Wednesday September 6 Ag News

Planning That Last Cutting of Alfalfa
Larry Howard, Extension Educator, Cuming County

As we start September, it's time to decide when to take your last cutting of alfalfa.  The date you take your last harvest of alfalfa affects its winter survival and next spring's vigor. Alfalfa needs about six weeks of uninterrupted growth in the fall to become fully winterized. This winterizing generally begins about three weeks before the average date of first frost. Here in West Point, there is a 70% chance that we will have our first 32 degree temperature on or after October 9th, an 80% on the 13th and a 90% on the 18th. Your last harvest can occur any time before winterizing begins or after the winterizing period is over with little worry about affecting stand life. But, harvest during winterizing can be risky.

That risk depends on how much total stress your alfalfa experienced this year. The most important factor is the number of cuts that were taken this year. Fields cut 4 or 5 times are more susceptible to winter injury than fields cut 3 times or less. Also, young stands of winter hardy, disease resistant varieties are less stressed and can be harvested during winterizing with less risk than older stands of varieties that may be only moderately winter hardy.

You should also consider the need for extra alfalfa or its value as a cash crop.  When hay prices are high, the hay from this final harvest may be worth the risk of lowering next year’s yield. Stock cow and grinding hay many times is lower in value. When hay is plentiful and reasonably priced, it may be better to purchase extra hay than risk another cutting. Remember, you can cut or graze after winterizing with less risk.  Harvesting alfalfa during its winterizing period is risky, but by reducing total stress, producers can control that risk.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Tells President KORUS Withdraw Would Be “Devastating” to Nebraska Farmers, Ranchers

Nebraska farmers and ranchers would suffer “devastating consequences” should President Trump act to withdraw the United States from the South Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS). In a letter sent to the President, Sept. 6, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson called actions to pull the U.S. out of the agreement “reckless” and urged President Trump to pull back considering the importance of the South Korean trade deal to Nebraska farmers and ranchers. 

“The success Nebraska has experienced trading on the world stage is largely due to the free trade agreements the United States has signed with numerous countries around the world,” wrote Nelson. “Nebraska exports boost farm prices and income, while supporting 50,000 jobs both on the farm and in related industries such a food processing, transportation, and manufacturing. More specifically, South Korea is Nebraska’s fifth largest trading partner with more than $213 million of agricultural products being exported in 2016, a total that has grown by more than 107 percent since 2010.”

In the letter, Nelson pointed out that Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are continuing to struggle with lower commodity prices and eliminating a trade agreement that’s provided underlying support for agriculture prices would only make a tough situation worse.

“The families that have dedicated their lives to producing food, should not be used as part of a misguided attempt to gain leverage over our trading partners. While we hope new levels of success can be achieved for all segments of our nation’s economy, we must ensure the significant gains achieved in agricultural trade are not sacrificed,” wrote Nelson. “Many of our major international competitors have already signed similar agreements with South Korea. An exit from KORUS will only benefit those nations and put Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers at a competitive disadvantage.”



Smart farming the topic for international ag event in Grand Island

Nebraska farmers will have the opportunity to discuss trends in technology with German farmers and agriculture experts in Grand Island on Sept. 11, 2017. The event, Smart Farming Technologies, is part of the Transatlantic Dialogue program organized by the German American Chambers of Commerce. The aim of the program is to bring German and American farmers and agriculture experts together to share information that might help them improve their operations and gain insights that might ultimately lead to a reduction in trade barriers.

Smart Farming Technologies will be held Monday, Sept. 11 from 4:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m. in the Raising Nebraska building on the grounds of the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. The event is free and includes dinner after the panel discussions, but farmers interested in attending are encouraged to register online at gaccmidwest.org/en/smartfarm.

The first session will focus on how both nations use technology on the farm while the second examines how agriculture regulations impact transatlantic trade.

The Smart Farming Technologies roundtable is sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Wheat Board, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.



PROTECT SILAGE WITH PLASTIC
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Plastic.  Every year I emphasize this word: plastic.  Plastic is one of those things you forget how useful and valuable it can be.

               Many of you are chopping or about to chop silage.  You will invest time and money to store good feed for your livestock.  However, when you start to feed your silage you may find that the top couple feet has an off color, smells bad, or has spoiled.

               After silage has been chopped and piled and packed correctly, it still can be damaged seriously by air and moisture slowly penetrating the outer 3 to 4 feet.  Animals often eat less when fed moldy silage and can even experience health problems due to mycotoxins.  Good, well-eared silage can lose over 20 percent of its feed value from fermentation and spoilage under normal conditions.  Silage made from corn with little or no grain might have even greater losses.  This loss can be cut in half, or even less, if silage is covered well by a sheet of plastic.

               Cover freshly chopped silage with black plastic immediately after you finish filling the trench, bunker, or pile.  Then cover the plastic with something to help hold it down.  Old tires are readily available and do a good job of keeping the plastic from blowing away.  But tires only keep the plastic in contact with the silage directly under the tire.  In between the tires, air can circulate and cause some spoilage.  An even better choice would be a solid cover, something like freshly chopped forage or weeds.  Then, the entire surface of silage will be fully protected.

               You go to a lot of time and expense to make good silage.  Isn't it worth it to spend just a little bit more to protect that investment?  Cover silage with plastic – it's worth it.



Nebraska Farmers Union Brings 8 Members to Washington to Represent Family Farmers and Ranchers

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) President John Hansen announced today that eight NeFU members will participate in the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fly-In scheduled for September 10-13 joining nearly 300 other Farmers Union  members from across the country.  Hansen said this year is particularly important because this is the fourth year in a row of below cost of production ag commodity prices.

“The September NFU Fly-In is a long standing organizational tradition.  It gives rural Americans and family farmers and ranchers the opportunity to make their voices heard with federal legislators,” said Hansen.  “No one knows more about what farmers and ranchers are facing than the farmers and ranchers themselves. They are the real experts on their own operations.”

This year, the Fly-In will focus on the need to strengthen the farm safety net in the next Farm Bill; support homegrown renewable energy development; and ensure family farmers and ranchers have access to affordable and quality health care.

The Fly-In will begin Monday morning with a visit to the United States Department of Agriculture. Monday afternoon members will meet with House and Senate Ag Committee staff about Farm Bill issues.  Tuesday and Wednesday teams will meet with Congressmen and Senators and their staffs, working together to knock all 535 doors of the House and Senate.

Members from Nebraska Farmers Union that will be participating in this year’s NFU Fall Fly-In are:  NeFU District 2 Director Jim Knopik from Belgrade, Sean Mohlman of Red Cloud, Gage/Jefferson County President Dr. Merlin Friesen from Filley, William Armbrust from Elkhorn, Camdyn Kavan from Lincoln, Midwest Regional Agency Insurances General Manager Jeffrey Downing, Midwest Regional Agency from Elkhorn, Financial Services Specialist Kevin Harrington of Lincoln, and NeFU State President John Hansen.  “We have a nice mix of grain and livestock producers, several young farmers, and two members of our insurance team with us that help us cover a wide range of interests, perspectives, and parts of the state,” said Hansen.

Hansen said “Production agriculture is facing a major financial crisis as grain prices continue to sink, grain inventories build, exports are flat, and ag production costs stay at or near historic all time high levels.   We think the best way for our elected officials to understand the size and scope of the financial hardship farmers and ranchers are facing is to talk directly with the farmers and ranchers themselves.  We are extremely pleased that we have 8 Nebraskans willing to share their stories with our elected officials.”



2017 NeFU Fall District Meetings Schedule

District 7 Fall Meeting: Valentino’s, 1025 S. 13th St, Norfolk, NE 68701
Monday, September 18, 2017, 6:00 pm buffet supper on own with meeting to follow.
· District 7 Director’s Report:  Martin Kleinschmit
· NFU Fly-in report:  Farm Bill/Farm Crisis, health care, & renewable energy:  John Hansen
· State issues:  Report on legislative and initiative property tax relief efforts.
· Select 2 delegate candidates to NFU Convention-new Bylaw:  NeFU now gets 3 delegates.

District 5 Fall Meeting:  Lee’s Chicken Restaurant, 1940 W Van Dorn St, Lincoln, NE 68522
Thursday, September 21 2017.  6:00 pm supper on your own with meeting to follow.
 · District 5 Director’s Report:  Ben Gotschall
· NFU Fly-in report:  Farm Bill/Farm Crisis, health care, & renewable energy:  Camdyn Kavan.
·State issues:  Report on legislative and initiative property tax relief efforts. Nominate NeFU
·Select 2 delegate candidates to NFU Convention-new Bylaw:  NeFU now gets 3 delegates.
· Nominate NeFU District 5 Director candidates to be elected at State Convention-3 year term.

District 6 Fall Meeting:  Randy Ruppert Farm:  2108 County Road O
2 miles west of Nickerson on County Road “O”,  or 1 mile west of “County Road “O” & Hwy 275.
Monday, October 2, 2017, 6:00 pm Barbeque supper—bring a side dish, with meeting to follow.
 · District 6 Director’s Report:  Graham Christensen
· NFU Fly-in report:  Farm Bill/Farm Crisis, health care, & renewable energy:  Bill Armbrust
· State issues:  Report on legislative and initiative property tax relief efforts.
· Select 2 delegate candidates to NFU Convention-new Bylaw:  NeFU now gets 3 delegates.

· 2017 NeFU State Convention:  December 8-9, 2017   (800) 542-5542 Reservations
Hotel Grand Conference Center, 2503 South Locust St., Grand Island
reservations@hotelgrandconferencecenter.com             www.hotelgrandconferencecenter.com

·         2018 NFU Convention, March 3-6, Westin Kansas City, Crown Center, KC, MO
Bring a friend, neighbor or family member that needs to get active in NeFU.
For more info, call Art Tanderup (402) 278-0942 Cell or (402) 887-1396 Home.



USDA, USTR Announce that Vietnam Reopens Market to U.S. DDGS Exports

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced that the government of Vietnam has notified the U.S. that it will resume imports of American distillers dried grains (DDGS).  In December 2016, Vietnam suspended imports of U.S. DDGS after reported detections of quarantine pests in U.S. shipments.  Prior to the suspension, Vietnam was the third-largest market for U.S. DDGS, with exports valued at more than $230 million in 2016.  The resolution of this issue also opens the way for corn and wheat shipments, which were restricted due to previous treatment requirements.

