Wednesday February 12 Ag News

Local Cattlemen's Meetings Feb 13th

Dodge County Cattlemen meet on Thursday February 13th, 6:30pm, at the Scribner Steakhouse.
Cass/Otoe County Cattlemen meet on Thursday February 13th, 7pm, at the Cass County Extension Office, Weeping Water. 



Fifth annual contest for Iowa’s Best Burger begins

Iowa’s cattle producers are asking their fellow Iowans to help them find Iowa’s Best Burger in 2014. In this year’s quest, the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association are encouraging you to nominate your favorite burger, whether it’s a gourmet or down-home style.

This is the fifth year the two groups are holding the annual Iowa’s Best Burger contest, which officially kicks off Feb. 12. All nominations must be in the IBIC office by 5 p.m. on Mar. 17.

“We’re looking for the best burger served in an Iowa restaurant,” says Bedford cattle producer Roger Brummett, who is also chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. Brummett says the entries need to be 100% beef burgers. “Although burgers are often standard fare, we know from experience that the winners of this contest serve outstanding burgers.”

In order to recognize these great burgers, IBIC and ICA are asking Iowa consumers to nominate their favorite burgers for the award, and those nominations can be made in the mail, online, or by texting.

Details about the contest rules and nomination forms and options are on the Iowa Beef Industry Council’s website, http://www.iabeef.org/. Burger lovers can also find a link to the online nomination form at the Iowa Beef Council Facebook page; or text BEEF to 313131 and receive information about submitting a nomination via text.

Brummett noted that restaurants are a valuable partner to the beef industry. “They do a tremendous job of preparing and serving our beef products in delicious and creative ways. The burger is the all–American classic, and restaurants have done an excellent job in giving customers lots of choices when they order it.”

The more nominations a burger receives, the better are the chances that it will be on the ‘Top Ten’ list announced in late March. Finalists will receive a certificate and be eligible for the secret taste-test of contest judges. The winner will be announced the first week of May to kick-off Beef Month.



The Strong Demand to Rent Land Continues

Farm profits remained strong in 2013, keeping the demand for land leases steady, according to Farmers National Company, the nation’s leading farm and ranch real estate company in the country. Despite lower commodity prices and decreased gross incomes, farm profitability remains good due in part to a 30 percent drop in fertilizer prices since 2012 and carryover grain sales from the previous crop year.

“Demand for high quality property is keeping both land values and rental rates strong,” said David Englund, AFM, executive vice president of farm and ranch management of Farmers National Company. “Overall, lease rates are higher on quality land if the land was rented below market in 2013, but rates across the board are mostly level. Fertilizer costs are expected to drop further in 2014, which will help farmers remain profitable.”
The desire of farm owners to expand existing operations is leading to highly aggressive sales activity and keeping the demand for farmland strong. In addition, there has been a trend of young people coming back to family farm operations prompting additional demand for land.

“As a result of these factors, lease rates for land should remain steady and strong throughout the year,” said Englund.

Farm profitability is prompting a widespread movement from traditional cash rent arrangements to Cash Rent-Plus (flex rent) leases. This rental arrangement provides landowners with a negotiated base cash rent supplemented by a potential additional payment, based on operation profitability.

“Many local operators and landowners are finding this option provides the best scenario for achieving results for each party,” said Englund.

While leasing activity is fairly consistent nationwide, there are a few regional trends, according to Englund. Crop yields in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota were negatively impacted by delayed planting caused by wet ground. However, risk management tools, including crop insurance, have allowed farms in this area to curb losses and hold lease terms steady.

Ranch properties in the Sandhills of Nebraska and in Texas have experienced strong demand for pasture land boosting rental rates. Rental rates in the Mid South are fairly stable with some areas seeing slightly lower levels with drops of nearly 10 percent. Many multi-year leases being re-negotiated are seeing rates jump 50 to 60 percent as a result of appreciation in recent years and previously under-valued rates. New client with existing leases often are below the market as much as $100 an acre.

 “Overall, lease rates were stable throughout 2013 following a record farm income year. Cash Rent-Plus leases should continue to be popular in the current market,” said Englund.

2014 Cash Rent Regional Reports
Nebraska:  Cash Rents in Nebraska for 2014 are steady compared to last year in most areas, according to Blake Florell, AFM, Farmers National Company area vice president, Kearney, Neb.

High quality irrigated farm ground continues to be in very strong demand, affecting lease rates. Several factors are impacting demand for this type of farmland, including excellent irrigated yields over the last several years. According to Florell yields were also strong for dry land in many areas of Eastern Neb. in 2013.

“Competition by producers to expand farming operations, underlying land asset values and long term future optimism will keep lease rates strong into next season,” said Florell.

Current cash rent lease value ranges vary in Nebraska, from $215 - $425 for irrigated land and $50 - $400 for dry land, depending on location.  Cash rent values traditionally strengthen from western areas to eastern areas in Nebraska, for both dry land and irrigated ground.

Iowa:  Lease activity is high in 2014 with demand very strong for all farmland classes, according to Larry Hill, AFM, Farmers National Company area vice president, Eagle Grove, Iowa.

“As with farmland sales values, the best farmland continues to demand the highest lease rates,” said Hill. “If the farm owner has kept up with increased cash rent values over the last few years then we are calling the market in this area steady.”

In some cases, farms that were not professionally managed, are showing existing lease rates as much as $100 an acre below the market. There is demand for good, improved pasture land. The area that appears to be the weakest in Iowa is poorly-drained farmland, as well as small irregular shaped fields with a high portion of non-tillable acres.

Projections into 2014 are for steady rents in this state. “A key indicator for us is that farmland values are continuing to be very strong and when you look at return on investment, we think rental rates will be stable,” said Hill.

Cash rents on cropland in Iowa range from $100 - $500 per acre based on quality and location.



IFB Food and Farm Index Show Shoppers are Meat Lovers

As Valentine's Day approaches, perhaps Iowans who really want to show their love will skip the chocolates and give gifts of meat, instead. According to the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index, a study conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowans love their meat; in fact, among 502 Iowa grocery shoppers age 20-60, a large majority consume several types of meat and poultry weekly. Overall, beef (84%) appears to be the meat most commonly consumed in their households.

The survey shows that 56% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat pork weekly, with 20% of them reporting they put pork on the table two or three times a week. Beef is even more popular with Iowans; 84% of Iowa grocery shoppers' households eat beef weekly, with 35% of them reporting they eat beef two or three times per week. Poultry is also a big hit with these Iowans, with 79% reporting their households eat chicken weekly and 33% reporting they do so two or three times per week. Turkey is popular even past the Thanksgiving holiday, with 23% reporting their households eat it at least weekly and 6% eating it two or three times per week.

"Despite media coverage of 'Meatless Mondays,' Iowans like meat," says Craig Hill, president of IFBF. "That makes sense because meat is a great source of protein and other nutrients to energize your body. From the results of the Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index, we know that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers most when it comes to information on food safety; they can also feel good about the quality of the meat raised in Iowa." Hill also noted that livestock farmers have responded to consumer demand for leaner protein, by providing more options than ever before.

The survey also showed that for those grocery shoppers who read labels, 50% are looking for meat 'raised in the U.S.' and 43% are looking for 'raised locally' "We know that consumers care about how their food is grown and raised, and this survey shows that Iowa grocery shoppers trust farmers," noted Hill.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Food & Farm Index also showed that a majority of Iowa grocery shoppers who live with others eat together at home (99%), with 98% saying they do this on at least a weekly basis. Over half (51%) say they eat together on a daily basis.



NORTHEY COMMENDS THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION FOR ACTIONS TO ADDRESS PROPANE SHORTAGE

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commended the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for taking historic steps to help address a shortage of propane supplies in the Midwest.

On February 7, FERC utilized its emergency authority under the Interstate Commerce Act to order Enterprise TE Products Pipeline Company, LLC to prioritize propane shipments through their pipelines.  The action had been requested by the National Propane Gas Association and its members.

“The Commission members, including Iowa native John Norris, clearly understood the importance of insuring adequate propane supplies and this historic action is very good news for farmers and rural residents,” Northey said.  “I greatly appreciate the hard work of Iowa’s propane suppliers to meet customer’s needs during this challenging time and the leadership of Governor Branstad as we have pursued every opportunity to increase propane supplies.”

According to FERC’s news release announcing the action, “this marks the first time that commission has used its emergency authority under the Interstate Commerce Act. Section 1(15) of the Act which states that whenever the Commission is of the opinion that an emergency requiring immediate action exists in any section of the country, it has authority to give directions for preference or priority in transportation, embargoes or movement of traffic.”

The action will result in an additional 500,000 barrels (21 M gallons) of propane moving into the pipeline over the next 2 weeks.  This will free up product for the Midwestern region and help build supply which should ensure access for Iowa residents and livestock producers.

FERC’s announcement of the action can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/media/news-releases/2014/2014-1/02-07-14.asp.



2014 ISU Animal Industry Report Now Available Online

The 2014 Iowa State University (ISU) Animal Industry Report is now available online. This report features a variety of animal industry-related research done at ISU, that was supported by the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station. This year's edition has more than 100 articles organized under ten categories. The report, including a table of contents, is available on the AIR portion of the ISU animal science department website at www.ans.iastate.edu/report/air/. 

The report combines reports from researchers on campus and out in the state, as well as including research that relates to the beef, dairy, poultry, sheep, and swine industries in Iowa, Hogberg said. It also has sections on animal health, companion animals and the environment.

A variety of professionals conducted the research for this report, including ISU faculty, staff and graduate students; visiting scholars; ISU Extension field staff; and collaborators from other universities and professors. Some research relates to improving production efficiencies while other research relates to improving environmental quality, animal health, animal product food safety and animal behavior and well-being. All are important aspects of keeping animal agriculture strong and viable, and contributing to the economy and quality of life in Iowa.



U of MN develops first U.S. swine virus surveillance test

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine has developed a second porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) diagnostic test to help stem the spread of the virus currently threatening North American swine populations.

The test is the first announced United States PEDV swine herd surveillance test and brings PEDV diagnostic testing up to swine industry disease monitoring standards. This past summer, the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine developed a PEDV diagnostic test that detected the presence of the virus. The second test announced today can detect evidence of the virus, and is a very precise tool to detect a history of exposure to the virus.

If one pig has been exposed to PEDV, all animals around it are at risk. The new test will allow swine industry to identify which pigs have been exposed to PEDV and act accordingly, even if animals have not shown symptoms of the disease.

Efforts to develop this test began in July 2013, shortly after the first test was developed. The test was developed as part of a dual-pronged approach to controlling the spread of PEDV.  

PEDV is characterized by acute diarrhea and vomiting in pigs. PEDV outbreaks can wipe out an average of 50 percent of young swine at newly affected farms. PEDV poses no risk to other animal or human health and no risk to food safety. The virus has been confirmed in 23 U.S. states and Canada so far and continues to spread quickly. Latest figures put pig mortality from PEDV at an estimated 3 million pigs nationwide. There is no known effective vaccine or treatment for the virus at this time.

To help combat the economic and animal welfare losses caused by PEDV diagnosis and spread, the University of Minnesota is making the newly developed diagnostic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) herd surveillance test available to the swine industry.  The fully-validated test is available immediately at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Cost is less than $15 per serum sample submitted.

“We understand PEDV can result in significant health and financial blows, even putting farmers at risk of bankruptcy,” said Michael Murtaugh, Ph.D., an expert in swine disease eradication at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. “We’re committed to providing the industry with ongoing science-driven solutions to this major problem. The swine industry has asked for our help and we will continue putting in additional hours until the problem is solved.”

When coupled with the University of Minnesota’s rapid detection test, which can detect actively infected animals within 24 hours of sample submission, both immediate and long-term herd health can now be monitored in a comparable manner to monitoring for the well-established porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus.

“The disease has already affected several hundred farms in Minnesota,” said David Preisler, executive director of the Minnesota Pork Board. “This test is very important because accurate, fast diagnostics are the best starting point to give veterinarians the best information to work with their farmer clients. This new test is a great next step in helping farmers manage this disease.”

Funding for this research was provided by the Minnesota Rapid Agricultural Response Fund, National Pork Board and Zoetis, Inc.



Understanding PEDV Survival in the Environment

Where there is hog manure, there is the potential for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) to find its way into a hog operation. That’s an especially daunting fact because the virus sheds at extremely high levels and very little virus is needed to infect pigs.

“The very low infective dose of PEDV surprised me the most,” says Sagar Goyal, DVM, University of Minnesota researcher, who looked at the virus’ survivability in various environmental settings.  “We proved the infectious dose of PEDV to cause disease in pigs is very low (even 10-8 dilution of the virus infected piglets).”

