species.

Livestock markets and dealers routinely cooperate with tracebacks for a variety of animal health diseases. Based on this experience, livestock markets and dealers understand the need for both speed and accuracy in conducting tracebacks.

Monday November 04 Ag News

POLL SHOWS MOST RURAL NEBRASKANS HAVE ECONOMIC CONCERNS

Most rural Nebraskans are at least somewhat concerned about their household’s cost of living, income and financial situation, according to the most recent report from the 2024 Nebraska Rural Poll, which focuses on the economy and trade policy.

Eight in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed are either somewhat or very concerned about their household’s cost of living, nearly seven in 10 are concerned about their household income, and just over six in 10 are concerned about their household’s personal finances.  

This is especially true for lower income households, the poll shows.

Persons with the lowest household incomes are more likely to be concerned about their personal finances. Almost eight in 10 respondents with household incomes under $75,000 are at least somewhat concerned about their finances, compared to 44% of those with household incomes of $100,000 or more.  

“In earlier released results from the 2024 Rural Poll, we found rural Nebraskans have been increasingly pessimistic about their current situation,” said Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension policy specialist. “These economic concerns may be a primary factor behind the declining general sentiment of rural Nebraskans. Higher consumer prices due to higher inflation rates of the past few years have spiked the cost of living and left many rural Nebraskans with concerns for their economic well-being.”

The 2024 Rural Poll also asked a series of questions about trade policy and its importance to Nebraska.

Fifty-five percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed think international trade is good for the state’s economy, while just 8% think it is bad. However, residents of the Panhandle are less likely than residents of other regions to agree. Just over a third of Panhandle residents surveyed (36%) say trade is good for Nebraska’s economy, compared to 66% of residents of the north-central region. While most respondents statewide think trade is good for the state’s economy, a smaller percentage (43%) think it is good for creating jobs in the state, compared to 16% who think it is bad.

Rural Nebraskans are less positive about international trade’s impacts on them personally, said Becky Vogt, the manager of the Rural Poll. At least four in 10 respondents think trade is good for their standard of living, while 35% think it is good for their job or business. Many rural Nebraskans think international trade is neutral for these items, according to the poll, but most respondents in agricultural occupations (67%) see international trade as good for their job or business.

When asked which factors should be used in determining U.S. trade policy, six in 10 respondents think protecting American jobs should be very important. Just over half think creating new export opportunities for the state’s agricultural producers and other businesses (55%) and lower prices for consumers (51%) should be very important considerations. Less important considerations include strengthening economic relationships with other countries (41%), strengthening and safeguarding political relationships with other countries (39%), creating choices for consumers (39%) and using trade policies to pressure countries that challenge U.S. economic and political priorities (27%).

“The Rural Poll findings help illustrate the complexities of trade and the economic impacts on Nebraskans,” Lubben said. “Trade provides consumers access to a global supply of goods and services that can increase choice and decrease costs. But trade can have differing implications for producers, where exports are good for the bottom line, but imports compete with domestic production.”

To learn more about rural Nebraskans’ perceptions of the economy and trade policy, policymakers, community leaders and members of the public are invited to a Rural Poll webinar at noon Central Nov. 13. More details and registration are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.

The Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. Questionnaires were mailed to more than 5,800 households in Nebraska in late spring and summer, with 1,010 households — representing 86 of the state’s 93 counties — responding. The margin of error for the poll is plus-or-minus 3%. Rural Prosperity Nebraska conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension.

 

EPA Considers Forcing NPPD to Reduce SO₂ Emissions at Nebraska’s Primary Energy Plant at Great Expense
Nebraska Farm Bureau

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the proposed Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) to limit sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions at the Gerald Gentleman Station, Nebraska’s largest electric generating facility. This station, operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and crucial to Nebraska’s energy infrastructure, is a vital resource for rural and urban communities, particularly our agricultural sector.

As part of our ongoing advocacy for NEFB members, here’s a summary of our key points and concerns shared with the EPA on this proposed regulation:

Energy Costs and Affordability
Nebraska’s agriculture industry is highly energy-dependent—relying on electricity for irrigation, grain drying, livestock care, and processing. Complying with stricter SO₂ emissions limits would likely require costly upgrades to the Gerald Gentleman Station, which could drive up energy rates. Increased utility costs could further stress the financial stability of our farmers and ranchers, who already face slim profit margins, especially for small and mid-sized operations.

Economic Viability of Rural Communities
Many rural Nebraska communities are sustained by agriculture, and their economies are closely tied to the Gerald Gentleman Station’s operations. A potential reduction in the station’s output or a rise in energy costs could impact local economic activity, adding to the pressures already felt from rising input costs, unpredictable markets, and challenging weather patterns. For many of our members, affordable and reliable energy is essential to maintaining a competitive edge in national and global markets.

Power Supply Reliability
The proposed emissions limits may lead to operational adjustments at the station, potentially reducing output or requiring temporary shutdowns for necessary upgrades. Energy reliability is critical for Nebraska’s agricultural producers—particularly during crucial times like planting, harvesting, and grain drying seasons. Any disruption could devastate production, impacting crop yields, livestock health, and farm viability.

