Missouri River Basin Landowners Secure Legal Victory in Mass-Action Lawsuit for Flooding Against U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. ruled today that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bears responsibility for causing recurrent flooding and damaging farms and property in four Midwest states along the Missouri River: Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. The ruling states that the government must compensate farmers, landowners and business owners for the flood damage, which has been estimated to exceed $300 million.
The case, Ideker Farms et al v. United States of America, was brought by 372 plaintiffs comprised of farmers, landowners and business owners, and has been led by Polsinelli in partnership with Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll.
The mass action lawsuit was originally filed on Mar. 5, 2014 and alleged that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ actions have violated the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment that bars the Government from taking private property without just compensation. Judge Nancy B. Firestone with the United States Court of Federal Claims found in favor of the plaintiffs in five of the six years that the flooding was claimed dating back to 2007, disallowing the flood claims in 2011. The Court found that the Corps’ deprioritized flood control in 2004.
Judge Firestone stated in her Trial Opinion that the evidence established that the Corps’ changes to the river “had the effect of raising the Missouri River’s water surface elevations (“WSEs”) in periods of high flows.” She found that since 2007, the flooding has been among the worst in the history of the river and the Corps’ changes in the management of the river caused or contributed to the flooding. Citing the testimony of plaintiffs’ experts, the Court acknowledged that “recurrent flooding in the Missouri River Basin . . . will continue into the future,” and that increased blocked drainage of farm lands due to higher river levels is a problem.
“As a farmer and landowner who has experienced substantial losses from these floods, I’m extremely pleased with this outcome,” said lead plaintiff Roger Ideker of Ideker Farms in St. Joseph, Mo. “It rightfully recognizes the Government’s responsibility for changing the River and subjecting us to more flooding than ever before.”
Polsinelli Shareholder R. Dan Boulware of the firm’s St. Joseph office served as lead counsel on the case.
“Today is the day the plaintiffs have patiently waited for and have fought for during the past four years. Although we do not concur with the Court’s conclusions regarding the 2011 flood event, we are very pleased with the Court’s conclusions regarding the Corps changes to the river causing flooding, and we are certainly pleased with an outcome that will provide substantial compensation to plaintiffs living along the river who have suffered significant flood damage and losses throughout the past decade,” said Boulware. “It should now be clear that we have a changed river – one that is flood prone. We hope the Corps of Engineers will now do the right thing for our clients and that Congress will also act soon to restore flood control to a higher priority as it was during the last century.”
The ruling also addressed the critical shift in the management of the river by the Corps in 2004 to restore its ecosystem and benefit and create habitat for threatened and endangered species. The court found that the notching of dikes and revetments, as well as the reopening of the historic chutes, which allows the river to meander and erode the bank, created potential flood impacts. These changes to the river, coupled with increased reservoir storage and threatened and endangered species releases from the dams during high river stages below the dams, served to cause or contribute to cause flooding in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and since.
“For nearly a decade, these individuals have suffered not only serious flood damage, but more critically, threats to their fundamental livelihood,” said plaintiffs’ attorney Benjamin Brown, Partner and Co-Chair of the Antitrust Practice Group at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll. “Today’s decision reflects what we have been saying since the outset of this litigation – all Americans should share the costs of protecting threatened and endangered species and the entirety of this burden should not be foisted on those who happen to live and work on the river.”
The Ideker Farms, Inc. et al v. United States of America case has two phases. This ruling marks the end of phase one, which began on Mar. 6, 2017, focusing on liability and the cause of the flooding. The trial in the Federal Claims Court began in Kansas City, Mo. before moving to Washington, D.C. It involved 44 plaintiff “bellwether” tracts and more than 90 witness testimonies over the course of the 63-day trial. Closing arguments were held in November and concluded in December. In total, over 100 depositions were taken and in excess of 20 million documents were produced throughout phase one.
The case will next proceed to phase two, where the Court will determine the extent of losses due to the taking.
The plaintiffs are represented by Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli, led by Boulware, who is recognized by his peers as among the top 1 percent of all trial attorneys in the country, Edwin Smith, Seth Wright, Todd Ehlert and Sharon Kennedy. Brown and Laura Alexander of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs’ firm based in Washington, D.C., also supported plaintiffs in this case.
For more information, including historical background, on this case, please visit http://www.missouririverflooding.com.
FieldNET® by Lindsay Connects with John Deere Operations Center
Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, announced today a new data connection between its industry‑leading pivot telemetry tool, FieldNET®, and the John Deere Operations Center, giving growers increased access to farm irrigation data. The connection will help growers improve irrigation precision and productivity.
“We understand the power that comes with the ability to leverage big data,” said Randy Wood, president of Agricultural Irrigation at Lindsay Corporation. “This new connection will help growers who utilize both FieldNET and the John Deere Operations Center platforms to share their data between the two systems to achieve greater operational efficiencies.”
FieldNET is a fully integrated wireless management tool giving growers the ability to remotely monitor and control entire irrigation systems, regardless of electric pivot brand. The platform delivers real-time status updates and alerts about possible performance issues. For added decision support, FieldNET Advisor™ takes this to the next level, giving growers science-based recommendations to make faster, better-informed decisions about when, where and how much to irrigate.
“An industry first, FieldNET Advisor combines environmental inputs, including soil type and hyper-local weather, with key crop statistics, including hybrid, planting date, and evapotranspiration, to automatically create an optimized irrigation schedule and variable rate irrigation recommendation,” Wood said. “The grower can then put the schedule and recommendations into action with the simple touch of a button on a smartphone, tablet or laptop.”
This data connection will allow users of both platforms to establish an automatic flow of relevant data from the John Deere Operations Center, delivering additional data points informing irrigation recommendations from FieldNET Advisor. Automatically populating FieldNET Advisor with this data, such as crop details and planting dates, will save growers time and improve the precision of the resulting crop zones and variable rate irrigation recommendations. The data connection is now available to FieldNET and John Deere Operations Center users.
STILL TIME TO BE COUNTED IN THE 2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
Nebraska farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Although the first deadline has passed, NASS will continue to accept Census information through the spring to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture that represents all farmers and ranchers.
"We thank everyone who has completed their Census to date. Nebraska currently has a return rate of just over 46 percent of the Census questionnaires mailed to producers last December," said Dean Groskurth, director of the NASS Northern Plains Field Office. "A lot is at stake if producers are not represented in this data. Census data have and will continue to influence important decisions for American agriculture.
The data will affect every operation and every farming community at some point, whether it be through farm policy, disaster relief, insurance or loan programs, infrastructure improvements, or agribusiness setup. There is accuracy and strength in numbers, which is why NASS is committed to giving producers every opportunity to respond."
Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete it and return it even if not currently farming. NASS will continue to follow-up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. To avoid these additional contacts, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their Census either online at www.agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. Responding online saves time by skipping sections that do not apply and automatically calculating totals. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. For questions or assistance filling out the Census, call toll-free (888) 424-7828.
Ag Haulers Get 90-Day Waiver From Hours of Service Regulations
Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the agency has issued a 90-day waiver for agriculture haulers from hours of service regulations. This announcement follows a meeting Senator Fischer facilitated last month between several Nebraska agriculture representatives and the Deputy FMCSA Administrator, Cathy Gautreaux. The waiver will provide the agency with more time to release guidance on the hours of service regulations as they relate to agriculture.
“It’s good to see the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration be responsive to the concerns raised by Nebraskans following our meeting last month with Deputy Administrator Gautreaux. Nebraskans in agriculture want more flexibility when it comes to these regulations. By issuing this waiver, the agency will have more time to release important guidance for agriculture commodity and livestock haulers,” said Senator Fischer.
The meeting with Deputy Administrator Gautreaux, Senator Fischer, and Nebraska ag stakeholders took place on February 13, 2018. Representatives from Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Pork Producers, and the Livestock Marketing Association attended the meeting.
Nebraska Cattlemen Announce Additional 90-Day Exemption from ELDs
Nebraska Cattlemen is pleased to announce that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate exemption for ag haulers by an additional 90 days. This delays the compliance date until June 18, 2018 for drivers hauling agricultural products, including livestock.
The impending ELD mandate and underlying hours of service have caused a great deal of consternation among Nebraska's cattle industry. On February 13, 2018, Nebraska Cattlemen met with FMCSA in Senator Deb Fischer's D.C. office to discuss the need for increased flexibility to account for the uniqueness of livestock hauling.
"Nebraska Cattlemen applauds the Agency for making the right determination that the ELD mandate is not ready for primetime with respect to livestock haulers. In addition to compliance issues and lack of Agency outreach, we remain deeply concerned that the underlying hours of service limitations pose serious consequences on the health and welfare of live animals," said Galen Frenzen, President of Nebraska Cattlemen.
Nebraska plays an integral role in the beef production chain, which includes diversified farms and ranches that span the entire United States. Beef cattle are born and raised in every state in the country; however, the vast majority of feed yards and processing facilities are located in the Midwest and Great Plains. As a result, almost all beef cattle are shipped much farther than 150 miles from the farm or ranch where they originated.
The nationally recognized and scientifically proven Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program outlines numerous safety protocols for transporting livestock, including the recommendation to avoid stopping the vehicle. This can be dangerous for livestock, especially during the summer months when high temperatures and humidity can be stressful on cattle. BQA makes a similar recommendation regarding cold and windy conditions.
The U.S. livestock industry also has an excellent record of public safety. Major studies reviewed by the U.S. Department of Transportation illustrate that livestock hauling-related injuries and fatalities are exceptionally rare:
- Of 1,123 accidents involving trucks hauling cargo, a mere 5 involved the transportation of livestock - Large Truck Crash Causation Study, FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute
- 20 out of 4,352 - 2008 Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (TIFA study)
- FMCSA relied on the TIFA study in its decision to exempt livestock haulers from the 30-minute break rule under HOS, citing the low number of fatal crashes for an industry that includes 66,316 active livestock carriers.
Hauling livestock is very different than hauling any other commodity. Nebraska Cattlemen will continue to work with FMCSA and Congress to develop livestock specific solutions to the underlying hours of service concerns while still maintaining safety of our roads.
Reminder: livestock haulers operating under this exemption will need to keep a copy of the federal register notice in their trucks at all times. Please use this form for now. We will update our members when the federal register notice accounting for the new delay is issued.
Nebraska Cattlemen will also be hosting an exclusive webinar on ELD compliance for members on March 20, 2018. Please check www.nebraskacattlemen.org for more details on how to register.
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding 90-Day Waiver for Ag Haulers from Electronic Logging Device Mandate
“We are extremely pleased with the 90-day waiver for agriculture haulers from electronic logging device (ELD) regulations made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The current wavier, which was set to expire March 18, did not provide the necessary time for FMCSA to educate agricultural haulers as well as local carrier enforcement personnel. The decision to offer an additional extension also provides the agency with more time to examine this regulation and work with the agricultural community to address some of our concerns related to ELD’s and hours of service regulations.”
“Agricultural haulers need more flexibility when it comes to these regulations. By issuing this waiver, the agency will be able to define the problem and offer up genuine guidance for agriculture commodity and livestock haulers.”
“Nebraska Farm Bureau, other Nebraska agriculture stakeholders and Sen. Deb Fischer met with FMCSA, Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C. to discuss this issue in more depth. We thank Sen. Fischer for her leadership on these issues. We look forward to working with her, the rest of the Nebraska Delegation, and FMCSA in the weeks and months ahead.”
Livestock Haulers Get Another Waiver From ELD Rule
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today granted drivers who haul livestock an additional 90-day waiver from a regulation that could have negative effects on animal well-being, a move applauded by the National Pork Producers Council.
A DOT rule issued in 2015 required truckers of commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce to replace their paper driving logs with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) by Dec. 18, 2017. In September 2017, NPPC petitioned the agency for a waiver and exemption from the requirement, and DOT provided an initial 90-day waiver – until March 18 – from the mandate for livestock haulers. A final decision on NPPC’s request for an exemption still is pending.
ELDs, which can cost from $200 to $1,000 plus a $30-$50 monthly fee, record driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement and speed, miles driven and location information. They electronically report that data to federal and state inspectors and supposedly help the DOT enforce its Hours of Service regulation. That rule limits commercial truckers to 11 hours of driving time and 14 consecutive hours of on-duty time in any 24-hour period. Once drivers reach that limit, they must pull over and wait 10 hours before driving again.
But because livestock such as pigs are vulnerable to health issues triggered by extreme temperatures, long-established industry standards preclude drivers from stopping while hauling animals, and that could run them afoul of the ELD and Hours of Service rules, NPPC argued in asking DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Raymond Martinez for the waivers.
“The U.S. pork industry is grateful to DOT Secretary [Elaine] Chao and FMCSA Administrator Martinez for this additional waiver from the ELD rule, which poses some serious challenges for livestock haulers and the animals in their care,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “This will provide the department and Congress additional time to find a solution that meets the unique needs of livestock haulers.
“Drivers transporting livestock have a moral obligation to care for the animals they’re hauling regardless of any regulation.”
DOT did exempt from the Hours of Service regulations and from any distance-logging requirements truckers hauling livestock within a 150-air-mile radius of the location at which animals were loaded, but the exemption is not uniformly recognized and its implementation varies by state.
Develop a Weed Management Plan Using Tools Provided by Online Course
An online course has been designed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to provide farmers and agribusinesses the information needed to better manage weeds in crop fields.
Herbicide Resistance and Weed Management course (CROP 3138) is now available at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15367. The cost for the course is $50.
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates the cost of dealing with herbicide resistance once it occurs to be $20-60 an acre.
“This course provides tools to help farmers and agribusinesses, either independently or working together, develop long-term weed management plans that will delay the development of herbicide resistance in crop fields and help reduce the long-term expenses of dealing with future development of herbicide resistance,” said Virgil Schmitt, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “These plans will help provide effective weed management in the near term and to avoid the expense of dealing with herbicide resistance in the future.”
