Nebraska Farm Bureau Opposes Irrigation Tax Bill
Nebraska Farm Bureau has registered its opposition to a bill seeking to tax the use of irrigation water. Introduced by Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus, LB 1022 would create a one-cent tax on every 10 gallons of water pumped from an irrigation well capable of producing at least 5,000 gallons of water per day. The bill would direct the new tax monies to fund schools, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.
“The ability of Nebraska farmers to use irrigation water is a major driver for Nebraska’s economy. A study conducted in 2012 showed that irrigation contributed $11 billion to Nebraska’s economy and was responsible for 31,221 Nebraska jobs, more than one-third of which are jobs outside of farming. LB 1022 would virtually tax the use of irrigation water out of existence in our state, hurting farmers and Nebraskans. It’s not good tax policy,” said Nelson.
Nebraska Farm Bureau shared its opposition during the Legislature’s Revenue Committee hearing on the bill, Wednesday, Feb. 21 as part of a joint opposition testimony offered on behalf of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and the Nebraska State Dairy Association, as well as the “We Support Agriculture” coalition.
“While our group’s collective testimony is important, I want to thank those individual Farm Bureau members who took the time to come to Lincoln and share their story with the Committee and members of our Governmental Relations team of how LB 1022 would damage their family operations,” said Nelson.
Register Now -- Ethanol 2018: Emerging Issues Forum
April 12-13, 2018
La Vista Conference Center
Omaha, Nebraska
Agenda Topics
- Biofuel Policy Panel Discussion: Trump Administration Impacts on Ethanol Production and Marketing
Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
Graham Noyes, Noyes Law Corporation
Steve Seabrook, POET Ethanol Products
- Carbon Counting and Accessing LCFS Markets: Agronomic Input Modeling and Accounting
Stephen Mueller, University of Illinois
Ron Alverson, Dakota Ethanol College of Carbon Calculations
- Fractionation and Separation Technology Options
Jeff Scharping, ICM
- Bio-Based Products and Projects
Luca Zullo, Greenyug
- Trade Policy and the Impact on Ethanol and DDG Exports
Mike Dwyer, U.S. Grains Council
- Ethanol Marketing Challenges – 2018 and Beyond
Tim Rudnicki, Minnesota Biofuels Association
Randy Gard, Bosselman Enterprises
- RINs and the Impact on Obligated Parties
Roger Read, Wells Fargo
- Octane and Higher Ethanol Blends: Meeting Vehicle Performance Standards
Ernie Shea, Auto Ag Ethanol Alliance
- Evaluating Investment in New Technologies
- Biofuels and Public Health
Sasha Forsen, Edeniq
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Early Bird Rate: $335 (until Friday, March 9)
Ethanol Producer Special: Receive one free registration with your first paid registration (one per ethanol plant). To apply this, enter both attendees' names, but choose only quantity 1 at checkout.
Hotel Details: Receive a special room rate at the Courtyard Marriott by booking under the room block “Nebraska Ethanol Board” by March 20, 2018. Call 402.339.4900 to make a reservation.
Register here: http://ethanol.nebraska.gov/wordpress/events/emerging-issues-forum/.
Sasse Statement on Hormel Wage Increase
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after Hormel Foods, which operates a processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska, announced it would raise wages and give employees stock shares as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed last December.
“Lower taxes and bigger paychecks are big wins for Nebraska. The tax cuts we passed last year are helping Nebraska families and businesses. Washington still has a lot of work to do, but this is good news for our whole community and especially the moms and dads working at Hormel.”
Background:
In an announcement earlier today, Hormel President and CEO Jim Snee said: “Tax reform will have a clear benefit to all Hormel Foods stakeholders – our shareholders, our employees, and the communities in which we operate. The ongoing cash tax benefit will provide additional funds, allowing us to accelerate the growth of our business.… In addition to awarding our over 20,000 employees stock options, we will raise our starting wage for all employees to $13 per hour by the end of fiscal 2018 and to $14 per hour by the end of fiscal 2020.”
Beef Fuels Competitors During Fitness Challenge at Cattlemen’s Classic
Seven competitors showcased their physical abilities on Wednesday during the Nebraska Beef Council’s “Beef Strong” event at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic. Each competitor took their turn completing the course that represented actual jobs found on a farm or ranch.
The course included activities such as throwing hay bales over a fence, loading salt and mineral bags into a utility vehicle, building a small catch-pen and carrying a 70-pound sawhorse calf across the finish line. The competitors ranged in age from 21 to 70 years old with varying experience working on a farm or ranch.
“The Nebraska Beef Council hosted a great event that helped educate people on the physical demands that cattle producers endure each day, while also demonstrating beef’s benefits in an active lifestyle,” said John Widdowson, competitor from Shelton, NE. Widdowson finished second in the competition. “The amount of great feedback I received about the event on social media has been unbelievable.”
Winning first place with a time of 4:03 was Colton Rolls of Alliance, NE. “The course really demonstrated the combination of strength, agility, problem solving, and mental fortitude it takes to be a successful rancher,” said Rolls. “I will definitely be competing again next year and I’m excited to see the competition grow.” Third place was awarded to Armando Chavez of Gering, NE. The top three finishers each received steak and hamburger beef bundles courtesy of Nebraska Star Beef.
“We had a lot of fun with this event and it helped us showcase the use of beef for strength,” said Mitch Rippe, director of nutrition and education at the Nebraska Beef Council. “Beef is nutrient-dense and it’s perfect as a fuel and recovery food for anyone with an active lifestyle. Whether you have a physically demanding job, you like to go to the gym or you’re a parent trying to balance a hectic schedule, beef can be part of your healthy diet.”
For more information about beef nutrition, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.org.
Women Entrepreneur Conference registration is now open
Registration is now open for the fifth annual Women Entrepreneur Conference, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Program (REAP) Women’s Business Center and Small Business Administration.
The one-day conference will be held on April 11, 2018, in Kearney at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 110 Second Ave. The event will begin at 8 a.m. and close by 4 p.m.
The conference is dedicated to growing women entrepreneurship in Nebraska, and features opportunities to share, learn, and network.
“The Women Entrepreneur Conference will bring together successful and aspiring women business owners to support and encourage one another,” said Monica Braun, REAP Women’s Business Center director. “This event includes networking, which is what entrepreneurs say they want most.”
Sessions will focus on marketing in a small town, both online and offline; accounting; and small business legal issues. The day wraps up with a panel of small business owners.
“When women entrepreneurs come forward to share their experiences, they inspire others who are working to create successful businesses in rural Nebraska,” Braun said. “Expertise will be provided on timely, relevant topics that are critical for successful, sustainable small businesses.”
The registration deadline is April 4. Register online at www.cfra.org/events/2018WomensConference.
For more information, contact Braun at monicab@cfra.org or 402.643.2673.
USDA Livestock Slaughter: Record High Red Meat and Pork Production for January
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.59 billion pounds in January, up 7 percent from the 4.29 billion pounds produced in January 2017.
State (mill lbs) - Jan '18 - % Jan '17
Nebraska .....: 695.1 - 105
Iowa ............: 653.6 - 111
Kansas .........: 493.0 - 109
Beef production, at 2.28 billion pounds, was 8 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.76 million head, up 7 percent from January 2017. The average live weight was up 6 pounds from the previous year, at 1,376 pounds.
Veal production totaled 6.6 million pounds, 5 percent above January a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 49,000 head, 5 percent above January 2017. The average live weight was unchanged from last year, at 235 pounds.
Pork production totaled 2.29 billion pounds, 6 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.7 million head, 6 percent above January 2017. The average live weight was up 2 pounds from the previous year, at 286 pounds.
Lamb and mutton production, at 12.5 million pounds, was 2 percent above January 2017. Sheep slaughter totaled 176,300 head, slightly below last year. The average live weight was 142 pounds, up 4 pounds from January a year ago.