Environmental Stewardship in Agriculture
Our state’s farmers are committed to sustainable practices and have continually invested in technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. These efforts, from precision agriculture to efficient irrigation systems, demonstrate the agricultural community’s dedication to environmental responsibility. However, further limits on SO₂ emissions burden agricultural operations that depend on affordable energy to maintain and expand these eco-friendly initiatives.

Advocating for Balanced Solutions
In our comments, NEFB urged the EPA to consider balanced alternatives. Potential solutions include phased timelines, financial assistance for necessary upgrades, and incentives for renewable energy investments. Collaborating with Nebraska’s energy producers, agricultural community, and local stakeholders could help create an effective and fair approach that safeguards both our environmental and economic priorities.

Conclusion
While we support clean air and sustainable environmental practices, NEFB firmly believes that the current proposal’s approach to SO₂ emissions at the Gerald Gentleman Station could unintentionally harm Nebraska’s agricultural backbone. We have urged the EPA to explore modifications to protect energy affordability and reliability for our farmers and ranchers, ensuring they continue to thrive as vital contributors to our state’s economy.

Details about this matter can be found on the federal register.



Washington County Cattlemen Meeting
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Blair Marina, Blair



NRDs Now Taking Orders for Spring Tree Seedlings

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are now accepting orders for conservation tree seedlings for spring planting. By ordering early, you can secure your preferred species and make a lasting contribution to the environment.

Since 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have partnered with landowners to plant over 101 million trees statewide. At just $1.20 per seedling, and with cost-share programs available in many districts, these conservation trees provide immense benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment. They offer shade, shelter homes, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, support wildlife by providing food and cover, buffer noise, and add beauty to the landscape.

“The NRD Conservation Tree Program is about more than just trees—it’s about protecting our natural resources like soil, water, and wildlife,” said Martin Graff, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Every tree seedling planted helps prevent soil erosion, shields crops and livestock, filters water, and acts as a natural defense against harsh weather.”

As windbreaks mature, NRD foresters recommend landowners consider rehabilitating old windbreaks or planning new plantings. The NRD Conservation Tree Program provides an affordable way for landowners to safeguard their property. NRD staff and foresters collaborate with landowners to choose the best tree species, create planting plans, and, in many cases, even handle the planting.

A notable collaboration in tree planting began in December 2021 when Lincoln-based Executive Travel launched its ETGreen campaign, pledging to plant 1 million trees in partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs. The campaign funded over 162,000 trees between 2022 and 2024, and Executive Travel has committed another $50,000 for tree planting in 2025. This partnership offsets seedling costs for Nebraska landowners while supporting Executive Travel’s long-term tree planting goal. Learn more about ETGreen: https://vimeo.com/648711812

NRD tree programs offer various services such as planting assistance, weed barrier installation, weed control, and drip irrigation. Popular tree species sell out quickly, so don’t miss the opportunity to get your order in early for the best selection. To learn more about cost-share options or to place an order, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdnet.org and click on “Find Your NRD.”

For more information on the NRD Conservation Tree Program, visit www.nrdtrees.org.

 

Igniting Agricultural Curiosity: Grants to Empower Iowa Classrooms

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is kicking off its annual movement to transform Iowa classrooms by offering mini-grants for Iowa educators! These grants are designed to inspire innovative teaching by incorporating agriculture into academic lessons and after-school programs, showing students how agriculture shapes their lives and the world around them.

The agriculture-focused grants, made possible through contributions from organizations and individuals, including the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), provide Iowa teachers with up to $200 to support new or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy.

“The IFBF is proud to partner with IALF and support educators in their classrooms,” said Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF community resources manager. “Agricultural literacy is critical in further expanding knowledge and an understanding of the value and impact agriculture has across our state and world.”

These funds can be used for a variety of activities, including lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips, and other projects, all of which promote agricultural literacy.

“These Teacher Supplement Grants support IALF’s mission to enhance students’ understanding of agriculture and its role in their daily lives,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “Over the last 10 years, IALF has awarded more than $361,000 directly to Iowa teachers and their students, as a way to support and inspire agriculture learning in classrooms across Iowa.”

“Our students used the Teacher Supplement Grant funding to establish an apple orchard,” said Alex McDougall, Humboldt High School. “This project expanded students’ view of agriculture. Through hands-on experience, they learned about the orchard industry, horticulture, and food science careers, while also covering key Iowa Core Standards like plant anatomy and propagation techniques.”  

Eligible applicants include preschool through 12th grade teachers, librarians, afterschool program coordinators, and Homeschool Assistance Programs at Iowa schools. Projects must relate to social studies, science, math, language arts, or 21st century skills and integrate agriculture into the learning.                     

Applications are due by November 30, 2024. Projects must be conducted between January 13 and June 7, 2025. Educators can apply online or learn more at https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.  