All farmers and agribusiness professionals who serve farmers are invited to complete the course.
Those who successfully complete the course are also eligible for three Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units. The cost of the CCA credits is included in the course price.
Perdue Statement on Extension of Agriculture Exemption from ELD Mandate
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for her announcement of an additional 90-day extension of the agriculture exemption from the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. Agricultural compliance with the mandate would have been problematic for the agriculture industry because the devices do not accurately account for the agricultural exemptions currently provided in the law.
The ELD rule went into effect in December 2017, with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granting the agriculture industry an initial exemption that was set to expire on March 18, 2018.
With the granting of another extension, the agriculture industry will now have additional time to comply.
Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statement:
“The ELD mandate imposes restrictions upon the agriculture industry that lack flexibility necessary for the unique realities of hauling agriculture commodities. If the agriculture industry had been forced to comply by the March 18 deadline, live agricultural commodities, including plants and animals, would have been at risk of perishing before they reached their destination. The 90-day extension is critical to give DOT additional time to issue guidance on hours-of-service and other ELD exemptions that are troubling for agriculture haulers.”
“Current ELD technologies do not recognize the hours-of-service exemptions for agriculture that are in federal law. This is a classic example of a one-size-fits-all federal regulation that ignores common sense to the detriment of sectors like agriculture.
“I applaud Secretary Chao for recognizing these obstacles and giving extra time for compliance while DOT issues guidance. While public safety is a critical concern for all of trucking, the safety of living agricultural commodities in transport must also be considered.”
BACKGROUND: Agriculture haulers operating within 150 air miles of the source of their agriculture products or livestock do not have to comply with DOT’s hours-of-service regulation, which limits driving hours to only 11 hours after being off duty for more than 10 consecutive hours. For more information on the hours-of-service exemption for agriculture shipments, visit this U.S. DOT webpage: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/eld-hours-service-hos-and-agriculture-exemptions.
For more information on agriculture commodities that are transported to domestic and foreign markets, visit this USDA webpage: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis.
NCGA Encourages Participation in Updated Pollinator Initiative
Corn farmers and Midwest landowners who want to help honey bees and Monarch butterflies have a unique opportunity to do this in a strategic fashion through The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund's SEED A LEGACY Pollinator Habitat Program, which is being supported by the National Corn Growers Association.
The updated program, expanded in 2018 to include 11 states, seeks partnerships between landowners and beekeepers to provide cost-effective, high-quality pollinator habitat to ensure honey bee and Monarch butterfly populations thrive.
Applications for each state are being accepted online at BeeAndButterflyFund.org/habitat-programs through March 31, 2018 for spring planting. A second application period will open later in 2018 for projects to be planted in the fall.
Native pollinators, honey bees and Monarch butterflies have experienced population declines over the last two decades. The Habitat Fund offers a way for farmers to incorporate the latest innovation and technology into their stewardship efforts and do so in a way that is cost effective, establishes quickly, provides greater pollinator value and addresses weed competition.
Enrollment is open to public, private and corporate landowners in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. These states were selected based on their critical role to address National Pollinator Partnership Action Plan goals.
Submitted applications will be ranked to ensure projects maximize benefits for both pollinators and landowners. Successful applicants will receive free or highly discounted pollinator seed mixtures proven to provide pollinator value for Monarch butterflies, honey bees and native pollinators. All projects must meet program guidelines and complete the appropriate state application online at BeeAndButterflyFund.org/habitat-programs.
CattleFax Supporters, Staff Look Back on 50 Years of Providing Valuable Market Information
Challenges to profitability in the cattle industry have been relentless throughout its history. Over the past 50 years, however, an organization created by cattle producers has helped effectively address those challenges.
Started in 1968, CattleFax is a member-owned organization that serves producers in all segments of the cattle and beef business. For half a century, it has been a global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information. Its exclusive industry database has set the standard for market information and analysis.
The organization has since its inception had supporters who saw the value of knowing the market and what it was going to do. Cattle producer Jeff Sparrowk, for instance, says his family has trusted and valued services provided by CattleFax for more than 40 years.
“My dad (Jack) has always been a big believer in CattleFax and what they do,” according to Jeff Sparrowk of Sparrowk Livestock, Clements, Calif. “They’ve helped us in our mission to sustain and improve an efficient, economically sound cattle operation since the 1960s.”
“If not on the ground floor, we were certainly early adopters,” according to Mark Frasier, Frasier Farms, Last Chance, Colo. “We relied heavily on the information and insights that CattleFax provided. We knew that information was key, and my father (Marshall) realized the value there.”
“You think of the 50 years that CattleFax has been around, and it’s a remarkable story,” says Tom Field, director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program at the University of Nebraska, and a Colorado rancher. “What they’ve done is taken data and turned it into information.”
That information was critical in the 1960s to cattle producers, who believed their negotiating power for marketing their animals needed improvement. The answer was partially found in mining and sharing data.
“It felt like we needed our own information and data sharing business, where you could see some of the trends more frequently during the year, and also have our own double check on the system,” according to Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO. Still, it wasn’t a bed of roses as things got started.
“We knew the industry pretty well, but we didn’t know the markets nearly as well as our customers,” he said. “We would get schooled on a regular basis. But I think we were able to learn under fire. We had some of the greatest mentors and greatest teachers in the industry.”
One of those teachers was CattleFax’s first market analyst, Topper Thorpe. Thorpe became the CattleFax general manager in 1972, and for 30 years provided a steady hand for staff leadership and guidance. According to Blach, Thorpe helped revolution both the gathering and sharing of market information in the cattle industry, and allowed CattleFax to deliver the most complete, accurate information from which beef producers could make better marketing decisions.
Broader than Markets
Increasingly it wasn’t just cattle markets that were getting the attention of CattleFax, its staff and customers. Grain, weather, beef demand and competing proteins – not just domestically but globally – were carefully monitored.
“Whether it’s BSE or a 9/11 event, or the 2008 market crash, that volatility is something that we always have to be aware of, and try to understand, and be prepared for,” said Dale Smith, CattleFax president-elect from Amarillo, Texas. “CattleFax helps us expect and follow the things that impact our businesses.”
That foresight is appreciated by those who provide financial resources for cattlemen. “We think it’s important for our customers to minimize risk as much as they can,” according to Tom Jensen, senior vice president of the First National Bank of Omaha. “We think CattleFax gives them the tools to be successful in the marketplace with the volatility that we see today.”
Keeping up with the times to make sure producers had quality information on a timely basis, allowing them to make informed marketing decisions was a daily test for the staff. “Producers are so much more sophisticated today, and they look at the big picture, so it keeps our job challenging to keep on top of the data,” says Duane Lenz, CattleFax general manager. “Becaust they want to know data, they want to know the trends, and they want to know what’s going to happen in the market next week, next month, next year.”
But Blach says more than anyone it was the volunteer leaders who kept the mission on track and on point. “They’re really who made the difference in our business over time,” Blach says. “The people who have led this organization have carved out the long-term vision of the industry.”
Tom Field says the future for the organization is more than bright – it’s crucial for cattle producers. “The value of CattleFax will only go up,” he says. “They will help us better interpret and sort through data. The other thing I anticipate is we will gain a competitive advantage, in that we will have access to a trend faster than our competitors, because of our affiliation with this organization.”
NCFC/NGFA Joint Statement on Legislation to Resolve Section 199A of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) and National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today issued a joint statement regarding a stakeholder-driven proposal to resolve the unintended consequences of Section 199A of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The two organizations said they support inclusion of the legislation to amend Section 199A as part of the fiscal year 2018 Omnibus appropriations bill this month, and believe it warrants bipartisan support. The legislation, if approved by Congress, would be retroactive to the start of the 2018 tax year on Jan. 1.
NCFC and NGFA expressed appreciation to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation for developing legislative language over the last week that is designed to achieve the two fundamental objectives of stakeholders:
• First, to replicate to the greatest extent possible the tax benefits accorded to farmer-owned cooperatives and their farmer-patrons under the previous Section 199, also known as the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD), of the tax code, as it existed prior to its repeal in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on Dec. 23, 2017; and
• Second, to restore the competitive landscape of the marketplace as it existed in December 2017 so that the tax code does not provide an incentive for farmers to do business with a company purely because it is organized as a cooperative or private/independent firm.
“Throughout the tax reform process that began last year, NCFC has consistently called on Congress to retain DPAD for famer co-ops and their member-owners and this legislation largely meets that goal. The old Section 199 had a proven track record of letting farmers keep more of their hard-earned money. We expect these provisions to do the same,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC. “By combining the individual-level business deductions that farmers can claim and the pass-through from their co-ops, farmers selling to cooperatives have the opportunity to see benefits in excess of the 20 percent 199A pass-through deduction.”
“We would also like to recognize the tireless efforts of Sens. John Thune of South Dakota and John Hoeven of North Dakota to ensure fair treatment for farmer co-ops and their member-owners,” Conner continued. “They have brought together both sides and fostered an atmosphere that has made today’s proposal possible.”
NGFA President and CEO Randy Gordon said great care was taken by stakeholders to develop a concept that provides tax relief to farmers, as envisioned in the tax-reform law, while restoring to the maximum extent possible the competitive balance in the marketplace. NGFA noted its members consist of an almost equal number of grain, feed and grain-processing businesses organized as cooperatives and private/independents.
“Given the complexities of the issue and the different types and sizes of businesses, no legislation will ever be perfect for every income or business situation,” Gordon said. “But the stakeholder concepts on which this legislative language is based have been analyzed and reanalyzed in excruciating detail by tax experts representing both cooperative and private/independent businesses, as well as Congressional tax staff experts. We believe the solution merits enactment so that competitive choices remain available to agricultural producers and the marketplace – not the tax code – determines with whom they do business. We appreciate the commitment of members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, to get it fixed.”
NGFA joined in thanking Sens. Thune and Hoeven, as well as Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., for working with stakeholders, as well as several Democratic senators who have expressed an interest in seeing the issue resolved.
NCFC and NGFA said they will remain engaged on this critical issue until a stakeholder-led solution is enacted by Congress.
Ahead of Hearing, Dozens of Biodiesel Stakeholders Urge Passage of Tax Extenders
Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and more than 50 of its member organizations sent a letter to Congressional leaders that calls for extending the biodiesel tax credit as soon as possible for at least 2018.
“The uncertainty created by the lapse of the tax credit is curtailing investments in new plants and capital projects to maintain, improve and expand existing plants. We believe that if the tax credit is extended through at least 2018, the biodiesel industry would experience substantial growth in the near term, which would create significant new employment opportunities,” they write. The full text of the letter is available for download as a PDF here.
“The noise of uncertainty is detrimental to the future of the industry,” said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs at NBB. “We’ve seen biodiesel and renewable diesel production grow from 25 million gallons before the tax credit to nearly 3 billion gallons. Imagine how much farther we could be as an industry if this federal policy mechanism hadn’t lapsed so many times.”
Tomorrow Cal Meyer, chief operating officer at Ag Processing Inc, will testify on behalf of NBB before the Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee. The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET, but Meyer will testify later in the afternoon on Panel 4, probably closer to 2-3 p.m. ET. You can watch the hearing live here. Meyer will make the case of the importance of the biodiesel tax credit to accelerating growth in the industry and providing economic and environmental benefits to the taxpayer.
Brazil Court Releases Former JBS Chairman from Jail
The corruption scandal in Brazil continues to develop as JBS co-owner Joesley Batista turns himself into authorities. Reuters reports that a Brazilian federal court on Friday granted the release from jail of Joesley Batista, former chairman of the world's biggest meatpacker, JBS SA, according to court documents.
Batista, who steered JBS from a Brazilian beef processing firm to a global food conglomerate with major U.S. operations, was expected to be released later on Friday from a Sao Paulo detention center, said his lawyer, Andre Callegari.
Batista and his brother, Wesley, were arrested last year on charges of obstruction of justice and insider trading following a controversial plea bargain related to a corruption scandal that threatened to topple President Michel Temer.
Wesley Batista, the former chief executive of JBS, was released last month. The brothers cannot leave the country while they answer to charges against them. The Batistas control JBS through holding company J&F Investimentos.
The judge who ordered Joesley Batista's release said the reason for his preventive arrest order was no longer valid, since that type of arrest by law should not exceed 120 days. The former JBS chairman had been behind bars for the last six months.
U.S. Tractor Sales Fell in February, Combines Were Up
According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. in February 2018, were down 10% compared to the same month last year.
For the two months in 2018, a total of 10,486 tractors were sold which compares to 11,630 sold thru February 2017 representing a 10% decrease for the year. Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were down 12% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 2%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 20%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were up 9%. Combine sales are up 34% for the month.
For the year, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are down 4% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are even. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 11%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are up 15%. Sales of combines for the year total 481 compared to 393 in 2017.
Case IH Continues to Drive Data Openness and Interoperability in Precision Farming as an IoF2020 Project Stakeholder
On March 1, 2018, in Almeria, Spain, IoF2020 project stakeholders demonstrated a proof of concept focusing on interoperability and compatibility between farm machines, sensors and software. The IoF2020 group uses the ADAPT Framework focusing on interoperability and compatibility between farm machines, sensors and software. ADAPT is an open source software toolkit from AgGateway, based on a universal data compatibility model that uses plug-ins to enable translation between different proprietary data formats.
“In everything we’re doing, we’re focusing on understanding the daily challenges of our customers and supporting them with products and solutions that make farming easier,” said Andreas Klauser, Case IH brand president. “This project is another great step that will help farmers to increase efficiency by using their data without any boundaries.”
With the proof of concept demonstration, the IoF2020 partners confirmed their commitment to and progress on an open and interoperable system, through which data can flow seamlessly between different value chain participants. For farmers, this is critical because it will be possible to use different types and brands of equipment with a wide variety of software or services, regardless of manufacturer.
