Thursday April 10 Ag News

 Is cover crop inter-seeding an option this year?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

Cover crop inter-seeding refers to the practice of planting a forage crop in between grain crop rows. This is not a new practice, but it is one that is gaining attention as winter cover. For cattle producers with access to irrigated cropland, cover crop inter-seeding may offer fall and winter grazing options, particularly during years when drought is expected.

Despite recent precipitation events in eastern Nebraska, the long-term weather forecast is for hot and dry late spring and summer. Although there appears to be no current shortage of hay, if drought materializes in this region, hay supplies will dwindle, and forage quality or quantity will suffer in late summer and fall.

Cattle producers, with access to irrigated cropland, who have the option of modifying corn planting, should consider cover crop inter-seeding after planting corn. The resulting cover crops will be high in quality and quantity; therefore, growing cattle, weaned calves or stockers, are the most appropriate to graze on these crops.

A few items to keep in mind when considering cover crop inter-seeding:

1. Because the corn canopy blocks the sun from reaching the ground, rows must be set wider apart than usual. Generally, 60-inch rows are sufficiently wide to permit normal cover crop growth. This will obviously influence corn yield, which must be considered in the financial analysis of this alternative.

2. Harvest and grazing timing drive decisions to select corn maturity and use for the crop. Generally, to maximize grazing time, early maturity hybrids are selected, which are harvested as earlage or high-moisture corn.

3. The type and timing of chemicals used for prevention of pests or fungus in corn is critical to prevent chemical residues in meat or organ meat. Similarly, corn herbicide application must be pre-emergence of the cover crop.

4. Cover crops are generally planted when corn is at the 3- to 5-leaf stage using a high-clearance drill or aerially.

5. Forage species to include in the cover crop mix depend less on the energy content of the resulting mix than on the forage yield and the capacity to manage cattle grazing it. It is popular to include brassica species in these mixes to increase yield; yet tubers from this and other species such as sugar beets may choke cattle if they attempt to eat them whole.

6. Whether high-yielding forage species are included or not, managing resulting forage yield is important to ensure extended grazing periods after harvest. In our latitudes, earlage harvest occurs in mid-October; thus, little forage growth is expected after November 1. For this reason, setting up the field for strip grazing is recommended.

In a recent study with commercial dryland corn fields, the yield difference between planting corn in 30-inch or 60-inch rows was thirty-three bu per acre (corn in 30-inch rows yielded 185 bu/acre). At current corn grain prices ($4.50/bu), inter-seeded cover crops in 60-inch rows would result in a reduction in revenue of roughly $150/acre. At current calf prices, $3.50/lb, cover crop grazing gains of 40 lb per acre would offset this reduction in revenue.

In that study, inter-seeding cover crops in 60-inch-wide rows resulted in nearly 900 lb cover crop dry matter per acre. Assuming a modest conversion of cover crop to beef gain of 10 lb to 1 lb results in 90 lb gain per acre. This is twice the amount of gain needed to offset lower grain yields. Note that these calculations do not consider the differential in costs resulting from less seed corn and cost of cover crop seed.

Should this basic review lead the reader to consider inter-seeding cover crops in irrigated corn fields, enlisting the help of crop and nutrition consultants is recommended.



Central Valley Ag approves $3 million in age-based equity redemptions

Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative is proud to announce the approval of $3 million in Age-Based Equity redemptions for eligible member-owners who have reached at least 65 years of age as of December 31, 2024. The CVA Board of Directors authorized the redemptions, reinforcing the cooperative's commitment to returning value to its members.

"As we celebrate 2025: The Year of the Cooperative, we recognize the strength of farmers coming together for the betterment of all," said Carl Dickinson, CVA President and CEO. "This redemption reflects the cooperative spirit, ensuring the rewards of our shared success return to the members who helped build it."

The approved redemptions include both Qualified and Non-Qualified Based Equity. Qualified Age-Based Equity redemptions are non-taxable and Non-Qualified Age-Based Equity redemptions are taxable.

"Our member-owners are at the heart of everything we do," said Luke Carlson, CVA Board Chairman. "By maintaining a strong financial foundation, we can continue to honor our commitments and provide long-term value to our cooperative family."

CVA remains dedicated to building a cooperative system that benefits members today and for generations to come.



