Fremont Corn Expo Jan. 8: Strategies to Stay Competitive
Information to improve corn production, marketing, and utilization will be the focus of the Jan. 8 Fremont Corn Expo. The program will help farmers and agribusiness professionals plan for the upcoming growing season. Topics and exhibits will offer strategies to help growers remain competitive in the corn industry.
Registration for the free event begins at 8 a.m. with a complimentary waffle breakfast sponsored by Fremont Area Chamber Agribusiness Council and Partners. The expo, to be held from 8:50 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the main arena at Christensen Field in Fremont, is designed for growers, crop consultants, agronomists, seed corn representatives, and others. A complimentary lunch will be served to participants courtesy of Dodge and Colfax County Farm Bureau.
Ruth MacDonald, professor and chair of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University, will present the keynote address: "Fact and Fiction about GMO in Food."
Her research has examined the dietary factors in cancer progression, specifically breast, colon, and prostate cancer, and her teaching has been on societal impacts on food systems and nutritional aspects of oncology. A registered dietician, she has studied how selected dietary botanical supplements and phytoestrogens alter cancer cell development and has identified a role for estrogen receptors in colon cancer risk.
The program is based on topics identified by corn growers as important to their farming operations, including:
- Revenue Risk, Forward Contracting, and Crop Insurance with Cory Walters, UNL ag economist;
- Economic Impact of Expanding Livestock Production with Eric Thompson, UNL economist;
- Utilizing the Precision Ag Tools You Already Have with Joe Luck, UNL precision ag engineer; and
- a panel discussion with area farm managers and ag lenders on farming in 2015 with lower commodity prices.
The expo also will include updates on the Nebraska Corn Checkoff, NE Corn Growers Association, and ag industry.
A special nitrogen applicator certification training will be conducted for Lower Platte North Natural Resources District producers at 2:45 p.m.
After the Corn Expo at 3 p.m., USDA-Farm Service Agency Dodge County Director Bryan Ralston will address decisions producers and landowners need to make within the New Farm Bill.
For more information contact Nebraska Extension Educator Nathan Mueller at 402-727-2775 or nathan.mueller@unl.edu.
The Fremont Corn Expo is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, Colfax-Dodge County Corn Growers, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Fremont Area Chamber Agricultural Business Council and Partners, Dodge and Colfax County Farm Bureau, First National Bank Fremont, and other area agribusinesses.
Land Application Training Days Offered in January/February
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension workshops at nine extension offices across the state in January and February will provide livestock and crop farmers with information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.
Re-certification will be during the first two hours of the day-long Land Application Training. Dates, times and locations include:
Jan. 26 – 9 a.m., 128 N. Sixth St. Suite 100 (Extension Office), O'Neill
Jan. 27 – 9 a.m., 4502 Avenue I (Boardroom at the Extension Center), Scottsbluff
Jan. 27 – 9 a.m., 250 S. Eighth Ave. (Courtroom), Burwell
Jan. 29 – 9 a.m., 2345 Nebraska Ave. (Extension Office), York
Jan. 29 – 9 a.m., 200 S Lincoln St. (Courthouse), West Point
Feb. 3 – 9 a.m., 210 E. 23rd St. (Pinnacle Bank Meeting Room), Columbus
Feb. 4 – 9 a.m., 1002 Plum Creek Parkway (Extension Office), Lexington
Feb. 5 – 9 a.m., 412 N. State St. (Library Meeting Room), Osmond
Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified. A farm must complete an approved training every five years, and farm personnel responsible for land application of manure are also encouraged to attend.
The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska's Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL AMM coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.
This in-depth, one-day class targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended this initial training, but will need re-certification, may attend the morning portion of the training.
Attendance during the morning of one of the Land Application Training workshops will fulfill NDEQ requirements for re-certification of producers who have completed the initial land application training five or more years ago.
This portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and other manure management topics, such as protecting herd health with biosecurity, pathogens found in manure and the manure value calculator spreadsheet that was released in 2012. Farm staff responsible for implementing the farm's nutrient plan are also encouraged to attend.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $60 fee per operation (includes one representative) will be charged for the day-long Land Application Training workshops plus a $15 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.
The Land Application Training Re-certification portion of the workshop is $30 for each participant.
These workshops are sponsored by the UNL Extension AMM Team which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize our states manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.
For additional information on these workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu or contact Johnson at 402-584-3818, email ljohnson13@unl.edu.
Farm Bill Computer Decision Aid Workshop
The Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy Center and Nebraska Extension are teaming up to present a comprehensive Farm Bill Decision Aid computer workshop. The hands-on training for farm managers, bankers, insurance agents, farmers, and landlords will be held Wednesday, January 14 at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference (NIC) Center, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln.
The 2014 Farm Bill Commodity provisions are complex and nationally recognized ag economists Brad Lubben, UNL, and James Richardson, Texas A&M University, will lead the training. Richardson is the author of a new, cutting edge computer decision tool endorsed by USDA: the Texas A&M Computer Decision Aid. Attendees will learn how to use the program and interpret results and learn how managing risk is integrated into the model. Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPad, tablet, or laptop computer.Online pre-registration is open until Wednesday, January 7 at http://go.unl.edu/farmbill.
The Texas A&M web-based, software tool is intended for educational use; the insurance tool features will work through the 2018 crop year. The output uses 500 pseudo random possibilities and involves statistical probability analysis of future outcomes. A new crop insurance tool integrated into the decision-aid model will be of interest to all users.
The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration and refreshments starting at 8:15 a.m. at the new NIC auditorium. The $30 registration fee includes the noon meal, refreshments, and meeting materials.
As a result of attending this hands-on meeting, workshop participants will have a much better understanding of the economic implications and complex decisions of updating yields, keeping the old base or reallocation of base, choosing ARC-I, ARC-CO, PLC or PLC plus SCO. Nebraska farm examples will be used. In the afternoon Nebraska Extension teaching assistants will answer individual's questions.
Information needed to use the Decision Aid tool includes: the August 2014 Farm Service Agency (FSA) letter or FSA 156EZ or similar worksheet from FSA and a 10-year crop insurance production report history worksheet from your insurance agent.
For more information, contact Extension Educator Randy Pryor at 402-821-2151 or rpryor1@unl.edu. Further meeting details and agenda are at http://bit.ly/1wh96bm.
Register Now for Weed and Insect Resistance Workshops
Stevan Knezevic, UNL Extension Weeds Specialist
Weed and insect resistance pose yield and economic challenges for today's farmers. Learn about the importance of herbicide and insecticide resistance management, mode of action, and how to use the Site of Action Numbering System to reduce the potential for weed resistance in Nebraska.
Workshops will be offered at four locations:
Feb. 3 in Fremont
Feb. 4 in Nebraska City
Feb. 5 in Hastings
Feb. 6 in Grant
This four-hour workshop starts with several speaker topics for discussions and then active involvement of attendees. Topics will include: Insect Resistance, Herbicide Tolerant Crops, Herbicide Mode of Action and Site of Action Groupings, How Weed Resistance Develops, Weed Resistance in Midwest and Nebraska. There also will be a hands-on exercise on weed control problems.
Workshop speakers are members of the UNL Weed Science and Entomology teams, including: Stevan Knezevic (lead), Amit Jhala, Greg Kruger and Julie Peterson. This workshop is sponsored by an educational grant from the United Soybean Board.
Preregister online. Cost for the workshop is $30. For more information contact host county educator, or myself (sknezevic2@unl.edu), or my secretary, Wendy Winstead (wwinstead2@unl.edu).
All programs start at 9 a.m. local time.
Feb. 3 — Fremont, First State Bank and Trust Company, 1005 E 23rd St, Fremont; for more information contact host educator Nathan Mueller, 402-721-2500, nathan.mueller@unl.edu
Feb 4 — Nebraska City, Kimmel Education and Research Center, 5985 G Road; for more information contact host educator Gary Lesoing, 402-274-4755, gary.lesoing@unl.edu
Feb 5 — Hastings, Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S Baltimore Ave; for more information contact host educator Ron Seymour, 402-461-7209, ron.seymour@unl.edu
Feb 6 — Grant, Perkins County Fairgrounds building, 100 Garfield Ave; for more information call Kathy Mailend, 308-352-7580, perkins-county@unl.edu, or Strahinja Stepanovic, 402-318-1124, sstepanovic2@unl.edu.
Enhancing the Value of Water through Advanced Irrigation Management
Getting the most value from your irrigation water will be the focus of the Center Pivot Irrigation Management Short Course, a day-long class hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.
Topics will include:
- sprinkler package selection,
- soil water management, and
- pumping plant performance.
Also, irrigation industry representatives will be available to discuss the latest in center pivot irrigation technology.
Feb. 9 — Scottsbluff
Panhandle Research and Extension Center
To register, call 308-632-1276 or email pmartin2@unl.edu
Feb. 10 — Holdrege
Ag Center on the Phelps County Fairgrounds
To register, call 308-995-4222 or email Phelps-County@unl.edu
Feb. 11 — Central City
4-H Building on the Merrick County Fairgrounds
To register, call 308-946-3843 or email Merrick-County@unl.edu
The day begins with check-in at 9 a.m. and speakers from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The program is free but participants are asked to pre-register so appropriate materials and lunch can be provided. To register, contact the host site.
Central Plains Irrigation Conference
The tri-state Central Plains Irrigation Conference will be held in Colby, Kan., Feb. 17-18. It is sponsored by the Central Plains Irrigation Association with members in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.
The day will begin with registration from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Feb. 17 and end at 3 p.m. Jan. 18. Speakers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University, Colorado State University, and USDA-ARS will present technical and general sessions on a variety of topics including
- optimizing crop water productivity in a variable climate,
- the potential of technology and precision agriculture,
- how to measure and improve irrigation water management,
- sensor technologies,
- groundwater issues,
- crop options for deficit irrigation,
- subsurface drip irrigation, and more!
Exhibitor and participant registration forms are available on the CPIC website at http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/sdi/REvents/cpia.html.
For more information contact Donna Lamm, CPIA executive assistant, at 785-462-7574, or 462-7140, or e-mail at donnalamm@yahoo.com. The conference has applied for continuing education credits for CCAs.
NCTA builds cattle owners with Heifer Link
Students beginning their own beef cattle enterprises while in college are relying on solid genetics and the annual multiplier effect.
Since 2007, students at the Nebraska College of Agriculture in Curtis have had the chance to learn hands-on cattle production, beef science, and agribusiness planning through a specialty program called the 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage.
Once completing their 100 Cow “capstone” course at the end of their second year in college, the graduates are fully prepared to seek financing through their commercial lenders or from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency with low-interest rate loans.
Beginning in 2015, however, thanks to donors and mentors across the state, these students can actually begin hands-on work toward a beef herd while still in college through NCTA’s new Heifer Link program.
After successfully completing an application process, the approved students will be assigned a yearling breeding heifer from the NCTA nucleus herd for their final semester on campus. Recipients will assume responsibilities for nutritional and reproductive management.
“Then, when they graduate in May, 2015, they will be able to leave campus with a bred heifer to start their herd,” explains Fred Bruning, a Bruning, Neb., banker, cattleman and originator of the Heifer Link project.
He saw the value of NCTA’s technical courses and strong production emphasis while his son, Reiss, attended NCTA. Reiss went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and today is back home, farming and operating the family’s cattle business.
“We wanted to give something back to NCTA, and to help young producers get their start in cattle production in Nebraska,” Fred Bruning explains. He and Reiss are donating the first heifer to the project.
Heifer Link advisors (which includes several longtime Nebraska beef producers) believe the project will enable anywhere from 7-15 students a year to meet the course criteria. Livestock management or 100 Cow students are eligible to apply and put in some “sweat equity” to receive a breeding heifer.
“The NCTA Heifer Link program offers a great jump start into the industry,” says Douglas Smith, NCTA animal science professor and Ag Production Systems division chair “The students have the benefits of making decisions under the watchful eye of animal science faculty and beef industry professionals.”
Since its inception, nearly 80 students have graduated from NCTA in either the 100 Beef Cow or 100 Acre Ownership Advantage programs. Nearly a third of those are actively engaged in livestock ownership, Smith said. Some operate their own enterprises, while others are livestock managers.
NCTA Dean Ron Rosati recently unveiled highlights of Heifer Link to members of Nebraska Cattlemen and Nebraska Farm Bureau at their annual meetings.
Other presentations are planned next month with the Sandhills Cattle Association, based in Valentine, and with other supporters of beginning farmer and rancher efforts.
“We are excited to help young producers to leave campus with that first animal that is theirs to own and manage,” Rosati said. “They will get a calf the next year, and if it is a female bred with gender-selected semen to produce another heifer, for example, that multiplier affect can help grow that foundation herd quickly.”