USDA Cold Storage January 2018 Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on January 31, 2018 were up 9 percent from the previous month and up 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 7 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 16 percent from the previous month and up 8 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 13 percent from last month and up 219 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on January 31, 2018 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 12 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month but up 13 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 21 percent from last month and up 10 percent from January 31, 2017.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on January 31, 2018 were down slightly from the previous month but up 7 percent from January 31, 2017. Butter stocks were up 33 percent from last month and up 1 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks on January 31, 2018 were down 10 percent from last month and down 17 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month but up slightly from a year ago.
This Grain Bin Safety Week, Remember the Importance of Precaution
The National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers of the importance of proper grain bin safety procedures. To help review both the importance of and procedures for grain bin safety, NCGA is again offering an informative video.
To view the video, click here.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaZlS-GZoIA&t=684s.
First released in 2011, the video, shot on location in several states, provides a wide range of information from prevention tips and background data on grain bin accidents. The project also involved interviews with professionals in the fields of grain bin safety research and rescue to provide as much information to viewers as possible.
EIA: US Ethanol Stocks Decline; Output Jumps 5% Last Week
The domestic supply of ethanol fell during the week ended Feb. 16, narrowing the surplus against the year prior, even as U.S. ethanol plant output jumped 5.1%, the Energy Information Administration reported Thursday.
U.S. ethanol supply declined 100,000 bbl to 22.8 million bbl during the week reviewed which follows a steep 600,000 bbl drawdown during the preceding week. The weekly stock decline contrasted with a 200,000 bbl build during the comparable week a year ago, narrowing a year-on-year surplus to 100,000 bbl. During the two weeks ended Feb. 16, the supply surplus against the prior year narrowed by 1.2 million bbl.
During the week ended Feb. 16, domestic ethanol plant production ramped up 52,000 bpd or 5.1% to 1.068 million bpd, which is 34,000 bpd or 3.3% above the comparable year-ago period. U.S. ethanol plant production averaged 1.045 million bpd during the four weeks ended Feb. 16, near flat with the year-ago period when output averaged 1.047 million bpd.
Blending demand edged up, with refiner and blender net inputs averaging 885,000 bpd for the week reviewed, up 3,000 bpd on the week and 17,000 bpd or 2.0% more than during the same week in 2017. For the four-week period ended Feb. 16, ethanol inputs averaged 873,000 bpd, up 16,000 bpd or 1.9%.
USDA Opens New Office in Vietnam to Help Facilitate Increasing Agricultural Trade
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently celebrated the opening of its new office in Hanoi, Vietnam. The office will play a vital role in helping expand the United States’ $2.5 billion-dollar agricultural export market in Vietnam.
“Growing agricultural trade between the United States and Vietnam means new opportunities for American producers,” said Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “With this increase in trade comes increased pest and disease risk, and our in-country expertise will ensure the safest trade possible, while still providing greater options for U.S. consumers. Having an APHIS office in the heart of Hanoi will not only help maintain existing markets, but foster new opportunities for American farmers who set the worldwide standard for food production.”
“Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing global markets for U.S. farm and food products, currently ranking as our 11th-largest customer,” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney. “The expansion of USDA’s presence in Vietnam is a clear indication of this country’s importance as a U.S. trading partner. The on-the-ground technical expertise of the APHIS team will be an important complement to the trade policy and market development work being done by our Foreign Agricultural Service staff at the USDA Office of Agricultural Affairs in Hanoi, as well as our office in Ho Chi Minh City.”
The APHIS Hanoi office will maintain technical working relationships with their Vietnamese counterparts to resolve any concerns associated with the science-based standards both countries employ to prevent the introduction of animal and plant pests and diseases. By doing so quickly and locally, APHIS can help keep trade moving and benefit the producers and economies of both countries.
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink, APHIS Deputy Administrator Cheryle Blakely, and Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam formally opened the office at a ceremony alongside guests representing the U.S. agricultural industry, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and officials from the USDA Offices of Agricultural Affairs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including Agricultural Counselor Robert Hanson.
APHIS' international mission is to protect and promote U.S. agricultural health through internationally-based animal and plant health expertise. APHIS’ International Services staff supports USDA’s mission through its 29 international offices by facilitating safe agricultural trade, ensuring effective and efficient management of internationally-based programs, and investing in international capacity-building through various training programs abroad to enhance technical, administrative, and diplomatic skills and competencies.
Commerce Department Affirms Argentina, Indonesia Biodiesel Dumping Claims
Biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia into the United States are sold below fair market value, the U.S. Department of Commerce ruled on Wednesday in its final determination on the National Biodiesel Board's anti-dumping claims.
As a result, the DOC announced it would update the cash deposit requirements on imports from both countries, based on the final amount of dumping found.
In 2016, imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia were valued at an estimated $1.2 billion and $268 million, respectively, according to the DOC.
Biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia surged by 464% from 2014 to 2016, taking 18.3 percentage points of market share from U.S. manufacturers. Imports of biodiesel from Argentina again jumped 144.5% after the NBB petitions were filed. NBB argued surging, low-priced imports prevented U.S. biodiesel producers from earning adequate returns and stunted further investments in the industry.
In July 2017, the NBB asked the commerce department to immediately slap duties on imports of Argentinian biodiesel, claiming in a petition that "critical circumstances" existed to warrant the action.
In the July petition, the NBB requested relief in the form of retroactive duties. The action was designed to deter further imports. That would allow the government to impose duties retroactively on imports reaching U.S. shores up to 90 days prior to the DOC's preliminary determinations on the claims in the petitions.
In written comments to the International Trade Commission, the Argentine government said the NBB petition was based on "extremely limited" information and actually shows the U.S. industry was unharmed.
Argentina made the case U.S. producers never claimed imported biodiesel actually hurt profits. In addition, the Argentine government argued U.S. producers alone were unable to fulfill the RFS volume requirements from 2014 to 2016.
Now, importers of Argentinian and Indonesian biodiesel will continue to pay cash deposits on biodiesel imported from those countries, ranging from 60.44% to 86.41% for biodiesel from Argentina, and 92.52% to 276.65% for biodiesel from Indonesia.
The NBB filed petitions to address what is said was a flood of subsidized and dumped imports from Argentina and Indonesia that resulted in market share losses and depressed prices for domestic producers.
International Grain Council Cuts 2017-18 Production Forecast
The International Grains Council said Thursday that it has cut its global grain-production forecast in 2017-18 to 2,094 million metric tons due to poor conditions in Argentina, Brazil and South Africa.
The new forecast represents an decrease of 6 million tons from the one given in late January, and a 2.2% drop from the previous season's record of 2,140 million tons, the IGC said, citing smaller planting areas, poorer average yields and bad weather in South America.
The decrease makes this season's forecast the third largest on record, down from the second-largest previously.
The IGC edged up its 2016-17 monthly output forecast to 2,140 million tons in January, an increase of 6 million tons, which represents a 6.2% increase on the 2015-16 season.
Maize-production forecasts for 2017-18 fell by 6 million tons in the latest report.
The IGC also cut its forecast for soybean production by 2 million tons to 347 million tons.
The grain body left its wheat and rice production estimates unchanged at 757 million tons and 484 million tons, respectively.
While consumption forecasts were unchanged, the production estimate cut occurred "mainly because of poorer maize output prospects in Argentina, Brazil and South Africa," the IGC said.
A drought in Argentina and lower production in Brazil would have left a bigger dent in soybeans forecasts, but "major exporters' inventories are seen broadly steady year-on-year as heavy accumulation in the U.S. offsets significant falls in Brazil and Argentina," the report said.
USGC Receives USDA Grant For Feed Manufacturing Training Center In North Africa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) a grant for $1.3 million for the Regional Center for Feed Manufacturing for North Africa and the Middle East, to be headquartered in Tunisia.
“U.S. feed grain suppliers are facing increasing competition in the North African and Middle Eastern grain markets,” said Ramy Taieb, USGC regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. “As a result, the Council’s work in Tunisia is becoming more strategic, focusing on how to utilize training programs to help develop both the Tunisian feed industry as well as regional feed industry, while emphasizing the advantages of U.S. coarse grains and co-products.”
