Tuesday October 14 Ag News - Test your Hay - Workshops on new Pesticide Labels - NE Sheep and Goat Annual Meeting - A-FAN Annual Meeting - and more!

 Test, Don’t Guess on Nutrient Value of Hay
Aaron Berger - Beef Extension Educator

Accurately sampling and testing hay is the only way to get a real understanding of the nutritive value of feed. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a feeding plan using inaccurate information. When sampling hay, getting a representative sample is a critical first step. Samples must accurately represent the entire lot of hay. Previous Nebraska Extension guidance states that a “lot” of hay should be harvested from the same field consisting of similar types of plants, cutting dates, maturity, variety, weed contamination, type of harvest equipment, curing methods and storage conditions.

Hay samples should be taken using a hay probe or a core sampler. The hay probe should penetrate at least 12-18 inches into the bale and have an internal diameter of at least 3/8-inch. Avoid getting hay probes hot when using a drill to drive the probe into the bale, since friction from high speeds can heat the probe to a point where it damages the hay sample. 

To get a representative hay sample from a “lot” of hay, select 15-20 bales in the lot. Once all the samples for a “lot” have been collected, the samples may need to be sub-sampled to get the feed down to a size that can be sent in for analysis. The Nebraska Extension NebGuide G331, “Sampling Feeds for Analyses,” https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g331/2007/pdf/view/g331-2007.pdf walks through a step-by-step process for this.

Once hay samples have been taken, store in a plastic sealed bag in a cool, dry place until the sample is ready to be submitted. Samples over 15% moisture should be frozen. Commercial labs provide an information submittal form that allows producers to select a standard feed test for forages.

Cattle feeds should be analyzed for moisture, protein and energy. Producers may also want to have forages tested for key minerals. When developing a ration for cattle or comparing feeds to one another, always utilize the nutrient analysis on a dry-matter basis. After formulating a ration on a dry-matter basis, the values can then be converted to an as-is basis using the moisture content of the feed to determine the actual amount of feed that should be fed to the cattle on an as-is basis.

In addition to moisture, protein and energy, annual forages harvested for hay, such as foxtail millet, oats, sudangrass and sorghum-sudan hybrids should be analyzed for nitrates. The only way to know if high levels of nitrate accumulation have occurred is to test for it. See the Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1779, “Nitrates in Livestock Feeding,” https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1779/2019/html/view for additional information.

Accurately testing hay takes time and money. However, the value of this information is critical in accurately and cost-effectively formulating a feeding plan. 



NDA to host meetings for new ESA-FIFRA Pesticide Labels

Pesticide labels have begun to have new language requiring measures for reducing runoff and drift to help protect nontarget plants and animals, including threatened & endangered species. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is teaming up with Nebraska Extension, Central Valley Ag, and others to put on five in-person and virtual meetings to help educate pesticide retailers, ag co-ops, commercial applicators, CCAs, agronomists, NRCS field staff, Extension Educators and others who help farmers. Farmers are also encouraged to attend.

Topics include 
• Overview of the changes
• Bulletins Live! Two Map
• Mitigation menu and calculators for runoff and drift reduction
• Regional crop scenarios and using the runoff and drift calculator tools

In-person and virtual dates include 
November 4th at 1:00 pm in Norfolk
November 5th at 1:30 pm in Grand Island
November 12th at 9:00 am in Lincoln
December 3rd at 1:00 pm in North Platte
December 4th at 9:00 am in Scottsbluff

Three CCA credits will be available.

For more information and to register, go to nda.nebraska.gov/pesticide/endangered.   



NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN HONOR THE LIFE OF PAST PRESIDENT SENATOR TOM HANSEN

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors released the following statement in response to the passing of Senator Tom Hansen: 

“Nebraska Cattlemen past president Senator Tom Hansen was a legend in the beef cattle industry. From his leadership in Nebraska Cattlemen, Lincoln County Cattlemen, and the Nebraska Legislature, Senator Hansen exemplified what it meant to be a servant leader. We are thankful to have witnessed his profound dedication to family, the Hansen 77 Ranch, and public service, all while championing his fellow cattle producers. Tom Hansen’s impact on the cattle industry will be felt for generations to come. Our prayers are with his family as we mourn Tom’s passing.”




Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers Set 2025 Annual Meeting for Nov. 14–15 in Columbus

The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers (NSGP) will host their 2025 Annual Meeting Nov. 14–15 in Columbus, featuring producer tours, educational seminars, a banquet, and opportunities to connect with fellow sheep and goat producers from across the state.

This year’s meeting will include two farm tours on Friday afternoon: Shepard Hill’s confinement-based sheep operation in Osmond, and Went Show Goats in Columbus, which provides high-quality does and wethers for all levels of competition. The evening will continue with a social hour, the annual banquet supper, presentation of the Ted and Alice Doane Award, and the annual business meeting. A silent auction will also open during the evening events.

Saturday’s program at Wunderlich’s Barley Room in Columbus will highlight educational sessions on biosecurity, nutrition, health, wool options, and lamb processing, along with a producer panel. Featured presenters include Micheal Gibson of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Cody Chamblis, Kelly Froehlick, Lynn Fahrmeier of the American Sheep Industry Association, and Spence Rule of 3R Lamb Processors.

Registration is open now. Pre-registration is $20 for NSGP members ($30 at the door) and $70 for non-members ($80 at the door). Registration includes Friday’s dinner and Saturday’s lunch.

