Tuesday May 4 Ag News

Eating Healthy during Planting Season
Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator, Cuming County

Planting season is here! Eating healthy during this season is a challenge for many reasons, including the lack of time to sit down for a meal, the issue of dining in a field and stress leading to less healthy eating patterns. Food in the Field is a FREE online nutrition education program created to help farmers and their families make healthy eating choices during harvest and planting. To register and get started, go to food.unl.edu/foodinthefield or contact Hannah Guenther at hannah.guenther@unl.edu or call 402-372-6006.



NSP Reminds Drivers to Stay Alert with Ag Implements on the Move

Nebraska’s planting season is underway, and the Nebraska State Patrol advises all motorists to watch for agricultural implements on Nebraska’s roadways.

“Our ag producers across Nebraska do exceptional work to feed America year-in and year-out,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As they get back into the field for the planting season, we encourage all drivers to keep an eye out for ag implements and large equipment as they travel from field to field.”

Nebraska drivers are reminded that it is legal for farm machinery to travel from field to field on public roads, other than Nebraska’s interstates. Drivers should remember that this equipment often travels at slow speeds and their size may limit the operator’s ability to see other vehicles on the road. Motorists should only pass in legal passing zones and when it is safe to do so.

“From season to season, we know that the work of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers never stops,” said Captain Dan Doggett, Commander of the NSP Carrier Enforcement Division. “All Nebraskans can take pride in the work they do. We can all work together to keep our roads safe and help ensure that Nebraska’s number-one industry remains strong.”

Drivers should be alert and use extra caution on roadways that may be a route of travel for ag machinery. With the potential combination of fast-moving vehicles and slow-moving farm equipment, it is critical that drivers avoid distractions and pay attention to the road.

Ag producers are also encouraged to voluntarily comply with traffic safety laws, display warning signs on machinery, use flashing yellow caution lights when traveling, and be aware of vehicles that may be attempting to pass.



Legislature Fails to Advance School Funding Reform Bill, LB 454
Statement by Mark McHargue, President, NE Farm Bureau

“We are extremely disappointed in the Legislature’s failure to advance LB 454. Today’s action is a missed opportunity for the Legislature to start down the path of reforming how we fund schools in Nebraska. There’s a clear inequity in our current funding system when 159 of the 243 school districts in our state receive no state equalization aid. The fact that the state takes on the bulk of responsibility for funding education for some students, while doing little to nothing to support others is a failure of our state. This bill could have served as the foundation for a scalable approach to doing more to fulfill the state’s obligation to fund K-12 education across Nebraska to the benefit of all Nebraska students and taxpayers. I want to thank the 23 senators who supported LB 454, particularly Sen. Friesen and Sen. Briese, for their leadership on this bill. This issue isn’t going away. We will continue to work with the Legislature to find senators who are willing take on one of our state’s most pressing issues.”



POST-EMERGENT HERBICIDES TO CONTROL WEEDS IN ALFALFA
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension

Weeds can be a major alfalfa problem especially new spring seeded fields. Roundup Ready® alfalfa varieties help overcome these weeds issues; but Roundup® isn’t the only good herbicide option for alfalfa.

Many weeds grow faster than alfalfa; thus, robbing seedlings of moisture, nutrients, and light. Left uncontrolled; weeds can cause thin stands, weak plants, and lower yields.

For broadleaf weeds, mowing may be an option while the alfalfa is growing slowly. Adjust mowing height so several leaves remain on the alfalfa seedlings after clipping to aid alfalfa regrowth.

However, herbicide weed control may still be your best option especially if mower clippings may likely smother young alfalfa seedlings. Therefore, now may be a good time to control escape broadleaf weeds using herbicides in your new or established alfalfa fields.

Our Nebraska Extension “Guide for Weeds, Disease and Insect” publication, EC130, provides weed response control ratings for various herbicides. Post-emergent weed control products include: Buctril®; Raptor®; Select®; Prowl H²O®; Warrant®; Arrow® and Butyrac®.

There are several products available for broadleaf or grassy weed control in established alfalfa including: Aim®; Chateau®; Gramoxone®; Karmex®; Metribuzin®; Prowl H²O®; MCPA Amine®; and Velpar®. These products are most effective when preferably applied before weeds reach 4 inch heights.

Roundup may make it easier to control weeds in seedling alfalfa. But using these other herbicides correctly can also provide clean alfalfa fields.

As always, read and follow label directions for application rates and conditions.



 LEAD Fellowship Applications sought for Group 40  

The Nebraska Leadership Education Action Development (LEAD) Program seeks applicants from leaders in the state’s agricultural sector.   

Traditionally held in-person across state, national and international campuses throughout a two year-program, programming was paused for a year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Nebraska LEAD is accepting applications for its 40th cohort until June 15th. LEAD 40 will attend monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, as well as participate in a national and international study/travel seminar. The cohort will be trained in developing leadership skills through communication to serve as leaders for Nebraska’s future generations in agriculture.  

“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.  

LEAD 40 participants are also exposed to topics including agricultural markets, advances to healthcare, finance, agricultural policy, marketing, nuclear energy, economics, natural resources, societal issues global perspectives and technology related to the heart of Nebraska’s economy – agriculture.  

To apply, email the Nebraska LEAD Program office at leadprogram@unl.edu and visit https://lead.unl.edu/.

The Nebraska LEAD Program prepares the spokespersons, problem-solvers, and decision-makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry. The program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry.  



Wortmann retires after decades of work in sub-saharan Africa and Nebraska

Charles Wortmann, University of Nebraska–Lincoln agronomy and horticulture professor and Nebraska Extension soil and nutrient management specialist, will retire May 31 after a 20-year career at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A virtual retirement reception will be held May 13 from 2 to 3 p.m., CDT, via Zoom. Friends and colleagues can leave a note or photo memory in the online guestbook.

A native of Hartington, Nebraska, Wortmann’s prestigious career has focused on improving nutrient management, soil conservation and the environmental integrity of crop production systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Nebraska.

Human and institutional enhancement for research and Extension on smallholder agriculture in Africa has been Wortmann’s career priority. He has spent over 35 years working on improving soil fertility and soil conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa. His collaborative work with researchers, Extension specialists, multi-national research networks and farm advisors in planning, designing and implementing information exchange has strengthened the expertise needed for leadership in providing sustainable solutions for African farmers.

“His success and significant impact on two continents, in highly different cropping environments, is unique. His work has made distinct differences for crop producers from Nebraska to Rwanda,” said Richard Ferguson, professor of agronomy and horticulture and Vice Chancellor of Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture.

Wortmann graduated from Nebraska in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. He then moved to Tanzania when he received a 3-year contract to work as an agriculturist to help improve crop production and upgrade dairy production. With no previous experience in tropical agriculture, Wortmann said he had a lot to learn about the many nutritional, disease and insect pests challenges of tropical agriculture. The Merck Veterinary Manual was one especially valuable information source. The very severe financial constraints of smallholder farmers added to the challenge.

He spent the first months in Africa in language school learning Swahili, in which he is fluent.

Because of the many issues with the soil in Africa, Wortmann returned to Nebraska to complete a master’s degree in soil science advised by the late Robert Olson, professor of agronomy and soil fertility specialist.

After finishing a master’s degree in 1979, Wortmann worked as an independent crop consultant, walking in corn and soybean fields every day.

“It was a great learning experience, but that one opportunity was enough for me,” Wortmann said. “Luckily an opportunity came up to return to Tanzania for 3 more years.”

His next position was working on a World Bank funded project for two years as an advisor with the Agricultural Extension service in Tanzania.

“The work was very hard at that time because the economy was very bad that even getting fuel was difficult,” Wortmann said.

He returned to Nebraska to obtain a doctoral degree in crop science working on sorghum breeding with emeritus professors of agronomy David Andrews and Jerry Eastin. Wortmann completed his degree in 1987.

Next he returned to Africa to work for CIAT, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, in cropping systems agronomy and soil management. Based in Uganda and focusing mostly on dry bean production systems, Wortmann worked with national research and extension programs in 11 countries with very different environments that required unique cropping systems to grow the many different crops.

In 2001, Wortmann was hired by Nebraska for a position in soil fertility management research and Extension after the family returned to Nebraska so their kids could attend high school in the United States.

While his primary responsibility was to work for the improvement of Nebraska crop production, he was soon able to get funding to continue with collaborative work in Africa. Wortmann and Martha Mamo, department head and John E. Weaver Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture, Robert B. Daugherty Global Water for Food Fellow and African Scientific Institute Fellow, received a grant in 2002 with USAID International Sorghum and Millet Collaborative Research Support Program to support a five-country sorghum research network in eastern Africa. This collaboration continued until 2012 and resulted in improved crop and soil management practices on sorghum production in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. The work focused on appropriate targeting and use of fertilizers, reduced tillage and tie-ridge tillage, and planting patterns for increased productivity together with improved soil and water conservation. The project achieved great impact in improved fertilizer use, seed variety adoption and reduced tillage through training workshops, on-farm trials and demos, field days and facilitation of input supply and markets.

“Charles Wortmann‘s extensive agricultural research and extension experiences were key to the success of the USAID INTSORMIL program. This collaboration has continued to help cultivate linkages with partners in eastern Africa,” Mamo said.