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney announced the grant last week during the Council’s 15th International Marketing Conference and 58th Annual Membership Meeting in Houston, Texas.
The USDA grant follows an initial grant from the U.S. State Department, which led to the January signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Council, the National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT) and Iowa State University. Together, the organizations will establish a regional center to provide training for feed production and improved animal nutrition across all sectors of the feed industry.
The initial program will train a core team of 10 to 20 industry professionals, targeting nutritionists, feed millers and poultry, dairy, beef and aquaculture producers. This first team will later return to the Center for Feed Manufacturing to subsequently train 80 to 100 members of the next generation of feed industry leaders in Tunisia. The program will include intensive and extensive technical curriculum as well as activities meant to foster development and professionalism within the industry.
“Interest in this program is high as the feed industry continues to grow in Tunisia,” Taieb said. “With this training, we expect U.S. coarse grains and co-products to have a positive impact both in terms of U.S. exports and for cost, production and feed quality for the region.”
Longer-term, the Council expects to expand these training opportunities to feed industry professionals throughout the Middle East and Africa, which will boost compound feed production and stimulate demand for U.S. corn, barley, sorghum and co-products.
Farm/ranch parents can use new checklist to keep kids safe
Parents want to protect their children and keep them safe, but for parents involved with agriculture this can present challenges. Each farm and ranch is unique, and so is each child. Addressing hazards to children in the agricultural environment requires an individual approach.
The new Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist, developed by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, gives parents a tool to perform customized safety checks.
“Protecting our children on farms needs to be a priority. A youth dies in an agricultural incident about every three days in the United States,” said Marsha Salzwedel, M.S., youth agricultural safety specialist at the National Children’s Center, part of the National Farm Medicine Center at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. “Taking 10 minutes to read this checklist will give parents safety strategies to help ensure that their children reap the many benefits of farm life while staying safe.”
The single-sheet Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist is divided into three sections: Non-Working Children, All Children and Youth, and Working Youth.
“There are lots of actions parents can take that don’t cost anything, for instance assigning tasks that are appropriate for their age and ability, or not taking young children into the farm worksite when parents are working” Salzwedel said.
The checklist, https://www.cultivatesafety.org/resources/, was released Feb. 22 at the North American Agricultural Safety Summit in Scottsdale, Ariz.
For additional child ag safety resources, go to www.cultivatesafety.org.
Yogurt May Help Lower Cardiovascular Disease
There's more good news when it comes to yogurt as part of a healthy eating pattern and improved heart health. A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension by Buendia et al., showed that eating two or more cups of yogurt a week was associated with a lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults who already have high blood pressure.
The large-scale observational study, funded by National Dairy Council (NDC) and others such as the American Dairy Association of Indiana, is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between eating yogurt and reduced CVD risk in hypertensive adults. Nearly 75 million Americans have high blood pressure, which increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke -- two of the leading causes of death for men and women in the United States.
Earlier studies have shown a beneficial link between consuming dairy foods, including yogurt, and some diseases related to CVD, including type 2 diabetes. This new study suggests people with high blood pressure (HBP) may have a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke if yogurt is part of their regular diet.
"People who have high blood pressure are already at risk for cardiovascular disease and this study indicates that eating yogurt just two or more times a week is something easy and tangible that may help," said Dr. Mickey Rubin, vice president of nutrition research at NDC.
In the study, data from 55,898 females (ages 30-55) in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 18,232 males (ages 40-75) in Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) was analyzed to evaluate the association between eating yogurt and CVD risk among adults with high blood pressure. The results showed eating at least two cups of yogurt per week was associated with a 30 percent reduced risk of heart attack for women and a trend for a 19 percent reduced risk of a heart attack among men. During a follow-up period, eating one cup or more of yogurt per week was associated with an approximately 20 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.
Finally, regular yogurt eaters in the study who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which includes low-fat dairy as a key food group, showed an associated risk reduction of CVD of 16 percent and 30 percent in women and men, respectively.
2018 is Year of the Tractor at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will mark 2018 as the Year of the Tractor with two new displays on the past, present and future of agriculture. "Precision Farming" will open Jan. 19 within the museum's "American Enterprise" exhibition with a more contemporary story of disruptive technology in today's agriculture industry. A green, yellow and red 1918 Waterloo Boy tractor will be on view at the entrance to "American Enterprise" beginning Feb. 22, marking the 100th anniversary of the Deere and Company's entry into the tractor market with the acquisition of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co. in 1918. This display will highlight the introduction of light-weight gasoline-powered tractors, a major revolution in agriculture that moved farming firmly into the realm of commercial production.
The Waterloo Boy will be showcased with historic images and advertisements that marketed the then-new technology to help convince farmers to shift from animal power and labor-intensive production to gasoline-powered tractors. In the mid-1900s, nearly 100 manufacturers were in the tractor market. By the 1930s, only two major companies dominated: Deere and International Harvester. The display invites the public to consider the uncertainty inherent in adopting new inventions and the considerations that go into investing in machinery versus staying with traditional methods. Over time, farmers modernized their rural operations by seeking the efficiency, economy of scale and use of machines typical of urban factories. One image displayed behind the 100-year-old tractor provides a glimpse into the future of farming—a drone flying over a Kansas corn field.
The "Precision Farming" case tells a more modern story of how farmers have adapted to technology—even the use of drones—that is changing agricultural practices in fundamental ways. In the late 1990s, location-tracking technology, such as GPS, helped launch a different agriculture revolution. U.S. farmers began using this technology to "see" bigger variations within their fields and livestock. Information has become the "new crop of the 21st century" as farmers rely on data on soil types, harvest yields for precise locations, moisture content measurement, animal management, and recording the effect of weeds, pests, and diseases.
"Pairing the story of the introduction of the gasoline tractor with the kinds of tools and technology that today's farmers are using, allows our audiences to understand how agricultural practices have evolved over 100 years," said Peter Liebhold, the museum's agriculture curator and a co-curator of the "American Enterprise" exhibition. "GPS and computer technology is allowing farmers to see and manage their fields in fundamentally new ways."
Key objects on display in "Precision Farming" include a GPS receiver; a crop yield monitor from 1996 that allowed farmers to precisely steer their equipment and pinpoint which areas of a field are most productive; a cow neck tag with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder from the 1980s; and a grain sickle from around the 1900s used to harvest crops. The display includes four stories of farmers engaged in precision farming.
The museum will also incorporate tractor history, agriculture and innovation programming into its offerings for the public, including within Wegmans Wonderplace, which is designed for children up to age six. Ag-history programs will include "Harvest for the Table: Wheat to Flour," the "Ask a Farmer" program, talkback boards and related chef and cookbook author presentations.
"American Enterprise" is a permanent exhibition that opened July 1, 2015, and chronicles the interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continual remaking of American business. For more information on the exhibition and the "Precision Farming" case, visit: http://bit.ly/AmericanEnterprise.
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History explores the infinite richness and complexity of American history. It helps people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is located on Constitution Avenue, between 12th and 14th streets N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
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
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Wednesday February 21 Ag News
FSA Accepting Enrollment Now for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Safety Net Programs for 2018
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Cuming County Executive Director Sarah Beck is encouraging producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill to stop in now to enroll for 2018 coverage.
Since shares and ownership of a farm can change year-to-year, producers on the farm must enroll in the safety net programs, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, by signing a contract each program year.
“Come inside and complete your paperwork during the cold weather,” Beck said. “The average enrollment appointment takes less than 30 minutes and doing so now will save you valuable time when the weather warms and you need to be outside.”
For details regarding the ARC and PLC programs, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.
Appointment cards are going out in the mail so keep an eye on your mailboxes. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please call the Cuming County FSA Office at (402) 372-2451 ext. 2 or email sarah.beck@ne.usda.gov to reschedule your appointment.
Ricketts Proclaims “FFA Week” in Nebraska
This afternoon, flanked by FFA leaders and members, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring “FFA Week” in Nebraska. FFA, also known as “Future Farmers of America,” started in 1928. Its mission is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” FFA Week is celebrated nationally from February 17-24, 2018.