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 490 million bushels in September 2024. Total corn consumption was down 8 percent from August 2024 but up 3 percent from September 2023. September 2024 usage included 91.9 percent for alcohol and 8.1 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.51 million bushels, down 10 percent from August 2024 and down 35 percent from September 2023. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 440 million bushels, was down 8 percent from August 2024 but up 3 percent from September 2023. Corn consumed in September 2024 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during September 2024, down 10 percent from August 2024 but up 4 percent from September 2023. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.15 million tons in September 2024, down 6 percent from August 2024 and down 12 percent from September 2023.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 273,303 tons during September 2024, down 6 percent from August 2024 but up 11 percent from September 2023. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 174,070 tons in September 2024, down 9 percent from August 2024 and down 11 percent from September 2023.

Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.60 million tons (187 million bushels) in September 2024, compared with 5.03 million tons (168 million bushels) in August 2024 and 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in September 2023. Crude oil produced was 2.22 billion pounds, up 12 percent from August 2024 and up 7 percent from September 2023. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.76 billion pounds during September 2024 increased 5 percent from August 2024 and increased 4 percent from September 2023.

Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the third quarter 2024 was 232 million bushels, up 3 percent from the second quarter 2024 grind of 226 million bushels and up 1 percent from the third quarter 2023 grind of 231 million bushels. Third quarter 2024 total flour production was 107 million hundredweight, up 2 percent from the second quarter 2024 and up 1 percent from the third quarter 2023. Whole wheat flour production at 4.68 million hundredweight during the third quarter 2024 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the third quarter 2024 was 1.64 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the third quarter 2024 was 1.60 million hundredweight.



2025 ALFALFA VARIETY RATINGS NOW AVAILBLE

The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) released the 2025 edition of its popular “Alfalfa Variety Ratings - Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistant Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties” - an invaluable tool for both hay and livestock farmers, extension specialists, agri-business personnel or simply anyone involved in the production of alfalfa.     

Unlike any other publication, NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings is indispensable in providing an extensive listing of alfalfa varieties and their corresponding ratings for fall dormancy, winter survival, bacterial wilt, aphanomyces, leafhopper, and a host of other pests. The publication also includes other important ratings such as grazing tolerance and standability to provide you the information you need to make educated, informed decisions about the alfalfa varieties which will perform best in a given environment. All varieties listed in the Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication can be purchased in the United States for the 2025 production year.

The 2025 edition of NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings features 121 alfalfa varieties from 14 marketers that have been verified with the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board (NAVRB).

If you’d prefer an electronic version, try NAFA’s searchable, online Alfalfa Variety Ratings database where you can make the process of narrowing alfalfa varietal choices even easier. Available at alfalfa.org/varietyratings.php, NAFA’s searchable database allows you to search for varieties using up to 23 different parameters such as variety name, marketer, fall dormancy, winter survival, disease resistance, and insect resistance. NAFA has made finding the perfect variety as effortless as possible.

NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication is available in the November issue of Hay & Forage Grower magazine or by visiting NAFA’s website at alfalfa.org. It is a ‘must-have’ for anyone involved in the production of alfalfa – be sure to get yours today!



USDA Announces November 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for November 2024, which are effective Nov. 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.    

“I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.  

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       
FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.  

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for November 2024 are as follows:       
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 4.500%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.125%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.125%  
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.   

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans     
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA. 
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed):5.125%       
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Five-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Seven-year loan terms: 3.750%  
        Ten-year loan terms: 3.875%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.000%  
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 4.125%  



Apply Now for Shearing Grants

 The American Sheep Industry Association has once again set aside $15,000 in grants to assist developing shearers and mentors.

There is a large and continuing need for sheep shearers across the United States. Domestic shearers are becoming fewer and it is increasingly difficult to bring international shearers into the United States. Seeing the need of more shearers for both large and small sheep operations, the ASI Wool Council developed this grant program to incentivize the development of domestic shearers.

This program supports developing shearers as they work to increase the quality of their shearing and the amount of sheep they are able to shear each day, thus working to build their income and longevity in the shearing industry. Additionally, as mentors provide developing shearers with education and an avenue to shear – thereby sharing their work and income – mentors may also apply for assistance.

The grant will be given to 10 developing shearers and/or mentors at $1,500 each. Developing shearers will be paid $500 once accepted and $1,000 upon completion. Mentors will be paid $1,500 upon completion. Developing shearers and mentors may apply jointly or separately; jointly is preferred. Priority will be given to developing shearers who meet the grant’s goals, including those who show dedication to becoming a professional shearer.

Click Here for more information https://www.sheepusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2025-ASI-Developing-Shearer-Mentor-Grant.pdf.

Friday November 01 Ag News

 Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center Receives Cattle

After much anticipation, the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is proudly opening its gates to welcome the first cattle to be housed and fed in the new facility.  The new facility was built within the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center near Mead. 

