Tuesday November 19 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 17, 2024, there were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 21% very short, 41% short, 37% adequate, and 1% surplus.
Subsoil moisture supplies rated 27% very short, 46% short, 27% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn harvested was 97%, near 94% last year and 93% for the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition rated 7% very poor, 20% poor, 39% fair, 28% good, and 6% excellent. Winter wheat emerged was 91%, behind 100% last year and 99% average.

Sorghum harvested was 90%, near 94% last year and 92% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 33% very poor, 26% poor, 26% fair, 14% good, and 1% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa’s farmers had an average of 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 17, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Primary fieldwork activities included fall tillage, fertilizer applications, and some row crop harvest.  

Topsoil moisture condition rated 8 percent very short, 28 percent short, 61 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 15 percent very short, 44 percent short, 40 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.  

Corn harvested for grain reached 97 percent statewide.  

Livestock producers continue to deal with muddy feedlots.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Increased moisture helped boost U.S. winter wheat conditions nationwide again last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Tuesday. More precipitation is expected this week and next week, according to forecasters.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting moved ahead by another 3 points to reach 94% complete nationwide as of Sunday, equal to last year's pace but 2 points behind the five-year average of 96%.
-- Crop development: An estimated 84% of winter wheat had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point behind last year but equal to the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: An estimated 49% of winter wheat that had emerged was in good-to-excellent condition, up 5 points from 44% the previous week. That is now ahead of last year's rating of 48% good to excellent. Fifteen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, a 3-percentage-point improvement from 18% the previous week.

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1st Annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will be December 17

The first annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will be December 17, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The Ag Conference is co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) and takes the place of the BGMA Winter Meeting, which is typically held in January or February.

All farmers and ranchers are invited to attend and learn how other producers are using conservation practices to improve their bottom line while protecting water quality. The focus of the event is to encourage the exchange of conservation production ideas between farmers, ranchers, and supporting agriculture professionals. Many of the speakers are farmers, sharing their experiences, tips, and tricks.

Rick Clark from Williamsport, IN will start the day with the keynote address. Focusing on a regenerative soil health management system, Rick uses nature to replace costly farm inputs. He will share his journey into organic no-till and the lessons learned along the way.

Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson, and others will discuss topics ranging from equipment setup, cropping tips, grazing practices, innovative technology, and value-added products, to discussions on incentives for conservation. With fifteen breakout sessions, attendees can customize the day to fit their needs. The event will wrap-up with a local farmer panel discussing how they have implemented the ideas locally on their own operations.

Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed Coordinator, said, “In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers. Whether you have been implementing conservation practices for decades, just thinking about implementing them, or somewhere in between, you will find someone in the same situation to discuss these ideas with.”  She added, “Lucky attendees will take home more than just knowledge, great door prizes will be given at the end of the day.”

Thanks to the sponsors of this event, you can register by December 6th at NO COST! Late registrations are $20 at the door and online after December 6th.

Register at:  https://lcnrd.nebraska.gov/.  



PRIME Applications Now Open

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association will once again host the PRIME program in 2025!  This program is designed for young or new producers, focused on maximizing the long-term viability of operations through research, technology and farm management while building peer relationships.

The program consists of three sessions, lasting approximately two days each, plus attendance at the Nebraska Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting. Participants can expect a total time commitment of 6-8 days away from the farm over 12 months.

The class will consist of 8-12 farmers. Diversity among farm size, geographic location, and background preferred.

A registration fee of $190 is required for enrollment. The fee will be waived for NeCGA 3-year members. Due January 31, 2025.

View the application HERE https://necga.org/prime-program/.



Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the $10,000 award is presented with Cargill, Nebraska Cattlemen, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The nomination form can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The nomination deadline is March 1, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to NebraskaLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.

“Conservation is more than a practice, it is a way of life and reflects one’s strong belief in leaving the land better than they found it for generations to come,” said Laura Field, Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President. “Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to sponsor the Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award as we recognize the individuals who go above and beyond in their conservation efforts and carry out the long tradition of environmental stewardship.”

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the recipients of this award,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The first Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award was presented in 2006. The 2024 recipient of the award was Worth Ranch of Springview. To view profiles of all past recipients visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/Nebraska.

The Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Cargill, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Cattlemen, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Services of America, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Audubon Great Plains, Green Cover Seed, Lyle Sittler Memorial Fund, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Land Trust, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and World Wildlife Fund-Northern Great Plains.



CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH A LIVE TREE FROM NEBRASKA TREE GROWERS
 
As the holidays approach, consider adding the beautiful look, wonderful smell, and cheerful memories of a real Christmas tree to your home this holiday season. No matter what kind of Christmas tree you’re looking for, Nebraska tree farmers have your holidays covered. A directory of local Christmas tree farm growers is available on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) website at nda.nebraska.gov/publications/promotion/christmas_trees/trees.html.

“Using real Christmas trees for holiday decorations benefits tree growers, their communities and the environment,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “Christmas tree farmers often plant two to three seedlings for every tree they harvest. They work hard throughout the year nurturing those trees and shaping their growth with care and precision.”
 