“FFA is helping raise up the next generation of Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and ag innovators,” said Governor Ricketts. “Through FFA, students across Nebraska receive great agricultural education and training from this historic organization. FFA is developing the fresh thinkers and strong leaders our growing agriculture industry needs to innovate and move it forward in the 21st-century.”
The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth chartered by the National FFA Organization. Nebraska currently has over 8,500 FFA members in 185 chapters. Throughout the years, state departments have teamed up with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.
“FFA Week provides us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our FFA members,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman. “FFA allows students an opportunity to grow as leaders while building their agricultural education, and, in turn, impacting their communities for the better.”
“The FFA Organization helps to develop students through premier leadership, personal growth, and career success,” said Nebraska State FFA Advisor Krystl Knabe. “The agriculture industry is the driving force for Nebraska’s economy. Our state’s educational system has recognized the importance of agriculture. We have a record number of agricultural education programs in Nebraska high schools and record high FFA membership. We are thrilled that Governor Ricketts is recognizing the Nebraska FFA Association during National FFA Week as the organization continues to develop and prepare future leaders of our great state.”
The Nebraska FFA program is supported by the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
“The Nebraska FFA Foundation is committed to investing in agricultural education and FFA for over 8,500 FFA members and their advisors by growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture,” said Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director Stacey Agnew. “I am thrilled Governor Ricketts is honoring FFA members and hope this will encourage more schools to add agricultural education and FFA programs. We need more career-ready students to help grow Nebraska’s number one economic engine – agriculture.”
“FFA chapters across the state play a major role in preparing students for careers in agriculture production, business, education and leadership,” said Nebraska Wheat Board Executive Director Royce Schaneman. “We appreciate the Governor recognizing the importance of FFA to Nebraska and look forward to celebrating this great organization.”
"The future of agriculture is dependent on the younger generation,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Galen Frenzen. “Nebraska Cattlemen is grateful for all of the FFA programs across the State that are giving our students the knowledge and experience they need about our industry. As a former State FFA officer, I recognized firsthand the benefits of this organization.”
“The Nebraska corn industry is very proud of our state’s FFA students,” said Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Kelly Brunkhorst. “Many of our past and present board members were involved with FFA, and they understand and appreciate the value of the organization. Also, several of our staff members and student interns throughout the years have been involved in FFA, so it is exciting to see them incorporate the leadership skills they gained through FFA into their careers. We congratulate all of our FFA members and thank the teachers and advisors who help mentor them.”
For more information about the Nebraska FFA, visit http://www.neaged.org/main.html.
Smith Earns Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” Designation
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Smith, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District, received the designation based on his work on several policy issues of high priority to Nebraska farmers and ranchers, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.
“Taxes, trade, and reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers are priorities for our members and Congressman Smith has provided leadership on all of these critical issues in Washington D.C.,” said Nelson.
Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Smith has provided a strong voice for agriculture on federal tax policy and played an instrumental role in helping deliver the first major revisions to the federal tax code in more than 30 years.
“Today Nebraska farmers and ranchers are able to continue to fully deduct their property taxes on their federal tax return, thanks in large part to the work done by the Congressman during debate on the federal tax bill. His engagement on that issue was instrumental in protecting those deductions,” said Nelson.
With one out of every three U.S. farm acres being planted for export and roughly 31 percent of U.S. gross farm income coming directly from exports to foreign countries, international trade is critical to farmers and ranchers.
“Rep. Smith has been and continues to be a strong proponent of growing international markets for Nebraska’s agricultural products. He’s represented agriculture directly with trade negotiators having just recently participated in a delegation to Canada to help bring an agriculture perspective to North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) discussions,” said Nelson.
Smith has also championed efforts to reduce unwarranted regulations on Nebraska farmers and ranchers that needlessly increase the costs of doing business, in addition to pushing back on regulations that would infringe on private property rights.
“Whether it’s his work to halt the EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” Rule that would have allowed the federal government to tell farmers and ranchers what they could do with their property or his efforts to address Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that would have driven up fertilizer costs, Congressman Smith has worked to address the issues of concern to farm and ranch families,” said Nelson.
In making the announcement, Nebraska Farm Bureau also pointed to Smith’s ongoing efforts to protect risk-management tools such as federal crop insurance, defend the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for corn and ethanol producers, as well as challenging animal rights activists who strive to erode the ability of Nebraska livestock producers to use commonly accepted production practices while attempting to damage the reputation of America’s farm and ranch families.
“We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Congressman Smith to serve Nebraska’s farm and ranch families and are proud to count him among those receiving our “Friend of Agriculture” designation,” said Nelson.
SYMPOSIUM TO HIGHLIGHT ISSUES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN NEBRASKA
An upcoming symposium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will highlight the importance of international trade to Nebraska's economy. The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance is hosting the inaugural CME Group Foundation Symposium, "Changing Governments, Changing Trade: Impacts from Global to Local," March 13 in Lincoln.
The symposium is in conjunction with the final Heuermann Lecture of the 2017-18 season. The free event is noon to 6 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive.
Speakers include Keira Lombardo, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Smithfield; Tim Groser, New Zealand's ambassador to the United States; Kirsten Hillman, Canada's deputy ambassador to the United States; Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade; and Andrea Durkin, editor-in-chief for TradeVistas. Kuehl and Durkin will discuss the local impact of global change in the Heuermann Lecture at 3:30 p.m.
A renowned trade expert and Nebraska alumnus, Yeutter made a $2.5 million leadership gift through outright and planned gifts to establish the Clayton Yeutter International Trade Program Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2015.
The institute prepares students to understand, participate in and shape global trade and finance in a world that is increasingly interconnected. It builds on the strengths of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Business and College of Law to offer undergraduate and graduate education, facilitate faculty research and engage the community, all related to international trade and finance.
Advance registration is required. To register, visit https://ianr.unl.edu/yeutter-institute.
The symposium is sponsored by the CME Group Foundation and Smithfield.
USDA: 2017 Annual Milk Production up 1.4 Percent from 2016
The annual production of milk for the United States during 2017 was 215 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above 2016. Revisions to 2016 production decreased the annual total 31 million pounds. Revised 2017 production was up 35 million pounds from last month's publication. Annual total milk production has increased 13.4 percent from 2008.
By State '16 milk prod - '17 milk prod - % change
mil lbs. mil lbs.
Nebraska ..: 1,399.0 1,444.0 3.2
Iowa .........: 5,034.0 5,172.0 2.7
Production per cow in the United States averaged 22,941 pounds for 2017, 163 pounds above 2016. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 12.5 percent from 2008.
By State '16 ave lbs/cow - '17 ave lbs/cow
Nebraska ..: 23,317 24,067
Iowa .........: 23,634 23,725
The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2017 was 9.39 million head, up 0.7 percent from 2016. The average number of milk cows was unrevised for 2017. The average annual number of milk cows has increased 0.8 percent from 2008.
By State '16 Cows - '17 Cows
Nebraska : 60,000 60,000
Iowa .......: 213,000 218,000
USDA: January Milk Production up 1.8 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during January totaled 17.3 billion pounds, up 1.8 percent from January 2017. December revised production, at 17.0 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from December 2016. The December revision represented an increase of 4 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.
Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,979 pounds for January, 24 pounds above January 2017. This is the highest production per cow for the month of January since the 23 State series began in 2003.
The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.74 million head, 49,000 head more than January 2017, and 4,000 head more than December 2017.
IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during January 2018 totaled 446 million pounds, up 4 percent from the previous January according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during January, at 220,000 head, was unchanged from last month but 5,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,025 pounds, up 25 pounds from last January.
Producers should take precautions to mitigate corn spoilage
Due to beneficial weather conditions that increased kernel fill last fall, producers need to take precautions to mitigate corn spoilage this spring.
Mild weather during the months of September and October not only produced higher yields, but also increased kernel fill. Kernels that are “filled out” and denser like those seen during last year’s harvest usually do not dry as easily, especially in higher temporal systems. The kernels will dry on the surface but when moisture equals out, they will be wetter than anticipated.