In a Pork Checkoff-funded study, Goyal looked at PEDV survival in fresh feces, manure slurry, drinking and recycled water, and ground feed.  Overall, he found results similar to those for TGE (transmissible gastroenteritis virus)—a related coronavirus. Here’s a snapshot of the PEDV results:

·       Survival in fresh feces: The study evaluated PEDV survivability at three temperatures (104 F, 122 F and 140 F) and three relative humidity levels (30%, 50% and 70%). The bottom line: “If feces from infected pigs are present in the barn, the virus can survive for 7 days or more,” Goyal says.

·       Survival in manure slurry: PEDV infected slurry was stored at room temperature (approximately 77 F), 39 F and -4 F. At room temperature, PEDV survived in manure slurry for 14 days. At 39 F and -4 F, PEDV survived for 28 days, and possibly longer, Goyal says, as the study didn’t continue beyond that point. “So, if you use manure slurry for land application, you need to understand that the virus can survive in an infectious state for 14 to 28 days, maybe more,” he says.

·       Survival in drinking and recycled water: Both water options spiked with PEDV were evaluated at room temperature over a series of weeks. The virus survived in both water sources for one week, but not two. However, Goyal points out that since the study didn’t test daily samples, survivability could extend beyond 7 and up to 13 days.  

·       Survival in feed: The study evaluated wet and dry ground feed dosed with PEDV and stored at room temperature. PEDV remained viable in the wet feed for 28 days (again, the study didn’t run longer). In dry feed, the virus survived only one week. So, if contaminated feed is a concern, Goyal says storing it for two weeks at room temperature will kill the virus. “However, we don’t know if colder temperatures enhance survival,” he adds. It’s also important to note that the pigs received only 15 g of PEDV-spiked feed—“and pigs eat more than that, so we need to look at what happens when feeding larger quantities,” Goyal says.

His lab has just concluded a water chlorination study to determine if it offers protection against PEDV exposure; those results will be available soon. 

“My advice to producers is to pay attention to the virus survivability results. If it survived one week in experimental conditions, I would double the time just to be on the safe side,” Goyal says.

From a practical standpoint, Butch Baker, DVM, Iowa State University, endorses that sentiment. “My experience with TGE is if the virus is down in a nice dark spot and it’s wet, the virus can survive longer than two weeks,” he says.

Biosecurity measures and clean barns must be a priority, Baker contends. “There are clean barns and then there are barns that are said to be clean-- they are not the same. You have to empty and clean out facilities-- and that includes waterers and feeders,” he says. “You have to get the biofilms out of there, and it does take a considerable effort.”

To read more about the PEDV environmental survivability research, click here... http://www.pork.org/filelibrary/Goyal%2013-215%201-21-14.pdf. 



Federation of State Beef Councils Sets Course at 2014 Cattle Industry Convention

Cevin Jones, a cattle feeder from Eden, Idaho, was elected chair of the Federation of State Beef Councils during the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville last week. Elected vice chair was Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, Tenn. The Federation of State Beef Councils, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program and national home of state beef councils, is a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Jones previously served as the Federation’s vice chair. He is a graduate of Boise State University, and has been involved with the beef industry his entire life. Jones has served as chair of the Idaho Beef Council, and as a regional vice president for the NCBA Federation Division. He has also served on the U.S. Meat Export Federation Board of Directors. Jones was awarded the Idaho Cattle Feeder of the Year award in 2008 by the Idaho Cattle Association, and has been inducted into the Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame.

Houston grew up on a cattle and hog farm in West Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in animal science. She worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Tennessee prior to joining her husband in a family livestock market operation. Houston has been deeply involved in the beef checkoff at the state and national levels. She was appointed to the newly established Tennessee Beef Industry Council in 1986, and served as the TBIC representative to the National Live Stock and Meat Board, a predecessor organization to NCBA.

As chair of the Federation, Jones will serve as vice chair of the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC), which recommends beef checkoff projects funded at the national level. Houston will also serve on that committee. Approval of BPOC-recommended projects and budgets is required by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In addition to Jones and Houston, other Federation members of the BPOC for 2014 are Austin Brown III (Texas), Clay Burtrum (Oklahoma), Dawn Caldwell (Nebraska), Teri Carstensen (Iowa), Jerry Effertz (North Dakota), Steve Hanson (Nebraska), Scott McGregor (Iowa) and Irv Petsch (Wyoming). The CBB also appoints 10 members to the BPOC.

Retiring as Federation regional vice presidents at the Convention were Houston (Region II) and Jane Frost of New Mexico (Region VI). Replacing them were Donna Jo Curtis of Alabama and Linda Brake of Arizona, respectively.
 
Unity, Trust Encouraged
Outgoing Federation Chair Richard Gebhart of Claremore, Okla., challenged Federation directors to uphold the Federation vision and beliefs in his departing remarks at the Federation Forum during the convention in Nashville. Gebhart said he was proud to have served as chair during the Federation’s 50th anniversary in 2013, and said he believed the right staff and leadership was in place to create trust to enable growth in the organization as it begins its second 50 years.

The Federation Vision Statement was developed in 2008: To build beef demand by inspiring, unifying and supporting an effective state and national checkoff partnership. The Vision was followed by a Federation Statement of Beliefs in 2009 (reaffirmed in 2013) that stresses the need for a strong state/national partnership, producer control of checkoff funds through state beef councils and the principle of unity through one vision, one plan and one voice.

A detailed Charter of Principles for the Federation followed in 2011.

Since 2008 the Federation has worked to increase industry unity and understanding of its structure within the beef checkoff, including its operational ties to NCBA. These ties were created when the National Live Stock and Meat Board – the original home to the Federation – merged with the National Cattlemen’s Association in 1996 to form NCBA. In 2010 the Federation Board of Directors approved a resolution reaffirming its organizational independence and intention to remain under the NCBA umbrella. That resolution was reaffirmed in 2014 in Nashville.



Agriculture Secretary to Make Fifth Visit to Commodity Classic

Farmers and other Commodity Classic attendees will once again have the opportunity to welcome U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to the annual convention and trade show for corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers. For the fifth year in a row, the secretary will deliver a keynote address to an expected crowd of more than 6,000 during the event's General Session, scheduled on Friday, Feb. 28, in San Antonio, Texas.

"We are honored to welcome Secretary Vilsack-someone who has been a strong advocate and voice for agriculture-to a conference that is both focused on and led by farmers," said American Soybean Association President Ray Gaesser. "As we face many challenges in this industry throughout this next year- trade agreements and access, conservation and water quality, moving the RFS forward and access to innovative technology-we  are excited to hear the secretary speak on these issues and other important topics that impact farmers who grow the nation's food."

"Secretary Vilsack has done a lot to support our growers, and to encourage all farmers to speak out and represent their industry at a time when the general public is more removed than ever from the farms that feed them," said National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre. "We're looking forward to his visit to Commodity Classic so he can speak with our growers and learn more about our great efforts to rebuild consumer trust in what we do."

Secretary Vilsack was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 30th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and took office in January 2009. He was reappointed soon after the president's reelection in 2012. Previously, Vilsack served two terms as governor of Iowa.

The 19th annual Commodity Classic is Feb. 27-March 1, 2014, along the banks of the famous River Walk at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex.

Presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers, Commodity Classic is America's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show. The event offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for growers in the areas of production, policy, marketing, management and stewardship-as well as showcasing the latest in equipment, technology and innovation.



Ethanol Stocks, Production Rebound

U.S. ethanol supplies and production both increased last week, with total inventories rising about 400,000 barrels (bbl), or 2.4%, to 17.1 million bbl during the week-ended Feb. 7 while remaining 12.5% below the level seen a year earlier, data released Wednesday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed.

EIA reported ethanol production at U.S. plants rose 7,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 0.8%, to 902,000 bpd during the week-ended Feb. 7, while up 113,000 bpd, or 14.3%, from a year ago. Four-week average production at 901,000 bpd was up 15.2% from a year earlier.

Weekly domestic ethanol production has remained above 900,000 bpd in 13 of the past 15 weeks. The two exceptions when output dropped below that level were during the week-ended Jan. 31 and in the week-ended Jan. 10.

For the 19th week in a row, no barrels of ethanol were imported.

Refiner and blender inputs, a proxy for demand, rose 15,000 bpd, or 1.9%, to 816,000 bpd for the week profiled. The latest demand data shows a 3.2% increase from a year earlier while the four-week average at 808,000 bpd was up 3.3% from a year earlier.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 349.7 million gallons daily.  Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production was 10.83%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 13.677 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 100,666 metric tons of livestock feed, 89,744 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.70 million pounds of corn oil daily.



RFA Applauds Rep. Loebsack’s Infrastructure Re-FUEL Act to Increase Energy Security and Diversity

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), applauded Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) on the introduction of the Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion, and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act. The legislation creates a competitive grant program to assist fuel retailers with investments in renewable and alternative fuel/energy sources.

“Representative Loebsack is to be commended for his vision and commitment to American energy independence and economic security. The Re-FUEL Act will encourage fuel and energy diversity which will not only introduce consumer choice at the pump, it will deliver cost-saving options to foreign fossil fuels. The pace at which the renewable fuel advantages will be available to American drivers is greatly sped up by the fact that the proposed grants can be used for infrastructure like new blender pumps as well as retrofitting existing pumps, pipes, tanks and chargers,” said Dinneen.

“Placing a priority on rural America is a welcomed approach. In the Midwest, the demand for alternative fuels like E15 and E85 is rapidly increasing with great potential for growth as awareness expands to other states. At present, there are 90 stations in 12 states offering E15. In addition, the rural emphasis of the Re-FUEL Act will encourage job creation and economic stability. The small communities of rural America are amongst the most challenging locations for economic development. Rep. Loebsack recognizes that ethanol production has created and supports over 386,000 jobs with very real potential to expand on that success.”



NASS to Reinstate Agricultural Estimates Programs

Following passage of its budget by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics will reinstate the agricultural estimates programs previously suspended due to sequestration.  The reinstatements are for NASS’ Fiscal Year 2014 annual appropriation.

The reinstated programs are:
-    All Catfish and Trout Reports
-    July Cattle Report
-    Potato Stocks Reports
-    Non-Citrus Fruit, Nut and Vegetable Forecasts and Estimates & Monthly Prices
-    June Rice Stocks Report
-    All Hops and Hops Stocks Estimates
-    Mink Report

We have not determined the dates for publication of the reports listed above.  We will announce the dates when they are set.  The full calendar of NASS reports is available at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/index.asp.



Russia January Grain Exports Down for the Month, Up on Year

Russia in January exported 1.15 million metric tons of grain compared with 2.43 million tons in December as adverse weather conditions disrupted loading at the country's sea ports, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.

The volume of grain exported in January was about 2.6 times the amount exported in January 2013.

In January the export of wheat totaled 680,000 tons, down from 1.53 million tons in December, the export of barley fell to 35,000 tons from 137,000 tons in December. The export of corn fell to 408,000 tons from 682,000 tons in December.

Altogether Russia exported about 17.535 million tons of grain between July 1 2013, the beginning of the current marketing year, and Jan. 31, which is about 29% more than in the corresponding period in the previous marketing year.

Russia in 2013 harvested 89.3 million metric tons of grain in clean weight, 30% more than in 2012, when 68.7 million tons was harvested because crops were damaged by drought. Russia's grain export in the 2012-2013 marketing year fell to 15.69 million tons from 27.2 million tons in the previous marketing year. In the current marketing year, July 2013-June 2014, the agriculture ministry expects Russia's grain exports to rise to 20 million tons.



CROPLAN® Soybean Seed Blends Head 2014 Class
Nebraska Farmers protect yields by buffering effects of variable field stress.

Winfield Solutions, LLC (WinField) is excited to announce its expanded soybean portfolio, headlined by five new early-maturing Precision Pak (PrPak) varieties. PrPaks combine a 50/50 proprietary blend of similarly-maturing varieties that contain both offensive and defensive traits to help maintain yields on tough acres while capitalizing on higher producing areas.

Research results from WinField’s nearly 200 Answer Plot® program locations underscore the benefits of PrPak soybeans – the ability to buffer the effects of weather, soil variability and other stresses to help enhance overall yield potential. In nearly 300 side-by-side comparisons across geographies, new CROPLAN® soybean seed varieties provide a 3-bushel yield increase compared to existing varieties in the portfolio in Nebraska, helping farmers optimize the potential of each acre.

“Nebraska farmers with the most highly variable field conditions are seeing the biggest bang for their buck,” says Carl Scholting, product manager, WinField. “CROPLAN® Precision Paks continue to be a popular choice for farmers who want to eliminate ‘hot spots’ and increase the average yield potential in fields with variable soil types.”