Wortmann was instrumental in developing and implementing the 13-nation network, later extended to 15 countries, for Optimized Fertilizer Recommendations in Africa for 14 food crops. OFRA provided a scientific basis for nutrient management in Africa to target small-scale farmer’s use of precious fertilizer to get the highest profits possible. This research network of about 50 research teams resulted in numerous publications and resources including a book in multiple languages that is now used as a training reference for extension workers who engage with ORFA extension programs.

“Most farmers are very poor and need high profit from their investments in fertilizer use. Use of the fertilizer use decision tools developed for 72 recommendation zones enables the crop-nutrient-rate choices for maximization of farmer’s profit gained from their investment,” Wortmann said.

“Despite the challenge of both funding and implementing an applied, field-oriented research effort in SSA, Dr. Wortmann has established a well-funded program, a prolific publication record, and a large number of ex-students who are now highly regarded soil scientists and agronomists in SSA.

“Most important, his work has resulted in improved soil management and conservation, and the education of thousands of farmers and hundreds of farm advisors in SSA on these topics,” said Kenneth Cassman, emeritus Robert B. Daugherty Professor of Agronomy.

Wortmann’s research and Extension contributions in Nebraska in advanced crop-soil management and natural resource protection are also numerous. His efforts to improve nutrient recommendations and management for Nebraska crops, including efficient utilization of manure resources, has led to the adoption of improved practices in fertilizer use recommendations including crop reside nutrient value and reducing nitrogen leaching into ground water.

His most recent study with the 23 Natural Resources Districts in 2020 looked at the supply of essential nutrients and liming supply from irrigation across the state. The supplies are sufficient to greatly affect fertilizer and lime use decisions. The results, guidelines for testing of water and using the information were reported to farmers and other stakeholders in 28 Extension events.

“When Dr. Wortmann retires, most Nebraskans involved with growing crops or utilizing manure will not realize how reliant they have been on the research and Extension tools that he has produced over his career at the University of Nebraska,” said Charles Shapiro, emeritus professor of agronomy.

“Dr. Wortmann has a hand in all the soil nutrient recommendations we use. He has contributed to manure management in many ways, and his graduate students are located worldwide, making impacts of their own.”

But the defining feature of Wortmann’s contributions to agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa is that so many of his ex-students and collaborators are currently active and at the forefront of integrated nutrient management in Africa. Many of his Nebraska graduate students were international students who returned to their home country better equipped to solve important challenges. He has also advised many other students who studied at African universities and has contributed to the education of thousands of African farmers and farm advisors.

Wortmann has received numerous awards throughout his career. He is most proud of receiving the American Society of Agronomy International Agronomy Award in 2018 and Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy in 2011. He has also been nominated for Soil Science Society Fellow and the International Soil Science Society Award.

“Dr. Wortmann is the only colleague I would ‘suspend’ my retirement to nominate for Tri-Society awards,” Shapiro said.

Wortmann’s passion for agriculture and Africa will keep him busy post-retirement. He plans to volunteer in Africa, working for the sake of agriculture and continue collaborating in research, advising graduate students and writing.



CLIMATE CENTER DEVELOPS TOOL TO ACCOMPANY RELEASE OF NEW CLIMATE NORMALS

When a meteorologist says that a chilly day in May was 12 degrees lower than normal, the normal being referenced is typically from the official 30-year U.S. Climate Normals. Updated every decade, the Normals are based on 30-year averages of climate observations recorded at thousands of weather stations across the country.

On May 4, the 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals are being released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). In conjunction, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s High Plains Regional Climate Center is publishing a new tool that allows users to examine what normal looks like relative to longer or shorter timeframes than the most recent 30 years.

Rezaul Mahmood, director of the climate center based in the university’s School of Natural Resources, said the NCEI asked the climate center to develop the Custom Climatology Tool, which now allows users to examine average monthly and annual temperature measurements over customizable periods of time.

For anyone who works with climate data, the release of the new U.S. Climate Normals is a major event, Mahmood said. It tells the story of a changing climate. “Normal” 30-year temperature cycles have grown warmer over time. “Normal” annual precipitation has increased, too. As an NOAA news release about the U.S. Climate Normals states, global warming is affecting the upward trajectory of the new normals. The Custom Climatology Tool allows people to look at what normal used to be with available weather station data from as far back as 1961.

“NCEI was getting requests, and we would get them, too, from stakeholders and users who would say: ‘The 30-year normal is fine, but I want to do a 10-year average or a seven-year average. I should be able to pick any time and go from there.’ So that motivated NCEI to talk to us and ask if we could build that,” Mahmood said.

Mahmood said the tool allows users to dive into decades’ worth of data in a manageable way. Someone interested in how temperatures in Lincoln differ this May from the Mays of their childhood, for instance, can search weather station data collected at the Lincoln Airport and set parameters that develop averages based on five years, a decade, 30 years or any number they prefer. The U.S. Climate Normals inform all kinds of operational decisions across a number of industries, Mahmood said, from when to plant crops in Nebraska to how much freight gets loaded on a Mississippi River barge. Users of the Custom Climatology Tool can gain additional context, he said, and satisfy human curiosity about their surroundings in the process.

“We always get curious about the weather,” he said. “‘OK, today is hot, but how hot is it? I’m thinking it is very hot, but maybe it’s not very hot.’ It’s linked to our life.”

The Custom Climatology Tool, which was developed in collaboration with NCEI staff, is available on the High Plains Regional Climate Center website at https://hprcc.unl.edu/ncei-cct. Climate center programmers Warren Pettee and Willaim Sorensen developed the tool with help from regional climatologist Natalie Umphlett and applied climatologist Crystal Stiles.



Naig: ‘Farmers can use state cost share funds to add soil health and water quality practices to their fields’

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that farmers and landowners can sign up now for state cost share funds to help adopt soil health and water quality practices. The funding can be used for in-field management practices, including planting cover crops, transitioning acres to no-till/strip-till soil management, or applying a nitrification inhibitor.

“2020 was a record year for engagement in the state’s conservation cost-share programs, yet we still have a lot of work to do to reach our soil health and water quality goals,” said Secretary Naig. “I encourage all farmers and landowners to look for opportunities to add soil health and water quality practices to their fields. This program is a great way to help you get started.”

Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $25 per acre through the cost share fund. Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops and are continuing the practice can receive $15 per acre. Producers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre, and may receive $3 per acre for applying fall fertilizer using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor.

Cost share funding through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is limited to 160 acres per farmer or landowner. The funds will be made available in July, but farmers can start submitting applications immediately through their local Soil and Water Conservation District offices. Farmers are encouraged to call their Soil and Water Conservation District offices to inquire about additional cost-share funds available through other sources.

With farmers stewarding more than two million acres of cover crops across the state, Iowa continues to be a conservation leader. Last fall, over 3,500 farmers and landowners enrolled in the cost share program funded through the Water Quality Initiative. More than 387,000 acres of cover crops, 11,000 acres of no-till/strip-till and 6,000 acres of nitrification inhibitors were enrolled in the program in 2020. An estimated $12.7 million of private funding was invested to match the $6.8 million contributed by the state. To learn more about the soil health and water quality projects underway around Iowa, visit cleanwateriowa.org.



IRFA to EPA Administrator Regan: Not just a transition, biofuels are the net carbon negative fuel of the future

Today as part of his trip to Iowa, U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan toured Lincolnway Energy, an ethanol plant near Nevada, and led a roundtable discussion of Iowa farmers and biofuel producers.

In response to his visit, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“We appreciate Administrator Regan came to Iowa to learn more about biofuels and the important role biofuels will play in America’s clean energy future. Today Mr. Regan heard a loud and clear message: biofuels are way more than a transition fuel; biofuels are the net-carbon-negative fuel of the future. Improved production practices at both the farm and plant levels combined with carbon sequestration technologies preparing to be deployed can make biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel net carbon negative over the next decade. That’s something that wind and solar can never achieve. Any plan to significantly reduce carbon emissions over the next decade must include biofuels and it is our hope after his visit today Administrator Regan will confidently carry that message back to policy makers in D.C.”



ICGA President Addresses Biofuels and Carbon with EPA Administrator Regan and USDA Secretary Vilsack

Today, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Carl Jardon represented corn farmers at an in-person, on-farm meeting with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The following is a statement from Jardon.

“ICGA thanks EPA Administrator Regan and Secretary Vilsack for prioritizing this Iowa farm visit and providing the opportunity to speak about advancements in farming practices that are driving lower carbon biofuels. Carbon sequestration is a top federal policy priority for ICGA members as incentivizing farmers’ voluntary improvements in ag production practices and opportunities to credit soil carbon sequestration will continue to lower the carbon footprint of biofuels. Biofuels like ethanol are an immediate, effective, and affordable pathway for agriculture and rural America to help combat climate change. ICGA looks forward to working with the Biden Administration and appreciates Administrator Regan’s and Secretary Vilsack’s continued support and leadership on multiple topics as Iowa corn farmers seek to expand ethanol’s share of the fuel tank and accelerate carbon reduction in the transportation and agriculture sectors today.”