DDGS are a co-product of ethanol production and are used as an ingredient to provide protein and energy in animal feed.  Between 2007 and 2016, annual U.S. exports of DDGS worldwide grew from $392 million to $2.16 billion.

The DDGS ban is one of several agricultural and other priority issues raised in connection with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Washington in May 2017, where he met with President Trump as well as Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.  Following the series of meetings, the two governments released a joint statement pledging to work closely together to resolve the DDGS issue.

“This is great news and I am pleased that the U.S. exporters will once again be able to ship DDGS to Vietnam, which is one of the fastest-growing global markets for U.S. agriculture,” said Secretary Perdue.  “Expanding markets around the world can only help American agriculture.”

“We welcome the resolution of this issue, which will help in our efforts to balance trade and deepen our trade relations with an important Asia-Pacific partner,” said Ambassador Lighthizer.

Following the suspension, representatives from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) engaged in technical discussions with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding alternative treatment options that would allow U.S. exports to resume.  APHIS and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Federal Grain Inspection Service then partnered with industry to host a delegation of Vietnamese officials to view the U.S. fumigation and export infrastructure.  USTR, FAS, and U.S. Embassy officials also met with their counterparts in Vietnam.

The U.S. Government continues to work with Vietnam to address other priority agricultural issues.  These include Vietnam’s adoption of Codex Maximum Residue Limits for veterinary drugs, as agreed during Prime Minister Phuc’s May visit, as well as removal of Vietnam’s ban on “white offal.”



Secretary Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Tax Reform Agenda

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today reiterated his strong support for President Trump’s tax reform agenda, as the president outlined today in North Dakota.  Perdue issued the following statement:

“Farming is a complicated operation, so to place more burdens on the people of agriculture through the tax code has never made any sense.  Most agricultural enterprises are small businesses, and the costs and time required simply to comply with the tax code are impediments to what these folks really ought to be doing, and that’s growing and producing food to feed the United States and the world.

“It’s an old, not-so-funny joke that farmers live poor and die rich, because of the value of the land they own.  It isn’t right that a family’s hard work will be punished by the Death Tax, through which many farms have to be broken up or sold off just to pay the tax bill.  I urge Congress to take up the tax reform agenda to give American agriculture the best chance to succeed.  That would be in line with our new motto here at USDA – ‘Do right and feed everyone.’”



Farmers, Ranchers Need to Deliver Strong Tax Reform Message To Congress

Republican congressional leaders, just returning from their month-long August recess, are geared up to revamp and modernize the tax code, making it all the more urgent for farmers and ranchers to share their tax reform priorities with lawmakers.

“While September brings cooler temperatures for most of the country, including Washington, D.C., the heat is on Capitol Hill leaders to make good on the tax reform promises they made just before the start of recess and during their campaigns. For farmers and ranchers, it’s time to send those email messages, make those phone calls or meet with in-district and Capitol Hill staff to share your personal tax reform message,” said Cody Lyon, American Farm Bureau Federation director of advocacy and political affairs.

Among farmers’ and ranchers’ top priorities are comprehensive tax reform that helps all farm and ranch businesses; the reduction of combined income and self-employment tax rates to account for any deductions or credits lost; cost-recovery tools like allowing businesses to deduct expenses when incurred; and a continuation of cash accounting, Section 1031 “like-kind exchanges,” and the deduction for state and local taxes.



Summer Doldrums Continue As Expected
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Ag & Resource Economics, Colorado State University
It looks likely that the cattle and beef markets will show typical seasonal weakness through much of the fall.  There is some good news but much of what we observe have the potential to hold prices down.  The Cattle on Feed report - as Katelyn reported - was rather bullish.  Placements and on-feed numbers were surprisingly low relative to expectations and futures prices rallied the following trading day.  But the underlying fundamentals that this report has revealed all spring and most of the summer clearly suggests increases in the supplies of beef through the fall.  This is, in part, seen within the last report by the increases within the calculated volume on feed over 120 days.  The volume was lower than last year but up sharply (+9%) when the seasonal tendency is to moderate.  Fed animal liveweights were also up sharply (+5%) and matched by persistent increases in steer and heifer dressed weights.  Dressed weights are up 5-6% from spring lows.  The seasonal increase in meat per carcass is right on track and the expected increase in animal numbers are as well.  Weekly slaughter through last month was strong but the volume of animals this market has to source from is very large.  Weekly cattle slaughter is running 3-10% above last year through July and early August.  There remains lots of pressure to hold prices down.

Strong packer margins and Saturday kills show no problems as of yet but what plays out over the months of September and October will be important for fed and feeder cattle prices well into next year.  Packer margins were solid and cattle feeding margins remain in the black.  This bodes well for maintaining fed cattle marketings at current prices and current feeder cattle prices.  When downstream participants make money then they usually pay well.  Weekly fed slaughter and monthly fed cattle marketing will need to be watched closely.  The slowing of either will lead cattle prices lower.  Another recent concern is the lack of abundant news about beef featuring at retail.  And this is comparing what was heard around Memorial Day relative to Labor Day.  Late summer featuring is present but not as strong and that of early summer.  Retail prices sharply rebounded upward through May and June after months of softening last fall.  This summer's retail prices are similar to last year and the retailer margin strengthen a lot last month.  Strong consumer demand will be needed in the fall and it is not clear is that's likely.

While domestic demand is not clear, trade in beef products continue to show and have forecasts that show solid strength.  Beef exports have steadily increase through the spring and summer while other exports - most notably pork - have shown weakness.

What do the technicals say?: sell and maintain sold positions.  The fall contracts show substantial resistance that will prevent prices from moving higher.  Selling pressure emerges at price levels where the market was turned lower before.  Resistance in live and feeder cattle contracts was formed in early-May, mid-June, mid- and late-July.  Each plane for feeder cattle is at progressively lower prices.  Live cattle showed one strong resistance-breaking rally in mid-June.  I am not worried about exit strategies for forward priced positions.  I think we have continued weakness in cattle and beef prices through October.



College Aggies Online scholarship competition kicks off September 10

Eliminating animal agriculture farms of all types and sizes was a key message shared at the 2017 National Animal Rights Conference last month. Spreading misinformation and wedging themselves between consumers and the animal agriculture community is common for animal rights groups to reach their goals, and college students are a key target. “How to engage with millennials and gen X-ers should be our number one question,” said one activist speaking at the conference, with another urging the audience to look to land-grant universities to bring future animal rights activists into the movement.

Seeing this trend, the Animal Agriculture Alliance launched the College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program in 2009 as one way to help bridge the communication gap between farm and fork. This year’s competition begins September 10, 2017 with the goal of developing life-long advocates for agriculture. Registration for the competition is open to individuals and clubs through October 1 at http://collegeaggies.animalagalliance.org/.

“Animal rights groups are prevalent on college campuses spreading misinformation about America’s farmers and ranchers using ‘undercover’ video footage, Meatless Mondays petitions, and other tactics,” said Kay Johnson Smith, president and CEO at the Alliance. “CAO is a way to ensure agriculture students have the tools they need to share factual, science-based information with their peers about how our food is produced.”

Each week students competing in CAO will complete assignments and participate in webinars to help enhance their communication and advocacy skills. Assignments include: writing a blog post, designing an infographic, surveying fellow students about agriculture issues and much more. Students will also create social media content to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #CAO17.

“College Aggies gives students the skills and confidence to speak up against misinformation and set the record straight,” said Casey Whitaker, communications manager at the Alliance. “The clubs and students involved will not only learn how to communicate about animal agriculture, but have the opportunity to network with college students and industry leaders from across the country.”

The Alliance has a put together a strong lineup of industry professionals to offer advice and answer questions throughout the competition. Mentors will also judge assignments and social media posts and give tips and feedback on how students can improve their strategies.

2017 program mentors include:
    Casey Whitaker, communications manager, Animal Agriculture Alliance
    Josie Peterson, communications manager, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
    Don Schindler, senior vice president of digital innovations, Dairy Management Inc.
    Chloe Carson, manager of digital communications, National Pork Producers Council
    Kourtney Determan, manager of strategic and digital communications, National Chicken Council
    Allison Devitre, regulatory information management and communications manager, Monsanto
    Eric Mittenthal, vice president of public affairs, North American Meat Institute
    Charmayne Hefley, manager of organizational communications, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
    Tim Hammerich, agribusiness recruiter and founder, Ag Grad, LLC

At the end of the competition, the top three individuals and clubs with the most points will win the following scholarships:
    First place: $2,500
    Second place: $1,000
    Third place: $500

In addition to the overall winners, a weekly winner will be selected from the individual competition to receive $100 for submitting the best assignment. For the club competition, a winner will be named for each challenge to receive $250 at the end of the program.

Collegiate clubs and individuals interested in promoting agriculture and becoming confident communicators are invited to sign up through October 1, 2017 at http://collegeaggies.animalagalliance.org/.

CAO would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. 2017 sponsors include: Dairy Management Inc., the National Pork Industry Foundation, CHS Foundation, Pork Checkoff, Monsanto, Domino’s Pizza Inc., Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Kuhn North America and the Ohio Poultry Association.



Hundreds of Workers Leave EPA

Nearly 400 workers have left the Environmental Protection Agency in recent days, the agency said Tuesday, part of a wave of departures that soon could take the agency's staffing to its lowest point in almost 30 years.

The departures come primarily from buyouts offered as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to fulfill a campaign promise of "tremendous cutting" at the EPA. His budget proposal in March suggested a 31% funding cut that would result in approximately 3,200 fewer jobs at the agency.

The voluntary buyouts were offered in June to more than 1,200 workers. Almost a third of those eligible took the buyout and, coupled with a dozen retirements on Aug. 31, the agency trimmed its staff by about 2.5% in less than a week. Several dozen more workers could retire or opt to take the buyout later this month, which would cut EPA's total number of employees to almost 14,400 workers, the lowest since 1988. Two years ago it had more than 15,500 employees nationwide.

"We're giving long-serving, hardworking employees the opportunity to retire early," EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said in a statement. "We're proud to report that we're reducing the size of government, protecting taxpayer dollars and staying true to our core mission of protecting the environment and American jobs."

