CCPPD Plants Seeds of Caution around Power Lines
As farmers make plans to return to their fields for spring planting, Cuming County Public Power District urges farm workers to be particularly alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines. Electricity is one of the most overlooked, yet deadly hazards of working on a farm. According to the National Safety Council, farmers are at an increased risk for electrocution and electric shock injury compared to non-farmers. In fact, 3.6 percent of youth under the age of 20 who work and/or live around farms are killed each year from electrocution. CCPPD urges workers to evaluate farm activities and work practices and to share that information with others – an activity that doesn’t take a lot of time but can literally save lives. By following a few safety rules, these tragic accidents can be prevented. Start by making sure everyone knows to maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance from the lines.
“The minimum 10 foot distance is a 360-degree rule – below, to the side and above lines,” says Duane Lammers, Operations Manager at Cuming County PPD. “Many farm electrical accidents involving power lines happen when loading or preparing to transport equipment to fields, or while performing maintenance or repairs on farm machinery near lines. It can be difficult to estimate distance and sometimes a power line is closer than it looks. A spotter or someone with a broader view can help.”
The most common source of electric shocks come from operating machinery such as large tractors with front loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up cultivators, sprayers with large booms, moving grain elevators and any equipment with an antenna. Handling long items such as irrigation pipe, ladders and rods also pose the risk of contact with power lines. Coming too close to a power line while working is dangerous because electricity can arc, or “jump,” to conducting material or objects.
Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting tractors on trailer beds. Many tractors are now equipped with radios and communications systems that have very tall antennas extending from the cab that could make contact with power lines. Avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators or truck beds near power lines and never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.
Remember, non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust and dirt contamination. Do not try to clear storm-damage debris and limbs near power lines or fallen lines.
Overhead electric wires aren't the only electrical contact that can result in a serious incident. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded. However, when one of the guy wires is broken it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless. If you hit a guy wire and break it, call the utility to fix it. Don't do it yourself. When dealing with electrical poles and wires, always call the electric utility.
Even the best laid plans often go awry and CCPPD wants farm workers to be prepared if their equipment does come in contact with power lines.
“It’s almost always best to stay in the cab and call for help,” Lammers said. “If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path to the ground and electrocution is the result. Even if a line has landed on the ground, there is still potential for the area to be energized. Warn others who may be nearby to stay away and wait until the electric utility arrives to make sure power to the line is cut off.”
CCPPD does provide solutions for leaving the cab if necessary, as in the case of fire or electrical fire.
“In that scenario, the proper action is to jump – not step – with both feet hitting the ground at the same time,” Lammers said. “Do not allow any part of your body to touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Hop to safety, keeping both feet together as you leave the area.”
Once you get away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. Many electrocutions occur when operators try to return to the equipment before the power has been shut off.
Managers should make sure workers are educated on these precautions and danger areas need to be thoroughly identified and labeled. Call CCPPD or your local utility to measure line height-- no one should attempt this on their own without professional assistance. Designate preplanned routes that avoid hazard area and educate other workers on their location.
Farmers may want to consider moving or burying power lines around buildings or busy pathways where many farm activities take place. If planning a new out building or farm structure, contact CCPPD for information on minimum safe clearances from overhead and underground power lines. And if you plan to dig beyond normal tilling, activities such as deep-ripping or sub-soiling, call 811 to mark underground utilities first.
For more electrical safety information, visit www.ccppd.com or call 402-372-2463.
Nebraska’s Best Burger Finalists Named
Online voting for the third annual Nebraska’s Best Burger contest concluded on March 30th with the Consumer’s Choice Award going to The Cellar in Kearney. The Western Burger received the most electronic votes during the online portion of the contest. The Cellar won the Nebraska’s Best Burger contest in 2011 and therefore is not eligible for the award again. The following top 5 restaurants will continue to the judge’s portion of the contest:
Nebraska’s Best Burger Finalists:
- Dinker’s Bar (Haystack Burger) – Omaha
- Greta’s Gourmet (Greta Burger) – Lincoln
- Peppermill & E.K. Valentine Lounge (Joseph Angus Burger) - Valentine
- Tommy Colina’s Kitchen (Triple “B” Burger) – Omaha
- Union Bar (Diet Burger) - Gering
Over 2100 nominations were submitted through the online voting system on the Nebraska Beef Council website during the month of March. A panel of anonymous judges will evaluate the top nominated burger at each restaurant based on taste, proper cooking and appearance. The winning restaurant will be announced at the end of April and will be recognized by the beef industry as part of Nebraska Beef Month in May.
For more information on the finalists and contest results, visit www.nebeef.org.
Husker Food Connection connects urban students to rural, food roots
University of Nebraska-Lincoln agricultural students are coordinating an event on City Campus to help urban students better understand where their food comes from. This event, in its second year, is called the Husker Food Connection. Agricultural Student Organization groups and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska will host the event Tuesday, April 9, from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm, on the UNL City Campus Union Plaza in Lincoln.
The theme of the Husker Food Connection is, “Know what we grow: Discovering Nebraska Agriculture.”
Last year’s event was a huge success. Boone McAfee, a past volunteer, said “Being able to successfully generate this interest in agriculture on City Campus is a reflection of how passionate the ag students at UNL are about promoting the importance of the agriculture.
CASNR Week Offers Up 'There's No Horizon for a Husker' Theme
"There's No Horizon for a Husker" is the theme for this year's celebration of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources April 11-21.
Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are all invited to join the annual celebration, said Stephanie Smolek, a senior agricultural journalism and animal science major from Battle Creek and the chair of publicity for the CASNR Week Program Council.
"CASNR week is about celebrating the accomplishments of students and faculty in the college," Smolek said.
CASNR Week kicks off April 13 with the 5 K Fun Run, the Burr Hall Bull Fry and the Tractor Museum Display.
The Fun Run is open to all students, faculty and staff, and community, and will begin at 9 a.m. on the East Campus Loop. Sign up until April 8 at http://go.unl.edu/funrun or at 8 a.m. the day of the race at the East Campus Loop. The limit will be 200 runners.
The Burr Hall Bull Fry is a benefit for Kathy Bartek. Bartek is fighting Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig's disease. Food and games are the highlight with all proceeds to support Bartek.
The Tractor Museum will have a small tractor show. Visitors will be directed to the Tractor Museum, which will be open during the day.
The CASNR Week Recognition Banquet will be April 14. This banquet is for all CASNR faculty, staff and students. Keynote speaker will be Clayton Anderson, retired NASA astronaut from Ashland.
Other highlights include:
– The Love Hall Chili Feed will be from 6-8 p.m. on April 11.
– The Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha barbecue will be April 18 starting at 5 p.m.
All events are free and at the Nebraska East Union on UNL's East Campus, unless otherwise noted. A full schedule of events follows:
April 11 – 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Love Hall Chili Feed, Love Memorial Hall
April 12 - 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Bull-A-Thon Team Bowling, Nebraska East Union Bowling Alley
April 13 – 8:30 a.m., registration, 9 a.m. 5 K Fun Run, East Campus Loop
April 13 – 4-8 p.m., Burr Hall Bull Fry, all proceeds to Kathy Bartek, outside of Burr Hall
April 13 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tractor Museum Display, East Campus Loop
April 14 – 4 p.m., Student Involvement Reception; 4 p.m.; 5 p.m., CASNR Week Recognition Banquet
April 15 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m., CASNR Week Blood Drive sponsored by Nebraska Community Blood Bank, Mobile parked on East Campus Loop
April 16 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Lunch on the Lawn
April 16 – 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Community Night, free carnival for children
April 17 – Noon-1 p.m., CASNR Club Adviser Luncheon
April 17 – 5 p.m., Engler Agribusiness Quick Pitch competition
April 18 – Noon-1 p.m., Undergraduate TA Luncheon
April 18 – 5 p.m., Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Barbeque, location TBD
April 18 – 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, college night, students get in for $8 with a valid student ID, performance sponsored by Tilted Kilt
April 19 - 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, performance sponsored by Rainy Lake Stables
April 20 – 1:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, Noon, Kids Day, children 12 and under get in free
April 20 - 7:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, performance sponsored by Husker Auto Group
April 21 - 1:30 p.m., UNL Rodeo, Lancaster Event Center, veteran's day, veterans/military with ID & senior citizens (60+) get in for $8
Rodeo tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, ages 6-12 are $5, ages 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Fort Western Outfitters and online at http://marketplace.unl.edu/sofs/unl-rodeo-tickets.html.
For more information about CASNR Week, contact Susan Voss, CASNR student development and events coordinator at 402-472-0609.
CASNR is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Branstad to Lead Governor's Trade Mission to China
Gov. Terry Branstad announced he will lead a trade delegation, including four governors, to China in mid-April. This brief trip to China was at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and will include meetings with senior government officials, current and potential business partners, a U.S. -- China Governors Forum and celebration events to recognize Iowa's 30th anniversary of a sister state with the Chinese province of Hebei.
"Our state has a long and unique history with China's new President, Xi Jinping," said Branstad. "President Xi visited our state in 1985 and saw firsthand that Iowans are hardworking and sincere people who take pride in the work they do and the products they produce. He never forgot the people and the memories from his first trip to Iowa. We hope to foster our unique relationship with President Xi and the people of China leading to stronger economic partnerships benefiting both the people of Iowa and the people of China."
The Governor and his delegation will spend four full days in China and visit the cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Baoding City and Shijiazhuang.
"International trade is extremely important to the people of Iowa as it supports tens of thousands of jobs right here in our state," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "China is an important trading partner with Iowa, importing $3.2 billion worth of goods last year. We want to foster our trading partnership with China to provide our safe and reliable products to feed their population of over 1.37 billion people."
The following governors will participate in the trade mission led by Branstad: Gov. Eddie Calvo (Guam), Gov. Bob McDonnell (Va.), and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).
The following organizations will be represented on the trade mission with Branstad: Iowa Economic Development Authority; Iowa Corn Growers Association & Iowa Corn Promotion Board; Iowa Farm Bureau; Iowa Soybean Association; ACT, Inc.; ADM; CMB Regional Centers; DuPont Pioneer; Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; John Deere; Monsanto; Pella Corporation; Sukup Manufacturing Co.; The University of Northern Iowa; Iowa State University; University of Iowa; Iowa Sister States; and Cargill.
Terminate cover crops by May 10 to stay eligible, ICA tells farmers
Many Iowa farmers planted cover crops in 2012 as a means to create more livestock feeding and forage options for this past winter. However, this spring they will need to terminate those cover crops by May 10 in order to remain eligible for crop insurance, cautions the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
“The use of cover crops has increased by 20 times over the past three years,” says Justine Stevenson, ICA’s director of government relations and public policy. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says about 100,000 acres of cover crops were planted in Iowa in 2012, compared to 5,000 Iowa acres in 2009.
“While NRCS is recommending that farmers terminate cover crops two weeks before planting, that just doesn’t provide enough certainty and direction,” Stevenson says. “Iowa is in the St. Paul (MN) district of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. That means if the cover crop hasn’t been terminated by May 10, farmers will not be eligible to use the government’s crop insurance program on those acres planted to corn, soybeans or other crops this spring and summer.”
“With warmer soil temperatures pushing plant growth on those cover crops, it’s also important that they not bud or go to seed before May 10, either, as this may also disqualify the acres for insurance coverage,” Stevenson says. “We’re encouraging cattle producers to either harvest or graze those acres, and then terminate the growth at least two weeks before May 10 so they can get the agronomic benefits as well as the forage benefit from the crop.”
USDA says that in order to insure a spring crop in Iowa, a farmer must not hay, graze or harvest the cover crop after May 10, and the cover crop must be killed before planting the spring crop. Grazing is not considered a form of “terminating the cover crop;” instead the cover crop either needs to be killed either with tillage or with an herbicide that is compatible with the crop to be planted.
ICA encourages cattle producers to talk with their local NRCS office or with their crop insurance agent for detailed information.
Iowa Biodiesel Sales Triple
A report issued this month by the Iowa Department of Revenue shows biodiesel sales more than tripled from 7.4 million gallons in 2010 to 23.3 million gallons in 2012. DOR details biodiesel's market penetration, showing biodiesel is blended in 42.6% of all Iowa diesel sales, an increase of 10% compared to 2010. Total diesel gallons reported were 671.3 million and total biodiesel gallons were 286.3 million, or 42.6% biodiesel of the total diesel fuel sold in 2012.
"The primary purpose of this report is to provide the information needed to determine the state's progress toward replacing 25% of petroleum-based motor fuels with biofuels by the year 2020," the report said. In 2012, total biofuels accounted for 10.2% of the total motor fuel sold.
Iowa's 12 biodiesel plants support nearly 5,000 jobs in the state and contribute nearly $12 million to the state's GDP according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/29/2013
According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 807,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 33.89 million gallons daily. That is up 2,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 804,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.33 billion gallons.
Stocks of ethanol stood at 17.5 million barrels. That is a 0.2% increase from last week.
Imports of ethanol showed 49,000 b/d, up from last week and the highest since the week ending 1/19/2013.
Gasoline demand for the week averaged 358.0 million gallons daily.
Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 9.47%.
On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.236 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 90,064 metric tons of livestock feed, 80,292 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.20 million pounds of corn oil daily.
Japan Raises Cattle Age Limit
A Japanese governmental food safety panel approved on Wednesday a plan to raise the age limit for exempting domestic cattle from testing for mad cow disease until they reach 48 months, up from the current 30 months, Kyodo News reported.
The expert panel of the Food Safety Commission under the Cabinet Office concluded that the higher age limit for tests for the disease, formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, would not have negative health effects.
The approval came after the exemption threshold for testing domestic cattle for mad cow disease was raised Monday from 21 months to up to 30 months.
The panel will formally suggest the new inspection threshold to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry after public consultations. The ministry will then start revising a related ministerial ordinance to reflect the change.
Informa Sees 100 MB Smaller HRW Crop; updates S.Amer. Prod.
Private analytical firm Informa Economics released its first forecast for the winter wheat crop this morning, calling for U.S. farmers to produce 1.631 billion bushels of winter wheat with an average yield of 47.2 bushels per acre. Informa says increased abandonment of roughly 7.4 million acres (18% of total winter wheat plantings) contributed to the 14-million-bushel drop in crop size year over year.
Informa also released its updated estimates for global crop production, estimating slightly larger corn production in Brazil and Argentina than it did previously.
Brazilian corn production was increased 350,000 metric tons to 71.95 million metric tons. Informa's forecast is 4.1 mmt below CONAB, the Brazilian Ag Ministry's crop forecaster, and 550,000 mt lower than USDA's estimate. Argentina corn harvest is forecast up 300,000 mt to 25.3 mmt, 1.2 mmt lower than USDA's estimate in early March.
On the soybean side of the ledger, Brazilian production was trimmed 1.25 mmt below Informa's previous forecast to 83.25 mmt. USDA pegged Brazilian production at 83.5 mmt last month. The Argentina soybean crop should be 1 mmt larger than Informa previously thought, with the crop now forecast at 52 mmt. In the March WASDE report, USDA trimmed its forecast for Argentine beans from 53 mmt to 51.5 mmt.
Feeding Corn Germ to Pigs Doesn't Affect Growth Performance
Inclusion of corn germ in swine diets can reduce diet costs, depending on the local cost of corn germ and other ingredients. Recent research conducted at the University of Illinois indicates that corn germ can be included at up to 30 percent in diets fed to growing pigs.
"In previous research, we had seen that pigs do very well on diets containing 10 percent corn germ, so we wanted to investigate if higher inclusion rates can be used," said Hans Stein, professor of animal sciences at Illinois.
The corn germ used in this study came from the ethanol, or dry grind, industry, and contained 16 to 18 percent fat. This product is different from the corn germ produced from the wet milling industry, which contains 30 to 40 percent fat.