·       2501 — Early season racehorse PrPak option with solid iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) resistance. Performs best on a high-producing acre.
·       2992 — Excellent standability consistency in the last two years, strong all-purpose option for later maturity group 2 in both irrigated and dryland situations.
·       3000 — Lead product for maturity group 3.0 with strong IDC resistance in high pH soil. The variety maintains top-end yield under stress and has an excellent track record in Nebraska specifically.
·       3290 — Leads maturity group 3 in terms of stability and consistency. Ideal for the Nebraskan growing environment, this variety has a strong record in both irrigated and dryland situations.

The 2014 CROPLAN® portfolio is comprised of several maturity levels, each designed to handle field stress in a wide range of growing conditions. Scholting notes, "By expanding the maturity range with these new products, more farmers in more geographies are able to address the specific needs within each field because of the blended defensive and offensive genetics found in each Precision Pak.”

CROPLAN® seed combines proven genetics from multiple gene pools with leading traits and technologies, to provide farmers the optimal seed for each acre. Scholting says there is still time to make the best choices for spring planting. Supplies of top-performing varieties in all maturities are still available.

2014 CROPLAN® Corn Hybrid Varieties Carry Production-Boosting Options For Increased Drought Resistance, Rootworm Control
Winfield Solutions, LLC (WinField) proudly announced today its 2014 CROPLAN® seed lineup, which gives farmers the ability to better-manage corn rootworm (CRW) and limited moisture in corn.

“Year over year, our new CROPLAN® seed offerings raise the bar on yield potential, and this year is no exception,” says Carl Scholting, product manager, WinField. “Our repeated local testing at the 11 Answer Plot® locations in Nebraska shows us these new hybrids are performing in a variety of areas across maturity sets.  Combined with a comprehensive management program, this gives farmers the framework they need to optimize each acre in the upcoming growing season.”

2014 CROPLAN® Seed Corn Variety Highlights
Farmers looking to boost production in drought areas or those planting dryland corn can now benefit from a new water optimization traits available in CROPLAN® hybrids – Genuity® DroughtGard® (Monsanto). DroughtGard® includes a new bio-tech trait that helps corn plants mitigate yield loss due to drought, especially during key growth stages.

·       4099 — Outstanding emergence for early planting, handles a corn-on-corn environment well and boasts a strong resistance to Goss’s Wilt.
·       6274 — Key hybrid for continuous corn environments in the irrigated western corn belt, has good ear flex, allows for flexibility in population management and is also brilliant with Goss’s Wilt.
·       6265 — Companion seed to 6274, handles higher populations and will reward elevated management practices with higher yields. 6265 performs in the toughest dryland and requires top-end irrigation.
·       7927 — Scholting calls 7927 a “full-season super star for both silage and grain.” Topping the charts at several Nebraska Answer Plots this year, 7927 demonstrates versatility in both dryland and irrigated environments and again combats Goss’s Wilt and has strong ear flex.

“This new water optimization trait helps enhance yield potential when moisture is limited, but also perform well under wet conditions," says Scholting. “Our farmers have been asking for this level of control, and this new offering can deliver the increase to their genetic yield potential they’ve been looking for.”

CROPLAN® seed combines proven genetics from multiple gene pools with leading traits and technologies, to provide farmers the optimal seed for each acre. Leading genetics are then paired with data from the nearest of WinField’s nearly 200 Answer Plot® Program locations to further illustrate localized seed performance for farmers.

“When farmers focus on the big picture with their fields, the added insights can add bottom-line benefits,” says Scholting. He explains that the Answer Plot® Program, R7® Tool and NutriSolutions® Tool work in concert to help farmers make data-driven planning decisions, analyze key factors to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses of each field, identify and correct limiting factors in-season before crop performance is affected, and analyze performance to plan for the next year.



The Mosaic Company Reports Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2013 Results

The Mosaic Company today reported fourth quarter 2013 net earnings of $129 million, compared to $616 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $0.30 in the quarter compared to $1.44 last year. Notable items negatively impacted earnings per share by $0.06. Mosaic's net sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 were $2.2 billion, down from $2.4 billion last year. Operating earnings during the quarter were $179 million, down from $463 million a year ago, as record phosphate and strong potash sales volumes were more than offset by lower realized prices.

The Mosaic Company also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program, allowing the Company to repurchase Class A or common shares, through direct buybacks or in open market transactions. This authorization is in addition to the previously disclosed agreement to repurchase 43.3 million Class A shares in the first seven months of 2014. Mosaic expects to use share repurchases to meet and maintain its stated balance sheet targets, and remains committed to retaining investment grade credit ratings.

"While our results for the fourth quarter reflect the low market prices for potash and phosphates, current market conditions are improving," said Jim Prokopanko, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Market dynamics are unfolding as we expected they would, with sales volumes increasing before prices; in fact, we shipped a record volume of phosphates during the quarter, and potash volumes increased significantly.

"Mosaic is in excellent position to thrive as the business cycle continues to improve, in large part because of the notable progress we made on our strategic priorities in 2013. We rebalanced and grew our business portfolio, began to structure a more efficient balance sheet by increasing leverage and returning capital to shareholders, and accelerated our work to assure Mosaic remains a low-cost producer."

Cash flow provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2013 was $503 million compared to $377 million in the prior year. Fourth quarter 2014 cash flows reflect strong sales volumes and declining inventory levels. Investments plus capital expenditures totaled $370 million in the quarter. Mosaic's total cash and cash equivalents were $5.3 billion and long-term debt was $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2013.

Full Year (unaudited)
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, net income was $1.1 billion, or $2.49 per diluted share, compared to $1.9 billion, or $4.34 per diluted share, in 2012. Net sales were $9.0 billion, down from $10.0 billion a year ago. Full-year operating earnings were $1.3 billion, down from $2.2 billion a year ago. Lower net sales and operating earnings for the year were primarily driven by lower realized prices for both potash and phosphate, partially offset by higher potash volumes and lower phosphate raw materials costs. Full year selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $393 million compared to $424 million in 2012, a decrease of seven percent. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 billion.

Business Highlights – Fourth Quarter 2013
    Mosaic completed a very successful proving run at the Esterhazy mine, which exceeded the expansion's design capacity by 20 percent. As a result, Mosaic's Canpotex sales allocation increased from approximately 39.9 percent to 42.5 percent beginning in January of 2014.
    The Company successfully executed on $353 million of capital projects, of which more than half related to growth and productivity initiatives:
        Consolidated and expanded warehouse facilities at Big Bend.
        Completed a new blending facility in Candeias, Brazil.
        Advanced K3 potash expansion on time and on budget.
    Mosaic set a new MicroEssentials® sales record in the fourth quarter and in 2013. For the full year, sales grew 22 percent over the prior period, and Mosaic invoiced over one million tonnes in North America.
    Mosaic made significant progress toward achieving capital management targets established in 2013. During the quarter, Mosaic:
        Issued $2.0 billion of debt with 10, 20 and 30 year maturities.
        Increased the size of its revolving line of credit to $1.5 billion.
        Signed agreements with the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and the Anne Ray Charitable Trust to purchase 43.3 million Class A shares.
    Mosaic set a new safety performance record for the full year 2013.
    Subsequent to the quarter's end:
        The United States Department of Justice closed its review of Mosaic's acquisition of CF Industries' Phosphates business under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act.
        Mosaic, Ma'aden and SABIC broke ground on construction of integrated phosphate production facilities in Saudi Arabia.



Posilac® Celebrates 20 Years
Since the first commercial sale of Posilac on Feb. 4, 1994, it has helped deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits, in addition to helping today’s dairy producers meet a growing demand for milk.

To date, more than 37 million U.S. dairy cows have been supplemented with Posilac over its 20 years in the marketplace, reducing producers’ costs by about $6.3 billion over the two decades or $.50 to $1.50 on every hundredweight. Further, Posilac enables cows to produce about 10 lbs. more milk per day.

Jeff Wilbur, owner of Rio Blanco Dairy in Tulare, Calif., was an early adopter of Posilac and has used the product in his herd nearly continually since. “It offers more milk. The math speaks for itself,” Wilbur said. Rio Blanco had a short lapse in use from July 2009 to July 2010 due to market conditions and premiums, but Wilbur reported a significant drop in milk production during that period. “We just didn’t have the milk we were accustomed to, so we went back to the product. As the dairy market improved through 2010 and 2011, the added milk was a real thrust to increase gross revenue adding to the financial healing.”

In fact, six U.S. dairy cows supplemented with Posilac produce the same amount of milk as seven cows without it. Beyond the economic benefits, it also offers significant environmental resource savings. On average annually over the past 20 years Posilac use has resulted in:
-    3.2 million tons less feed required annually, enough to fill about 133,300 semi-trucks. (63.4 million tons cumulatively)
-    1,023 square miles less land use required each year, equal to half a million football fields which would be enough to circle the Earth’s equator when laid end to end. (20,464 square miles total)
-    An average of 95.6 billion gallons less water used annually, or the annual household consumption of the entire state of New Mexico. (1.9 trillion gallons total)
-    4.6 million tons less manure produced, equivalent to the weight of 99 Titanics. (92 billion tons total)
-    2.9 million metric tonnes less CO2 equivalent produced, equal to removing 617,126 cars from the road. (58.5 million tonnes total)

“Posilac plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of dairy production,” says Dennis Schaffler, senior director of Elanco’s dairy business unit. “This is critically important given the World Wildlife Fund reports the world is already overusing its resources, requiring 1.5 years to regenerate annual resource consumption.”

Products like Posilac will be even more important in the future. While global dairy productivity has doubled in the past 50 years, there’s 14 percent less milk available per person today than in 1961. U.S. dairy producers reduced the deficit by adding an average of 8.85 billion 8-oz glasses of milk to our global supply annually due to Posilac use.

But the gap will likely grow. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects demand for meat, eggs and dairy products to increase by 60 percent in the coming decades as 3 billion people enter the middle class and demand a higher quality diet. The effects are already being seen. The FAO recently reported global dairy prices have jumped by almost a third in the past year due to growing demand from China, north Africa and Russia amid limited supplies.

On average around the world today, we have access to about one 8-oz. glass of milk (or equivalent serving of yogurt or cheese) a day. The global recommended intake is two glasses a day. Current per capita milk production around the world already isn’t meeting basic nutritional needs.

Elanco assembled a team of researchers to study this issue, led by Dr. Roger Cady, senior technical consultant and global sustainability lead at Elanco. Based on FAO demand estimates and current productivity trends, by 2020 we won’t even have access to a glass of milk a day on average globally.

If we look at securing everyone with the two glasses a day our bodies really need for growth and cognitive development, more than 4.5 billion people will not be able to meet their daily nutritional requirement for milk.

“I’m confident our U.S. dairy producers will play a critical role in meeting the dairy nutrition needs of our growing population,” Schaffler said. “But continued innovations will be a key part of the solution. Elanco is pleased to support a breakthrough innovation like Posilac that’s delivered so many benefits to dairy producers and society. We are poised to build on that foundation with a robust innovation pipeline that will help producers meet the growing global demand for nutrient-rich dairy products.”

Tuesday February 11 Ag News

Time of Feeding Influences When Cows Calve
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

As calving season approaches, think about how to make your job easier and potentially save more calves at calving. Calving season can be challenging for producers. Long hours, not enough labor, and Mother Nature are only a few items that come to mind. A simple management strategy can increase the number of cows calving during the day time when a cow that is calving can be quickly seen and, if needed, tended to.

The easiest and most practical method of inhibiting nighttime calving at present is by feeding cows at night; the physiological mechanism is unknown, but some hormonal effect may be involved. Rumen motility studies indicate the frequency of rumen contractions falls a few hours before parturition. Intraruminal pressure begins to fall in the last two weeks of gestation, with a more rapid decline during calving. It has been suggested that night feeding causes intraruminal pressures to rise at night and decline in the daytime.

Rick Rasby, UNL Beef Specialist has shared that there are some nice data sets that support feeding pregnant cows at dusk will increase the number of cows calving during the day time. In a Canadian study of 104 Hereford cows, 38.4% of a group fed at 8:00 am and again at 3:00 pm delivered calves during the day as compared to 79.6% of a group fed at 11:00 am and 9:00 pm. A British study utilizing 162 cattle on 4 farms compared the percentages of calves born from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm to cows fed at different times. When cattle were fed at 9:00 am, 57% of the calves were born during the day compared to 79% when feeding occurred at 10:00 pm. In field trials by cattlemen utilizing night feeding when 35 cows and heifers were fed once daily between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, 74.5% of the calves were born between 5:00 am and 5:00 pm. In the most convincing study to date, 1331 cows on 15 farms in Iowa were fed once daily at dusk, 85% of the calves were born between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. Whether cows were started on the night feeding the week before calving started in the herd or 2 to 3 weeks earlier made no apparent difference in calving time. 