New Composting Publication Offers Practical Steps for Livestock Producers

Composting has long been an option for livestock mortality disposal. It generally can be done on farm, requires little in the way of equipment and additional supplies, and the end product may be used to enhance soil fertility.

Although composting has not been standard operating procedure on many farms due to other established processes, some new or potential situation changes have led to renewed interest in composting. Whether you’re interested in reducing or eliminating rendering truck stops on-site or are working on an overall biosecurity plan for your operation, composting now could be on your radar.

A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center can help provide the information needed.

Dave Stender, swine specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is one of the authors. While the publication is written for beginners, anyone who wants to learn more about issues, options and steps can benefit.

“Two primary worries about composting are odor and leachate, which is the water that has percolated through a solid,” he said. “Both of these are easily addressed by selecting and managing appropriate co-compost materials.”

The publication outlines how to set up the base for the compost, cover the carcass to shed rain, and choose the co-compost material that will act as a biofilter to stop any adverse odors.

Download the publication "Field Tips for Successful Composting" at no charge from the Iowa State Extension Store https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16100.

The Iowa Pork Industry Center was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.

 For more information, Stender can be reached at 712-261-0225 or dstender@iastate.edu.



Milestone Reached as Gevo Breaks Ground on Renewable Natural Gas Project in Northwest Iowa
 
Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), announced today that it has officially broken ground on the Renewable Natural Gas (“RNG”) Project, located in Northwest Iowa, which will generate RNG captured from dairy cow manure.

“Breaking ground on this project is an exciting step in bringing Gevo’s Net-Zero strategy closer to life,” said Dr. Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “Upon completion of the project in 2022, the digesters are anticipated to generate approximately 355,000 MMBtu of RNG per year and reduce significant quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from being released into the atmosphere. After the methane is extracted from the processed manure, the remaining solids will be returned to the farmers as soil nutrients for use as fertilizer. This will allow the farmers to reduce their raw manure application, which will improve odor, water quality and nutrient management practices.”



ARM Program Publishes 2021 Drug Residue Prevention Manual

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program published its 2021 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual and accompanying pocket guide, an on-farm educational tool that promotes best management practices for administering treatment to dairy cattle. The annual publication also provides a comprehensive list of FDA-approved drugs for use in cattle with their associated milk and meat withdrawal times, along with milk and urine screening test information. The pocket guide offers a quick reference to these informational charts in a small, laminated, ring-bound booklet.

“The U.S. dairy industry is committed to antibiotic stewardship and appropriate use of all medications used for our dairy cattle,” says Karen Jordan, DVM, chair of the NMPF Animal Health and Well-Being Committee. “The Drug Residue Prevention Manual has helped dairy farmers make educated choices when working with their veterinarians to care for their animals for more than 30 years.”

When dairy animals get sick or injured and treatment is necessary, producers and veterinarians use antibiotics and other drugs prudently. The manual serves as a resource for producers and veterinarians, and includes information on:
    Residue prevention best practices
    Record keeping and herd health
    Drug administration
    Culling of animals
    Residue testing
    Drug classes
    Approved drugs and screening tests

“Collaborating with veterinarians and dairy professionals to advance the responsible use of antibiotics and preserve animal health and welfare is at the core of our partnership with the FARM program,” says Mike Lormore DVM, MS, MBA, head of U.S. cattle technical services at Zoetis.

The FARM Program is grateful for Zoetis’s partnership. Their sponsorship supports the development of on-farm resource development for U.S. dairy farmers, such as the manual.

The dairy industry is committed to producing the highest quality, safe, abundant, and affordable milk and dairy beef. All medications must be used appropriately under veterinary guidance to prevent residues from occurring in milk and dairy beef.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for 12 dairy producer seats on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.  Nominations are due May 31, 2021. Appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning Nov. 1, 2021, and ending Oct. 31, 2024.

USDA is seeking nominees for:
    One seat for Region 1 (Alaska, Oregon and Washington)
    Two seats for Region 2 (California and Hawaii)
    One seat for Region 4 (Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)
    One seat for Region 5 (Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota)
    Two seats for Region 6 (Wisconsin)
    One seat for Region 7 (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska)
    One seat for Region 8 (Idaho)
    One seat for Region 9 (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia)
    One seat for Region 11 (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
    One seat for Region 12 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont)

Nominees must be dairy producers in the region for which they are nominated. The 37-member board consists of 36 dairy producers from 12 regions and one dairy importer. Nomination forms are available on the AMS National Dairy Promotion and Research Board webpage. For more information, contact Jill Hoover at (202) 720-1069 or jill.hoover@usda.gov.

The board is industry-funded and supports the research, marketing and promotion of dairy products.

AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of its industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.



USDA Dairy Products March 2021 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.18 billion pounds, 4.8 percent above March 2020 and 12.6 percent above February 2021.  Italian type cheese production totaled 503 million pounds, 3.6 percent above March 2020 and 13.5 percent above February 2021.  American type cheese production totaled 479 million pounds, 7.3 percent above March 2020 and 12.4 percent above February 2021.  Butter production was 199 million pounds, 0.6 percent below March 2020 but 6.8 percent above February 2021.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with March 2020)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 198 million pounds, up 14.1 percent.
Skim milk powder - 38.3 million pounds, down 31.4 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with March 2020)
Dry whey, total - 84.3 million pounds, up 0.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 101 million pounds, up 6.8 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 46.0 million pounds, up 14.7 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with March 2020)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 69.1 million gallons, up 7.5 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 43.1 million gallons, up 0.6 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.56 million gallons, down 5.8 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.18 million gallons, down 11.9 percent.



National Beef Checkoff Petition Committee Seeks Assistance from Beef Checkoff Board and USDA

Leaders of the National Beef Checkoff Petition Committee sent a letter last week to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB)) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking their assistance in offering more U.S. cattle producers the opportunity to sign the petition for a referendum of the beef checkoff program. There has not been a referendum of the mandatory National Beef Checkoff Program in 35 years.

Addressed to CBB chair Hugh Sanburg, and the USDA official that oversees the government-controlled national beef checkoff program, Kahl Sesker, the letter asks the two officials to share their electronic databases of persons whose contact information the CBB and USDA have captured through their Web-based platforms as well as the database the CBB and USDA uses to conduct their annual producer attitude survey.

Two of the leaders of the National Beef Checkoff Petition Committee, Bryan Hanson, President of the South Dakota Livestock Auction Markets Association, and Steve Stratford, Owner of Stratford Angus, wrote that the contact information in the databases of checkoff-paying cattle producers possessed by the CBB and USDA would be used to ensure that every cattle producer is afforded the opportunity to ask for a referendum through the petition process.

Hanson and Stratford stated that when the databases are provided, “We could then send each person in those databases a petition, affording them the opportunity to sign and return.”

The letter identifies three databases the CBB and USDA control that would be “instrumental in providing untold numbers of United States cattle producers the opportunity to exercise their right and privilege to sign a USDA-authorized petition for the purpose of asking for a referendum of their Beef Checkoff Program.”

Those databases include contact information for cattle producers who receive the CBB/USDA newsletter The Drive, the electronic sign-up the CBB/USDA maintains on their beef checkoff program website to receive questions and comments from cattle producers, and the list of producers from which they solicit information about producers’ attitudes in the checkoff’s annual producer attitude survey.

The National Beef Checkoff Petition Committee’s webpage at www.checkoffvote.com currently has about 7,750 signed petitions and committee leaders indicate thousands of hard-copy petitions have also been received through the mail. The USDA has stated that 88,269 cattle producers must sign the petition in order for a producer-initiated referendum to be held.

The committee leaders said the CBB and USDA’s databases likely include enough names to ensure that the required number of cattle producers are offered the opportunity to sign the USDA-authorized petition, which will give producers the first opportunity in 35 years to vote on the future of the mandatory National Beef Checkoff Program.



NBB Requests Meeting with EPA Administrator Regan

Today, the National Biodiesel Board sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, asking for an opportunity to present the findings of a new study, "Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel and Residential Heating Oil." The study from Trinity Consultants quantifies the public health benefits and resulting economic savings of using 100% biodiesel in U.S. communities near heavy transportation corridors -- an emerging area of concern for the Environmental Protection Agency.

"We believe that including biodiesel and renewable diesel in the administration's plans to address carbon is fully consistent with your agency's focus on environmental justice," writes Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs.

"We appreciate Administrator Regan's commitment to ensuring that biofuels play a role in achieving the nation's carbon reduction goals," Kovarik adds. "While the Biden administration has not yet explicitly included biofuels in the American Jobs Plan or the Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Accord, we believe it should. We would like the opportunity to show Administrator Regan how biodiesel and renewable diesel can support EPA's goals to address climate change and environmental justice issues."

NBB's newly published study shows that switching to 100% biodiesel for home heating oil and transportation could annually bring the 13 communities studied:
    340 fewer premature deaths.
    46,000 fewer lost workdays.
    $3 billion in avoided health care costs.
    203,000 fewer or lessened asthma attacks for communities near heavy-duty transportation corridors.
    17,000 fewer lung problems for communities that rely primarily on oil for home heating.

Additionally, the switch would bring a 45% reduction in cancer risk for communities near heavy-duty transportation corridors and an 86% reduction in cancer risk for communities that rely primarily on oil for home heating.