“Our goal in this project is to continue to simplify how our customers share data between operators, machines and service providers like agronomists or contractors,” says Robert Zemenchik, global product marketing manager for Case IH Advanced Farming Systems.
“Today, industry standards have focused on machine standards for physical design and electronic compatibility. The ADAPT solution goes a step further using digital plug-ins to ensure the various data types generated by the group membership are compatible with Farmer Management Information Systems. Now that we have a working proof of concept, we will deliver data management solutions to our customers that will be much faster and easier to work with than in the past.”
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Monday, March 12, 2018
Monday March 12 Ag News
Platte Valley Cattlemen Mtg is March 19th
Lucas Luckey, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen
The year is quickly moving along and many of our members are in the middle of calving while others are trying to figure out this cattle market. With the weather finally starting to straighten out, our thoughts are starting to turn to the upcoming growing season, but before we can get that far we need to have our annual feedlot meeting.
Our March meeting will be on Monday, March 19th at Wunderlich’s Catering in Columbus. We have Mallory Wilken as our guest speaker. Mallory is with ICM and will be discussing bunk management and the importance of distillers in feed rations. We will also have Settje Agri-Service update us on any changes that may be taking place with the DEQ and manure management.
Social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is being sponsored by Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc. The meal will be at 7:00 p.m. and sponsored by Kit Held Trucking/Mycogen Seed. See you Monday, March 19th, for drinks, steak, and great discussion.
Nebraska Among World's Best Ag, Forestry Universities
For the second year in a row, the University of Nebraska--Lincoln has been named one of the top 50 universities in the world for agriculture and forestry.
Nebraska tied with the University of Minnesota for 37th in the 2018 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, which were released Feb. 28. Nebraska's world ranking was two spots higher compared to the 2017 survey.
Among universities in the United States, Nebraska was 17th for agriculture and forestry.
"The QS ranking reflects IANR's palpable momentum in preparing the next generation of leaders, conducting world-class research, and making an impact here in Nebraska and across the globe," said Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a British company that specializes in education. They consider reputation among academics and employers, and the citations of academic papers from the university.
Now in its 145th year, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) is working to link curricular, co-curricular and experiential learning to prepare students for careers addressing global challenges. The college is increasingly focused on preparing students to engage in a globalized world. IANR has developed a number of new partnerships around the world to expand international programming focused on the shared goal of preparing students as leaders for a future in which demands on food, energy and water systems will challenge sustainability.
Required Youth Tractor Safety Training at 12 Sites This Summer
Youth Tractor Safety and Hazardous Occupations Courses will be held at 12 locations this year for 14- and 15-year-olds who will be working on a farm other than their own. Anyone older than 15 years is also welcome to take the Nebraska Extension class, but those under age 14 are not eligible.
The class includes extensive training on tractor and ATV safety with classroom lessons and hands-on activities. Instilling an attitude of safety and a respect for agricultural equipment are primary goals of the course.
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using specific equipment on a farm unless parents or legal guardians own the farm. Certification received through a course provided by Nebraska Extension grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and work with certain mechanized equipment.
The most common causes of agricultural-related deaths in Nebraska are overturned tractors and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Employing anyone uncertified under age 16 is a liability risk for farmers if those children operate such equipment.
The first day includes classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Students are required to pass the written test before taking the driving test. Day two includes lessons on equipment operation and ATV safety and a physical driving test. To receive certification, students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will offer an ATV simulator experience to learn about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs and UTVs. Students will also need to complete homework assignments for the second day.
Course instructors are staff members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health: Aaron Yoder, Ellen Duysen, Daniel Kent, and UNMC student Lucy Finocchiaro.
Schedule
All on-site classes begin at 8 a.m.; end times will vary, depending on the number of participants.
Fairgrounds, Geneva - (402) 759-3712 - May 22-23
Fairgrounds, Hastings - (402) 461-7209 - May 24-25
Fairgrounds, Kearney - (308) 236-1235 - May 29-30
Fairgrounds, Auburn - (402) 274-4755 - May 31-June 1
Evangelical Free, Ainsworth - (402) 387-2213 - June 5-6
Plains Equipment, O’Neill - (402) 336-2760 - June 7-8
WCREC, North Platte - (308) 532-2683 - June 12-13
Legacy Museum, Gering - (308) 632-1480 - June 14-15
Fairgrounds, Wayne - (402) 375-3310 - June 19-20
Fairgrounds, Gordon - (308) 327-2312 - June 21 (Day 1 online)
Fairgrounds, McCook - (308) 345-3390 - June 22 (Day 1 online)
Fairgrounds, Weeping Water - (402) 267-2205 - June 29-30
Cost of the course is $60, which includes educational materials, instruction, supplies, and lunches.
Print and complete a registration found at kearney.unl.edu, and submit with payment to the appropriate Extension office for the site location at least one week before the course. (Call the number listed for the particular site for further registration details.)
ISU Study: Return on Investment a Stumbling Block for Widespread Adoption of Cover Crops
Despite farmers’ positive perceptions about cover crops and the availability of cost-share programs to incentivize their use, an Iowa State University study shows the return on investment may be the biggest hurdle to overcome for widespread adoption of the practice.
Cover crops, on the left, growing in a harvested corn field.In 2017, Iowa fields planted to cover crops grew to 760,000 acres, with less than half receiving federal or state cost share. But with millions of acres of crops, Iowa — and other Midwestern states — has yet to see widespread adoption of cover crops to reduce nitrates in water from crop fields and to conserve and build healthy soils.
“We have a substantial body of research that shows cover crops have positive long-term benefits for water quality, soil health and the environment,” said Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor of economics and extension economist. “Farmers also have positive perceptions about the value of cover crops and can take advantage of cost-share programs that incentivize their use.”
“But it’s likely that the number of acres planted won’t substantially scale up if the practice doesn’t at least break-even in the short term,” he added.
In the study, Plastina and his colleagues calculated annual net returns to cover crop use by analyzing field data collected through focus groups conducted in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota; an online survey with responses from 11 states; and a survey mailed to 1,250 farmers in Iowa. Through the survey and focus groups, conducted in partnership with the Practical Farmers of Iowa organization, the researchers compared each farmer’s costs and revenues from fields where they used cover crops and from fields without cover crops.
Working with Plastina were Fernando Miguez, associate professor of agronomy; Fangge Liu and Wendiam Sawadgo, graduate students in economics; Guillermo Marcillo, graduate student in agronomy; and Sarah Carlson, the strategic initiatives director for Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Using the survey results, the researchers developed partial budgets to evaluate changes in net returns resulting from using cover crops in corn or soybean production.
Overall, the researchers found substantial variability in net returns, driven by the costs of planting and terminating cover crops, feed cost savings from grazing cover crops, cost-share program payments, and the difference in yields obtained in fields with and without cover crops.
“Cost-share payments are a critical incentive to support the practice of cover crops,” Plastina said. “But we found that for most farmers, these payments are insufficient to cover all costs associated with cover crops.”
What can help tilt the balance to a more positive net return?
“We found that farmers who grazed livestock on cover crops or harvested them for forage or biomass generated sufficient additional revenue or cost savings to result in overall positive returns, in addition to receiving cost-share payments,” Plastina said. “Promoting the use of cover crops for livestock grazing or forage would help a farmer’s bottom line.”
“Anecdotally, farmers may find ways to reduce costs and increase revenues, but from our research we can affirm that is not what Iowa farmers are typically experiencing,” he said. Also helpful, he added, would be developing improved guidelines to help farmers minimize yield drag on corn and soybeans while containing cover crop planting and termination costs.
“A less sustainable alternative, due to federal and state budget constraints, would be to consider public policies that provide more incentives to adopt cover crops, like more cost-share payments, subsidized seed, discounted crop insurance premiums or tax credits,” Plastina said.
Plastina admitted that partial budgets derived on survey data do not account for long-term soil and water quality benefits because no market value exists for soil health or water quality, and neither does a generally accepted method to value them. But this information still provides valuable insight for farmers and policy-makers.
“The calculated returns are based on real field data, not experimental plots, from row-crop farmers who manage acres with and without cover crops,” he said. “This information can be a useful benchmark for current and potential cover crop adopters. It also can serve as a reference for discussions on future agricultural and conservation policy.”
Plastina is developing a website on the economics of cover crops that will include tools for farmers and others to discern potential costs and benefits. The website will include a downloadable spreadsheet with several budget scenarios for cover crops and a simple web-based decision tool to generate estimated net returns to cover crops.
He also continues to conduct research, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of cost-share programs in promoting adoption of cover crops.
A paper on Plastina’s study will be published by the Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
The project was funded by the North Central Region of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State.
ON IMPORTANCE OF THE RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD
IOWA CORN GROWERS ASSOC. PRESIDENT MARK RECKER
As a farmer, I am calling on the Trump Administration to stand on its promise to support a strong Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The RFS is critical for rural communities across this country, and especially for farmers like myself. There is a pending proposal being floated within the White House to cap the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). RINs are the market mechanism that drives biofuels blending. Any cap or other manipulation of the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) would not only cripple the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), but also pull corn prices down with it. The Trump Administration needs to hear from Iowa farmers!
The research shows that a price cap or waiver credit for RINs would be devastating to farmers, especially at a time when net farm income is projected to be at its lowest level in more than a decade. Iowa State University estimates the price of corn will drop 25 cents per bushel because of a RIN cap/waiver. This will put prices well below the breakeven point and threaten the livelihood of my farm.
There is no way to cut, cap, or eliminate RINs without cutting, capping, or eliminating gallons of homegrown biofuels. Cutting biofuels means less demand and lower prices for the corn I grow on my farm. It is simple - a RIN cap/waiver = lower prices for farmers.
We should be looking at blending MORE clean-burning fuels, not less. The first step would be removing the regulatory barriers that currently prevent year-round sale of E15 and higher blends. A true win-win would be lifting the summertime restrictions on the sales of E15. However, even summer expansion for E15 would be fruitless if coupled with a RIN cap/waiver.
Iowa farmers need to stand up for their industry and ask the Trump Administration to remember the promise made to farmers, to support the biofuels industries that have kept communities like mine in rural America alive and thriving!
Go to https://www.iowacorn.org/take-action-on-corn-issues/ to have your voice heard!
ASA Raises Concerns on Possible Retaliation for Steel Tariffs, Requests Meeting with President
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has expressed the organization’s serious concerns to President Donald Trump over the potential for retaliation by China in response to proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, and requested a meeting with the president to discuss the issue.
In a letter today, ASA President and Iowa farmer John Heisdorffer urged the president to “modify if not reverse [his] decision to avoid a trade war that could seriously undermine our industry, which is highly dependent on trade.”
Heisdorffer noted the significant contributions of soybeans to the nation’s trade balance. “In 2017, U.S. farmers produced a record 4.4 billion bushels of soybeans and exported over 2.3 billion bushels, or 52 percent, valued at $27 billion. For the last 20 years, soybeans have contributed more to the U.S. trade balance than any other agricultural product,” he said.
Heisdorffer also highlighted the importance of the Chinese marketplace to American soybeans. “In the last ten years, China has become by far the largest customer for U.S. soybeans. In 2017, China imported 1.4 billion bushels from the U.S., 61 percent of our total exports and nearly one out of every three rows of soybean production,” he said. “The importance of the China market in sustaining our livelihoods and our industry’s role in the Nation’s agricultural and rural economy cannot be overstated.”
Finally, Heisdorffer dispelled the incorrect assumption that whatever market share the U.S. loses to South American competitors like Brazil can be made up with sales to other markets.
“In the case of soybeans, this argument fails to recognize that our largest competitor, Brazil, is continuing to expand soybean production on new lands,” Heisdorffer said. “Brazil is already the world’s largest soybean exporter, including to China, and would respond quickly in the event U.S. trade actions trigger retaliation against our soybean exports.”
“As an export-driven industry, we believe agriculture can make a powerful contribution to reducing the nation’s trade deficit if the administration pursues policies that enhance our competitiveness rather than reduce our access to foreign markets,” Heisdorffer added.
The prospect of retaliation against soybeans is on the mind of ASA’s Board of Directors as it gathers in Washington this week for meetings with lawmakers and administration officials.
USDA Decides Not to Impose Additional Regulatory Requirements for Organic Producers and Handlers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the decision to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule published on January 19, 2017. The rule would have increased federal regulation of livestock and poultry for certified organic producers and handlers. The withdrawal becomes effective May 13, 2018.
Significant policy and legal issues were identified after the rule published in January 2017. After careful review and two rounds of public comment, USDA has determined that the rule exceeds the Department’s statutory authority, and that the changes to the existing organic regulations could have a negative effect on voluntary participation in the National Organic Program, including real costs for producers and consumers.
“The existing robust organic livestock and poultry regulations are effective,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Program Undersecretary Greg Ibach. “The organic industry’s continued growth domestically and globally shows that consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations and the needs of organic producers and handlers.”
According to USDA reports for 2017, the number of certified organic operations increased domestically by seven percent and globally by 11 percent. Industry estimates show that organic sales in the United States reached almost $47 billion in 2016, reflecting an increase of almost $3.7 billion since 2015.
The Department carefully considered public comments and the relative costs and benefits for both producers and consumers of imposing the proposed additional regulations.
More information on the OLPP final rule is available in the March 12, 2018, Federal Register, and on the USDA National Organic Program web page.
NCBA Applauds USDA's Withdrawal of Organic Marketing Rule
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester today issued the following statement regarding the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it is withdrawing its Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule:
"Common sense scored an all-too-rare victory in Washington, DC, today. Not only did USDA not have the legal authority to implement animal-welfare regulations, but the rule would have also vilified conventionally raised livestock without recognizing our commitment to raise all cattle humanely, regardless of the marketing program they're in. Secretary Sonny Perdue deserves a lot of credit for yet another common-sense decision that will benefit America's cattle producers."