Financial or animal gifts are handled through the University of Nebraska Foundation, with heifers becoming part of the NCTA spring-calving herd. Financial gifts will help purchase a heifer from within the herd, or to assist in feed or other expenses while the animal is property of NCTA.
Upon graduation, the student assumes ownership of the taxable gift.
Advisory group member Bill Rishel of North Platte said not only will Heifer Link assist a beginning farmer or rancher, but it encourages individuals to “pay it forward” when able to do so with gifts back to the nucleus herd, and with their industry involvement.
“I would like to see these students develop a relationship with a heifer donor or with other mentors in the business. We can help a young person with advice, perhaps an internship, and the encouragement to become active in their local, state and national cattlemen’s organizations,” he said.
“This is more than cattle ownership,” Rishel added. “Heifer Link is about youth development and becoming a viable part of the largest industry in Nebraska, thus enhancing the economic vitality of rural Nebraska and the state’s economy as a whole.”
Additional information about becoming a Heifer Link partner or for details on NCTA’s 100 Beef Cow Ownership Advantage, call 1-800-3CURTIS, or find the Heifer Link Specialty Program at ncta.unl.edu.
Iowa State Dairy Association to Hold 2015 Annual Meeting
The Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) will hold its 2015 Annual Meeting on Friday, January 9, 2015. The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Oaks Golf Club, 19 Eagle Ridge Dr. in Waverly, Iowa. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; all current ISDA members are invited to attend. ISDA members, and anyone interested in the dairy industry is encouraged to attend and to explore opportunities of becoming a member.
This year our guest speakers are Mr. Doug Wilson, chief operating officer of Genex Cooperative, Inc., Shawano, Wisc., and Mr. Chuck Gipp, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines. Wilson will talk about the dairy industry in Iowa, while Gipp will provide information regarding Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency regulations for livestock operations. They will take questions from the audience.
After the presentation, lunch will be provided and the business session will begin with officer reports and activity updates. Changes to ISDA policy will be discussed and voted on by the 2015 ISDA voting delegates. Current ISDA policy can be viewed on the ISDA website at www.iowadairy.org.
There is no cost to attend but please RSVP to Sue Ann Claudon by January 2, 2015, by calling (515) 330-7906 or emailing sueannc@iowadairy.org.
FSA Announces New Yield Data for Safety Net Calculations
U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today offered farmers new information to update program payment yields that will help them better select protections offered by the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The new programs, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, are cornerstones of the commodity farm safety, offering farmers protection when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices and revenues.
“The Farm Bill provided landowners with the option of updating their farm program payment yields. This is the first time that many producers have been able to update yields since 1986,” said Dolcini. “We’ve worked with the Risk Management Agency to make available certified yield data that producers can use to better calculate how the new safety net programs can offer the best protection against market swings.”
Producers can check with their local FSA county office to see if data is available for them. This data belongs to the producer and only the producer associated with the crop insurance records will be provided this service. Updating yield history or reallocating base acres can occur until Feb. 27, 2015.
FSA also issued a reminder that from Nov. 17, 2014, to March 31, 2015, producers will make a one-time election of either ARC or PLC for the 2014 through 2018 crop years. For more information, producers are encouraged to make an appointment to go into their local FSA county office. To find a local FSA county office, visit www.offices.usda.gov. Additional information on the new programs is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.
NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program Announces Second Class
The National Corn Growers Association today announced the participants of the 2015 class of its NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program, now entering its second year of helping farming couples and individuals become better communicators and leaders. Thirty-five participants representing 16 states will be involved in the program next year.
"We're pleased to see this important program continue for a second year with DuPont's generous support," said Chip Bowling, NCGA president and a corn grower from Maryland. "NCGA has always believed that farmers themselves are the best leaders and spokespersons for agriculture, and this program is designed in particular for those just getting started in visible roles in the ag industry."
"There are many challenges in the agriculture industry today that may be overcome by growers getting involved and telling their stories in Washington D.C., their state governments and local communities," said Doug Dollison, Senior Manager Industry Relations, DuPont Pioneer. "We are proud to support the new leader program, which is teaching the very communications and leadership skills necessary for this success."
Those entering the 2015 NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program are: Brandon Dillard, Alabama; John Lee, Arkansas; John Harrell, Georgia; Jason and Kate Danner, Illinois; Colton and Jill Ringel and Christopher and Ashley Hudson, Indiana; Kyle and Jenna Ramsey and Casey and Katie Schleusner, Iowa; Lowell and Krystale Neitzel, Kansas; Michael and Megan Buckman, Kentucky; Jason and Angela McConnachie and Anthony and Carrie Kubik, Michigan; Brian and Secely Lehman, Missouri; David and Jana Jobman, Nebraska; Michael Howlett and Carly Metzger, New York; Cody and Ashley Sloan, Oklahoma; Thomas DuRant, South Carolina; Derek Giffin, Tennessee; and Jordan and Ashley Pool and Cole and Kyla Hamilton, Texas.
As in the 2014 inaugural year, the program will be implemented in three phases in 2015, with two plenary sessions: Iowa in late January and Washington in mid-July. At these sessions, participants will harvest knowledge of communications and leadership skills and issues confronting American corn growers. They also will have the opportunity to see leaders in action in our nation's capital and visit with their lawmakers. Between these two sessions, participants will be involved in national and state-level programs supporting American agriculture.
USDA Cold Storage Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 10 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 5 percent from the previous month but down 12 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 7 percent from the previous month and down 11 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 21 percent from last month but down 30 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on November 30, 2014 were down 15 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 6 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 51 percent from last month and down 14 percent from November 30, 2013.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on November 30, 2014 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from November 30, 2013. Butter stocks were down 27 percent from last month and down 17 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 3 percent from last month and down 5 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 5 percent from last month but up 3 percent from a year ago.
Obama Signs Tax Extenders Act Into Law
H.R. 5771: Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 which retroactively expands the Section 179 deduction limits through Dec. 31, 2014, has been enacted.
President Obama signed the bill into law on Friday. The new law reinstates the limit on Section 179 to $500,000 as well as reinstates 50% Bonus Depreciation.
The measure was passed by the House on Dec 3, 2014, the Senate on Dec 16, 2014, and signed into law by the President on Dec 19,2014.
Farm Equipment Magaize reports that only this 2014 tax year is covered by the measure. Technically, the bill is a one-year, retroactive extension of the tax breaks, even though it only lasts through the end of the month.
Rabobank REPORT: Global FERTILIZER industry Q4 2014
Rabobank has issued a new report on the global fertilizer industry, looking at issues of price, supply and demand in key international markets.
In the report, published by Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research (FAR) and Advisory group, the bank says that as the fertilizer supply appears set to outweigh demand globally, the forecast for Q1 2015 looks rather cloudy in terms of pricing. While spring demand in the Northern Hemisphere will prevent prices from slipping significantly, Rabobank believes that lower farmer margins will incent farmers to be more prudent in fertilizer application, but a strong demand destruction is unlikely.
An increase in urea supply in the first quarter of 2015 will set the tone for global urea prices. Supply is likely to outstrip demand in Q1 2015 as rumored brand new capacity in Algeria and Egypt comes on-line and the just-announced change in Chinese export tariff is likely to boost urea availability. China will replace its tax seasons by a single flat tariff of 80 CNY/ton for urea.
“Chinese urea export availability could improve by another 10-15% in FY 2015, as China seems very close to abolishing its policy of separate tax windows,” says Rabobank analyst Suzanne Pera. “This would amount to 11.6- -12.1 million tons based for FY 2015.”
However, spring demand for urea in the Northern Hemisphere could prevent prices from slipping significantly, providing a floor for the global urea market. The Southern Hemisphere is mostly out of season, and demand is largely covered.
Spring demand in the Northern Hemisphere would normally provide upside in phosphates as well when combined with supply management. However, the new Chinese tax policy of 100 CNY/ton for DAP, will provide downside, as availability of phosphates would improve if prices decline significantly, some buyers might be inclined to lock in prices.
Meanwhile, the potash market is awaiting the outcome of negotiations between suppliers and China for the Q1 2015 price direction. Continued pressure on farmer margins in the U.S. and Europe is likely to drive spring potash applications lower by as much as 5%. Relatively high inventories and downward price pressure on grains and oilseeds will put a lid on further price increases.
“Reduced global demand and relatively high inventories in significant spot markets give China pricing power, despite producer-managed supplies and a flooding accident at one of the Russian mines,” says global strategist Dirk Jan Kennes.
Rabobank believes that for now the most likely scenario is that China will roll-over on its 305 USD/tonne CFR contract.
**PLEASE NOTE: Since this report was finalized in mid-December, China has, as predicted, changed its tax tariff to a single one throughout the year (80 CNY/tonne for urea, 100 CNY/tonne for DAP).
Register Now for the 2015 Soy Social and Auction
Registration for the ASA 2015 Soy Social and Auction is now open! Come join ASA and supporters as we come together for the 10th annual Soy Social and Auction, presenting the 2015 theme “Touchdown! Going All the Way for Soybeans.”
The auction is on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. The American Soybean Association is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ASA SoyPAC and the annual Soy Social and Auction.
• Individual First Sighting, Dinner and Auction – 5:30 p.m. $125 (before noon on Thursday, Feb. 26)
• Individual Dinner and Auction – 6 p.m. for $75 (before noon on Thursday, Feb. 26)
• Individual Auction Only – 7 p.m. for $45
• Couples First Sighting, Dinner and Auction – 5:30 p.m. for $240 (before noon on Thursday, Feb. 26)
• Couple Dinner and Auction – 6 p.m. for $140 (Before noon on Thursday, Feb. 26)
• Couple Auction Only – 7 p.m. for $90
Individuals who purchase Auction Only tickets will only be allowed to enter at 7 p.m. For 2015, ASA is offering the following ticket options for individuals and couples:
Each person who registers will be given a $50 SOYBUCKS voucher towards the purchase of a Silent Auction item. (Limited one per person). Limit four $50 vouchers towards the purchase of a Live Auction item ($200 maximum). Purchased item must be greater than or equal to the voucher total.
Commemorative 10-year lapel pins are also for sale for $10 apiece. Every pin purchase offers a chance to win a $1,000 cash gift card to be drawn on March 8, 2015.
ASA is pleased to welcome Syngenta as Premier Sponsor for the 10th annual Soy Social and Auction. For 2015, ASA is offering the following events to make the Soy Social and Auction a winning experience. Many thanks to our following corporate sponsors:
• Commemorative Hat and Apparel Auction – Renewable Energy Group
• Mystery Box Auction Item – Bayer CropScience
• Pre-Game Tailgating —Farm Credit
• Buffet—MacDon Industries
• Soybucks—Rabo Agrifinance
Online registration will close on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. Register onsite at Commodity Classic beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 from 8 a.m. to noon at the SoyPAC registration desk.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Monday, December 22, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Friday December 19 Cattle on Feed + Ag News
NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 5 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.55 million cattle on feed on December 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 5 percent from last year. Placements during November totaled 485,000 head, up 2 percent from 2013. Fed cattle marketings for the month of November totaled 370,000 head, down 7 percent from last year. Other disappearance during November totaled 15,000 head, unchanged from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 7% FROM LAST YEAR
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in Iowa for all feedlots totaled 1,130,000 on December 1, 2014 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office. The inventory is up 4 percent from November 1, 2014 but down 7 percent from December 1, 2013. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head had 610,000 head on feed, up 3 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head had 520,000 head on feed, up 5 percent from last month but down 13 percent from last year.
Placements during November totaled 227,000 head, unchanged from last month but down 10 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head placed 117,000 head, down 11 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head placed 110,000 head. This is up 16 percent from last month but down 15 percent from last year.
Marketings for November were 175,000 head, up 5 percent from last month but down 10 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head marketed 95,000 head, down 5 percent from last month and last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head marketed 80,000 head, up 21 percent from last month but down 16 percent from last year. Other disappearance totaled 7,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on December 1, 2014. The inventory was 1 percent above December 1, 2013.
Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.79 million, 4 percent below 2013. Net placements were 1.72 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 550,000, 600-699 pounds were 440,000, 700-799 pounds were 362,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 440,000. For the month of November, placements are the second lowest since the series began in 1996.
Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.48 million, 11 percent below 2013. November marketings are the lowest since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 74,000 during November, 9 percent above 2013.