Ricketts, Smith Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Organic Import Verification

Wednesday, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Organic Imports Verification Act. The bipartisan legislation would protect American organic farmers from fraudulent organic imports. It would preserve the integrity of domestic organic commodities through robust certification and monitoring practices.

“Fraudulent organic imports hurt American farmers and degrade consumer trust. This must stop,” said Senator Ricketts. "By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter controls, we can better safeguard U.S. organic farmers and maintain consumer trust in organic products. This bipartisan legislation levels the playing field for our domestic organic producers.”

“Many Americans pay a premium for organic food at the grocery store and many farmers invest a lot of work and financial equity to sell certified organic products in the marketplace,” said Senator Smith. “Despite USDA’s best efforts, products being imported to this country are often deemed organic when they are not, hurting both consumers and farmers. This bill will help ensure that items labeled organic are indeed organic, protecting the quality of food we eat and farmers’ livelihoods.”

Specifically, the Organic Imports Verification Act:
    Authorizes a full U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report to Congress on residue testing for all imported organic feedstuffs shipped via bulk;
    Authorizes USDA to take corrective action and stop the sale of organic imports for positive residue contaminant tests.

The residue testing report must include frequency of testing, methods used, results, analysis standards, and any actions taken as a result of testing.

Full text of legislation can be found here. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

The legislation is supported by the Organic Trade Association, Organic Farmers Association, and the National Organic Coalition.

BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Organic Food Production Act. This Act sets standards for labels on organically produced agricultural products. It creates a national list of approved and prohibited substances for organic production. It also includes an organic certification program, called the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP establishes rules and regulations for the production, handling, labeling, and enforcement of organic products that undergo residue testing.

The USDA and third-party organic certifiers are responsible for testing imported organic commodities under the NOP. A majority of these imports are coming from high-risk countries with a weak verification process in place.  This lack of an established verification process raises concerns about the authenticity and quality of these organic products coming into U.S. ports.

In 2024, 1.3 million metric tons of organic feedstuffs were imported via maritime vessels, with 80% originating from countries with questionable organic enforcement. This influx is equivalent to the output of 800,000 acres of domestic organic production and $1 billion in losses for U.S. organic farmers.

U.S. organic farmers require stronger oversight and enforcement to protect the integrity of the organic marketplace. While import fraud affects various organic commodities, feedstuffs are particularly vulnerable. Products such as whole soybeans, soybean meal, corn, cracked corn, canola, sunflowers and sunflower byproducts frequently enter the U.S. market through high-risk and complex supply chains.



Young farmers invited to explore ag innovation on 2025 Ag Insights Tour

Farmers, ages 18 to 40, are invited to register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour, June 26-27.

This two-day journey through southern Iowa and Missouri showcases innovative farms, agricultural businesses and commodity-focused enterprises and offers valuable networking opportunities. Stops include:
    Milo Locker Meats, a small family-owned business in Milo, Iowa, opened in 2021 and welcomed new ownership in 2024. They are a USDA-inspected locker that specializes in processing beef, hogs and deer. The locker has earned a reputation in the community for their products and support of local organizations.
    Rathbun Fish Hatchery in Moravia, Iowa, raises channel catfish and walleye, producing millions of fish annually for stocking Iowa's ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
    The Roasterie Coffee Company, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a specialty coffee roaster known for its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Eighty percent of their beans are sourced directly from farmers around the globe.  
    The Shatto Milk Company is a small, family-owned and operated dairy farm located north of Kansas City, Missouri. They produce fresh milk, cheese and ice cream, all bottled and packaged on-site.

“This year’s tour highlights forward-thinking companies that have added value to the local ag economy,” says Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau's farmer education program manager. “Seeing these businesses in action helps young farmers consider new ways to strengthen their own family farms through diversification, on-farm processing and sales and value-added practices.”

Participants will also enjoy a lunch stop at the Prairie Rose Restaurant at Honey Creek Resort and an overnight stay in Kansas City’s Power and Light District.

To be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 40. The cost for Farm Bureau members is $75 per person or $125 per couple. For more information or to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/aginsights or contact Ashley Lennon at ALennon@ifbf.org or (515) 225-5512.