Farm Bureau Praises Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
President Zippy Duvall
“The American Farm Bureau supports USDA’s decision to withdraw the misguided Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. Livestock health and well-being is a priority for all farmers and ranchers. We rely on trained professionals, including animal scientists, nutritionists and veterinarians, to ensure the health and safety of our food. The rule did not promote food safety or animal welfare. It went beyond the intent of the Organic Production Act by allowing for animal welfare standards and metrics to become part of the organic label.
“Had the rule gone into effect, forcing organic farmers and ranchers to arbitrarily change their production practices, many would have been driven out of the organic sector or out of business entirely, reducing the supply of organic food choices for America’s consumers.
“Farm Bureau thanks Secretary Sonny Perdue for his leadership in withdrawing the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule.”
Organic Livestock Standards Rule Withdrawn to Detriment of Family Farmers, Organic Label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today withdrew the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule, a set of standards that organic producers would have had to meet to qualify for the voluntary organic label for livestock and poultry.
USDA’s move will exacerbate consumer confusion about the meaning of the organic label, and it will ultimately negatively impact family organic producers who adhere to strict, voluntary organic standards, according to National Farmers Union (NFU).
NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to USDA’s action:
“The voluntary practices that farmers need to meet to qualify for a USDA ‘organic’ label have always been governed by those that created the organic movement and who adhere to the strict standards that are agreed upon by the National Organic Standards Board. This body directed the National Organic Program to issue the OLPP standards in order to have some consistency in what is considered to be an organic practice.
“USDA’s action to withdraw the OLPP rule is a mistake that will cost the family producers who already adhere to strict standards in order to meet ‘organic’ standards. It puts them on an uneven playing field with the types of operations who skirt the rules, yet also benefit from the same USDA organic label.”
Soil Health Partnership Builds One of Largest U.S. Databases of Soil Health Sample Info from Working Farms
The seeds of good data have been planted—and the Soil Health Partnership is eager to harvest early results.
The organization’s team is currently preparing for another round of robust soil sampling, a critical part of identifying, testing and measuring farm management practices that improve sustainability through soil health. An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the program’s goal is to quantify the benefits of these practices–like growing cover crops in the off-season and reducing tillage—from an economic standpoint, showing farmers how healthy soil benefits their bottom line.
“We have spent the first few years carefully constructing the infrastructure within our program to make sure that we have scientifically credible data,” said Nick Goeser, NCGA Vice President of Production and Sustainability. “We are now beginning to make early sense of the scope and scale of the dataset collected over last 3 and a half years – and we are eagerly anticipating the next 7-plus years of data collection.”
Research of this type, size and scope on working farms is unique. Goeser noted that the farmer data in the program are closely guarded and used only in the farmer’s best interest. SHP data are not released to anyone – not even the founding partners in the program – without each farmer’s written consent.
Looking beyond routine soil tests, SHP has collected a database of more than 1,200 samples to look at physical and biological soil health indicators across enrolled farmers. When including stratified sampling for routine analyses, the number jumps to almost 17.5 thousand samples—making it one of the biggest databases of soil health sample information from working, commercial scale farms in the country, Goeser said. The SHP collects over 165 measurements on things like soil type, aerial imagery, yield, and management practices.
Based on the data, SHP has had a glimpse of very preliminary results on one important soil health indicator—aggregate stability. This refers to the ability of soil to resist breaking down in the face of disruptive forces like rain or wind.
“Many factors influence crop yields – and an early look shows as much as a 10-to-20 percent yield variability across the ranges of aggregate stability, depending on soil type,” Goeser said. “The current assumption is that aggregate stability is improved by reduced tillage and cover crops – we will continue testing this to see where this holds true.”
This research provides an opportunity to demonstrate whether poor aggregate stability is a limiting factor in production, Goeser added.
SHP is also looking at economics of practice shifts like adding cover crops, changes in tillage or adjustments to nutrient management. Early results are promising across the partnership with many individual farm examples of increased profitability through proper adoption of cover crops.
The SHP is also tracking how long it takes to improve soil health indicators like aggregate stability, water holding capacity, and nutrient content.
What makes SHP stand out from other conservation cropping system programs is that SHP strives to enroll typical farmers to gain realistic and practical perspectives about agricultural systems and the capacity to change. About 75 percent of the SHP farms are in a typical corn and soybean rotation. About 37 percent of the farmers practice no-till, 20 percent implement full-width conventional tillage, with a remaining 43 percent practicing reduced tillage, or a combination of reduced and no-till.
“We know that every soil type responds differently to erosion or tillage, weed management, nutrient application, and other agronomic practices. Over time, the data will bear out those effects more fully,” Goeser said. “That’s when we’ll really have a field day digging into the data.”
Lucas Luckey, President, Platte Valley Cattlemen
The year is quickly moving along and many of our members are in the middle of calving while others are trying to figure out this cattle market. With the weather finally starting to straighten out, our thoughts are starting to turn to the upcoming growing season, but before we can get that far we need to have our annual feedlot meeting.
Our March meeting will be on Monday, March 19th at Wunderlich’s Catering in Columbus. We have Mallory Wilken as our guest speaker. Mallory is with ICM and will be discussing bunk management and the importance of distillers in feed rations. We will also have Settje Agri-Service update us on any changes that may be taking place with the DEQ and manure management.
Social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is being sponsored by Settje Agri-Services & Engineering, Inc. The meal will be at 7:00 p.m. and sponsored by Kit Held Trucking/Mycogen Seed. See you Monday, March 19th, for drinks, steak, and great discussion.
Nebraska Among World's Best Ag, Forestry Universities
For the second year in a row, the University of Nebraska--Lincoln has been named one of the top 50 universities in the world for agriculture and forestry.
Nebraska tied with the University of Minnesota for 37th in the 2018 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, which were released Feb. 28. Nebraska's world ranking was two spots higher compared to the 2017 survey.
Among universities in the United States, Nebraska was 17th for agriculture and forestry.
"The QS ranking reflects IANR's palpable momentum in preparing the next generation of leaders, conducting world-class research, and making an impact here in Nebraska and across the globe," said Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The rankings are compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a British company that specializes in education. They consider reputation among academics and employers, and the citations of academic papers from the university.
Now in its 145th year, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) is working to link curricular, co-curricular and experiential learning to prepare students for careers addressing global challenges. The college is increasingly focused on preparing students to engage in a globalized world. IANR has developed a number of new partnerships around the world to expand international programming focused on the shared goal of preparing students as leaders for a future in which demands on food, energy and water systems will challenge sustainability.
Required Youth Tractor Safety Training at 12 Sites This Summer
Youth Tractor Safety and Hazardous Occupations Courses will be held at 12 locations this year for 14- and 15-year-olds who will be working on a farm other than their own. Anyone older than 15 years is also welcome to take the Nebraska Extension class, but those under age 14 are not eligible.
The class includes extensive training on tractor and ATV safety with classroom lessons and hands-on activities. Instilling an attitude of safety and a respect for agricultural equipment are primary goals of the course.
Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from using specific equipment on a farm unless parents or legal guardians own the farm. Certification received through a course provided by Nebraska Extension grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and work with certain mechanized equipment.
The most common causes of agricultural-related deaths in Nebraska are overturned tractors and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Employing anyone uncertified under age 16 is a liability risk for farmers if those children operate such equipment.
The first day includes classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Students are required to pass the written test before taking the driving test. Day two includes lessons on equipment operation and ATV safety and a physical driving test. To receive certification, students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors will offer an ATV simulator experience to learn about safe behaviors and laws for ATVs and UTVs. Students will also need to complete homework assignments for the second day.
Course instructors are staff members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health: Aaron Yoder, Ellen Duysen, Daniel Kent, and UNMC student Lucy Finocchiaro.
Schedule
All on-site classes begin at 8 a.m.; end times will vary, depending on the number of participants.
Fairgrounds, Geneva - (402) 759-3712 - May 22-23
Fairgrounds, Hastings - (402) 461-7209 - May 24-25
Fairgrounds, Kearney - (308) 236-1235 - May 29-30
Fairgrounds, Auburn - (402) 274-4755 - May 31-June 1
Evangelical Free, Ainsworth - (402) 387-2213 - June 5-6
Plains Equipment, O’Neill - (402) 336-2760 - June 7-8
WCREC, North Platte - (308) 532-2683 - June 12-13
Legacy Museum, Gering - (308) 632-1480 - June 14-15
Fairgrounds, Wayne - (402) 375-3310 - June 19-20
Fairgrounds, Gordon - (308) 327-2312 - June 21 (Day 1 online)
Fairgrounds, McCook - (308) 345-3390 - June 22 (Day 1 online)
Fairgrounds, Weeping Water - (402) 267-2205 - June 29-30
Cost of the course is $60, which includes educational materials, instruction, supplies, and lunches.
Print and complete a registration found at kearney.unl.edu, and submit with payment to the appropriate Extension office for the site location at least one week before the course. (Call the number listed for the particular site for further registration details.)
ISU Study: Return on Investment a Stumbling Block for Widespread Adoption of Cover Crops
Despite farmers’ positive perceptions about cover crops and the availability of cost-share programs to incentivize their use, an Iowa State University study shows the return on investment may be the biggest hurdle to overcome for widespread adoption of the practice.
Cover crops, on the left, growing in a harvested corn field.In 2017, Iowa fields planted to cover crops grew to 760,000 acres, with less than half receiving federal or state cost share. But with millions of acres of crops, Iowa — and other Midwestern states — has yet to see widespread adoption of cover crops to reduce nitrates in water from crop fields and to conserve and build healthy soils.
“We have a substantial body of research that shows cover crops have positive long-term benefits for water quality, soil health and the environment,” said Alejandro Plastina, assistant professor of economics and extension economist. “Farmers also have positive perceptions about the value of cover crops and can take advantage of cost-share programs that incentivize their use.”
“But it’s likely that the number of acres planted won’t substantially scale up if the practice doesn’t at least break-even in the short term,” he added.
In the study, Plastina and his colleagues calculated annual net returns to cover crop use by analyzing field data collected through focus groups conducted in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota; an online survey with responses from 11 states; and a survey mailed to 1,250 farmers in Iowa. Through the survey and focus groups, conducted in partnership with the Practical Farmers of Iowa organization, the researchers compared each farmer’s costs and revenues from fields where they used cover crops and from fields without cover crops.
Working with Plastina were Fernando Miguez, associate professor of agronomy; Fangge Liu and Wendiam Sawadgo, graduate students in economics; Guillermo Marcillo, graduate student in agronomy; and Sarah Carlson, the strategic initiatives director for Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Using the survey results, the researchers developed partial budgets to evaluate changes in net returns resulting from using cover crops in corn or soybean production.
Overall, the researchers found substantial variability in net returns, driven by the costs of planting and terminating cover crops, feed cost savings from grazing cover crops, cost-share program payments, and the difference in yields obtained in fields with and without cover crops.
“Cost-share payments are a critical incentive to support the practice of cover crops,” Plastina said. “But we found that for most farmers, these payments are insufficient to cover all costs associated with cover crops.”
What can help tilt the balance to a more positive net return?
“We found that farmers who grazed livestock on cover crops or harvested them for forage or biomass generated sufficient additional revenue or cost savings to result in overall positive returns, in addition to receiving cost-share payments,” Plastina said. “Promoting the use of cover crops for livestock grazing or forage would help a farmer’s bottom line.”
“Anecdotally, farmers may find ways to reduce costs and increase revenues, but from our research we can affirm that is not what Iowa farmers are typically experiencing,” he said. Also helpful, he added, would be developing improved guidelines to help farmers minimize yield drag on corn and soybeans while containing cover crop planting and termination costs.
“A less sustainable alternative, due to federal and state budget constraints, would be to consider public policies that provide more incentives to adopt cover crops, like more cost-share payments, subsidized seed, discounted crop insurance premiums or tax credits,” Plastina said.
Plastina admitted that partial budgets derived on survey data do not account for long-term soil and water quality benefits because no market value exists for soil health or water quality, and neither does a generally accepted method to value them. But this information still provides valuable insight for farmers and policy-makers.
“The calculated returns are based on real field data, not experimental plots, from row-crop farmers who manage acres with and without cover crops,” he said. “This information can be a useful benchmark for current and potential cover crop adopters. It also can serve as a reference for discussions on future agricultural and conservation policy.”
Plastina is developing a website on the economics of cover crops that will include tools for farmers and others to discern potential costs and benefits. The website will include a downloadable spreadsheet with several budget scenarios for cover crops and a simple web-based decision tool to generate estimated net returns to cover crops.
He also continues to conduct research, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of cost-share programs in promoting adoption of cover crops.
A paper on Plastina’s study will be published by the Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
The project was funded by the North Central Region of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) and the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State.
ON IMPORTANCE OF THE RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD
IOWA CORN GROWERS ASSOC. PRESIDENT MARK RECKER
As a farmer, I am calling on the Trump Administration to stand on its promise to support a strong Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The RFS is critical for rural communities across this country, and especially for farmers like myself. There is a pending proposal being floated within the White House to cap the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). RINs are the market mechanism that drives biofuels blending. Any cap or other manipulation of the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) would not only cripple the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), but also pull corn prices down with it. The Trump Administration needs to hear from Iowa farmers!
The research shows that a price cap or waiver credit for RINs would be devastating to farmers, especially at a time when net farm income is projected to be at its lowest level in more than a decade. Iowa State University estimates the price of corn will drop 25 cents per bushel because of a RIN cap/waiver. This will put prices well below the breakeven point and threaten the livelihood of my farm.