Number of Cattle on Feed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : December 1, 2014
: : :--------------------------------------------
State :December 1, 2013 :November 1, 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: --------------- 1,000 head -------------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 275 250 252 92 101
California .......: 505 420 435 86 104
Colorado .........: 970 900 930 96 103
Idaho ............: 225 220 230 102 105
Iowa .............: 610 590 610 100 103
Kansas ...........: 2,050 2,080 2,100 102 101
Minnesota ........: 122 132 135 111 102
Nebraska .........: 2,430 2,450 2,550 105 104
Oklahoma .........: 265 260 260 98 100
South Dakota .....: 220 230 245 111 107
Texas ............: 2,510 2,550 2,560 102 100
Washington .......: 207 226 234 113 104
Other States .....: 335 325 335 100 103
United States ....: 10,724 10,633 10,876 101 102
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Cattle Placed on Feed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : During November 2014
: During : During :--------------------------------------------
State :November 2013 : October 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: ------------ 1,000 head ----------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 30 22 26 87 118
California .......: 63 53 62 98 117
Colorado .........: 165 210 155 94 74
Idaho ............: 42 61 43 102 70
Iowa .............: 122 132 117 96 89
Kansas ...........: 365 420 320 88 76
Minnesota ........: 18 30 15 83 50
Nebraska .........: 475 660 485 102 73
Oklahoma .........: 40 60 45 113 75
South Dakota .....: 61 84 53 87 63
Texas ............: 405 520 385 95 74
Washington .......: 44 51 47 107 92
Other States .....: 37 54 39 105 72
United States ....: 1,867 2,357 1,792 96 76
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Cattle Marketed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : During November 2014
: During : During :--------------------------------------------
State :November 2013 : October 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: ------------ 1,000 head ----------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 24 21 19 79 90
California .......: 51 40 43 84 108
Colorado .........: 140 145 120 86 83
Idaho ............: 36 45 32 89 71
Iowa .............: 100 100 95 95 95
Kansas ...........: 345 320 285 83 89
Minnesota ........: 12 11 11 92 100
Nebraska .........: 400 430 370 93 86
Oklahoma .........: 43 43 43 100 100
South Dakota .....: 39 43 34 87 79
Texas ............: 400 420 360 90 86
Washington .......: 39 35 37 95 106
Other States .....: 31 32 26 84 81
United States ....: 1,660 1,685 1,475 89 88
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Grassroots Effort to Stop Second Beef Checkoff Assessment Successful
Nebraska Cattlemen today released the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s announcement to withdraw his plan to create a second beef checkoff assessment under the 1996 generic act.
“Over the years, the Beef Checkoff Program has greatly benefitted those who pay into and direct its work. Nebraska Cattlemen understands the $1 per-head assessment doesn’t stretch as far as it once did and that’s why we’ll continue the conversation about enhancement of those resources,” said Dave McCracken, President of Nebraska Cattlemen and former Cattlemen's Beef Board member. “We appreciate the continued focus on increasing the reach of our grassroots effort through enhanced support of the existing program. The investment is vital and ensures we have the promotion and research funds required for a thriving beef industry.”
The $1-per-head Beef Checkoff Program was created by cattlemen and women in 1985, when Congress passed the Beef Promotion and Research Act. The checkoff relies on grassroots cattlemen and women who determine how the funds are allocated to beef promotion and research efforts. Because of the beef checkoff, new promotion programs have helped keep beef on the menu in the United States and abroad through innovative marketing campaigns. Similarly, research projects have helped identify new cuts, like the flat-iron steak, which add value returned to investors throughout the value chain.
In a recent national survey, nearly 80 percent of producers expressed support for the 1985 program. In an independent study conducted earlier this year, the checkoff was shown to have returned $11.20 for each dollar invested in the program.
Instead of creating a second checkoff assessment, Sec. Vilsack said he intends to allow beef industry stakeholders participating in the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group to continue to seek a solution to ensure beef research and promotion efforts are receiving adequate resources. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Bob McCan said the organization remains committed to the collaborative industry-led effort underway to address the issue.
“We greatly appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s action, allowing the industry stakeholders to continue working together to enhance the Beef Checkoff Program,” said McCan. “All of us involved in this process have been very mindful of the tremendous producer support of the Checkoff and we will continue to work with the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group and our members to enhance the program while building on that support.”
University, Industry Experts Provide Updates at Three-State Beef Conference
The second annual Three-State Beef Conference is scheduled Jan. 13, 14 and 15, 2015 with locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
Topics and speakers for the conference include: "Evaluating Supplementation Strategies," Rick Rasby, extension beef specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; "Rethinking our Forage Systems," Bruce Anderson, extension forage specialist, UNL; and "Financial Impacts of Fertility and Infertility in the Current Cattle Market," Patrick Gunn, extension cow-calf specialist, Iowa State University.
The first conference session is in Creston, Iowa, at Southwestern Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6. The Missouri session will be Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Albany at the University of Missouri Hundley-Whaley Learning Discovery Center with registration at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6.
On Jan. 15, there will be two different sessions in Nebraska. The first session will be at the Gage County UNL Extension Center in Beatrice. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with the program at 11. An evening session will be at the UNL Ag Research and Development Center near Mead, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6.
The Three-State Beef Conference (formerly the Four-State Beef Conference) is designed to provide regular updates on current cow-calf and stocker topics to beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the United States' leading beef cattle land grant universities as well as other industry experts.
Registration fee is $25 per person and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Pre-registration is due Jan. 9 to assist with meal planning and material preparation.
If you need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform us by Dec. 31.
For more information or to register, contact Paul Hay (Beatrice location), phay1@unl.edu, 402-223-1384 or Lindsay Chichester (Mead location), lchichester2@unl.edu, 402-624-8030 or visit on the web at http://extension.iastate.edu/feci/3StBeef/.
Nebraska Extension Schedules Crop Production Clinics in January
University of Nebraska-Lincoln crop production and pest management specialists have scheduled a series of crop production clinics across the state in January to provide the latest research-based information and recommendations for 2015.
Topics will include soil fertility; soil water and irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; cropping systems; and agribusiness management and marketing. The complete agendas are available at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.
Check-in each day is from 8 to 8:30 a.m., with sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The schedule:
Tuesday, Jan. 6 — Gering - Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — North Platte - Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers
Thursday, Jan. 8 — Hastings - Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — Kearney - Younes Conference Center, 416 W. Talmadge Road
Wednesday, Jan. 14 — York - Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 15 — Beatrice - Beatrice Country Club, 1301 Oak St.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Atkinson - Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. 5th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — Norfolk - Lifelong Learning Center, NECC 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 22 — UNL ARDC, Ithaca - Saunders County Extension Office, 1071 County Road G,
The Crop Production Clinics will be the primary venue for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses in the following categories: Ag Plant, Regulatory, and Demonstration/Research. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance. The crop production clinics also will serve as a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses.
Online registration is required for these clinics to provide for meals and materials. Register at agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. Cost for preregistrations by 3 p.m. the day before the clinic is $65. Online preregistration includes the 2015 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska, the 2015 Crop Production Clinic proceedings with further information on the topics being discussed, a meal, and refreshments. On-site registration is $80.
CCA credits will be available (maximum of six per day) in these areas: crop production (2), nutrient management (1), integrated pest management (6), water management (1), and professional development (2).
Pesticide applicator recertification training will be available in these categories: Commercial/noncommercial in ag plant, demonstration/research, and regulatory; private applicator
For more information about this meeting series, contact Amit Jhala, CPC program coordinator and Nebraska Extension weed management specialist, 402-472-1534, or UNL Department of Agronomy Events at 402-472-5636.
Old Crop Corn, Soybean Prices Up; New Crop Prices Mixed
El Niño Forecast to Continue Through Mid-Year
Farmers, grain elevators and commodity traders can expect higher grain prices in 2015, according to DTN Senior Market Analyst Darin Newsom. The key, Newsom said, was important technical signals seen in corn, wheat and soybeans at the end of October 2014 that occurred long before headlines started to turn more bullish.
During his 2015 market preview at the recent DTN/The Progressive Farmer Ag Summit, held in Chicago Dec. 8-10, 2014, Newsom projected old crop corn prices will continue to gradually move up through spring planting. He estimated 2014-15 old crop corn futures will level off in $4.40-$4.50 a bushel range.
“Given the relatively low futures prices, the basis could hold steady over the winter and spring,” said Newsom. “The spring target for the DTN National Corn Index is approximately $4.10.”
Newsom predicted global demand for U.S. corn will continue to rise throughout 2015 to support the market at a time when planted corn acres could decline to 88.3 million acres with production at 13.3 billion bushels. As a result of the anticipated tighter supply and demand, he forecasted the 2015-16 corn cash prices could reach $5.20 at some point in 2016.
Newsom remains bullish on old crop soybeans, predicting 2015 futures could be priced near $12.00 a bushel based on strong demand through February 2015 and before harvest begins in South America. However, Newsom is not as optimistic about new crop soybean prices for 2015-16. If early projections that U.S. soybean farmers will plant a record 88.3 million acres of soybeans in 2015 hold true, it would be equal to the amount of planted corn acres and up from 84.2 million acres in 2014. Despite the projected record soybean acreage, DTN estimates the 2015 harvest could be 3.94 billion bushels, down slightly from the record production of 3.96 billion bushels set in 2014. Coupled with the possibility of a large South American soybean crop, the potential exists for record global soybean production in 2015.
If both domestic and global ending stocks increase, as would be implied by early production numbers, the soybean markets (futures, cash and basis) could struggle over the last three quarters of 2015 and into 2016.
On the positive side, global soybean demand continues to increase and is expected to do so again during the 2015-2016 marketing year. Newsom said the level of projected global demand, most likely another record, could offset some of the potential market sell-off implied by using previous marketing years as a guide for estimating potential price target.
Newsom's wheat discussion centered on how the market had turned bullish despite ongoing USDA projections of bearish domestic and global supply and demand situations. In this way, he noted, following the market signals has been far more beneficial than paying close attention to monthly reports. The wheat market's fall rally has the old-crop Chicago contract in position to extend its move to near $7.00 through the winter. Once springtime comes, attention will turn to the health of the U.S. winter wheat crop, as well as the ongoing quality versus quantity global supply situation.
2015 Weather Outlook
In addition to hearing about the 2015 market outlook, the nearly 800 Ag Summit attendees also learned about the weather conditions they can expect through mid-2015. Weather models by DTN’s award-winning meteorology team indicate a weaker El Niño pattern will likely last through winter and into spring and possibly summer, said DTN Ag Meteorologist Bryce Anderson. As a result of El Niño, Anderson forecasted normal temperatures for North America, most of Europe, the Black Sea region and China.
“If we didn’t have the El Niño pattern, I would be more concerned about next growing season,” explained Anderson. “We see less than a 10 percent chance of La Niña forming next year.”
According to Anderson, DTN forecasts frequent cold with mild intervals and less snow this winter in the upper Midwest, and a cold winter with greater risks for ice and snow in the central Plains and eastern Corn Belt. Southern California and southwestern states can expect slightly cooler temperatures with drought improvement with milder temperatures and worsening drought in northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Central California through the Rocky Mountains will see seasonable but variable temperatures. The southwest Plains states should anticipate ongoing drought conditions. The South and Southeast can expect cooler temperatures with heavier rainfall and an increase in severe storms.
For spring and planting season, DTN forecasts typical weather and precipitation patterns across much of the country. Although, Anderson said, extreme weather events such as flooding due to high rainfall amounts from a single storm have become more frequent and could affect U.S. farmers’ planting schedules.
Along with DTN crop and weather outlooks, the DTN/The Progressive Farmer Ag Summit had presentations from agribusiness leaders on such topics as U.S. transportation, agriculture production in Russia and the Black Sea region, North American fertilizer production, financial planning and U.S. energy including ethanol.
Iowa Corn Growers Finalizes 2015 Federal, State Legislative Priorities
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Thursday released its latest list of state and federal legislative priorities, based on grassroots input from its members across the state.
"As a grassroots-driven organization, input from our ICGA members fuels our legislative process," said ICGA President Jerry Mohr, a farmer from Eldridge. "Through ICGA, we encourage corn growers from our crop reporting districts across the state to actively engage in developing policy that affects their farming operations. ICGA works at the state and national levels to provide influence and access on behalf of our farmer members to enact and protect policies that affect corn farmers, and ultimately, Iowa corn grower profitability."
"The Iowa Corn Growers Association looks forward to working with lawmakers during the 86th Iowa General Assembly, and the 114th U.S. Congress to promote policies, programs and meaningful legislation important to Iowa's corn growers," Mohr said.
ICGA's top state and federal legislative priorities for 2015, approved this week by its board of directors on behalf of members, include:
2015 ICGA state priorities, listed in alphabetical order:
1. Conservation: Implementation of Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
2. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS): Funding for IDALS budget requests (state veterinarian, conservation, fuels, etc.)