“There will probably be a 1-2 percent higher moisture content difference than anticipated,” said Charles Hurburgh, professor and grain quality and handling specialist with Iowa State University. “Although this is not a huge problem in the winter, when warmer weather arrives we will start to see problems such as wetter cores in storage bins and corn spoilage.”
To prevent spoilage, producers should begin by taking grain samples from the core of the grain bin. Not only will this clean trash and flush foreign material, but also will help identify the moisture content.
“Producers need to recognize when something will have to be done when weather warms up,” said Hurburgh. “If we have a few consecutive 50-degree days, the top of bins will get warm and spoilage can happen. Producers also need to be prepared to turn fans on or return grain to the dryer if necessary.”
For additional information on proper grain storage practices, the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative has developed free online learning modules to help educate and teach producers proper grain storage techniques. Module topics include dryeration, aeration and fan performance. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/grain for more information about the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and modules.
The mission of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (IGQI) is to create knowledge and provide information that will improve the efficiency of traditional commodity grain markets and assist emerging markets for user-specific grains. For more information, visit iowagrain.org.
Average Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue to Inch Higher
Average retail fertilizer prices continued to inch higher the second week of February 2018, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.
After several weeks of one fertilizer -- potash -- being slightly lower, prices for all eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, though none were up by a significant amount.
DAP had an average price of $457 per ton, MAP $495/ton, potash $345/ton, urea $357/ton, 10-34-0 $415/ton, anhydrous $492/ton, UAN28 $230/ton and UAN32 $264/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.41/lb.N and UAN32 $0.41/lb.N.
Four fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Anhydrous is 1% higher, potash is 4% higher, DAP is 6% higher and MAP is 10% higher than last year.
The remaining four fertilizers are still lower in price compared to last year. Urea is 1% less expensive, while both UAN28 and UAN32 are 4% lower, and 10-34-0 is 6% less expensive than last year.
NCGA Statement on Senator Cruz's Remarks at Philadelphia Refinery Town Hall
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in response to Senator Cruz's remarks during the Philadelphia refinery (PES) town hall.
“While most refiners are reporting double digit profit increases, Philadelphia Energy Solutions has filed for bankruptcy protection because its investors put their interests ahead of their workers’ interests. It’s disingenuous for Senator Cruz to claim he’s looking out for refinery workers, when he’s really looking out for Wall Street investors who made bad business decisions yet ensured they got their payout first, putting refinery jobs at risk.
“Senator Cruz is right about one thing – this is not about pitting corn farmers and refinery workers against each other. Corn famers see refinery owners and investors failing to take responsibility for their poor business decisions. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) works for consumers, union workers, farmers and our environment. Whether it’s the EPA, financial analysts or university experts, all confirm refiners are not facing a RINs price impact because they recover any costs through the price they receive for their refined products. Senator Cruz is trying to upend the RFS to address a non-existent problem and bail out refiners who opted not to invest in blending infrastructure, so they could blend renewable fuels and get biofuels credits for free.
“Corn farmers’ definition of a “win-win” is providing regulatory parity for E15, and higher blends of ethanol, which would increase the supply of RINs to lower RIN values, and improve transparency in the trading system. The only plan Senator Cruz has is to block the confirmation of Bill Northey, a well-qualified and much-needed leader at the Department of Agriculture, in order to undercut the successful, and beneficial Renewable Fuel Standard. “
ACE statement on Cruz town hall at Philadelphia refinery
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings released the following statement following Senator Ted Cruz’s town hall with employees from the refinery Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month:
“Senator Cruz’s increasingly desperate publicity stunts do not change the fact that the problems facing Philadelphia Energy Solutions have nothing to do with the Renewable Fuel Standard and everything to do with mismanagement by the PES ownership group. In recent days, it has been disclosed by current and former PES employees that the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that owns two-thirds of PES, prioritized cash distributions to shareholders over small investments that would have enabled the refinery to comply with the RFS. It is shameful that Senator Cruz is calling on Uncle Sam to bailout PES for mismanagement blunders when most U.S. refiners have been complying with the law. The ethanol industry has been crystal clear with anyone willing to listen that the win-win Senator Cruz claims to seek is to grant RVP relief for E15 and higher blends. This would increase ethanol blending and the RIN supply, bring down RIN prices, and keep the RFS statute intact.”
NGFA seeks clarification on trucking regulatory exemptions for agriculture
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) this week urged the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to clarify the agricultural commodity exception to its hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers.
In its statement submitted in response to the FMCSA's request in the Dec. 20, 2017 edition of the Federal Register seeking input on the "Proposed Regulatory Guidance Concerning the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities," the NGFA urged FMCSA to clarify that grain elevators, feed and feed ingredient manufacturers, biofuels companies, grain and oilseed processors and millers, and livestock and poultry integrators are a source of agricultural commodities eligible for the exception.
"It is imperative that U.S. freight laws and regulations accomplish their goals without disadvantaging U.S. agriculture, given the highly competitive global marketplace that exists for agricultural products," the statement said. "Having access to a highly efficient freight transportation system and a pool of qualified drivers is critical for U.S. agriculture's competitiveness."
Specifically, NGFA said that the agricultural commodity exception should apply to all facility types within the agricultural supply chain to prevent additional financial harm.
In addition, for drivers operating under the agricultural commodity exception, NGFA recommended that FMCSA apply the hours-of-service regulations only to situations in which a driver operates beyond the 150-air mile radius. Under NGFA's recommendation, commercial truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities would not be required to maintain logs until exceeding the 150-air mile radius.
Finally, to prevent unnecessary regulatory burden and excessive costs, NGFA urged FMCSA to exempt from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement drivers who predominantly transport agricultural commodities.
"Most NGFA members operate under the agricultural commodity exception and, therefore, are exempt from hours-of-service requirements for all or most of the year depending upon their state's definition for planting and harvesting seasons," said the NGFA statement, which also noted that requiring ELDs to be purchased for use during the non-planting and harvest seasons when demand for truck transportation has eased is nonsensical and inconsistent with President Trump's executive order to reduce regulatory burdens.
"NGFA looks forward to working with DOT and FMCSA on additional solutions to address the needs of our industry while continuing to protect the safety of the nation's highways," the statement concluded.
ASA Congratulates the 2018 Regional Winners of the Conservation Legacy Awards
The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates the regional winners of the 2018 Conservation Legacy Awards.
- Mark Schleisman, Lake City, Iowa (Midwest Region)
- David and Linda Burrier, Union Bridge, Md. (Northeast Region)
- Grant Norwood, Mansfield, Tenn. (South Region)
Each winner will be recognized at the ASA Awards Banquet on Feb. 28, 2018, at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif. During the banquet, one of the farmers will be chosen as the national winner.
The Conservation Legacy Awards is a national program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievement of soybean farmers, which helps produce more sustainable U.S. soybeans.
A national selection committee, composed of soybean farmers, conservationists, agronomists and natural resource professionals, evaluated nominations based on each farmer’s environmental and economic program. The achievements of these farmers serve as a positive example for other farmers and help produce a more sustainable U.S. soybean crop. This program is sponsored by ASA, BASF, Monsanto, Corn & Soybean Digest, the United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff and Valent.
Mark Schleisman heads up M&M Farms, a diverse family operation in Calhoun County, Iowa. M&M Farms grows 4,500 acres of crops, including 2,000 acres of popcorn; manages 360 cow-calf pairs; and finish approximately 30,000 head of pigs.
While M&M Farms is located in an area where agriculture can flourish very well, it is also under a significant amount of scrutiny from an environmental standpoint. Calhoun County was one of three counties targeted by the Des Moines Water Works (later dismissed) against county drainage districts for discharging high levels of nitrates. Des Moines uses the Raccoon River as a primary water source.
The Schleisman farm is in the Elk Run watershed, a tributary to the Raccoon River and a source of concern about nitrate. As part of a demonstration project directed by the Iowa Soybean Association in cooperation with a number of partner organizations, Mark installed a couple of edge-of-field practices designed to significantly cut nitrate contribution to the Raccoon River.