The environment benefits from tree farms, as well. While they’re growing, trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen. Trees protect natural resources like soil and water, and they provide healthy habitats for wildlife. After the holidays, real trees can be recycled into mulch for gardens and parks, or they can be dropped into lakes to provide habitats and feeding areas for fish.

“Christmas tree growers help bring holiday traditions to life,” said Vinton. “Their dedication and passion not only yield beautiful trees, but also foster a sense of community and celebration.”

Producers can be listed in NDA’s Christmas tree growers directory, at no cost, by completing NDA’s Nebraska Christmas tree producer profile online.



Stabenow Introduces Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act

U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Monday introduced the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. The bill includes $39 billion in new resources to keep farmers farming, families fed, and rural communities strong.  

The bill builds on the proposal Chairwoman Stabenow released in May by investing new resources and including innovative, new ideas to deliver the assistance farmers need faster. It provides farmers with the certainty of a 5-year Farm Bill – so they can plan for the future – and the immediate help they need to manage the urgent needs of the present. It doubles down on our commitment to rural communities, ensures that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) keeps up with the realities of American life, and brings the historic investments in climate-smart conservation practices into the Farm Bill. These new investments include:
    $20 billion to strengthen the farm safety net to support all of agriculture and establishes a permanent structure for disaster assistance so emergency relief reaches farmers faster.  
    $8.5 billion to help families make ends meet, put food on the table, and improve access to nutrition assistance.  
    $4.3 billion to improve quality of life in the rural communities that millions of Americans call home.  

Chairwoman Stabenow said: “The foundation of every successful Farm Bill is built on holding together the broad, bipartisan Farm Bill coalition. This is a strong bill that invests in all of agriculture, helps families put food on the table, supports rural prosperity, and holds that coalition together.”



National Farmers Union Urges Congressional Leadership to Take Swift Action on the Farm Bill

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today made the following statement on the Farm Bill:

“Our priority for family farmers and ranchers remains steadfast: Congress must pass a strong, comprehensive five-year Farm Bill before year’s end. A Farm Bill provides the certainty and stability farmers need, including a strengthened safety net, disaster assistance, robust investments in conservation and measures to help farmers compete more effectively. While significant work has been done by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, leaders at the highest levels in both chambers must now make passing a strong, comprehensive five-year Farm Bill their top priority before the year ends.”



Pork Producers Deeply Disappointed in Senate Democrats’ Failure to Address California Prop. 12 in 2024 Farm Bill
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) issued the following statement after the unveiling of Senate Democrats’ 2024 Farm Bill text by U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

"Though America's pork producers appreciate Chairwoman Stabenow's efforts to publish Farm Bill text, this is simply not a viable bill, as it fails to provide a solution to California Prop. 12," said NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn. "Pork producers have continually spoken up about the negative impacts of this issue, and it is a shame these conversations were disregarded.”

In May, NPPC secured 100 percent of pork producers’ priorities in the House Agriculture Committee-passed bipartisan 2024 Farm Bill. In June, producers once again secured all policy priorities in Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman’s 2024 Farm Bill framework.

NPPC urges both chambers of Congress to swiftly consider and pass a Farm Bill this year that includes a fix to California Proposition 12, a state law that places arbitrary housing standards on the pork industry, creating uncertainty for pork producers as they look to continue their operations to the next generation.



AFBF Statement on Chairwoman Stabenow’s Farm Bill Text

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow’s release of farm bill text.

“We’re reviewing Chairwoman Stabenow’s newly released 1,300 pages of farm bill text. It’s unfortunate that only a few legislative working days remain for Congress to act, but Farm Bureau remains committed to working with elected officials on both sides of the aisle to achieve federal policy that improves the outlook for farmers and ranchers. Our members across the nation have been clear in calling for a new farm bill in 2024 that helps farmers hold on after farm income dropped 30% in two years. The hardworking women and men who grow the food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation cannot afford to wait for good federal policy that helps them manage the day-to-day risks inherent in agriculture.”



Farm Groups Ask Court To Dismiss Farm Emissions Reporting Rule Case
 
The National Pork Producers Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association last week joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit seeking a broad interpretation of the requirements for reporting emissions from animal waste.
 
Animal and environmental activist groups sued EPA in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia over a section of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) that exempts livestock and poultry farmers from reporting routine air emissions from animal waste. EPCRA requires certain entities to notify state and local authorities, including first responders, about accidental spills and releases of hazardous materials and chemicals.
 
The law initially exempted livestock and poultry farmers from reporting, but a 2017 court decision rejected the exemption. In 2018, Congress approved the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act, which reinstated the exclusion. Activist groups challenged EPA’s regulation implementing the FARM Act.
 
NPPC and the other agricultural organizations cited EPA’s reasoning for exempting agriculture from the reporting requirements: Farm emissions might exceed thresholds that would trigger responses under EPCRA, but such responses would be “unnecessary, impractical and unlikely.” Agitating a manure pit, for example, could result in the release of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in amounts that exceed reportable levels, but the gases would dissipate quickly, so no response would be warranted.