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans.



U.S. Ethanol Exports Rebound on Near-Record Shipments to China; U.S. DDGS Exports Also Higher
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.
    
American exports of ethanol accelerated in March to 133.0 million gallons (mg), the second-largest volume in a year and up 31% from February’s dip. Exports to China spiked from 4.7 mg to 48.3 mg for the country’s second-largest monthly imports of American ethanol on record (and narrowly missing the April 2016 high). Similarly, shipments to Canada accelerated by 85% to a four-month high of 34.2 mg, and India’s imports were up 13% over February to 16.8 mg. These three countries received three-fourths of all ethanol shipped in March. Other substantial markets include South Korea (7.1 mg, -67%), Brazil (5.3 mg, -32%), the Philippines (4.6 mg, -5%), and Peru (4.5 mg, +3%). Total U.S. ethanol exports for the first three months of the year totaled 399.3 mg, or 18% less than last year at this time.
 
For the third consecutive month, the U.S. did not log any meaningful volumes of foreign ethanol imports (6,160 gallons shipped from Canada in March). This marks the smallest volume of total first quarter imports in four years.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—rebounded by 13% in March to 882,553 metric tons (mt). Two-thirds of U.S. exports were destined for five markets, with the remaining volumes distributed among 31 countries. Shipments to Mexico rebuilt following a sizeable slump in February with 174,928 mt crossing the border. This is equivalent to 20% of total U.S. exports in March and a 42% increase over the prior month. Shipments to Vietnam nearly doubled to a seven-month high of 130,985 mt. Exports to South Korea of 100,771 mt were 24% higher and Turkey’s imports of 84,787 mt saw an 88% improvement. Indonesia imported 80,822 mt, a slight (0.5%) decline from February. Other larger trade partners include Thailand (54,151 mt), Canada (36,827 mt), Japan (28,417 mt), Colombia (25,640 mt), and Morocco (23,331 mt). Total DDGS exports for Q1 2021 totaled 2.58 million mt, which tracks 6% behind last year.



Listening Session for Beginning Farmers on Impacts of COVID-19

On Thursday, May 6th from 1:30-3:30 pm EST, the Farm Service Agency and the Agricultural Marketing Service will host a virtual listening session with beginning farmers and ranchers to hear how COVID-19 has impacted their farming operations—from market disruptions to supply chain issues.

Beginning farmers and ranchers are invited to share their experiences in navigating USDA’s resources for assistance, discuss how their businesses have been impacted, and share how they are adapting their operations. USDA will use insights from this session to inform discussions about outreach strategies, programmatic needs, technical assistance, and accessible program delivery.

AMS and Farm Production and Conservation Leadership as well as USDA’s National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator will provide relevant program updates.

Register Here - Zoom (zoomgov.com) https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-HrY_vD6SYmlamJOsuRtpg.  



Seaboard Seeks to Delay Court Decision Limiting Slaughter Speeds

U.S. pork processor Seaboard Foods wants to pursue a 10-1/2-month delay to a federal court decision that would force it to slow the speed of hog slaughtering at a massive Oklahoma pork plant, according to court documents.

The second-biggest U.S. pig producer seeks to intervene in the line speed case after a federal judge ruled against a Trump administration policy allowing pork plants to run slaughter line speeds as fast as they want, as long as they prevent fecal contamination and minimize bacteria, reports Reuters.

As the first U.S. pork company to invest in machinery to run line speeds faster under the rule, Seaboard stands to lose from the decision. The Biden administration has sought to emphasize worker safety and is not expected to challenge the court.

Seaboard sped up its Guymon, Oklahoma, facility last year. Workers told Reuters the faster line speeds increased injuries at the plant.

A lawsuit brought against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union had challenged the 2019 rule over concerns about worker safety.

A judge in U.S. District Court in Minnesota invalidated the rule on March 31 but stayed the decision for 90 days to give companies and the Biden administration time to adapt.

Seaboard said in court filings on Friday it will need 313 days more to clear out excess hogs from its production process if the company is required to revert to slower processing speeds.



Koch Agronomic Services Completes Acquisition of Compass Minerals' North American Micronutrient Assets

Koch Agronomic Services, LLC (Koch) completed its acquisition of Compass Minerals' (NYSE: CMP) North American micronutrient assets, the global intellectual property rights, with trademarks and patents and certain other assets associated with Wolf Trax®, Rocket Seeds® and Hydro Bullet™ product platforms.

In early April 2021, Koch announced the agreement to purchase Compass Minerals' North American micronutrient assets to further Koch's commitment to help growers around the world improve nutrient efficiency, utilization and uptake.

"The agreement with Compass Minerals is consistent with Koch's vision of providing our customers with innovative solutions focused on plant nutrition," said Steve Coulter, senior vice president of Koch. "We are excited to offer these products in conjunction with our current portfolio of nitrogen efficiency solutions to help growers across the globe meet their operational goals."

Koch will continue efforts to develop and introduce innovative solutions for agriculture. These efforts align with Koch's objective of growing from a leader in nitrogen efficiency to a leader as a nutrient efficiency solutions provider that offers products designed to allow every pound of nutrient to be more efficient than it is today.

"We look forward to fully integrating the products into our existing portfolio, along with the addition of new team members to better support new customers and geographies," said Coulter. "The Koch team will focus on delivering the entire portfolio of Koch products to new and current customers."

Monday May 3 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 2, 2021, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11% very short, 26% short, 62% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 42%, behind 55% last year, but ahead of 36% for the five-year average. Emerged was 2%, behind 8% last year, and near 5% average.

Soybeans planted was 20%, behind 29% last year, but ahead of 12% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 6% very poor, 12% poor, 40% fair, 39% good, and 3% excellent.

Sorghum planted was 1%, behind 6% last year, and near 2% average.

Oats planted was 92%, ahead of 86% last year and 80% average. Emerged was 73%, well ahead of 53% last year and 50% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 6% very poor, 16% poor, 37% fair, 37% good, and 4% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION

 Planting of corn and soybean crops accelerated during the week ending May 2, 2021 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week due to limited precipitation. Other field activities such as applying anhydrous and dry fertilizer were sporadic, due to strong winds.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 17% very short, 38% short, 45% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 14% very short, 44% short, 42% adequate and 0% surplus. Dry conditions are a concern.

Iowa farmers were able to plant almost half of the State’s expected corn crop during the week ending May 2 for a total of 69% planted, 9 days ahead of the 5-year average. With the week’s warmer temperatures, there were scattered reports of corn emerged.

Iowa farmers planted over one-third of the expected soybean crop during the week ending May 2 for a total of 43% planted, 12 days ahead of normal.

Ninety-five percent of Iowa’s expected oat crop has been planted, 2 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Statewide 51% of the oat crop has emerged, 3 days ahead of average.

Pasture condition rated 41% good to excellent. Reports were received of slow growth due to lack of moisture. No livestock problems were reported.



Corn Planting Progress Jumps 29 Percentage Points

After trailing the five-year average pace the previous week, corn planting jumped back to well ahead of normal last week as farmers took advantage of the much warmer weather to return to fieldwork with a vengeance, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.

Corn planting progress jumped a whopping 29 percentage points last week to reach 46% complete as of Sunday, May 2. That is slightly behind last year's pace at the same time of 48% but is 10 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 36%. It's also a significant turnaround from last Monday's report when corn planting was 3 percentage points behind average.  Meanwhile, corn emergence continued to run slightly behind normal, at 8% as of Sunday compared to the five-year average of 9%.

The warmer weather last week also allowed soybean planting to accelerate. NASS estimated that 24% of the crop was planted as of Sunday, up 16 percentage points from the previous week and 13 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 11%. In last week's report, soybean planting was 3 percentage points ahead of average.

Development of winter wheat, however, trails the normal pace. Winter wheat heading was estimated at 27% as of Sunday, 7 percentage points behind the five-year average of 34%.  Winter wheat condition fell again slightly to 48% good to excellent as of Sunday, down 1 percentage point from 49% the previous week and below last year's rating of 55%.

Spring wheat planting remains well ahead of normal last week, at 49% complete as of Sunday, 17 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 32%. Spring wheat emerged was estimated at 14%, also ahead of the five-year average of 10%.

Sorghum was 20% planted, up just 1 percentage point from the previous week. Cotton planting was 16% complete, equal to the five-year average. Rice was 64% planted, and 38% of the crop had emerged.  Oats were 72% planted as of Sunday, and emergence was at 47%.



NE Grain & Feed Association Elects to Dissolve

Industry advocacy evolves with global economy as the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association (NEGFA) culminates 125 years of service to Nebraska’s commercial grain and animal feed manufacturing businesses. Throughout the 125 years, the Association represented and served as a home for Nebraska’s lumber, livestock, and ethanol businesses before each industry evolved and formed its own association.

Over the past four years, the Association has been on a journey of re-establishing itself, reflecting on its accomplishments, and investigating how it could best evolve to meet the needs of a changing industry today and in the future.

Surveys, member visits, discussions with like groups, and many board brainstorming and evaluation discussions resulted in a decision. On March 10, 2021, the Board of Directors voted to dissolve the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association.