Stein's team tested diets containing 0 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent corn germ. They tested each inclusion level of corn germ in diets containing 30 percent distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as well as in diets containing no DDGS. They found no difference in growth performance, carcass composition, muscle quality, or backfat quality as increasing amounts of corn germ were added to the diets, regardless of the inclusion level of DDGS.
"The results of this work demonstrate that pig growth rate will not be changed by the inclusion of up to 30 percent corn germ in the diets, and feed conversion rate will not be changed," Stein said.
All diets contained the same amounts of energy, standardized ileal digestible indispensable amino acids, and digestible phosphorus. Fat content was not held constant across diets; the diets containing more corn germ also contained more fat. As a result, the bellies of pigs fed diets with no DDGS were softer as corn germ levels increased.
"Producers may have to reduce the inclusion rate during the final three to four weeks before slaughter," Stein concluded. There was no effect on belly firmness in pigs fed diets containing DDGS.
Stein said that research on whether reducing the inclusion rate of corn germ in late-finishing diets would ameliorate the negative effects on belly quality might be warranted.
The study, "Up to 30 percent corn germ may be included in diets fed to growing--finishing pigs without affecting pig growth performance, carcass composition, or pork fat quality," was published in the Journal of Animal Science and was co-authored with Jung Wook Lee, a Master's student in the Stein Monogastric Nutrition Laboratory at Illinois, and Floyd McKeith, professor of animal sciences at Illinois.
USGC Today Released Export Cargo Report Indicates Good US Corn Quality
The U.S. Grains Council released the second of its annual USGC Corn Export Cargo Quality Report (Export Cargo Report) today. Despite the severe drought in 2012 that seriously reduced the projected size of the U.S. corn crop, testing indicated the 2012 crop was superior in quality across a number of key variables to the U.S. 2011 harvest, which was itself a high quality crop.
First released in May 2012, the Export Cargo Report provides the results of tests on corn samples collected during the U.S. government-licensed sampling and inspection process for U.S. corn export shipments. This year’s report indicates that export samples had a higher test weight, lower incidence of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) and lower moisture as compared to the 2011/12 export samples. In chemical composition, the report observed higher protein levels and lower starch, with oil content also higher.
Continuing the comparison to the previous year’s report, the 2012/13 export samples showed fewer stress cracks and a lower average stress cracks index. In addition, this year’s corn samples have higher true density, a higher proportion of whole kernels and a higher percentage of horneous or hard endosperm, which are all favorable trends. The mycotoxin testing results showed a lower percentage of samples containing aflatoxins in levels greater than or equal to 5.0 parts per billion (ppb), and a lower percentage of samples containing deoxynivalenol/vomitoxin (DON) in levels greater than or equal to 0.5 ppm. All samples tested below or equal to the FDA action level of 20 ppb for aflatoxins and the FDA advisory level of 5 ppm for DON.
“To enhance the quality of information we provide to export customers about the quality of the U.S. corn supply, the Council in 2011 initiated a series of annual Corn Quality Reports,” said USGC Chairman Don Fast. “These are developed in two parts. First, we publish a Harvest Quality Report that surveys U.S. corn quality at harvest as it enters the marketing system. Then a follow-up report in April, the Export Cargo Quality Report, looks at the quality of the corn crop as it is assembled for export early in the marketing year.”
“These two reports provide a systematic annual look at the quality of the U.S. corn crop, using reliable data and a transparent, consistent methodology each year. We have established processes for sample collection and testing, and as we follow those processes year after year we will assemble a reliable and comparable database of transparent, objective information about U.S. corn quality.”
NASS to Provide Partial Milk Production Estimates for the Remainder of Fiscal Year 2013
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will provide an estimate of U.S. milk production each month through September, 2013, which is the end of Federal Fiscal Year 2013. The agency will use only various sources of administrative data to establish the monthly milk production estimates rather than incorporating information from the two remaining quarterly producer surveys, as is presently done. Milk production is one element of the monthly Milk Production report that NASS suspended last month to meet sequestration requirements. Because NASS is not conducting milk producer surveys, the dairy cow and milk per cow statistics that were provided in previous reports will not be available. In order to provide the additional estimates and true up estimates based on administrative data, a scientifically based statistical survey will be necessary in the longer term.
The use of various administrative data by NASS to establish the monthly estimates of milk production will provide a consistent estimation process across all states and the nation, while maintaining cost savings by not conducting the producer survey. NASS will release the milk production estimate on the dates previously scheduled through September.
In addition, NASS will release the Annual Milk Production, Disposition and Income 2012 Summary report as scheduled on April 25. This report provides the annual number of milk cows, production per cow, and production for the year at the state and national levels for 2011 and 2012. The amount of milk used on farms and the amount sold, cash receipts, and value of production by state and at the U.S. level are also included.
The decision to move forward with the limited milk production estimates is a reflection of NASS’s ongoing evaluation of its programs and its FY 2013 fiscal situation, as well as its commitment to timely, accurate and useful data in service to U.S. agriculture. NASS will continue to evaluate its programs and budget for FY 2014, which begins October 1.
USDA Opens Export Markets for Day-Old Chicks, Hatching Eggs, Dairy Cattle and Pears
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced recent results of the Agency's efforts to support exports of U.S. agricultural products. APHIS' recent efforts are expected to help increase exports of U.S. cattle, poultry products, and pears by over $85 million a year.
Day-Old Chicks and Hatching Eggs to Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan
APHIS is announcing the opening of export markets to Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia for U.S. day-old chicks and hatching eggs, increasing U.S. exports by an estimated $25 million a year.
"This is a significant agreement for poultry exporters in the United States," said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "For nearly 10 years, APHIS has pursued the opening of the Russian market to U.S. day-old chicks and hatching eggs, and now we have also secured access for these products to Belarus and Kazakhstan."
In February, APHIS veterinary health personnel and their counterparts in Moscow developed the export documentation that APHIS will issue for products shipped to the three countries. In 2010, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus formed a Customs Union, and are currently working to harmonize import requirements for cattle and other live animals and livestock products. The market access for poultry commodities represents the first of nearly 40 new agreements related to live animals and animal products that USDA will work to negotiate with the Customs Union.
Dairy Cattle to Iraq
Following direct negotiations with Iraqi animal health officials in February, APHIS officials reached agreement with their counterparts on export certification requirements for U.S. dairy cattle shipments to that country.
"The Middle East is an important and emerging market for U.S. cattle exporters," said Vilsack.
The annual market value is projected to be more than $60 million. APHIS will work with exporters to ensure the exported cattle meet the terms of the agreement with Iraq.
Anjou Pears to China
APHIS is also announcing the arrival of the first shipment of U.S. Anjou pears to China. U.S. pears are now available for the first time ever to consumers in China.
APHIS officials have worked in conjunction with industry, federal and international partners to open the Chinese market to U.S. grown pears. In 2012, U.S. and Chinese officials reached an agreement to accept exports of pears grown in the two countries.
"APHIS worked diligently with their industry partners and our agriculture counterparts in China to realize this accomplishment," said Vilsack. "This initial shipment of 6,615 boxes of U.S. pears was worth over $100,000, and brings with it the excitement of new market opportunities and continued success for this industry. We expect China to become one of the top five export destinations for U.S.-grown pears within the next two seasons."
APHIS' team of technical experts, based in the United States and abroad, includes scientists, veterinarians, pathologists, and entomologists that advocate on behalf of U.S. agriculture. They build relationships with their agricultural health and regulatory counterparts in other countries and use scientific principles to explain to foreign officials why U.S. commodities are safe to import. APHIS' efforts include keeping U.S. agricultural industries free from pests and diseases and certifying that the millions of U.S. agricultural and food products shipped to markets abroad meet the importing countries' entry requirements.
USDA Announces Program to Facilitate the Export of Further Processed Eggs and Egg Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has developed a program to certify processed eggs and egg products for export, providing new opportunities for U.S. food exporters.
"This is one more step the Obama Administration has taken to expand exports of high quality U.S. agricultural products," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Today's announcement will open new markets for U.S. egg products, generating additional economic benefits and more jobs across rural America. We are in the midst of the strongest period of agricultural exports in history, and I look forward to making even more progress in the years ahead."
The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will certify a wide range of products containing eggs, including omelets, frozen egg patties, crepes, hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and food containing egg extracts. The total market for U.S. exports of further processed eggs and egg products worldwide is estimated to be $500 million.
"This program was developed to help U.S. processors and shippers take advantage of the growing global demand for these products," said AMS Administrator Dave Shipman. "This effort allows producers to obtain certification that some importing countries require and will provide new opportunities for them to market their products globally."
AMS worked with FDA, USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), other government agencies, and representatives from processed egg and egg food organizations, including the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and the United Egg Association, to develop the program.
"A number of countries around the world have asked for certification for egg-containing products. This initiative provides a means for U.S. exporters to access previously untapped markets, creating jobs and supporting USDA's export goals," said FAS Administrator Suzanne Heinen.
AMS has unique capabilities in working with stakeholders to develop export certification programs that meet the specific requirements of other countries. With years of experience certifying eggs for export, AMS will now expand its services to support the trade of egg-containing products.
ConAgra 3Q Net Down 57% on Acquisition Costs; Sales Volume Down
ConAgra Foods Inc. (CAG) sales volumes excluding acquisitions remained down in its fiscal third quarter, despite a 33% increase in marketing spending to try to get consumers to buy more Hunt's ketchup, Peter Pan peanut butter and Slim Jim meat snacks.
The 3% decline in sales volume in ConAgra's consumer foods segment was slightly better than the previous quarter's 4% decline, but shows ConAgra still has a ways to go to get that key metric into positive territory. In both periods, the decline in the amount of food sold were offset by higher prices, resulting in flat sales in the unit, which generated 60% of ConAgra's revenue in the third quarter.
As analysts and investors are keeping a close eye on the rebound in sales volume in the packaged food industry, ConAgra is urging patience. ConAgra's price increases went into place a bit later than some of its peers, like General Mills Inc. (GIS), which last month reported a return to positive sales volume for the first time in two years.
ConAgra's third-quarter profit was down 57%, weighed down by costs related to its recent acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings Inc., a maker of private-label foods. ConAgra completed its roughly $5 billion acquisition of Ralcorp at the end of January, which helped push ConAgra's overall revenue higher.
But the increased marketing costs and flat sales from its consumer business led to results below analyst estimates. Shares of ConAgra, which backed its outlook for the year, fell about 2% premarket to $34.85. Though Tuesday's close, the stock was up 20% so far this year.
ConAgra, has posted stronger revenue in recent years, thanks in part to price increases. But it's also made a series of small acquisitions, like Unilever PLC's (UN) North American frozen meals business, and one major one, Ralcorp.
Meanwhile, ConAgra last month said it was teaming up with Cargill Inc. and CHS Inc. (CHSCP) to combine their flour-milling businesses into a multibillion-dollar joint venture called Ardent Mills, marking the milling industry's biggest merger in years.
For the quarter ended Feb. 24, ConAgra reported a profit of $120 million, or 29 cents a share, down from $280.1 million, or 67 cents, a year earlier. The latest period included 16 cents a share in acquisition-related costs. Excluding those and other special items, per-share earnings from continuing operations rose to 55 cents from 53 cents.
Sales grew 13% to $3.85 billion.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Tuesday April 2 Ag News
Grass Tetany
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County
Grass tetany, sometimes called grass staggers or hypomagnesaemia, is a metabolic disorder of cattle related to a deficiency of magnesium (Mg). According to Richard F. Randle, DVM, UNL Extension Beef Cattle Veterinarian, early lactation cows are the most susceptible, with older cows considered more susceptible than those with their first or second calves. Dr. Randle shares the following information about grass tetany.
Grass tetany usually occurs in the spring and is typically seen in early lactation cows grazing cool-season grasses during cool, cloudy, and rainy weather and often occurs when cool weather is followed by a warm period. Rapidly growing, lush grasses create the greatest problem. Grass tetany has occurred on a wide range of cool-season grass and small grain pastures. The greatest risk for grass tetany is when pasture soils are low in available magnesium, high in available potassium, and high in nitrogen. High rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer are sometimes associated with increased tetany problems. Suspect forages should be analyzed. Forages containing less than 0.2 percent magnesium, more than 3 percent potassium, and more than 4 percent nitrogen (25 percent crude protein) are likely candidates to create grass tetany problems.
Dietary imbalances also affect susceptibility to grass tetany. Studies have shown that inadequate salt intake may increase susceptibility to grass tetany. Consumption of salt and magnesium simultaneously may be critical to increasing magnesium absorption. Also, feeding high levels of potassium result in reduced magnesium absorption.
Unfortunately, in many cases of grass tetany, symptoms are not noted and the only evidence is a dead cow. In mild cases, milk yield is decreased, and the animal is nervous. These signs indicate the need for preventive measures. Animals affected by acute grass tetany may suddenly stop grazing, appear uncomfortable, and show unusual signs of alertness, such as staring and keeping their heads and ears in an erect position. Cows may also stagger, have twitching skin (especially on the face, ears, and flanks), and lie down and get up frequently. Once cows get to this point, they are easily excited and any stimulation may lead to startling reactions, such as continuous bellowing or running. A staggered gait pattern typically develops followed by collapse, stiffening of muscles, and violent jerking convulsions with the head pulled back. Animals often lie flat on one side with periodic foreleg paddling, twitching of the eyes and ears, and a chewing motion that produces froth around the mouth. Animals usually die during or after a convulsion unless treatment is given.
To prevent grass tetany, animals should be fed a high Mg supplement or free-choice mineral (containing 8 to 12 percent Mg). Magnesium may be added to a protein supplement, grain mix, silage or liquid supplement. The cow's Mg requirement for maintenance and lactation typically would be from 13 to 15 grams per day, but can be as high as 36 mg in unique situations. Magnesium oxide is the primary source of Mg in mineral supplements and it is unpalatable, which results in low mineral intake. For this reason, something needs to be added to the mineral mix to increase palatability, such as corn, soybean meal, or molasses. Magnesium sulfate is also a good source of Mg and is more palatable. The best recommendation is to feed a more moderate amount of Mg on an ongoing basis (include 2.5 to 3.5 percent Mg) as a preventative.
Corn Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Network
Corn growers can take an active role in an on-farm research project sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board.
The goal of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is to implement a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. The project kicked off in 2012 with 40 on-farm comparisons conducted in 10 counties.
Growers interested in conducting on-farm research are encouraged to work with UNL faculty on one of the following topics related to corn production: irrigation management, nitrogen management or plant populations.
Replicated treatments will be planted and harvested in growers’ fields using their equipment.
Growers wanting to learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate can contact UNL Extension at 402-624-8030 or 402-326-5508 or the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 888-267-6479 or 402-438-6459.
For more information, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/web/farmresearch.
30+ NE organizations say now is the time for common-sense immigration laws
As Nebraska’s members of Congress get ready to return to Washington, D.C., after the recess, more than 30 Nebraska organizations from a wide range of perspectives will come together Thursday to urge common-sense immigration laws that create a clear and inclusive path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. A bill is expected to be introduced after recess, which ends April 8. Speakers Thursday will include representatives from the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Restaurant Association, Heartland Workers Center, and Latino Center of the Midlands. The following organizations are part of this effort to call for updated immigration laws that reflect Nebraska’s values of strong families, businesses, and communities (organizations confirmed to date)...