If livestock producers were subject to EPCRA reporting, they would be required to estimate the emissions of certain gases. However, EPA has yet to finalize reliable, scientifically sound estimating methodologies that accurately represent the air emissions from animal manure at modern livestock farms. Additionally, farmers could be subject to liabilities resulting from differing interpretations of the information called for in the emissions reports, exposing them to potential civil penalties or litigation.



Supporting Sustainable Dairy: New Checkoff Conservation Resource Goes Live

The dairy checkoff has launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online resource hub designed to provide farm advisors, stakeholders and conservation professionals with science-based information on sustainable farming practices and technologies.

The Navigator aggregates science-based information from more than 70 experts, helping users make informed decisions that enhance farm profitability and sustainability efforts.

Dairy checkoff scientists and others developed a list of over 80 practices that have a positive environmental benefit in areas including nutrient management, methane reduction, soil health, manure handling and more. The tool can be accessed at www.dairyconservation.org.

“Sustainability is one of those topics where there’s so much information, but it’s scattered across countless websites and it’s often difficult to know what’s credible and applicable to dairy farming,” said Bridgett Hilshey, senior director of sustainability projects at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). “Our goal is to simplify the process of accessing that information – offering a single, trusted platform where industry professionals can find scientifically-backed information about practices that can help improve farm sustainability.”

The tool features a filterable database, allowing users to find solutions tailored to their specific needs. Each practice includes a summary outlining its purpose, conditions for use, implementation considerations, funding options and environmental benefits.

The Navigator also includes information on emerging sustainability practices and technologies that could transform the industry. Additionally, the checkoff partnered with experts nationwide to create free short courses covering topics like environmental modeling, carbon markets and water conservation.

“We strive to make sure the information on the site is comprehensive,” Hilshey said. “We worked with experts to cover a wide range of topics that interest dairy industry stakeholders, and to ensure that the Navigator content is grounded in real-world experience. Our goal is for farm advisors and other stakeholders to understand these practices, including the benefits and limitations, so they can identify new opportunities and set realistic expectations.”

The tool is designed for the wide range of professionals who support farm decisions, including veterinarians, nutritionists, agronomists, equipment suppliers, conservationists, financial advisors as well as those associated with cooperatives, processors, university extension and others.

Jacqi Coleman, senior vice president of sustainability partnerships for DMI, emphasized the Navigator’s role in bridging the gap between the increasing demand for sustainability in dairy farming and the need for easily accessible, reliable information.

“What we hear most often is that sustainability is confusing, with new terms and evolving expectations,” Coleman said. “This site provides science-based information and educational tools that help users navigate sustainability through education.

“The checkoff has always been backed by science, and we want to make sure the resource provides trusted, science-based information.”

The Navigator will be frequently updated to reflect the latest research, field trials and emerging technologies.

“Sustainability is an evolving field, and we’re committed to ensuring the Navigator can meet that pace,” Hilshey said. “The goal is to make this a living, breathing resource that grows alongside the industry.”

DMI will introduce the tool at industry events and conferences with partners like The Nature Conservancy and the Conservation Technology Information Center.

To learn more about checkoff strategies, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.



Pasture and Range Conditions Review
Will Secor, Extension Livestock Economist, University of Georgia

Wet weather has been a welcome relief for many areas of the country over the last few weeks. In particular, rains in late October and early November alleviated drought or the severity of the drought for many areas of the Southern Plains and Southeast. However, significant portions of the U.S. remain in drought.

As of the end of October, the last report for the year, the USDA found that 51 percent of U.S. pasture and range conditions were poor or very poor. This compares to last year’s closing figure of 37 percent and the five-year average’s number of 36 percent. The only region with pasture and range conditions better than last year was the Northeast.

Conditions at the start of the reporting year (May 2024) were solid for much of the country. One-quarter of pasture and range areas were in poor or very poor condition in the first week of reporting for the U.S. This compares to 37 percent in 2023 and a five-year average of around 30 percent. Additionally, important areas in the Midwest, Plains and West had pasture and range conditions better than last year and the five-year average.

Conditions remained better or in-line with last year or the five-year average for the country until the beginning of the fall. However, earlier trends in certain regions gave some warning signs. Conditions in the Northern Plains and West started departing from last year’s figures in mid- to late-summer. Conditions in the Southeast deteriorated rapidly in mid-summer. By September, around 40 percent of pasture and range conditions were rated as poor or very poor at the national level. These slid further through the fall to reach their final number of 51 percent at the end of October.

These poor conditions add another angle to the herd rebuilding story. Producer margins are currently high and much higher than just a few years ago. However, difficult financial conditions persist, such as high input costs, and uncertain macroeconomic factors, such as high interest rates, make herd rebuilding more expensive. Industry data suggest that producers are not rebuilding the herd at this time. Poor pasture and range conditions add to the list of factors that limit herd rebuilding. These poor conditions limit producers’ ability to expand even if other factors prove to be more favorable now or in the near future.