Some of the agency's critics among employee groups and lawmakers on Capitol Hill are skeptical of the agency's ability to meet its regulatory responsibilities as it shrinks, while others question whether buyouts are an effective use of tax money.

Mr. Pruitt hasn't laid out any plan for how to reshape the agency or its priorities, making it more difficult to improve its performance with fewer resources, said Jeff Ruch, executive director at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which represents government employees in environmental fields. It wasn't immediately clear how the departures broke down among different departments within the EPA.

Asked about whether the cuts would hamper the ongoing response to Hurricane Harvey, an EPA spokeswoman said agency leaders designed the buyout plan so it wouldn't leave them with too few people to respond to any unforeseen natural disasters.

Mr. Ruch's group released numbers late last month suggesting that criminal cases opened and won by the agency have slowed as its staff has shrunk. The EPA's criminal investigation division has lost more than half its special agents since 2003, and has only three-fourths of the 200 agents required by law, according to data the group gathered through information requests. New criminal cases are down by two-thirds since 2012 and successful prosecutions are down by half since 2014.

September 5 Crop Progress & Condition Report - NE - IA - US

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending September 3, 2017, temperatures averaged two to six degrees above normal across western Nebraska, but two to six degrees below normal in the east, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation was scattered and limited with rainfall of less than half an inch received in some northcentral and Panhandle counties. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9 percent very short, 27 short, 63 adequate, and 1 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 10 percent very short, 30 short, 59 adequate, and 1 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 4 percent very poor, 9 poor, 24 fair, 45 good, and 18 excellent. Corn dough was 97 percent, equal to last year, and near 96 for the five-year average. Dented was 68 percent, behind 74 last year, and near 72 average. Mature was 10 percent, near 8 last year and 13 average.

Soybean condition rated 3 percent very poor, 7 poor, 26 fair, 51 good, and 13 excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 8 percent, behind 15 last year, and near 11 average.

Winter wheat planted was 1 percent, near 4 last year and 3 average.

Sorghum condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 37 fair, 49 good, and 11 excellent. Sorghum coloring was 65 percent, well behind 87 last year, but ahead of 59 average. Mature was 6 percent, behind 11 last year, but near 3 average.

Alfalfa condition rated 4 percent very poor, 9 poor, 32 fair, 42 good, and 13 excellent. Alfalfa third cutting was 96 percent complete, equal to last year, and near 94 average. Fourth cutting was 38 percent, near 40 last year, but ahead of 32 average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 5 percent very poor, 20 poor, 44 fair, 27 good, and 4 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 13 short, 86 adequate, and 0 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

It was a cool dry week in Iowa during the week ending September 3, 2017, according to USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included haying, hauling grain, chopping corn silage, seeding cover crops, and harvesting seed corn.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 13 percent very short, 27 percent short, 59 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. According to the August 29, 2017 U.S. Drought Monitor, areas of south central and southeast Iowa have been in a severe drought for 5 consecutive weeks. Subsoil moisture levels rated 17 percent very short, 31 percent short, 52 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus.

Ninety-four percent of the corn crop was in or beyond the dough stage, five days behind last year but three days ahead of the five-year average. Sixty percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, eight days behind last year and three days behind average. Corn condition rated 62 percent good to excellent.

Eighteen percent of soybeans have started to turn color, five days behind last year and three days behind average. Soybean condition improved to 61 percent good to excellent. There were scattered reports of disease issues in soybeans such as sudden death syndrome.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 91 percent complete, 8 days ahead of last year and over 2 weeks ahead of average.

Pasture condition rated 16 percent very poor, 23 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 24 percent good and 2 percent excellent. Cooler temperatures have been ideal for livestock; however, there were still reports of producers in south central and southeast Iowa feeding hay to cattle due to poor pasture conditions.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Corn condition continued to lag behind the average pace, and the condition of the crop fell slightly from the previous week, according to USDA's weekly Crop Progress report released Tuesday. The report was delayed a day due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday.

In this week's report, USDA estimated that 92% of corn had reached the dough stage as of Sunday, down from 95% a year ago, and down from the five-year average of 94%. Sixty percent of corn was dented, down from 74% a year ago and down from the five-year average of 68% dented. Twelve percent of corn was considered mature, down from 17% a year ago and down from the five-year average of 18% mature.  Corn condition also dropped slightly, from 62% good to excellent the previous week to 61% last week.

USDA estimated that 97% of soybeans are setting pods, even with a year ago and above the five-year average of 96%. Eleven percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, even with a year ago and below the five-year average of 12%.  Sixty-one percent of the soybean crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition last week, the same as the previous week, according to USDA.

This week's Crop Progress report also showed 89% of spring wheat was harvested as of Sunday, down from 90% a year ago, but above the five-year average of 78% harvested.

Sorghum was 62% coloring, behind the average of 64%, and mature was 31%, also behind the average of 34% mature. Sorghum harvested was 23%, near the average of 24%. Sorghum condition dropped to 63% good to excellent from 65% the previous week.

Barley was 92% harvested as of Sunday, ahead of the average pace of 84%. Oats were 91% harvested, behind the average of 94%.

Cotton was 96% setting bolls and 25% bolls opening compared to an average pace of 97% setting bolls and 30% bolls opening. Nationwide, cotton condition held steady at 65% good to excellent.

Rice was 29% harvested as of Sunday, near the average of 30% harvested.

Tuesday September 5 Ag News

Nebraska is among the top states in “revenue per dairy cow”

Nebraska ranks in the top ten among all states in “revenue per dairy cow”, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis.

Nebraska’s average of $3,941 per dairy cow in 2016 was nearly $230 higher than the U.S. average of $3,712.  It also ranked second among all Midwestern states, just slightly behind Wisconsin.

“This study provides more evidence that Nebraska is a great place to milk cows,” said Rod Johnson, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association. “We have a winning combination of abundant, high-quality feed and water resources and top-notch producers who work hard to provide their cows with nutritionally balanced diets and proper animal care.”

Another example of Nebraska’s dairy prowess, Johnson says, comes from the National Agricultural Statistics Services, which shows Nebraska’s annual average milk production per cow of 23,500 pounds, which ranks in the top ten states in the nation. Nebraska’s herd is primarily Holsteins, which is the highest producing breed amongst all the dairy breeds.

“While these numbers may surprise some people, they don’t surprise us,” Johnson says. “Nebraska is a good place to milk cows.”



NDA CONGRATULATES ELITE SHOWMAN COMPETITORS

Agriculture and livestock competitions are always fan favorites at the Nebraska State Fair. The grandest competition of all took place over Labor Day weekend as 4-H and FFA champions from all over the state participated in the annual Nebraska Elite Showman Competition. This was the 12th year for the event which is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) and the Nebraska Rural Radio Association in cooperation with the Nebraska State Fair.

“Participating in the Nebraska Elite Showman Competition is a great honor for 4-H and FFA members to demonstrate their showmanship, interview and leadership skills,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “I’m pleased that NDA and our partners are able to coordinate and sponsor events like these to recognize the hard work, dedication and passion that young Nebraskans have for agriculture.”

Elite Showmen competitors must be between 14-18 years of age and enrolled in 4-H or FFA. Counties are able to select only one 4-H or FFA member to represent them to compete at the State Fair. Agricultural business and organizations generously contribute to the contest in order for the winners to receive monetary prizes along with their statewide recognition.

“Programs such as the Elite Showman Competition encourage youth in our state to grow and learn about agriculture from judges and other showmen,” Ibach said. “That spirit of competition is important in agriculture as it is in life to make people stronger and drive them to achieve their goals.”

In this year’s Nebraska Elite Showman Competition, 37 counties were represented.

Competitors are scored on beef, swine and sheep showmanship, as well as interview skills and knowledge via a written test. Along with first, second and third place overall winners, winners are selected for each division. The top overall Elite Showman receives $2,000, the second place finisher receives $1,000 and the third place overall winner receives $500. Division winners are awarded $300 each. All other competitors receive a $50 prize.

The 2017 overall winners were:
1st place overall: Fina Choat from Boone County
2nd place overall: Blake Guenther from Cuming County
3rd place overall: Jennifer Tidwell from Douglas/Sarpy County

The 2017 Elite Showman division winners were:
Swine Showmanship: Lindsi Loos from Sherman County
Sheep Showmanship: Fina Choat from Boone County
Beef Showmanship: Megan Muller from Dixon County
Written Test: Fina Choat from Boone County
Interview: Felicia Knoerzer from Gosper County

Other participants included: Madalynn Welsch (Franklin); Kade Bose (Harlan); John Alfs (Fillmore); Abigail Lutjelusche (Colfax); Kelsay Schlichtman (Jefferson); TaraLee Hudson (Thayer); Chase DeVries (Adams); Cameron Lashley (Red Willow); Blake Bruns (Lincoln); Brock Uhlir (Howard); Abbey Vales (Saline); Courtney Philips (Phelps); Hannah Robertson (Perkins); Blake Wert (Hamilton); Whitney Steckel; (Loup); Karleigh Kleinknecht (Dawson); James Wetovick (Nance); Sophia Lenter (Gage); Caitlyn Walbrecht (Lancaster); Jency Starr (McPherson); Taylor Gregory (Dodge); Cara Wolverton (Seward); Kylie Kempf (Wayne); Shelby Wachter (Washington); Riley Eisenhauer (Frontier); Creighton Hirschfeld (York); Payton Flower (Scotts Bluff); Saige Skalsky (Keith); Mykala Tincher (Buffalo); Grant Romshek (Butler); Ty Groth (Platte).



Agricultural Producers Encouraged to take Survey

Nebraska farmers and ranchers are invited to take a survey about their farm or ranch succession plans. The survey can be completed online at http://go.unl.edu/succession.

The survey seeks to uncover how Nebraska farmers and ranchers are planning for succession or retirement. How retirement would be financed is another key issue being examined. The data collected will be used to design educational materials, website and meetings specific to Nebraska producers. 

Allan Vyhnalek, farm succession extension educator; Dave Aiken, agricultural law specialist; and Kate Brooks, assistant professor, the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are the conducting the survey.