Nebraska Cattlemen
Nebraska State Dairy Association
Center for Rural Affairs
Nebraska Restaurant Association
ACLU - Nebraska
Anti-Defamation League - Plains States Region
Black Men United
Campbell's Nurseries and Garden Centers
Catholic Charities of Omaha
Carpenters Union Local 427
Centro Hispano Comunitario (Columbus)
College of St. Mary
Creighton Center for Service and Justice
El Centro de las Americas (Lincoln)
Heartland Workers Center
Inclusive Communities
Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska
Justice for Our Neighbors - Nebraska
Latino American Commission of Nebraska
Latino Center of the Midlands
League of Women Voters
Malcolm X Memorial Foundation
Multicultural Center of Grand Island
NAACP - Lincoln
National Association of Social Workers - Nebraska Chapter
Nebraska Appleseed
Nebraska Catholic Conference
Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church - Risk Taking & Justice Ministries
Nebraska Retail Federation
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition
Nebraskans for Peace
Office of the Mayor, City of Omaha
Omaha Together One Community
Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community
NE Ag-Biz Club Award nomination forms available, due July 15
The Nebraska Agribusiness Club would like to announce that nomination application forms for the Public Service to Agriculture and New Horizon awards are now available. The Public Service to Agriculture award has been presented annually since 1967. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Nebraska agriculture and Nebraska agribusiness. The New Horizon Award is an award that recognizes individuals 40 years of age and younger who are upcoming leaders in the agricultural industry.
Nominations for both awards are due by July 15, 2013. The nomination forms and more information can be found in the links below or by e-mail at nebraskaagribusinessclub@gmail.com. Click here for Nomination Guidelines... http://nebraskaagribusinessclub.wordpress.com/2012-award-nomination-forms/.
RFA Welcomes New Member — Husker Ag
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased to announce the addition of Husker Ag to its membership and Board of Directors.
Husker Ag is a farm-owned cooperative with over 600 members located in Plainview, Nebraska. The plant processes over 25 million bushels of corn into 70 million gallons of ethanol and 450,000 tons of modified wet distillers grains used by local cattle feeders. Husker Ag employs 50 full-time employees from Plainview and surrounding communities including: Norfolk, Pierce, Randolph, Osmond, Plainview, Creighton, Bloomfield, Brunswick, Elgin, and Tilden.
“We welcome Husker Ag to the association. Husker Ag joins our Board of Directors at a pivotal time for the industry,” commented Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO. “As the Renewable Fuel Standard comes under heavy attack and attempts to roll out E15 are blocked at every turn, it is important that the U.S. ethanol industry proudly stands together to maintain its strength and champion its success. Companies like Husker Ag are making America a better, stronger country each day by creating jobs and producing enough ethanol to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also helping drivers save money at the fuel pump. Husker Ag will bring valuable experience and knowledge to our efforts.”
Seth Harder, Husker Ag’s General Manager, marked the occasion by saying, “Politics aside, our industry needs a credible advocate to work with the government and the private sector to help facilitate the long term inclusion of ethanol in America’s transportation fuel portfolio. Husker Ag feels that the Renewable Fuels Association is that advocate.”
UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses Offered Across Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June. Any 14 or 15-year-old teen who plans to work on a farm other than their parents’ should plan to attend.
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than their parents. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.
Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations include:
-- May 23-24, Fairgrounds, Kearney
-- May 29-30, Haskell Ag Lab, Concord
-- June 3-4, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering
-- June 6-7, Fairgrounds, Valentine
-- June 10-11, Fairgrounds, Osceola
-- June 13-14, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
-- June 17-18, College Park, Grand Island
The first day of class will consist of intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before students may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day.
The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.
The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator. Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work.
"Instilling an attitude of ‘safety first’ is a primary goal of the course,” Nielsen said. "where youth have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved."
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location's start date to the Extension Office at the course site. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks. For more information, contact the Extension Office or Sharry Nielsen at (308) 832-0645, snielsen1@unl.edu.
USDA's OIG Reviews The Beef Research and Promotion Program
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined that the relationships between the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (beef board) and other industry-related organizations, including the beef board’s primary contractor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), complied with legislation. We also determined that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) needs to strengthen its procedures for providing oversight to the beef research and promotion program.
As part of our audit, we determined that assessed funds were collected, distributed, and expended in accordance with legislation. However, we found that AMS had not previously made these determinations itself because AMS had not conducted periodic management reviews of the beef board, and the agency’s procedures for conducting these reviews could be improved. For example, AMS had not identified weaknesses in the beef board’s internal controls over project implementation costs. Sensitivity to these controls is important because the costs are incurred by the national marketing body the beef board is required to use. Without AMS’ independent oversight, it may not be clear to beef producers, importers, and the public that beef checkoff funds are collected, dispersed, and expended in accordance with legislation.
Our audit also addressed concerns and specific allegations that beef checkoff funds may have been misused. We found no evidence to support that the board’s activities in those areas did not comply with legislation, and AMS guidelines and policies. AMS concurred with our two recommendations.
OIG's Objectives
Our objectives were to determine if AMS’ oversight efforts were adequate to ensure beef checkoff assessments were collected, distributed, and expended in accordance with legislation, and to verify that the relationships between the beef board and other beef industry-related organizations were compliant with existing requirements.
Information Reviewed
OIG reviewed AMS’ and thebeef board’s policies and procedures, designed to monitor activities related to the beef checkoff program. OIG also examined 1,005 invoices that amounted to over $20.5 million in reimbursement payments from the beef checkoff fund.
OIG Recommendations
AMS needs to develop and implement oversight procedures specific to the beef board, perform management reviews of the beef program, and recommend that the beef board improve the transparency of its documents.
Read the complet report here.... http://www.beefboard.org/member-toolkit/files/OIG Audit documents/AMS OIG Beef Checkoff FINAL.pdf
CBB Statement on Office of Inspector General Audit
Weldon Wynn, Cattlemen’s Beef Board Chairman
“We are gratified that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit of the Beef Checkoff Program for the years 2008-2010 identified no audit issues and reported full compliance by the Beef Board and its contractors.
“In quoting directly from the report: ‘The relationships between the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board and other industry-related organizations including … the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, complied with the (Act and Order)…. Funds were collected, distributed and expended in accordance with the legislation.’
“We are proud to receive this validation of the effectiveness of our systems and processes to safeguard producer and importer investments into the Beef Checkoff Program.
"Even with OIG’s confirmation that the Beef Board’s systems of oversight of funds are robust and effective and that its relationships with checkoff contractors are in compliance, the Beef Board maintains a mission toward continual improvement in our responsibility to producers. Since 2010, for example, CBB has operated under an intensified review and verification process, along with expanded and specific guidelines for contractors. In addition, CBB now requires contractors to provide additional information about implementation costs as they prepare funding requests, thus providing decision-makers with a more detailed understanding of project costs before approving them.
“The bottom line: Producers and importers can be assured by the OIG report and the Beef Board’s mission of continual improvement that our checkoff dollars are being invested appropriately and effectively.”
Simplified Beef and Pork Cut Names Approved for Retail Implementation
The National Pork Board and Beef Checkoff Program received unanimous approval from the Industry-Wide Cooperative Meat Identification Standards Committee (ICMISC) to introduce updated Uniform Retail Meat Identification Standards (URMIS) nomenclature for fresh beef and pork for retailers to use on pack. Changes to the beef and pork common names were the culmination of extensive consumer research which showed an opportunity for retailers to build consumer confidence in how to shop for and prepare beef and pork.
The revised nomenclature was previously reviewed by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and American Marketing Service (AMS), and retailers, packers and scale label companies were engaged in the process. The full list of the revised beef and pork common names are now available for retailers to integrate into their scale label programs on www.MeatTrack.com.
“We are pleased to have industry support to introduce new, simplified fresh meat names that will help consumers better understand the beef and pork cuts they see every day in the meat case,” said Jim Henger, senior executive director of B2B Marketing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. “Now that we have the feedback and approval from the ICMISC, retailers and packers can begin to implement the new names and labels to give them a competitive advantage and drive meat department sales.”
“This is a really historic event for the meat industry,” said Patrick Fleming, director of retail marketing for the National Pork Board. “This cross-industry effort to develop new common names was completely consumer-driven, and is something that we all recognize as critical to keeping meat on the center of the plate.”
Retailers can visit www.PorkRetail.org and www.BeefRetail.org for more information on the consumer research that shaped the new program and merchandising opportunities available once implemented.
Fertilizer Prices Await Spring Thaw
Farm-gate fertilizer prices continue their neutral pattern, according to retailers surveyed by DTN during the fourth week of March 2013. This stable trend has been in place now for over five months. Five of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, but these moves were fairly minor. Urea had average price of $573 per ton, 10-34-0 $612/ton, anhydrous $861/ton, UAN28 $405/ton and UAN32 $444/ton. The three remaining fertilizers edged lower compared to the fourth week of February, but again the moves lower were extremely modest. DAP had an average price of $616/ton, MAP $661/ton and potash $589/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.72/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.
Three of the eight major fertilizers are showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 12% higher, UAN32 is 6% more expensive and UAN28 is 5% higher compared to last year. Two fertilizers are single digits lower in price compared to March 2012. DAP is down 3% while MAP is 5% lower compared to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 10%, urea is 11% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 23% less expensive.
Nationwide Coalition Urges USDA to Protect Integrity of COOL
A coalition of 229 farm, rural, faith, consumer and environmental organizations from 45 states delivered a letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect the integrity of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for meat products.
The 2008 Farm Bill included mandatory COOL provisions for beef, pork, poultry, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and some nuts, but Canada and Mexico successfully challenged the implemented rules for meat products at the World Trade Organization as a barrier to international trade. The USDA has issued proposed new rules that simplify and clarify COOL to comply with the WTO decision.
“Consumers want more information about the source of their food, not less,” said Chris Waldrop, director of the Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America. “Strengthening the Country of Origin Label provides consumers with more accurate and precise information about the source of beef and pork products they purchase.”
The proposed rules that the USDA issued in early March strengthen the COOL labels by ensuring that all meat from animals born, raised and processed in the United States will bear a “born, raised and slaughtered in the USA” label and eliminating some of the confusing, vague labeling provisions that were highlighted in the WTO ruling.
“U.S. farmers and ranchers take pride in what they produce, and consumers ought to be able to know the origins of their food,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. “NFU has long supported COOL and urges the USDA to move forward with the new, more accurate, strengthened proposed rule.”
Ben Burkett, president of the National Family Farm Coalition and a farmer from Mississippi, added: “COOL is very important for the farmer members of the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives as we market our products in our state and region. We strongly support the USDA’s revisions on this critical issue.”
Today’s letter demonstrates the broad-based support for sensible country of origin labeling rules. “Consumer and farmer advocates pushed for COOL for more than a decade to overcome the largest food processing and meatpacking companies that wanted to hide the source of the food from consumers,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch.
Even before COOL went into effect, Canada and Mexico challenged the commonsense rules at the WTO. The international meatpacking industry still wants COOL eliminated from federal law.
“A regulatory fix is a preferred response to the WTO because the U.S. can preserve its sovereignty while simultaneously improving the accuracy of information conveyed to consumers,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.
The letter was submitted to the USDA as part of the regulatory comment period and sent to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. The federal comment period closes on April 11, 2013, and the WTO ruling directed USDA to offer new COOL rules by May 23, 2013.
A copy of the coalition letter can be viewed here: http://fwwat.ch/COOLcoalition.
Identifying Johne's Disease with Accuracy
Detecting the costly, contagious Johne's disease in cattle is now easier, thanks to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.
Johne's disease, also known as Paratuberculosis, is estimated to cost the U.S. dairy industry more than $220 million each year. It also affects sheep, goats, deer and other animals, causing diarrhea, reduced feed intake, weight loss and sometimes death.
Microbiologist John Bannantine and his colleagues at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa, discovered an antibody that's 100 percent specific in detecting Johne's disease. This is the first time a specific antibody that binds only to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the pathogen that causes the disease, has been discovered. A patent has been awarded to scientists for the antibody, which could greatly benefit the improvement of diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of MAP.
Previous efforts to detect Johne's disease were hindered because all antibodies used to identify MAP strains also reacted to environmental mycobacteria, according to Bannantine, who works in NADC's Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit. Some of those antibodies also reacted to the disease pathogen responsible for bovine tuberculosis (TB) and caused false-positive results.
Other research, conducted by NADC microbiologist Judy Stabel, focused on ensuring that Johne's disease vaccines do not cross-react with tests for bovine TB, a disease problem in states where wild deer infect cattle.
Stabel and her team vaccinated calves with an effective commercial Johne's vaccine to test cross reactivity with TB tests. They took blood samples for a year and then measured immune and serological responses of calves using novel TB tests.
Scientists found no cross reactivity with the TB serology tests, demonstrating that animals could be vaccinated against Johne's disease without interfering with bovine TB testing. Similar results were found with the skin test used to detect TB in cattle.
Read more about this research in the April 2013 issue of Agricultural Research magazine. ARS is USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, and the research supports the USDA priority of promoting international food security.
CWT Assists with 7.5 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 28 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Michigan Milk Producers Association, United Dairymen of Arizona and Upstate Niagara Cooperative (O-AT-KA) to sell 5.899 million pounds (2,676 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese and 1.636 million pounds (742 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product will be delivered April through September 2013.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 47.055 million pounds of cheese, 46.484 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 30 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 1.449 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. That is equal to 90% of USDA’s projected increase in milk marketings for all of 2013.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
WDE Implementing New Cattle Identification System
One of the nation's largest dairy shows is making some changes to its dairy cattle health check-in process. In an effort to strengthen the event biosecurity and in accordance with the new USDA Animal Disease Traceability rule, exhibitors bringing cattle to World Dairy Expo will need to have an accepted defined ID tag in the animal's ear upon entering the grounds. Within this rule change, registration numbers and breed tattoos will no longer be official identification for interstate transport. At the WDE Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee meeting last month, it was approved to require all cattle, including those from Wisconsin, to meet the same World Dairy Expo health check-in identification standard.
The following ID tags will be accepted by World Dairy Expo for health check-in starting in 2013...
** A Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag - 15 digit number starting with 124
** A USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) RFID Tag - 15 digit number starting with 840
** A USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) Visual Tag - 15 digit number starting with 840
** A manufacturer coded tamper evident RFID tag - 15 digit number starting with 900 or greater
Coordinators say manufacturer coded RFID tags will be discontinued as official ID by USDA starting in 2015.
It is recommended that U.S. exhibitors with cattle that do not have one of the above 15 digit number accepted ID tags visit with an approved 840 AIN tag distributor to secure 840 AIN RFID tags. All breed associations can provide exhibitors with these 840 AIN ID tags.
Dairy cattle exhibitors are encouraged to visit the Dairy Cattle Show page at www.worlddairyexpo.com for complete details and to view a color 2013 WDE Identification Method graphic flyer. Exhibitors may also call the WDE office at 608-224-6455 for further information.
World Dairy Expo will be held October 1-5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Mosaic Company Reports Third Quarter Results
The Mosaic Company, Plymouth, Minn., reported third quarter fiscal 2013 net earnings of $345 million, compared to $273 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $0.81 in the quarter compared to $0.64 last year. The current year quarter included a $44 million, or $0.07 per share, negative impact from notable items. Operating earnings during the quarter were $419 million, roughly flat with $414 million a year ago. Mosaic's net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 were $2.24 billion, up from $2.19 billion last year, driven by higher potash and phosphate volumes.
"As we emerge from the traditionally slow third fiscal quarter, we are seeing strong demand and improving sentiment in most of our geographies," said Jim Prokopanko, president and chief executive officer of Mosaic. "Global farm economics remain compelling, with continuing attractive commodity prices and low costs for critical crop inputs. Economic and demographic trends are extremely promising for Mosaic, and the Company's long-term prospects are excellent."
Mosaic's gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was $568 million, or 25 percent of net sales, compared to $522 million, or 24 percent of net sales, a year ago. The improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by higher potash volumes and lower phosphate raw material costs. Cash flow provided by operating activities in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was $371 million compared to $405 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures totaled $398 million in the quarter. Mosaic's total cash and cash equivalents were $3.3 billion and long-term debt was $1.0 billion as of February 28, 2013.