3. Ethanol: Support allowing retail fuel station owners to utilize the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program fund to make cost-share improvements for ethanol-capable infrastructure
4. Ethanol: Support state tax credits for cellulosic ethanol or other advanced biofuels
5. Livestock: Support for the livestock industry and the existing laws regulating livestock operations
6. Livestock: Support for increased funding for Iowa State University's (ISU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
7. Research: Increased funds for ISU Experiment Station: especially for livestock- related research on animal stress and odor management
8. Research: Increased funds for ISU's "Leading the Bioeconomy Initiative," including research and technical support for Iowa's biofuels and bio-based products industries
9. Transportation: Increased funding, including tax increase for roads and bridges
10. Value-added agriculture: Support state tax credits for bio-based products beyond food or fuel
2015 ICGA federal priorities, in alphabetical order:
1. Biotechnology: Support efforts to create national voluntary genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling law
2. Environment: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality issues. For example, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs), nutrient criteria, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC)
3. Environment: EPA Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
4. Ethanol: Support for retaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
5. Ethanol: Support for higher blends for conventional cars (E15+) including regulatory, 1 lb. waiver
6. Farm Bill: Protect/maintain the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds
7. Research: Support agricultural research funding for corn phenotyping
8. Taxes: Extend expiring agricultural tax credits or make permanent: bonus depreciation, Sec. 179, capital gains
9. Trade: Support for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)
10. Transportation: Support appropriations for Mississippi River lock & dams, including increased barge fuel tax
ICGA's latest action to prioritize issues on behalf of its 8,000 members stems from policy discussion and resolutions adopted during ICGA's annual meeting and policy conference in Des Moines in August.
ICGA delegates will join other farmers from across the country at the Commodity Classic to discuss and finalize National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) policy for the coming year. The Commodity Classic takes place Feb. 26-28 in Phoenix. Farmer leaders, including Mohr, and others from across Iowa will represent Iowa Corn at the event.
The 2015 Iowa Corn Growers Association policy book is also available online at: www.iowacorn.org/policy.
Iconic ag leaders discuss industry’s future at ISA’s 50th celebration
Four of the most influential leaders in agriculture believe collaboration among farmers, academia and industry and technological advances will help the world become food secure as the population grows.
Harry Stine, president and founder of Stine Seed Company; Dr. Robb Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Monsanto; Paul Shickler, president of DuPont Pioneer; and Jim Knuth, senior vice president of Farm Credit Services of America and head of Iowa operations, provided a look into the future of agriculture on Dec. 18 during the two-day Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) 50th Anniversary Symposium & Recognition Banquet in Des Moines.
The group — considered some of the foremost experts worldwide in seed, biotechnology and lending — are confident farmers will grow more food within the next four decades than in the history of mankind, and do it in a sustainable way thanks to technology that’s available and yet to come.
“When I look at my crystal ball, the role of soybeans and the Iowa farmer has never been more important and opportunities brighter assuming we have the ability to use these tools,” said Fraley, who ISA CEO Kirk Leeds called the “father of ag biotechnology.”
The world’s population is expected to jump from 7 billion to 9.5 billion, along with an extra 2 billion joining the middle class. More food will be needed, especially protein. Soybean oil and soybean meal fed to livestock fulfill that need.
The experts are confident innovations in precision agriculture, biotechnology and plant breeding will allow yields to double in the United States and triple in other countries. Industry, government and non-government entities will increasingly work together to feed a hungry world, they said.
“If we are going to meet the challenges in the next 10 to 20 years, collaboration is important,” Schickler said.
The use of “Big Data” will become more prevalent as farmers and ag companies apply enormous amounts of information — everything from yield and fertility maps to weather modeling and seed research — to be more productive and profitable. Data usage will help farmers maximize yields and tackle sustainability, environmental and freedom-to-operate issues.
“That’s a tremendous opportunity today (and for the future),” Schickler said.
A good example of collaboration is the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University. It will bring industry, academia and producers together to boost production and improve competitiveness of state’s favorite legume.
“It’s a more complex world and the need for (more) partnerships has never been greater,” Leeds said.
Knuth commended the ISA for taking a leadership role bringing industry partners and farmers together, along with connecting with consumers.
Stine, who graduated from college before the ISA was formed, used the past to look forward.
“Look how far we’ve come,” he said. “If we go back 100 years, the corn acreage was about the same as it is now and we were growing around 20 bushels per acre of corn. There were a few small patches of soybeans cut by a horse-drawn mower for hay.”
The change from then to now in technology, genetics, seed, production practices and usage of the crop is beyond the comprehension of those before us, he said.
“I think the scientists and companies represented here will develop the technology and make rapid progress,” Stine said. “I’m not concerned about that. It will take care of itself.”
ISU Feedlot Forum to Feature 'Change'
Cattle feeders and agri-business professionals are invited to Feedlot Forum 2015 on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center. The forum runs 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The forum features timely presentations on changes affecting northwest Iowa feedlot producers and includes a trade show displaying new products and services in animal health, cattle nutrition, manure management, beef facilities and livestock equipment.
“The beef industry is undergoing a lot of change – ag policy, corn coproducts, cattle welfare and market prices. This year’s forum will address major changes directly impacting feedlot producers,” said Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist.
Kristina Butts, executive director of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will lead with a discussion surrounding ag policy and federal regulations impacting feedlot producers. She will share an update on major issues, such as the Farm Bill and waters of the United States.
Matt Deppe, chief executive officer for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, will present a brief update on issues pertaining specifically to Iowa producers.
Erika Lundy, graduate student with the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State, will present the results from research involving new corn coproducts and their feed value. Because corn coproducts on the market today have been further refined, they contain differing levels of oil and protein than was previously available.
Big changes are on the horizon for beef cattle welfare, too. Hans Coetzee, associate professor of ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Production Animal Medicine, will talk about the use of anesthetics and analgesics to mitigate pain associated with common practices such as dehorning and castration.
In 2014, cattle producers witnessed historically high prices for feeder and market-ready cattle. Andrew Gottschalk, owner of Hedgers Edge and senior vice president for R.J. O’Brien and Associates, will explain where cattle prices have been and project where they might be headed.
To help cattle producers cope with market volatility, Lauren Kaemingk of Kooima and Kaemingk Commodities will offer tools and strategies producers can use to manage risk involved in purchasing feeder cattle and corn and marketing finished animals. The registration fee of $25 per person is due at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office by Jan. 15. See the brochure. For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
New Tool Evaluates Options for Reducing Odors In Livestock Operations
A team of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists have developed an online tool to help livestock and poultry producers compare odor mitigation techniques that could be useful on their farms.
Air Management Practices Assessment Tool, AMPAT for short, is web-based and available at no charge at www.agronext.iastate.edu/ampat.
“The website was developed to help livestock and poultry producers identify practices to reduce odors, and emissions of gases and dust on their farms caused by animal production,” said Angie Rieck-Hinz, an ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist and member of the project team.
“The database lists options to be used from three core sources of odor and emissions in their operations — animal housing, manure storage and handling, and land application.”
Other members of the team include Jay Harmon, Steven Hoff and Dan Andersen, professors of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State.
Producers can select a specific mitigation practice and learn more about its effectiveness and relative cost. Rieck-Hinz said producers can use AMPAT in conjunction with the National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool (http://naqsat.tamu.edu/) to identify opportunities to make changes, find best practices for improving air quality and evaluate their effectiveness.
To evaluate practices on AMPAT, the producer can select from one of the three core odor source areas. Each category provides access to resources that are specific to a particular pollutant. Once a pollutant is selected, a variety of resources are listed. This list includes a research-based publication on the recommended practice, pros and cons of using the recommended practice and a short video. Additional information and related links also are provided.
“Our goal was to develop a tool that is easy to use and provides relevant and useful information for livestock producers across the state,” Harmon said. “AMPAT helps producers see which technologies have the highest impact. The scorecard is color-coded for quick reference.”
The AMPAT website shows a color-coded listing of technologies to address pollutants. A green color indicates the selected technology has a high impact on that particular pollutant; yellow and red indicate medium and low impact, respectively. No color indicates there is insufficient data available to classify the effectiveness.
“For example, if a producer was concerned about a potential odor problem from animal housing, he would scan down the list under the ‘odor’ column at the top,” Harmon said. “From the list, he would find that ‘Siting,’ ‘Scrubbers,’ ‘Urine/Feces Segregation’ and ‘Biofilters’ have green bars, meaning they have high impact on odors. With that information, the producer could then investigate options for implementing those technologies and evaluate their selection based on relative cost or investigate all four options for their farm.
“It’s not uncommon for producers to identify best practices and implement them in their operation,” he said. “They want to be good neighbors and this tool helps them to achieve that goal.”
Development of the tool was completed by an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach project team with major funding from the National Pork Board.
Informa: Beans Acres Exceed Corn Acres
Private analytical firm Informa Economics sees farmers planting more soybean acres than corn acres next year for the first time since 1983.
Based primarily on its survey of producers in December, Informa said farmers are likely to plant 88.8 million acres of soybeans next year, compared to their previous estimate of 88.3 million acres. Informa says corn acres will total 88 million acres, compared to their last estimate of 88.3 million acres.
Informa's latest estimates are 3.2% lower than last year's corn acreage and 5.5% higher on soybeans. Corn acreage in the Eastern Corn Belt is expected to decline 1 ma from 2014 while the Western Corn Belt is expected to decline 1.4 ma. Soybeans are most likely to be planted on those acres, Informa said.
Informa's report included production forecasts based on trend-type yield. It projects corn production at 13.4 bb with a 165.9 bpa yield, and soybean production at 4 bb with a 45 bpa yield.
Winter wheat was seeded on 42.3 million acres this fall, Informa estimated. That's about 121,000 acres lower than last year's plantings. Hard red winter wheat area, at 30.9 ma, is 408,000 acres higher than last year. Soft red winter wheat planting is estimated at 561,000 acres lower than last year at 7.9 ma.
All wheat production was projected at 2.21 billion bushels, about 180 mb larger than in 2014, Informa said. The all wheat average yield, at 45.6 bushels per acre, is about 2 bpa higher than last year.
USDA will release its initial winter wheat seedings report at 11 a.m. on Jan. 12. It will also release quarterly Grain Stocks, the Crop Production Annual Summary and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
NCGA Pleased with Steps to Enhance Chinese Ag Biotech Trade
The National Corn Growers Association applauded an announcement by the United States and Chinese governments of a successful 2014 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade.
"We see this as an encouraging first step in what needs to be an ongoing process," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair John Linder. "For years, NCGA has advocated for synchronizing international approval processes and thus opening markets for farmers. We hope that progress toward this goal continues."
This announcement included a commitment to improve biotech approval policies through the establishment of a vice-ministerial Strategic Agricultural Innovation Dialogue. Through these actions, the parties have demonstrated their desire to foster agricultural innovation and work towards a timely, predictable regulatory framework that protect U.S.-China agricultural trade.
NCGA Announces 2014 Yield Contest Winners
Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2014 National Corn Yield Contest. Entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, setting a contest record with a new all-time high yield of 503 bushels per acre. Additionally, a record six national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark.
The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 50th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. Participation in the contest remained strong in 2014 with 8,129 entries received.
“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”
The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 383.6 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 173.4 bushels per acre in 2014. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 503.7190.
The all-time high yield record of 503 bushels per acre was set by Randy Dowdy/growbigcorn.com of Valdosta, GA. The seven national entrants recording yields of more than 400 bushels per acre are: David Hula of Charles City, Va.; Craig Hula of Charles City, Va.; Steven Albracht of Hart, Texas; Randy Dowdy/growbigcorn.com of Valdosta, Ga.; Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Ga.; Dowdy Farms VIII of Valdosta, Ga; and Dowdy Farms II of Valdosta, Ga.
“Many of our members first joined NCGA so that they could participate in the National Corn Yield Contest and test their skills as a farmer,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “While they join to gain entry, their view of the organization, and corresponding level of participation, evolves. Once a contest participant looks at our activities and achievements on behalf of all American growers, they see the value in a grassroots approach that unites the voices of corn farmers across the country to affect change. Reluctant joiners turn into vital members, spokespeople for their industry and active advocates of NCGA membership.”
For half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers.
Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. In Phoenix, Ariz., during the 2015 Commodity Classic, winners will be honored during the NCGA Awards Banquet and the NCYC State Winners Breakfast.
Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.
NSP Announces Annual Yield Contest Winners
National Sorghum Producers is proud to announce the winners of the 2014 NSP Yield Contest. Farmers from 27 states entered to win this year’s contest. Producer yields are highlighted in nine different categories with this year’s top yield at 246 bushels per acre, just shy of NSP's 250 bushel per acre yield goal.
“Congratulations to all the 2014 Yield Contest winners,” said NSP board of directors Chairman J.B. Stewart. “The yield contest is a fantastic opportunity for producers to display their achievements while demonstrating the yield potential grain sorghum offers when using good management practices.”
The 2014 first place winners of the NSP Yield Contest were Henson Land & Cattle of Texas in the Conventional-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 245.94 bushels per acre; Cody Sassmann of Missouri in the No-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 207.98 bushels per acre; Weldon Alders of Texas in the Conventional-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 205.74 bushels per acre; Taylor Equipment of Kansas who won the Reduced-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 202.66 bushels per acre; Sam Santini, Jr. of New Jersey in the Double Crop Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 193.33 bushels per acre; Joe Scates of Illinois in the Mulch-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 185.36 bushels per acre; and Fike Farms of Texas in the Double Crop Irrigated category with a yield of 151.63 bushels per acre.