For more details and to pre-register, visit https://nebraskasheepandgoat.org/2025-annual-members-meeting/. 



A-FAN Annual Meeting is Nov 24

The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN) will host its annual meeting on Monday November 24th at the Cornhusker Mariott Hotel in Lincoln, NE.  The event kicks off at 8:30am with coffee and conversations, 9am starts the annual meeting, and there is a lunch to follow.  RSVP's are requested by November 10th via email to mindyr@a-fan.org or by calling 402-421-4472.  Make plans to attend today!  



Iowa Farm Bureau and University of Iowa Athletics team up for the 14th annual America Needs Farmers (ANF) Game and tailgate at Kinnick Stadium

Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa Athletic Department will celebrate America’s farmers at the 14th annual America Needs Farmers (ANF) Game Day, Saturday, Oct. 18 at Kinnick Stadium.  The highly anticipated game against Penn State kicks off at 6:00 p.m.  

As part of the annual celebration recognizing the significance of Iowa agriculture, fans will have the opportunity to interact with farmers at the ANF Legends Tent in Krause Family Plaza and play tailgate games from noon to 5:00 p.m. for a chance to win exclusive ANF/Hawkeye prizes.  

Fan prizes include 40th anniversary ANF t-shirts, oversized ANF logo chains, ANF sunglasses, bags, koozies, poncho balls, sticker sheets and more, while learning how Iowa agriculture plays a major role in our daily lives.  Fans will also have an opportunity to get autographs from the newest ANF Wall of Honoree, Micah Hyde, Chuck Long, Pat Angerer and more to be announced.           

“The annual ANF game and tailgate activities provide a great opportunity for fans to interact with Iowa farmers and learn about the diversity and innovation of agriculture today, while celebrating the importance of agriculture to our state and nation,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “This year we celebrate 40 years of ANF, and we know that farmers are just as important now as ever before, and the ANF game presents a great opportunity for fans to interact and get answers to questions about farming today from local farm families.” 

The ANF Wall of Honor salutes past University of Iowa football players who exemplify the tenacity, work ethic and character of the Iowa farmer, and former Hawkeye standout and NFL star, Micah Hyde, becomes the 13th member of the prestigious group.

A former All-Big Ten defensive back for the Hawkeyes, Hyde credits his on-field success to a solid work ethic and lessons learned from years working on a family friend’s farm growing up in Ohio. Hyde’s dedication and strong work ethic helped fuel his successful 11-year NFL career while earning several awards and recognitions.  

Growing up in a small town, hardworking community, I learned firsthand the value of hard work,” says Hyde.  “When working with youth, I try to teach those lessons I learned while instilling the value of hard work to the next generation.” 

Previous ANF Wall of Honor recipients include Casey Wiegmann (2012), Jared DeVries (2013), Bruce Nelson (2014), Robert Gallery (2015), Dallas Clark (2016), Chad Greenway (2017), Aaron Kampman (2018), Matt Kroul (2019), Marshal Yanda (2021), Tony Moeaki (2022), Bryan Bulaga (2023) and Brandon Myers (2024).     

A gold ANF decal was placed on players’ helmets during the Hawkeyes’ 1985 Rose Bowl season by head coach Hayden Fry to show support for farmers during the 1980’s Farm Crisis. The Hawkeye helmets still have the special decal on them today.  ANF serves as a longstanding tribute to America’s farmers, and IFBF and the University of Iowa are excited to help connect Iowa’s farm families to consumers to learn more about the production of food, fuel and fiber and the farm families raising it.

To celebrate 40 years of ANF, Iowa Farm Bureau has partnered with ‘Iowa Nice Guy’ Scott Siepker for a video series revealing 40 surprising ways agriculture touches our daily lives as we approach the 2025 ANF Game Day.   Fans can show their ANF and Hawkeye pride by purchasing ANF merchandise during game day in shops around the stadium with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Iowa Food Bank Association. For more information about ANF and Game Day activities, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org. 



New Economic Analysis Shows Big Benefits of Expanding Access to Ethanol

If Congress passed legislation that allowed for year-round, nationwide access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends, corn use in ethanol could increase by 50% at full implementation, supporting a higher market price for corn and energy stability for Americans, according to a new analysis released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

“Congress could address the economic crisis affecting corn growers by passing legislation that would make higher blends of ethanol readily accessible to all Americans,” said NCGA President Jed Bower. “We urge Congress to act now to make that happen.”

NCGA has spent months calling on Congress to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would eliminate an outdated regulation that prevents the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, referred to as E15. The organization has highlighted research showing that year-round access to E15 helps farmers and rural communities while bolstering U.S. energy security and saving consumers money at the pump.

The release of NCGA’s economic analysis comes as corn growers face multiple financial burdens, from higher input costs to corn prices that are at a five-year low, which have plunged growers into an economic crisis.

Over the next decade, USDA forecasts corn use in ethanol to stay near the current 5.6-billion-bushel level and near the current share of total corn use. But the trend for corn production, in the U.S. and globally, is expected to continue rising on productivity gains and expanded production area in other nations. Without allowing demand to increase correspondingly, the analysis notes, the increased supply will further depress already below-breakeven market prices.

Corn grower advocates say it is their goal to get E15 legislation across the finish line by year’s end. President Trump has expressed unwavering support for the legislation.