"We are super excited to have our first commercial research trial at our own facility," said UNL Feedlot Specialist, Dr. Galen Erickson, "Being able to compare the different housing systems in terms of cattle performance, behavior, and nutrient management will be very useful, in our opinion, for the feedlot industry."

Erickson expressed great gratitude and appreciation to all the donors, Settje Agri-Services and all of the staff for making this possible. Everything is unfolding according to plan with the first group of cattle in place in the new lots and all three barns.

By fostering collaboration between the University of Nebraska and industry, the facility drives new discoveries and innovations, ultimately contributing to the robust growth of Nebraska’s agricultural sector. The KFIC embodies the commitment to collaboration and advancing agriculture. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the facility will serve as a catalyst for new discoveries, better practices, and strengthened ties statewide.

"Our dad, John Klosterman, envisioned a future in which Nebraska and UNL would lead the livestock industry in cutting edge facilities, research and education," said Meg Klosterman Kester, "This facility really is a culmination of the forward-thinking, hard work, and passion demonstrated by dad and his colleagues. He would be proud and elated to see this dream come to fruition."

 




NDA ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS
 
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) develops and supports the next generation of ag leaders through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). NAYC is a group of college students working together to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across the state. NDA is proud to sponsor NAYC and announce the 2024-2025 Council members.

“The students who serve on NAYC are some of the best and brightest young leaders in Nebraska agriculture,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “They are a dedicated group who are committed to learning as much as they can about Nebraska agriculture and sharing their knowledge and passion with others. I look forward to working with these Council members and seeing how their efforts strengthen the ag industry in Nebraska.”

NAYC members coordinate and participate in a wide range of ag-focused activities and events throughout the year. They tour various agricultural business, visit elementary schools to talk about where food comes from, and visit with high school students about career opportunities in agriculture. The primary focus of NAYC is to coordinate the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day summer conference with speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for high school juniors and seniors.

NAYI is in its 54th year and is the longest running event of its kind in the nation. It is made possible through the donations of many generous sponsors.

Here is a list of the 2024-2025 NAYC leadership and their hometowns:
    Head Counselors: Laura Albro, Bayard; and Jenna Knake, Syracuse;
    President: Kendall Prior, Imperial;
    Secretary: Seth Wert, Hordville;
    Vice President of Communications and Social Media: Carleigh Tietz, Norfolk;
    Vice President of Alumni Relations: Caleb Burnside, Stapleton;
    Vice President of NAYI Improvement and Promotions: Levi Schiller, Scribner;
    Vice President of Youth Outreach: Brie Bruns, Pender; and
    Vice President of Sponsorship: Caleb Most, Ogallala.

Additional NAYC members and their hometowns include: Braydon Binger, Hay Springs; Morgan Bonifas, Aurora; Alex Boudreau, Minden; Alexa Carter, Rising City; Keiser Dixon, Pleasanton; Abby Hodges, Julian; Cora Hoffschneider, Waco; Emily Holz, Syracuse; Austin Kamm, Lincoln: Lynsie Lancaster, Hastings; Demi Lapaseotes, Bridgeport; Libby Macklin, Blue Hill; Carson Mau, Sutton; and Evan Svanda, Nehawka.

“Teaching young people about the value of agriculture is an important part of our work,” said Christin Kamm, NDA Director of Communications and NAYC Advisor. “These Council members have a passion for agriculture and are dedicated to connecting young people with information and opportunities in the ag industry. Agriculture has a big impact on our quality of life, and young people hold the key to creating a brighter future in Nebraska’s ag industry.”

To learn more, visit NAYC's website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc.html or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.



TESTING HAY
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

While we as producers do all we can in season to store up quality hay, nutrient value in hay can change drastically from year to year.  Even in the same field cut at a similar time, annual swings of 5% crude protein content and 10% TDN are not uncommon.  With crop residues like cornstalk bales, we may have a smaller swing in nutrient differences, but a drop from 5% CP to 3% can have a big impact on supplement strategies and need. When it comes time to feed this winter, knowing what quality hay you have can mean the difference between over or underfeeding hay and/or supplement. Ultimately, differences can affect the bottom line as well as have negative consequences for herd health and fertility.

Testing hay isn’t hard, it just takes a bit of time and planning.  The first step is to get a quality hay probe.  Next, divide your hay into lots, bales that were harvested from the same field under similar conditions.  

Sample 15-20 bales per lot, using the probe on the side that will capture the most layers.  For round bales, sample from the rounded side; for squares, sample the shorter front or back end.  Mix these samples from a lot together in a bucket and take out a quart sized Ziploc bag worth.  Label the final sample with the hay type, lot number, and producer name and address and store in a cool, dry place until you can send it to your lab of choice for analysis.  To avoid your sample sitting in the mail, ship during the first part of the week so the lab can begin processing before the weekend shutdown.

Testing hay can take a bit of time, but accurately knowing the value of forages this winter can save money and help when it’s time to make decisions about providing supplemental feed.  If you haven’t done so yet, now’s the time to test before winter sets in.



ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team webinar on November 12 Explains the New Tool For Dairy Producers From DRMS

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

DecisiveDry, part of the DRMS HerdHQ web-based suite of products, is an effective management tool to determine if a cow should be dry treated.  It uses Selective Dry Cow Therapy strategy to help lower dry treatment costs and reduce the use of antibiotics.  Greg Palas will walk you through the steps that will help determine which cows are eligible for SDCT and which should be treated.

Greg Palas is the manager of support services at DRMS at Iowa State University.

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

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.



2024 Forage Webinar Series Continues on December 10

The I-29 Moo University and the Northern Plains Forage Association have joined forces to continue the 2024 Forage Webinar Series with a fast-paced evening program on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The program will feature six presenters with only ten-to-twenty-minutes to outline the most important bullet points of their topics concerning forage production.

Presenters are nationally recognized leaders on their topics.

Madelynn Wuestenberg is an Agricultural Climatologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, dedicated to enhancing climate resilience in Iowa’s agriculture and food systems.

In her role, which began in January 2024, Wuestenberg engages with farmers, landowners, and industry members on climate-related challenges, delivering research-based insights and actionable solutions.

A native of Slater, Iowa, Madelynn’s deep connection to agriculture comes from her family’s farming background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in 2022 and a Master’s in Agricultural Meteorology in 2023, both from ISU. Her graduate research focused on assessing the environmental impacts of climate change using advanced agroecosystem models.

Amber Friedrichsen, editor of Hay & Forage Grower, will give an overview of alfalfa growing conditions, harvest conditions, and forage test results so far this year.

Friedrichsen grew up on a farm in eastern Iowa and graduated from ISU in 2023 with degrees in agricultural communications and agronomy. While in college, Friedrichsen served as the editorial intern for Hay & Forage Grower for two summers and was an associate editor before assuming her current position.

Deb Sumac is a Supervisory Research Geneticist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. She focuses on the diseases and pathogens of alfalfa with collaborations to develop a reference genome sequence for alfalfa and universal DNA markers for alfalfa breeding.

Sumac will discuss disease pressure in alfalfa.

Scott Newell is the Alfalfa Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Extension. He will discuss the potential effects of 2024 weather conditions on 2025 alfalfa production, as well as the possible ramifications of the 2025 weather forecast on alfalfa.

An ISU agronomy graduate, Newell did his graduate work in alfalfa genetics at UC Davis under Dr. Charlie Brummer. Eager to be back in the Midwest, Newell supports alfalfa outreach and education nationally, specifically in the Upper Midwest. He is focused on improving alfalfa competitiveness to ensure it remains a key part of the U.S. agriculture landscape and dairy ration, providing all the benefits of a perennial legume to a diversified rotational system.

Everett Thomas has worked as an agronomist in Northern New York for over fifty years, first for Cornell University and then for 27 years at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, NY. While at Miner Institute, his responsibilities included crop production for its herd of 350 Holstein dairy cows. He was also involved in applied research and teaching an undergraduate course in forages.

Thomas is president of Oak Point Agronomics and involved in forage crop consulting in the U.S. and internationally. He’s writer/editor for the Miner Institute Farm Report and is the author of almost 700 technical and popular press articles including about 200 articles for Hoard’s Dairyman.

Thomas will discuss weather influences on alfalfa-grass seeding rates and, on the yield and quality of forage grasses

Jason Johnson, Ph.D., is an associate professor and Extension economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Johnson is also a Registered Investment Advisor regulated by the Texas State Securities Board, CRD# 141350. His educational programming focuses on all economic aspects of crop and livestock production blending traditional risk management strategies with more specific recommendations for family financial planning.

Johnson will discuss the economics of forage storage structures.

There is no fee to attend the webinar, but participants must register at least one hour prior to the webinar at https://go.iastate.edu/FORAGE2024.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; in Nebraska, Ben Beckman, 402.254.6821; or in South Dakota, Sara Bauder, 605-955-7378



Year-end beef quality assurance certification trainings offered in northwest Iowa

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host four year-end Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification trainings in northwest Iowa.

These trainings feature significant changes in the beef industry and best management practices to provide  sustainable, high-quality beef to consumers, and Iowa State University extension beef specialist Beth Doran said new developments such as EID traceability, biosecurity, and animal health will be featured.

“Producers and ag-business professionals who attended an in-person training three years ago have been receiving notice from their packer that their certificate is expiring, and they need to recertify,” Doran said. “Most major packers and most local livestock auctions require a feedlot producer to have a current certificate.”  

To certify or recertify, producers can attend one of the following in-person trainings. All sessions are free of charge, but preregistration is requested four days in advance of the training you plan to attend.
    Nov. 26 – 10 a.m. - noon.  ISU Extension and Outreach Cherokee County Office, 209 Centennial Drive, Cherokee. RSVP to 712-225-6196.
    Dec. 5 – 1-3 p.m.  ISU Extension and Outreach Plymouth County Office (Le Mars Convention Center Lower Level), 251 12th St. SE, Le Mars.  RSVP to 712-546-7835.  Hosted in conjunction with the morning Kent Nutrition Meeting.
    Dec. 9 – 1-3 p.m.  ISU Extension and Outreach O’Brien County Office, 340 2nd St. SE, Primghar. RSVP to 712-957-5045.
    Dec. 16 – 10 a.m. - noon.  ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700, Orange City. RSVP to 712-737-4230.   