Farmers Tax Guide Now Available
Farmers can better understand their 2013 tax returns with help from a guide available through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.  The 2013 Farmers Tax Guide has illustrated examples, a sample return and describes available deductions.  Howard says the tax guides are in and are free to local producers.  They can be picked up at the UNL Extension office in Cuming County, area tax preparers or any Cuming County bank.



PREPARE NOW TO BEAT THE DROUGHT
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Is drought a possibility this year?  Just in case, let’s look at some ways to limit the forage problems drought can cause.

Will your pastures receive enough rain this spring and summer to meet the needs of your cattle?  If the past few years are any indication, at least some of us will face significant shortages this year.  Fortunately, if you take action early you can minimize some of drought’s problems if your pastures turn dry.

For starters, prepare a strategy for using leftover hay.  Continue to feed corn stalk bales, prairie hay, or other forages a bit longer this spring before turning cows out to permanent pasture.  I know this action is exactly opposite of my usual recommendation to graze more and feed less hay. But allowing pastures to accumulate a bit more growth before grazing begins will provide more total grazable forage if drought prevents much regrowth later on.  It also will let pastures stressed from previous overuse to rebuild root systems and vigor.  Leftover hay also can be used later during the grazing season to give pastures more time to recover between grazings.

Another strategy is planting drought-tolerant forages for pasture or hay.  Summer annual grasses like sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, and pearl millet are excellent choices.  Wait until soils are good and warm before planting these grasses, though.  Late May or early June usually is best.  So line up some seed and reserve some ground now for these drought-insurance grasses, before you plant everything to corn, beans, and other crops.  And don’t forget about possibly planting these grasses as a double crop into the stubble after wheat harvest.

If the rains don’t come, planning and acting now to reduce potential forage losses from drought will pay big dividends.



THE AREA'S LARGEST AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION IS COMING BACK TO THE CENTURYLINK CENTER-OMAHA

One of the Midwest's premier indoor farm events, the TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION will be held March 12-13, 2014 at  the CenturyLink Center-Omaha, 10th and Capitol Avenue,  just off I-480.   The 48th Annual  Farm  and  Ranch Machinery  Show  will  once  again  be  filled  with  the  latest  agricultural innovations, equipment and supplies with more  than 900 exhibits  for  farmers, ranchers, and  their wives  to visit all on one level of over 200,000 square feet in the state-of-the-art  CenturyLink Center-Omaha.

"It's an excellent opportunity  to see all  types of Short-Line  farm equipment, new products,  labor and  time saving  ideas all under one roof," says Bob Mancuso, Sr.,  the Show's Producer.   "The Triumph of Ag Expo  is the  best  place  for  farmers  to  find  answers  for  what  they  do  control  while  taking  advantage  of  the  new technologies at the Expo - ranging from machinery to new plant varieties that are available."  The Farm Show is open 9 AM to 4 PM on Wed and 9 AM to 3 PM on Thurs.  Advance free admission tickets can be obtained from  Exhibitors,  County  Extension  agents,  farm  machinery  and  equipment  dealers  or  at  the  CenturyLink Center-Omaha door.   This  is an  ideal  time  for area Farm Operators  to  find ways  to  improve productivity and increase profits, before spring field work begins.

Brien McCready  from John Deere and A & M Green Power and Show Councilman says he's  looking for a great Show  at the CenturyLink Center Omaha and says, "The Triumph of Ag Expo is always packed with lots of new improvements and helpful information." At no other time this spring will area Farm Operators be able to see this much farm equipment and technology on display.  The Triumph of Ag Expo offers visitors a hands-on experience with continuous demonstrations so  those attending will be able  to compare and evaluate quickly and conveniently, all under one roof, in one location and on one level with over 4,500 on-site parking available.

Regarded as one of  the  largest  indoor diversified  short-line  farm machinery  shows, Ben Hellbusch,  from Busch  Equipment  of Columbus, Nebraska  and  Council  Board Member  said,  "The  Expo  has  something  for every kind of  farm operation,"  including  tillage equipment, planters, monitor and control systems, soil  testing equipment, mowers,  cattle  chutes,  augers,  fertilizers,  various  seed  hybrids,  feeders,  tanks  and  pumps,  hay moving  and  handling  equipment,  plows,  combines,  computers  and  software,  tractors,  and  many  more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.
  
Bob Mancuso, Jr., Show Director, said if you are  interested in agriculture and farming, this year’s Expo  is the place to be on March 12-13, 2014 .  In addition to all of the latest equipment, products, and services - there will  be  seminars  throughout  the  Show,  craft  items  and  displays,  antique  farm  tractors  and  equipment,  and special programs.  The Triumph of Ag Expo is a charter member of the North American Farm Show Council –  the Top 25 shows in North America!

THE TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION FARM & RANCH MACHINERY SHOW is produced by Mid-America Expositions, Inc. and is sponsored by the Mid-America Farm & Ranch Machinery Council.



Cattlemen's Beef Board Elects 2014 Leadership

During its final meeting at the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 7, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) unanimously elected Kim Brackett of Buhl, Idaho, to serve as CBB chairman for the coming year; Jimmy Maxey of Fresno, Calif., to serve as vice chairman; and Anne Anderson of Austin, Texas, to fill the position of Beef Board secretary/treasurer for 2014.

The Beef Board also elected members to serve on the CBB Executive Committee and others to fill the CBB seats on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee.

NEW BEEF BOARD OFFICER TEAM
Newly elected Beef Board Chairman Kim Brackett is a cow-calf/stocker from Buhl, Idaho. She served as vice chairman of the Beef Board in 2013; secretary/treasurer of the Board in 2012 and previously was an active member with the Idaho Beef Council, having served as chair, vice chair and treasurer. Kim has served on the Idaho Cattle Association, as committee and subcommittee chair; and on the 71 Livestock Association. Kim was an active member of the Beef Board and the Joint Producer Education Committee during her first term on the Board, and was reappointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in December 2011 to serve a second consecutive three-year term.

This year’s Beef Board Vice Chairman Jimmy Maxey has been highly active in beef industry organizations, including service as president and chairman of the former National Meat Association and chairman of the California Beef Council. Jimmy grew up on his family's small cattle ranch and was also very involved in its meat processing plant. After attending Fresno State University, he returned to the family business, including the beef packing and processing plant and the cattle feeding business. Since selling Beef Packers, Inc./Fresno Meat Co. in 2006, he has remained active in cattle feeding and meat processing by working for his sons at Certified Meat Products.

Newly appointed CBB Secretary/Treasurer Anne Anderson is a cow-calf and stocker operator from Austin, Texas and a former executive vice president of the Texas Beef Council. She and her husband, Jim, own a small cattle ranch in Colorado County and a larger one, which Anne manages, in Menard and McCulloch counties. In addition to ranching, she has spent more than 15 years providing assistance to individuals and groups trying to build new companies -- mostly in the beef industry, and all in the food industry. Anne also is a co-founder and former CEO of AgInfoLink Global, one of the largest food-tracking companies in the U.S., with additional international offices in Australia, Canada, Mexico and Argentina.

CBB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The 11-member CBB Executive Committee includes the Board’s three officers and eight members elected at large. The CBB elected the following members to its 2014 Executive committee: Vice Chairman Jimmy Maxey, who will serve as chairman of the Executive Committee; and members Kim Brackett (CBB chairman); Anne Anderson (CBB secretary/ treasurer); Dean Black of Iowa; Laurie Bryant, an importer; Barbara Jackson of Arizona; Mike McCormick of Mississippi; Brett Morris of Oklahoma; Laurie Munns of Utah; Kent Pruismann of Iowa; and Gary Sharp of South Dakota.

The Executive Committee operates under the direction of and within the policies established by the full Board and is responsible for carrying out Beef Board policies and conducting business and making decisions necessary to administer the terms and provisions of the Act and Order between meetings of the full Board.

OPERATING COMMITTEE
The Beef Promotion Operating Committee was created by the Beef Promotion Research Act to help coordinate state and national Beef Checkoff Programs. The 20-person committee includes 10 members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, among them the Board’s three officers and seven others elected directly by Beef Board members. The other 10 members are appointed from the Federation of State Beef Councils.

CBB members elected to the 2014 Beef Promotion Operating Committee during the annual meeting in Nashville include: Chairman Kim Brackett; Vice Chairman Jimmy Maxey; Secretary/Treasurer Anne Anderson; Marty Andersen, Wisconsin; Sarah Childs, Florida; Dave Edmiston, Texas; Linda Gilbert, South Dakota; Ted Greidanus, California; Brittany Howell, Kansas; and Hank Maxey, Virginia.



Nebraska Dairy Princess Candidates Sought

Young women interested in advocating for Nebraska’s dairy community are encouraged to run for the next Nebraska Dairy Princess title.  The contest, sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association’s Nebraska Division, is planned for Tuesday, March 11, in conjunction with the Nebraska Dairy Convention in Norfolk. The coronation takes place during a 6:30 p.m. banquet at Divots Conference Center.

The Nebraska Dairy Princess is charged with helping consumers understand the important role dairy products play in a healthful diet, and shares how dairy farmers care for their cows and the resources used to produce milk.  Her appearances include promotions, presentations, media interviews, school visits and parades.

Candidates must be at least a high school junior and not yet 26 years old, be personally active or have a parent, guardian or grandparent active within the Nebraska dairy cattle industry, and have never been married.  A $750 scholarship is provided to the winner and a $250 scholarship is awarded to the runner-up.

Judging for the title is based on personal interviews, presentations and application materials. Complete information and the application, which is due by Saturday, March 1, are available at midwestdairycheckoff.com.

Additional information may be obtained from Julie Meier, contest director, at 308-390-9338.



Midwest Dairy Offers Iowa Scholarships, Internship

Applications for Midwest Dairy Association scholarships and a summer internship with the organization are due March 1.

The Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy awards scholarships to family members of dairy farmers in Iowa whose checkoff is directed to Midwest Dairy Association, which delivers dairy promotion programs across 10 states including Iowa. The family must reside in Iowa and have an active dairy during 2014. The dairy producer, his/her spouse, children or grandchildren are eligible, but awards are limited to one per family. A winner may apply in subsequent years.

The scholarships apply to any college major or degree and the student must be full-time at an accredited institution.

Midwest Dairy’s Iowa internship is awarded to a college student interested in communications, public relations, marketing, food science or agribusiness. During the summer, the student must locate near Ankeny and be available to assist with duties that include Midwest Dairy’s operations at the Iowa State Fair. The intern must be a student or a permanent resident in Midwest Dairy’s 10-state area.

The Iowa scholarship and internship details can be downloaded at midwestdairycheckoff.com in the About Us section.



CWT Assists with 5.8 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 26 requests for export assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Northwest Dairy Association and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 4.006 million pounds (1,817 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, 1.645 million pounds (746 metric tons) of 82% butter and 180,779 pounds (82 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered in February through June 2014.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 16.389 million pounds of cheese, 5.396 million pounds of butter and 698,865 pounds of whole milk powder to 18 countries on four continents. These sales are the equivalent of 272.9 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

In the long-term, assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



IFBF Conferences to Help Livestock Farmers with Risk, Opportunities

To aid livestock farmers with challenging management decisions, IFBF will conduct informational conferences specifically designed to help Iowa farmers manage risk and capture opportunity in livestock today. The information conference, "Iowa Livestock: Managing Risk, Capturing Opportunities," will be presented Feb. 26-28, at three locations across the state.

-- Feb. 26 -- Osceola, Lakeside Hotel Casino, 777 Casino Drive
-- Feb. 27- Independence, Heartland Acres Agribition Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd.
-- Feb. 28 -- Cherokee, Western Iowa Tech Community College, 200 Victory Drive

The doors will open at 9 a.m. and the conference will begin at 10 a.m. in each location. Lunch is included and the conference will adjourn at 3 p.m. Pre-registration is free for Farm Bureau members, $10 for non-members, and $20 for all at the door. Pre-registration is open through Feb. 25; however early registration is encouraged to help with meal planning.

General session information will examine livestock market situations and outlook, meat export update, and an environmental compliance presentation. Afternoon breakout sessions include livestock marketing arrangements, and production and animal health seminars for both cattle and pork.

"The risks and opportunities for Iowa livestock are many. We will have experts to provide information on everything from the new DNR/ EPA workplan, to market outlook to the latest animal health advice," said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager. "The agenda is packed with information deliberately chosen for Iowa's livestock farmers today," said Kordick.

To pre-register for the event or to get an agenda with speaker and topic details, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com, click on the webinar banner and click the link for the location you will attend. For more information, contact Kordick at ekordick@ifbf.org.