Vyhnalek recently relocated to the department from Platte County Extension.  He will provide succession planning support and education to Nebraska farms and ranches. Vyhnalek hopes to use the data collected to plan educational efforts. “When I visit with Nebraskans, I want to use Nebraska data for my transition and succession talks,” said Vyhnalek.

“We hope that Nebraska farmers and ranchers understand the need to participate in the survey so we have correct information. We want to be able to design materials and educational outreach that fit the needs of Nebraskans,” added Vyhnalek.

The survey will take between 5 to10 minutes to complete and participants must be 19 years or older to participate.  Anyone with questions can contact Allan Vyhnalek at 402-472-1771 or e-mail at: avyhnalek2@unl.edu.

For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, Farm Succession Education for Nebraska Extension.  Phone: 402-472-1771 or e-mail avyhnalek2@unl.edu.     



Combine Settings for Variable Crop Conditions
Amy Timmerman – Extension Educator

Although generally good, corn and soybean crops are quite variable across Nebraska as harvest season approaches.  Spotty rainfall, in many cases too little but in a few cases too much, along with sandy or clay soil spots, and temperature extremes or storms have resulted in varying ear, and bean pod and stalk sizes, both among nearby fields and in some cases within fields or even individual rows.  Such variations put a premium on combine adjustment this fall.

Proper adjustment  can only be accomplished by taking time to measure and observe grain loss and quality. Combine grain losses can be held to one bushel per acre or less if the crop is standing reasonably well.  One bushel loss equals two corn kernels or four soybeans per square foot on the ground.  Grain quality is evaluated by inspecting harvested grain in the tank, looking for splits in soybeans, and cracked or damaged seed coats in corn or soybeans. 

Losses occurring at the head can be separated from losses of the entire combine by stopping the combine and backing up several feet to look for losses on the ground traversed by the head, but not the rear of the combine.  Field studies show 90% of soybean loss and 60% of corn loss typically occur at the head with proper threshing and separating adjustments. 

Head
Corn:  Ear diameters in some fields are smaller than normal. The gap between deck plates above snapping rolls (1.25 inches  in normal conditions) should be narrow enough to avoid shelling kernels on the ear but  yet wide enough for stalks to be pulled through without wedging.  Stalk roll speed should be matched to ground speed and ear savers (at the bottom of stalk rolls) in good condition to hinder ears bouncing from the head.
Soybeans: Research identifies the cutterbar as most responsible for soybean losses, but reel speed and position, and cross-auger operation can also affect losses.   Ensure cutterbar sections are sharp, in register with guard positions, and held firmly against the guard with hold-down clips.  The reel centerline is normally about 8-12 inches  in front of the cutterbar, with height adjusted so that reel finger tips are no closer than about two inches to the flexible cutterbar when at its highest position.  Reel speed index (ratio of peripheral reel speed to combine travel speed) is normally about 1.25 (25% faster reel than ground speed) but may be up to 2.0 (twice as fast) if the crop is severely lodged.  If plants are short, cross-auger position on some heads can be moved forward to help pull plants into the feederhouse.  The position of the front idler drum of most feederhouse chains is adjustable and should be in the lower position for soybeans (particularly if the crop is short) to help pull in crop. 

Rotor and concave
Before harvest, check condition of rotor or cylinder and concave.  Level and calibrate rotor position according to the manual or re-zero the concave to the rotor.  Start at the lower end of suggested rotor speeds, using only enough speed to minimize threshing loss.  Clearance of the concave with the rotor may be narrower than normal for smaller corn ears or shorter/fewer soybean plants.  Low yield areas in some fields may keep plant stems green when beans and pods are mature and ready for combine harvest.  These conditions require more attention to adjust the aggressiveness of threshing (speed, clearance) for adequate threshing and throughput without causing green discoloration to soybeans.  Keeping the thresher loaded limits grain damage, but may be more difficult in lighter crops where excessive travel speed can increase combine grain loss. 

Cleaning shoe
Sieve openings may need to be smaller if corn kernels or soybeans are smaller, but this may increase the amount of grain going to tailings return and increase grain damage as it passes again through the rotor or concave area.  Kernel size can also be larger on ears with significantly fewer kernels requiring larger sieve openings.  Adequate airflow is necessary for good separation and cleaning, so start near the upper end of fan speed and reduce speed only if necessary to limit lighter weight grain blowing out the rear of the combine.

Safety
Review safety procedures and train everyone involved with harvest.  Fire is always a potential with dry, combustible plant material and combine heat sources.  Equipment lighting and marking should be checked to ensure safety when moving between fields.  Three billion bushels are expected to be removed from Iowa fields during the 2017 harvest season. 

Summary
Don’t assume crop conditions.  Do a pre-harvest inspection of fields for variability.  Be sure to check before harvest with your crop insurer if losses will be claimed. Schedule field harvest based on factors of dry down  and pre-harvest loss potential as well as optimizing adjustments required on the combine.  Harvest fields with invasive weeds last or clean out the combine between fields.  Develop the right attitude and make it a safe harvest.  Unscheduled downtime due to accidents or fire is more costly than the taking short breaks to re-charge and rest.



Nebraska State Grange Convention 2017

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Grange will be held at the Ramada Rivers Edge Inn on the South Side of Columbus, Nebraska, just north of the Bridge, September 8-9-10. 2017.

Friday, at noon, Grangers will meet at Barcel Mill and Lumber Company. Bring your own lunch and a Lawn Chair, and gather under the trees to eat, then have a tour and conversation with B.J. Barcel, about his lumber business.

Convention registration will begin at 7:30 PM, followed by a preliminary look at incoming resolutions to be cinsidered for National or State Grange policy, and ending the day with an evening Ice Cream Social.

Some of the resolutions to be considered are: 1, To keep commodity checkoffs subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); 2, To require that all Counties in Nebraska enforce noxious weed laws: 3. To make members of Congress and their staff participate in the same healthcare insurance as the general public; 4, To give each public school $1500 per year for each student enrolled K-12, and that each district is to offset their property tax by the same amount they receive in Foundation Aid; 5. To limit Congressional terms to 12 years, and that the current pension plan be discontinued; 6. Require voters to show personal identification to vote.

The Convention will begin Saturday, at 8:30 AM, with a welcome from the city of Columbus, followed by the formal opeining of the Grange, which will be followed by the State President's report from Kevin Cooksley, of Weissert NE. Resolutions for changes-additions in Grange Policy, will be introduced.

The National Representative this year will be Amanda Brozana Rios, Director of Communications and Development. She lives in Greenbelt Md. with her husband, Victor. She has previously taught journalism, public relations, and speech communications at several universities. She will be the speaker for the noon lunch. Joe Fryman, of Blair Ne. will be the MC.

The Deaf Education Awarness Scholarship will go to Evangelina Ortiz, who has been hearing imapired since early childhood. Community Servicce Awards will be presented to local Granges for their projects to improve the area where they live. The Distinguished Service Award will be presented to the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.

The Annual Banquet will be at 6:30 PM. Kevin Cooksley, President, from Weissert, NE, will be the MC. Dan Holtz will be providing the entertainment. His program is entitled, Nebraska Through Song and Story. He interweaves songs accompanied on guitar and harmonica with excerps from works by Willa Cather, John Neihardt, Mari Sandoz and Bess Streeter Aldirch, in narratives from 1850 to 1904. The program will be followed by an auction of the baked goods chosen as winners, by the judges of the Baking Contest. Other miscellanious items will be auctioned also.

On Sunday morning there will be a memorial service for Grange members who have passed on this year and a brief worship service, planned by State Grange Chaplin, Ricki Wulf, of Blair. State Grange Lecturer (Program Director), Darlene Janing, of Geneva Ne., has asked Jeanne K. Schieffer, from NPPD, to speak to the group, following the service.

Following the Sunday Brunch, Phyllis Tooker, from Ralston, Ne., Family Activities Committee Chairman, will present awards for the Baking and Needlework Contests and give her report on other projects, Stuffed “Toys for Loving”, and the number of Lbs. of pop tabs collected for Ronald McDonald Houses for this year.

The afternoon will be spent finishing up Resolution Committee Reports.  



September Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. The clinics offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Valentine — Friday, September 1
    Norfolk — Wednesday, September 6
    Grand Island — Tuesday, September 19
    North Platte — Wednesday, September 20
    Norfolk — Tuesday, September 26
    Fairbury — Tuesday, September 26

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts Aim to Assist Public at Husker Harvest Days

Hundreds of Colorado Blue Spruce tree seedlings are currently being prepared and packaged for the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) to hand out to the public at Husker Harvest Days 2017. The NRD blue building at Lot 1106 will have NRD general managers, NRD staff and several agencies and organizations inside the building, ready to educate anyone interested in conservation methods, grants, cost-share programs, water quality and soil protection this year at the event.

Husker Harvest Days is September 12th – 14th, 2017. Not only will there be free tree seedlings, but the NRDs are also handing out native Prairie Grass seed. The Nebraska Forest Service is displaying a new educational tool they use and several other agencies are planning on handing out useful information for your properties. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is excited to offer free water testing for nitrates. If you’d like to participate, please bring a 2-ounce sample of water from home.

“The Natural Resources Districts want to be present and easily accessible in Nebraskans’ day to day lives,” said Jim Bendfeldt, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) board president. “Husker Harvest Days is a fun way to get a face-to-face with the people we want to help.”

On Wednesday Sept. 13th at 11 am, the NRDs are holding a press conference at Lot 1106 to announce three new Hall of Fame inductees. Three special Nebraskans who’ve made significant contributions to protecting Nebraska’s natural resources will be announced for induction into the NRD Hall of Fame. The winners receive the most prestigious awards offered by the NRDs.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) partners with several other agencies, along with the 23 Natural Resources Districts at Husker Harvest Days. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR), Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NHHS), Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), Nebraska Forest Service (NFS), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency (NFSA), and U.S. Forest Service - Bessey Nursery will all be ready to help Husker Harvest Days visitors with water and soil conservation programs and education throughout the three-day event.