One of these practices is a saturated buffer. It stores water under field buffers by diverting tile water into shallow laterals that raise the water table within the buffer, thus slowing outflow. The other edge-of-field treatment process is a bioreactor. It consists of a buried pit filled with a carbon source (wood chips) through which tile water is diverted. The carbon provides a food source for microorganisms; they use nitrate to metabolize the carbon, converting the nitrate to harmless atmospheric nitrogen gas.
“I have seen nitrate levels entering the bioreactor running 15 to 22 parts per million,” Mark said. “It is exiting the bioreactor at less than one part per million.” He has shared that story with many farm audiences, and has been featured in many interviews conducted for urban audiences as well.
Dave and Linda Burrier also know what it is like to live in a highly scrutinized farming area, particularly when it comes to protecting water quality. Their farm in Union Bridge, Md., is within 50 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and situated against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. The farm is in a valley served by two well-traveled roads.
“We feel we are in a fishbowl,” Linda Burrier said. “We are always very conscious of what people can see. We try to keep our farm looking picturesque and our landlords expect us to care for their land in the same way.”
Regulators have pointed to agriculture as the largest source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, and in 2010, established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations as a way to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and all the rivers and streams that feed into it. The Bay TMDL, set by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, set targets for reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution.
One way the Burriers demonstrate their conservation commitment is through the use of strip cropping. Their crops are grown in long narrow strips and the farm’s 1,800 acres support a diverse mix of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, hay, and grass hay. “All our fields have a certain amount of slope,” David Burrier explained. “Alternating crops in these strips allows us to control soil erosion, control sediment loss and retain nutrients.”
In non-crop areas, the Burriers have installed and maintain grass waterways and buffers to reduce runoff. The TDML regulation has required them to have a nutrient management plan, which has greatly increased their record-keeping. Operating under TMDL regulations, the Burriers look for ways to efficiently provide crop nutrients to maximize production while minimizing potential nutrient losses.
Grant Norwood, a fifth generation farmer, grows 3,000 acres of crops in Henry County, Tenn. Going the extra mile for conservation has been the family’s approach to farming all the way back to the late 1800s, when Grant’s great, great-grandfather began farming from his log cabin in the Pleasant Hill community near Mansfield.
At Norwood Farms, they also implement a variety of conservation practices including cover crops, establishment of pollinator and wildlife habitats, installation of water and sediment control basins, and they are 100 percent no-till.
Norwood Farms’ efforts to be efficient and environmentally friendly even extend to their grain storage site, which uses three-phase electricity. The facility also uses a grain management system (Intelliair Bin Manager), which monitors temperature and moisture in the bins when grain is present.
“It maximizes the cooling and drying of the grain, reducing the energy because fans are only used when conditions are optimum to do the job,” Grant said.
“Our family’s focus on sustainability from one generation to the next is how we have been able to continue to farm the same land for five generations,” Grant added. He further explained that it may take some time to see the benefits of certain conservation practices, but they will pay back over time. “You have to have a long-term mindset, but the economic benefits will carry over to benefit future generations,” he said.
New Virtual Reality Video Tells Soil Health Story from ‘Every Angle’
As interest grows in soil health and its potential to optimize farming, the Soil Health Partnership has developed a new tool to immerse the inquisitive. Partnering with StoryUP, the nonprofit ag group has produced a “virtual reality” video that will allow viewers to visit a farm enrolled in SHP and experience a Virtual Field Day.
“One of our most powerful assets is our enrolled farmers sharing their stories and knowledge with others,” said NCGA Vice President of Production and Sustainability, Nick Goeser. “This video format allows viewers to transport themselves to a farm and learn from the farmer as if they are standing right there with him at a field day. We are all about innovation, and that spirit extends to our communications program.”
Virtual reality is 360-degree, 3D video or computer-generated environments viewed with special goggles where the user can see in all directions.
After giving some attendees of the Soil Health Summit a preview in January, the SHP officially launches the video, called “New Frontier in Agriculture,” at the Commodity Classic conference and tradeshow, Feb. 27 – March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees can stop by the SHP booth (#2739) to experience the video on a headset, and enter into a drawing for a prize.
The 4-minute experience, viewed in a Samsung GearVR headset, places the user in close proximity to farmers and SHP staff on Tim Smith’s farm in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Smith, enrolled with SHP since 2014, demonstrates how he sets up strip-till equipment (a less intensive form of tillage), discusses why soil health matters to him and explains the benefits he’s experienced.
“The most obvious benefits to using cover crops, strip-till or no-till on my farm are lack of erosion…and less ephemeral gullies in my fields,” Smith says in the video. “When we get heavy rainfalls I’m not so concerned about washouts.”
The SHP will have a professional goggle at Commodity Classic for viewing, but the video is available to watch with any VR headset, including cardboard versions handed out at the SHP booth. To watch it in a headset:
- Download the YouTube app for iPhone or Android
- Play the video (on the SHP YouTube Channel)
- Turn phone horizontal
- Click the Google Cardboard icon on the lower right side of the screen
- Phone will split into two screens
- Place horizontal phone in a VR headset
For regular viewing, the video is available on the SHP YouTube Channel, where it is best viewed in the Google Chrome browser, which provides arrows allowing the user to turn the viewpoint.
An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.
Commodity Classic Partners with Feeding America for Second Year
For the second year, Commodity Classic has selected Feeding America as its charity partner, providing farmers with an opportunity to help Set the Table™ for a hunger-free America. Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, will be held February 27-March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees as well as agricultural advocates across the nation are encouraged to donate to Feeding America during the event.
Feeding America works with U.S. food banks to distribute food to more than 60,000 food pantries. Secure donations can be made by visiting CommodityClassic.com and clicking on the Feeding America logo on the home page. Donations can also be made through the free 2018 Commodity Classic mobile app, which can be downloaded using iTunes or GooglePlay app stores.
Donations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Central/3:00 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, March 1. You don’t have to attend Commodity Classic to contribute to the Feeding America initiative.
“America’s family farmers produce grains and oilseeds that help provide an abundant and reliable food supply for our nation and the world,” said Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “By partnering with Feeding America, we’re also showing that farmers are willing to go the extra mile to help end hunger here at home.”
Access to Rare Pigs Could be Effective Way to Diabetes Treatment
A unique breed of pig equipped with a heart that mimics a human's heart and has a special genetic mutation could provide researchers and scientists the key to a cure for diabetes and related complications.
CorVus Biomedical LLC, a Purdue University- and Indiana University-related startup, aims to breed and sell Ossabaw miniature pigs to researchers around the country. The company was co-founded by Michael Sturek, professor and department chair of the IU School of Medicine Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and professor in Purdue's Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. Mouhamad Alloosh, an associate research professor, and James Byrd, a research technician, both in the IU School of Medicine's Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, are company co-founders.
In 2002 Sturek and a team of researchers acquired 26 feral Ossabaw miniature pigs from Ossabaw Island, one of the Sea Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia. The pigs have a natural propensity for obesity and developing pre-diabetes, which make them ideal for research purposes, Sturek said.
"Ossabaw pigs naturally developed the propensity to obesity and pre-diabetes as a survival mechanism to cope with periods of starvation on Ossabaw Island," he said. "The pigs' form of pre-diabetes could reverse itself when the animals stopped gorging and started living lean again. We thought this genetic mutation and coping mechanism, and the pigs' heart, which mimics a human's fantastically, could provide the key to a cure for diabetes and the terrible long-term complications like heart disease, in humans."
About 30 million people in the United States, or more than 9 percent of the total population, have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, more than 84 million Americans have pre-diabetes and approximately 30 percent of them will develop type 2 diabetes.
"In humans a few long-term complications that can occur from diabetes include blindness, heart disease, obesity, fatty liver and polycystic ovary syndrome. These pigs provide the opportunity to test different drugs and devices, and even new types of bariatric surgery, more relevant to humans," Sturek said. "Ossabaws really are one of the most vital research specimens in the world to translate cures from basic lab research to humans."