Ki Gamble of Kansas is the Irrigated National Food-Grade category winner with a yield of 177.97 bushels per acre, and Stanley Brandyberry Farms of Kansas won the Non-Irrigated National Food-Grade category with a yield of 118.96 bushels per acre.
"Overall yields in this year's contest were greatly improved," said NSP Chairman J.B. Stewart. "and we look forward to reaching the 250 bushel per acre mark next year."
The national winners will be further recognized at Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 27, 2015, at an awards dinner sponsored by Dupont Pioneer.
To see a complete list of the NSP Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest.
Jon Doggett Named NCGA Executive Vice President
The National Corn Growers Association today announced the promotion of Jon Doggett to Executive Vice President, effective January 1.
In his new role, Doggett will lead efforts to expand NCGA’s alliances and strategic partnerships, and elevate its national profile. Doggett will continue to manage the organization’s 10-person Washington, DC office and lead its public policy efforts.
“Now, more than ever, corn farmers need to be expanding our reach to strengthen our alliances beyond the Beltway,” said NCGA CEO Chris Novak. “Jon Doggett is one of Washington’s smartest political minds, and has a track record of building solid political alliances in Washington. With the issues facing corn farmers today, Jon is the perfect person to lead efforts to grow our strategic alliances and tell the story of America’s corn farmers to a wider audience.”
Doggett has served as Vice President of Public Policy since July 2002, where he directs all aspects of NCGA efforts involving the federal government. He was also named one of Washington’s Most Influential Lobbyists by The Hill newspaper.
Raised on his family’s ranch in Montana, Jon has substantial knowledge of production agriculture and more than 25 years of agricultural policy experience. His ability to look at issues with a fresh perspective and find a common ground has been the cornerstone of Doggett’s career.
“In a town that is all too often divided, Jon has the unique ability to bring people together, find mutual understanding, and be the bridge between farmers and lawmakers,” said Novak.
Prior to joining NCGA, Doggett spent eleven years at the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he was the Bureau’s lead lobbyist on a number of public policy issues, including federal lands, climate change, land use, energy, and endangered species.
Doggett also worked for the National Cattleman’s Association/Public Lands Council and served as Senior Legislative Assistant for former Montana Congressman Ron Marlenee. In 2007 he was appointed by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade.
“I am excited to take on a greater leadership role with NCGA,” Doggett said. “Farmers have a great story to tell on energy, innovation and technology, conservation, and revitalizing rural America. We must find new ways to reach policymakers, thought leaders, and consumers to ensure they’re hearing those stories. We also need to engage the next generation of corn farmers. The face of farming – like the face of America – is changing, and our organization needs to reflect that diversity. I look forward to working with Chris to address these challenges.”
Jon is a certified Sea Kayak Instructor. He resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, Nancy. They have two adult children and one grandchild.
November Milk Production up 3.5 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during November totaled 15.5 billion pounds, up 3.5 percent from November 2013. October revised production, at 16.0 billion pounds, was up 3.7 percent from October 2013. The October revision represented a decrease of 35 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,806 pounds for November, 41 pounds above November 2013. This is the highest production per cow for the month of November since the 23 State series began in 2003. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.59 million head, 93,000 head more than November 2013, and 3,000 head more than October 2014.
November Milk Production in the United States up 3.4 Percent
Milk production in the United States during November totaled 16.5 billion pounds, up 3.4 percent from November 2013. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,782 pounds for November, 42 pounds above November 2013. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.28 million head, 82,000 head more than November 2013, and 4,000 head more than October 2014.
IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during November 2014 totaled 381 million pounds, up 4 percent from November 2013 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 207,000 head, was unchanged from last month, but 1,000 more than a year ago. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,840 pounds in November 2014, up 65 pounds from last November. This is the highest November milk per cow for Iowa on record.
CWT Assists with a Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 7 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 1.056 million pounds (479 metric tons) of Cheddar, Colby-Jack and Gouda cheese to customers in Asia and the South Pacific. The product will be delivered December 2014 through June 2015.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 102.545 million pounds of cheese, 53.383 million pounds of butter and 34.384 million pounds of whole milk powder to 45 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.401 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Numbers adjusted for cancellations.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them in the rapidly growing world dairy markets. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
USDA to Gauge Farmland Ownership and Farm Economics
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin surveying farmland owners to measure financial impacts and challenges of land ownership. Landowners will begin receiving forms for the survey, called Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL), by the end of December.
"The recent Census of Agriculture counted more than 19.9 million acres of land that were rented or leased in Nebraska, but it has been more than a decade since we spoke to landowners themselves," said Dean Groskurth, Northern Plains regional director. "I hope all who receive TOTAL surveys will respond to help update landownership information. The data will ensure that all decisions impacting Nebraska farmland is based on accurate information that comes directly from the source."
TOTAL is a part of the Census of Agriculture program, which means response to this survey is mandatory. The TOTAL survey program will collect data from both farm operators and landlords who are not farm operators to create a complete picture of farm costs, land ownership, demographics about farm operators and landlords, and improvements made to farmland and buildings, among other characteristics. More than 80,000 farmland owners and producers across the United States will receive TOTAL forms, including 3,100 in Nebraska.
"This survey is lengthy and we realize some producers and landowners may have questions or need clarification," explained Groskurth. "In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those producers and landowners who have not yet responded to answer any questions they may have and help them fill out their questionnaires."
In addition to accurate data, NASS is strongly committed to confidentiality. Information provided by respondents is confidential by law. The agency safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring no individual respondent or operation can be identified.
NASS will publish results of the TOTAL survey in its Quick Stats database in August 2015. NASS will also publish the economic data gathered in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report in August 4.
USDA Releases 2013 Annual Summary for Pesticide Data Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety concern. This information, along with an explanatory guide for consumers, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.
The 2013 PDP Annual Summary shows that over 99 percent of the products sampled through PDP had residues below the EPA tolerances. Residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.23 percent of the samples tested. The PDP pesticide residue results are reported to FDA and EPA through monthly reports. In instances where a PDP finding is extraordinary and may pose a safety risk, FDA and EPA are immediately notified. EPA has determined the extremely low levels of those residues are not a food safety risk, and the presence of such residues does not pose a safety concern.
Each year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis. In 2013, surveys were conducted on a variety of foods including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, infant formula, butter, salmon, groundwater, and drinking water. AMS partners with cooperating state agencies to collect and analyze pesticide chemical residue levels on selected foods. The EPA uses data from PDP to enhance its programs for food safety and help evaluate dietary exposure to pesticides.
Statement from USDA:
"The Pesticide Data Program provides reliable data through rigorous sampling that helps assure consumers that the produce they feed their families is safe. This report confirms again that pesticide residues are below levels deemed safe."
Statement from FDA:
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for assessing whether pesticide chemical residues found on food make the food unlawful under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA is able to conduct its own tests, interpret the reported violations, and determine if additional testing is needed in order to take enforcement action, as appropriate."
Statement from EPA:
"PDP is invaluable to EPA in its work to evaluate pesticide residues in food. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based, and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people's health and the environment."
Since its inception, the PDP has tested 112 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat and poultry, grains, fish, rice, specialty products, and water. In 2013, the program expanded to include samples of infant formula, raspberries and salmon. The data are a valuable tool for consumers, food producers and processors, chemical manufacturers, environmental interest groups, and food safety organizations.
The findings of the Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary, Calendar Year 2013 can be downloaded at www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.
S&W Seed Company to Acquire DuPont Pioneer Alfalfa Research and Production Assets
S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW), the largest 'non-dormant' alfalfa seed company in the world, and DuPont Pioneer, the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics today announced the acquisition by S&W of all of DuPont Pioneer's alfalfa production and research facility assets, as well as all conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa germplasm, for a purchase price of up to $42 million. The purchase price consists of $27 million in cash (payable at closing), a promissory note payable by S&W to DuPont Pioneer in the principal amount of $10 million and a potential earn-out payment of up to $5 million based on sales of the acquired germplasm in the three-year period following the closing. The promissory note bears interest at 3% per annum (paid annually) and is payable on December 31, 2017. The sale is expected to be completed on December 31, 2014, and is conditioned on S&W obtaining sufficient additional financing (on terms and conditions acceptable to it) to consummate the purchase and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurances that S&W will be successful in securing financing.
As part of the acquisition, S&W will acquire:
- Over 15 DuPont Pioneer alfalfa seed varieties in the market today, including varieties designed for high yields, forage quality, leafhopper resistance, and stem nematode resistance;
- More than 60 varieties that are currently in DuPont Pioneer's development pipeline;
- A seed cleaning and production facility located in Nampa, Idaho and research facilities in Arlington, Wisconsin; and
- 31 employees from the alfalfa group at DuPont Pioneer.
With the acquisition, S&W Seed Company will be the global leader in alfalfa seed, with unrivaled research and development, production and distribution capabilities. S&W will span the world's alfalfa seed production regions with operations in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, five other US states, Australia, and three provinces in Canada, and will sell its seed products in more than 25 countries around the globe.
Mark Grewal, chief executive officer of S&W Seed Company commented, "The acquisition of DuPont Pioneer's alfalfa seed operation will create an unparalleled leader in the alfalfa seed industry. We will benefit from one of the most compelling growth opportunities in agriculture, the desire for increased protein in a growing global population. The combination of operations brings together the largest 'non-dormant' alfalfa seed company in the world and one of the leaders in the 'dormant' alfalfa seed market. This acquisition provides us with diversified worldwide production and distribution capabilities, industry-leading research and development capabilities, along with a strong grower base and dedicated customers. Incorporating dormant varieties into our production base and sales channels is a natural fit and progression for our business, and this acquisition gives us the personnel and expertise to accelerate our growth in all dormancies going forward."
Possible Future Acquisition of GMO Germplasm
S&W has also agreed, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to purchase DuPont Pioneer's GMO alfalfa germplasm and related assets for an additional $7 million in cash. The closing for the second acquisition, if all conditions to closing are satisfied, will occur on December 29, 2017. If the second acquisition is completed, the total purchase price for both acquisitions would be up to $49 million.
Exclusive Distribution Agreement
Concurrently with the closing of the acquisition, S&W and DuPont Pioneer are entering into exclusive alfalfa seed distribution and production agreements under which, subject to certain exceptions, S&W will be DuPont Pioneer's sole supplier of alfalfa seed through 2024.
Under the agreement, DuPont Pioneer will continue to sell S&W-supplied, proprietary Pioneer® brand alfalfa varieties to customers for at least the next 10 years, through Pioneer's extensive network of exclusive sales representatives. The agreement provides S&W with a strong and reliable customer for a large portion of the new S&W seed production, and provides DuPont Pioneer customers with the same leading alfalfa seed varieties that they have relied on for years.
Alfalfa is primarily used as a high protein "forage" for livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, and is also used in certain fuel applications. The market for alfalfa hay and haylage in the United States is approximately $11.3 billion annually, and has grown at approximately a 4.8% CAGR over the last 10 years.
The newly acquired alfalfa business is expected to contribute approximately $26 million of incremental annual revenues in FY '15 and approximately $40 million of incremental annual revenues in FY '16.
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.55 million cattle on feed on December 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 5 percent from last year. Placements during November totaled 485,000 head, up 2 percent from 2013. Fed cattle marketings for the month of November totaled 370,000 head, down 7 percent from last year. Other disappearance during November totaled 15,000 head, unchanged from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 7% FROM LAST YEAR
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in Iowa for all feedlots totaled 1,130,000 on December 1, 2014 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office. The inventory is up 4 percent from November 1, 2014 but down 7 percent from December 1, 2013. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head had 610,000 head on feed, up 3 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head had 520,000 head on feed, up 5 percent from last month but down 13 percent from last year.
Placements during November totaled 227,000 head, unchanged from last month but down 10 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head placed 117,000 head, down 11 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head placed 110,000 head. This is up 16 percent from last month but down 15 percent from last year.
Marketings for November were 175,000 head, up 5 percent from last month but down 10 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity greater than 1,000 head marketed 95,000 head, down 5 percent from last month and last year. Feedlots with a capacity less than 1,000 head marketed 80,000 head, up 21 percent from last month but down 16 percent from last year. Other disappearance totaled 7,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on December 1, 2014. The inventory was 1 percent above December 1, 2013.
Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.79 million, 4 percent below 2013. Net placements were 1.72 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 550,000, 600-699 pounds were 440,000, 700-799 pounds were 362,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 440,000. For the month of November, placements are the second lowest since the series began in 1996.
Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.48 million, 11 percent below 2013. November marketings are the lowest since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 74,000 during November, 9 percent above 2013.