Non-members can participate for $275 per person. Those interested in becoming Iowa Farm Bureau members can join for $60 or less by visiting www.iowafarmbureau.com/join.



Smith Statement on Reciprocal Tariff Pause

Wednesday, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Trump announced a 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, reducing rates to 10 percent for trading partners and increasing the tariff rate for China.

"The president’s announcement is a step forward in the negotiation process. American producers, manufacturers, and service providers are eager to see improved market access for their products, and many of our trading partners have shown a willingness to engage with the administration to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers. This international response stems directly from President Trump’s efforts to drive a hard bargain and level the playing field. I continue to urge the President, his administration, and our trading partners to address these concerns and negotiate enforceable agreements in a timely manner. Through robust, fair trade we will unleash economic growth."



Trump Tariff Pause a Positive & Appreciated by Soy Growers

Soybean farmers across the U.S. were pleased to hear most countries will get a 90-day reprieve from the new individualized tariffs announced April 2—an opportunity for negotiations with our trading partners that could lead to consensus and potentially avoid permanent tariffs, along with improving market access for U.S. agriculture. With the pause came a rate drop to 10% for each of the countries itemized during that announcement—except for China.

The continued escalation of tariffs with China is concerning to soybean farmers, as China serves as a critical export market for U.S. soy. In another round of tariff tit-for-tat with the administration, China has responded to the most recent U.S. tariffs levied on China with a matching 50% tariff on all imports from the United States. These duties again apply to soybeans—in addition to the recent 34% tariff hike and previous 10% already in place from March. After including the “normal” VAT and standard duty rate for soy, the effective rate for soybeans shipped to China is 114.73%

Caleb Ragland, American Soybean Association president and Kentucky soybean farmer, said that’s a tough pill to swallow considering China remains U.S. soy’s greatest export market: “We run the risk of immediate impacts this growing season, along with the impacts a prolonged trade war with China will inflict on our industry once again. The short-term disruptions are painful, but the long-term repercussions to our reputation, our reliability as a supplier, and the stability of those trading relationships are hard to even put into words. We’re still reeling from TW1—Trade War One—and are certainly not thrilled about an extended TW2.

We appreciate this pause—this opportunity for discussions that can bring resolution, but we ask the administration and China both to press pause with one another, as well, and pursue a Phase 2 trade agreement that will address U.S. trade concerns in a constructive way while preserving the markets we rely on,” Ragland said.



Farm Bureau Appreciates Pause in Reciprocal Tariffs

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s decision to temporarily pause and reduce reciprocal tariffs.

“Farm Bureau appreciates President Trump’s decision to pause the reciprocal tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners for 90 days. We have been engaging directly with the White House, U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture to emphasize the toll tariffs will take on America’s farmers and ranchers, who are already strapped because of high supply costs and shrinking paychecks. Creating more market challenges puts at risk more than 20% of U.S. farm income. We’re encouraged that those concerns are being heard.

“While the pause brings some temporary certainty, questions remain about the long-term competitiveness for farmers in the global marketplace. We encourage the administration to swiftly resolve trade disputes and to pursue strategies that will ensure America’s farmers can continue to stock the pantries of families here at home, and abroad.”



UAN32 Continues to Lead Higher Prices for All 8 Fertilizers

Average retail prices for all eight fertilizers continued to be higher than last month during the first week of April 2025, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Only one fertilizer saw a substantial price increase, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

The average retail price of UAN32 was $423 per ton, up $26 per ton, or 6%, from $397 during the first week of March. Prices for the remaining seven fertilizers were up just slightly from last month. DAP had an average price of $768 per ton, MAP $819/ton, potash $462/ton, urea $565/ton, 10-34-0 $650/ton, anhydrous $770/ton and UAN28 $360/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.61/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.66/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 3% more expensive, while UAN32 is 4% higher looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. Both DAP and MAP are 1% less expensive, both DAP and urea are 2% lower, anhydrous is 3% less expensive and potash is 10% lower compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/4/2025

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 4, ethanol production slowed 4.0% to a ten-week low of 1.02 million b/d, equivalent to 42.88 million gallons daily. Output was 3.3% lower than the same week last year but 1.8% above the three-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.9% to 1.06 million b/d, the lowest level since the end of October 2024 and equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.31 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 1.6% to 27.0 million barrels. Stocks were 3.2% more than the same week last year and 6.5% above the three-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sustained a four-week slide with a 0.8% reduction to 8.43 million b/d (129.51 bg annualized). Demand was 2.2% less than a year ago and 3.8% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol lowered 2.9% to 872,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.40 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.6% less than year-ago levels and 1.8% below the three-year average.