Producers unable to attend an in-person training may complete their training online at https://www.bqa.org/.

The Iowa BQA program is funded by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Beef Checkoff, and the education is delivered as a joint effort in conjunction with the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.

For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or email doranb@iastate.edu.



Coutu Leads Beginning Farmer Center, Serves as CALT Counsel

Kristiana Coutu is the new director of the Beginning Farmer Center and counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University. She joined Iowa State in September.

She brings years of experience working with farmers and agricultural organizations across the country, including lending for the farm credit system, practicing as a certified public accountant, practicing law and engaging in policy work.

As a farmer herself, Coutu understands first-hand the challenges that farmers face.

“We are so fortunate to have Kristiana join Iowa State. Not only has she practiced agricultural law for many years, but she has also been a CPA, an agricultural lender and a farmer,” said Kristine Tidgren, director for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State. “Her understanding of taxes and the law will be invaluable as we seek to expand the Beginning Farmer Center and the resources our centers provide.”

As director of the Beginning Farmer Center, Coutu guides the center’s activities, which focus on providing educational resources and programming for new farmers and their professional advisors. As counsel for the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation, she provides legal analysis and educational materials for producers, policymakers and industry stakeholders.

“I look forward to working with producers and ag professionals and helping them meet their goals through our centers' education and resources. Expanding the Beginning Farmer Center is an opportunity to provide additional support for beginning farmers, something I am very passionate about,” Coutu said. “The Beginning Farmer Center and the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation are well respected across the country, and I am delighted to be part of both."

Coutu was the fourth generation to operate her family’s dairy farm in Connecticut. While the original dairy farm is no longer operating, she continues to farm with her husband, Chris, on their diversified small farm in Michigan.

Coutu received her juris doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law and her bachelor’s in business management from the University of Connecticut. She also has a master’s in taxation from Grand Valley State University and is completing a Master of Law degree in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas School of Law.

She can be reached at kcoutu@iastate.edu or 515-357-6680.



Naig Announces Iowa Organic Advisory Council, Appoints Members

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the formation of the Iowa Organic Advisory Council within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and appointed seven Iowans to serve on it.

A similar Organic Advisory Council existed previously in Iowa Code but was eliminated during the 2024 legislative session following recommendations made by the Boards and Commissions Review Committee. Secretary Naig chose to establish this advisory council within the Department to obtain stakeholder feedback and input.

“Stakeholder groups like the Iowa Organic Advisory Council provide our team with industry perspectives, feedback and input that helps us better serve our state’s organic farmers and their customers,” said Secretary Naig. “Iowa's diverse agriculture includes many production methods serving a broad array of consumers, and we want to ensure that our department is responsive and helping all of our state’s farmers be successful.”

Department staff from the Agricultural Diversification and Market Development Bureau will provide updates to the advisory council on the Department’s Organic Program. Council members will also provide the Department with feedback and industry perspectives on the program and other market and production trends.

The committee will include seven members, including two individuals representing livestock or dairy production who are certified organic, two certified organic crop producers, an individual involved in retail, an individual representing a certified organic processing or handling operation, and an individual involved in education.

Tim Daley - Cedar Falls
Dr. Kathleen Delate - Ames
Edwin Hershberger - Kalona
Roger Lansink - Odebolt
Emily Peters - Mason City
James Petersen - Knoxville
Sue Wheeler - Norway

The advisory council will meet once per year with additional meetings as needed. Each council member will serve a two-year term and can be eligible for re-appointment. The seven members, appointed by Secretary Naig, are listed in alphabetical order by last name:




Harvest Prices for 2024 Crop Insurance

The average daily close of the December corn futures contract was $4.16 during October, while the November soybean contract was $10 per bushel.

The averages are an important piece of price discovery that underpins many crop insurance policies, which use the higher of either the harvest price or the spring projected price to calculate indemnity payments. The projected prices are an average of the new-crop futures contracts' closes during February. They came in at $4.66 per bushel for corn and $11.55 per bushel for soybeans.

DTN Lead Analyst Rhett Montgomery said 2024 represents a return to some semblance of normalcy regarding fall guarantees being lower than spring guarantees for both corn and soybeans.

"The deterioration of prices was also much less extreme in 2024 compared to last year where we saw over a dollar per bushel difference in guarantees for corn insurance versus 50 cents in 2024," Montgomery said. "As a result, revenue protection from 70% up to 85% is unlikely to trigger a payment this year without a reported yield loss."

Breakeven prices per the USDA crop budgets for 2024 are estimated to be $4.78 on corn and $11.70 on soybeans, Montgomery said.