The Board of Directors supports dissolving the Association so that agribusiness resources can be better utilized where they are needed the most and to best allow member businesses to be involved in national and international conversations and educational opportunities within the regulatory and policy world.

“This was a very difficult decision,” said NEGFA Board of Directors President Scott Sterkel. “The Association has explored many options and exhausted our resources, always coming back to the same conclusion. With decreased member involvement and lack of funds, we do not have the ability to serve our membership in a capacity that benefits them.”

Members were asked to attend a virtual Special Member Meeting April 22, 2021, to hear from the Board the timeline, process, and highlights of strategic plans discussed for the Association that ended with the Board’s decision to dissolve. Members were able to provide feedback and concerns at this meeting. Staff and board members also took calls from stakeholders during the time between the Board’s vote and the Special Member Meeting.

The Board believes dissolution will help align members’ resources with interests to best serve the businesses in a world that continues to evolve.



Renewable Fuels Month spotlights benefits of homegrown fuel options

As temperatures begin to rise and schools dismiss for the school year, families may soon be hitting the road to enjoy summer vacations. The month of May typically kicks off the summer driving season, and it’s also a time to celebrate Nebraska’s biofuel industries through Renewable Fuels Month. Since 2006, the acting Nebraska governor has dedicated one month out of each year to recognize the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Nationally, Nebraska ranks No. 2 in ethanol production with 25 ethanol plants across the state. The industry employs over 1,400 Nebraskans in rural areas of the state. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ethanol is currently blended in over 95% of the nation’s fuel supply. A healthy ethanol sector boosts Nebraska’s corn and livestock industries and adds to a thriving state economy.

“As a corn and cattle farmer, ethanol is vital to my farming operation,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and farmer from Friend. “In Nebraska, 31% of our state’s corn is used in ethanol production. From the production of ethanol, we also get distillers grains, a protein-rich livestock feed for my cattle. For every bushel of corn used for ethanol, we’re able to get a cleaner-burning fuel and co-products for our value-added livestock industries.”

Each year, Nebraska’s ethanol industry produces nearly 2.1 billion gallons of ethanol, which are used locally, domestically and abroad. While ethanol supports the state’s agricultural industry and rural economies, it also benefits consumers in numerable ways.

“By using ethanol blends, consumers are really improving our environment and enhancing their engine performance all while saving money,” said Jan tenBensel, chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) and farmer from Cambridge. “Ethanol is a fuel made from plants, which makes it renewable, unlike petroleum. It’s cleaner-burning and reduces the emissions of cancer-causing chemicals into the atmosphere from the tailpipe. Ethanol is also a natural octane booster, which supports overall engine performance. You would think a fuel like this would cost more, but it’s actually less expensive at the pumps.”

As environmental issues continue to spark national discussions, both ethanol and biodiesel are well-suited to combat global warming and promote cleaner air. Ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 43% compared to regular gasoline, and biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Like ethanol, the biodiesel industry works synergistically with Nebraska’s livestock sector. A healthy biodiesel industry provides nearly $58.5 million dollars a year in aggregate benefits to beef and pork producers due to decreased meal expenses and the use of inedible tallow and white grease as a biodiesel feedstock. An estimated 7.86 billion pounds of soybean oil went to biodiesel production in 2019-’20.

“Farmers are always looking for ways to maximize overall efficiency and productivity, and the same holds true for our biofuel industries” said Eugene Goering, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board and farmer from Columbus. “Science and technology continue to improve, so we’re able to produce even better fuels while reducing our overall environmental impact.”

Renewable Fuels Month kicked off with the Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon on May 2. For the third year in a row, NCB and NEB joined forces to promote ethanol to runners and spectators from all over the United States. Later in the month, Gov. Pete Ricketts will sign an official proclamation declaring May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska. Additionally, several ethanol pump promotions will be held across the state. For times and locations, visit FueledByNebraska.com.

“We’re really excited about Renewable Fuels Month as we work to share the benefits of biofuels with our state and its people,” said Tony Leiding, president of Renewable Fuels Nebraska. “I encourage everyone to help us celebrate throughout the month and continue to use higher ethanol blends throughout the summer driving season.”

Throughout May, follow the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska and the Nebraska Soybean Board on social media to keep up to date with current promotions and social media contests.



NPPD urges: “Look up and around for power lines”

Spring is slowly creeping along, which means farmers and ranchers are gearing up for planting season. On the flip side, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) urges caution in the fields when it comes to power lines and large farm equipment.

“We encourage the farming community to look up and around for powerlines,” said Scott Walz, NPPD Distribution and Transmission Maintenance Manager. “A year ago, we had a rash of contacts between equipment, primarily boom sprayers and power lines, during planting season. The contacts caused numerous power outages and fortunately no loss of life. Nevertheless, contact by with any equipment with a power line has the potential to damage the electronics in the unit.”

Walz recommends that after moving large equipment into the field, operators should review where the power lines are in relationship to their equipment. “After determining where the overhead lines are and making any adjustments to the equipment, in the case of boom sprayer, you can start to unrack the unit,” Walz pointed out. When operators complete their work, they should double-check the lines before re-racking the equipment.

“We want to keep the lights on,” Walz added, “but most importantly, we want farmers and their crews to go home safe every day.”

Contact with a powerline or even being within a few feet of the line with a piece of equipment can result in a dangerous, potentially fatal, situation. The first thing to do after making contact, or if a line falls on the equipment, is to call 911 and remain inside the vehicle as the line may still be energized. Law enforcement can contact NPPD or one of the many rural public power districts who will safely remove the lines and stabilize the situation.

In the event an individual is forced to leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible from the equipment, making sure no body part touches the equipment and the ground at the same time. It is crucial to land standing with both feet together. The individual should then shuffle their feet, making sure to never break contact with the ground or cause separation between the feet. Do not attempt to return to the equipment and always wait for emergency responders and the power utility to respond.

Spring Safety Tips:
• Each day review all farm activities and work practices that will take place around power lines and remind all workers to take precautions. Start each morning by planning the day’s work during a tailgate safety meeting.
• Know what jobs will happen near power lines and have a plan to keep the assigned workers safe.
• Know the location of power lines, and when setting up the farm equipment, be at least 20 feet away from them.
• Contact your local public power provider if you feel a safe distance cannot be achieved.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your public power utility to repair them.
• Contact your local public power provider if you feel a safe distance cannot be achieved.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. If power lines near your property have sagged over time, call your public power utility to repair them.

For more information, check out the spring  safety video on NPPD’s YouTube page. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqwRQwb-LU.



CONTROLLING MUSK THISTLE
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension

Did you have musk thistles last year?  If so, I’m sure you’ll have them again this spring.  And even through you may have done some herbicide control last fall, there are always those that may have been missed.  

This warmer spring weather and recent moisture probably has you anxious to get into the field for planting.  Don’t forget, though, that this also a very good time to control musk thistles.  And I’ll also bet that you can get into your pastures to spray at least one or two days sooner than you can get into row crop fields to plant.

The current short rosette growth form in the spring is the ideal stage for controlling these plants.  That means spray herbicides soon, while your musk thistle plants still are in that rosette form, and very few plants will live to send up flowering stalks.

Several herbicides are effective and recommended for musk thistle control.  Some popular herbicides include Milestone, GrazonNext, and Gunslinger P+D.  These herbicides will help control other difficult weeds like common mullein as well.

Other herbicides that can control musk thistles in pastures this spring include Chaparral, Cimarron, and Curtail.  A tank mix of dicamba and 2,4-D also works very well.  No matter which weed killer you use, though, be sure to read and follow label instructions, and be especially sure to spray on time.

All these herbicides will work for you this spring if you spray soon, before musk thistles bolt and send up their flowering stalks.  After flowering, though, the shovel is about the only method remaining to control thistles this year.



NeFU Foundation Announces “Give to Lincoln” Contributions Will Support The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) Foundation announced their “Give to Lincoln” contributions this year will once again be used to directly support the operation of the “Nebraska Rural Response Hotline”.

All contributions are tax deductible and a portion of the contributions raised will be matched by “Give to Lincoln”. Last year, a record setting $2,729 in contributions were received, and “Give to Lincoln” added $210.28 to support the Hotline. NeFU Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the Hotline.

NeFU along with Nebraska Grange, Nebraska Women Involved in Farm Economics, and members of the church community came together to form the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline in 1984 in response to the farm crisis of the 1980’s. The Nebraska Rural Response Council sponsors and oversees the Hotline. The Hotline is administered by the Farm and Ranch Project of Legal Aid of Nebraska at their Bancroft office. Legal Aid of Nebraska has staffed the Hotline since 1984, and augments Hotline services with their own programs.

The Hotline is a national leader in the services it provides to farm, ranch, and rural families in their time of need. The services include food, financial and bookkeeping assistance, legal counseling and services, and free $75 per hour mental health vouchers with an ag knowledgeable professional counselor. In 2020, the Hotline provided a record setting 3,346 mental health vouchers. When people call 800-464-0258, help is but a phone call away. In 2020, the Hotline received 4,550 calls.