ICA pleased with Northey's appointment to USDA

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association is pleased about Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey's appointment as undersecretary for farm production and conservation, at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The position is one of three created by new USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. Northey will oversee the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Secretary Northey has served Iowa farmers well for over ten years, focusing on a balance between production agriculture and conservation efforts like the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy," said Iowa Cattlemen's Association CEO, Matt Deppe. "His accomplishments in Iowa have prepared him well and we are excited to see him continue his work in Washington, DC."

Northey is one of many Iowans who have represented agriculture at the federal level. Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack served as Secretary of Agriculture for 8 years during the Obama administration, and Former Governor Terry Branstad was recently appointed as the US Ambassador to China, where he began immediately strengthening the agricultural trade relationship between the two countries.



Corn Farmers Welcome Northey to USDA

The National Corn Growers Association today congratulated Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on his nomination to Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Bill Northey is a longtime friend of NCGA and a passionate advocate for farmers. We congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment, and we urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm him,” said NCGA President Wesley Spurlock. “His roots in production agriculture run deep. He will give farmers and ranchers a senior-level voice on important issues such as risk management and conservation programs, especially as we craft the next farm bill.”

Northey is a fourth-generation farmer who grows corn and soybeans near Spirit Lake, Iowa. Throughout his career, he has been a leader in a variety of agricultural groups, including serving as President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association from 1991-92 and President and Chairman of the National Corn Growers Association from 1995-97. In his three terms as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, he has promoted science- and technology-based solutions to better conserve soil, water, and air, and helped to expand the state’s ethanol infrastructure.

In his new role as USDA Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation, Northey will oversee the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“We’re pleased to see another strong, experienced leader nominated in Bill Northey, and we wish him a speedy confirmation process. We also urge the Administration and the Senate to continue filling out the entire USDA leadership team, so that we can move agriculture forward through these challenging times.”



Teaching fall and electrical safety in agriculture: free webinar, Sept. 13

Falls and electricity are among the most common hazards encountered in agriculture. Learn how to educate others about these hazards during an AgriSafe Network Webinar, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CT), Wednesday, Sept. 13. The webinar is free but attendees must register at http://www.agrisafe.org/live-webinars.

Marsha Salzwedel, M.S., Youth Agricultural Safety Specialist with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, will present a full curriculum that is ideal for school agricultural classes, but also adaptable for community events and other educational scenarios.

Salzwedel will explore the different types of falls experienced on farms and how to protect against them, including fall protection systems. She’ll discuss issues associated with electrical hazards and strategies to prevent injuries and fatalities when working around electricity. Salzwedel also will address “Stand T.A.L.L.”, a concept that empowers youth to “Talk, Ask, Learn, Live”, so that they adequately understand work tasks. The session will conclude with a brief overview of other free instructional materials that can be used in combination with the fall and electrical materials to create a more comprehensive agricultural safety program. 



USDA Dairy Products July 2017 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.03 billion pounds, 1.0 percent above July 2016 but 0.3 percent below June 2017.  Italian type cheese production totaled 450 million pounds, 1.2 percent above July 2016 but 0.1 percent below June 2017.  American type cheese production totaled 402 million pounds, 0.2 percent above July 2016 but 0.4 percent below June 2017.  Butter production was 137 million pounds, 1.6 percent above July 2016 but 2.0 percent below June 2017.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with July 2016)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 148 million pounds, down 1.6 percent.
Skim milk powders - 50.2 million pounds, up 2.9 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with July 2016)
Dry whey, total - 99.2 million pounds, up 21.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 99.3 million pounds, up 1.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.7 million pounds, up 8.5 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with July 2016)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 70.6 million gallons, down 1.7 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 42.5 million gallons, up 3.4 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.97 million gallons, down 5.3 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 5.43 million gallons, down 4.3 percent.



CWT Assists with 793,664 Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 793,664 pounds (360 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from September through November 2017.

Through August this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 48.307 million pounds of American-type cheeses, and 3.013 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 18 countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 513.654 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term 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 affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



 Strong Chicken Demand Prompts Tyson Foods to Expand Production

In response to strong consumer demand for chicken, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) today announced plans to build a $320 million poultry complex in eastern Kansas.

The company will construct a processing plant, hatchery and feed mill near the city of Tonganoxie, in Leavenworth County, which will employ approximately 1,600 people and contract with northeast Kansas farmers and ranchers to raise chickens. The operation, currently scheduled to begin production in mid-2019, will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide.

“More people want fresh food and as one of the world’s leading protein companies, we’re well-positioned to provide it,” said Tom Hayes, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We believe this new operation, which will incorporate the latest production technology, will enable us to meet the sustained growth in consumer demand for fresh chicken.”

The poultry plant will be capable of processing 1.25 million birds per week, increasing Tyson Foods’ overall production capacity. The payroll and payments to farmers from the new operation, along with its purchase of grain and utilities, is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Kansas of $150 million.

“Kansas will be an outstanding home for this Tyson complex,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “Growing Kansas means we must grow the food and agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 45 percent of the state’s economy. The far-reaching impact of this development will be felt by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and communities throughout eastern Kansas. This is a step in the right direction to further diversify and grow our state’s economy.”

The Governor emphasized the importance of local-level support for economic development. “Kansas is known throughout the world for our commitment to animal agriculture and for our communities which offer an exceptional place for companies of this quality to find a talented workforce in a business-friendly environment.”

“Tonganoxie is looking forward to a successful partnership with Tyson Foods,” said Tonganoxie Mayor Jason Ward. “We have planned for a development of this type for many years by making strategic investments in public infrastructure targeted to support future industrial growth. This project will bring much anticipated opportunities for local residents to enjoy the quality of life benefit of working close to home. Tyson has a long history of support for small towns and local markets. They will be a great fit for our community.”

“The Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners is excited that Tyson Foods will be opening a state-of-the-art poultry processing facility in southern Leavenworth County,” said Mark Loughry, Leavenworth County administrator. “This represents a significant investment by Tyson and creates new jobs at the plant for our citizens. More than that, it provides an opportunity for area ag producers that was previously unheard of in Kansas.”

“We believe eastern Kansas is the right location because of the availability of grain and labor, as well as access to our nationwide customer base that is accessible through the state’s top-notch transportation network,” said Doug Ramsey, group president of Poultry for Tyson Foods. “We’re grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received for this project from Governor Brownback, as well as leaders from the City of Tonganoxie, Leavenworth County, the Leavenworth County Development Corporation, and a host of other city, county and state officials.”

Tyson Foods anticipates purchasing about 300 acres of property south of Tonganoxie and currently plans to break ground sometime this fall. The company will work with outside contractors to build the plant, hatchery, feed mill and related infrastructure and expects the construction project to involve hundreds of workers. Farmers and ranchers who have interest in raising chickens for the new poultry complex are encouraged to go to www.growwithtyson.com for more information.

Earlier this year, Tyson Foods announced it was moving to No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) in its Tyson® branded retail chicken products, making it the world’s largest producer of NAE. The Tonganoxie plant will be part of the continued expansion of the company’s NAE offerings.

Tyson Foods currently operates facilities in six Kansas communities, employing about 5,700 in the state with an annual payroll of more than $210 million. In its 2016 fiscal year, Tyson Foods paid Kansas cattle suppliers more than $2 billion and hog suppliers more than $1.3 million. The company estimates its total statewide annual impact for fiscal 2016, including grain purchases, utilities, property taxes and charitable contributions to be more than $2.4 billion. 



DowDuPont™ Merger Successfully Completed

DowDuPont™ (NYSE:DWDP) today announced the successful completion of the merger of equals between The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (“DuPont”), effective Aug. 31, 2017. The combined entity is operating as a holding company under the name “DowDuPont™” with three divisions – Agriculture, Materials Science and Specialty Products.

Shares of DuPont and Dow ceased trading at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Aug. 31, 2017. Beginning today, DowDuPont will start trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the stock ticker symbol “DWDP.” Pursuant to the merger agreement, Dow shareholders received a fixed exchange ratio of 1.00 share of DowDuPont for each Dow share, and DuPont shareholders received a fixed exchange ratio of 1.282 shares of DowDuPont for each DuPont share.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the storied histories of our two companies,” said Andrew Liveris, executive chairman of DowDuPont. “We are extremely excited to complete this transformational merger and move forward to create three intended industry-leading, independent, publicly traded companies. While our collective heritage and strength are impressive, the true value of this merger lies in the intended creation of three industry powerhouses that will define their markets and drive growth for the benefit of all stakeholders. Our teams have been working for more than a year on integration planning, and -- as of today -- we will hit the ground running on executing those plans with an intention to complete the separations as quickly as possible.”

“For shareholders, customers and employees, closing this transaction is a definitive step toward unlocking higher value and greater opportunities through a future built on sustainable growth and innovation,” said Ed Breen, chief executive officer of DowDuPont. “DowDuPont is a launching pad for three intended strong companies that will be better positioned to reinvest in science and innovation, solve our customers’ ever-evolving challenges, and generate long-term returns for our shareholders. With the merger now complete, our focus is on finalizing the organizational structures that will be the foundations of these three intended strong companies and capturing the synergies to unlock value. With clear focus, market visibility and more productive R&D, each intended company will be equipped to compete successfully as an industry leader.”

Board and Governance
The Board of Directors of DowDuPont comprises 16 members – eight directors formerly on the DuPont Board and eight directors formerly on the Dow Board. There are two lead directors: Jeffrey Fettig, who previously served as the lead independent director for Dow; and Alexander Cutler, who previously served as the lead independent director for DuPont. Liveris serves as the executive chairman of the Board and Breen also serves on the Board. Other Board members include:
From Dow:
        James A. Bell, Former Chief Financial Officer, Boeing
        Raymond J. Milchovich, Former Chairman and CEO, Foster Wheeler AG
        Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V.
        Dennis H. Reilley, Non-Executive Chairman, Marathon Oil Corp.
        James M. Ringler, Chairman, Teradata Corporation
        Ruth G. Shaw, Former Group Executive, Public Policy and President, Duke Nuclear
From DuPont:
        Lamberto Andreotti, Former Chair of the Board and CEO of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
        Robert A. Brown, President of Boston University
        Marillyn A. Hewson, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation
        Lois D. Juliber, Former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Colgate-Palmolive Company
        Lee M. Thomas, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier Inc.
        Patrick J. Ward, Chief Financial Officer of Cummins, Inc.