Net Farm Income Forecast To Fall in 2014
(USDA Economic Research Service)

Net farm income is forecast to be $95.8 billion in 2014, down 26.6 percent from 2013’s forecast of $130.5 billion. The 2014 forecast would be the lowest since 2010, but would remain $8 billion above the previous 10-year average. Lower crop cash receipts, and, to a lesser degree, a change in the value of crop inventories and reduced government farm payments, drive the expected drop in net farm income. Net cash income is forecast at $101.9 billion, down almost 22 percent from the 2013 forecast. Net cash income is projected to decline less than net farm income primarily because it reflects the sale of more than $6 billion in carryover stocks from 2013.

Crop receipts are expected to decrease more than 12 percent in 2014, led by a projected $11-billion decline in corn receipts and a $6-billion decline in soybean receipts. Livestock receipts are forecast to increase in 2014 largely due to higher milk prices. The elimination of direct payments under the Agricultural Act of 2014 and uncertainty regarding enrollment and payments during 2014 result in a projected 45-percent decline in government payments. On the other hand, total production expenses are forecast to decline $3.9 billion in 2014, which would be only the second time expenses declined in the last 10 years.

The rate of growth in farm assets, debt and equity is forecast to slow in 2014 compared to recent years. The slowdown in growth is a result of expected lower net income, higher borrowing costs, and moderation in the growth of farmland values. As a result, the value of farm assets is expected to rise 2.4 percent in 2014, while farm sector debt is expected to increase 2.3 percent. This represents a noticeable reduction in the average annual growth in each of these measures compared with the last 10 years. Nonetheless, the historically low levels of debt relative to assets and equity reaffirm the sector’s strong financial position.

More here:  http://ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-sector-income-finances/2014-farm-sector-income-forecast.aspx. 

Median Farm Household Income Expected To Be Largely Unchanged in 2014
Projected median total farm household income is expected to remain essentially unchanged in 2013 and 2014, with a slight increase between 2012 and 2013, followed by a slight decrease to $68,132 in 2014. Given the broad USDA definition of a farm, many farms are not profitable even in the best farm income years. With sectorwide net cash farm income forecast to decline in 2013 and 2014, median farm income is expected to decline to -$2,534 in 2014 (down from -$1,453 in 2012). Most farm households earn all of their income from off-farm sources—median off-farm income is projected to increase by 2.9 percent in 2013 and 3.5 percent in 2014, to $62,585. (Note: Because they are based on unique distributions, median total income will generally not equal the sum of median off-farm and median farm income.)

More here:  http://ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-household-well-being/2014-farm-household-income-forecast.aspx. 



N, P Fertilizer Prices Higher Again

Prices for the majority of fertilizers are increasing, according to retailers tracked by DTN for the first week of February 2014. Five of the eight major fertilizers had higher retail prices compared to the first week of January.

Leading the price escalation again is urea. The nitrogen fertilizer was 12% higher compared to a month earlier and now has an average price of $503/ton. This marks the first time urea edged back above $500/ton since the last week of July 2013. Urea that week had an average price of $506/ton.

The other fertilizers with noteworthy price changes to the high side were DAP, MAP, UAN28 and UAN32. These fertilizers were all up 6% from last month. DAP had an average price of $521/ton, MAP $550/ton, UAN28 $334/ton and UAN32 $382/ton.

The three remaining fertilizers were lower compared to a month prior, but these moves were fairly minor. Potash had average price of $470/ton, 10-34-0 $498/ton and anhydrous $617/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.55/lb.N, anhydrous $0.38/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.60/lb.N.

While spring prices appear to be recovering, all eight of the major fertilizers remain double digits lower in price compared to Feb. of 2013.  UAN28, UAN32 and urea are all now down 12% while DAP is 17% less expensive. Both MAP and 10-34-0 are 18% lower, potash is 21% less expensive 23% lower and anhydrous is 28% lower than a year earlier.



Cooperative CHS returns $433 million to owners

Farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States will share in an estimated $433 million cash distribution from CHS Inc. (NASDAQ: CHSCP), an energy, grains and foods company and the nation's leading agricultural co-op. The distribution is the second largest in CHS history.

"The ability of our owners, who are also our customers, to directly share in the financial success of CHS is a distinct advantage of being part of a cooperative business," said David Bielenberg, CHS Board chairman and a Silverton, Ore., farmer. "And, this is cash that returns to local communities, enabling farmers, ranchers and cooperatives to invest in their own futures."

Bielenberg added that the CHS Board, which consists of 17 producers, strives to "take the long view" in regard to the company's future.

"Our objective is to make sure we're not only providing the products, services and marketing opportunities they need today, but also investing in what they'll need tomorrow, all while maintaining a financially strong company," he said.

The 2014 cash return to owners is based on CHS net income of $992.4 million, the company's second highest on record, for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2013.

The distribution beginning this month to about 1,100 member cooperatives and more than 50,000 individual members and others includes cash patronage paid based on their fiscal 2013 business with CHS. CHS is also distributing cash to member cooperatives that redeems equity in the company they earned in prior years. In addition, CHS will redeem equities of eligible individual members throughout 2014 and also will pay quarterly dividends to owners of the two classes of CHS preferred stock.

Since its creation in 1998, CHS has returned more than $3.5 billion in cash to its agricultural producer and member cooperative owners, more than $1 billion of that in its 2013 and 2014 fiscal years.

Patronage is based on business done with CHS by member-owner cooperatives and individual farmers and ranchers during fiscal 2013, while equity redemptions and preferred stock distributions represent retirement of ownership in CHS earned in past years. Distributions were made to 49 states, including:

Nebraska       - 3,066  -  $28 million
Iowa              - 1,196  -  $27.6 million
South Dakota - 7,155  -  $27 million
Kansas          - 1,449  -  $29.5 million
(State - number of checks to members and coops - dollars)


Ethanol Fuel's High Octane and Clean Characteristics Key to Future Use
The National Corn Growers Association's Ethanol Committee met last week in Detroit, Michigan to discuss everything from the latest research on ethanol use in small engines to growing opportunities for distiller's grains. While there, the group also met with representatives of Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and the Environmental Protection Agency.

"Meeting in Detroit provided us with a great opportunity to talk with the Big Three auto manufacturers," said NCGA Ethanol Committee Chair Jeff Sandborn. "They confirmed ethanol has a lot to offer because it provides non-toxic, economical octane, but we face significant challenges particularly in the policy arena."

Sandborn, a grower from Portland, Mich., noted ethanol provides the performance characteristics auto-makers want and does so more economically than any other source. However, they are also looking for direction from the Environmental Protection Agency on specific future standards so they know what engines to design and what ethanol blends might work best.

"We also met with EPA officials while in Detroit. It is clear that NCGA can and probably should step up communications and education with EPA and other governmental agencies to assure they have the best technical information available related to ethanol's potential," Sandborn said.

Participants included Jeff Sandborn, of Michigan; Mike Nichols, of Indiana; Lynn Crisp of Nebraska; Aron Carlson of Illinois; Jerry Demmer of Minnesota; Dennis Gengenbach of Nebraska; Paul Jeschke of Illinois; Dennis McNinch of Kansas; Jerry Mohr of Iowa; Mark Recker of Iowa; Jay Schutte of Missouri; Kim Swenson of North Dakota and state staff Bradley Schad of Missouri and Dave Loos of Illinois.  NCGA staff on hand to serve the committee Dr. Pam Keck,  director of biofuels; Beth Elliott, director of public policy Melanie Gibson, administrative assistant; and Mark Lambert, senior communications manager.



EIA: 908,000 Bpd Ethanol Production Predicted for 2014

The Energy Information Administration on Tuesday in its most recent Short-term Energy Outlook released midday forecasts ethanol production would average 908,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year, slightly below month-ago estimates at 913,000 bpd.

The agency said ethanol production averaged 925,000 bpd in December 2013, up from 825,000 bpd in December 2012.

Biodiesel production averaged about 87,000 bpd in 2013 and is forecast to average 84,000 bpd in both 2014 and 2015.

Biodiesel production reached a record high level of 101,000 bpd or 132 million gallons in October 2013 before declining slightly to average 128 million gallons in November 2013.

EIA estimates carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels increased 1.9% in 2013 from the previous year and would rise 1.2% this year followed possibly by a small decline in 2015. The increase in emissions in 2013 and 2014 primarily reflected growth in coal use for electricity in response to higher natural gas prices relative to coal. Coal emissions are projected to decline by 2.1% in 2015 as the power sector responds to increasing coal plant retirements.



EU Poised to OK 2nd GM Crop

The European Union is poised to approve the bloc's second genetically modified crop for cultivation in 15 years, handing a victory to DuPont over objections from most of the EU's member states.

At a meeting of ministers here on Tuesday, 19 out of the bloc's 28 nations opposed approving the crop, a corn with the name 1507 that was developed by DuPont. But under the EU's Byzantine biotech rules, that isn't a big enough majority to prevent the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, from approving the corn.

The EU has the world's toughest rules on growing or importing genetically modified crops, fueled by strong public opposition to the technology in many European nations. The rules have prompted a long history of complaints from biotech companies that the bloc is ignoring scientific evidence in refusing to allow the cultivation of other crops. Some companies have given up: Monsanto said last year that it was withdrawing all its applications to grow its biotech crops in the EU.

Only one other genetically modified crop is allowed to be grown in the EU, a corn developed by Monsanto that is resistant to corn borer, a worm, and was approved by the bloc in 1998. DuPont first sought approval for 1507 in 2001; after 12 years, multiple positive scientific safety reviews, and several decisions by the European Court of Justice criticizing the commission for delaying its decision on the crop, the commission is now close to approving it.

The crop "meets all EU regulatory requirements and should be approved for cultivation without further delay," DuPont said in a statement.



Judge OKs MF Global Class-Action Suit

A federal judge on Tuesday allowed MF Global Holdings Ltd.'s commodity customers to move forward with a class-action lawsuit against former Chief Executive Jon Corzine and other officials, although the judge narrowed the scope of the suit.

While U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero declined the request of Mr. Corzine and others to completely dismiss a lawsuit over MF Global's 2011 collapse, he did dismiss some claims against Mr. Corzine and others and also dismissed all of the customers' claims against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, MF Global's former auditor.

Judge Marrero, who has previously compared MF Global's collapse and the wave of litigation it spawned to a "massive train wreck," wrote in his ruling that he had hoped those involved in litigation could resolve the matter "in a just and efficient way."

Instead, the judge wrote, "wasteful and rancorous litigation" will continue to unfold as customers await compensation.

Last month, Judge Marrero denied Mr. Corzine's request to dismiss a similar lawsuit against him brought by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.



CruiserMaxx Beans honored as a No-Till Product of the Year

CruiserMaxx® Beans insecticide/fungicide seed treatment, an application of one or more separately registered products, from Syngenta was recognized as the No-Till Product of the Year for 2013 in the seed treatments/inoculants category. Syngenta received the award during the 22nd annual National No-Tillage Conference, held January 17, 2014.

“We are honored to have CruiserMaxx Beans recognized as the seed treatment No-Till Product of the Year,” said Wouter Berkhout, Seedcare product lead at Syngenta. “Recognition from these farmers speaks volumes about the early-season pest protection and results that CruiserMaxx Beans consistently provides to soybeans.”

Paid subscribers and readers of No-Till Farmer’s Conservation Tillage Guide selected CruiserMaxx Beans for this award. Many of these voters are farmers who have firsthand experience with the nominated products. Matt Rausch from Winamac, Indiana is one such farmer.

“We do a lot of no-till soybeans following corn, and I think we get a lot of early-season protection from pests with CruiserMaxx Beans,” said Rausch. “We also see a lot better stands. There are definitely a lot more soybeans, and they are better-looking compared to areas that are untreated.”

This recognition is a testament to the Syngenta commitment to provide seed treatments that will enable soybeans to start strong and ultimately allow farmers to grow more soybeans.

Monday February 10 Ag News

Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks Legislative Committee to Balance Property Tax Burden

Nebraska Farm Bureau offered its support for a pair of legislative proposals that would help alleviate the growing property tax burden on Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. Nebraska farmers and ranchers pay the third highest property tax bill in the nation and pay roughly 30 percent of Nebraska’s total property taxes statewide despite accounting for less than three percent of the state’s population. The figures were shared with members of the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee Feb. 7 during Farm Bureau testimony in support of bills that would lower the valuation of agricultural land for tax purposes.

“Farmers are more than willing to help fund schools, roads and other local infrastructure, but we have reached a point where the bulk majority of that responsibility and the associated tax burden have shifted heavily onto the backs of agriculture landowners,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.