Ethanol exports tripled to an estimated 174,000 b/d (7.3 million gallons/day), a ten-week high. It has been more than a year since EIA indicated ethanol was imported.



Making Every Drop Count: Midwest Dairy Releases 2024 Annual Report
 
The Annual Report highlights how Midwest Dairy grew trust, increased sales, invested in research, and developed leaders in 2024.

“Collaboration is key to maximizing our investment,” said Charles Krause, Midwest Dairy Board Chair. “The report includes results of programs and activations that show how our checkoff contributions were invested to drive the industry forward.”

Here’s the scoop:
    13.5 million incremental pounds of milk sold in 2024
    134 Undeniably Dairy grants totaling over $348,000 were awarded
    Influencer work resulted in 19,030,021 impressions, 3,950,570 reached, and 172,570 engagements
    Partnered with 3 of the top Midwest pizza companies, Marcos Pizza, Pizza Ranch, and Godfather's

Below is a look at top activations from 2024.
 
Building Trust
With 92.9% of Americans using social networks at least monthly, according to GWI, TikTok and Instagram are key tools to share the dairy story. Online influencer partnerships were expanded in 2024 to reach Gen Z and adult consumers and promote dairy products and experiences.

Influencers were engaged for campaigns including “Cheesy Season” holidays, dairy’s vital role in the first 1,000 days of life, animal care, and sustainability.

What they’re saying: Newlywed influencers shared a *heated* cheese pull competition. Medical experts posted a video to highlight how dairy supports healthy bones, teeth, and overall growth in young children, which was reshared by parent influencers. Other influencers shared dairy recipes and day-in-the-life recaps that had a measurable, positive impact on perceptions of dairy animals being treated humanely and view of dairy farmers as environmentally friendly.

By the numbers: These campaigns resulted in over 18.21 million impressions.

Increasing Sales
American’s love pizza. So much so that it ranks among the top five most-ordered menu items and a quarter of consumers eat pizza more than twice a week.

Why it matters: What’s pizza without cheese? Pizza restaurants use more cheese than any other type of food establishment and present an opportunity for incremental sales.

Partnerships with Marco’s Pizza, Pizza Ranch, and Godfathers brought fresh flavors, extra-cheesy promotions, and a look at the people behind the fan-favorite pizza topping.

The bottom line: Pizza partnerships drove an additional 3,465,440 pounds of milk sold.
 
Advancing Research
Advancing dairy research is a key strategy of dairy checkoff. Midwest Dairy partnered with The Hatchery in Chicago and No More Empty Pots in Omaha to support entrepreneurs who value dairy products in their ingredients through pitch competitions.
 
Businesses such as Crafian Artisanal Toffee, Dundee Popcorn, and Coffee Alley developed products using 30% dairy ingredients with no alternative dairy products.

The impact: Consumers are seeking new ways to enjoy dairy, and the resulting products get dairy in front of consumers in fresh and exciting ways.

Developing Leaders
A new grant-writing support program was launched to help farmers find opportunities and secure funds for on-farm projects. Midwest Dairy partnered with Lasso, a platform that works as a grant-writer handyman for farmers.

Zoom in: Compass Rose Creamery is one grant recipient that used the Lasso program. Jill Nelson and her family farm were looking to expand and diversify by adding value through dairy processing. The financial risk was high, but grant funding made the next step possible. The Creamery was awarded the Dairy Business Builder and AGRI Value-Add grants that enabled their entry into cheesemaking.

What’s next: Midwest Dairy and Lasso will continue to connect dairy farmers to more valuable funding opportunities.
"2024 was a transformative year for Midwest Dairy,” said Corey Scott, Midwest Dairy CEO. “We are proud of the strides we've made in supporting our dairy farmers and look forward to continuing this momentum.”

Find the full 2024 Annual Report at www.midwestdairy.com/farmers/annual-report.