"Following the signing of India and China contracts, which delivered better than expected demand from these two countries, we saw improving potash fundamentals and sentiment around the world," said Prokopanko. "We expect producer inventories to be drawn down in coming months as North American dealers prepare for what is likely to be a very strong application season and Canpotex delivers against these base load contracts."
Net sales in the Potash segment totaled $758 million for the third quarter, up 37 percent compared to $553 million a year ago, driven by significantly higher volumes, partially offset by lower prices. Gross margin was $308 million, or 41 percent of net sales, compared to $270 million, or 49 percent of net sales, a year ago. The year-over-year decline in gross margin rate is primarily driven by lower realized potash prices, an unrealized loss on derivatives, and higher depreciation and increased labor expenses as the Company prepares to bring on new production capacity. Additionally, the year-over-year change in gross margin rate was negatively impacted by approximately four percentage points due to the timing of Canpotex shipments. Operating earnings were $216 million, down eight percent, compared to $234 million in the prior year. The current quarter included a $42 million charge related to the settlement of the potash anti-trust litigation.
The third quarter average MOP selling price, FOB plant, was $385 per tonne, down from $453 per tonne from a year ago. The Potash segment's total sales volumes for the third quarter were 1.8 million tonnes, compared to 1.1 million tonnes a year ago.
Potash production was 2.0 million tonnes, or 78 percent of operational capacity, up from 1.8 million tonnes last year.
"The supply and demand outlook for phosphates remains in balance," Prokopanko said. "While we don't expect India to come back to the market until later this year, recent price strengthening in Tampa exports reinforces our positive outlook. Over the long run, we maintain an optimistic view of phosphates, as evidenced by our recently announced joint venture with Ma'aden."
Net sales in the Phosphates segment were $1.5 billion for the third quarter, down nine percent compared to last year, primarily driven by lower prices of finished product. Gross margin was $266 million, or 18 percent of net sales, compared to $259 million, or 16 percent, for the same period a year ago. The year over year improvement in gross margin rate was driven by lower raw material costs, partially offset by lower finished phosphate product prices. Operating earnings were $197 million, up four percent compared to $190 million last year.
The third quarter average DAP selling price, FOB plant, was $496 per tonne, compared to $536 per tonne a year ago. Phosphates segment total sales volumes were 2.6 million tonnes, flat with last year.
Phosphate rock production in Florida was 3.6 million tonnes in the quarter compared to 2.9 million tonnes last year, reflecting increased production at the South Fort Meade mine.
Mosaic's North American finished phosphate production was 2.1 million tonnes, or 87 percent of operational capacity.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $90 million for the third quarter, down slightly from $91 million a year ago.
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County
Grass tetany, sometimes called grass staggers or hypomagnesaemia, is a metabolic disorder of cattle related to a deficiency of magnesium (Mg). According to Richard F. Randle, DVM, UNL Extension Beef Cattle Veterinarian, early lactation cows are the most susceptible, with older cows considered more susceptible than those with their first or second calves. Dr. Randle shares the following information about grass tetany.
Grass tetany usually occurs in the spring and is typically seen in early lactation cows grazing cool-season grasses during cool, cloudy, and rainy weather and often occurs when cool weather is followed by a warm period. Rapidly growing, lush grasses create the greatest problem. Grass tetany has occurred on a wide range of cool-season grass and small grain pastures. The greatest risk for grass tetany is when pasture soils are low in available magnesium, high in available potassium, and high in nitrogen. High rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer are sometimes associated with increased tetany problems. Suspect forages should be analyzed. Forages containing less than 0.2 percent magnesium, more than 3 percent potassium, and more than 4 percent nitrogen (25 percent crude protein) are likely candidates to create grass tetany problems.
Dietary imbalances also affect susceptibility to grass tetany. Studies have shown that inadequate salt intake may increase susceptibility to grass tetany. Consumption of salt and magnesium simultaneously may be critical to increasing magnesium absorption. Also, feeding high levels of potassium result in reduced magnesium absorption.
Unfortunately, in many cases of grass tetany, symptoms are not noted and the only evidence is a dead cow. In mild cases, milk yield is decreased, and the animal is nervous. These signs indicate the need for preventive measures. Animals affected by acute grass tetany may suddenly stop grazing, appear uncomfortable, and show unusual signs of alertness, such as staring and keeping their heads and ears in an erect position. Cows may also stagger, have twitching skin (especially on the face, ears, and flanks), and lie down and get up frequently. Once cows get to this point, they are easily excited and any stimulation may lead to startling reactions, such as continuous bellowing or running. A staggered gait pattern typically develops followed by collapse, stiffening of muscles, and violent jerking convulsions with the head pulled back. Animals often lie flat on one side with periodic foreleg paddling, twitching of the eyes and ears, and a chewing motion that produces froth around the mouth. Animals usually die during or after a convulsion unless treatment is given.
To prevent grass tetany, animals should be fed a high Mg supplement or free-choice mineral (containing 8 to 12 percent Mg). Magnesium may be added to a protein supplement, grain mix, silage or liquid supplement. The cow's Mg requirement for maintenance and lactation typically would be from 13 to 15 grams per day, but can be as high as 36 mg in unique situations. Magnesium oxide is the primary source of Mg in mineral supplements and it is unpalatable, which results in low mineral intake. For this reason, something needs to be added to the mineral mix to increase palatability, such as corn, soybean meal, or molasses. Magnesium sulfate is also a good source of Mg and is more palatable. The best recommendation is to feed a more moderate amount of Mg on an ongoing basis (include 2.5 to 3.5 percent Mg) as a preventative.
Corn Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Network
Corn growers can take an active role in an on-farm research project sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Corn Board.
The goal of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) is to implement a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. The project kicked off in 2012 with 40 on-farm comparisons conducted in 10 counties.
Growers interested in conducting on-farm research are encouraged to work with UNL faculty on one of the following topics related to corn production: irrigation management, nitrogen management or plant populations.
Replicated treatments will be planted and harvested in growers’ fields using their equipment.
Growers wanting to learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate can contact UNL Extension at 402-624-8030 or 402-326-5508 or the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 888-267-6479 or 402-438-6459.
For more information, visit cropwatch.unl.edu/web/farmresearch.
30+ NE organizations say now is the time for common-sense immigration laws
As Nebraska’s members of Congress get ready to return to Washington, D.C., after the recess, more than 30 Nebraska organizations from a wide range of perspectives will come together Thursday to urge common-sense immigration laws that create a clear and inclusive path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. A bill is expected to be introduced after recess, which ends April 8. Speakers Thursday will include representatives from the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Restaurant Association, Heartland Workers Center, and Latino Center of the Midlands. The following organizations are part of this effort to call for updated immigration laws that reflect Nebraska’s values of strong families, businesses, and communities (organizations confirmed to date)...
Nebraska Cattlemen
Nebraska State Dairy Association
Center for Rural Affairs
Nebraska Restaurant Association
ACLU - Nebraska
Anti-Defamation League - Plains States Region
Black Men United
Campbell's Nurseries and Garden Centers
Catholic Charities of Omaha
Carpenters Union Local 427
Centro Hispano Comunitario (Columbus)
College of St. Mary
Creighton Center for Service and Justice
El Centro de las Americas (Lincoln)
Heartland Workers Center
Inclusive Communities
Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska
Justice for Our Neighbors - Nebraska
Latino American Commission of Nebraska
Latino Center of the Midlands
League of Women Voters
Malcolm X Memorial Foundation
Multicultural Center of Grand Island
NAACP - Lincoln
National Association of Social Workers - Nebraska Chapter
Nebraska Appleseed
Nebraska Catholic Conference
Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church - Risk Taking & Justice Ministries
Nebraska Retail Federation
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition
Nebraskans for Peace
Office of the Mayor, City of Omaha
Omaha Together One Community
Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community
NE Ag-Biz Club Award nomination forms available, due July 15
The Nebraska Agribusiness Club would like to announce that nomination application forms for the Public Service to Agriculture and New Horizon awards are now available. The Public Service to Agriculture award has been presented annually since 1967. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Nebraska agriculture and Nebraska agribusiness. The New Horizon Award is an award that recognizes individuals 40 years of age and younger who are upcoming leaders in the agricultural industry.
Nominations for both awards are due by July 15, 2013. The nomination forms and more information can be found in the links below or by e-mail at nebraskaagribusinessclub@gmail.com. Click here for Nomination Guidelines... http://nebraskaagribusinessclub.wordpress.com/2012-award-nomination-forms/.
RFA Welcomes New Member — Husker Ag
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased to announce the addition of Husker Ag to its membership and Board of Directors.
Husker Ag is a farm-owned cooperative with over 600 members located in Plainview, Nebraska. The plant processes over 25 million bushels of corn into 70 million gallons of ethanol and 450,000 tons of modified wet distillers grains used by local cattle feeders. Husker Ag employs 50 full-time employees from Plainview and surrounding communities including: Norfolk, Pierce, Randolph, Osmond, Plainview, Creighton, Bloomfield, Brunswick, Elgin, and Tilden.
“We welcome Husker Ag to the association. Husker Ag joins our Board of Directors at a pivotal time for the industry,” commented Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO. “As the Renewable Fuel Standard comes under heavy attack and attempts to roll out E15 are blocked at every turn, it is important that the U.S. ethanol industry proudly stands together to maintain its strength and champion its success. Companies like Husker Ag are making America a better, stronger country each day by creating jobs and producing enough ethanol to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also helping drivers save money at the fuel pump. Husker Ag will bring valuable experience and knowledge to our efforts.”
Seth Harder, Husker Ag’s General Manager, marked the occasion by saying, “Politics aside, our industry needs a credible advocate to work with the government and the private sector to help facilitate the long term inclusion of ethanol in America’s transportation fuel portfolio. Husker Ag feels that the Renewable Fuels Association is that advocate.”
UNL Extension Tractor Safety Courses Offered Across Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June. Any 14 or 15-year-old teen who plans to work on a farm other than their parents’ should plan to attend.
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than their parents. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.
Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day. Dates and locations include:
-- May 23-24, Fairgrounds, Kearney
-- May 29-30, Haskell Ag Lab, Concord
-- June 3-4, Farm and Ranch Museum, Gering
-- June 6-7, Fairgrounds, Valentine
-- June 10-11, Fairgrounds, Osceola
-- June 13-14, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
-- June 17-18, College Park, Grand Island
The first day of class will consist of intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before students may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day.
The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.
The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is overturn from tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), said Sharry Nielsen, UNL Extension Educator. Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work.
"Instilling an attitude of ‘safety first’ is a primary goal of the course,” Nielsen said. "where youth have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved."
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location's start date to the Extension Office at the course site. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks. For more information, contact the Extension Office or Sharry Nielsen at (308) 832-0645, snielsen1@unl.edu.
USDA's OIG Reviews The Beef Research and Promotion Program
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined that the relationships between the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (beef board) and other industry-related organizations, including the beef board’s primary contractor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), complied with legislation. We also determined that the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) needs to strengthen its procedures for providing oversight to the beef research and promotion program.
As part of our audit, we determined that assessed funds were collected, distributed, and expended in accordance with legislation. However, we found that AMS had not previously made these determinations itself because AMS had not conducted periodic management reviews of the beef board, and the agency’s procedures for conducting these reviews could be improved. For example, AMS had not identified weaknesses in the beef board’s internal controls over project implementation costs. Sensitivity to these controls is important because the costs are incurred by the national marketing body the beef board is required to use. Without AMS’ independent oversight, it may not be clear to beef producers, importers, and the public that beef checkoff funds are collected, dispersed, and expended in accordance with legislation.
Our audit also addressed concerns and specific allegations that beef checkoff funds may have been misused. We found no evidence to support that the board’s activities in those areas did not comply with legislation, and AMS guidelines and policies. AMS concurred with our two recommendations.
OIG's Objectives
Our objectives were to determine if AMS’ oversight efforts were adequate to ensure beef checkoff assessments were collected, distributed, and expended in accordance with legislation, and to verify that the relationships between the beef board and other beef industry-related organizations were compliant with existing requirements.
Information Reviewed
OIG reviewed AMS’ and thebeef board’s policies and procedures, designed to monitor activities related to the beef checkoff program. OIG also examined 1,005 invoices that amounted to over $20.5 million in reimbursement payments from the beef checkoff fund.
OIG Recommendations
AMS needs to develop and implement oversight procedures specific to the beef board, perform management reviews of the beef program, and recommend that the beef board improve the transparency of its documents.
Read the complet report here.... http://www.beefboard.org/member-toolkit/files/OIG Audit documents/AMS OIG Beef Checkoff FINAL.pdf
CBB Statement on Office of Inspector General Audit
Weldon Wynn, Cattlemen’s Beef Board Chairman
“We are gratified that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit of the Beef Checkoff Program for the years 2008-2010 identified no audit issues and reported full compliance by the Beef Board and its contractors.
“In quoting directly from the report: ‘The relationships between the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board and other industry-related organizations including … the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, complied with the (Act and Order)…. Funds were collected, distributed and expended in accordance with the legislation.’
“We are proud to receive this validation of the effectiveness of our systems and processes to safeguard producer and importer investments into the Beef Checkoff Program.
"Even with OIG’s confirmation that the Beef Board’s systems of oversight of funds are robust and effective and that its relationships with checkoff contractors are in compliance, the Beef Board maintains a mission toward continual improvement in our responsibility to producers. Since 2010, for example, CBB has operated under an intensified review and verification process, along with expanded and specific guidelines for contractors. In addition, CBB now requires contractors to provide additional information about implementation costs as they prepare funding requests, thus providing decision-makers with a more detailed understanding of project costs before approving them.
“The bottom line: Producers and importers can be assured by the OIG report and the Beef Board’s mission of continual improvement that our checkoff dollars are being invested appropriately and effectively.”
Simplified Beef and Pork Cut Names Approved for Retail Implementation
The National Pork Board and Beef Checkoff Program received unanimous approval from the Industry-Wide Cooperative Meat Identification Standards Committee (ICMISC) to introduce updated Uniform Retail Meat Identification Standards (URMIS) nomenclature for fresh beef and pork for retailers to use on pack. Changes to the beef and pork common names were the culmination of extensive consumer research which showed an opportunity for retailers to build consumer confidence in how to shop for and prepare beef and pork.
The revised nomenclature was previously reviewed by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and American Marketing Service (AMS), and retailers, packers and scale label companies were engaged in the process. The full list of the revised beef and pork common names are now available for retailers to integrate into their scale label programs on www.MeatTrack.com.
“We are pleased to have industry support to introduce new, simplified fresh meat names that will help consumers better understand the beef and pork cuts they see every day in the meat case,” said Jim Henger, senior executive director of B2B Marketing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. “Now that we have the feedback and approval from the ICMISC, retailers and packers can begin to implement the new names and labels to give them a competitive advantage and drive meat department sales.”
“This is a really historic event for the meat industry,” said Patrick Fleming, director of retail marketing for the National Pork Board. “This cross-industry effort to develop new common names was completely consumer-driven, and is something that we all recognize as critical to keeping meat on the center of the plate.”
Retailers can visit www.PorkRetail.org and www.BeefRetail.org for more information on the consumer research that shaped the new program and merchandising opportunities available once implemented.
Fertilizer Prices Await Spring Thaw
Farm-gate fertilizer prices continue their neutral pattern, according to retailers surveyed by DTN during the fourth week of March 2013. This stable trend has been in place now for over five months. Five of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, but these moves were fairly minor. Urea had average price of $573 per ton, 10-34-0 $612/ton, anhydrous $861/ton, UAN28 $405/ton and UAN32 $444/ton. The three remaining fertilizers edged lower compared to the fourth week of February, but again the moves lower were extremely modest. DAP had an average price of $616/ton, MAP $661/ton and potash $589/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.72/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.