Since 2006 agricultural land values have skyrocketed in comparison to other property types including an 80 percent increase in agricultural valuations since 2008 alone.

“The benefit associated with valuation growth on agricultural land is rarely recognized by active farmers because you only realize the increase in land value if you sell it, which is a rarity for those using the land to raise agriculture commodities. Growth in valuations generally only translates into higher property tax bills,” said Nelson.

Legislative Bills 670 and 813 would both lower the value of agricultural land for taxation purposes from the current rate of 75 percent of market value to 65 percent of market value. Farmers would continue to pay property taxes on their farm machinery and equipment and pay 100 percent of market values on residential property.

“Nebraska taxes agricultural land at one of the highest rates in the Midwest putting Nebraskans at a distinct competitive disadvantage with neighboring farmers across state lines. We have a major issue of inequity right now that can be addressed by lowering the value of agricultural land,” said Nelson.

In October, Nebraska Farm Bureau shared a three-year plan with the Legislature’s Tax Modernization Committee to reduce statewide property taxes by $405 million annually for all Nebraskans. Part of the proposal included lowering the value of agricultural land.



SNOW IS GOOD FOR ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Recent snow storms left at least some snow just about everywhere.  Sure it created some problems, but snow is good – for alfalfa.

Alfalfa loves snow.  In fact, nothing can increase the chance of alfalfa surviving winter better than a nice, thick blanket of snow.  Let's see how this works.

Last fall’s moderate weather allowed alfalfa plants to harden well for winter, leaving them with a high concentration of nutrients and a low concentration of water in their roots.  This winterized condition enables alfalfa crowns and roots to withstand temperatures down as low as 5 degrees above zero.

Now I know this doesn't sound all that cold.  After all, air temperatures have gotten much colder than that.  Fortunately, the soil doesn't get as cold as the air above it.  And when soil is covered with a blanket of snow, this snow acts like a layer of insulation protecting the ground from bitter cold temperatures.  Plus, it reduces the rate that soils and alfalfa roots dry out.  This is why winters with little snow cover can cause more injury to alfalfa stands, especially if soils also are dry.

Of course, management practices in the fall influence the affect of snow on your alfalfa.  Tall stubble provides some insulation value itself and it will catch more snow.  Also, avoiding alfalfa harvest during the so-called risk period from mid-September through mid-October helps alfalfa roots winterize well by building up nutrients and reducing water content.

You may not like the way snow disrupts your daily routine, but remember how valuable it can be for your alfalfa.  Then, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.



2014 Crop Budgets Reflect Changes in Input, Land, Machinery Prices
Roger Wilson, UNL Extension Farm Management / Enterprise Budget Analyst

The 2014 Nebraska Crop Budgets have been expanded from previous editions and are now available in both a printer-friendly PDF format and customizable Excel spreadsheets. See the Economics section of CropWatch or EC872 on the Extension Publications website.

This year's package includes 66 budgets, up from 53 in 2013. The additional budgets are for Roundup Ready® alfalfa, additional corn systems, field peas, and no-till millet.

Prices of inputs were generally higher in this year's budgets with some notable exceptions including for nitrogen and glyphosate herbicides. Production costs for crops that use a lot of nitrogen and/or Roundup Ready® technologies were moderated by these price reductions.

At the same time, increased land prices put upward pressure on production costs for all crops.

Real estate costs are calculated by multiplying the price of land as determined by the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Developments survey times four percent. Another one percent is added for real estate taxes.

Relative price changes among the different forms of nitrogen resulted in major changes in the budgets for pivot-irrigated corn. The application of anhydrous ammonia in the spring was replaced with urea ammonium nitrate applied through the pivot system, saving the cost for applying anhydrous.

Another change reducing corn production costs was how seed was priced. In past years these budgets have used the listed price for corn seed even though most producers were getting discounts. The 2014 budgets use lower seed prices reflecting these discounts.

Increased machinery prices were another input contributing to increased production costs.
Finally, the 2014 budgets estimate the cost for removing 2 points of moisture rather than 4 points.

Even with all the savings in the corn budgets noted here, the estimated cost for producing a bushel of corn only declined from $4.04 per bushel for pivot-irrigated no-till corn in 2013 to $3.98 in 2014.

Since nitrogen is generally not applied to soybeans, the cost savings from lower nitrogen prices had no effect. Even though some prices used for soybean inputs such as glyphosate were lower, higher land and machinery prices increased production costs for no-till soybeans grown in rotation with corn from $9.32 per bushel to $10.07 per bushel.

Decreased prices for herbicides and nitrogen drove down production costs for no-till wheat. The increase in real estate prices for dryland in western Nebraska were generally more modest than farm land price increases in the east so the effect of higher land prices was not as pronounced for the wheat budgets. The result is a decrease in the estimated production cost for no-till wheat in a fallow system from $5.86 per bushel to $5.25 per bushel.



State Trichomoniasis Standards Focus of One-Day Forum, April 3
Trichomoniasis—a sexually transmitted disease in cattle that leads to early embryonic losses and infertility—is spreading across the country and is an economic threat to the beef industry. Trich is tricky because, although bulls and cows are carriers of the disease, they show no outward signs of infection. Thus, herds can be infected and their owners not know it. Because seedstock and cow-calf producers only know that more cows are open and calving late, infected breeding animals might unwittingly be sold to others.

While 23 states require mandatory testing for bulls to prevent the spread of trich—and more states have trich regulations in the making, there is inconsistency in individual state requirements. Additional inconsistencies among states occur in other areas such as the collection of samples, shipping and handling of samples and laboratory procedures.

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture and the U.S. Animal Health Association are partnering to provide the beef industry with a one-day “Joint Forum on Trichomoniasis Standards” on Thursday, April 3, in Omaha, NE. The Forum will give state veterinarians, animal health officials, laboratory personnel, beef industry leaders and other interested individuals the opportunity to interact and discuss challenges and identify solutions regarding more standardization of rules and testing procedures intended to prevent the introduction of trich into beef herds.

“Trichomoniasis results in significant economic impact to the cattle industry, and right now there is a wide variation between states in regulations and testing,” states Dr. Carl Heckendorf, Colorado Dept. of Agriculture, and co-chair of the “Forum on Trichomoniasis Standards.” “These varying and ever-changing rules between states make compliance difficult and confusing.

“Now is the time to standardize—or at least harmonize—state regulations, collection of samples prior to shipping, shipping and handling of samples and laboratory procedures. To achieve this harmonization, industry leaders, diagnostic laboratory veterinarians, animal health officials and others would need to meet, talk openly and candidly and hammer out what will work and is best for the industry.”

Dr. Bud Dinges, clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, and co-chair of the April 3 Forum, agrees with Heckendorf.

“We have a lot to learn from each state, and I look forward to this opportunity to learn what’s working and not working in various states and progress from there,” Dinges states.

The “Joint Forum on Trichomoniasis Standards” is a one-day event, starting at approximately 8 a.m. and ending by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. The hotel headquarters is the DoubleTree by Hilton in Omaha, 1616 Dodge St., Omaha, Neb.

Registration for the one-day “Joint Forum on Trichomoniasis Standards” is $100/person if registered by March 1 and $125/person for those registering after March 1. Registration for those wishing to attend the “Joint Forum on Trichomoniasis Standards” as well as the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Annual Conference, “The Precautionary Principle: How Animal Agriculture Will Thrive,” April 1-2 in Omaha, Neb., at the same facility is $450/person. Registration is available by calling NIAA at 719-538-8843 or registering online at animalagriculture.org. 



Dicamba-Resistant Kochia Confirmed in Nebraska
Robert Wilson, UNL Extension Weeds Specialist

Kochia is a troublesome weed in crop production in the semiarid region of the Great Plains, made more troublesome by its growing resistance to common herbicides such as triazine, ALS-inhibitors, glyphosate, and now dicamba.

Kochia is usually found in western and southwest Nebraska, but also can be found in central and eastern Nebraska along railroads and highways.

It has a high tolerance to drought and can be very competitive with crops. It typically emerges early in the season and begins maturing in mid-August. Kochia has an ovoid shape and when senesced, a strong wind can break the stem at the soil surface, allowing the plant to roll (tumble) across the landscape and spread seed over long distances.

Kochia flowers are wind-pollinated by flowers on the same plant or cross-pollinated by neighboring plants. Its seed is short-lived in the soil and remains viable for about 12 months. When the same herbicide mode of action is used widely and resistance develops, these characteristics (tumble dispersal, wind pollination, and short seed life) can result in the rapid spread of resistant populations.

In Nebraska, populations of kochia resistant to PSII-inhibiting (triazine) herbicides and ALS-inhibiting (sulfonylurea and imidazilinone) herbicides occur in many fields and glyphosate-resistant kochia has recently been confirmed in western Nebraska. In addition, there have been periodic reports of poor control of kochia by dicamba since the late 1990s.

Testing for Resistance to Dicamba
In 2009, UNL researchers surveyed experts to evaluate the potential for various weeds to evolve resistance to dicamba after commercialization of dicamba-resistant soybean. More than 80% of surveyed experts rated kochia as having a medium or high risk of evolving resistance to dicamba. In fall 2009 and again in 2010 kochia seed was collected from fields and roadsides in 59 Nebraska counties.

Greenhouse experiments were conducted beginning in 2011 to determine the most and least susceptible populations to a dicamba dose of 0.5 lb ae/ac (16 fl oz/ac Clarity). From this initial screening four kochia populations representing the extremes in sensitivity to dicamba were selected for additional characterization in a dose-response study. The populations were treated with 12 dicamba doses (0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.13, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 lb/ac) and allowed to grow for 28 days after treatment. They were then evaluated for control.

Results from the dose-response study indicated a 19-fold difference between a population collected from Box Butte County and the three more susceptible populations (collected in Morrill and Kimball counties). The resistant population required 22 lb/ac of dicamba (22 qt/ac Clarity) to achieve 80% control. Although dicamba-resistant kochia has been suspected in areas of western Nebraska for many years, the magnitude of resistance we observed was surprising. In fact, this level of resistance had previously only been reported in a kochia population that was developed using selective inbreeding in greenhouse studies at Colorado State University.

The owner of the Nebraska field exhibiting high dicamba resistance reported that the field had been in irrigated continuous corn for the previous 10 years and that dicamba had been frequently applied in tank-mixtures with glyphosate or atrazine to 1-inch tall kochia. In addition, glyphosate plus dicamba or 2,4-D had been applied on wheat stubble in the pivot corners to suppress weed growth during the fallow period.

Recommendations
Soybean with resistance to dicamba has been developed and its commercialization is expected in 2015 or 2016, pending USDA approval. This new technology will permit dicamba use for postemergence weed control in soybean. Farmers or advisors who plan to use dicamba to manage kochia populations that are already resistant to glyphosate or to triazine- and ALS-inhibiting herbicides should exercise extreme caution to avoid selecting populations that are resistant to dicamba.

Dicamba should only be used in tank-mixtures or in sequence with a herbicide(s) with a different mechanism(s) of action that is effective at controlling kochia. Non-chemical weed management practices such as tillage and crop rotation also should be incorporated into the weed management program to help prevent kochia seed production. Finally, producers should monitor fields for plants that escape dicamba applications and remove them before they produce seed.



Three New ISU Extension Beef-Health Publications Available

Three new beef-health publications are now available through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach online store. Grant Dewell, extension beef veterinarian, authored the publications and said each addresses a specific concern.

“The one on vitamin A deficiency in beef calves is perhaps the most timely because of the upcoming calving season, but the others also offer current and valuable information for beef operations,” Dewell said. “The other two publications on ergot poisoning and trichomoniasis provide details on recognizing specific signs and symptoms of those concerns.”

All three new publications are two pages in length in pdf format and can be downloaded at no cost:
-    Vitamin A Deficiency in Beef Calves (PMR 1014)  https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Vitamin-A-Deficiency-in-Beef-Calves
-    Trichomoniasis in Beef Cattle (PMR 1012)  https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Trichomoniasis-in-Beef-Cattle
-    Ergot Poisoning in Cattle (PMR 1013)  https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/Ergot-Poisoning-in-Cattle

Producers with additional questions about these or any beef health issues are encouraged to contact their Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist or their veterinarian for more information.



Iowa Corn Checkoff Working on Biotech Issues

A key focus for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board is building export markets. Currently, the top markets for Iowa's corn crop are Japan, Mexico and China. Today, China's growing population and middle class, along with excellent business relationships between China and Iowa have created a demand market for Iowa commodities like corn, soybeans, and pork.

"Last year, China was the 3rd largest export market for US corn and up until the recent issue they were on track to meet or exceed that position," said Northeast Iowa farmer Bob Hemesath who returned from China in December.