There is no way to cut, cap, or eliminate RINs without cutting, capping, or eliminating gallons of homegrown biofuels. Cutting biofuels means less demand and lower prices for the corn I grow on my farm. It is simple - a RIN cap/waiver = lower prices for farmers.
We should be looking at blending MORE clean-burning fuels, not less. The first step would be removing the regulatory barriers that currently prevent year-round sale of E15 and higher blends. A true win-win would be lifting the summertime restrictions on the sales of E15. However, even summer expansion for E15 would be fruitless if coupled with a RIN cap/waiver.
Iowa farmers need to stand up for their industry and ask the Trump Administration to remember the promise made to farmers, to support the biofuels industries that have kept communities like mine in rural America alive and thriving!
Go to https://www.iowacorn.org/take-action-on-corn-issues/ to have your voice heard!
ASA Raises Concerns on Possible Retaliation for Steel Tariffs, Requests Meeting with President
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has expressed the organization’s serious concerns to President Donald Trump over the potential for retaliation by China in response to proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, and requested a meeting with the president to discuss the issue.
In a letter today, ASA President and Iowa farmer John Heisdorffer urged the president to “modify if not reverse [his] decision to avoid a trade war that could seriously undermine our industry, which is highly dependent on trade.”
Heisdorffer noted the significant contributions of soybeans to the nation’s trade balance. “In 2017, U.S. farmers produced a record 4.4 billion bushels of soybeans and exported over 2.3 billion bushels, or 52 percent, valued at $27 billion. For the last 20 years, soybeans have contributed more to the U.S. trade balance than any other agricultural product,” he said.
Heisdorffer also highlighted the importance of the Chinese marketplace to American soybeans. “In the last ten years, China has become by far the largest customer for U.S. soybeans. In 2017, China imported 1.4 billion bushels from the U.S., 61 percent of our total exports and nearly one out of every three rows of soybean production,” he said. “The importance of the China market in sustaining our livelihoods and our industry’s role in the Nation’s agricultural and rural economy cannot be overstated.”
Finally, Heisdorffer dispelled the incorrect assumption that whatever market share the U.S. loses to South American competitors like Brazil can be made up with sales to other markets.
“In the case of soybeans, this argument fails to recognize that our largest competitor, Brazil, is continuing to expand soybean production on new lands,” Heisdorffer said. “Brazil is already the world’s largest soybean exporter, including to China, and would respond quickly in the event U.S. trade actions trigger retaliation against our soybean exports.”
“As an export-driven industry, we believe agriculture can make a powerful contribution to reducing the nation’s trade deficit if the administration pursues policies that enhance our competitiveness rather than reduce our access to foreign markets,” Heisdorffer added.
The prospect of retaliation against soybeans is on the mind of ASA’s Board of Directors as it gathers in Washington this week for meetings with lawmakers and administration officials.
USDA Decides Not to Impose Additional Regulatory Requirements for Organic Producers and Handlers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the decision to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule published on January 19, 2017. The rule would have increased federal regulation of livestock and poultry for certified organic producers and handlers. The withdrawal becomes effective May 13, 2018.
Significant policy and legal issues were identified after the rule published in January 2017. After careful review and two rounds of public comment, USDA has determined that the rule exceeds the Department’s statutory authority, and that the changes to the existing organic regulations could have a negative effect on voluntary participation in the National Organic Program, including real costs for producers and consumers.
“The existing robust organic livestock and poultry regulations are effective,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Program Undersecretary Greg Ibach. “The organic industry’s continued growth domestically and globally shows that consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations and the needs of organic producers and handlers.”
According to USDA reports for 2017, the number of certified organic operations increased domestically by seven percent and globally by 11 percent. Industry estimates show that organic sales in the United States reached almost $47 billion in 2016, reflecting an increase of almost $3.7 billion since 2015.
The Department carefully considered public comments and the relative costs and benefits for both producers and consumers of imposing the proposed additional regulations.
More information on the OLPP final rule is available in the March 12, 2018, Federal Register, and on the USDA National Organic Program web page.
NCBA Applauds USDA's Withdrawal of Organic Marketing Rule
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester today issued the following statement regarding the announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it is withdrawing its Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule:
"Common sense scored an all-too-rare victory in Washington, DC, today. Not only did USDA not have the legal authority to implement animal-welfare regulations, but the rule would have also vilified conventionally raised livestock without recognizing our commitment to raise all cattle humanely, regardless of the marketing program they're in. Secretary Sonny Perdue deserves a lot of credit for yet another common-sense decision that will benefit America's cattle producers."
Farm Bureau Praises Withdrawal of Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
President Zippy Duvall
“The American Farm Bureau supports USDA’s decision to withdraw the misguided Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. Livestock health and well-being is a priority for all farmers and ranchers. We rely on trained professionals, including animal scientists, nutritionists and veterinarians, to ensure the health and safety of our food. The rule did not promote food safety or animal welfare. It went beyond the intent of the Organic Production Act by allowing for animal welfare standards and metrics to become part of the organic label.
“Had the rule gone into effect, forcing organic farmers and ranchers to arbitrarily change their production practices, many would have been driven out of the organic sector or out of business entirely, reducing the supply of organic food choices for America’s consumers.
“Farm Bureau thanks Secretary Sonny Perdue for his leadership in withdrawing the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule.”
Organic Livestock Standards Rule Withdrawn to Detriment of Family Farmers, Organic Label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today withdrew the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule, a set of standards that organic producers would have had to meet to qualify for the voluntary organic label for livestock and poultry.
USDA’s move will exacerbate consumer confusion about the meaning of the organic label, and it will ultimately negatively impact family organic producers who adhere to strict, voluntary organic standards, according to National Farmers Union (NFU).
NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to USDA’s action:
“The voluntary practices that farmers need to meet to qualify for a USDA ‘organic’ label have always been governed by those that created the organic movement and who adhere to the strict standards that are agreed upon by the National Organic Standards Board. This body directed the National Organic Program to issue the OLPP standards in order to have some consistency in what is considered to be an organic practice.
“USDA’s action to withdraw the OLPP rule is a mistake that will cost the family producers who already adhere to strict standards in order to meet ‘organic’ standards. It puts them on an uneven playing field with the types of operations who skirt the rules, yet also benefit from the same USDA organic label.”
Soil Health Partnership Builds One of Largest U.S. Databases of Soil Health Sample Info from Working Farms
The seeds of good data have been planted—and the Soil Health Partnership is eager to harvest early results.
The organization’s team is currently preparing for another round of robust soil sampling, a critical part of identifying, testing and measuring farm management practices that improve sustainability through soil health. An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the program’s goal is to quantify the benefits of these practices–like growing cover crops in the off-season and reducing tillage—from an economic standpoint, showing farmers how healthy soil benefits their bottom line.
“We have spent the first few years carefully constructing the infrastructure within our program to make sure that we have scientifically credible data,” said Nick Goeser, NCGA Vice President of Production and Sustainability. “We are now beginning to make early sense of the scope and scale of the dataset collected over last 3 and a half years – and we are eagerly anticipating the next 7-plus years of data collection.”
Research of this type, size and scope on working farms is unique. Goeser noted that the farmer data in the program are closely guarded and used only in the farmer’s best interest. SHP data are not released to anyone – not even the founding partners in the program – without each farmer’s written consent.
Looking beyond routine soil tests, SHP has collected a database of more than 1,200 samples to look at physical and biological soil health indicators across enrolled farmers. When including stratified sampling for routine analyses, the number jumps to almost 17.5 thousand samples—making it one of the biggest databases of soil health sample information from working, commercial scale farms in the country, Goeser said. The SHP collects over 165 measurements on things like soil type, aerial imagery, yield, and management practices.
Based on the data, SHP has had a glimpse of very preliminary results on one important soil health indicator—aggregate stability. This refers to the ability of soil to resist breaking down in the face of disruptive forces like rain or wind.
“Many factors influence crop yields – and an early look shows as much as a 10-to-20 percent yield variability across the ranges of aggregate stability, depending on soil type,” Goeser said. “The current assumption is that aggregate stability is improved by reduced tillage and cover crops – we will continue testing this to see where this holds true.”
This research provides an opportunity to demonstrate whether poor aggregate stability is a limiting factor in production, Goeser added.
SHP is also looking at economics of practice shifts like adding cover crops, changes in tillage or adjustments to nutrient management. Early results are promising across the partnership with many individual farm examples of increased profitability through proper adoption of cover crops.
The SHP is also tracking how long it takes to improve soil health indicators like aggregate stability, water holding capacity, and nutrient content.
What makes SHP stand out from other conservation cropping system programs is that SHP strives to enroll typical farmers to gain realistic and practical perspectives about agricultural systems and the capacity to change. About 75 percent of the SHP farms are in a typical corn and soybean rotation. About 37 percent of the farmers practice no-till, 20 percent implement full-width conventional tillage, with a remaining 43 percent practicing reduced tillage, or a combination of reduced and no-till.
“We know that every soil type responds differently to erosion or tillage, weed management, nutrient application, and other agronomic practices. Over time, the data will bear out those effects more fully,” Goeser said. “That’s when we’ll really have a field day digging into the data.”
Friday, March 9, 2018
Friday March 9 Ag News
WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? SPRING WATER TESTING REMINDER
National Groundwater Awareness Week is coming up the week of March 11-17, 2018. What better time to take a sample of your well water? It’s recommended that private drinking water wells be tested at least once per year, but some sources need to be tested even more frequently.
“Surface water sources or shallow wells should be tested more often, especially if you’re using this water for drinking water,” says Kevin Klink, Senior Manager, Laboratory Operations for AgSource Laboratories. “There’s a greater risk of contamination with surface water.”
Who Should Test?
Homeowners and private well owners should test annually, but agricultural operations using irrigation water should really consider taking samples as well. Measuring the salt and mineral content of your irrigation water could prevent problems and can help offer clues on how to fix issues you may be having.
“If you have poor water, treating it as you use it, rather than letting salt build up to the point it harms soil and plants, will be a great benefit in the long run,” said Klink.
Nebraska has a high percentage of irrigated acres, which makes water quality an important topic for overall crop management planning. The quality of irrigation water directly impacts crops by affecting salinity of the soil (salt accumulation), soil pH and water infiltration rates.
When to Test
While annual testing is best, don’t hesitate to test again if water quality should change, such as a difference in color, smell or taste of the water.
Where to Test
When collecting a sample from the irrigation system, let the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample. This will purge static water from the system.
If several separate irrigation wells are being used, sample each well separately and identify each sample’s source. This will qualify the water specifically from each well. This is important if pumping into a holding pond.
When sampling from a pond, collect water from the pumping station, if possible. Remember to let the pumping station water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample. Do not collect the water from the side of the irrigation pond. Sediment will act as a contaminant.
What to Test
A basic annual drinking water test package usually includes two items: coliform and nitrate. For irrigation suitability testing, the package includes pH, conductivity, carbonate and bicarbonate, nitrate, chloride and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), as well as micronutrients and macronutrients.
“The most important factors to test are pH, conductivity, carbonate, nitrate, chloride and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR),” notes Klink.
For more specific questions about mineral content or contamination, other analyses for hardness, iron, copper or lead and arsenic can be added to any testing package.
Sampling Reminders
Ensuring a quality test result always starts with a properly collected representative sample. Here are a few tips for sampling and submitting a water sample to the lab:
· Use a new, clean plastic container. Rinse the bottle (including the lid) several times with the water to be tested. Do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.
· DO NOT use glass containers.
· Fill the bottle completely and eliminate all headspace when capping the bottle. Be sure the lid is tight so that the sample does not leak during transit. The laboratory needs at least 125 ml (about 4 ounces) of water for the analyses.
· If possible, collect and ship the samples on the same day. Cool the samples in a refrigerator if overnight storage is necessary.
· Clearly identify each sample bottle and complete the submission form before shipping.
Additional Resources
For more information about irrigation water quality, check out the University of Nebraska’s website: https://water.unl.edu/cropswater/quality.
BENEFITS OF LEGUMES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Reducing pasture expenses can help your bottom line. But don’t try to starve a profit from your pastures. Sometimes you need to invest. This spring, invest in legumes.
Recent warmer weather should get you looking forward to next spring. I’m sure one thing you won’t look forward to, though, is paying for nitrogen fertilizer on your pastures.
Avoid this expense by adding legumes to your grazinglands. Five years of grazing research in eastern Nebraska showed that brome/legume pastures produced almost four-tenths of a pound higher average daily gain on yearlings than did straight brome pastures fertilized with 50 pounds of nitrogen.
That may not sound like a lot to you, but that much faster gain for the full season produced an extra fifty-one pounds of beef per acre. With no nitrogen fertilizer. Adding the value of heavier yearlings plus reduced fertilizer expenses resulted in more than an extra fifty dollars per acre profit. That’s fifty more dollars – per acre!
Similar research was conducted with warm-season grasses with nearly the same results.
March is a good month to start adding legumes. Red clover is the easiest one to establish because seed can be broadcast on pastures even if they are covered with several inches of snow. As snow melts and temperatures fluctuate in early spring, the seeds will get worked into the soil, germinate, and start to grow. With a little attention to controlling competition from the existing grass, new red clover plants can start increasing your pasture production by summer.
Don’t become trapped by the never ending cost of nitrogen fertilizer. Use legumes to reduce costs and increase production.
IOWA CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP DAY AT THE CAPITOL ON MARCH 12
Iowa’s Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioners, along with conservation partner agencies, will meet for the annual Conservation Partnership Day held at the Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, March 12.
The theme of this year’s event is “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home” and will include displays highlighting conservation efforts in each of the nine Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) regions across the state. Displays will highlight how funds are used for technical assistance, watershed projects, wetlands, cost share, urban and agricultural conservation practices and more.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is scheduled to visit with the Commissioners and view displays around 10:15am on Monday.
The annual event is coordinated through partnership of the Conservation Districts of Iowa and the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.