Three of the eight major fertilizers are showing a price increase compared to one year earlier. Anhydrous is now 12% higher, UAN32 is 6% more expensive and UAN28 is 5% higher compared to last year. Two fertilizers are single digits lower in price compared to March 2012. DAP is down 3% while MAP is 5% lower compared to last year. The remaining three fertilizers are now down double digits from a year ago. Potash is now down 10%, urea is 11% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 23% less expensive.
Nationwide Coalition Urges USDA to Protect Integrity of COOL
A coalition of 229 farm, rural, faith, consumer and environmental organizations from 45 states delivered a letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect the integrity of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for meat products.
The 2008 Farm Bill included mandatory COOL provisions for beef, pork, poultry, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and some nuts, but Canada and Mexico successfully challenged the implemented rules for meat products at the World Trade Organization as a barrier to international trade. The USDA has issued proposed new rules that simplify and clarify COOL to comply with the WTO decision.
“Consumers want more information about the source of their food, not less,” said Chris Waldrop, director of the Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America. “Strengthening the Country of Origin Label provides consumers with more accurate and precise information about the source of beef and pork products they purchase.”
The proposed rules that the USDA issued in early March strengthen the COOL labels by ensuring that all meat from animals born, raised and processed in the United States will bear a “born, raised and slaughtered in the USA” label and eliminating some of the confusing, vague labeling provisions that were highlighted in the WTO ruling.
“U.S. farmers and ranchers take pride in what they produce, and consumers ought to be able to know the origins of their food,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. “NFU has long supported COOL and urges the USDA to move forward with the new, more accurate, strengthened proposed rule.”
Ben Burkett, president of the National Family Farm Coalition and a farmer from Mississippi, added: “COOL is very important for the farmer members of the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives as we market our products in our state and region. We strongly support the USDA’s revisions on this critical issue.”
Today’s letter demonstrates the broad-based support for sensible country of origin labeling rules. “Consumer and farmer advocates pushed for COOL for more than a decade to overcome the largest food processing and meatpacking companies that wanted to hide the source of the food from consumers,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch.
Even before COOL went into effect, Canada and Mexico challenged the commonsense rules at the WTO. The international meatpacking industry still wants COOL eliminated from federal law.
“A regulatory fix is a preferred response to the WTO because the U.S. can preserve its sovereignty while simultaneously improving the accuracy of information conveyed to consumers,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.
The letter was submitted to the USDA as part of the regulatory comment period and sent to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. The federal comment period closes on April 11, 2013, and the WTO ruling directed USDA to offer new COOL rules by May 23, 2013.
A copy of the coalition letter can be viewed here: http://fwwat.ch/COOLcoalition.
Identifying Johne's Disease with Accuracy
Detecting the costly, contagious Johne's disease in cattle is now easier, thanks to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.
Johne's disease, also known as Paratuberculosis, is estimated to cost the U.S. dairy industry more than $220 million each year. It also affects sheep, goats, deer and other animals, causing diarrhea, reduced feed intake, weight loss and sometimes death.
Microbiologist John Bannantine and his colleagues at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa, discovered an antibody that's 100 percent specific in detecting Johne's disease. This is the first time a specific antibody that binds only to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the pathogen that causes the disease, has been discovered. A patent has been awarded to scientists for the antibody, which could greatly benefit the improvement of diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of MAP.
Previous efforts to detect Johne's disease were hindered because all antibodies used to identify MAP strains also reacted to environmental mycobacteria, according to Bannantine, who works in NADC's Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit. Some of those antibodies also reacted to the disease pathogen responsible for bovine tuberculosis (TB) and caused false-positive results.
Other research, conducted by NADC microbiologist Judy Stabel, focused on ensuring that Johne's disease vaccines do not cross-react with tests for bovine TB, a disease problem in states where wild deer infect cattle.
Stabel and her team vaccinated calves with an effective commercial Johne's vaccine to test cross reactivity with TB tests. They took blood samples for a year and then measured immune and serological responses of calves using novel TB tests.
Scientists found no cross reactivity with the TB serology tests, demonstrating that animals could be vaccinated against Johne's disease without interfering with bovine TB testing. Similar results were found with the skin test used to detect TB in cattle.
Read more about this research in the April 2013 issue of Agricultural Research magazine. ARS is USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, and the research supports the USDA priority of promoting international food security.
CWT Assists with 7.5 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 28 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Michigan Milk Producers Association, United Dairymen of Arizona and Upstate Niagara Cooperative (O-AT-KA) to sell 5.899 million pounds (2,676 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese and 1.636 million pounds (742 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product will be delivered April through September 2013.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 47.055 million pounds of cheese, 46.484 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 30 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 1.449 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. That is equal to 90% of USDA’s projected increase in milk marketings for all of 2013.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
WDE Implementing New Cattle Identification System
One of the nation's largest dairy shows is making some changes to its dairy cattle health check-in process. In an effort to strengthen the event biosecurity and in accordance with the new USDA Animal Disease Traceability rule, exhibitors bringing cattle to World Dairy Expo will need to have an accepted defined ID tag in the animal's ear upon entering the grounds. Within this rule change, registration numbers and breed tattoos will no longer be official identification for interstate transport. At the WDE Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee meeting last month, it was approved to require all cattle, including those from Wisconsin, to meet the same World Dairy Expo health check-in identification standard.
The following ID tags will be accepted by World Dairy Expo for health check-in starting in 2013...
** A Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tag - 15 digit number starting with 124
** A USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) RFID Tag - 15 digit number starting with 840
** A USDA 840 Animal Identification Number (AIN) Visual Tag - 15 digit number starting with 840
** A manufacturer coded tamper evident RFID tag - 15 digit number starting with 900 or greater
Coordinators say manufacturer coded RFID tags will be discontinued as official ID by USDA starting in 2015.
It is recommended that U.S. exhibitors with cattle that do not have one of the above 15 digit number accepted ID tags visit with an approved 840 AIN tag distributor to secure 840 AIN RFID tags. All breed associations can provide exhibitors with these 840 AIN ID tags.
Dairy cattle exhibitors are encouraged to visit the Dairy Cattle Show page at www.worlddairyexpo.com for complete details and to view a color 2013 WDE Identification Method graphic flyer. Exhibitors may also call the WDE office at 608-224-6455 for further information.
World Dairy Expo will be held October 1-5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Mosaic Company Reports Third Quarter Results
The Mosaic Company, Plymouth, Minn., reported third quarter fiscal 2013 net earnings of $345 million, compared to $273 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $0.81 in the quarter compared to $0.64 last year. The current year quarter included a $44 million, or $0.07 per share, negative impact from notable items. Operating earnings during the quarter were $419 million, roughly flat with $414 million a year ago. Mosaic's net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 were $2.24 billion, up from $2.19 billion last year, driven by higher potash and phosphate volumes.
"As we emerge from the traditionally slow third fiscal quarter, we are seeing strong demand and improving sentiment in most of our geographies," said Jim Prokopanko, president and chief executive officer of Mosaic. "Global farm economics remain compelling, with continuing attractive commodity prices and low costs for critical crop inputs. Economic and demographic trends are extremely promising for Mosaic, and the Company's long-term prospects are excellent."
Mosaic's gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was $568 million, or 25 percent of net sales, compared to $522 million, or 24 percent of net sales, a year ago. The improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by higher potash volumes and lower phosphate raw material costs. Cash flow provided by operating activities in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was $371 million compared to $405 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures totaled $398 million in the quarter. Mosaic's total cash and cash equivalents were $3.3 billion and long-term debt was $1.0 billion as of February 28, 2013.
"Following the signing of India and China contracts, which delivered better than expected demand from these two countries, we saw improving potash fundamentals and sentiment around the world," said Prokopanko. "We expect producer inventories to be drawn down in coming months as North American dealers prepare for what is likely to be a very strong application season and Canpotex delivers against these base load contracts."
Net sales in the Potash segment totaled $758 million for the third quarter, up 37 percent compared to $553 million a year ago, driven by significantly higher volumes, partially offset by lower prices. Gross margin was $308 million, or 41 percent of net sales, compared to $270 million, or 49 percent of net sales, a year ago. The year-over-year decline in gross margin rate is primarily driven by lower realized potash prices, an unrealized loss on derivatives, and higher depreciation and increased labor expenses as the Company prepares to bring on new production capacity. Additionally, the year-over-year change in gross margin rate was negatively impacted by approximately four percentage points due to the timing of Canpotex shipments. Operating earnings were $216 million, down eight percent, compared to $234 million in the prior year. The current quarter included a $42 million charge related to the settlement of the potash anti-trust litigation.
The third quarter average MOP selling price, FOB plant, was $385 per tonne, down from $453 per tonne from a year ago. The Potash segment's total sales volumes for the third quarter were 1.8 million tonnes, compared to 1.1 million tonnes a year ago.
Potash production was 2.0 million tonnes, or 78 percent of operational capacity, up from 1.8 million tonnes last year.
"The supply and demand outlook for phosphates remains in balance," Prokopanko said. "While we don't expect India to come back to the market until later this year, recent price strengthening in Tampa exports reinforces our positive outlook. Over the long run, we maintain an optimistic view of phosphates, as evidenced by our recently announced joint venture with Ma'aden."
Net sales in the Phosphates segment were $1.5 billion for the third quarter, down nine percent compared to last year, primarily driven by lower prices of finished product. Gross margin was $266 million, or 18 percent of net sales, compared to $259 million, or 16 percent, for the same period a year ago. The year over year improvement in gross margin rate was driven by lower raw material costs, partially offset by lower finished phosphate product prices. Operating earnings were $197 million, up four percent compared to $190 million last year.
The third quarter average DAP selling price, FOB plant, was $496 per tonne, compared to $536 per tonne a year ago. Phosphates segment total sales volumes were 2.6 million tonnes, flat with last year.
Phosphate rock production in Florida was 3.6 million tonnes in the quarter compared to 2.9 million tonnes last year, reflecting increased production at the South Fort Meade mine.
Mosaic's North American finished phosphate production was 2.1 million tonnes, or 87 percent of operational capacity.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $90 million for the third quarter, down slightly from $91 million a year ago.
Monday, April 1, 2013
April 1 Crop Progress and Ag News
NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending of March 31, 2013, below normal temperatures limited fieldwork activities with producers awaiting warmer conditions, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Livestock producers have reported favorable spring calving conditions with good survival rates. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 37 percent very short, 43 short, 20 adequate, and 0 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 60 percent very short, 36 short, 4 adequate, and 0 surplus. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Field Crops Report:
Wheat conditions rated 14 percent very poor, 35 poor, 41 fair, 10 good, and 0 excellent. Oats planted were at 31 percent, behind last year’s 35 but ahead of 16 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Hay and forage supplies rated 16 percent very short, 43 short, 41 adequate, and 0 surplus. Cattle and calves condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 24 fair, 69 good, and 4 excellent. Spring calving was 61 percent complete. Sheep and lamb conditions were 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 25 fair, 73 good, and 2 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 12 percent very short, 24 short, 63 adequate, and 1 surplus.
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE®ion=HPRCC
Access the US Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP
View the national crop progress information here: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-04-01-2013.txt
NSB’s “Bean Team” Celebrates 16 Years of Promoting Healthy Lifestyles during April Soyfoods Month
The Nebraska Soybean Board’s “Bean Team” is set to close out another successful year of promoting healthy lifestyles with a full schedule of events to celebrate “Soyfoods Month” this April.
The Bean Team, which was created by the Nebraska Soybean Board in 1997, is made up of a group of well-trained college students who promote the many health benefits of including soyfoods in your diet. The Bean Team members often make appearances in grocery stores where they make sample soyfoods recipes for shoppers to try.
Soyfoods are readily available at virtually any supermarket, and are naturally high in protein, low in saturated fats and low in cholesterol. One of the main Bean Team messages is that soyfoods are not only good for you, but taste great too.
So far this year, the Bean Team has made over 60 appearances from October-March at various events in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Hastings. To kickof Soyfoods Month, they also have another 20 events planned for April, including several supermarket appearances and radio remote broadcasts. Two major events featuring the Bean Team include the Omaha Taste of Home Show, April 9 and the Omaha Health Expo, April 13-14.
The Bean Team also uses social media to take its message to Nebraskans. The team’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/beanteam, provides visitors with a lot of useful information. On the site, folks can find a calendar of events, news and photos from past events and other useful information, such as delicious soy recipes. This spring, the Facebook page will also feature several contests.
Soyfood consumption has been linked to a healthier lifestyle. Recent studies by leading health and educational institutions show that people who eat soyfoods tend to have lower rates of many types of cancers, and reduced risks for osteoporosis and kidney disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that foods containing soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as well. Soy is naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Bean Teamer Ali John, a UNL graduate student in nutrition from Hillsborough, New Jersey, says food manufacturers often add soy to their products as an added source of protein.
“You’re probably already using more soy than you might think,” she says. “All vegetable oils are soy, for example. And you’re going to find soy in a lot of other food products you wouldn’t necessarily think about. Soy is very versatile and can serve as a vegetable, as a protein replacement, and even as dairy,” she says. Soy’s versatility and its many benefits are clearly visible in USDA’s new MyPlate dietary guidelines, where it is included in three of the five major categories.
“Consumers are now much more aware of the benefits of soyfoods in their diets,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board. Citing soyfood industry studies, he says about one-third of U.S. consumers now seek out products containing soy, with about 31 percent of consumers being aware of the specific health benefits of soy in their diet. “This improvement is a big step forward from a few years ago when we had trouble convincing stores to carry tofu.”
For more information about soy food products and their health benefits, visit the NSB’s website at http://www.nebraskasoybeans.org or learn more about the Bean Team on Facebook.
No-till Planting Tips for a Dry Year
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer
The residue cover in no-till fields is essential when it comes to conserving water. The residue protects the soil surface, reducing crusting and soil moisture evaporation. When it comes to no-till planting, the key is to minimize the soil and residue disturbance.
Leave residue over the row. Too many producers move residue away from the row when planting, trying to make the seedbed warmer and drier during the cool part of the growing season. This isn’t necessary in a warm, dry spring, especially if drought conditions continue. Growers should focus instead on using residue to keep the soil cooler and wetter during the hot part of the growing season. By leaving the residue over the row while planting, soil moisture evaporation is reduced and the root zone is kept cooler for the entire season.
Use seeding disks to cut residue. When properly adjusted and working together, the sharp double disk seed furrow openers on planters can easily cut through the residue and soil to place the seeds. Running coulters in front of seeding disks often increases “hair pinning” of residue as the tillage of the coulters incorporates some of the residue into the seed zone. Planters can more effectively cut residue using the seeding disks, as the disks are sharper than most coulters on the market. In some situations, the coulters start pushing the residue down without cutting it and the seeding disks fold or “hair pin” the residue because they don’t have a firm soil surface to cut the residue. If hair pinning of the residue is a problem, increase the planting depth some to improve the residue cutting angle of the disks.
Provide uniform residue cover. Producers who did not uniformly spread their residue during the previous harvest could use residue movers to "even up" the residue and create a more uniform residue layer. However, they should not remove all of the residue from the row as soil moisture losses are higher from bare soil. If the residue cover is already uniform, such as in long-term no-till, residue movers can do more harm than good. In these cases, the movers break residue loose from the soil and some of the residue can then blow back over the row, creating non-uniform conditions. In addition, the emerging seedlings may leaf out under the residue and may have difficulty surviving.
Add downpressure springs and weight to ensure penetration. The residue of no-till, especially in hard, dry soil, requires downpressure springs and extra weight (as necessary) on the planter to cut through and penetrate the soil to achieve the desired seeding depth. Enough downpressure should be on the row units to make sure that the depth gauging wheels are actually gauging planting depth. Check the downpressure on the row units as conditions change to avoid over compacting wet soils, creating sidewall compaction.