“Give to Lincoln” Link:  https://www.givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/nebraska-farmers-union-foundation
NeFU Foundation link: https://www.nebraskafarmersunion.org

John Hansen, who serves as the Secretary for both the Farm Crisis Council and NeFU Foundation said, “Our Nebraska Rural Response Hotline is a true lifeline and blessing for rural families in crisis. Thanks to our partners we are able to help get rural families in crisis get the help they need. This is a truly unique, Nebraska nice effort. Contributions of all sizes are put to good use. Thanks for your consideration.”



Agricultural Land Management Quarterly Webinar Series

The Department of Agricultural Economics' Agricultural Land Management Quarterly webinar series offers management advice and insight for Nebraska landowners, agricultural producers and others with an interest in agricultural land. The webinars will conclude with an “Ask the Experts” session where participants can get answers to their land or lease questions.

Presenters: Jim Jansen & Allan Vyhnalek

Upcoming Webinars: Spring 2021
May 17, Noon CT

Recent Trends in Nebraska Cash Rental Rates
Trends in cash rent for 2020 across Nebraska; financial implications for changes in land values and cash rents Proper communication and decision-making for agricultural land, improving communication between landlords, tenants and family members; ask the experts.

Register here:  https://agecon.unl.edu/landmanagement.  



Corn Farmers Launch Campaign to Open Minds, Share Sustainability Story in Washington

This Saturday, key public policy influencers in our nation’s capital met the corn farmers of America’s Heartland in their homes, at the airport, and even while listening to their favorite podcasts as the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) launched a campaign highlighting their incredible sustainability story. By reaching “Inside the Beltway,” this campaign, made possible by a collaboration with state associations and highlighting the authentic stories of corn farmers, is designed to open doors and build trust by highlighting the role farmers play in combatting today’s most pressing environmental issues.

“Even in 2021, corn farming remains, at its heart, a family operation rooted in the earth,” said John Linder, NCGA President and a farmer from Ohio. “In many cases, such as mine, this vocation goes back multiple generations. America’s family farmers take great pride in the past, but we are working to build a future with healthy soil, clean air and clean water. Whether you live in D.C. or Edison, work in Congress or a tractor cab, we care about the future of our families and want the best for them. Working together, corn farmers can break down the barriers that stand between us and our goals for tomorrow.”

This campaign, created by National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates in collaboration, supports ongoing work in Washington to build relationships based on our many common shared values with authentic stories and backed up by facts.

"We have a great story - but it has to be told. Through this campaign, we put real faces on today's family farmers to showcase the environmental advances being made in the industry and share the excitement around innovation in ag," said Linder.



March Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.65 million tons (188 million bushels) in March 2021, compared with 4.93 million tons (164 million bushels) in February 2021 and 5.76 million tons (192 million bushels) in March 2020. Crude oil produced was 2.22 billion pounds up 15 percent from February 2021 and up 1 percent from March 2020. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.76 billion pounds during March 2021 increased 22 percent from February 2021 and increased 10 percent from March 2020.



March Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 473 million bushels in March 2021. Total corn consumption was up 25 percent from February 2021 and up 1 percent from March 2020. March 2021 usage included 91.1 percent for alcohol and 8.9 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.72 million bushels, up 35 percent from February 2021 but down 8 percent from March 2020. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 420 million bushels, was up 26 percent from February 2021 and up 2 percent from March 2020. Corn consumed in March 2021 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.5 percent and 8.5 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.80 million tons during March 2021, up 28 percent from February 2021 and up 9 percent from March 2020. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.11 million tons in March 2021, up 26 percent from February 2021 but down 12 percent from March 2020.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 266,308 tons during March 2021, up 22 percent from February 2021 but down 9 percent from March 2020. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 206,831 tons in March 2021, up 22 percent from February 2021 but down 6 percent from March 2020.



Q1 Flour Milling Products

All wheat ground for flour during the first quarter 2021 was 225 million bushels, down 3 percent from the fourth quarter 2020 grind of 231 million bushels and down 4 percent from the first quarter 2020 grind of 233 million bushels. First quarter 2021 total flour production was 104 million hundredweight, down 3 percent from the fourth quarter 2020 and down 4 percent from the first quarter 2020. Whole wheat flour production, at 4.83 million hundredweight during the first quarter 2021, accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the first quarter 2021 was 1.63 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the first quarter 2021 was 1.59 million hundredweight.

Flour Milling Products 2020 Summary
All wheat ground for flour in 2020 was 918 million bushels, up 1 percent from 2019. The total flour production was 426 million hundredweight, up 1 percent from 2019. Total whole wheat flour production in 2020 was 20.1 million hundredweight, down 10 percent from 2019.



Feeder Cattle Adjust to Limited Fed Cattle Opportunities and Higher Feeding Costs
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Futures price for most the live cattle and feeder cattle contract have shown substantial weakness through much of April 2021. Optimism from late in the winter and early in the spring is being replaced by realism that it is going to take another 2-3 months to work through the large front-loaded fed animal inventories, that fed animal slaughter is at capacity, and that costs of gain are now substantially higher than the past several years. Futures prices now reflect more the conditions that the underlaying cash market has been showing since the beginning of the year. The cash market has been much less optimistic than the futures market – although the futures have changed over the prior month.

Fed cattle slaughter has been persistently high for much of the year and Saturday slaughter has been routinely over 60 thousand head. Combined fed steer and heifer slaughter has been just short of 525 thousand head per week. And it is likely that this is a reasonable maximum that the packing industry can process. Packer margins are strong but there is little incentive to pay more for fed cattle when plants are operating six days per week. There is little to no possibility to process more cattle regardless of the incentive to do so. There are a lot of historical relationships that are irrelevant when the packing industry is essentially at capacity. Market-ready inventories need to be reduced. This appears to be happening in that the last Cattle on Feed report communicated drops in both cattle on feed over 120 and 150 days. But supplies will likely be abundant into late summer.

The other market event complicating feeder cattle and calf market outlook is the substantial rally in feed prices. The corn futures market increased $2 per bushel between August of last year and mid-January. The July contract held steady at about $5.25 until the Prospective Planting report surprises. Since the end of March, the contract has increased an additional $1.50. This market is clearly rationing old crop among users of corn. The formula cost of gain for cattle this summer is well above $1 per pound. The feeding margin between OCT live, JUL corn, and MAY feeders is breakeven – the details depending on the basis. If live cattle have little upside and the corn market continues to ration old crop, then it is feeder cattle that have to adjust. While margin calls are uncomfortable, forward pricing in a rallying spring feeder cattle market again proves to be a smart perspective.



EPA Asks Court to Vacate Trump Administration’s Last-Minute Refinery Exemptions

The Renewable Fuels Association today welcomed news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit asking the court to vacate and remand three last-minute small refinery exemptions granted to Sinclair by the previous administration.
 
According to EPA’s April 30 filing, the agency under the previous administration failed to properly analyze the waiver petitions submitted by Sinclair. The filing says the Trump administration’s EPA “…granted exemption extensions that EPA now believes are ‘outside the scope of the EPA’s statutory authority.’”
 
Commenting on the news, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “We strongly support EPA’s request for vacatur and remand of these three midnight-hour exemptions that were handed out to Sinclair in the waning moments of the Trump administration. If allowed to stand, these improperly granted exemptions would have erased demand for another 260 million gallons of low-carbon renewable fuels, undermining the rural communities that depend on a strong RFS. We are greatly encouraged by EPA’s actions, which are consistent with President Biden’s commitment to stem the tide of unwarranted refinery exemptions and put the RFS back on track.”
 
BACKGROUND
With less than 24 hours remaining before the inauguration of President Joe Biden, EPA on January 19 announced that three small refinery exemptions had been issued to unidentified refineries, letting those facilities out of their Renewable Fuel Standard compliance obligations for 2018 and 2019.
 
As noted in EPA’s brief, RFA immediately filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of the exemptions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, even though the identity of the refineries was unknown at the time. On January 21, the D.C. Circuit granted the administrative stay requested by RFA. Sinclair later confirmed that its Wyoming refineries were the recipients of all three exemptions, and the proceedings then moved to the Tenth Circuit.
 
In its April 30 filing, EPA said the previous administration “…did not analyze determinative legal questions regarding whether Sinclair’s refineries qualified to receive extensions of the small refinery exemption under controlling case law established by this Court in Renewable Fuels Association v. EPA…, and there is substantial uncertainty whether, if EPA performed such an analysis, it could grant the petitions submitted by Sinclair.”
 
Notably, EPA’s brief underscores that Sinclair has already retired the RINs necessary to demonstrate compliance with its 2018 and 2019 RFS obligations. Thus, vacating the three exemptions, as requested by EPA, would preserve stability in the marketplace “…by ensuring that the RINs that Sinclair already retired to demonstrate its small refineries’ compliance with their 2018 and 2019 compliance obligations remain retired.”



Growth Energy Welcomes EPA’s Moves to Vacate Last-Minute SREs

Today, Growth Energy welcomed news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) filed a motion in the D.C. Circuit to vacate three last-minute SREs issued on January 19, 2021 and to remand to EPA for further consideration:

“EPA is addressing the previous administration’s mishandling of the SRE program, including the midnight-hour grants of three SREs to Sinclair. We are hopeful that EPA will continue to rein in the SRE program to achieve its limited purpose and ensure that the RFS advances the biofuels industry today and in the years to come,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.