The 2013 Iowa Corn Strategic Plan developed by farmer leaders puts priority on exports with an emphasis on the China market as well as a focus on a new biotech acceptance program called MAIZALL. Through partnerships with US Grains Council and the US Meat Export Federation the Iowa Corn Promotion Board is also able to leverage checkoff funds to build international markets that will likely have a farmgate impact.

Recently traveling to China on a trade mission with the Iowa Corn I-LEAD leadership class, Hemesath noted that with any trade agreement and marketing opportunity, there will be challenges. Current challenges include a recently discovered unapproved trait (MIR162). The trait in question has been planted on only about 3% of U.S. corn acres for the last two seasons and is not confined to any region.

"Today, our corn checkoff dollars are at work with the US Grain Council to build market security in China," said Hemesath, "I saw the discussions first hand and they are working. China is an important market, we want to make sure we build relationships for quality, reliable corn that we as US farmers can provide."

Farmers are encouraged to discuss planting options with their local seed dealer. For more information visit www.iowacorn.org/MIR162 or www.grains.org. A full list of biotech approvals can be found at www.ncga.com.



Zoetis Announces Research Partnership with Iowa State University to Help Control Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in the United States
Collaboration focuses on developing and testing vaccine candidate for swine

Zoetis Inc. today announced a research partnership with Iowa State University (ISU) to identify and test a vaccine candidate to help control porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in the United States.

“Establishing this partnership further affirms our commitment to fighting this devastating virus,” said Gloria Basse, vice president, U.S. Pork Business Unit, Zoetis. “We look forward to working with the top researchers at Iowa State University to share knowledge and expertise as we make every effort, together, to help veterinarians and producers fight PEDv.”

New cases of PEDv continue to mount. Since the beginning of December, more than 100 new cases have been reported each week.1 PEDv now has spread to swine farms in 23 states since April 2013, with documented farm cases in the thousands. Losses from PEDv are significant and have been measured on some farms at 100% mortality for infected piglets up to 3 weeks old.

“We know how devastating this virus has been to the swine industry,” said Jianqiang Zhang, MD, PhD, assistant professor, ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. “We are eager to work with Zoetis and advance the research we’ve begun to find a solution.”

The development of a vaccine candidate is one element of Zoetis’ ongoing efforts to support swine veterinarians and pork producers control PEDv. In 2013, Zoetis began a collaboration with the University of Minnesota to develop a diagnostic test for the disease.

While research and development of solutions continue, it’s important for producers to remain vigilant with their biosecurity practices to deter the spread of PEDv. Follow these practices recommended by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians:
·         Label and use chutes for loading and unloading. Use the loading chute only for animals that are leaving your farm. Healthy animals unloaded into the loading chute could be exposed to the virus.
·         Wash and disinfect all unloading chutes and driver areas as often as possible. Use a 2% phenol-based disinfectant in the areas where drivers walk to enter the chute, from point of entry to the top and all areas where the chute contacts the truck.
·         Require all trailers used for picking up animals to be cleaned and disinfected before arrival. Be sure to allow enough time for the disinfectant to dry completely before use.
·         Provide coveralls and boots for employees to wear while on the farm. These materials should stay on-site and be washed routinely.
·         If your farm allows guests, provide clear direction for where they should report upon arrival. Also, provide them with coveralls and boots before they enter any facilities.



2013 Farm Poll: Farmers Concerned about Bt-Resistant Corn Rootworm

Iowa farmers are well aware that populations of Bt-resistant corn rootworm have been found in the state, and more than half are concerned that the pest will become a major problem here, according to the 2013 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.

“We wanted to better understand farmers’ perspectives on the threat of Bt-resistant corn rootworms and various management practices,” said J. Gordon Arbuckle Jr., a sociologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Arbuckle co-directs the annual poll with Paul Lasley, also an ISU Extension and Outreach sociologist.

The questions were developed in partnership with the ISU Department of Entomology. Only farmers who planted corn, soybeans or other row crops in 2012 were asked these questions, Arbuckle said. The survey data were collected in February and March of 2013.

“Corn rootworm is becoming a more prominent issue for Iowa corn growers. We’ve seen performance problems with Bt traits in continuous cornfields since 2009,” said Erin Hodgson, an associate professor and extension entomologist who was part of the research team.

Bt corn has been genetically modified to express genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Farmers plant this type of corn to prevent injury by larvae of the western corn rootworm in the Midwest. However, western corn rootworm populations that have evolved resistance to these transgenic technologies have been found in Iowa and other Corn Belt states.

Sixty-nine percent of farmers responding to the 2013 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll indicated that they were aware that populations of Bt-resistant corn rootworm had been found in Iowa. Fifty-three percent were concerned that Bt-resistant corn rootworm would become a major problem in the state, Arbuckle said.

Thirty-eight percent of farmers said they had changed their approach to rootworm management during the past five years, and 77 percent of those who planned to plant corn in 2013 reported that they would use a rootworm-resistant variety, Arbuckle said.

One method for maintaining rootworm susceptibility to Bt toxins is to establish “refuge” areas of corn plants that do not express Bt genes. If farmers do not follow the refuge recommendations, rootworms can rapidly evolve resistance to Bt.

“We asked farmers whether other farmers in their area generally comply with refuge requirements. Sixty-three percent reported that farmers in their area comply, seven percent indicated that they don’t comply, and 31 percent indicated they didn’t know,” Arbuckle said.

“We also asked farmers whether they had used particular practices to reduce the risk of corn rootworm larvae damage to corn plants, and how effective the practices were,” Arbuckle said.

Ninety-three percent of farmers said they rotated corn and soybeans, and 86 percent planted rootworm-resistant corn. These two most commonly used strategies for preventing injury to corn by rootworm larvae were also rated as either effective or very effective by more than 80 percent of farmers, Arbuckle said.

“The single most effective thing farmers can do to manage corn rootworm is to rotate away from corn. Planting soybeans, alfalfa or any other crop will starve corn rootworm larvae,” entomologist Erin Hodgson said. “We strongly encourage farmers to assess root injury in every cornfield, every year. Looking for rootworm feeding is an important step in evaluating Bt efficacy.”
About the Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll

Arbuckle said 1,209 farmers participated in the 2013 Farm Poll and on average they were 65 years old. Because the Farm Poll is a panel survey, in which the same farmers participate in multiple years, participants are somewhat older on average than the general farmer population. Fifty-two percent earned more than half of their income from farming, while an additional 17 percent earned between 26 and 50 percent of their household income from the farm operation.

In addition to Bt-resistant corn rootworm, the 2013 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll asked for farmers’ opinions on climate change, rented land, herbicide resistant weeds, and soil health and compaction.

The 2013 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll summary report (PM 3061) and previous Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll summary and topical reports are available to download from the ISU Extension and Outreach Online Store, https://store.extension.iastate.edu/, and Extension Sociology, http://www.soc.iastate.edu/extension/ifrlp/about.html. 



Iowa Pork Producers introducing Cyclone Swine Spectacular youth event

An all-new swine educational event is being held for Iowa youth later this month in Ames.

It’s the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Cyclone Swine Spectacular and it’s being paired with the Iowa State University Block and Bridle Club’s annual Spring Market Hog Show.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the brand new Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center on the south side of the Iowa State University campus and all young swine enthusiasts age eight to 18 are invited to participate at no charge.

The morning’s activities will consist of photo and essay contests, a knowledge bowl, swine judging and pork fabrication workshops and showmanship. Contestants will be divided into junior, intermediate and senior divisions.

The hog show begins at 1 p.m. and exhibitors of any age are invited to show either market weight crossbred or purebred hogs. There is a $20 per-head fee to be paid at check-in to participate in the hog show.

“We wanted to create more opportunity for youth who are interested in the swine industry to get involved and grow their interest,” said IPPA Marketing and Programs Director Kelsey Sutter. “This will be a unique event where youth will have the opportunity to exhibit hogs, practice their showmanship skills, learn about pork cuts and gain a deeper understanding of the pork industry all at once.”

Students can win a variety of valuable prizes at the event. Points will be awarded for each activity and the more a student participates, the more points he or she will earn toward the Sweepstakes! A Sweepstakes winner will be selected in each age division with the prize being a custom belt buckle! Other event prizes include director’s chairs, duffle bags, gift cards, boot bags, jackets and more! Every participant will receive a free T-shirt, too!

Online registration will continue through noon on Feb. 21. Other students who want to attend the event can register at the door on Feb. 22 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit iowapork.org and click on the Cyclone Swine Spectacular logo.



Action Team Meets to Discuss Membership, Leadership, Communications

NCGA's Grower Services Action Team met last week in New Orleans for updates on NCGA programs dealing with membership, leadership and communications. The meeting came directly after the biennial Membership Symposium.

"NCGA's many programs to support membership, build new leaders and communicate our work have seen great growth and success lately," said team Chair Tom Haag, a Minnesota corn grower. "In the past several months, we've seen record membership, kicked off a new program for young leaders and seen our communications programs reach high levels of engagement with the non-farming public. Our team is excited about the future for our organization in these three areas."

At the meeting, the team reviewed this year's winners of the ongoing scholarship program, who will be announced at Commodity Classic, received an update on coming changes to Commodity Classic with the addition of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, brainstormed on a new award program to recognize outstanding work by state affiliates, and were briefed on the kickoff of the NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program the previous week.

When the meeting ended, the team toured a nearby ADM grain port facility in Ama, La., to see how grain is handled before shipped to other ports around the world. This particular operation is one of several in the area along the lower Mississippi River, and has a silo capacity of 5 million bushels. Overall, the facility moves up to 400 million bushels a year, shipping 20 different grains and processed products to more than 50 countries overseas.

Members of this year's Grower Services Action Team include Tom Haag, chairman, of Minnesota; Kent Kleinschmidt, vice chairman, of Illinois; Kevin Ross, Corn Board liaison, of Iowa; Justin Durdan of Illinois; Roscoe Eggers of Iowa; Lori Feltis of Minnesota; Les Imboden of Ohio; Patty Mann of Ohio; Larry Mason of Texas; David Merrell of Nebraska; Ted Mottaz of Illinois, Danny Nerud of Nebraska; Mark Scott of Missouri; and Katie Glick, state staff representative, of Indiana. NCGA staff serving the team and present for the meeting were Tim Brackman, director of development; Ken Colombini, director of communications; Mike Shelby, association and member services specialist; and Vickie Darland, administrative assistant.



A Regional Look at Cattle Herd Trends...
Glynn T. Tonsor, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

On January 31st USDA released the much anticipated January Cattle Inventory Report.[1] Last week's In The Cattle Markets article provides a national overview of the main points including additional confirmation of shrinking cattle supplies and initiated (albeit lower than many expected) herd expansion via heifer retention.

A targeted regional assessment of multi-year adjustments can shed additional light on transitions underway in the industry. Tables 1 and 2 were derived to present estimates of herd size statistics individually for the 10 states currently with the largest beef cow herds as well as regionally and nationally. Values are presented to enable easy comparison not to last year but rather to the pre-drought period, 10 years ago, and 20 years ago. This reveals broader trends that can easily be missed by looking solely at year-over-year adjustments. While the recent drought experienced in several key cow-calf production areas certainly has important ongoing implications, further comparing the current situation to that of 10 and 20 years ago reveals additional industry adjustments underway.

A review of table 1 reveals how remarkably stable the geographic dispersion of the beef cow herd was over the 1995-2010 period. Adding the recent drought and heifer retention patterns (table 2) enriches current understanding. In total head the Great Plains followed the national trend of downsizing over the 1995-2010 period, yet its relative role as home to beef cows and heifers being retained was growing prior to the drought and remains higher than 2010. This suggests the Great Plains is a "growth area" in terms of its role in the national industry. Conversely while the share of the country's beef cows has been stable in the Southeast, this region has a longer history of a decreasing role in retaining heifers. Coupling this with recognition of this region being the main area with sizeable cow inventories containing pastures that broadly avoided drought conditions over recent years casts doubt on the likelihood of the Southeast leading national herd expansion. Between the patterns of these two regions is the Southern Plains. Prior to the recent drought, the herd in Texas was contracting while the herd in Oklahoma was expanding leading to limited net change in the region's collective role in the industry. However, since 2010 the portion of both beef cows and retained heifers residing in the Southern Plains has fallen notably.

Exactly how persistent these patterns are in coming years will be instructive to monitor. There currently are several indications that the beef cow herd may be moving north and west compared to how it has traditionally been dispersed within the country. Broadly speaking, the geographic adjustments at play are consistent with many of the characteristics depicting representative situations across regions.[2] Moreover, these changes are generally in line with estimated net present values of potential replacements faced by representative producers in each region.[3]

The characteristics not only of where cows reside in the U.S. but the managerial traits and situations of host operations are important to appreciate. If you are a stocker, feedlot, or packing firm seeking to source from a limited supply of cattle, recognition of these adjustments is critical.