FMH Celebrates 125 Years of Protecting Farmers
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) is celebrating 125 years as an American-based, family-run insurance provider.
One of the oldest crop insurers in the United States, FMH was founded by farmers for farmers, based on the need to protect each other's livelihood from the devastation of severe weather to crops.
"We're very proud to be celebrating our 125th anniversary," said President and CEO Ron Rutledge. "We could not have made it this long without the trust of generations of farmers, commitment from independent insurance agents, support of our reinsurers, and dedication of our employees both in the office and field."
Since forming in 1893, FMH has remained committed to providing America's farmers with comprehensive risk management solutions. Current operations include private and federal crop insurance, reinsurance products and services, as well as farm and ranch insurance. The company serves a national writing area of 41 states.
"Farmers Mutual Hail continues to thrive after 125 years because of our mutual heritage that puts the policyholders first, because of the conservative management which has spanned six generations, and because of the continuous commitment of our employees who are proud to be a part of the FMH family," said Rutledge.
Rutledge also explained that in an environment of increasing foreign buyouts, FMH champions its mutual company structure as an asset that will preserve its legacy as an American-owned and operated business.
"Crop insurance is - and has always been - our main business. As others were leaving the industry, we invested in it by purchasing John Deere Insurance Company, further proving our commitment to protecting farmers," he added. "We are proud to call ourselves 'America's Crop Insurance Company.'"
The 2015 acquisition of John Deere Insurance Company also allowed FMH to enter the precision ag space by offering Precision Crop Insurance Solutions, which provide farmers the ability to use precision data for crop insurance claims adjustments and required reporting.
"Change is inevitable and like all companies, Farmers Mutual Hail has embraced the endless change that every company goes through to continue to be successful," said Rutledge. "But even with all the changes that have occurred over the last 125 years, FMH has held on to the things that make it unique like our family atmosphere and our commitment to doing things right."
Senate Subcommittee Advances Emissions Reporting Bill
A Senate Environment and Public Works subommittee on Thursday approved a Farm Bureau-supported measure that would exempt most farms and ranches from unnecessary reporting of routine air emissions from animals and their manure. Having secured bipartisan backing and facing a looming May 1 deadline, farmers and ranchers are optimistic the bill will continue to move successfully through Congress.
The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act (S. 2421) would clarify that normal emissions from farm animals and their manure are not reportable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which requires facilities to report releases of hazardous substances that exceed certain threshold quantities within a 24-hour period.
Both the Bush and Obama administrations supported a rule exempting most farms from the need to report low-level emissions, but activist groups successfully blocked the rule last year at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court has stayed its April 2017 decision multiple times, with the latest stay slated to expire on May 1.
“Congress did not intend to regulate farms as toxic Superfund sites,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall noted when the FARM Act was introduced last month. “Farming and ranching are challenging enough without having to report, under threat of law, something that is a routine part of raising animals, but is nearly impossible to predict or measure. We are also concerned that these needless reports would effectively create a federal database of livestock farms for activist groups to target.”
The bill, introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), has 22 Republican and 12 Democratic co-sponsors.
USDA ENDS REPORTING OF SWINE ENTERIC CORONARVIRUS DISEASES
Pork producers, veterinarians and laboratories no longer will need to report Swine Enteric Coronavirus Diseases (SECD) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week rescinded the federal order first issued in 2014 requiring reporting of the diseases, which include Porcine Endemic Diarrhea virus. The action supports Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s focus on removing unnecessary regulatory requirements on farmers and ranchers, a move supported by the National Pork Producers Council.
NPPC’s WAGSTROM RECOGNIZED WITH AASV AWARD
National Pork Producers Council Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom this week was recognized with the American Association of Swine Veterinarian’s (AASV) Meritorious Service award as part of the organization’s annual meeting held in San Diego. Given annually, the award honors an individual who has demonstrated his or her longstanding dedication and service to AASV and its members. Prior to her current role at NPPC, Wagstrom served as an associate professor for the University of Minnesota’s Center for Animal Health and Food Safety and as the director of veterinary services for the National Pork Board, where she previously was assistant vice president for science and technology.
ASA Strongly Opposes RIN Cap
The American Soybean Association (ASA) today voiced strong opposition to a cap on the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), an action that would significantly undermine the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The concept of a cap on RIN prices has been proposed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and has been the subject of discussions during White House meetings with RFS stakeholders over the past few weeks. Biodiesel is a significant market for domestic soybean oil, and ASA President John Heisdorffer, who farms in Keota, Iowa, noted the association’s serious concern with a cap on RIN prices.
“Placing any cap on the price of RINs is a misguided step that destroys demand for biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Analysis from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) shows up to 300 million gallons in biomass-based diesel volumes would be lost each year as these volumes would no longer be utilized for compliance with the RFS conventional biofuels requirements.
“Furthermore, this idea is simply unnecessary. The RFS program is working as intended – diversifying our nation’s fuel supply, increasing energy security, reducing fuel emissions, and promoting markets for farmers and rural America. RFS stakeholders, including petroleum refiners, have stated that biodiesel is not a problem, yet all of the proposed RFS revisions would first and foremost adversely impact biodiesel. Reduced biodiesel production equals reduced demand for soybean oil, hurting the bottom line for soybean farmers and adversely impacting rural economies. We’re already facing great market uncertainty as a result of the tariffs and trade issues. Action to cap RIN prices and undermine the RFS will exacerbate the economic damage to farm families like mine.
“Soybean farmers remember President Trump’s promise to protect the RFS, and imposing a cap on RIN prices would break that promise. We call on the president to reject this RIN cap concept and keep his word to protect the RFS.”
Cap on Conventional Ethanol RINs Will Reduce Biodiesel Market By 100-300 Million Gallons Per Year
A new analysis by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) found that capping the price of conventional biofuels’ Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) will significantly harm the production of biodiesel and related industries. Although some believe that limiting the price of RINs for the conventional biofuels market won’t harm biomass-based diesel volumes, the analysis made it clear that a price cap on conventional ethanol RINs would result in lower volumes of biomass-based diesel produced and used in the United States.
“Capping the price of conventional ethanol RINs would devastate the biodiesel industry—swiftly and significantly—reducing the amount of volumes produced and people employed. Satisfying the whims of fewer than five refiners isn’t worth the resulting harm to millions of workers in U.S. agriculture and livestock production, as well as American consumers. President Trump can sniff out a good deal from a bogus one, and we are hopeful that he will stick with his campaign promise and reject a cap on RIN prices,” said Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs.
The analysis found that capping the price of conventional ethanol RINs would lead to:
- A reduction of up to 300 million gallons in biomass-based diesel volumes each year—in part, because these volumes would no longer be utilized for compliance with the conventional biofuels requirements;
- $185 million more in feed costs for livestock producers—likely leading to an increase in food costs for consumers; and
- $.16 less per bushel of soybeans.
The analysis utilized WAEES’s partial equilibrium model, which can be broken down into crops, livestock and biofuels components encompassing feed grains, food grains, cotton, sugar, oilseeds, ethanol, biodiesel, beef, pork and poultry. Important to understanding the results of the analysis, the model made conservative assumptions, including an assumption that the biodiesel tax credit would be reinstated. If the credit isn’t reinstated, we should expect to see even greater harm and lower volumes produced domestically.
The analysis showed that soybean producers would receive approximately 16 cents less per bushel in 2020 due to reduced demand for their products. On the flip side, the price of soybean meal—i.e., the protein, not the oil for biodiesel production—will increase more than $5 per short ton. As a result, livestock producers are expected to pay roughly $185 million more in feed costs due to a cap on RINs. A similar impact can be expected for other oilseed meals, such as canola. These increased costs may negatively impact consumer food costs.
“This analysis clearly demonstrates the severe harm to the biodiesel market caused by capping conventional ethanol RIN prices,” said Kovarik. “The impacts of a RIN cap also extend far beyond energy markets—harming livestock and oilseed producers, and raising the cost of food for consumers.”
The Renewable Fuel Standard—a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush—requires certain volumes of renewable fuels to be used in transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel. Expanded in 2007, the law requires increasing volumes of advanced biofuels, such as biomass-based diesel, with each year. Advanced biofuels are fuels designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for meeting the threshold of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent, as compared to petroleum. (Biodiesel has significant lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared to petroleum diesel—anywhere from 57 to 122 percent.) Biomass-based diesel and cellulosic biofuels are fuels nested within the advanced biofuels category, and can quality both as their nested fuel type and as an advanced biofuel. Advanced biofuels can qualify for RINs for their advanced biofuel category, as well as conventional biofuels (which has a lower threshold of greenhouse gas emissions reductions). The interconnected nature of the program and how RINs can qualify for multiple categories is one reason that capping one type of RINs impacts other fuels.
NFU Urges Administration Against RINs Cap
Trump Administration officials will meet leaders from biofuel and oil companies on Monday to end the current impasse over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
One proposal being floated by oil company representatives would put a cap on prices for Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, which are required to comply with the RFS. The proposal stands to undermine growth in the biofuels industry, according to National Farmers Union (NFU).
NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in advance of Monday’s meeting:
“NFU opposes a cap on RIN prices because it would undermine the RFS and disincentivize blending of homegrown, renewable fuels in our transportation sector. Production of these biofuels is vital to family farmers and rural communities right now, as farm incomes are less than half of what they were just four years ago.
“Not only is a RIN cap harmful to American agriculture, it is a sellout of farmers and a handout to refiners. The Administration should simply lift the summertime restriction on the sale of E15, which would both boost ethanol production and decrease costs for refiners by instituting new RINs. NFU strongly urges the Administration to reject any RFS deal that includes a cap on RIN prices.”
More Grain Dust Explosions Reported Nationwide
There were seven reported grain dust explosions at U.S. food and agricultural facilities in 2017, two more than in 2016 but still below the 10-year average of 9.3 explosions per year, according to an annual report issued by Purdue University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
The explosions in 2017 resulted in five fatalities and 12 injuries. Incidents were reported at one pet food plant, one grain mill and five grain elevators. There were three fatalities in 2016.
Kingsly Ambrose, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering and lead author of the report, said preventive measures can be taken to avoid dust explosions.
"Even with a 40 percent increase in the volume of grains handled and processed since the OSHA grain-handling standard was promulgated in 1988, the number of incidents has steadily declined over the past 10 years," Ambrose said. "Keeping the facility clean, training employees and contract workers, keeping equipment in good working condition by preventive maintenance and the use of dust explosion suppression systems and venting systems are good prevention practices."
Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Minnesota each reported one explosion last year, and two happened in Wisconsin. All dust explosion fatalities in 2017 happened in Wisconsin during a single incident, which also accounted for 11 injuries. The other injury was reported in Oregon.
In two cases, the cause was reported as an overheated bearing and electric spark. The remaining five cases had unknown ignition sources, which Ambrose said is often the case due to the explosion destroying evidence that could confirm the source.
Ambrose said dust is generated when grain is moved, which is why most 2017 explosions occurred in the latter half of the year when grain is more likely to be handled.
2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim Attracts 8000+
More than 8,000 farmers, agriculture leaders and ag advocates converged on the Anaheim Convention Center to “GROW BEYOND!” as the 2018 Commodity Classic took place Feb. 27-Mar.1 in California. Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show.
Included in the preliminary number of 8,055 registered in Anaheim were a record number of non-exhibitor first-time attendees (1,533) and more than 150 media representatives. A total of 3,646 farmers from across the nation and several foreign countries were on hand to take part in a robust slate of educational sessions, tour the large trade show and hear from a wide range of experts and thought-leaders in agriculture. Attendance numbers are preliminary and subject to a final audit.
Highlights of the 2018 Commodity Classic included:
• A keynote address by Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who also took part in a Q&A session on the Main Stage on the trade show floor
• A slate of more than 40 educational sessions on topics ranging from soil health to farm policy, from trade to pollinators, from high-yield strategies to cover crops and more
• A huge trade show featuring 367 companies commanding a total of 1,894 booth spaces
• A three-day showcase of innovation, technology, equipment and groundbreaking ideas that are changing the face of agriculture and food production
• Dozens of opportunities for farmers to network and learn from each other
• Meetings and policy development sessions involving the presenting commodity associations
“We were very pleased with the turnout in Anaheim and the enthusiasm and energy were palpable,” said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “Commodity Classic attracts people who are passionate about agriculture, thirsty for knowledge and positive about the future.”
Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and 2018 Commodity Classic co-chair agreed. “Commodity Classic is run by farmers, for farmers,” he said. “That makes for a unique and meaningful experience for everyone who attends—and everyone takes away new ideas that will help their operation Grow Beyond!”
The 2019 Commodity Classic will take place Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.
Takeover Talks Between ADM, Bunge Have Stalled
Takeover talks between Bunge Ltd. and Archer Daniels Midland Co. have stalled, people familiar with the matter said, throwing into question a combination that could have formed one of the world's largest agricultural conglomerates.
The two companies, among the largest global traders and processors of farm commodities, have been unable to reach an agreement despite more than a month of negotiations, the people said. The Wall Street Journal reported in January that ADM had approached Bunge about a takeover of the company that would vastly expand ADM's reach into South American grain markets and boost its soybean-processing capabilities.
The talks had already been moving at a slow pace as the companies discussed ways to resolve potential pushback from antitrust and other authorities, the people said.
It isn't clear whether the talks will pick up again.
The development could ratchet up pressure on Bunge's management to explore other ways to boost its value, or find a different deal, as the agriculture industry remains under pressure from a global glut of crops. The White Plains, N.Y., company in February reported its net income in 2017 dropped to $160 million from $745 million, and Bunge last year unveiled a restructuring plan to cut $250 million in annual expenses by 2020.