Three Advisory Committees have been established by the DowDuPont Board, chartered to generally oversee the establishment of each of the Agriculture, Materials Science (Dow) and Specialty Products divisions in preparation for the separations. Additionally, each Advisory Committee will develop a capital structure in accordance with the guiding principles set forth in the Bylaws, and designate the future chief executive officer and leadership team of its respective intended company.

DowDuPont Officers
As previously announced, DowDuPont will be led by a proven leadership team that reflects the strengths and capabilities of both companies. Along with Liveris and Breen, it includes the following executives:
    Howard Ungerleider, Chief Financial Officer
    Stacy Fox, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
    Charles J. Kalil, Special Counsellor to the Executive Chairman, General Counsel for the Materials Science Division
    James C. Collins, Jr., Chief Operating Officer for the Agriculture Division
    Jim Fitterling, Chief Operating Officer for the Materials Science Division
    Marc Doyle, Chief Operating Officer for the Specialty Products Division

Unlocking Value for All Stakeholders
By merging the highly complementary portfolios of Dow and DuPont and subsequently creating intended industry leaders, DowDuPont expects to maximize value for all its stakeholders.

    Shareholders are expected to benefit from the stronger, focused investment profile of each intended company and substantial cost synergies, as well as from long-term growth and sustainable value creation following the intended separations into three independent companies. The transaction is expected to result in run-rate cost synergies of approximately $3 billion and the potential for approximately $1 billion in growth synergies. The company expects to reach 100 percent run rate on the cost synergies within the first 24 months of merger closing.

    Customers will benefit from superior solutions and expanded product offerings. By combining the complementary strengths of Dow and DuPont, each intended company will be able to respond faster and more effectively to rapidly changing conditions with innovative products and greater choice.

    Employees will benefit from being part of these intended highly focused and competitive industry-leaders, built for sustainable, long-term growth – which will create opportunities for our businesses and opportunities for our people.

Paths to Separation
Dow and DuPont leaders and integration teams are developing the future state operating models and organizational designs that will support the refined strategy of each intended company. Once each division has its own processes, people, assets, systems and licenses in place to operate independently from the parent company, DowDuPont intends to separate the divisions to stand within their own legal entities, subject to Board approval and any regulatory approvals. The intended separations are expected to occur within 18 months.

The intended companies are expected to include:
    A leading Agriculture Company that brings together the strengths of DuPont Pioneer, DuPont Crop Protection and Dow AgroSciences to better serve growers around the world with a superior portfolio of solutions, greater choice and competitive price for value. The combined capabilities and highly productive innovation engine will enable the intended Agriculture Company to bring a broader suite of products to the market faster, so it can be an even better partner to growers, delivering innovation and helping them to increase their productivity and profitability. The intended Agriculture Company will be headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, with global business centers in Johnston, Iowa, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
    A leading Materials Science Company, to be named Dow that will consist of the businesses comprising the following current Dow operating segments: Performance Plastics, Performance Materials & Chemicals, Infrastructure Solutions and Consumer Solutions (Consumer Care and Dow Automotive Systems; Dow Electronic Materials is intended to go to the Specialty Products Company), as well as DuPont’s current Performance Materials operating segment. The intended Materials Science Company will offer the strongest and broadest chemistry and polymers toolkit in the industry, with the scale and competitive capabilities to enable truly differentiated solutions for customers in high-growth end markets, including packaging, transportation, infrastructure and consumer care. The intended Materials Science Company will be headquartered in Midland, Michigan.
    A leading Specialty Products Company that will consist of powerful, market-leading businesses including DuPont Protection Solutions, Sustainable Solutions, Industrial Biosciences and Nutrition & Health, which will integrate the Health and Nutrition business from FMC pending the close of that transaction; as well as Electronic Technologies, which combines DuPont’s Electronics & Communications business with Dow’s Electronic Materials business unit. The intended Specialty Products Company will be an innovation leader composed of technology-driven specialty businesses with highly differentiated products and solutions that transform industries and everyday life. The intended Specialty Products Company will be headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

As announced, the DowDuPont Board is conducting a comprehensive portfolio review to assess current business facts and leverage the knowledge gained over the past year and a half to capture any material value-enhancing opportunities in preparation for the intended creation of industry-leading companies.

Monday September 4 Ag News

ASA Warns White House Against Misguided Withdrawal from KORUS

In response to indications that the White House is preparing a withdrawal from the free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea as early as Tuesday, the American Soybean Association issued a stern warning that withdrawal from the pact, and the larger strategy of brinkmanship with regard to trade agreements by the White House, could have disastrous consequences for the nation's soybean farmers. ASA President Ron Moore issued a statement addressing the matter directly with President Donald Trump.

"Trade helps our country, Mr. President, and withdrawal from KORUS would hurt us all. As soybean farmers, we benefit greatly from exports, which contribute a $2 billion annual surplus to our nation’s balance of trade. Trade makes our local businesses and our communities stronger. Yet whether it's South Korea, Mexico and Canada, or our neighbors on the Pacific Rim, we once again find ourselves fighting to communicate the value of trade to farmers.

“With respect to South Korea, we supply nearly half of the 1.3 million tons of soybeans that country imports, with no tariffs as a result of the KORUS agreement. Most of Korea’s soybean imports, however, come from our competitors in Brazil and Argentina. If we withdraw, reinstatement of tariffs will make it hard to maintain our market share and will further increase our competitors’ advantage. And it would be devastating for our U.S. livestock customers who export meat products to South Korea.

“The idea that we're the only game in town when it comes to selling soybeans or other agricultural products abroad is false. So is the notion that there’s always another country that will buy our commodities. Furthermore, even the threat to withdraw from this or any trade agreement is a dangerous course of action. Repeatedly walking our trade relationships to the brink, or actually breaking them, only weakens our standing abroad.

“As American soybean farmers, we demand that the U.S. remain in KORUS, and that we move forward to negotiate new trade agreements rather than retreating from existing ones. We must expand rather than abandon access to essential overseas markets for the products we produce."



Statement On Potential Withdrawal From KORUS
U.S. Grains Council (USGC):

"The Council strongly opposes withdrawal from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), an action that will lead to immediate and sustained losses in sales to our third largest corn customer.

"South Korea is an example of the transformational partnership available to U.S. grain farmers and their global customers through strong trade policy and overseas market development.

"The Council has worked in South Korea since 1972, offering expertise on how to use corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and, most recently, ethanol. This work has helped spur dynamic growth in the South Korean livestock and feed grains sectors and made it one of the largest and most loyal customers of U.S. grain.

"Fully 96 percent of feed producers in South Korea now use DDGS, an astounding statistic for a product that barely existed in the market 20 years ago, and one critical to U.S. producers who have suffered lost business due to China’s adverse tariffs decisions. Just last week, we hosted a team of South Korean buyers to the Midwest to see the progress of the U.S. corn crop first hand.

"KORUS has solidified and enhanced our longtime and fruitful partnership with South Korea. Unilaterally walking away from it now is a rash move that will harm relationships we have built over a period of 40 years at the expense U.S. farm country.”



U.S. Wheat Organizations Urge Administration Not to Withdraw from KORUS

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) strongly urge the Trump Administration not to withdraw from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).

“We believe it would be irresponsible to unilaterally walk away from this or any other trade agreement,” said Mike Miller, USW Chairman and a wheat grower from Ritzville, Wash. “Withdrawing raises the specter of retaliation against agricultural exports and creates unnecessary uncertainty in the market. Any disruption in the relationship wheat growers have built in Korea over more than 60 years gives Australia, Canada and even Russia an opening to move in and take business away from us at a time when we are all struggling to stay profitable. KORUS, like the North American Free Trade Agreement, has been very good for American agriculture.”

"We think this trade agreement, negotiated in good faith and strongly supported in Congress, reinforces the Administration's stated goal to sell more agricultural products overseas,” said David Schemm, NAWG President and a wheat grower from Sharon Springs, Kan. “We support finding ways to improve any agreement, but let’s do that in a reasoned and respectful way, with input from all stakeholders so U.S. wheat farmers can gain greater access to world markets."

Korea was the third largest volume importer of U.S. wheat in marketing year 2016/17 (June to May).

Friday September 1 Ag News

Perdue Applauds President Trump’s Selections for Key USDA Posts

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s selection of three individuals for key positions within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The president announced Gregory Ibach as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), Bill Northey as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC), and Stephen Vaden as USDA’s General Counsel.

The Under Secretary for MRP oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service; and the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration.  The Under Secretary for FPAC oversees three critical USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Risk Management Agency.

Regarding the individual selections, Perdue issued the following statements:

On Greg Ibach:
“Greg Ibach will bring the experience and vision necessary to serve as a first rate Under Secretary for MRP at USDA.  His exemplary tenure as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture places him squarely in tune with the needs of American agriculture, particularly the cattle industry.  His proven track record of leadership will make him a great asset to USDA’s customers, the hard working, taxpaying people of U.S. agriculture.”

On Bill Northey:
“Bill Northey will continue his honorable record of public service in leading FPAC.  Having served the people of Iowa for the last ten years as their Secretary of Agriculture, and as a fourth generation corn and soybean farmer, Bill has a unique understanding of issues facing farmers across the nation.  He will be an invaluable member of the team.”

On Stephen Vaden:
“Stephen Vaden has a keen legal mind, as we have already experienced through his work since he joined USDA as part of the beachhead team on day one.  He has a firm grasp of the legal issues facing American agriculture, and very importantly, understands the breadth and complexity of the regulatory burdens placed on our producers.  Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers will be well served by his counsel.”

“I look forward to the confirmations of Greg Ibach, Bill Northey, and Stephen Vaden, and urge the Senate to take up their nominations as quickly as possible,” Perdue said.  “This is especially important given the challenges USDA will face in helping Texans and Louisianans recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.”



Ricketts Congratulates Ag Director Ibach on Forthcoming USDA Nomination

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts congratulated Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach on the news that President Donald J. Trump intends to nominate Ibach as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

“During his twelve years as director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Greg helped grow Nebraska by building the Nebraska brand and Nebraska’s international trade relationships,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Greg brings outstanding experience to this role.  While we will miss Greg’s day-to-day presence here in Nebraska, he will continue to be a resource for Nebraska as we partner with him in his new role as well as a tremendous asset to the USDA and President Trump’s Administration.  I urge the President to send his nomination to the U.S. Senate, and urge senators to take up his confirmation in a timely manner.”

USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs includes Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration.  Governor Ricketts noted that Ibach will bring broad experience to this new role from his work with Nebraska’s animal and plant health programs as well as the livestock disease tractability program

Ibach, a lifelong rancher and farmer, has also been active in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture since his appointment as NDA’s director in 2005 serving as chair of the marketing and international trade committee, animal and plant health committee, and, most recently, as president.



Fischer Statement on Gregory Ibach

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after learning that President Trump intends to nominate Nebraska Agriculture Director Gregory Ibach to serve as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

“Bruce and I extend our congratulations to Greg Ibach on his nomination for the Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary position at the Department of Agriculture. I have known and worked with Greg for many years. He is an agriculture expert who has extensive knowledge of the industry and its numerous contributions to Nebraska, our country, and the world. I’m pleased the president accepted my recommendation of such an impressive Nebraskan. Once he’s confirmed, I look forward to working with Greg to ensure Nebraska’s producers have the tools necessary to continue feeding the world.”



Sasse Congratulates Ibach

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

"A Nebraskan through and through, Greg has served our state well, and I have full faith that he will serve America with the same skill and hard work. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers congratulate Greg and his family on the President's decision to invite him to this new calling."



Statement Regarding Greg Ibach Nomination for USDA Under Secretary Position
Steve Nelson, President, NE Farm Bureau

“Greg Ibach has a tremendous track record of serving Nebraska agriculture. His years of service in leading the Nebraska Department of Agriculture make him an outstanding choice for the position of USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. We wish him the best as he proceeds in the nomination process.”



Nebraska Farm Bureau Tells Delegation Crop Insurance is “Most Important and Vital Piece” of Farm Bill

Protecting crop insurance should be at the top of the Nebraska Congressional delegation’s list as members go to work in shaping the 2018 Farm Bill, according to the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Nebraska Farm Bureau President, Steve Nelson outlined the importance of crop insurance in testimony provided to all five members of the delegation during a farm bill listening session hosted by Farm Bureau and other groups at the Nebraska State Fair, Sept. 1.

“Federal crop insurance has become the most important and vital piece of the farm bill,” said Nelson. “One doesn’t need to travel far to hear Nebraska farmers talk about instances where crop insurance was the only thing that stood between them and total financial disaster. Nebraska’s yearly sporadic weather patterns nearly always result in ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ when it comes to timely rains, drought, hail, or anything else mother nature throws at us each year.”

In 2016, Nebraska farmers placed more than 17.4 million acres, or 90 percent of Nebraska’s total crop production acreage, into the federal crop insurance program. That same year, Nebraska farmers paid over $217 million in premiums. While the federal government provides premium assistance, Nebraska farmers on average pay five percent more of their overall crop insurance costs than the national average.

“I know some in Washington have proposed cuts to the federal crop insurance program. We are told that little cuts here and there won’t make much of a difference to most farmers who rely on the protection offered by this program. Yet, it is important to remember that every small cut, every small restriction, and every small tweak has the potential to throw this vital program off balance,” said Nelson. “Like any insurance product, crop insurance rates are complex and are balanced with farms of many shapes, sizes, and risk levels. Placing short-sighted restrictions on one of the most successful farm programs in U.S. history to save minimal federal dollars is irresponsible, unacceptable, and totally inappropriate.”

In addition to highlighting crop insurance, Nelson pointed to several other overarching farm bill priorities including:
•               Protection of current farm bill spending;
•               Maintaining a unified farm bill containing both nutrition and farm programs;
•               Prioritizing the funding of risk management tools, including Title I commodity programs like the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs; and
•               Ensuring all farm bill programs are compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.

“We greatly appreciate the delegation’s desire to hear what farmers and ranchers are thinking on what’s needed in the farm bill. I continue to remind people that food security is national security. The ability for us to work together to develop the programs that help American farmers and ranchers stay viable in producing food, fuel, and fiber for our country and the world can’t be understated,” said Nelson.



Ag Technology Expert and Investor to Speak at NECC

A fifth generation farmer and a leading investor in farmland and agricultural technologies will be bringing his message to Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Neb. Clay Mitchell, Waterloo, Iowa, will be speaking to agriculture students and to the public during his Sept. 5 visit to the College.

Since 2000, Mitchell has farmed 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans near Waterloo. Mitchell Farm has been a leader in the use of automation in farming operations and has pioneered quality testing of field operations that uses satellite imagery, genomics, artificial intelligence, software, and hardware.

While at Northeast, Mitchell will be speaking on specific practices he uses to improve his operation's productivity.

"I think when people see 'cover crops, technology, soil health, etc.' the risk is that the audience is being sold a product, or that the talk is a general talk full of platitudes. I think people get the most out of my presentation if I speak in specific and technical terms on the things I'm doing on my farm and what we do on our investment farms."

In an interview with No-Till Farmer magazine, Mitchell said his operation has seen a boost in crop yields due to the use of precision technologies.

"Controlled traffic helps create soil qualities in which we see higher yields," he said.

Mitchell uses a real-time kinematic (RTK) guidance system where tractors, combines, sprayers and planters drive on exactly the same paths from one year to the next. GPS devices allow Mitchell to plant seed, apply fertilizer and spray herbicides with centimeter accuracy.

Driving the same path reduces compaction of topsoil that can reduce yield and allows Mitchell to precisely track performance row-by-row. After five-years, soil tests showed better water flow in Mitchell's no-till operation than on neighboring farms.

Mitchell also noted improvements in machinery efficiency. Not only do his GPS-guided tractors travel less ground, they also exert 40-percent less effort while driving on heavily compacted traffic lanes. That results in significant energy savings.

Mitchell also takes advantage of intercropping corn and soybeans by alternating 30-foot swaths of each crop in fields. This allows the corn to take advantage of additional sunlight to improve yields without causing too much of a drop in the soybean crop. Maps showing yield in single rows allow him to correct mistakes and refine delivery of fertilizer and chemicals.

"When everything becomes aligned, you reveal errors. Differences as high as 83 bushels can be seen between rows," he said.

Despite the occasional challenge, Mitchell said his system is paying off.

"For grain farmers, the sum of their work is contained in the fullness of their bins at the end of the year. This is really a fantastic story of energy savings and soil improvement on our farm."

Mitchell consults to the largest farm in Russia and Ukraine. He is a graduate of Harvard University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering, and a Master's Degree in Crop and Soil Science from Cornell University, where he was a Saltonstall Fellow.

Over his farming career, Mitchell's leadership in the industry has been built upon cooperation with manufacturers and institutions of higher learning, a willingness to host groups of domestic and international farmers, and accepting invitations to deliver keynote and plenary lectures across the world. Such activities have helped him develop a deep and invaluable network across the farmer, academic, industry, agricultural journalism, and government communities.

Mitchell is also co-founder and managing director of Fall Line Capital, a Silicon Valley-based private equity firm that buys, improves and manages farmland. Fall Line closed its first fund with $125 million of commitments in the spring of 2013.

During his Sept. 5 visit to Norfolk, Mitchell will be speaking to Northeast's Issues in Agriculture class, which is made up of approximately 100 freshmen students in the College's agriculture programs. The class was established to make students aware of what challenges and opportunities are occurring in the agriculture world and how they can address them in their careers or farming operations.

At 6:30 that evening, Mitchell will speak during a public forum in the Lifelong Learning Center on Northeast's Norfolk campus. There is no charge to attend.



Hurricane Harvey Causes Fuel Changes

Due to the fuel supply emergency caused by Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a waiver, which relaxes the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirement so E15 may be sold immediately in 38 states, including Nebraska.

As of Aug. 31, more than 20 percent of the U.S. oil refining capacity remains offline due to hurricane and flooding damage. Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) predicts a worst-case scenario price spike of 40 to 60 cents.

Under normal circumstances, reformulated gasoline and low volatility conventional gasoline (winter blends) can only be sold after Sept. 15. This short-term waiver helps ensure an adequate fuel supply throughout the country.

By blending more ethanol, the fuel supplies can go further, especially if flex-fuel-vehicle-owners fill up with E85 and drivers with a vehicle 2001 or newer choose E15, noted Jan tenBensel, Nebraska Ethanol Board vice chairman, who farms south of Cambridge, Nebraska.

“One of easiest things we can do to help with Hurricane Harvey recovery is use more ethanol,” tenBensel said. “By using our homegrown, renewable fuel, we can allow petroleum to be diverted to areas that are in a greater need, which also helps mitigate price hikes.”

E15 is a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol, just 5 percent more ethanol than the most commonly used fuel in the U.S. – E10.  E15 is often sold at a 5 to 10-cent per gallon discount to E10, and is higher octane for better vehicle performance. E85 contains up to 85 percent ethanol and should only be used in flex fuel vehicles.

“EPA’s expanded emergency waiver allows us to continue to show that ethanol is a high-octane, low cost alternative,” said Pam Miller, Renewable Fuels Nebraska executive committee chair. “RFN recently launched HuskerFuel.com, a website and brand campaign to bring awareness to Nebraska-produced biofuels and higher ethanol blends, like E15 that are available to consumers across the state.”

Due to a quirk in federal gasoline volatility regulations, E15 sales to non-flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) are usually halted from June 1 to September 15. The EPA waiver enacted because of this natural disaster means anyone with a 2001 and newer vehicle can again fill up with E15.

“With gas prices predicted to rise for the foreseeable future, purchasing higher ethanol blends is one way consumers can help free up fuel for areas impacted by the hurricane, and keep money in their own pockets,” said Dave Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, who farms near St. Edward, Nebraska. “Ethanol blends are truly better fuels that cost less.”

Nebraska drivers can find higher blends of ethanol throughout the state by visiting www.AmericanEthanolNE.org or www.HuskerFuel.com.



2017 Nebraska Cattlemen Cow Calf Tour
 "Local, National, and International Trade in the Cattle Industry"

When:  Tuesday, September 26th - Speakers will begin at 9 AM at the Wheeler Co. Fairgrounds in Bartlett, lunch will be served at 11:30, and the tour will begin promptly at 12:45.