NMPF Offers Dairy Industry Support to Ambassador Tai on Expanding Agricultural Markets

In a meeting today with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and NMPF’s Chairman Randy Mooney offered to closely collaborate with Ambassador Tai and the entire Biden Administration on trade in order to strengthen the health of the U.S. dairy industry to allow for further expansion of the hundreds of thousands of dairy-reliant jobs across the country.  

“From farmers to farm workers, dairy manufacturers, milk haulers, and port workers – all these are just some of the Americans that are increasingly reliant on dairy exports for their prosperity,” Mulhern said. “Expanding access for Made-In-America dairy products and eliminating the non-tariff trade barriers that impede them is fundamental to supporting the U.S. dairy industry and the millions more who depend on a robust dairy supply chain.”  

In the meeting with Ambassador Tai, Mulhern emphasized the need for new market opportunities, noting in particular the importance of enforcement of existing trade agreements such as ensuring Canada meets its trade obligations; countering European Union attempts to misuse common food names through inappropriate geographical indication rules; engaging with Mexico to ensure a normal flow of trade; and concluding new market expanding trade agreements.

“We’re grateful to Ambassador Tai for taking the time to meet with us and discuss a few of the trade-related issues on the minds of America’s dairy farmers,” said Mulhern. “Our industry is an agricultural leader in improving sustainability, promoting high animal care standards, and providing high quality products. Together with the U.S. Dairy Export Council we’re eager to work closely with the Ambassador and her team to meet growing global dairy demand with sustainably produced American dairy products.”



Leaders for hire: Land O'Lakes, Inc. unveils American Connection Corps

Land O’Lakes, Inc. today announced the formation of a new program for leaders aimed at a boots-on-the-ground effort to boost local internet connectivity and the benefits it provides. The program, the American Connection Corps, will be led in conjunction with Lead for America (LFA) and funded through the support of Heartland Forward and 19 additional partner organizations. Applications open today for a two-year, full-time paid fellowship. Fifty Fellows will serve in local public-serving institutions in their hometowns and will be empowered to serve as community leaders focused specifically on connectivity.

“Millions of families are operating day-to-day with a lack of basic infrastructure -- adequate broadband access -- that has become a necessity in today’s world and, frankly, a fundamental right. Action cannot wait,” said Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “Through our years-long work on broadband advocacy and conversations with our farmers, our customers and so many others, we’ve seen and heard firsthand how critical digital infrastructure is to the success of communities and businesses across America. From everyday life to prospering in a global economy, investing and focusing on this issue now will pay dividends.”

Through their proven Homecomers model, LFA will run the American Connection Corps as a separate track under their broad Fellows program. LFA will select, train and place leaders in two-year, full-time paid fellowships with local institutions (e.g. local governments, nonprofits, community foundations) to tackle tough challenges facing the community, strengthen their hometown's civic infrastructure and join a new generation of transformational community leaders.

"Our work has shown that we can change the narrative that success means leaving home for good, and instead that leaders can create meaningful impact in their hometowns," commented Benya Kraus, co-founder of LFA.

"We are excited to put true grassroots – person-to-person outreach -- in communities across the heartland to connect their residents to high-speed internet and ensure everyone can enjoy full access to essential online services,” said Angie Cooper, chief program officer for Heartland Forward, a leading partner on the American Connection Corps initiative.

Ford continued, “This program would not be happening without the support of organizations joining with us; I’m so grateful to these partners who also recognize that together, we can take bold steps now to help solve these challenges, to help create the future and to benefit us all in our ever-connected world.”

The American Connection Corps is launching with funding from 20 partner organizations, including: Heartland Forward, CoBank, Tractor Supply Company, Microsoft, Mayo Clinic, Ariel Investments, Scoular, CHS, Zoetis, Tillamook, Accenture, University of Minnesota, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Midwest Dairy, Purdue University, Partners for Education, CentraCare, Common Sense Media and University of Illinois Extension.

Individuals interested in applying for the program are encouraged to visit Lead for America’s website and select the American Connection Corps track. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2021. The inaugural class of Fellows will be announced in early June 2021.



 USDA Announces May 2021 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced loan interest rates for May 2021, which are effective May 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures, or meet cash flow needs.

Operating and Ownership Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for historically disadvantaged producers, including beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for May 2021 are as follows:
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 1.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 3.250%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 2.500%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 2.750%

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 1.125%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 0.375%
        Five-year loan terms: 0. 875%
        Seven-year loan terms: 1.375%
        Ten-year loan terms: 1.625%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 1.750%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 2.000%

Disaster Support
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster assistance options.

Pandemic Support
Through September 1, 2021, FSA’s Disaster Set-Aside provision is available to direct loan borrowers who have been impacted by the pandemic. This enables an upcoming annual installment to be set aside for the year and added to the final installment. For annual operating loans, the loan maturity date may be extended up to twelve months in order to set aside the installment. This provision is normally used in the wake of natural disasters, and a second Disaster Set-Aside may be available for direct loan borrowers who already have a DSA in place on a loan due to another designated natural disaster.

Producers can explore available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.



AGCO Power’s multi-million investment in engine manufacturing progresses

AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, initiated an investment program worth over 100 million euros in 2019 to strengthen the manufacturing capabilities of AGCO Power, an AGCO subsidiary in Linnavuori, Finland and AGCO’s global engine product portfolio.

A new and expanded assembly plant and a logistics center were constructed in record time at the Linnavuori plant, both of which help AGCO Power modernize and streamline their engine manufacturing process.

“Despite a tight schedule and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the investment project has progressed as planned. The investments at the Linnavuori plant enable a more efficient and streamlined production process. Upgrades such as the automated logistics center and state-of-the-art robotics support improved quality, cleanliness and work ergonomics. In addition, the investment paves way for the launch of production of a new engine family by the end of 2022,” says Mr. Juha Tervala, CEO of AGCO Power.

Part of the investment was a multi-million euro overhaul to the plant’s machining line. Once fully operational, the 100% automated machining line enables flexible manufacturing of components in-house, reducing costs and increasing control over the production process.

“The successful completion of the project makes AGCO Power’s position in the global powertrain market better than ever. The new engine product family that is being developed will serve AGCO brands (Valtra, Fendt and Massey Ferguson) more effectively and offer future solutions to customers in the off-road machinery market,” Mr. Tervala continues.

AGCO Power operates globally and manufactures engines at four plants: Linnavuori, Changzhou, China, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, and General Rodriguez, Argentina, with an overall capacity of over 100,000 engines per year. In 2022, AGCO Power turns 80 years old, and the company will mark the anniversary with the completion of the plant expansion and the launch of a new, state-of-the-art engine family.

More information about AGCO Power is available at www.agcopower.com.

Friday April 30 Ag News

 Nebraska corn farmers to invest nearly $2.2 billion to plant 9.9 million acres

Corn planting season has begun in Nebraska, and farmers are expected to invest nearly $2.2 billion into this year’s crop.

Nebraska corn farmers will plant 9.9 million acres of corn in 2021 according to the latest Prospective Plantings report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If these planting estimates hold up, Nebraska corn farmers will invest nearly $2.2 billion dollars into the state’s economy over a two-month period. This amount is a result of inputs, such as seed, fuel and fertilizer, but does not include land costs, labor or equipment. Despite the seemingly high investments now, the full economic impact will be realized over time.

“Agriculture is an industry filled with risk and heavily reliant on Mother Nature,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB). “Despite the uncertainty, Nebraska’s farmers are passionate about producing an abundant supply of food, fuel and fiber, which shows through their yearly investments during the planting season. The economic impact of agriculture to Nebraska is substantial. It’s truly our No. 1 industry.”

Farmers in Nebraska historically begin to plant their corn in mid-April and try to finish by mid-May. However, weather often dictates when farmers can plant. The latest Crop Progress report issued by the USDA (released April 26, 2021), showed Nebraska farmers are 6% completed with corn planting, which is behind where the state was at this time last year (17%), and behind the five-year average (15%).

“The planting season got off to a fairly slow start, but recent favorable weather will help accelerate overall progress,” said David Bruntz, chairman of NCB and farmer from Friend. “This is a busy time for farmers, so please be cautious if you’re driving on rural roads over the next several weeks. There will be lots of machinery moving from field to field, and it’s important to take a second for safety.”

Nationally, farmers are estimated to plant nearly 91.1 million acres of corn in 2021, which is up less than 1% from last year. For more crop progress information throughout the year, follow the Nebraska Corn Board on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.



Webinar to cover USDA ag assistance programs CFAP 2, ARP

A webinar on agricultural assistance available to producers through USDA programs will be presented at noon on Thursday by Nebraska Extension and the USDA Farm Service Agency Nebraska State Office.

Farmers and ranchers may have heard of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative (PAP), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). All have been in the news, but what do they mean for Nebraska’s producers?

The webinar will provide an overview of each program and give direction for farmers and ranchers regarding the current open application period for CFAP 2 at FSA offices across the state. It will be presented by Brad Lubben, extension policy specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Cathy Anderson, production and compliance section chief with the Nebraska FSA State Office.