2023 Irrigation and Water Management data now available

There were 212,714 farms with 53.1 million irrigated acres, which included 81 million acre-feet of water applied in the United States, according to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey results, published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In 2018, the irrigation survey results showed that there were 231,474 farms with 55.9 million irrigated acres, which included 83.4 million acre-feet of water. The results show that the number of farms irrigating, the amount of land irrigated, and the total water used for irrigation decreased between 2018 and 2023.

“The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey, conducted every five years, expands on the data collected in the 2022 Census of Agriculture,” said NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons. “This report offers detailed, comprehensive, up-to-date information specific to the agriculture industry’s use, management, and investment of water supplies and irrigation systems.”

Data highlights from the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey include:
• The total amount of water used in 2023 was 81 million acre-feet, down 2.8% from 2018.
• The average acre-feet applied per acre was 1.5, which was the same as the 2018 irrigation survey. (An acre-foot is the amount of water required to cover one acre to a depth of one foot.)
• The largest portion of irrigated farmland acres in the United States was dedicated to cropland – including grain and oilseed crops, vegetables, nursery and greenhouse, and hay crops.
• Farmers irrigated 49.6 million acres of harvested cropland acres in the open in 2023.
• Ground water from on-farm wells accounted for 54% of irrigation water applied to acres in the open; the average well depth in 2023 was 241 feet.
• The irrigation results show 12.6 million more irrigated acres with sprinkler systems than gravity irrigation.
• Five states accounted for around one-half of the irrigated acres, and more than half of all water applied – Arkansas, California, Idaho, Nebraska, and Texas.
• Equipment, in general, is one of the leading irrigation expenditures with farmers and ranchers spending $3 billion on irrigation equipment, facilities, land improvements and computer technology in 2023; energy costs for pumping well and surface water amounted to $3.3 billion.
• Irrigated area of horticulture under protection was 1.7 billion square feet in 2023. This compares with 1.5 billion square feet in 2018.
• Irrigated horticulture grown in the open was 598,980 acres in 2023. This compares with 581,936 acres in 2018.

The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey followed up with approximately 35,000 producers who indicated in the 2022 Census of Agriculture that they irrigated or had irrigation equipment. Producers provided information on water sources and amount of water used; acres irrigated by type of system; irrigation use by crop; and system investments and energy costs.

“The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey data provide valuable information that producers, farm organizations, businesses, state departments of agriculture, elected representatives and legislative bodies at all levels of government can use to make agriculture water use more efficient,” said Parsons. “From comparing water use by application methods or appraising water use trends to developing improved technologies or federal programs, these data are crucial to the industry.”



National Drought Summary for October 29, 2024
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

The dry pattern that has been impacting much of the country has continued into this current period. The wettest areas were along the coast in the Pacific Northwest, with some locations recording over 2 inches of rain for the week. Other areas receiving some precipitation were in the Four Corners region, the Midwest and parts of the South, but many of these totals were minimal and did little to impact the drought conditions. The Southern Plains and South were the warmest regions, with departures of 10-12 degrees above normal this week. Almost the entire country was warmer than normal, with only areas of the Northeast and Pacific Northwest having near to slightly below normal temperatures. As the month is ending, many locations will be at or near record dryness across the country. For the Lower 48 states, there has not been this much drought shown on the U.S. Drought Monitor since December 2022. Areas of the Southeast that were impacted by significant precipitation associated with landfalling hurricanes have dried out rapidly, with some locations recording zero precipitation since the hurricanes. Some precipitation development at the end of the current period could help ease conditions into the next week, but that will be determined on the next map.

Midwest
Temperatures were near normal in the eastern portion of the region while the southern and western areas were 4-8 degrees above normal for the week. Some rain fell from northern Missouri into southeast Iowa and northern Illinois, but this rain did little to improve the drought that is established over the area. The region saw widespread degradation this week with moderate and severe drought expanding over lower Michigan, and severe drought expanding over northwest Ohio, northern Indiana, and northern Illinois. Moderate drought pushed south in Illinois and Indiana while abnormally dry conditions expanded across almost all of Kentucky. In southwest Missouri, severe and extreme drought expanded along with a push of moderate drought to the east. Severe drought also expanded along with moderate drought in western and northwest Missouri. In Iowa, moderate and severe drought expanded in the west and eastern portions of the state. In Wisconsin, moderate drought expanded in the central portions of the state and severe drought expanded in the northwest. Moderate drought expanded in northern Minnesota and severe drought expanded in both the southwest and southeast areas of the state.

High Plains
Dryness again dominated the region with only areas of far southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas, northeast Wyoming and northwest South Dakota recording any significant precipitation. Coupled with the dryness, temperatures have been unseasonably warm for the region with most all areas 4-8 degrees above normal for the week. Drought expanded and intensified across the region this week with severe and extreme drought expanding over western North Dakota, and moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions expanding over the southeast. Severe and extreme drought expanded over much of western and southern South Dakota and also over western and northern Nebraska. Eastern Nebraska saw both moderate and severe drought expand. In Kansas, severe and extreme drought expanded over the southeast while severe drought expanded over the northeast and western portions of the state. Moderate drought also expanded in western Kansas. In northeast Colorado, moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions expanded, with both moderate and severe drought expanding in southeast Colorado. Southeast Wyoming saw expansion of moderate, severe, and extreme drought while eastern Montana had severe and extreme drought expand to the west.