Continental Grain Co., an investment firm that owns about 1.2% of Bunge's shares, on Monday won U.S. approval to purchase more stock, a sign it intends to push management to find a deal or another way to create value. Continental five years ago pushed for change at U.S. pork giant Smithfield Foods Inc., which eventually sold itself to a Chinese meat company.
Adding to the pressure on Bunge, its shares had climbed 11% since the ADM deal discussions surfaced. ADM's shares gained about 8%, signaling that its shareholders also like the prospect of a deal.
But signs have emerged in recent weeks that business for Bunge and other crop processors could improve. Dry weather in Argentina is expected to damage that country's soybean crop, which analysts see as slowing global supply growth and improving profit margins for companies such as Bunge, the world's largest processor of soybeans.
The stalled talks between ADM and Bunge could provide an opening for mining conglomerate Glencore PLC, which operates an agricultural trading division that Chief Executive Ivan Glasenberg has been eager to expand. Glencore last May confirmed it had approached Bunge about a deal after the Journal broke the news of the move.
Mr. Glasenberg recently said that an agreement by Glencore not to make a hostile bid for Bunge had expired, though he didn't comment on whether Glencore would re-engage with the company.
Mr. Glasenberg has been closely monitoring Bunge and ADM since news of their negotiations broke, people familiar with the matter have said.
Glencore hadn't made a renewed approach, they added.
ADM's interest in acquiring Bunge, one of its oldest and largest competitors, represented a potential strategic shift for the Chicago-based grain giant. Over the last five years, ADM has spent billions of dollars acquiring smaller companies focused on flavorings and specialty ingredients to build a business that could be more profitable and less volatile than buying and trading commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.
Purchasing Bunge would have marked a shift given its big presence in commodity trading. However, some ADM investors were drawn to the potential for cutting costs and running Bunge's operations more profitably.
Highly Pathogenic H5N6, H7N9 Outbreaks in China
China reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 bird flu at a duck farm in the Guangxi province, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Wednesday, citing a report from the Chinese agriculture ministry. The virus killed 23,950 ducks out of a flock of 30,462 ducks, the ministry said. The remaining birds were all slaughtered, it said.
In a separate report, China also reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N9 bird flu in a backyard in the Shaanxi province, the OIE said. The virus killed 810 layers out of a flock of 1,000 birds, it says.
Introducing The Annex by Ardent Mills
Ardent Mills, North America’s leading flour supplier and grain innovator, has announced the launch of a new business unit, The Annex by Ardent Mills (“The Annex”), dedicated to exploring and providing food companies and foodservice operators with “next” grains and unique plant-based ingredients.
Driven by a team of experts The Annex offers the nimbleness, flexibility and speed of a start-up, all supported with the resources, relationships and expertise of Ardent Mills. It operates as a company-within-a-company, cultivating deep and lasting ties with farmers, university and private research teams, customers, and key vendors to identify, source, grow and pioneer everything from organic and heirloom grains to leading-edge ingredients.
The Annex offers a growing portfolio that includes heirloom wheats – emmer, einkorn, spelt, White Sonora; rye; barley; pulses; and ancient grains including Ardent Mills Great Plains Quinoa®, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, teff and sorghum. These ingredients are available in a variety of traditional forms like whole berries, flours and flakes as well as unique formats, including mixes, blends, IQF (individual quick frozen) and crisps. The Annex is also open to custom grain and ingredient programs which include exclusive cultivation of select grains that are not in commercial production.
“An annex is independent yet is part of something bigger,” says The Annex by Ardent Mills General Manager Shrene White. “We’re excited to be empowered by Ardent Mills to be idea cultivators and solution providers. The Annex will support Ardent Mills traditional flour customers and a wide spectrum of new customers by offering a one-of-a-kind product portfolio. We love a challenge. And we bring to our work an earnest desire to collaborate with customers, farmers, universities and researchers, supporting their innovation and cultivating ideas to help build their businesses, whether it’s in fresh or packaged prepared foods, bakery or beverage.”
The Annex is backed by The Ardent Mills Advantage, a robust network of services, resources and experts that includes everything from R&D, production and culinary support to consumer insights, and risk management. Innovative Bakery Resources (IBR), another business unit of Ardent Mills, along with its Arlington, Ore. mix facility, are now integrated into The Annex by Ardent Mills. IBR is a state-of-the-art artisan bakery, where cutting-edge concepts and high-touch craftsmanship come together to help customers quickly take their ideas to market.
“We’re excited about the possibilities The Annex opens up,” says Ardent Mills CEO Dan Dye, “It’s a big step based on a simple, powerful idea: good food matters to everyone, and it should be available to everyone. We look forward to working closely with our partners big and small as we dream together about where that idea is headed next.”
National Groundwater Awareness Week is coming up the week of March 11-17, 2018. What better time to take a sample of your well water? It’s recommended that private drinking water wells be tested at least once per year, but some sources need to be tested even more frequently.
“Surface water sources or shallow wells should be tested more often, especially if you’re using this water for drinking water,” says Kevin Klink, Senior Manager, Laboratory Operations for AgSource Laboratories. “There’s a greater risk of contamination with surface water.”
Who Should Test?
Homeowners and private well owners should test annually, but agricultural operations using irrigation water should really consider taking samples as well. Measuring the salt and mineral content of your irrigation water could prevent problems and can help offer clues on how to fix issues you may be having.
“If you have poor water, treating it as you use it, rather than letting salt build up to the point it harms soil and plants, will be a great benefit in the long run,” said Klink.
Nebraska has a high percentage of irrigated acres, which makes water quality an important topic for overall crop management planning. The quality of irrigation water directly impacts crops by affecting salinity of the soil (salt accumulation), soil pH and water infiltration rates.
When to Test
While annual testing is best, don’t hesitate to test again if water quality should change, such as a difference in color, smell or taste of the water.
Where to Test
When collecting a sample from the irrigation system, let the water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample. This will purge static water from the system.
If several separate irrigation wells are being used, sample each well separately and identify each sample’s source. This will qualify the water specifically from each well. This is important if pumping into a holding pond.
When sampling from a pond, collect water from the pumping station, if possible. Remember to let the pumping station water run for two to three minutes before collecting the sample. Do not collect the water from the side of the irrigation pond. Sediment will act as a contaminant.
What to Test
A basic annual drinking water test package usually includes two items: coliform and nitrate. For irrigation suitability testing, the package includes pH, conductivity, carbonate and bicarbonate, nitrate, chloride and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), as well as micronutrients and macronutrients.
“The most important factors to test are pH, conductivity, carbonate, nitrate, chloride and Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR),” notes Klink.
For more specific questions about mineral content or contamination, other analyses for hardness, iron, copper or lead and arsenic can be added to any testing package.
Sampling Reminders
Ensuring a quality test result always starts with a properly collected representative sample. Here are a few tips for sampling and submitting a water sample to the lab:
· Use a new, clean plastic container. Rinse the bottle (including the lid) several times with the water to be tested. Do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.
· DO NOT use glass containers.
· Fill the bottle completely and eliminate all headspace when capping the bottle. Be sure the lid is tight so that the sample does not leak during transit. The laboratory needs at least 125 ml (about 4 ounces) of water for the analyses.
· If possible, collect and ship the samples on the same day. Cool the samples in a refrigerator if overnight storage is necessary.
· Clearly identify each sample bottle and complete the submission form before shipping.
Additional Resources
For more information about irrigation water quality, check out the University of Nebraska’s website: https://water.unl.edu/cropswater/quality.
BENEFITS OF LEGUMES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Reducing pasture expenses can help your bottom line. But don’t try to starve a profit from your pastures. Sometimes you need to invest. This spring, invest in legumes.
Recent warmer weather should get you looking forward to next spring. I’m sure one thing you won’t look forward to, though, is paying for nitrogen fertilizer on your pastures.
Avoid this expense by adding legumes to your grazinglands. Five years of grazing research in eastern Nebraska showed that brome/legume pastures produced almost four-tenths of a pound higher average daily gain on yearlings than did straight brome pastures fertilized with 50 pounds of nitrogen.
That may not sound like a lot to you, but that much faster gain for the full season produced an extra fifty-one pounds of beef per acre. With no nitrogen fertilizer. Adding the value of heavier yearlings plus reduced fertilizer expenses resulted in more than an extra fifty dollars per acre profit. That’s fifty more dollars – per acre!
Similar research was conducted with warm-season grasses with nearly the same results.
March is a good month to start adding legumes. Red clover is the easiest one to establish because seed can be broadcast on pastures even if they are covered with several inches of snow. As snow melts and temperatures fluctuate in early spring, the seeds will get worked into the soil, germinate, and start to grow. With a little attention to controlling competition from the existing grass, new red clover plants can start increasing your pasture production by summer.
Don’t become trapped by the never ending cost of nitrogen fertilizer. Use legumes to reduce costs and increase production.
IOWA CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP DAY AT THE CAPITOL ON MARCH 12
Iowa’s Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioners, along with conservation partner agencies, will meet for the annual Conservation Partnership Day held at the Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, March 12.
The theme of this year’s event is “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home” and will include displays highlighting conservation efforts in each of the nine Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI) regions across the state. Displays will highlight how funds are used for technical assistance, watershed projects, wetlands, cost share, urban and agricultural conservation practices and more.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is scheduled to visit with the Commissioners and view displays around 10:15am on Monday.
The annual event is coordinated through partnership of the Conservation Districts of Iowa and the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.
FMH Celebrates 125 Years of Protecting Farmers
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa (FMH) is celebrating 125 years as an American-based, family-run insurance provider.
One of the oldest crop insurers in the United States, FMH was founded by farmers for farmers, based on the need to protect each other's livelihood from the devastation of severe weather to crops.
"We're very proud to be celebrating our 125th anniversary," said President and CEO Ron Rutledge. "We could not have made it this long without the trust of generations of farmers, commitment from independent insurance agents, support of our reinsurers, and dedication of our employees both in the office and field."
Since forming in 1893, FMH has remained committed to providing America's farmers with comprehensive risk management solutions. Current operations include private and federal crop insurance, reinsurance products and services, as well as farm and ranch insurance. The company serves a national writing area of 41 states.
"Farmers Mutual Hail continues to thrive after 125 years because of our mutual heritage that puts the policyholders first, because of the conservative management which has spanned six generations, and because of the continuous commitment of our employees who are proud to be a part of the FMH family," said Rutledge.
Rutledge also explained that in an environment of increasing foreign buyouts, FMH champions its mutual company structure as an asset that will preserve its legacy as an American-owned and operated business.
"Crop insurance is - and has always been - our main business. As others were leaving the industry, we invested in it by purchasing John Deere Insurance Company, further proving our commitment to protecting farmers," he added. "We are proud to call ourselves 'America's Crop Insurance Company.'"
The 2015 acquisition of John Deere Insurance Company also allowed FMH to enter the precision ag space by offering Precision Crop Insurance Solutions, which provide farmers the ability to use precision data for crop insurance claims adjustments and required reporting.
"Change is inevitable and like all companies, Farmers Mutual Hail has embraced the endless change that every company goes through to continue to be successful," said Rutledge. "But even with all the changes that have occurred over the last 125 years, FMH has held on to the things that make it unique like our family atmosphere and our commitment to doing things right."
Senate Subcommittee Advances Emissions Reporting Bill
A Senate Environment and Public Works subommittee on Thursday approved a Farm Bureau-supported measure that would exempt most farms and ranches from unnecessary reporting of routine air emissions from animals and their manure. Having secured bipartisan backing and facing a looming May 1 deadline, farmers and ranchers are optimistic the bill will continue to move successfully through Congress.
The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act (S. 2421) would clarify that normal emissions from farm animals and their manure are not reportable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which requires facilities to report releases of hazardous substances that exceed certain threshold quantities within a 24-hour period.
Both the Bush and Obama administrations supported a rule exempting most farms from the need to report low-level emissions, but activist groups successfully blocked the rule last year at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court has stayed its April 2017 decision multiple times, with the latest stay slated to expire on May 1.
“Congress did not intend to regulate farms as toxic Superfund sites,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall noted when the FARM Act was introduced last month. “Farming and ranching are challenging enough without having to report, under threat of law, something that is a routine part of raising animals, but is nearly impossible to predict or measure. We are also concerned that these needless reports would effectively create a federal database of livestock farms for activist groups to target.”
The bill, introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), has 22 Republican and 12 Democratic co-sponsors.
USDA ENDS REPORTING OF SWINE ENTERIC CORONARVIRUS DISEASES
Pork producers, veterinarians and laboratories no longer will need to report Swine Enteric Coronavirus Diseases (SECD) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week rescinded the federal order first issued in 2014 requiring reporting of the diseases, which include Porcine Endemic Diarrhea virus. The action supports Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s focus on removing unnecessary regulatory requirements on farmers and ranchers, a move supported by the National Pork Producers Council.
NPPC’s WAGSTROM RECOGNIZED WITH AASV AWARD
National Pork Producers Council Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom this week was recognized with the American Association of Swine Veterinarian’s (AASV) Meritorious Service award as part of the organization’s annual meeting held in San Diego. Given annually, the award honors an individual who has demonstrated his or her longstanding dedication and service to AASV and its members. Prior to her current role at NPPC, Wagstrom served as an associate professor for the University of Minnesota’s Center for Animal Health and Food Safety and as the director of veterinary services for the National Pork Board, where she previously was assistant vice president for science and technology.
ASA Strongly Opposes RIN Cap
The American Soybean Association (ASA) today voiced strong opposition to a cap on the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), an action that would significantly undermine the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The concept of a cap on RIN prices has been proposed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and has been the subject of discussions during White House meetings with RFS stakeholders over the past few weeks. Biodiesel is a significant market for domestic soybean oil, and ASA President John Heisdorffer, who farms in Keota, Iowa, noted the association’s serious concern with a cap on RIN prices.