Number of Cattle on Feed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : December 1, 2014
: : :--------------------------------------------
State :December 1, 2013 :November 1, 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: --------------- 1,000 head -------------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 275 250 252 92 101
California .......: 505 420 435 86 104
Colorado .........: 970 900 930 96 103
Idaho ............: 225 220 230 102 105
Iowa .............: 610 590 610 100 103
Kansas ...........: 2,050 2,080 2,100 102 101
Minnesota ........: 122 132 135 111 102
Nebraska .........: 2,430 2,450 2,550 105 104
Oklahoma .........: 265 260 260 98 100
South Dakota .....: 220 230 245 111 107
Texas ............: 2,510 2,550 2,560 102 100
Washington .......: 207 226 234 113 104
Other States .....: 335 325 335 100 103
United States ....: 10,724 10,633 10,876 101 102
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Cattle Placed on Feed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : During November 2014
: During : During :--------------------------------------------
State :November 2013 : October 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: ------------ 1,000 head ----------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 30 22 26 87 118
California .......: 63 53 62 98 117
Colorado .........: 165 210 155 94 74
Idaho ............: 42 61 43 102 70
Iowa .............: 122 132 117 96 89
Kansas ...........: 365 420 320 88 76
Minnesota ........: 18 30 15 83 50
Nebraska .........: 475 660 485 102 73
Oklahoma .........: 40 60 45 113 75
South Dakota .....: 61 84 53 87 63
Texas ............: 405 520 385 95 74
Washington .......: 44 51 47 107 92
Other States .....: 37 54 39 105 72
United States ....: 1,867 2,357 1,792 96 76
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Cattle Marketed on 1,000+ Capacity Feedlots by Month - States and US: 2013 and 2014
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: : : During November 2014
: During : During :--------------------------------------------
State :November 2013 : October 2014 : : Percent of : Percent of
: : : Number :previous year :previous month
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: ------------ 1,000 head ----------- ----- percent ----
Arizona ..........: 24 21 19 79 90
California .......: 51 40 43 84 108
Colorado .........: 140 145 120 86 83
Idaho ............: 36 45 32 89 71
Iowa .............: 100 100 95 95 95
Kansas ...........: 345 320 285 83 89
Minnesota ........: 12 11 11 92 100
Nebraska .........: 400 430 370 93 86
Oklahoma .........: 43 43 43 100 100
South Dakota .....: 39 43 34 87 79
Texas ............: 400 420 360 90 86
Washington .......: 39 35 37 95 106
Other States .....: 31 32 26 84 81
United States ....: 1,660 1,685 1,475 89 88
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grassroots Effort to Stop Second Beef Checkoff Assessment Successful
Nebraska Cattlemen today released the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s announcement to withdraw his plan to create a second beef checkoff assessment under the 1996 generic act.
“Over the years, the Beef Checkoff Program has greatly benefitted those who pay into and direct its work. Nebraska Cattlemen understands the $1 per-head assessment doesn’t stretch as far as it once did and that’s why we’ll continue the conversation about enhancement of those resources,” said Dave McCracken, President of Nebraska Cattlemen and former Cattlemen's Beef Board member. “We appreciate the continued focus on increasing the reach of our grassroots effort through enhanced support of the existing program. The investment is vital and ensures we have the promotion and research funds required for a thriving beef industry.”
The $1-per-head Beef Checkoff Program was created by cattlemen and women in 1985, when Congress passed the Beef Promotion and Research Act. The checkoff relies on grassroots cattlemen and women who determine how the funds are allocated to beef promotion and research efforts. Because of the beef checkoff, new promotion programs have helped keep beef on the menu in the United States and abroad through innovative marketing campaigns. Similarly, research projects have helped identify new cuts, like the flat-iron steak, which add value returned to investors throughout the value chain.
In a recent national survey, nearly 80 percent of producers expressed support for the 1985 program. In an independent study conducted earlier this year, the checkoff was shown to have returned $11.20 for each dollar invested in the program.
Instead of creating a second checkoff assessment, Sec. Vilsack said he intends to allow beef industry stakeholders participating in the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group to continue to seek a solution to ensure beef research and promotion efforts are receiving adequate resources. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Bob McCan said the organization remains committed to the collaborative industry-led effort underway to address the issue.
“We greatly appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s action, allowing the industry stakeholders to continue working together to enhance the Beef Checkoff Program,” said McCan. “All of us involved in this process have been very mindful of the tremendous producer support of the Checkoff and we will continue to work with the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group and our members to enhance the program while building on that support.”
University, Industry Experts Provide Updates at Three-State Beef Conference
The second annual Three-State Beef Conference is scheduled Jan. 13, 14 and 15, 2015 with locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
Topics and speakers for the conference include: "Evaluating Supplementation Strategies," Rick Rasby, extension beef specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; "Rethinking our Forage Systems," Bruce Anderson, extension forage specialist, UNL; and "Financial Impacts of Fertility and Infertility in the Current Cattle Market," Patrick Gunn, extension cow-calf specialist, Iowa State University.
The first conference session is in Creston, Iowa, at Southwestern Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6. The Missouri session will be Wednesday, Jan. 14, in Albany at the University of Missouri Hundley-Whaley Learning Discovery Center with registration at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6.
On Jan. 15, there will be two different sessions in Nebraska. The first session will be at the Gage County UNL Extension Center in Beatrice. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with the program at 11. An evening session will be at the UNL Ag Research and Development Center near Mead, with registration at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6.
The Three-State Beef Conference (formerly the Four-State Beef Conference) is designed to provide regular updates on current cow-calf and stocker topics to beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the United States' leading beef cattle land grant universities as well as other industry experts.
Registration fee is $25 per person and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings. Pre-registration is due Jan. 9 to assist with meal planning and material preparation.
If you need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform us by Dec. 31.
For more information or to register, contact Paul Hay (Beatrice location), phay1@unl.edu, 402-223-1384 or Lindsay Chichester (Mead location), lchichester2@unl.edu, 402-624-8030 or visit on the web at http://extension.iastate.edu/feci/3StBeef/.
Nebraska Extension Schedules Crop Production Clinics in January
University of Nebraska-Lincoln crop production and pest management specialists have scheduled a series of crop production clinics across the state in January to provide the latest research-based information and recommendations for 2015.
Topics will include soil fertility; soil water and irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; cropping systems; and agribusiness management and marketing. The complete agendas are available at http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.
Check-in each day is from 8 to 8:30 a.m., with sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The schedule:
Tuesday, Jan. 6 — Gering - Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — North Platte - Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers
Thursday, Jan. 8 — Hastings - Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — Kearney - Younes Conference Center, 416 W. Talmadge Road
Wednesday, Jan. 14 — York - Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 15 — Beatrice - Beatrice Country Club, 1301 Oak St.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Atkinson - Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. 5th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — Norfolk - Lifelong Learning Center, NECC 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 22 — UNL ARDC, Ithaca - Saunders County Extension Office, 1071 County Road G,
The Crop Production Clinics will be the primary venue for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators to renew their licenses in the following categories: Ag Plant, Regulatory, and Demonstration/Research. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be present to verify attendance. The crop production clinics also will serve as a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses.
Online registration is required for these clinics to provide for meals and materials. Register at agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. Cost for preregistrations by 3 p.m. the day before the clinic is $65. Online preregistration includes the 2015 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska, the 2015 Crop Production Clinic proceedings with further information on the topics being discussed, a meal, and refreshments. On-site registration is $80.
CCA credits will be available (maximum of six per day) in these areas: crop production (2), nutrient management (1), integrated pest management (6), water management (1), and professional development (2).
Pesticide applicator recertification training will be available in these categories: Commercial/noncommercial in ag plant, demonstration/research, and regulatory; private applicator
For more information about this meeting series, contact Amit Jhala, CPC program coordinator and Nebraska Extension weed management specialist, 402-472-1534, or UNL Department of Agronomy Events at 402-472-5636.
Old Crop Corn, Soybean Prices Up; New Crop Prices Mixed
El Niño Forecast to Continue Through Mid-Year
Farmers, grain elevators and commodity traders can expect higher grain prices in 2015, according to DTN Senior Market Analyst Darin Newsom. The key, Newsom said, was important technical signals seen in corn, wheat and soybeans at the end of October 2014 that occurred long before headlines started to turn more bullish.
During his 2015 market preview at the recent DTN/The Progressive Farmer Ag Summit, held in Chicago Dec. 8-10, 2014, Newsom projected old crop corn prices will continue to gradually move up through spring planting. He estimated 2014-15 old crop corn futures will level off in $4.40-$4.50 a bushel range.
“Given the relatively low futures prices, the basis could hold steady over the winter and spring,” said Newsom. “The spring target for the DTN National Corn Index is approximately $4.10.”
Newsom predicted global demand for U.S. corn will continue to rise throughout 2015 to support the market at a time when planted corn acres could decline to 88.3 million acres with production at 13.3 billion bushels. As a result of the anticipated tighter supply and demand, he forecasted the 2015-16 corn cash prices could reach $5.20 at some point in 2016.
Newsom remains bullish on old crop soybeans, predicting 2015 futures could be priced near $12.00 a bushel based on strong demand through February 2015 and before harvest begins in South America. However, Newsom is not as optimistic about new crop soybean prices for 2015-16. If early projections that U.S. soybean farmers will plant a record 88.3 million acres of soybeans in 2015 hold true, it would be equal to the amount of planted corn acres and up from 84.2 million acres in 2014. Despite the projected record soybean acreage, DTN estimates the 2015 harvest could be 3.94 billion bushels, down slightly from the record production of 3.96 billion bushels set in 2014. Coupled with the possibility of a large South American soybean crop, the potential exists for record global soybean production in 2015.
If both domestic and global ending stocks increase, as would be implied by early production numbers, the soybean markets (futures, cash and basis) could struggle over the last three quarters of 2015 and into 2016.
On the positive side, global soybean demand continues to increase and is expected to do so again during the 2015-2016 marketing year. Newsom said the level of projected global demand, most likely another record, could offset some of the potential market sell-off implied by using previous marketing years as a guide for estimating potential price target.
Newsom's wheat discussion centered on how the market had turned bullish despite ongoing USDA projections of bearish domestic and global supply and demand situations. In this way, he noted, following the market signals has been far more beneficial than paying close attention to monthly reports. The wheat market's fall rally has the old-crop Chicago contract in position to extend its move to near $7.00 through the winter. Once springtime comes, attention will turn to the health of the U.S. winter wheat crop, as well as the ongoing quality versus quantity global supply situation.
2015 Weather Outlook
In addition to hearing about the 2015 market outlook, the nearly 800 Ag Summit attendees also learned about the weather conditions they can expect through mid-2015. Weather models by DTN’s award-winning meteorology team indicate a weaker El Niño pattern will likely last through winter and into spring and possibly summer, said DTN Ag Meteorologist Bryce Anderson. As a result of El Niño, Anderson forecasted normal temperatures for North America, most of Europe, the Black Sea region and China.
“If we didn’t have the El Niño pattern, I would be more concerned about next growing season,” explained Anderson. “We see less than a 10 percent chance of La Niña forming next year.”
According to Anderson, DTN forecasts frequent cold with mild intervals and less snow this winter in the upper Midwest, and a cold winter with greater risks for ice and snow in the central Plains and eastern Corn Belt. Southern California and southwestern states can expect slightly cooler temperatures with drought improvement with milder temperatures and worsening drought in northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Central California through the Rocky Mountains will see seasonable but variable temperatures. The southwest Plains states should anticipate ongoing drought conditions. The South and Southeast can expect cooler temperatures with heavier rainfall and an increase in severe storms.
For spring and planting season, DTN forecasts typical weather and precipitation patterns across much of the country. Although, Anderson said, extreme weather events such as flooding due to high rainfall amounts from a single storm have become more frequent and could affect U.S. farmers’ planting schedules.
Along with DTN crop and weather outlooks, the DTN/The Progressive Farmer Ag Summit had presentations from agribusiness leaders on such topics as U.S. transportation, agriculture production in Russia and the Black Sea region, North American fertilizer production, financial planning and U.S. energy including ethanol.
Iowa Corn Growers Finalizes 2015 Federal, State Legislative Priorities
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Thursday released its latest list of state and federal legislative priorities, based on grassroots input from its members across the state.
"As a grassroots-driven organization, input from our ICGA members fuels our legislative process," said ICGA President Jerry Mohr, a farmer from Eldridge. "Through ICGA, we encourage corn growers from our crop reporting districts across the state to actively engage in developing policy that affects their farming operations. ICGA works at the state and national levels to provide influence and access on behalf of our farmer members to enact and protect policies that affect corn farmers, and ultimately, Iowa corn grower profitability."
"The Iowa Corn Growers Association looks forward to working with lawmakers during the 86th Iowa General Assembly, and the 114th U.S. Congress to promote policies, programs and meaningful legislation important to Iowa's corn growers," Mohr said.