Plant on or near the old row. Producers should plant down the old row to place the seed in the old root zone, the most biologically active area of the field. Don’t seed between the old rows as some of the new rows will be in soft, untrafficked row middles with different soil conditions than the wheel tracks, the most compacted area in the field. Planting about 5 inches to the side of the old row works well for corn on corn to reduce planter bounce, resulting in more uniform depth control. This also reduces tire wear as compared to driving on the root stumps to plant between the old rows.
Planting deeper may be warranted in dry years. Producers should consider planting deeper to ensure that all of the seeds are in good soil moisture for uniform emergence. Keeton Seed Firmers or Schaffert Rebounders help place all of the seeds at the bottom of the seed-vee for a more uniform planting depth. Planting the seeds deeper also puts them into a more buffered soil environment with a more uniform soil temperature and soil moisture. This improves uniformity of emergence which increases yields. In addition, by planting deeper, the root system is better established, improving standability and allowing the plant to better handle stresses. Corn should be planted at least 2 inches deep as most corn planters were designed for planting depths of 2 to 3 inches. Consider the 3-inch planting depth in dry years and low residue conditions to reduce potential drying of the seed zone.
Ensure good seed-vee closure. The seed-vee should be properly closed for good seed-to-soil contact and to reduce drying out of the seed zone. Some producers add spoked closing wheels to their planters to help close the seed-vee, especially in wet soil conditions. The spoked wheels serve three purposes:
- drying the soil with tillage,
- closing the seed-vee while fracturing the sidewall, and
- providing loose soil above the seed.
The loose soil created by the spoked wheels reduces the potential for the seed-vee opening back up as the soil dries. However, depending on the moisture situation, the tillage of the closing wheels might dry out the soil too much. In some cases, growers get better results using one spoked wheel and one regular closing wheel. Also, some closing wheel brands have less aggressive spokes than others. A drag chain is usually needed behind aggressive spoked wheels to help smooth and level the soil.
Planning for Summer Forage Needs, Managing Pasture Problem Spots
Paul Hay, UNL Extension Educator
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Hay supplies are down and many hay fields and pastures will be late and thin this spring. Planting oats might be one of the surest ways to boost hay supply for your cattle this year.
Oats grow during cool spring weather when we are most likely to receive rain and when soil moisture is used most efficiently to produce forage. Other benefits include low risk, relatively low cost, and multiple use options. Oat hay is ideal for young livestock if cut when oats just begin to head out. You can also increase yield by about one-third and cut oats in the early milk stage for hay that's excellent for stock cows. Also, oats in the milk to early dough stage make excellent silage. Oats can also be grazed, but care should be taken to transition the cattle to this lush forage.
Oats are often best planted in March or early April, depending on location in the state. Drill three to four bushels of oats into new fields for hay. With good soil moisture and 60 to 80 pounds of nitrogen, oats will produce two to three tons of hay for harvest in June.
After the oats are harvested, sudangrass or sorghum-sudan hybrids can be seeded for fall grazing or hay production. Growth needs to be 3 feet or more before grazing as a compound called prussic acid can be potentially poisonous. Prussic acid is nothing to fear if you take a few precautions. First, do not turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-sudan pastures. They may eat so rapidly that they get a quick overdose of prussic acid. Secondly, since the highest concentration of prussic acid is in new shoots, let the grass grow to 24-36 inches tall before it's grazed. Pearl millet doesn't contain prussic acid and can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.
Managing Summer Annual Grasses
Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system. Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that permits animals to graze a paddock down to about 8 or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days. Repeat this procedure with all paddocks. If some grass gets too tall, either cut it for hay or rotate animals more quickly so grass doesn't head out. A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain will give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.
Check brome pastures in March for dead spots. These may be due to drought, grubs or other insects damaging the roots, overgrazing, or cheatgrass that overtook good grass. These thin or dead patches need to be reclaimed and integrated back into your grazing program. If you ignore them, weeds will overrun the area and spread into your good grass. Reseeding these areas follows the same basic guidelines as planting a whole new pasture. Native pastures will heal themselves with weed control and rest.
Plant a brome and orchardgrass mix with equipment that places seed just slightly below the soil surface from March 15 through April. Your biggest challenges are selecting the seed to use and keeping cattle out while new seedlings develop. To determine what to seed, consider whether the patch will be part of a larger pasture or a whole new area. If it's to be part of the larger pasture, it is critical that you plant the same kind of plants that will be next to it when you add it back to the existing pasture. If you plant something cattle like better, they'll overgraze it. If they don't like it as well, they won't use it.
UNL Extension Irrigation and Soils Courses Now Online at Marketplace.unl.edu
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension provides two online short courses on irrigation and soils at marketplace.unl.edu.
The courses combine the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to obtain continuing education unit (CEU) credits.
UNL Extension educator Chuck Burr said the virtual learning environment is especially suited for those whose schedules or location may prevent them from attending traditional extension training opportunities. The modules are intended for crop consultants, agency personnel, crop producers and others interested in improving their soil science or soil fertility management and irrigation management skills.
"UNL Extension still offers programs for those who prefer traditional, classroom-style training," Burr said. "However, the new online course on irrigation management allows participants to learn at the click of a mouse."
UNL Extension educator Keith Glewen added, "The courses are designed to assist online learners in acquiring new knowledge. This in turn can result in management decisions which have a positive impact on financial and environmental outcomes."
The soils course aims to expand the participant's knowledge of soil science, including the origins, physical properties and chemical properties of soil. Understanding this information benefits those making management decisions related to soil fertility and crop production. This in turn can improve the efficiency of fertilizer applications, reduce nutrient loss and improve crop yields.
The irrigation management course will help increase awareness and understanding of irrigation management concepts. Agricultural water users can optimize water use efficiency and protect the quality of water resources by applying basic information about irrigation systems, crop water use and management practices.
Reducing irrigation application amounts and increasing uniformity of application leads to reduced deep percolation and runoff. The result can be reduced irrigation costs, increased efficiency, increased yields and reduced surface and groundwater contamination.
Formal admission to UNL is not required to enroll in the short courses. Register online at marketplace.unl.edu/extension/registration. The registration fee for each course is $50. CEU credit is available for an additional $10 per credit with a maximum of 13 credits per course.
Contact Burr at chuck.burr@unl.edu for details on the irrigation short course and Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu for information on the soils short course.
USDA TAKES A LOOK AT FARM LABOR
During the second half of April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey. The survey will collect information about agricultural labor on Nebraska’s farms and ranches.
“The beginning of the growing season is usually the perfect time to look at farm labor,” said Dean Groskurth, Director of the NASS Nebraska Field Office. “The data that farm operators provide through NASS’s Agricultural Labor Survey allow Nebraska and federal policy-makers to establish labor policies based on accurate information and help ensure farmers can get sufficient hired labor for their operations.”
USDA and the Department of Labor will use statistics gathered in the Agricultural Labor Survey to help establish minimum wage rates for agricultural workers, administer farm labor recruitment and placement service programs, and assist legislators in determining labor policies.
In the survey, NASS asks participants to answer a variety of questions about hired farm labor on their operations, including total number of hired farm workers, hours worked, and wage rates paid for the weeks of January 6-12 and April 7-13. For their convenience, survey participants have the option to respond online.
“Due to season variations, despite collecting farm labor data twice a year, we provide all data on a quarterly basis,” said Groskurth. “This approach helps us ensure that anyone using our data can perform more accurate analyses.”
NASS will compile, analyze and publish survey results in the Farm Labor report, to be released on May 21. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at 1-800-582-6443.
The New, Ideal On-Pack Fresh Beef Label
Today’s consumer is confused about fresh meat cuts, and as a result, they tend to purchase only the three or four cuts they are most familiar with preparing at home. This presents huge marketing potential to drive meat department sales by helping shoppers become confident about the beef and pork they purchase.
The beef checkoff, together with the National Pork Board, conducted extensive research to:
- Understand the gaps in consumer knowledge about fresh meat cut names - Uniform Retail Meat Identity Standards, better known as URMIS
- Determine the most effective ways to share information through a targeted redesign of on-pack labels
The findings led the industry to update the URMIS nomenclature and develop new labeling best practices to minimize consumer confusion and boost shopper confidence at the meat case.
- 63% of consumers said they were likely to try a new cut of meat after being introduced to the new names and labels
- 77% said they were likely to find and go to a store that had this program; 31% said they were very likely
Save the Date for 2013 Iowa Grazing Conference
Iowa grazing supporters are planning the 2013 edition of the Iowa Grazing Conference set for later this summer. They encourage those who use grazing in their livestock operations to put the June 25-26 event on their calendars now. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Joe Sellers has been involved with the conference for several years and said this year’s event has classroom and field experiences.
“The featured speaker is Garry Lacefield, a grazing and forage specialist from the University of Kentucky, and we have a great variety of breakout session topics for attendees,” he said. “Improving grazing management, cover crops, using annual forage crops for hay and pasture, using grazing to improve wildlife habitat and environmental impacts of grazing are just a few of the topics on the agenda.”
The conference at the Southwestern Community College campus in Creston runs from 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 to noon on Wednesday, June 26. In addition to breakout sessions and a producer panel, the event also has a pasture walk and barbeque meal on the evening of June 25.
Sellers said final program details and registration information will be available in late April through program sponsors Iowa Beef Center at www.iowabeefcenter.org and Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council at iowaforage.org. Other sponsors and planners include ISU Extension and Outreach, the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Southwestern Community College and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance to Hold two Chicago Food Dialogues Events
The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has announced the dates and locations for two events in the continuation of its high-profile discussions, The Food Dialogues, designed to answer Americans’ questions on some of today’s most provocative issues surrounding food.
“USFRA is excited to host The Food Dialogues: Chicago and continue the important conversation about how food is grown and raised,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “To date, USFRA has hosted The Food Dialogues in four cities consecutively – Washington, D.C., Northwest Indiana, University of California – Davis, New York City. We’re now taking the conversation to the hub of where many food decisions are being made. With so many food and agricultural companies based in the Midwest, we knew the time was right to bring The Food Dialogues to Chicago.”
The Food Dialogues: Chicago at the BIO International Convention, on April 22 will focus on the impact media has on consumers’ knowledge of biotechnology (GMOs). Access will be available to non-convention attendees if they are pre-registered at www.fooddialogues.com for this event.
The Food Dialogues: Chicago at Kendall College on June 19 will focus on transparency, specifically the type of information consumers are looking for when making food purchasing decisions. Additional details, including event moderators and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks. In the interim, USFRA has created a section of its website where individuals can register and sign up to receive updates as they become available.
USFRA most recently held The Food Dialogues: New York on November 15, 2012, with the event focusing on three of today’s key food issues: Media, Marketing and Healthy Choices, Animal Antibiotics and Biotechnology and Your Food.
For more information about USFRA or its signature event series, The Food Dialogues, visit www.fooddialogues.com. Follow USFRA on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD or on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usfarmersandranchers.
Diesel prices dip below the 4 dollar mark
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel dipped below the 4-dollar mark for the first time since late January to $3.99 a gallon on Monday. That’s down 1.3 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Diesel prices were highest in the New England region at 4.15 a gallon, down 2.3 cents from aweek ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.92 a gallon, down 2 cents. In the Midwest Region, diesel prices averaged $3.970, down 0.9 cents from last week and down 7.2 cents from last year.
Gasoline prices continue to decrease
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell to $3.65 a gallon on Monday. That’s down 3 1/2 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Pump prices were highest in the West Coast region at 3.95 a gallon, down 1.7 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast States at 3.48 a gallon, down 2.5 cents. In the Midwest Region, the average retail price for gasoline was $3.597, which is down six cents from last week and down 30.8 cents from a year ago.
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for April 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for April 2013. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for April 2013 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in March 2013. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during April 2013 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in March 2013.
Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for April 2013 are as follows, 1.375 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.375 in March 2013; 2.000 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.000 in March 2013 and; 2.250 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in March 2013.
Acting USTR Announces Administration Accomplishments in 2012 in Reducing Trade Barriers
Today, Acting United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis sent three reports to President Obama and to Congress detailing significant accomplishments that the Obama Administration has achieved in reducing or removing foreign government barriers to U.S. exports. In addition to describing progress made over the past year, the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Barriers to Trade and the Report on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) describe current barriers to U.S. exports and detail how the Administration is continuing to work on addressing these barriers so that U.S. exports can continue to grow and support more jobs for American workers.
“The Obama Administration has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to opening markets for American products and services abroad – this translates into increased economic opportunities for U.S. workers and companies here at home,” said Acting USTR Marantis. “On behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers, we will continue to eliminate unwarranted barriers that obstruct the sale of high-quality “Made-in-America” products overseas. And we will maintain our vigorous efforts to ensure a level playing field for U.S. goods and services in markets around the world.”
The Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Barriers to Trade focuses on unwarranted SPS barriers that block American agricultural exports. In addition, USTR is providing information on several successful actions to dismantle barriers, which will provide increased access to international markets for American food and agricultural products. Among many other efforts, U.S. negotiators successfully removed specific SPS barriers in El Salvador, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan to exports of U.S. beef; opened the European Union (EU) market to exports of beef treated with lactic acid (a pathogen reduction treatment); resolved barriers to U.S. exports of rough (paddy) rice and poultry products to Colombia; improved market access for U.S. cherries entering Korea; and gained access into China for certain pears grown in the United States.
The Report on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) addresses unwarranted or overly burdensome standards that make it difficult for American manufacturers to sell their products abroad. In 2012, the Administration successfully addressed several of the TBT barriers identified in the previous year’s report. Addressing these barriers should make it easier for U.S. products to meet these trading partners’ standards and access their markets. For example, the Administration’s work with Costa Rica and El Salvador to eliminate a burdensome and unnecessary certification requirement will facilitate exports of processed meat products into these markets. In addition, we achieved an agreement with Brazil on certification requirements for meat processing facilities and meat products that maintains access for U.S. exports. The Administration also worked with Vietnam to address tax stamp issues for alcohol and to eliminate the requirement for “consularization” of documents related to export of mobile phones, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages entering Vietnam.
The 2013 SPS and TBT reports are being released in conjunction with the 2013 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, an annual report that identifies foreign barriers to American exports of goods and services, foreign direct investment, and protection of intellectual property rights. The NTE report outlines current barriers and the actions the Obama Administration has taken to address the export barriers described in the report. The measures identified in the three reports can both restrict American exports and limit the growth of jobs here at home.
To view the full 2013 SPS, TBT and NTE reports, please visit USTR’s website here... www.ustr.gov.
USDA Announces New Conservation Collaboration with DuPont to Promote Sustainable Harvesting of Bio-based Feedstocks for Cellulosic Ethanol
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday announced a new federal-private collaboration with DuPont to safeguard natural resources on private lands used to supply bio-based feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.
The joint agreement between USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and DuPont aims to set voluntary standards for the sustainable harvesting of agricultural residues for renewable fuel, and supports rural job creation, additional income for farmers, bio-based energy development, and the safeguarding of natural resources and land productivity.
"USDA and DuPont share a common interest in the wise use and management of soil, water and energy resources," said Secretary Vilsack. "Both organizations also share an interest in helping individual farmers adapt to new market opportunities in ways that are consistent with the wise use of these natural resources."
"Working with farmers is critical to maximizing the land's productivity and protecting natural resources," said Jim C. Borel, executive vice president of DuPont. "With this new collaboration, we have a partner in the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure that the collection of corn stover for the production of cellulosic renewable fuel makes sense for an individual grower's operation and the land they farm."
Today's announcement involves the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRCS and DuPont. USDA, through NRCS, will provide conservation planning assistance for farmers who supply bio-based feedstocks to biorefineries as the industry begins to commercialize. Conservation plan, written for individual operations, will ensure sustainable harvest of corn crop residues while promoting natural resource conservation and land productivity. A conservation plan is a voluntary document, written in cooperation with farmers, which helps them protect natural resources while promoting a farm's economic sustainability.