Looking Ahead
Over the next 5-7 days, it is anticipated that the dry pattern will break over much of the Plains, Midwest and into the South, with widespread precipitation from north Texas to Wisconsin. The Western portions of the country will also be in a more active pattern, with the coastal areas, the Great Basin, and part of the Rocky Mountains seeing some precipitation. Temperatures will continue to be warmer than normal out in front of the precipitation, with the eastern Midwest, South, and East all anticipated to be warmer than normal, including departures of 13-15 degrees above normal in the Ohio River basin. Cooler- than-normal temperatures will settle in over the West, with departures of 10-13 degrees below normal over much of Nevada.

The 6-10 day outlooks show that the best chance for above-normal temperatures is over the East while much of the West has the best chance for below-normal temperatures centered on the Southwest. The greatest chance for above-normal precipitation is over the southern Rocky Mountains with above normal chances in the Plains and into the Midwest while the greatest chance for below-normal precipitation is over northern California and much of the West.



NCLA Sues to Stop USDA’s Illegal, Unnecessary Rule Mandating Electronic Eartags for Cattle and Bison

Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, et al. v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Secretary Thomas Vilsack, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Administrator Michael Watson

Washington, DC (October 31, 2024) – The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed a Complaint against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) unlawful new rule requiring electronically readable (EID) eartags for certain cattle and bison transported across state lines, rather than long-used visual tags. Representing ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers who move cattle across state lines, NCLA urges the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota to halt this illegal attempt to eliminate an already-in-place efficient means of cattle identification.

In 2013, APHIS promulgated a final rule regulating traceability for interstate livestock movements, a regulation that permitted several forms of “official identification” for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines, including both visual-only and electronically readable eartags and providing producers with flexibility to choose among options. Over the past decade, the agency advanced and abandoned less formal measures for mandating radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags. In May 2024, however, APHIS issued its new rule to end the use of visual-only eartags as a form of official identification for certain cattle and bison moving between states, requiring visually readable EID eartags in their place. This illegal move was also unnecessary, as the existing Animal Disease Traceability framework is already proven effective.

The Animal Health Protection Act does not give USDA and APHIS the power to mandate EID eartags. Courts certainly do not have to defer to the agencies’ interpretation of the Act after NCLA’s recent Supreme Court victory in Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce, which overturned Chevron deference. The new rule is also arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act, since the agencies fail to reasonably explain how the EID Final Rule “is necessary to prevent the introduction or dissemination of any pest or disease of livestock.” APHIS violated the Regulatory Flexibility Act as well, failing to calculate the new rule’s true cost to producers—and consumers.

APHIS’s rule imposes punishing new financial and practical burdens, particularly on smaller and independent cattle producers. NCLA represents ranchers Rick and Theresa Fox and Kenny and Roxie Fox of South Dakota and Tracy and Donna Hunt of Wyoming, as well as R-CALF USA, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, and the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance in an effort to stop these injustices.



FARM Program Releases Environmental Stewardship Version 3

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released today Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 supporting the dairy community’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. FARM ES Version 3 gives dairy farmers a scientifically robust tool with more advanced features to assess the impact of potential practice or technology changes.

The update is critical as dairy farmers, cooperatives and processors continue to seek ways to advance their sustainability efforts in ways that make business sense.

“Environmental Stewardship Version 3 is a significant step forward in supporting dairy’s sustainability journey,” said Nicole Ayache, National Milk Producers Federation’s chief sustainability officer. “This new version yet again demonstrates dairy’s leadership, showcasing our commitment to providing farmers with the best available science and insights as they pursue continued innovation and operational efficiencies.”

Version 3 incorporates the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) model, a whole-farm model that simulates dairy farm production and environmental impact. The RuFaS team is comprised of researchers and software engineers from across the country with deep expertise in their respective fields, including experts from Dairy Management Inc. The process-based RuFaS model follows the biological, physical and chemical flows on the farm enabling more granular environmental foot-printing and scenario analysis.

FARM ES Version 3 offers farmers an advanced, more refined output compared to previous versions of the program, including estimates of carbon sequestration and the ability to analyze the environmental and milk productivity impacts of various practices and technologies. Version 3 also contains optional data inputs, such as details on reproductive programs, culling information and cropping practices, for more tailored results.

A key focus for the rest of the year will be to collect farmer, FARM evaluator and other stakeholder feedback to further refine Version 3. Feedback forms are available online for farmers and evaluators to provide suggestions. FARM also plans to host stakeholder webinars to foster discussion about the new platform.

To learn more, visit nationaldairyfarm.com.