“Placing any cap on the price of RINs is a misguided step that destroys demand for biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Analysis from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) shows up to 300 million gallons in biomass-based diesel volumes would be lost each year as these volumes would no longer be utilized for compliance with the RFS conventional biofuels requirements.
“Furthermore, this idea is simply unnecessary. The RFS program is working as intended – diversifying our nation’s fuel supply, increasing energy security, reducing fuel emissions, and promoting markets for farmers and rural America. RFS stakeholders, including petroleum refiners, have stated that biodiesel is not a problem, yet all of the proposed RFS revisions would first and foremost adversely impact biodiesel. Reduced biodiesel production equals reduced demand for soybean oil, hurting the bottom line for soybean farmers and adversely impacting rural economies. We’re already facing great market uncertainty as a result of the tariffs and trade issues. Action to cap RIN prices and undermine the RFS will exacerbate the economic damage to farm families like mine.
“Soybean farmers remember President Trump’s promise to protect the RFS, and imposing a cap on RIN prices would break that promise. We call on the president to reject this RIN cap concept and keep his word to protect the RFS.”
Cap on Conventional Ethanol RINs Will Reduce Biodiesel Market By 100-300 Million Gallons Per Year
A new analysis by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES) found that capping the price of conventional biofuels’ Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) will significantly harm the production of biodiesel and related industries. Although some believe that limiting the price of RINs for the conventional biofuels market won’t harm biomass-based diesel volumes, the analysis made it clear that a price cap on conventional ethanol RINs would result in lower volumes of biomass-based diesel produced and used in the United States.
“Capping the price of conventional ethanol RINs would devastate the biodiesel industry—swiftly and significantly—reducing the amount of volumes produced and people employed. Satisfying the whims of fewer than five refiners isn’t worth the resulting harm to millions of workers in U.S. agriculture and livestock production, as well as American consumers. President Trump can sniff out a good deal from a bogus one, and we are hopeful that he will stick with his campaign promise and reject a cap on RIN prices,” said Kurt Kovarik, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs.
The analysis found that capping the price of conventional ethanol RINs would lead to:
- A reduction of up to 300 million gallons in biomass-based diesel volumes each year—in part, because these volumes would no longer be utilized for compliance with the conventional biofuels requirements;
- $185 million more in feed costs for livestock producers—likely leading to an increase in food costs for consumers; and
- $.16 less per bushel of soybeans.
The analysis utilized WAEES’s partial equilibrium model, which can be broken down into crops, livestock and biofuels components encompassing feed grains, food grains, cotton, sugar, oilseeds, ethanol, biodiesel, beef, pork and poultry. Important to understanding the results of the analysis, the model made conservative assumptions, including an assumption that the biodiesel tax credit would be reinstated. If the credit isn’t reinstated, we should expect to see even greater harm and lower volumes produced domestically.
The analysis showed that soybean producers would receive approximately 16 cents less per bushel in 2020 due to reduced demand for their products. On the flip side, the price of soybean meal—i.e., the protein, not the oil for biodiesel production—will increase more than $5 per short ton. As a result, livestock producers are expected to pay roughly $185 million more in feed costs due to a cap on RINs. A similar impact can be expected for other oilseed meals, such as canola. These increased costs may negatively impact consumer food costs.
“This analysis clearly demonstrates the severe harm to the biodiesel market caused by capping conventional ethanol RIN prices,” said Kovarik. “The impacts of a RIN cap also extend far beyond energy markets—harming livestock and oilseed producers, and raising the cost of food for consumers.”
The Renewable Fuel Standard—a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush—requires certain volumes of renewable fuels to be used in transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel. Expanded in 2007, the law requires increasing volumes of advanced biofuels, such as biomass-based diesel, with each year. Advanced biofuels are fuels designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for meeting the threshold of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent, as compared to petroleum. (Biodiesel has significant lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared to petroleum diesel—anywhere from 57 to 122 percent.) Biomass-based diesel and cellulosic biofuels are fuels nested within the advanced biofuels category, and can quality both as their nested fuel type and as an advanced biofuel. Advanced biofuels can qualify for RINs for their advanced biofuel category, as well as conventional biofuels (which has a lower threshold of greenhouse gas emissions reductions). The interconnected nature of the program and how RINs can qualify for multiple categories is one reason that capping one type of RINs impacts other fuels.
NFU Urges Administration Against RINs Cap
Trump Administration officials will meet leaders from biofuel and oil companies on Monday to end the current impasse over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
One proposal being floated by oil company representatives would put a cap on prices for Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, which are required to comply with the RFS. The proposal stands to undermine growth in the biofuels industry, according to National Farmers Union (NFU).
NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in advance of Monday’s meeting:
“NFU opposes a cap on RIN prices because it would undermine the RFS and disincentivize blending of homegrown, renewable fuels in our transportation sector. Production of these biofuels is vital to family farmers and rural communities right now, as farm incomes are less than half of what they were just four years ago.
“Not only is a RIN cap harmful to American agriculture, it is a sellout of farmers and a handout to refiners. The Administration should simply lift the summertime restriction on the sale of E15, which would both boost ethanol production and decrease costs for refiners by instituting new RINs. NFU strongly urges the Administration to reject any RFS deal that includes a cap on RIN prices.”
More Grain Dust Explosions Reported Nationwide
There were seven reported grain dust explosions at U.S. food and agricultural facilities in 2017, two more than in 2016 but still below the 10-year average of 9.3 explosions per year, according to an annual report issued by Purdue University's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
The explosions in 2017 resulted in five fatalities and 12 injuries. Incidents were reported at one pet food plant, one grain mill and five grain elevators. There were three fatalities in 2016.
Kingsly Ambrose, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering and lead author of the report, said preventive measures can be taken to avoid dust explosions.
"Even with a 40 percent increase in the volume of grains handled and processed since the OSHA grain-handling standard was promulgated in 1988, the number of incidents has steadily declined over the past 10 years," Ambrose said. "Keeping the facility clean, training employees and contract workers, keeping equipment in good working condition by preventive maintenance and the use of dust explosion suppression systems and venting systems are good prevention practices."
Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Minnesota each reported one explosion last year, and two happened in Wisconsin. All dust explosion fatalities in 2017 happened in Wisconsin during a single incident, which also accounted for 11 injuries. The other injury was reported in Oregon.
In two cases, the cause was reported as an overheated bearing and electric spark. The remaining five cases had unknown ignition sources, which Ambrose said is often the case due to the explosion destroying evidence that could confirm the source.
Ambrose said dust is generated when grain is moved, which is why most 2017 explosions occurred in the latter half of the year when grain is more likely to be handled.
2018 Commodity Classic in Anaheim Attracts 8000+
More than 8,000 farmers, agriculture leaders and ag advocates converged on the Anaheim Convention Center to “GROW BEYOND!” as the 2018 Commodity Classic took place Feb. 27-Mar.1 in California. Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show.
Included in the preliminary number of 8,055 registered in Anaheim were a record number of non-exhibitor first-time attendees (1,533) and more than 150 media representatives. A total of 3,646 farmers from across the nation and several foreign countries were on hand to take part in a robust slate of educational sessions, tour the large trade show and hear from a wide range of experts and thought-leaders in agriculture. Attendance numbers are preliminary and subject to a final audit.
Highlights of the 2018 Commodity Classic included:
• A keynote address by Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who also took part in a Q&A session on the Main Stage on the trade show floor
• A slate of more than 40 educational sessions on topics ranging from soil health to farm policy, from trade to pollinators, from high-yield strategies to cover crops and more
• A huge trade show featuring 367 companies commanding a total of 1,894 booth spaces
• A three-day showcase of innovation, technology, equipment and groundbreaking ideas that are changing the face of agriculture and food production
• Dozens of opportunities for farmers to network and learn from each other
• Meetings and policy development sessions involving the presenting commodity associations
“We were very pleased with the turnout in Anaheim and the enthusiasm and energy were palpable,” said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “Commodity Classic attracts people who are passionate about agriculture, thirsty for knowledge and positive about the future.”
Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and 2018 Commodity Classic co-chair agreed. “Commodity Classic is run by farmers, for farmers,” he said. “That makes for a unique and meaningful experience for everyone who attends—and everyone takes away new ideas that will help their operation Grow Beyond!”
The 2019 Commodity Classic will take place Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.
Takeover Talks Between ADM, Bunge Have Stalled
Takeover talks between Bunge Ltd. and Archer Daniels Midland Co. have stalled, people familiar with the matter said, throwing into question a combination that could have formed one of the world's largest agricultural conglomerates.
The two companies, among the largest global traders and processors of farm commodities, have been unable to reach an agreement despite more than a month of negotiations, the people said. The Wall Street Journal reported in January that ADM had approached Bunge about a takeover of the company that would vastly expand ADM's reach into South American grain markets and boost its soybean-processing capabilities.
The talks had already been moving at a slow pace as the companies discussed ways to resolve potential pushback from antitrust and other authorities, the people said.
It isn't clear whether the talks will pick up again.
The development could ratchet up pressure on Bunge's management to explore other ways to boost its value, or find a different deal, as the agriculture industry remains under pressure from a global glut of crops. The White Plains, N.Y., company in February reported its net income in 2017 dropped to $160 million from $745 million, and Bunge last year unveiled a restructuring plan to cut $250 million in annual expenses by 2020.
Continental Grain Co., an investment firm that owns about 1.2% of Bunge's shares, on Monday won U.S. approval to purchase more stock, a sign it intends to push management to find a deal or another way to create value. Continental five years ago pushed for change at U.S. pork giant Smithfield Foods Inc., which eventually sold itself to a Chinese meat company.
Adding to the pressure on Bunge, its shares had climbed 11% since the ADM deal discussions surfaced. ADM's shares gained about 8%, signaling that its shareholders also like the prospect of a deal.
But signs have emerged in recent weeks that business for Bunge and other crop processors could improve. Dry weather in Argentina is expected to damage that country's soybean crop, which analysts see as slowing global supply growth and improving profit margins for companies such as Bunge, the world's largest processor of soybeans.
The stalled talks between ADM and Bunge could provide an opening for mining conglomerate Glencore PLC, which operates an agricultural trading division that Chief Executive Ivan Glasenberg has been eager to expand. Glencore last May confirmed it had approached Bunge about a deal after the Journal broke the news of the move.
Mr. Glasenberg recently said that an agreement by Glencore not to make a hostile bid for Bunge had expired, though he didn't comment on whether Glencore would re-engage with the company.
Mr. Glasenberg has been closely monitoring Bunge and ADM since news of their negotiations broke, people familiar with the matter have said.
Glencore hadn't made a renewed approach, they added.
ADM's interest in acquiring Bunge, one of its oldest and largest competitors, represented a potential strategic shift for the Chicago-based grain giant. Over the last five years, ADM has spent billions of dollars acquiring smaller companies focused on flavorings and specialty ingredients to build a business that could be more profitable and less volatile than buying and trading commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.
Purchasing Bunge would have marked a shift given its big presence in commodity trading. However, some ADM investors were drawn to the potential for cutting costs and running Bunge's operations more profitably.
Highly Pathogenic H5N6, H7N9 Outbreaks in China
China reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 bird flu at a duck farm in the Guangxi province, the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on Wednesday, citing a report from the Chinese agriculture ministry. The virus killed 23,950 ducks out of a flock of 30,462 ducks, the ministry said. The remaining birds were all slaughtered, it said.
In a separate report, China also reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N9 bird flu in a backyard in the Shaanxi province, the OIE said. The virus killed 810 layers out of a flock of 1,000 birds, it says.
Introducing The Annex by Ardent Mills
Ardent Mills, North America’s leading flour supplier and grain innovator, has announced the launch of a new business unit, The Annex by Ardent Mills (“The Annex”), dedicated to exploring and providing food companies and foodservice operators with “next” grains and unique plant-based ingredients.
Driven by a team of experts The Annex offers the nimbleness, flexibility and speed of a start-up, all supported with the resources, relationships and expertise of Ardent Mills. It operates as a company-within-a-company, cultivating deep and lasting ties with farmers, university and private research teams, customers, and key vendors to identify, source, grow and pioneer everything from organic and heirloom grains to leading-edge ingredients.
The Annex offers a growing portfolio that includes heirloom wheats – emmer, einkorn, spelt, White Sonora; rye; barley; pulses; and ancient grains including Ardent Mills Great Plains Quinoa®, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, teff and sorghum. These ingredients are available in a variety of traditional forms like whole berries, flours and flakes as well as unique formats, including mixes, blends, IQF (individual quick frozen) and crisps. The Annex is also open to custom grain and ingredient programs which include exclusive cultivation of select grains that are not in commercial production.
“An annex is independent yet is part of something bigger,” says The Annex by Ardent Mills General Manager Shrene White. “We’re excited to be empowered by Ardent Mills to be idea cultivators and solution providers. The Annex will support Ardent Mills traditional flour customers and a wide spectrum of new customers by offering a one-of-a-kind product portfolio. We love a challenge. And we bring to our work an earnest desire to collaborate with customers, farmers, universities and researchers, supporting their innovation and cultivating ideas to help build their businesses, whether it’s in fresh or packaged prepared foods, bakery or beverage.”
The Annex is backed by The Ardent Mills Advantage, a robust network of services, resources and experts that includes everything from R&D, production and culinary support to consumer insights, and risk management. Innovative Bakery Resources (IBR), another business unit of Ardent Mills, along with its Arlington, Ore. mix facility, are now integrated into The Annex by Ardent Mills. IBR is a state-of-the-art artisan bakery, where cutting-edge concepts and high-touch craftsmanship come together to help customers quickly take their ideas to market.
“We’re excited about the possibilities The Annex opens up,” says Ardent Mills CEO Dan Dye, “It’s a big step based on a simple, powerful idea: good food matters to everyone, and it should be available to everyone. We look forward to working closely with our partners big and small as we dream together about where that idea is headed next.”
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