Through the MOU, DuPont will develop a process to work with cooperating farms on sustainable harvest practices that help keep soil in the field and out of rivers, streams and lakes; promote healthier soils which help reduce flooding through increased infiltration rates, and provide for the efficient use of nutrients.
The first plant involved in this national agreement is northeast of Des Moines, Iowa, near the town of Nevada where DuPont is building a 30 million gallons/year cellulosic facility. This plant will use harvested residues from a 30-mile radius around the facility.
"This agreement will support our Nation's effort to reduce dependency on foreign oil, while working to protect and improve the productivity of our soils—one of our most valuable resources," said Secretary Vilsack.
USDA Invites Applications for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Friday that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
"The Obama Administration continues its commitment to help our nation become more energy independent by partnering with agricultural producers and rural small businesses as they build renewable energy systems and reduce energy usage," said Vilsack. "These investments will not only help our farmers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs, but also provide a new potential revenue source and stabilize their operations' bottom lines."
REAP, authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, (Farm Bill) is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation's critical energy needs. USDA is accepting the following applications:
- Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until April 30, 2013;
- Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications until July 15, 2013;
- Renewable energy system feasibility study grant applications through April 30, 2013.
More information on how to apply for funding is available in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register, pages 19183-19190.
Since the passage of the 2008 Farm Bill and through the end of Fiscal Year 2012, REAP has funded nationwide over 6,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance projects.
Monsanto to Waive Some GMO Soy Royalties in Paraguay
Monsanto Co has agreed to waive the collection of royalties for the use of technology for RoundUp Ready soybeans in Paraguay starting next year, the South American country's main farm groups said.
Reuters reports that the deal would end a months-long spat between the company and growers in the world's No. 4 soybean exporter.
The biotech company charges farmers $4 per tonne of soybeans produced using the Roundup Ready strain, which is resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides and is present in about 95 percent of the beans produced in the South American country.
The company had cited an agreement signed with farming associations in 2004 that established payments for the use of its seed technology.
It has long said the deal was meant to apply until 2014 and that its royalty rights remain in place for as long as there are valid patents on the technology anywhere in the world, Reuters reports.
In the middle of the dispute, the government of President Federico Franco authorized the sale of Monsanto's Intacta RR2 Pro seeds, which also help protect crops from caterpillars.
A Paraguayan judge last month rejected a request by soy farmers to block Monsanto from collecting royalty payments for use of Roundup Ready seeds. The growers had argued that the U.S. company's patent on the genetically modified strain had expired.
Claas Celebrates 100 Years of Business
Over the last century, CLAAS has evolved from a small manufacturer of straw binders into a global leader of agricultural implement innovations. August Claas founded the company in 1913 in Germany, and was soon joined by his three brothers - Bernhard, Franz Jr. and Theo -- to form the company "Gerbuder Claas."
In 1921, the "knotter" was patented as a device designed to create perfect knots. Over the next 90 years, the knotter would go on to become the hallmark of CLAAS.
Later in the decade, the company expanded to the fertilizer spreader before being persuaded to explore the combine harvester market. Manufacturing of combines began in 1936 and has become a staple of CLAAS.
Since the first combine rolled off the line, CLAAS has sold over 440,000 units worldwide. In fact, the 450,000th combine is scheduled to drive off the LEXION production line in Omaha, Nebraska in the Spring of 2013.
As productivity and demand grew, CLAAS expanded beyond the borders of Germany. In 1958, a plant was constructed in Metz, France, to produce balers; the first reciprocating plunger balers were built in 1961, and the first sliding plunger balers were manufactured in 1967. Over 280,000 balers have been assembled at the Metz facility in the last six decades.
CLAAS also took a step in tractor development with the 2003 major acquisition of French manufacturer Renault Agriculture. In 2008 CLAAS fully purchased Renault and the French workforce accounts for nearly a third of all CLAAS employees.
While European expansion was taking place, CLAAS was also focusing on reaching the American market. CLAAS of America was founded as an import and distribution firm in 1979 in Columbus, Ind.
The company quickly became a market leader in the sales and services of the JAGUAR forage harvester. During the late 1990s, a new factory for the production of LEXION combine harvesters was built in Omaha, Neb. Here, the largest capacity, most efficient combines in the world roll off the line in yellow and black paint.
Today, CLAAS maintains 11 production facilities around the globe. Along with four facilities in Germany, the seven global plants are spread out from Hungary to India and from Argentina to Russia. All told, CLAAS employs more than 9,000 workers worldwide.
Under the guidance of second- and third-generation CLAAS family members, Helmut Claas and his daughter Cathrina Claas-Muhlhauser, the company has stayed true to its roots as a family-run business. They have seen CLAAS become the fourth-largest agricultural equipment manufacturer in the world and the global market leader in the production of self-propelled forage harvesters.
As CLAAS enters its 100th year as a family-owned agricultural manufacturer, the company is releasing a book chronicling the past century of innovation. Titled "100 Years of Harvesting Excellence", the book contains nearly 400 pages on the history of CLAAS. The book is currently available on deliusklasing.com, and will be available in bookstores this spring.
For the week ending of March 31, 2013, below normal temperatures limited fieldwork activities with producers awaiting warmer conditions, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Livestock producers have reported favorable spring calving conditions with good survival rates. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 37 percent very short, 43 short, 20 adequate, and 0 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 60 percent very short, 36 short, 4 adequate, and 0 surplus. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork.
Field Crops Report:
Wheat conditions rated 14 percent very poor, 35 poor, 41 fair, 10 good, and 0 excellent. Oats planted were at 31 percent, behind last year’s 35 but ahead of 16 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Hay and forage supplies rated 16 percent very short, 43 short, 41 adequate, and 0 surplus. Cattle and calves condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 24 fair, 69 good, and 4 excellent. Spring calving was 61 percent complete. Sheep and lamb conditions were 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 25 fair, 73 good, and 2 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 12 percent very short, 24 short, 63 adequate, and 1 surplus.
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE®ion=HPRCC
Access the US Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP
View the national crop progress information here: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-04-01-2013.txt
NSB’s “Bean Team” Celebrates 16 Years of Promoting Healthy Lifestyles during April Soyfoods Month
The Nebraska Soybean Board’s “Bean Team” is set to close out another successful year of promoting healthy lifestyles with a full schedule of events to celebrate “Soyfoods Month” this April.
The Bean Team, which was created by the Nebraska Soybean Board in 1997, is made up of a group of well-trained college students who promote the many health benefits of including soyfoods in your diet. The Bean Team members often make appearances in grocery stores where they make sample soyfoods recipes for shoppers to try.
Soyfoods are readily available at virtually any supermarket, and are naturally high in protein, low in saturated fats and low in cholesterol. One of the main Bean Team messages is that soyfoods are not only good for you, but taste great too.
So far this year, the Bean Team has made over 60 appearances from October-March at various events in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Hastings. To kickof Soyfoods Month, they also have another 20 events planned for April, including several supermarket appearances and radio remote broadcasts. Two major events featuring the Bean Team include the Omaha Taste of Home Show, April 9 and the Omaha Health Expo, April 13-14.
The Bean Team also uses social media to take its message to Nebraskans. The team’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/beanteam, provides visitors with a lot of useful information. On the site, folks can find a calendar of events, news and photos from past events and other useful information, such as delicious soy recipes. This spring, the Facebook page will also feature several contests.
Soyfood consumption has been linked to a healthier lifestyle. Recent studies by leading health and educational institutions show that people who eat soyfoods tend to have lower rates of many types of cancers, and reduced risks for osteoporosis and kidney disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that foods containing soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, as well. Soy is naturally low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Bean Teamer Ali John, a UNL graduate student in nutrition from Hillsborough, New Jersey, says food manufacturers often add soy to their products as an added source of protein.
“You’re probably already using more soy than you might think,” she says. “All vegetable oils are soy, for example. And you’re going to find soy in a lot of other food products you wouldn’t necessarily think about. Soy is very versatile and can serve as a vegetable, as a protein replacement, and even as dairy,” she says. Soy’s versatility and its many benefits are clearly visible in USDA’s new MyPlate dietary guidelines, where it is included in three of the five major categories.
“Consumers are now much more aware of the benefits of soyfoods in their diets,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director of the Nebraska Soybean Board. Citing soyfood industry studies, he says about one-third of U.S. consumers now seek out products containing soy, with about 31 percent of consumers being aware of the specific health benefits of soy in their diet. “This improvement is a big step forward from a few years ago when we had trouble convincing stores to carry tofu.”
For more information about soy food products and their health benefits, visit the NSB’s website at http://www.nebraskasoybeans.org or learn more about the Bean Team on Facebook.
No-till Planting Tips for a Dry Year
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer
The residue cover in no-till fields is essential when it comes to conserving water. The residue protects the soil surface, reducing crusting and soil moisture evaporation. When it comes to no-till planting, the key is to minimize the soil and residue disturbance.
Leave residue over the row. Too many producers move residue away from the row when planting, trying to make the seedbed warmer and drier during the cool part of the growing season. This isn’t necessary in a warm, dry spring, especially if drought conditions continue. Growers should focus instead on using residue to keep the soil cooler and wetter during the hot part of the growing season. By leaving the residue over the row while planting, soil moisture evaporation is reduced and the root zone is kept cooler for the entire season.
Use seeding disks to cut residue. When properly adjusted and working together, the sharp double disk seed furrow openers on planters can easily cut through the residue and soil to place the seeds. Running coulters in front of seeding disks often increases “hair pinning” of residue as the tillage of the coulters incorporates some of the residue into the seed zone. Planters can more effectively cut residue using the seeding disks, as the disks are sharper than most coulters on the market. In some situations, the coulters start pushing the residue down without cutting it and the seeding disks fold or “hair pin” the residue because they don’t have a firm soil surface to cut the residue. If hair pinning of the residue is a problem, increase the planting depth some to improve the residue cutting angle of the disks.
Provide uniform residue cover. Producers who did not uniformly spread their residue during the previous harvest could use residue movers to "even up" the residue and create a more uniform residue layer. However, they should not remove all of the residue from the row as soil moisture losses are higher from bare soil. If the residue cover is already uniform, such as in long-term no-till, residue movers can do more harm than good. In these cases, the movers break residue loose from the soil and some of the residue can then blow back over the row, creating non-uniform conditions. In addition, the emerging seedlings may leaf out under the residue and may have difficulty surviving.
Add downpressure springs and weight to ensure penetration. The residue of no-till, especially in hard, dry soil, requires downpressure springs and extra weight (as necessary) on the planter to cut through and penetrate the soil to achieve the desired seeding depth. Enough downpressure should be on the row units to make sure that the depth gauging wheels are actually gauging planting depth. Check the downpressure on the row units as conditions change to avoid over compacting wet soils, creating sidewall compaction.
Plant on or near the old row. Producers should plant down the old row to place the seed in the old root zone, the most biologically active area of the field. Don’t seed between the old rows as some of the new rows will be in soft, untrafficked row middles with different soil conditions than the wheel tracks, the most compacted area in the field. Planting about 5 inches to the side of the old row works well for corn on corn to reduce planter bounce, resulting in more uniform depth control. This also reduces tire wear as compared to driving on the root stumps to plant between the old rows.
Planting deeper may be warranted in dry years. Producers should consider planting deeper to ensure that all of the seeds are in good soil moisture for uniform emergence. Keeton Seed Firmers or Schaffert Rebounders help place all of the seeds at the bottom of the seed-vee for a more uniform planting depth. Planting the seeds deeper also puts them into a more buffered soil environment with a more uniform soil temperature and soil moisture. This improves uniformity of emergence which increases yields. In addition, by planting deeper, the root system is better established, improving standability and allowing the plant to better handle stresses. Corn should be planted at least 2 inches deep as most corn planters were designed for planting depths of 2 to 3 inches. Consider the 3-inch planting depth in dry years and low residue conditions to reduce potential drying of the seed zone.
Ensure good seed-vee closure. The seed-vee should be properly closed for good seed-to-soil contact and to reduce drying out of the seed zone. Some producers add spoked closing wheels to their planters to help close the seed-vee, especially in wet soil conditions. The spoked wheels serve three purposes:
- drying the soil with tillage,
- closing the seed-vee while fracturing the sidewall, and
- providing loose soil above the seed.
The loose soil created by the spoked wheels reduces the potential for the seed-vee opening back up as the soil dries. However, depending on the moisture situation, the tillage of the closing wheels might dry out the soil too much. In some cases, growers get better results using one spoked wheel and one regular closing wheel. Also, some closing wheel brands have less aggressive spokes than others. A drag chain is usually needed behind aggressive spoked wheels to help smooth and level the soil.
Planning for Summer Forage Needs, Managing Pasture Problem Spots
Paul Hay, UNL Extension Educator
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Hay supplies are down and many hay fields and pastures will be late and thin this spring. Planting oats might be one of the surest ways to boost hay supply for your cattle this year.
Oats grow during cool spring weather when we are most likely to receive rain and when soil moisture is used most efficiently to produce forage. Other benefits include low risk, relatively low cost, and multiple use options. Oat hay is ideal for young livestock if cut when oats just begin to head out. You can also increase yield by about one-third and cut oats in the early milk stage for hay that's excellent for stock cows. Also, oats in the milk to early dough stage make excellent silage. Oats can also be grazed, but care should be taken to transition the cattle to this lush forage.
Oats are often best planted in March or early April, depending on location in the state. Drill three to four bushels of oats into new fields for hay. With good soil moisture and 60 to 80 pounds of nitrogen, oats will produce two to three tons of hay for harvest in June.
After the oats are harvested, sudangrass or sorghum-sudan hybrids can be seeded for fall grazing or hay production. Growth needs to be 3 feet or more before grazing as a compound called prussic acid can be potentially poisonous. Prussic acid is nothing to fear if you take a few precautions. First, do not turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-sudan pastures. They may eat so rapidly that they get a quick overdose of prussic acid. Secondly, since the highest concentration of prussic acid is in new shoots, let the grass grow to 24-36 inches tall before it's grazed. Pearl millet doesn't contain prussic acid and can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.
Managing Summer Annual Grasses
Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system. Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that permits animals to graze a paddock down to about 8 or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days. Repeat this procedure with all paddocks. If some grass gets too tall, either cut it for hay or rotate animals more quickly so grass doesn't head out. A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain will give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.
Check brome pastures in March for dead spots. These may be due to drought, grubs or other insects damaging the roots, overgrazing, or cheatgrass that overtook good grass. These thin or dead patches need to be reclaimed and integrated back into your grazing program. If you ignore them, weeds will overrun the area and spread into your good grass. Reseeding these areas follows the same basic guidelines as planting a whole new pasture. Native pastures will heal themselves with weed control and rest.
Plant a brome and orchardgrass mix with equipment that places seed just slightly below the soil surface from March 15 through April. Your biggest challenges are selecting the seed to use and keeping cattle out while new seedlings develop. To determine what to seed, consider whether the patch will be part of a larger pasture or a whole new area. If it's to be part of the larger pasture, it is critical that you plant the same kind of plants that will be next to it when you add it back to the existing pasture. If you plant something cattle like better, they'll overgraze it. If they don't like it as well, they won't use it.
UNL Extension Irrigation and Soils Courses Now Online at Marketplace.unl.edu
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension provides two online short courses on irrigation and soils at marketplace.unl.edu.
The courses combine the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to obtain continuing education unit (CEU) credits.
UNL Extension educator Chuck Burr said the virtual learning environment is especially suited for those whose schedules or location may prevent them from attending traditional extension training opportunities. The modules are intended for crop consultants, agency personnel, crop producers and others interested in improving their soil science or soil fertility management and irrigation management skills.
"UNL Extension still offers programs for those who prefer traditional, classroom-style training," Burr said. "However, the new online course on irrigation management allows participants to learn at the click of a mouse."