The webinar is part of a weekly series produced by the Farm and Ranch Management team in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics. Registration is free at https://farm.unl.edu/webinars.

Pandemic Assistance for Producers
The Farm Service Agency reopened signup for CFAP 2 on April 5, for a period of at least 60 days, to producers of commodities marketed in 2020 who faced disruptions due to COVID-19.

The American Rescue Plan includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances, as of Jan. 1, 2021, for FSA Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans debt relief to any socially disadvantaged producers with a qualifying loan from FSA.

More information about USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers is available at https://farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance.



Fencing and Grazing Clinic Offers Technology, Tours and Tools

The Fencing and Grazing Clinic, organized and hosted by the Iowa Beef Center, the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, and the Beef Teaching Farm at Iowa State University, is set for June 17 at the Beef Teaching Farm in Ames.

A variety of topics, speakers and learning opportunities make this clinic a “must-attend” for anyone who works with cattle, grazing and fencing in their operations.

“Attendees of this one-day event will learn about considerations for a grazing plan, tour the Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm and participate in a fencing demonstration led by Gallagher on permanent and temporary fencing,” said Erika Lundy, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Fencing laws, Iowa State research updates and interaction with an experienced grazier producer panel also are on the agenda.”  

Beef teaching farm manager David Bruene said participants will be able to see and ask about methods being tried on the farm for extending the grazing season and controlling cow costs.

“We’ve been experimenting with cover crops, annual forages, paddock renovation and swath grazing,” Bruene said. “The on-farm component allows us to showcase some of what we’re doing, and producers can learn from our successes and mistakes.”

Participants will be split into two groups to allow for easier hands-on demonstrations and small group discussions during both the classroom and in-field settings. The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a meal prepared by the Story County Cattlemen. The event flyer offers a quick look at topics, date, time and location, and sponsor listing.

There is no cost to attend; however, all registration must be done online on the event website at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/fencing/.

Organizers are prioritizing the health and safety of Iowans and are following the most current federal, state, local and university COVID-19 guidelines. Participants are required to wear a face covering when in the presence of others and unable to maintain a six-foot physical distance.

For more information about IBC, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org. To learn more about this event, Lundy can be reached at 641-745-5902 or ellundy@iastate.edu. Reynolds is available at bethr@iastate.edu.



Northeast NE Cattlemen Steak Fry
June 13 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm    

Tickets $40

Date:    June 13
Time:    6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Venue
    Wayne Co Fairgrounds, Wayne, NE United States  




NBB Asks USDA to Support Biodiesel in Pilot Programs, Climate Smart Agriculture

Yesterday, the National Biodiesel Board filed comments in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's requests for public input on the Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and a Rural Energy Pilot Program. NBB recommends that USDA leverage existing programs and create new pilot programs to support harvesting annual oil seed cover crops, update the lifecycle analysis of biodiesel, and expand biodiesel education.

"NBB appreciates the recognition that biofuels are part of the solution to address the climate crisis, and with the right incentives and market demand biodiesel is ready now to achieve the goals laid out in the Executive Order," writes Kurt Kovarik, NBB''s Vice President of Federal Affairs, in the comments.

"Biodiesel reduces carbon on average by 74%, and it cuts particulate matter and other criteria pollutants in both transportation and home heating," Kovarik added. "Biodiesel and renewable diesel are the most widely available advanced biofuels today; they've helped the nation reduce carbon for the past decade or more. And we appreciate USDA's continued recognition that they deserve a seat at the table as the nation addresses climate change over the coming decades."

NBB's recommendations on Tackling the Climate Crisis include:
    Under NCRS, allow harvesting of oilseed cover crops that produce low-carbon-intensity feedstocks.
    Conduct an up-to-date analysis of lifecycle emissions for soybean-oil-based biodiesel.
    Recognize biodiesel's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and criteria pollutants such as particulate matter as the agency incorporates environmental justice considerations.
    Seek permanent funding for the Biodiesel Education Program, the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, and the Advanced Biofuels Payment Program.

NBB's recommendations on the Rural Energy Pilot Program include:
    Expand this pilot program beyond distributed power to include biodiesel, renewable diesel, and Bioheat® fuel.
    Provide grants to fully fund feasibility studies and business planning based on project merits and anticipated outcomes for both distributed power and biofuel related projects.
    Offer grants to fund education to create sustainable pilot outcomes.
    Modify or broaden the rural eligibility definition.

The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industry supports 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year. Every 100 million gallons of production supports 3,200 jobs and $780 million in economic opportunity. Biodiesel production supports approximately 13 percent of the value of each U.S. bushel of soybeans.



Land O’Lakes, Inc. delivers strong results for first quarter 2021

Land O’Lakes, Inc. today reported net sales of $3.9 billion and net earnings of $136 million for the first quarter ending March 31, 2021, compared to net sales of $3.8 billion and net earnings of $37 million in 2020. Each business unit delivered strong results and increased net earnings compared to the prior year.

“The operating environment and fundamentals are strong in each business segment,” said Beth Ford, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. “The Ag sector is bolstered with our agronomic leadership in Winfield United, rising grain prices, and farmers investing in their crops in preparation for spring planting, and is well-positioned to take advantage of the most favorable market environment since 2014. As businesses continue to re-open in 2021, the marketplace for Dairy Foods Foodservice is rebounding rapidly. Animal Nutrition has also seen continued growth in the lifestyle segment as people continue to invest in their animals.”

Net sales across the company were up 4% compared to the prior year with volume growth in each of the core business segments. Dairy Foods earnings were higher due to continued volume strength in Retail and improved margins in the Global Dairy Ingredients business. Crop Inputs earnings improved due to higher volumes and favorable product mix in Crop Protection Products, in advance of spring planting. Animal Nutrition earnings were also higher for the quarter due to volume growth in both Lifestyle and Livestock Feed. Improved performance more than offset the impact of higher supply chain costs across the portfolio. 2021 first quarter performance was the strongest of the past decade for the farmer-owned cooperative.



U.S. Trade Representative Calls Out EU GI Abuses and Impacts on U.S. Exporters  

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today commended Ambassador Katherine Tai and U.S. Trade Representative Office staff, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other administration partners, for reaffirming in its Special 301 Report the U.S. government’s commitment to tackling continued European Union (EU) misuse of legitimate geographical indications (GI) protections.

USTR’s Special 301 Report, an annual publication tallying global challenges pertaining to intellectual property issues, called out the EU’s policy of blocking fair competition through the pursuit of geographical indications restricting the use of common food and beverage terms, which erect barriers to trade in products relying on common food names. “As part of its trade agreement negotiations, the EU pressures trading partners to prevent all producers, other than in certain EU regions, from using certain product names, such as fontina, gorgonzola, parmesan, asiago, or feta. This is despite the fact that these terms are the common names for products produced in countries around the world.”

“USTR has accurately diagnosed the problem. Now the task before the U.S. is to take the necessary steps to effectively curb this scourge to U.S. food and agricultural producers,” said CCFN Executive Director Jaime Castaneda. “The EU’s GI policy is intentionally barring competition from a host of other suppliers that all simply seek a level playing field including small and medium-sized family-owned companies, farmer-owned cooperatives, producers in developing countries and other actors throughout the supply chain that bear the brunt of these harmful restrictions. The U.S. must build on past advances to pursue a more proactive and effective path to combating the misuse of GIs by establishing concrete market access protections for the use of widely used terms.”

“Last year over 170 members of Congress urged an expansion of the trade toolkit the U.S. deploys to deal with geographical indications that block the use of common food names,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “It’s time to put that into practice and secure affirmative protections for the key common terms on which U.S. cheesemakers and other food producers rely. We look forward to working closely with USTR to achieve those gains to keep doors around the world open to made-in-America products.”

“U.S. dairy farmers and processors are counting on the U.S. government to have their back and defend their rights to cultivate opportunities around the world,” said Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “Our industry produces great products here at home and then works hard to market them overseas. To be as successful as possible, however, they count on strong U.S. government support to head off and combat unfair trade barriers such as geographical indications that ban the use of generic cheese terms. We want to partner with USTR to help bring the right policy tools to bear to make headway on this thorny issue.”  

CCFN filed extensive comments with USTR outlining GI-related developments, foreign governments’ roles in driving those policies and the impacts on U.S. farmers and food producers. NMPF and USDEC also submitted comments supporting CCFN’s global overview and the need for a more robust U.S. trade policy approach to tackling GI abuses.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the American Egg Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees to fill nine member and nine alternate member vacancies on the American Egg Board. Appointed members will serve a two-year term beginning March 2022 and ending March 2024. The deadline for nominations is July 1, 2021.

Any egg producers owning 75,000 or more laying hens may be nominated by a certified eligible operation. USDA will select appointees from the nominated producers.

Nomination forms, a list of the three areas and the certified eligible operations within each area are available on the AMS American Egg Board webpage. Due to reapportionment of the American Egg Board, the geographic areas were decreased from six regions to three regions. The number of members and alternates have stayed the same.

The American Egg Board is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates and administers the egg research and promotion program authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974. For more information, contact Craig Shackelford at (470) 315-4246 or Craig.Shackelford@usda.gov.

AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.