ICGA's top state and federal legislative priorities for 2015, approved this week by its board of directors on behalf of members, include:
2015 ICGA state priorities, listed in alphabetical order:
1. Conservation: Implementation of Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy
2. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS): Funding for IDALS budget requests (state veterinarian, conservation, fuels, etc.)
3. Ethanol: Support allowing retail fuel station owners to utilize the Underground Storage Tank (UST) program fund to make cost-share improvements for ethanol-capable infrastructure
4. Ethanol: Support state tax credits for cellulosic ethanol or other advanced biofuels
5. Livestock: Support for the livestock industry and the existing laws regulating livestock operations
6. Livestock: Support for increased funding for Iowa State University's (ISU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
7. Research: Increased funds for ISU Experiment Station: especially for livestock- related research on animal stress and odor management
8. Research: Increased funds for ISU's "Leading the Bioeconomy Initiative," including research and technical support for Iowa's biofuels and bio-based products industries
9. Transportation: Increased funding, including tax increase for roads and bridges
10. Value-added agriculture: Support state tax credits for bio-based products beyond food or fuel
2015 ICGA federal priorities, in alphabetical order:
1. Biotechnology: Support efforts to create national voluntary genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling law
2. Environment: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality issues. For example, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs), nutrient criteria, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC)
3. Environment: EPA Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
4. Ethanol: Support for retaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
5. Ethanol: Support for higher blends for conventional cars (E15+) including regulatory, 1 lb. waiver
6. Farm Bill: Protect/maintain the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds
7. Research: Support agricultural research funding for corn phenotyping
8. Taxes: Extend expiring agricultural tax credits or make permanent: bonus depreciation, Sec. 179, capital gains
9. Trade: Support for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)
10. Transportation: Support appropriations for Mississippi River lock & dams, including increased barge fuel tax
ICGA's latest action to prioritize issues on behalf of its 8,000 members stems from policy discussion and resolutions adopted during ICGA's annual meeting and policy conference in Des Moines in August.
ICGA delegates will join other farmers from across the country at the Commodity Classic to discuss and finalize National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) policy for the coming year. The Commodity Classic takes place Feb. 26-28 in Phoenix. Farmer leaders, including Mohr, and others from across Iowa will represent Iowa Corn at the event.
The 2015 Iowa Corn Growers Association policy book is also available online at: www.iowacorn.org/policy.
Iconic ag leaders discuss industry’s future at ISA’s 50th celebration
Four of the most influential leaders in agriculture believe collaboration among farmers, academia and industry and technological advances will help the world become food secure as the population grows.
Harry Stine, president and founder of Stine Seed Company; Dr. Robb Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Monsanto; Paul Shickler, president of DuPont Pioneer; and Jim Knuth, senior vice president of Farm Credit Services of America and head of Iowa operations, provided a look into the future of agriculture on Dec. 18 during the two-day Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) 50th Anniversary Symposium & Recognition Banquet in Des Moines.
The group — considered some of the foremost experts worldwide in seed, biotechnology and lending — are confident farmers will grow more food within the next four decades than in the history of mankind, and do it in a sustainable way thanks to technology that’s available and yet to come.
“When I look at my crystal ball, the role of soybeans and the Iowa farmer has never been more important and opportunities brighter assuming we have the ability to use these tools,” said Fraley, who ISA CEO Kirk Leeds called the “father of ag biotechnology.”
The world’s population is expected to jump from 7 billion to 9.5 billion, along with an extra 2 billion joining the middle class. More food will be needed, especially protein. Soybean oil and soybean meal fed to livestock fulfill that need.
The experts are confident innovations in precision agriculture, biotechnology and plant breeding will allow yields to double in the United States and triple in other countries. Industry, government and non-government entities will increasingly work together to feed a hungry world, they said.
“If we are going to meet the challenges in the next 10 to 20 years, collaboration is important,” Schickler said.
The use of “Big Data” will become more prevalent as farmers and ag companies apply enormous amounts of information — everything from yield and fertility maps to weather modeling and seed research — to be more productive and profitable. Data usage will help farmers maximize yields and tackle sustainability, environmental and freedom-to-operate issues.
“That’s a tremendous opportunity today (and for the future),” Schickler said.
A good example of collaboration is the Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University. It will bring industry, academia and producers together to boost production and improve competitiveness of state’s favorite legume.
“It’s a more complex world and the need for (more) partnerships has never been greater,” Leeds said.
Knuth commended the ISA for taking a leadership role bringing industry partners and farmers together, along with connecting with consumers.
Stine, who graduated from college before the ISA was formed, used the past to look forward.
“Look how far we’ve come,” he said. “If we go back 100 years, the corn acreage was about the same as it is now and we were growing around 20 bushels per acre of corn. There were a few small patches of soybeans cut by a horse-drawn mower for hay.”
The change from then to now in technology, genetics, seed, production practices and usage of the crop is beyond the comprehension of those before us, he said.
“I think the scientists and companies represented here will develop the technology and make rapid progress,” Stine said. “I’m not concerned about that. It will take care of itself.”
ISU Feedlot Forum to Feature 'Change'
Cattle feeders and agri-business professionals are invited to Feedlot Forum 2015 on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center. The forum runs 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The forum features timely presentations on changes affecting northwest Iowa feedlot producers and includes a trade show displaying new products and services in animal health, cattle nutrition, manure management, beef facilities and livestock equipment.
“The beef industry is undergoing a lot of change – ag policy, corn coproducts, cattle welfare and market prices. This year’s forum will address major changes directly impacting feedlot producers,” said Beth Doran, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist.
Kristina Butts, executive director of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will lead with a discussion surrounding ag policy and federal regulations impacting feedlot producers. She will share an update on major issues, such as the Farm Bill and waters of the United States.
Matt Deppe, chief executive officer for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, will present a brief update on issues pertaining specifically to Iowa producers.
Erika Lundy, graduate student with the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State, will present the results from research involving new corn coproducts and their feed value. Because corn coproducts on the market today have been further refined, they contain differing levels of oil and protein than was previously available.
Big changes are on the horizon for beef cattle welfare, too. Hans Coetzee, associate professor of ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Production Animal Medicine, will talk about the use of anesthetics and analgesics to mitigate pain associated with common practices such as dehorning and castration.
In 2014, cattle producers witnessed historically high prices for feeder and market-ready cattle. Andrew Gottschalk, owner of Hedgers Edge and senior vice president for R.J. O’Brien and Associates, will explain where cattle prices have been and project where they might be headed.
To help cattle producers cope with market volatility, Lauren Kaemingk of Kooima and Kaemingk Commodities will offer tools and strategies producers can use to manage risk involved in purchasing feeder cattle and corn and marketing finished animals. The registration fee of $25 per person is due at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County office by Jan. 15. See the brochure. For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or doranb@iastate.edu.
New Tool Evaluates Options for Reducing Odors In Livestock Operations
A team of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists have developed an online tool to help livestock and poultry producers compare odor mitigation techniques that could be useful on their farms.
Air Management Practices Assessment Tool, AMPAT for short, is web-based and available at no charge at www.agronext.iastate.edu/ampat.
“The website was developed to help livestock and poultry producers identify practices to reduce odors, and emissions of gases and dust on their farms caused by animal production,” said Angie Rieck-Hinz, an ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist and member of the project team.
“The database lists options to be used from three core sources of odor and emissions in their operations — animal housing, manure storage and handling, and land application.”
Other members of the team include Jay Harmon, Steven Hoff and Dan Andersen, professors of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State.
Producers can select a specific mitigation practice and learn more about its effectiveness and relative cost. Rieck-Hinz said producers can use AMPAT in conjunction with the National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool (http://naqsat.tamu.edu/) to identify opportunities to make changes, find best practices for improving air quality and evaluate their effectiveness.
To evaluate practices on AMPAT, the producer can select from one of the three core odor source areas. Each category provides access to resources that are specific to a particular pollutant. Once a pollutant is selected, a variety of resources are listed. This list includes a research-based publication on the recommended practice, pros and cons of using the recommended practice and a short video. Additional information and related links also are provided.
“Our goal was to develop a tool that is easy to use and provides relevant and useful information for livestock producers across the state,” Harmon said. “AMPAT helps producers see which technologies have the highest impact. The scorecard is color-coded for quick reference.”
The AMPAT website shows a color-coded listing of technologies to address pollutants. A green color indicates the selected technology has a high impact on that particular pollutant; yellow and red indicate medium and low impact, respectively. No color indicates there is insufficient data available to classify the effectiveness.
“For example, if a producer was concerned about a potential odor problem from animal housing, he would scan down the list under the ‘odor’ column at the top,” Harmon said. “From the list, he would find that ‘Siting,’ ‘Scrubbers,’ ‘Urine/Feces Segregation’ and ‘Biofilters’ have green bars, meaning they have high impact on odors. With that information, the producer could then investigate options for implementing those technologies and evaluate their selection based on relative cost or investigate all four options for their farm.
“It’s not uncommon for producers to identify best practices and implement them in their operation,” he said. “They want to be good neighbors and this tool helps them to achieve that goal.”
Development of the tool was completed by an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach project team with major funding from the National Pork Board.
Informa: Beans Acres Exceed Corn Acres
Private analytical firm Informa Economics sees farmers planting more soybean acres than corn acres next year for the first time since 1983.
Based primarily on its survey of producers in December, Informa said farmers are likely to plant 88.8 million acres of soybeans next year, compared to their previous estimate of 88.3 million acres. Informa says corn acres will total 88 million acres, compared to their last estimate of 88.3 million acres.
Informa's latest estimates are 3.2% lower than last year's corn acreage and 5.5% higher on soybeans. Corn acreage in the Eastern Corn Belt is expected to decline 1 ma from 2014 while the Western Corn Belt is expected to decline 1.4 ma. Soybeans are most likely to be planted on those acres, Informa said.
Informa's report included production forecasts based on trend-type yield. It projects corn production at 13.4 bb with a 165.9 bpa yield, and soybean production at 4 bb with a 45 bpa yield.
Winter wheat was seeded on 42.3 million acres this fall, Informa estimated. That's about 121,000 acres lower than last year's plantings. Hard red winter wheat area, at 30.9 ma, is 408,000 acres higher than last year. Soft red winter wheat planting is estimated at 561,000 acres lower than last year at 7.9 ma.
All wheat production was projected at 2.21 billion bushels, about 180 mb larger than in 2014, Informa said. The all wheat average yield, at 45.6 bushels per acre, is about 2 bpa higher than last year.
USDA will release its initial winter wheat seedings report at 11 a.m. on Jan. 12. It will also release quarterly Grain Stocks, the Crop Production Annual Summary and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
NCGA Pleased with Steps to Enhance Chinese Ag Biotech Trade
The National Corn Growers Association applauded an announcement by the United States and Chinese governments of a successful 2014 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade.
"We see this as an encouraging first step in what needs to be an ongoing process," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair John Linder. "For years, NCGA has advocated for synchronizing international approval processes and thus opening markets for farmers. We hope that progress toward this goal continues."
This announcement included a commitment to improve biotech approval policies through the establishment of a vice-ministerial Strategic Agricultural Innovation Dialogue. Through these actions, the parties have demonstrated their desire to foster agricultural innovation and work towards a timely, predictable regulatory framework that protect U.S.-China agricultural trade.
NCGA Announces 2014 Yield Contest Winners
Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2014 National Corn Yield Contest. Entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, setting a contest record with a new all-time high yield of 503 bushels per acre. Additionally, a record six national entries surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark.
The National Corn Yield Contest is now in its 50th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. Participation in the contest remained strong in 2014 with 8,129 entries received.
“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Don Glenn, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that help farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations, including drought. This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”
The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 383.6 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 173.4 bushels per acre in 2014. While there is no overall contest winner, yields from first, second and third place farmers overall production categories topped out at 503.7190.
The all-time high yield record of 503 bushels per acre was set by Randy Dowdy/growbigcorn.com of Valdosta, GA. The seven national entrants recording yields of more than 400 bushels per acre are: David Hula of Charles City, Va.; Craig Hula of Charles City, Va.; Steven Albracht of Hart, Texas; Randy Dowdy/growbigcorn.com of Valdosta, Ga.; Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Ga.; Dowdy Farms VIII of Valdosta, Ga; and Dowdy Farms II of Valdosta, Ga.
“Many of our members first joined NCGA so that they could participate in the National Corn Yield Contest and test their skills as a farmer,” said Tom Haag, chairman of NCGA’s Grower Services Action Team. “While they join to gain entry, their view of the organization, and corresponding level of participation, evolves. Once a contest participant looks at our activities and achievements on behalf of all American growers, they see the value in a grassroots approach that unites the voices of corn farmers across the country to affect change. Reluctant joiners turn into vital members, spokespeople for their industry and active advocates of NCGA membership.”