UNL Extension educator Keith Glewen added, "The courses are designed to assist online learners in acquiring new knowledge. This in turn can result in management decisions which have a positive impact on financial and environmental outcomes."
The soils course aims to expand the participant's knowledge of soil science, including the origins, physical properties and chemical properties of soil. Understanding this information benefits those making management decisions related to soil fertility and crop production. This in turn can improve the efficiency of fertilizer applications, reduce nutrient loss and improve crop yields.
The irrigation management course will help increase awareness and understanding of irrigation management concepts. Agricultural water users can optimize water use efficiency and protect the quality of water resources by applying basic information about irrigation systems, crop water use and management practices.
Reducing irrigation application amounts and increasing uniformity of application leads to reduced deep percolation and runoff. The result can be reduced irrigation costs, increased efficiency, increased yields and reduced surface and groundwater contamination.
Formal admission to UNL is not required to enroll in the short courses. Register online at marketplace.unl.edu/extension/registration. The registration fee for each course is $50. CEU credit is available for an additional $10 per credit with a maximum of 13 credits per course.
Contact Burr at chuck.burr@unl.edu for details on the irrigation short course and Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu for information on the soils short course.
USDA TAKES A LOOK AT FARM LABOR
During the second half of April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey. The survey will collect information about agricultural labor on Nebraska’s farms and ranches.
“The beginning of the growing season is usually the perfect time to look at farm labor,” said Dean Groskurth, Director of the NASS Nebraska Field Office. “The data that farm operators provide through NASS’s Agricultural Labor Survey allow Nebraska and federal policy-makers to establish labor policies based on accurate information and help ensure farmers can get sufficient hired labor for their operations.”
USDA and the Department of Labor will use statistics gathered in the Agricultural Labor Survey to help establish minimum wage rates for agricultural workers, administer farm labor recruitment and placement service programs, and assist legislators in determining labor policies.
In the survey, NASS asks participants to answer a variety of questions about hired farm labor on their operations, including total number of hired farm workers, hours worked, and wage rates paid for the weeks of January 6-12 and April 7-13. For their convenience, survey participants have the option to respond online.
“Due to season variations, despite collecting farm labor data twice a year, we provide all data on a quarterly basis,” said Groskurth. “This approach helps us ensure that anyone using our data can perform more accurate analyses.”
NASS will compile, analyze and publish survey results in the Farm Labor report, to be released on May 21. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at 1-800-582-6443.
The New, Ideal On-Pack Fresh Beef Label
Today’s consumer is confused about fresh meat cuts, and as a result, they tend to purchase only the three or four cuts they are most familiar with preparing at home. This presents huge marketing potential to drive meat department sales by helping shoppers become confident about the beef and pork they purchase.
The beef checkoff, together with the National Pork Board, conducted extensive research to:
- Understand the gaps in consumer knowledge about fresh meat cut names - Uniform Retail Meat Identity Standards, better known as URMIS
- Determine the most effective ways to share information through a targeted redesign of on-pack labels
The findings led the industry to update the URMIS nomenclature and develop new labeling best practices to minimize consumer confusion and boost shopper confidence at the meat case.
- 63% of consumers said they were likely to try a new cut of meat after being introduced to the new names and labels
- 77% said they were likely to find and go to a store that had this program; 31% said they were very likely
Save the Date for 2013 Iowa Grazing Conference
Iowa grazing supporters are planning the 2013 edition of the Iowa Grazing Conference set for later this summer. They encourage those who use grazing in their livestock operations to put the June 25-26 event on their calendars now. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist Joe Sellers has been involved with the conference for several years and said this year’s event has classroom and field experiences.
“The featured speaker is Garry Lacefield, a grazing and forage specialist from the University of Kentucky, and we have a great variety of breakout session topics for attendees,” he said. “Improving grazing management, cover crops, using annual forage crops for hay and pasture, using grazing to improve wildlife habitat and environmental impacts of grazing are just a few of the topics on the agenda.”
The conference at the Southwestern Community College campus in Creston runs from 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25 to noon on Wednesday, June 26. In addition to breakout sessions and a producer panel, the event also has a pasture walk and barbeque meal on the evening of June 25.
Sellers said final program details and registration information will be available in late April through program sponsors Iowa Beef Center at www.iowabeefcenter.org and Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council at iowaforage.org. Other sponsors and planners include ISU Extension and Outreach, the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Southwestern Community College and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance to Hold two Chicago Food Dialogues Events
The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has announced the dates and locations for two events in the continuation of its high-profile discussions, The Food Dialogues, designed to answer Americans’ questions on some of today’s most provocative issues surrounding food.
“USFRA is excited to host The Food Dialogues: Chicago and continue the important conversation about how food is grown and raised,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “To date, USFRA has hosted The Food Dialogues in four cities consecutively – Washington, D.C., Northwest Indiana, University of California – Davis, New York City. We’re now taking the conversation to the hub of where many food decisions are being made. With so many food and agricultural companies based in the Midwest, we knew the time was right to bring The Food Dialogues to Chicago.”
The Food Dialogues: Chicago at the BIO International Convention, on April 22 will focus on the impact media has on consumers’ knowledge of biotechnology (GMOs). Access will be available to non-convention attendees if they are pre-registered at www.fooddialogues.com for this event.
The Food Dialogues: Chicago at Kendall College on June 19 will focus on transparency, specifically the type of information consumers are looking for when making food purchasing decisions. Additional details, including event moderators and panelists will be announced in the coming weeks. In the interim, USFRA has created a section of its website where individuals can register and sign up to receive updates as they become available.
USFRA most recently held The Food Dialogues: New York on November 15, 2012, with the event focusing on three of today’s key food issues: Media, Marketing and Healthy Choices, Animal Antibiotics and Biotechnology and Your Food.
For more information about USFRA or its signature event series, The Food Dialogues, visit www.fooddialogues.com. Follow USFRA on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD or on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usfarmersandranchers.
Diesel prices dip below the 4 dollar mark
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel dipped below the 4-dollar mark for the first time since late January to $3.99 a gallon on Monday. That’s down 1.3 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Diesel prices were highest in the New England region at 4.15 a gallon, down 2.3 cents from aweek ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.92 a gallon, down 2 cents. In the Midwest Region, diesel prices averaged $3.970, down 0.9 cents from last week and down 7.2 cents from last year.
Gasoline prices continue to decrease
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell to $3.65 a gallon on Monday. That’s down 3 1/2 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Pump prices were highest in the West Coast region at 3.95 a gallon, down 1.7 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast States at 3.48 a gallon, down 2.5 cents. In the Midwest Region, the average retail price for gasoline was $3.597, which is down six cents from last week and down 30.8 cents from a year ago.
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for April 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for April 2013. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for April 2013 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in March 2013. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during April 2013 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in March 2013.
Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for April 2013 are as follows, 1.375 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.375 in March 2013; 2.000 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.000 in March 2013 and; 2.250 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in March 2013.
Acting USTR Announces Administration Accomplishments in 2012 in Reducing Trade Barriers
Today, Acting United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis sent three reports to President Obama and to Congress detailing significant accomplishments that the Obama Administration has achieved in reducing or removing foreign government barriers to U.S. exports. In addition to describing progress made over the past year, the National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Barriers to Trade and the Report on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) describe current barriers to U.S. exports and detail how the Administration is continuing to work on addressing these barriers so that U.S. exports can continue to grow and support more jobs for American workers.
“The Obama Administration has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to opening markets for American products and services abroad – this translates into increased economic opportunities for U.S. workers and companies here at home,” said Acting USTR Marantis. “On behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers, we will continue to eliminate unwarranted barriers that obstruct the sale of high-quality “Made-in-America” products overseas. And we will maintain our vigorous efforts to ensure a level playing field for U.S. goods and services in markets around the world.”
The Report on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Barriers to Trade focuses on unwarranted SPS barriers that block American agricultural exports. In addition, USTR is providing information on several successful actions to dismantle barriers, which will provide increased access to international markets for American food and agricultural products. Among many other efforts, U.S. negotiators successfully removed specific SPS barriers in El Salvador, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan to exports of U.S. beef; opened the European Union (EU) market to exports of beef treated with lactic acid (a pathogen reduction treatment); resolved barriers to U.S. exports of rough (paddy) rice and poultry products to Colombia; improved market access for U.S. cherries entering Korea; and gained access into China for certain pears grown in the United States.
The Report on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) addresses unwarranted or overly burdensome standards that make it difficult for American manufacturers to sell their products abroad. In 2012, the Administration successfully addressed several of the TBT barriers identified in the previous year’s report. Addressing these barriers should make it easier for U.S. products to meet these trading partners’ standards and access their markets. For example, the Administration’s work with Costa Rica and El Salvador to eliminate a burdensome and unnecessary certification requirement will facilitate exports of processed meat products into these markets. In addition, we achieved an agreement with Brazil on certification requirements for meat processing facilities and meat products that maintains access for U.S. exports. The Administration also worked with Vietnam to address tax stamp issues for alcohol and to eliminate the requirement for “consularization” of documents related to export of mobile phones, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages entering Vietnam.
The 2013 SPS and TBT reports are being released in conjunction with the 2013 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, an annual report that identifies foreign barriers to American exports of goods and services, foreign direct investment, and protection of intellectual property rights. The NTE report outlines current barriers and the actions the Obama Administration has taken to address the export barriers described in the report. The measures identified in the three reports can both restrict American exports and limit the growth of jobs here at home.
To view the full 2013 SPS, TBT and NTE reports, please visit USTR’s website here... www.ustr.gov.
USDA Announces New Conservation Collaboration with DuPont to Promote Sustainable Harvesting of Bio-based Feedstocks for Cellulosic Ethanol
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday announced a new federal-private collaboration with DuPont to safeguard natural resources on private lands used to supply bio-based feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production.
The joint agreement between USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and DuPont aims to set voluntary standards for the sustainable harvesting of agricultural residues for renewable fuel, and supports rural job creation, additional income for farmers, bio-based energy development, and the safeguarding of natural resources and land productivity.
"USDA and DuPont share a common interest in the wise use and management of soil, water and energy resources," said Secretary Vilsack. "Both organizations also share an interest in helping individual farmers adapt to new market opportunities in ways that are consistent with the wise use of these natural resources."
"Working with farmers is critical to maximizing the land's productivity and protecting natural resources," said Jim C. Borel, executive vice president of DuPont. "With this new collaboration, we have a partner in the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure that the collection of corn stover for the production of cellulosic renewable fuel makes sense for an individual grower's operation and the land they farm."
Today's announcement involves the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRCS and DuPont. USDA, through NRCS, will provide conservation planning assistance for farmers who supply bio-based feedstocks to biorefineries as the industry begins to commercialize. Conservation plan, written for individual operations, will ensure sustainable harvest of corn crop residues while promoting natural resource conservation and land productivity. A conservation plan is a voluntary document, written in cooperation with farmers, which helps them protect natural resources while promoting a farm's economic sustainability.
Through the MOU, DuPont will develop a process to work with cooperating farms on sustainable harvest practices that help keep soil in the field and out of rivers, streams and lakes; promote healthier soils which help reduce flooding through increased infiltration rates, and provide for the efficient use of nutrients.
The first plant involved in this national agreement is northeast of Des Moines, Iowa, near the town of Nevada where DuPont is building a 30 million gallons/year cellulosic facility. This plant will use harvested residues from a 30-mile radius around the facility.
"This agreement will support our Nation's effort to reduce dependency on foreign oil, while working to protect and improve the productivity of our soils—one of our most valuable resources," said Secretary Vilsack.
USDA Invites Applications for Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Friday that USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
"The Obama Administration continues its commitment to help our nation become more energy independent by partnering with agricultural producers and rural small businesses as they build renewable energy systems and reduce energy usage," said Vilsack. "These investments will not only help our farmers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs, but also provide a new potential revenue source and stabilize their operations' bottom lines."
REAP, authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, (Farm Bill) is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation's critical energy needs. USDA is accepting the following applications:
- Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until April 30, 2013;
- Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications until July 15, 2013;
- Renewable energy system feasibility study grant applications through April 30, 2013.
More information on how to apply for funding is available in the March 29, 2013 Federal Register, pages 19183-19190.
Since the passage of the 2008 Farm Bill and through the end of Fiscal Year 2012, REAP has funded nationwide over 6,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance projects.
Monsanto to Waive Some GMO Soy Royalties in Paraguay
Monsanto Co has agreed to waive the collection of royalties for the use of technology for RoundUp Ready soybeans in Paraguay starting next year, the South American country's main farm groups said.
Reuters reports that the deal would end a months-long spat between the company and growers in the world's No. 4 soybean exporter.
The biotech company charges farmers $4 per tonne of soybeans produced using the Roundup Ready strain, which is resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides and is present in about 95 percent of the beans produced in the South American country.
The company had cited an agreement signed with farming associations in 2004 that established payments for the use of its seed technology.
It has long said the deal was meant to apply until 2014 and that its royalty rights remain in place for as long as there are valid patents on the technology anywhere in the world, Reuters reports.
In the middle of the dispute, the government of President Federico Franco authorized the sale of Monsanto's Intacta RR2 Pro seeds, which also help protect crops from caterpillars.
A Paraguayan judge last month rejected a request by soy farmers to block Monsanto from collecting royalty payments for use of Roundup Ready seeds. The growers had argued that the U.S. company's patent on the genetically modified strain had expired.
Claas Celebrates 100 Years of Business
Over the last century, CLAAS has evolved from a small manufacturer of straw binders into a global leader of agricultural implement innovations. August Claas founded the company in 1913 in Germany, and was soon joined by his three brothers - Bernhard, Franz Jr. and Theo -- to form the company "Gerbuder Claas."
In 1921, the "knotter" was patented as a device designed to create perfect knots. Over the next 90 years, the knotter would go on to become the hallmark of CLAAS.
Later in the decade, the company expanded to the fertilizer spreader before being persuaded to explore the combine harvester market. Manufacturing of combines began in 1936 and has become a staple of CLAAS.
Since the first combine rolled off the line, CLAAS has sold over 440,000 units worldwide. In fact, the 450,000th combine is scheduled to drive off the LEXION production line in Omaha, Nebraska in the Spring of 2013.
As productivity and demand grew, CLAAS expanded beyond the borders of Germany. In 1958, a plant was constructed in Metz, France, to produce balers; the first reciprocating plunger balers were built in 1961, and the first sliding plunger balers were manufactured in 1967. Over 280,000 balers have been assembled at the Metz facility in the last six decades.
CLAAS also took a step in tractor development with the 2003 major acquisition of French manufacturer Renault Agriculture. In 2008 CLAAS fully purchased Renault and the French workforce accounts for nearly a third of all CLAAS employees.
While European expansion was taking place, CLAAS was also focusing on reaching the American market. CLAAS of America was founded as an import and distribution firm in 1979 in Columbus, Ind.
The company quickly became a market leader in the sales and services of the JAGUAR forage harvester. During the late 1990s, a new factory for the production of LEXION combine harvesters was built in Omaha, Neb. Here, the largest capacity, most efficient combines in the world roll off the line in yellow and black paint.
Today, CLAAS maintains 11 production facilities around the globe. Along with four facilities in Germany, the seven global plants are spread out from Hungary to India and from Argentina to Russia. All told, CLAAS employs more than 9,000 workers worldwide.
Under the guidance of second- and third-generation CLAAS family members, Helmut Claas and his daughter Cathrina Claas-Muhlhauser, the company has stayed true to its roots as a family-run business. They have seen CLAAS become the fourth-largest agricultural equipment manufacturer in the world and the global market leader in the production of self-propelled forage harvesters.
As CLAAS enters its 100th year as a family-owned agricultural manufacturer, the company is releasing a book chronicling the past century of innovation. Titled "100 Years of Harvesting Excellence", the book contains nearly 400 pages on the history of CLAAS. The book is currently available on deliusklasing.com, and will be available in bookstores this spring.
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