Where:  Wagonhammer Ranches, Bartlett - Speakers for the event include representatives from the USMEF, Nebraska Cattlemen, Samson, and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Sponsors - Ericson State Bank, Homestead Bank-Albion Branch, Boone Nance Cattlemen, Town & Country Veterinary Clinic, Zoetis, and RB Angus

Everyone is welcome, bring a neighbor!

Any questions can be directed to Mackenzie Johnston at (402)350-6372



Researchers Provide Guidance for Micronutrient Management

Micronutrients are needed in very small quantities by plants, but are essential for their growth and production. A search for understanding how micronutrients can be better managed in the Midwest’s soybean fields has led to new research and a regional publication on the topic.

This research and general management guidelines are summarized in the publication “Micronutrients for Soybean Production in the North Central Region” (CROP 3135) and is available through the Iowa State University Extension Store. Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension specialist in agronomy at Iowa State University, led a team of researchers and fertility extension specialists from five universities across the Midwest who worked on the project.

“This publication is intended to be a resource for farmers and crop advisers of the North Central Region regarding micronutrient use in soybean production,” Mallarino said. “Its purpose is to provide information on micronutrient requirements by soybean, factors that influence their utilization and the value of soil and plant tissue testing.”

Mallarino oversaw about 100 recent trials in Iowa, with researchers from the University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, University of Wisconsin and Purdue University developing many other trials.

“The team effort also included reviewing research that had been conducted in other states of the region during the last few decades,” Mallarino said. “This publication wasn’t done to establish specific recommendations for each state but to give a global view of the issues useful for the entire region.”

The team’s work showed that micronutrient deficiencies have been observed in specific soil types or conditions. Course textured soils, highly eroded soil that has lost organic matter and highly calcareous soils proved to be more susceptible to deficiencies than other soils.

While in Iowa micronutrient deficiencies in soybean are uncommon except for iron in highly calcareous soils, it is still important to monitor crops to make sure they are healthy, Mallarino said. The publication discusses the use of soil and tissue testing to ensure farmers and crop advisers have a proper understanding of their value and potential problems.

“In spite of recent research, the value of soil testing and tissue testing for micronutrients involves more uncertainty than it does for other nutrients,” Mallarino said. “Farmers should make sure not to consider soil and tissue testing results blindly, but keep a watchful eye on their fields where soil deficiencies can be detected.”

The research and publication were funded through a grant from the North Central Research Program.



USGC Statement On End Of Vietnam Suspension Of U.S. DDGS

A statement from U.S. Grains Council (USGC) President and CEO Tom Sleight on the announcement that Vietnam will lift its suspension of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) imports and ease fumigation requirements for U.S. corn and wheat imports:

“We are very pleased to hear the news from Vietnam overnight that, as of today, import permits will be issued for U.S. DDGS and new phosphine fumigation protocols will be acceptable for shipments of U.S. corn, DDGS and wheat.

“Since the suspension on imports was put in place late last year, our staff has worked closely with industry and government both here in the United States and in Vietnam to find a resolution to this issue. This intense effort was strongly supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) leadership, officials in its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

“While we never want to see a market closed to our products for any reason, this was an example of how to effectively and comprehensively tackle a scientific challenge impeding trade flows. It was also a reminder of the importance of strong trade policy. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing feed markets in the world, and the disruptions and losses this issue caused reinforce the need for agreements that ensure open access and outline resolution processes for mutual concerns.

“We enthusiastically thank everyone involved in our own government, the government in Vietnam and industries in both countries for their collaboration on this critical issue to our industry.”



NPPC OPPOSES CALIF. BALLOT INITIATIVE ON ANIMAL WELFARE STANDARDS

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) this week filed to get on the 2018 California ballot an initiative to ban the sale of out-of-state pork produced through the use of gestation stalls. The HSUS proposal also seeks to ban the sale of out-of-state eggs and veal from animals raised in housing that California outlawed in 2008 through a ballot proposition.

Initiatives like this and others in states such as Massachusetts are the reason the National Pork Producers Council supports the “No Regulation Without Representation Act of 2017” (H.R. 2887), legislation introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., that would prohibit states from imposing regulatory burdens on businesses, including pork operations, not physically present in the state.

NPPC CEO Neil Dierks recently testified on H.R. 2887 before a House Judiciary subcommittee, saying: “Several states – most with little pork production – have banned gestation stalls, either through ballot initiatives or legislation. That was their prerogative, however ill-advised or uninformed their motives were. What NPPC and pork producers object to is one state adopting a law or regulation that dictates the practices of the other 49 states.”



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 509 million bushels in July 2017. Total corn consumption was up 4 percent from June 2017 but down slightly from July 2016. July 2017 usage included 91.1 percent for alcohol and 8.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.07 million bushels, up 11 percent from June 2017 and up 18 percent from July 2016. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 455 million bushels, was up 5 percent from June 2017 but down slightly from July 2016. Corn consumed in July 2017 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 90.7 percent and 9.34 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.92 million tons during July 2017, up 7 percent from June 2017 but down 6 percent from July 2016. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.34 million tons in July 2017, up 6 percent from June 2017 and up 9 percent from July 2016.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 328 thousand tons during July 2017, down 4 percent from June 2017 and down 3 percent from July 2016. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 272 thousand tons in July 2017, down 9 percent from June 2017 and down 18 percent from July 2016.



USDA Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.67 million tons (156 million bushels) in July 2017, compared to 4.45 million tons (148 million bushels) in June 2017 and 4.60 million tons (153 million bushels) in July 2016. Crude oil produced was 1.80 billion pounds up 4 percent from June 2017 and up 1 percent from July 2016. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.50 billion pounds during July 2017 increased 10 percent from June 2017 and increased 4 percent from July 2016.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 161 thousand tons in July 2017, compared to 167 thousand tons in June 2017 and 202 thousand tons in July 2016. Canola crude oil produced was 135 million pounds down 2 percent from June 2017 and down 17 percent from July 2016. Canola once refined oil production at 115 million pounds during July 2017 was down 7 percent from June 2017 and down 16 percent from July 2016. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 37.1 million pounds during July 2017 was down 20 percent from June 2017 but up 42 percent from July 2016.

Edible tallow production was 65.6 million pounds during July 2017, down 7 percent from June 2017 and down 3 percent from July 2016. Inedible tallow production was 267 million pounds during July 2017, down 10 percent from June 2017 but up slightly from July 2016. Technical tallow production was 76.0 million pounds during July 2017, down 3 percent from June 2017 and down 11 percent from July 2016. Choice white grease production at 88.5 million pounds during July 2017 decreased 25 percent from June 2017 and decreased 8 percent from July 2016.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for September 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for September 2017. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for September is 1.250 percent, unchanged from 1.250 percent in August.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during September is 2.250 percent, unchanged from 2.250 percent in August.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for September are as follows, 1.500 percent with three-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.500 percent in August; 1.750 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 1.875 percent in August; 2.125 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.125 percent in August; 2.250 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in August and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.375 percent in August.



Share Your Conservation Story and Enter to Win a Trip to the 2018 Commodity Classic in California

Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation, and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award at the next Commodity Classic, Feb. 27 – March 1, 2018, in Anaheim, California. This program showcases farm management practices of U.S. soybean producers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. If you’re using conservation practices on your farm such as cover crops, reduced tillage, or other valuable conservation practices, don’t miss your opportunity to apply for this award.

All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, conservation, environmental management and sustainability. Three regional winners and one national winner are selected.

Award Winners Receive:
• An expense paid trip for two to Commodity Classic, Feb. 27 – March 1, 2018, in Anaheim, California.
• Recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.
• A feature on your farm and conservation practices in Corn & Soybean Digest and a special online video.
• Potential opportunity to join other farmer-leaders on a trip to visit international customers of U.S. soybeans.

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the American Soybean Association, BASF, Corn & Soybean Digest, Monsanto, the United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff and Valent.

More information on past winners of the award and how to submit your application is available here... https://soygrowers.com/award-programs/conservation-legacy/.  All applications must be submitted by Sept. 8, 2017.



ABS Global Launches Sexcel™ Sexed Genetics

ABS Global Inc. (ABS), a division of Genus plc, today launches Sexcel™ Sexed Genetics, made using 21st century technology and designed to deliver more high-value pregnancies to dairy herds worldwide.

Sexcel harnesses ABS’s best genetics and is produced through a novel, proprietary technology for sexing bovine semen. This innovative technology does not subject the cells to the high pressures, electric currents and shear forces used to produce the sexed semen historically available to farmers. The result is a superior sexed genetics product that helps customers maximize their profitability in line with their individual economic and herd goals.

Data from ABS Global's Real World Data® (RWD™) database demonstrates that Sexcel achieves a 90 percent relative conception rate when compared to conventional semen and a higher relative conception rate than other sexed semen used by dairy farmers. RWD contains real results from real customers and is sourced from more than 37 million cows from herds located in key dairy markets throughout the world.

“This is an exciting moment for ABS and its customers,” said Nate Zwald, Chief Operating Officer – ABS Global. “Sexcel gives farmers a new option for achieving their desired genetic blueprint and will help them profit through genetic progress. We have a unique product, and trial results show it is a very effective sexed offering for our customers.”

Prior to today’s launch, competition was restricted in the sexed genetics processing industry. Today’s launch marks the first time sexed genetics produced from a new and differentiated technology will be available to farmers. In March 2017, the U.S. federal court held that Sexing Technologies® (ST) had willfully maintained monopoly power in the market for sexed bovine semen processing in the U.S. and granted a permanent injunction against ST. The court’s judgment validates the importance of customer technology choice for sexed genetics.   

“Our research has shown that our customers are seeking a stronger line-up of sexed genetics and Sexcel brings that to the marketplace,” said Olivier Hiers, Global Sexed Genetics Brand Manager – ABS Global. “Our ground-breaking technology helps farmers fast forward their genetic progress. It enables their elite heifers to produce the replacement animals they want, while also providing farmers a choice of sexed genetics tailored to their specific needs– including calving ease, milk production, feed efficiency, reduction in disease risk or any number of genetic traits.”

To find out more about Sexcel, go to www.abssexcel.com.