For half of a century, NCGA’s National Corn Yield Contest has provided corn growers the opportunity to compete with their colleagues to grow the most corn per acre, helping feed and fuel the world. This has given participants not only the recognition they deserved, but the opportunity to learn from their peers.
Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. In Phoenix, Ariz., during the 2015 Commodity Classic, winners will be honored during the NCGA Awards Banquet and the NCYC State Winners Breakfast.
Please visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.
NSP Announces Annual Yield Contest Winners
National Sorghum Producers is proud to announce the winners of the 2014 NSP Yield Contest. Farmers from 27 states entered to win this year’s contest. Producer yields are highlighted in nine different categories with this year’s top yield at 246 bushels per acre, just shy of NSP's 250 bushel per acre yield goal.
“Congratulations to all the 2014 Yield Contest winners,” said NSP board of directors Chairman J.B. Stewart. “The yield contest is a fantastic opportunity for producers to display their achievements while demonstrating the yield potential grain sorghum offers when using good management practices.”
The 2014 first place winners of the NSP Yield Contest were Henson Land & Cattle of Texas in the Conventional-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 245.94 bushels per acre; Cody Sassmann of Missouri in the No-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 207.98 bushels per acre; Weldon Alders of Texas in the Conventional-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 205.74 bushels per acre; Taylor Equipment of Kansas who won the Reduced-Till Irrigated category with a yield of 202.66 bushels per acre; Sam Santini, Jr. of New Jersey in the Double Crop Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 193.33 bushels per acre; Joe Scates of Illinois in the Mulch-Till Non-Irrigated category with a yield of 185.36 bushels per acre; and Fike Farms of Texas in the Double Crop Irrigated category with a yield of 151.63 bushels per acre.
Ki Gamble of Kansas is the Irrigated National Food-Grade category winner with a yield of 177.97 bushels per acre, and Stanley Brandyberry Farms of Kansas won the Non-Irrigated National Food-Grade category with a yield of 118.96 bushels per acre.
"Overall yields in this year's contest were greatly improved," said NSP Chairman J.B. Stewart. "and we look forward to reaching the 250 bushel per acre mark next year."
The national winners will be further recognized at Commodity Classic in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 27, 2015, at an awards dinner sponsored by Dupont Pioneer.
To see a complete list of the NSP Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest.
Jon Doggett Named NCGA Executive Vice President
The National Corn Growers Association today announced the promotion of Jon Doggett to Executive Vice President, effective January 1.
In his new role, Doggett will lead efforts to expand NCGA’s alliances and strategic partnerships, and elevate its national profile. Doggett will continue to manage the organization’s 10-person Washington, DC office and lead its public policy efforts.
“Now, more than ever, corn farmers need to be expanding our reach to strengthen our alliances beyond the Beltway,” said NCGA CEO Chris Novak. “Jon Doggett is one of Washington’s smartest political minds, and has a track record of building solid political alliances in Washington. With the issues facing corn farmers today, Jon is the perfect person to lead efforts to grow our strategic alliances and tell the story of America’s corn farmers to a wider audience.”
Doggett has served as Vice President of Public Policy since July 2002, where he directs all aspects of NCGA efforts involving the federal government. He was also named one of Washington’s Most Influential Lobbyists by The Hill newspaper.
Raised on his family’s ranch in Montana, Jon has substantial knowledge of production agriculture and more than 25 years of agricultural policy experience. His ability to look at issues with a fresh perspective and find a common ground has been the cornerstone of Doggett’s career.
“In a town that is all too often divided, Jon has the unique ability to bring people together, find mutual understanding, and be the bridge between farmers and lawmakers,” said Novak.
Prior to joining NCGA, Doggett spent eleven years at the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he was the Bureau’s lead lobbyist on a number of public policy issues, including federal lands, climate change, land use, energy, and endangered species.
Doggett also worked for the National Cattleman’s Association/Public Lands Council and served as Senior Legislative Assistant for former Montana Congressman Ron Marlenee. In 2007 he was appointed by USDA Secretary Mike Johanns to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade.
“I am excited to take on a greater leadership role with NCGA,” Doggett said. “Farmers have a great story to tell on energy, innovation and technology, conservation, and revitalizing rural America. We must find new ways to reach policymakers, thought leaders, and consumers to ensure they’re hearing those stories. We also need to engage the next generation of corn farmers. The face of farming – like the face of America – is changing, and our organization needs to reflect that diversity. I look forward to working with Chris to address these challenges.”
Jon is a certified Sea Kayak Instructor. He resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, Nancy. They have two adult children and one grandchild.
November Milk Production up 3.5 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during November totaled 15.5 billion pounds, up 3.5 percent from November 2013. October revised production, at 16.0 billion pounds, was up 3.7 percent from October 2013. The October revision represented a decrease of 35 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,806 pounds for November, 41 pounds above November 2013. This is the highest production per cow for the month of November since the 23 State series began in 2003. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.59 million head, 93,000 head more than November 2013, and 3,000 head more than October 2014.
November Milk Production in the United States up 3.4 Percent
Milk production in the United States during November totaled 16.5 billion pounds, up 3.4 percent from November 2013. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,782 pounds for November, 42 pounds above November 2013. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.28 million head, 82,000 head more than November 2013, and 4,000 head more than October 2014.
IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during November 2014 totaled 381 million pounds, up 4 percent from November 2013 according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 207,000 head, was unchanged from last month, but 1,000 more than a year ago. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,840 pounds in November 2014, up 65 pounds from last November. This is the highest November milk per cow for Iowa on record.
CWT Assists with a Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 7 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 1.056 million pounds (479 metric tons) of Cheddar, Colby-Jack and Gouda cheese to customers in Asia and the South Pacific. The product will be delivered December 2014 through June 2015.
Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 102.545 million pounds of cheese, 53.383 million pounds of butter and 34.384 million pounds of whole milk powder to 45 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.401 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Numbers adjusted for cancellations.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them in the rapidly growing world dairy markets. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.
USDA to Gauge Farmland Ownership and Farm Economics
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will begin surveying farmland owners to measure financial impacts and challenges of land ownership. Landowners will begin receiving forms for the survey, called Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL), by the end of December.
"The recent Census of Agriculture counted more than 19.9 million acres of land that were rented or leased in Nebraska, but it has been more than a decade since we spoke to landowners themselves," said Dean Groskurth, Northern Plains regional director. "I hope all who receive TOTAL surveys will respond to help update landownership information. The data will ensure that all decisions impacting Nebraska farmland is based on accurate information that comes directly from the source."
TOTAL is a part of the Census of Agriculture program, which means response to this survey is mandatory. The TOTAL survey program will collect data from both farm operators and landlords who are not farm operators to create a complete picture of farm costs, land ownership, demographics about farm operators and landlords, and improvements made to farmland and buildings, among other characteristics. More than 80,000 farmland owners and producers across the United States will receive TOTAL forms, including 3,100 in Nebraska.
"This survey is lengthy and we realize some producers and landowners may have questions or need clarification," explained Groskurth. "In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those producers and landowners who have not yet responded to answer any questions they may have and help them fill out their questionnaires."
In addition to accurate data, NASS is strongly committed to confidentiality. Information provided by respondents is confidential by law. The agency safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring no individual respondent or operation can be identified.
NASS will publish results of the TOTAL survey in its Quick Stats database in August 2015. NASS will also publish the economic data gathered in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report in August 4.
USDA Releases 2013 Annual Summary for Pesticide Data Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety concern. This information, along with an explanatory guide for consumers, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.
The 2013 PDP Annual Summary shows that over 99 percent of the products sampled through PDP had residues below the EPA tolerances. Residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.23 percent of the samples tested. The PDP pesticide residue results are reported to FDA and EPA through monthly reports. In instances where a PDP finding is extraordinary and may pose a safety risk, FDA and EPA are immediately notified. EPA has determined the extremely low levels of those residues are not a food safety risk, and the presence of such residues does not pose a safety concern.
Each year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis. In 2013, surveys were conducted on a variety of foods including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, infant formula, butter, salmon, groundwater, and drinking water. AMS partners with cooperating state agencies to collect and analyze pesticide chemical residue levels on selected foods. The EPA uses data from PDP to enhance its programs for food safety and help evaluate dietary exposure to pesticides.
Statement from USDA:
"The Pesticide Data Program provides reliable data through rigorous sampling that helps assure consumers that the produce they feed their families is safe. This report confirms again that pesticide residues are below levels deemed safe."
Statement from FDA:
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for assessing whether pesticide chemical residues found on food make the food unlawful under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. FDA is able to conduct its own tests, interpret the reported violations, and determine if additional testing is needed in order to take enforcement action, as appropriate."
Statement from EPA:
"PDP is invaluable to EPA in its work to evaluate pesticide residues in food. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based, and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people's health and the environment."
Since its inception, the PDP has tested 112 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat and poultry, grains, fish, rice, specialty products, and water. In 2013, the program expanded to include samples of infant formula, raspberries and salmon. The data are a valuable tool for consumers, food producers and processors, chemical manufacturers, environmental interest groups, and food safety organizations.
The findings of the Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary, Calendar Year 2013 can be downloaded at www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.
S&W Seed Company to Acquire DuPont Pioneer Alfalfa Research and Production Assets
S&W Seed Company (Nasdaq: SANW), the largest 'non-dormant' alfalfa seed company in the world, and DuPont Pioneer, the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics today announced the acquisition by S&W of all of DuPont Pioneer's alfalfa production and research facility assets, as well as all conventional (non-GMO) alfalfa germplasm, for a purchase price of up to $42 million. The purchase price consists of $27 million in cash (payable at closing), a promissory note payable by S&W to DuPont Pioneer in the principal amount of $10 million and a potential earn-out payment of up to $5 million based on sales of the acquired germplasm in the three-year period following the closing. The promissory note bears interest at 3% per annum (paid annually) and is payable on December 31, 2017. The sale is expected to be completed on December 31, 2014, and is conditioned on S&W obtaining sufficient additional financing (on terms and conditions acceptable to it) to consummate the purchase and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurances that S&W will be successful in securing financing.
As part of the acquisition, S&W will acquire:
- Over 15 DuPont Pioneer alfalfa seed varieties in the market today, including varieties designed for high yields, forage quality, leafhopper resistance, and stem nematode resistance;
- More than 60 varieties that are currently in DuPont Pioneer's development pipeline;
- A seed cleaning and production facility located in Nampa, Idaho and research facilities in Arlington, Wisconsin; and
- 31 employees from the alfalfa group at DuPont Pioneer.
With the acquisition, S&W Seed Company will be the global leader in alfalfa seed, with unrivaled research and development, production and distribution capabilities. S&W will span the world's alfalfa seed production regions with operations in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, five other US states, Australia, and three provinces in Canada, and will sell its seed products in more than 25 countries around the globe.
Mark Grewal, chief executive officer of S&W Seed Company commented, "The acquisition of DuPont Pioneer's alfalfa seed operation will create an unparalleled leader in the alfalfa seed industry. We will benefit from one of the most compelling growth opportunities in agriculture, the desire for increased protein in a growing global population. The combination of operations brings together the largest 'non-dormant' alfalfa seed company in the world and one of the leaders in the 'dormant' alfalfa seed market. This acquisition provides us with diversified worldwide production and distribution capabilities, industry-leading research and development capabilities, along with a strong grower base and dedicated customers. Incorporating dormant varieties into our production base and sales channels is a natural fit and progression for our business, and this acquisition gives us the personnel and expertise to accelerate our growth in all dormancies going forward."
Possible Future Acquisition of GMO Germplasm
S&W has also agreed, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to purchase DuPont Pioneer's GMO alfalfa germplasm and related assets for an additional $7 million in cash. The closing for the second acquisition, if all conditions to closing are satisfied, will occur on December 29, 2017. If the second acquisition is completed, the total purchase price for both acquisitions would be up to $49 million.
Exclusive Distribution Agreement
Concurrently with the closing of the acquisition, S&W and DuPont Pioneer are entering into exclusive alfalfa seed distribution and production agreements under which, subject to certain exceptions, S&W will be DuPont Pioneer's sole supplier of alfalfa seed through 2024.
Under the agreement, DuPont Pioneer will continue to sell S&W-supplied, proprietary Pioneer® brand alfalfa varieties to customers for at least the next 10 years, through Pioneer's extensive network of exclusive sales representatives. The agreement provides S&W with a strong and reliable customer for a large portion of the new S&W seed production, and provides DuPont Pioneer customers with the same leading alfalfa seed varieties that they have relied on for years.
Alfalfa is primarily used as a high protein "forage" for livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, and is also used in certain fuel applications. The market for alfalfa hay and haylage in the United States is approximately $11.3 billion annually, and has grown at approximately a 4.8% CAGR over the last 10 years.
The newly acquired alfalfa business is expected to contribute approximately $26 million of incremental annual revenues in FY '15 and approximately $40 million of incremental annual revenues in FY '16.
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