Brazil's Late Soy Suffers During Dry Feb

Hot, dry conditions during February in Brazil's south, southeast and beyond are hurting late-planted soybeans, which are in reproductive stages, said AgRural, a local farm consultancy, on Monday.

If temperatures don't drop and rains don't return before Feb. 15, the consultancy said it will lower its Brazilian crop forecast of 88.8 million metric tons.

Concerns are counterbalanced by reports of good early yields in the center-west, which hasn't been greatly affected by the dry spell, with Mato Grosso, the No. 1 soy state, performing particularly well.

Brazil's soybean harvest is picking up pace. As of Friday, farmers had harvested 12% of the crop, up from 6% last week and 12% last year.

The main concerns center around Rio Grande do Sul, southern Parana and the northeastern state of Bahia, AgRural said.



Corn Residue Management Makes Dramatic Impact on Emergence

Corn growers know the satisfaction of seeing newly emerged, uniform rows of green corn plants set against the backdrop of dark, rich soils. By contrast, it can be painful to see an uneven stand from the truck window when driving past a field.

The cause of an uneven stand could be excess crop residue in the planter row.

“Corn residue will delay and outright interrupt plant establishment, and suppress the resulting plant population,” says Andy Heggenstaller, DuPont Pioneer agronomy research manager. “Corn residue is always a management issue, and high-yield production systems increase residue levels.”

Stand establishment is more of a challenge for corn than it is for soybeans, because corn is typically planted earlier, into cooler and wetter soils. Also, soybeans can accommodate reduced emergence by adding additional pods to make up for yield that could be lost from lower plant populations. That’s why hitting optimum corn plant population levels is so important.

Heggenstaller says the key is in-row residue management.

“Residue not moved out of the row has several negative impacts: preventing the planter from putting the seed in the ground, and interfering with plant emergence,” says Heggenstaller. “Residue is also a repository for bacteria, disease and insects that overwinter in stover.”

Another consideration is nitrogen (N) availability to the plants. As corn residues break down, N becomes less available in the soil — a temporary situation called nitrogen immobilization, or tie-up — reducing the amount of available N during a critical time in the growing season. Eventually, the immobilized N is released back into the soil, but often later than when it is needed most by the corn crop.

“As soil warms up, bacteria in the soil begin to consume crop residues from the previous year,” Heggenstaller says. “These bacteria require nitrogen to grow and live and break stover down. Bacteria only release nitrogen into the soil as they die off. Research shows that the longer you grow continuous corn, the bigger the nitrogen problem becomes, because stover builds up over time and takes longer to break down, requiring more nitrogen-consuming bacteria.”

An N deficit has the greatest potential for impact during the period between V8 and silking. This is when corn takes up the most N, and when residue really begins to break down quickly in the soil.

Growers have three opportunities to manage crop residues:

    At or after harvest with a chopping header or stalk chopper. Growers should size residue immediately so it begins to break down as soon as possible. Stover harvest is also an option for managing corn residues in the fall.
    During tillage in fall or spring. Tillage practices mix residue with soil, which allows the bacteria to go to work faster.
    At planting, when planter attachments should be used to move residue away from the planter row. This allows the soil to warm and dry, and the crop to emerge more rapidly and more uniformly.

Growers should also consider emergence during hybrid selection. All Pioneer® brand corn products have a high residue suitability rating that can point growers to the best hybrids for heavy residue conditions.

USDA World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates - Feb 10, 2014

WHEAT: 
U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2013/14 are projected 50 million bushels lower as higher expected food use and exports more than offset an increase in projected imports.  Imports are raised 10 million bushels as railroad backlogs and other logistical problems slow Canadian wheat shipments to Pacific Coast terminals and encourage additional shipments of Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat into the U.S. market.  Projected food use is increased 10 million bushels based on the latest flour production data reported by the North American Millers’ Association.  Food use increases are projected for Hard Red Winter and HRS wheat.  Exports are projected 50 million bushels higher as reduced competition from Argentina and strong sales and shipments further boost prospects for U.S. wheat in world trade.  A reduction in expected exports from Australia during the July-June world trade year also raises prospects for 2013/14 U.S. shipments.  Exports are projected higher for all classes except Durum.  The season-average farm price for all wheat is narrowed 5 cents on both ends of the projected range to $6.65 to $6.95 per bushel.

Global 2013/14 wheat supplies are lowered 1.1 million tons with lower beginning stocks for Argentina and Russia and a 0.8-million-ton reduction in world production.  Small reductions in 2012/13 production for Argentina and imports for Russia reduce world carryin supplies for 2013/14.  Kazakhstan production for 2013/14 is lowered 1.6 million tons based on the latest official estimates which raised harvested area, but lowered the yield sharply from indications based on earlier harvest reports.  Production for Algeria is lowered 0.3 million tons based on the latest official data.  Partly offsetting these reductions is a 0.6-million-ton increase for Brazil where better-than-expected yields in southern wheat areas more than offset earlier freeze damage farther north.  Ukraine production is also raised, up 0.3 million tons, on final government estimates.

Foreign wheat exports for 2013/14 are lowered as reductions for Kazakhstan and Argentina more than offset an increase for the European Union.  Kazakhstan exports are lowered 1.5 million tons with the smaller crop.  Exports are lowered 1.0 million tons for Argentina based on the slow pace of shipments.  European Union exports are raised 1.5 million tons reflecting the rapid pace of shipments and licensing.  Wheat feeding is lowered for the European Union as increased corn imports and feeding free up wheat for export.  Wheat feed use is lowered 0.2 million tons for South Korea as increased corn imports and feeding also displace wheat in that market.  Global wheat ending stocks are projected 1.7 million tons lower with the largest declines for the United States and European Union.  Smaller reductions in ending stocks are expected for Algeria and Russia.  Partly offsetting are stocks increases for Argentina, Brazil, and Ukraine.  

COARSE GRAINS: 
U.S. feed grain ending stocks for 2013/14 are expected lower with a 150-million-bushel increase projected for corn exports.  Global trade data and strong export sales support this month’s outlook for increased world corn imports.  Reduced foreign export

prospects also lower competition for U.S. corn in the world market.  U.S. corn ending stocks are projected 150 million bushels lower with the export increase.  The season-average farm price for corn is raised 10 cents on both ends of the projected range to $4.20 to $4.80 per bushel.  Season-average farm prices for the other feed grains are also projected slightly higher.  

Global coarse grain supplies for 2013/14 are projected 2.1 million tons higher with higher foreign beginning stocks and production.  Corn beginning stocks are raised for Argentina and South Africa with exports lowered for 2012/13.  Coarse grain production for 2013/14 is up 0.8 million tons as small increases in sorghum, barley, oats, and millet production more than offset a reduction for corn.  Corn production is lowered 1.0 million tons for Argentina as additional dryness in January reduces expected plantings and trims yield prospects.  Production is lowered 0.3 million tons for Russia corn based on final official estimates.  Partly offsetting these reductions is a 0.9-million-ton increase for Ukraine corn output, which is also based on the latest official data.  Area harvested and production for both Russia and Ukraine are records for 2013/14.  

Global 2013/14 coarse grain consumption is raised 5.0 million tons with higher corn feeding for the European Union, Canada, South Korea, and Egypt and higher barley feeding for Canada, Kazakhstan, Libya, Kuwait, and Syria.  Corn feeding is also increased for Mexico, but offsets a reduction in sorghum feeding.  Sorghum feeding is raised for China with higher imports.  

Global corn imports for 2013/14 are raised 3.2 million tons with increases for the European Union, Egypt, South Korea, Mexico, and Vietnam.  Corn exports are raised 0.5 million tons each for Russia and Ukraine, but lowered 1.0 million tons for Argentina and 0.5 million tons each for the European Union and India.  With stronger foreign corn use, increased U.S. exports fill the gap between higher foreign corn imports and lower foreign corn exports.  Global barley imports are also raised, up 0.5 million tons, with increases for Libya, Kuwait, and Syria. Barley exports are raised with Australia, but a reduction for Kazakhstan is partly offsetting.  Global corn ending stocks are projected 2.9 million tons lower.  At the projected 157.3 million tons, world ending stocks remain at a 13-year high. 

OILSEEDS: 
U.S. soybean supplies are increased 5 million bushels to 3.46 billion on higher projected imports, mainly from Canada.  Soybean exports for 2013/14 are projected at 1.51 billion bushels, up 15 million from last month reflecting the record pace of shipments and sales through January.  While global imports are unchanged, increased export projections for the United States, Brazil, and Paraguay are offset by a reduction for Argentina.  Higher U.S. soybean meal exports are offset by reduced domestic use, leaving soybean crush unchanged at 1.7 billion bushels.  Residual use is reduced 10 million bushels this month on tightening supplies driven by heavy use to date and large outstanding export sales.  At 12 million bushels, projected residual use remains above the exceptionally low level of the past 2 marketing years.  Projected soybean ending stocks are unchanged at 150 million bushels.

The 2013/14 season-average soybean price range is projected at $11.95 to $13.45, up 20 cents on both ends.  The soybean meal price is projected at $425 to $465 per short ton, up 10 dollars on both ends of the range.  The soybean oil price projection is lowered 1.5 cents at the midpoint with the range narrowed to 34.5 to 37.5 cents per pound.

Global oilseed production for 2013/14 is projected at 506.0 million tons, up slightly from last month.  Global soybean production is raised 0.9 million tons to a record 287.7 million.  Soybean production for Brazil is projected at a record 90.0 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month on higher yields reflecting early harvest results in the center-west.  Prospects for the Argentina soybean crop have diminished due to an extended period of hot, dry weather through mid-January.  As a result, the crop is projected at 54.0 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month.  Global sunflowerseed production is projected at 43.3 million tons, down 0.4 million due to reduced prospects for Argentina.  Other changes include reduced cottonseed production for China, Pakistan, and Australia, and increased sunflowerseed and rapeseed production for Kazakhstan.

Global oilseed and product supply and use changes this month include reduced soybean crush, soybean meal, and soybean exports for Argentina, reduced soybean meal imports for the European Union, and increased soybean and soybean meal exports for Brazil and the United States.  Global oilseed stocks are projected higher, mostly reflecting higher soybean stocks in Argentina.

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, AND DAIRY: 
The 2014 forecast of total red meat and poultry production is lowered from last month as higher beef production is more than offset by lower pork, broiler, and turkey production.  For beef, relatively large cattle placements in the fourth quarter of 2013 are expected to carry through into the first half of 2014, which will result in higher slaughter in 2014.  Cow slaughter is also expected to remain relatively strong during the first half of 2014 with favorable cull cow prices.  Pork production is lowered as reports indicate that Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) continues to spread.  Broiler production is reduced on slower growth in slaughter.  Turkey production is reduced as recent eggs-set and poult placements remain below a year earlier.  Egg production is unchanged.  Estimates of 2013 meat and egg production are adjusted to reflect data for December. 

Beef import and export forecasts for 2014 are unchanged from last month.  Pork exports are lowered as tight supplies and high prices reduce competitiveness.  The broiler export forecast is lowered as weaker-than-expected December exports and recent weakness in leg quarter prices may reflect reduced demand.  Turkey exports are unchanged.  The egg export forecast is raised.  Meat and egg trade estimates for 2013 are updated based on data for December.  

Cattle prices for 2014 are raised from last month, reflecting tight supplies and recent price strength for fed cattle.  The hog price forecast is raised on reduced supplies of market hogs and strong demand.  Broiler, turkey, and egg prices are raised on expected demand strength and reduced supplies of competing meats in 2014. 

The milk production forecast for 2014 is raised from last month on expected higher cow numbers in the second half of the year.  USDA’s Cattle report estimated dairy replacement heifers expected to calve during 2014 were up about 2 percent from a year ago, while the number of milk cows was fractionally below a year ago.  Strong returns resulting from higher milk prices and moderate feed costs are expected to boost expansion later in the year.  Milk per cow is unchanged.  Fat-basis exports for 2014 are raised on increased sales of butter and cheese.  Skim-solids exports are lowered mostly on reduced exports of lactose.  Fat and skim-solid imports are unchanged.  For 2013, supply and use estimates for 2013 are updated based on data for December.  
 
Product price forecasts for cheese, butter, and whey are higher, supported by strong demand and price strength to date.  Nonfat dry milk (NDM) is lower for 2014 on expectations of competition from other exporters in second-half 2014.  The Class III price is raised on higher cheese and whey prices.  The Class IV price is down as lower NDM more than offsets greater butter.  The all milk price is forecast at $20.85-21.55 per cwt.