Sturek said other animals don't provide the same research benefits.
"The Ossabaw pigs as we found them had never been touched by civilization, so they are at their purest pedigree. Other animals studied in biomedical research include mice; however, mice are so far removed from humanlike features that it's hard to gauge effectiveness of a treatment in humans," he said. "Ossabaw pigs can gain four times as much fat on the same calories than a normal farm pig. Normal farm pigs don't have the ability to gain as much fat as Ossabaws or even develop diabetes. The miniature Ossabaws are much preferred for research because of their efficiencies of scale."
CorVus Biomedical has contracts to sell the pigs to scientists in the next several weeks after the CorVus facility construction is completed.
"Right now we are the largest research and breeding colony of the Ossabaw pig in the world and we will expand further with our new facility," Sturek said. "It's important for us as a company to be able to produce these animals at a reasonable cost, and aim to operate more cost-effectively and provide more widespread access to these pigs for the future of research and medicine for diabetes."
CorVus has licensed its innovation through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization and the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp.
"During the research phase at Purdue and IU, independent of the company, we sold the pigs to over 140 research institutions. We know scientists recognize the value and benefit of the Ossabaws," Sturek said. "We are the only company that is big enough to produce enough pigs so that scientists can have that access. We are excited to get our production site up and running, selling the pigs to researchers to study at their own sites."
Ossabaw swine resources at Purdue and IU have also been supported by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.
Syngenta empowers ag students to be the future
Syngenta invites eligible university students to apply to its annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program. Applicants are asked to share how they became #RootedinAg and how they will benefit today’s and tomorrow’s world as future leaders.
“We are excited to continue the Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program this year and look forward to hearing how each student’s passion for ag took root,” said Vern Hawkins, Regional Director CP NA. “Because these young men and women are the branches that will grow to shape our industry’s future, we are confident they will strive to reach new heights.”
University students currently pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in crop-related disciplines are eligible to compete for $20,000 in scholarship awards. Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled as of spring 2018 in an accredited agriculture program at an eligible university.
“The number of strong submissions we receive each year proves that there is a young, vibrant group of students who are ready to energize the future growth of our industry,” said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. “This year will usher in a new class of students with innovative ideas and the ambition needed to bring their ideas to life.”
The 2017 winners were two young women who share a passion for the industry and its future success. Bachelor’s level winner Abigail Han shared in her essay how helping out on a farm was all it took for her love of agriculture to take root and spark her interest in pursuing an agricultural degree. Aimee Uyehara, 2017 master’s level national winner, believes “mutual respect, curiosity and the enjoyment of diversity” have contributed to her success as a student and will continue to guide her growth as a future leader.
Syngenta will award scholarships to a bachelor’s and master’s level national winner, selected from a pool of 4 regional winners in each category. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall.
For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic, eligible universities and application guidelines, please visit syngentaus.com/scholarships.
Eco Agro and Eco Agro International Introduce Nitrogen Conservation Input System
Eco Agro and Eco Agro International LLC proudly introduce the Nitrogen Conservation Input System (NCIS) for use into the Urea Production Process.
This exciting breakthrough technology is patent pending and based on research developed during the process of acquiring multiple individual patents. NCIS Technology allows for introduction of proven Nitrogen Efficiency additives into Urea production.
"Our latest innovation, "Nitrogen Conservation Input Systems" (NCIS), enables Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) to be affordable and effective at a lower cost for today's grower. We see NCIS as being a tool that overcomes a significant hurdle toward increased utilization of EEF's worldwide in efforts to improve crop production and yields." said David McKnight, whose team headed the development of NCIS.
In development and testing for over two years, NCIS introduces chemical synergies that allow Nitrogen Efficiency Additives to optimize the conditions for Enhanced Urea Production and performance. Test results have been on-going for over a year and have been very positive.
"By no means is the end of the development in the Urea Production area, there will be next generations of this technology," said Ray Perkins President of Eco Agro. "The options in these innovative discoveries are significant and the delivery system and molecular synergies created can be modified and taken down stream and applied onto Urea also," said Perkins.
Andrew Semple of EAI stated, "These proven Enhanced Efficiency Technologies coupled with an unparalleled low costs of treatment are a major leap toward mass adoption." Semple added "but there are more innovations on the horizon that are game changing and equally as exciting."
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Cuming County Executive Director Sarah Beck is encouraging producers on farms with base acres under the safety net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill to stop in now to enroll for 2018 coverage.
Since shares and ownership of a farm can change year-to-year, producers on the farm must enroll in the safety net programs, known as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, by signing a contract each program year.
“Come inside and complete your paperwork during the cold weather,” Beck said. “The average enrollment appointment takes less than 30 minutes and doing so now will save you valuable time when the weather warms and you need to be outside.”
For details regarding the ARC and PLC programs, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.
Appointment cards are going out in the mail so keep an eye on your mailboxes. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please call the Cuming County FSA Office at (402) 372-2451 ext. 2 or email sarah.beck@ne.usda.gov to reschedule your appointment.
Ricketts Proclaims “FFA Week” in Nebraska
This afternoon, flanked by FFA leaders and members, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring “FFA Week” in Nebraska. FFA, also known as “Future Farmers of America,” started in 1928. Its mission is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” FFA Week is celebrated nationally from February 17-24, 2018.
“FFA is helping raise up the next generation of Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and ag innovators,” said Governor Ricketts. “Through FFA, students across Nebraska receive great agricultural education and training from this historic organization. FFA is developing the fresh thinkers and strong leaders our growing agriculture industry needs to innovate and move it forward in the 21st-century.”
The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth chartered by the National FFA Organization. Nebraska currently has over 8,500 FFA members in 185 chapters. Throughout the years, state departments have teamed up with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.
“FFA Week provides us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our FFA members,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman. “FFA allows students an opportunity to grow as leaders while building their agricultural education, and, in turn, impacting their communities for the better.”
“The FFA Organization helps to develop students through premier leadership, personal growth, and career success,” said Nebraska State FFA Advisor Krystl Knabe. “The agriculture industry is the driving force for Nebraska’s economy. Our state’s educational system has recognized the importance of agriculture. We have a record number of agricultural education programs in Nebraska high schools and record high FFA membership. We are thrilled that Governor Ricketts is recognizing the Nebraska FFA Association during National FFA Week as the organization continues to develop and prepare future leaders of our great state.”
The Nebraska FFA program is supported by the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
“The Nebraska FFA Foundation is committed to investing in agricultural education and FFA for over 8,500 FFA members and their advisors by growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture,” said Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director Stacey Agnew. “I am thrilled Governor Ricketts is honoring FFA members and hope this will encourage more schools to add agricultural education and FFA programs. We need more career-ready students to help grow Nebraska’s number one economic engine – agriculture.”
“FFA chapters across the state play a major role in preparing students for careers in agriculture production, business, education and leadership,” said Nebraska Wheat Board Executive Director Royce Schaneman. “We appreciate the Governor recognizing the importance of FFA to Nebraska and look forward to celebrating this great organization.”
"The future of agriculture is dependent on the younger generation,” said Nebraska Cattlemen President Galen Frenzen. “Nebraska Cattlemen is grateful for all of the FFA programs across the State that are giving our students the knowledge and experience they need about our industry. As a former State FFA officer, I recognized firsthand the benefits of this organization.”
“The Nebraska corn industry is very proud of our state’s FFA students,” said Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Kelly Brunkhorst. “Many of our past and present board members were involved with FFA, and they understand and appreciate the value of the organization. Also, several of our staff members and student interns throughout the years have been involved in FFA, so it is exciting to see them incorporate the leadership skills they gained through FFA into their careers. We congratulate all of our FFA members and thank the teachers and advisors who help mentor them.”
For more information about the Nebraska FFA, visit http://www.neaged.org/main.html.
Smith Earns Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” Designation
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Smith, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District, received the designation based on his work on several policy issues of high priority to Nebraska farmers and ranchers, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.
“Taxes, trade, and reducing the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers are priorities for our members and Congressman Smith has provided leadership on all of these critical issues in Washington D.C.,” said Nelson.
Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, Smith has provided a strong voice for agriculture on federal tax policy and played an instrumental role in helping deliver the first major revisions to the federal tax code in more than 30 years.
“Today Nebraska farmers and ranchers are able to continue to fully deduct their property taxes on their federal tax return, thanks in large part to the work done by the Congressman during debate on the federal tax bill. His engagement on that issue was instrumental in protecting those deductions,” said Nelson.
With one out of every three U.S. farm acres being planted for export and roughly 31 percent of U.S. gross farm income coming directly from exports to foreign countries, international trade is critical to farmers and ranchers.
“Rep. Smith has been and continues to be a strong proponent of growing international markets for Nebraska’s agricultural products. He’s represented agriculture directly with trade negotiators having just recently participated in a delegation to Canada to help bring an agriculture perspective to North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) discussions,” said Nelson.
Smith has also championed efforts to reduce unwarranted regulations on Nebraska farmers and ranchers that needlessly increase the costs of doing business, in addition to pushing back on regulations that would infringe on private property rights.
“Whether it’s his work to halt the EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” Rule that would have allowed the federal government to tell farmers and ranchers what they could do with their property or his efforts to address Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that would have driven up fertilizer costs, Congressman Smith has worked to address the issues of concern to farm and ranch families,” said Nelson.
In making the announcement, Nebraska Farm Bureau also pointed to Smith’s ongoing efforts to protect risk-management tools such as federal crop insurance, defend the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for corn and ethanol producers, as well as challenging animal rights activists who strive to erode the ability of Nebraska livestock producers to use commonly accepted production practices while attempting to damage the reputation of America’s farm and ranch families.
“We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Congressman Smith to serve Nebraska’s farm and ranch families and are proud to count him among those receiving our “Friend of Agriculture” designation,” said Nelson.
SYMPOSIUM TO HIGHLIGHT ISSUES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN NEBRASKA
An upcoming symposium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will highlight the importance of international trade to Nebraska's economy. The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance is hosting the inaugural CME Group Foundation Symposium, "Changing Governments, Changing Trade: Impacts from Global to Local," March 13 in Lincoln.
The symposium is in conjunction with the final Heuermann Lecture of the 2017-18 season. The free event is noon to 6 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive.
Speakers include Keira Lombardo, senior vice president of corporate affairs at Smithfield; Tim Groser, New Zealand's ambassador to the United States; Kirsten Hillman, Canada's deputy ambassador to the United States; Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade; and Andrea Durkin, editor-in-chief for TradeVistas. Kuehl and Durkin will discuss the local impact of global change in the Heuermann Lecture at 3:30 p.m.
A renowned trade expert and Nebraska alumnus, Yeutter made a $2.5 million leadership gift through outright and planned gifts to establish the Clayton Yeutter International Trade Program Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation in 2015.
The institute prepares students to understand, participate in and shape global trade and finance in a world that is increasingly interconnected. It builds on the strengths of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, College of Business and College of Law to offer undergraduate and graduate education, facilitate faculty research and engage the community, all related to international trade and finance.
Advance registration is required. To register, visit https://ianr.unl.edu/yeutter-institute.
The symposium is sponsored by the CME Group Foundation and Smithfield.
USDA: 2017 Annual Milk Production up 1.4 Percent from 2016
The annual production of milk for the United States during 2017 was 215 billion pounds, 1.4 percent above 2016. Revisions to 2016 production decreased the annual total 31 million pounds. Revised 2017 production was up 35 million pounds from last month's publication. Annual total milk production has increased 13.4 percent from 2008.
By State '16 milk prod - '17 milk prod - % change
mil lbs. mil lbs.
Nebraska ..: 1,399.0 1,444.0 3.2
Iowa .........: 5,034.0 5,172.0 2.7
Production per cow in the United States averaged 22,941 pounds for 2017, 163 pounds above 2016. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 12.5 percent from 2008.
By State '16 ave lbs/cow - '17 ave lbs/cow
Nebraska ..: 23,317 24,067
Iowa .........: 23,634 23,725
The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2017 was 9.39 million head, up 0.7 percent from 2016. The average number of milk cows was unrevised for 2017. The average annual number of milk cows has increased 0.8 percent from 2008.
By State '16 Cows - '17 Cows
Nebraska : 60,000 60,000
Iowa .......: 213,000 218,000
USDA: January Milk Production up 1.8 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during January totaled 17.3 billion pounds, up 1.8 percent from January 2017. December revised production, at 17.0 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from December 2016. The December revision represented an increase of 4 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.
Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,979 pounds for January, 24 pounds above January 2017. This is the highest production per cow for the month of January since the 23 State series began in 2003.
The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.74 million head, 49,000 head more than January 2017, and 4,000 head more than December 2017.
IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during January 2018 totaled 446 million pounds, up 4 percent from the previous January according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during January, at 220,000 head, was unchanged from last month but 5,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,025 pounds, up 25 pounds from last January.
Producers should take precautions to mitigate corn spoilage
Due to beneficial weather conditions that increased kernel fill last fall, producers need to take precautions to mitigate corn spoilage this spring.
Mild weather during the months of September and October not only produced higher yields, but also increased kernel fill. Kernels that are “filled out” and denser like those seen during last year’s harvest usually do not dry as easily, especially in higher temporal systems. The kernels will dry on the surface but when moisture equals out, they will be wetter than anticipated.
“There will probably be a 1-2 percent higher moisture content difference than anticipated,” said Charles Hurburgh, professor and grain quality and handling specialist with Iowa State University. “Although this is not a huge problem in the winter, when warmer weather arrives we will start to see problems such as wetter cores in storage bins and corn spoilage.”
To prevent spoilage, producers should begin by taking grain samples from the core of the grain bin. Not only will this clean trash and flush foreign material, but also will help identify the moisture content.
“Producers need to recognize when something will have to be done when weather warms up,” said Hurburgh. “If we have a few consecutive 50-degree days, the top of bins will get warm and spoilage can happen. Producers also need to be prepared to turn fans on or return grain to the dryer if necessary.”
For additional information on proper grain storage practices, the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative has developed free online learning modules to help educate and teach producers proper grain storage techniques. Module topics include dryeration, aeration and fan performance. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/grain for more information about the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative and modules.
The mission of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative (IGQI) is to create knowledge and provide information that will improve the efficiency of traditional commodity grain markets and assist emerging markets for user-specific grains. For more information, visit iowagrain.org.
Average Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue to Inch Higher
Average retail fertilizer prices continued to inch higher the second week of February 2018, according to retailers surveyed by DTN.
After several weeks of one fertilizer -- potash -- being slightly lower, prices for all eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, though none were up by a significant amount.
DAP had an average price of $457 per ton, MAP $495/ton, potash $345/ton, urea $357/ton, 10-34-0 $415/ton, anhydrous $492/ton, UAN28 $230/ton and UAN32 $264/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.41/lb.N and UAN32 $0.41/lb.N.
Four fertilizers are now higher compared to last year with prices pushing higher in recent months. Anhydrous is 1% higher, potash is 4% higher, DAP is 6% higher and MAP is 10% higher than last year.
The remaining four fertilizers are still lower in price compared to last year. Urea is 1% less expensive, while both UAN28 and UAN32 are 4% lower, and 10-34-0 is 6% less expensive than last year.
NCGA Statement on Senator Cruz's Remarks at Philadelphia Refinery Town Hall
The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in response to Senator Cruz's remarks during the Philadelphia refinery (PES) town hall.
“While most refiners are reporting double digit profit increases, Philadelphia Energy Solutions has filed for bankruptcy protection because its investors put their interests ahead of their workers’ interests. It’s disingenuous for Senator Cruz to claim he’s looking out for refinery workers, when he’s really looking out for Wall Street investors who made bad business decisions yet ensured they got their payout first, putting refinery jobs at risk.
“Senator Cruz is right about one thing – this is not about pitting corn farmers and refinery workers against each other. Corn famers see refinery owners and investors failing to take responsibility for their poor business decisions. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) works for consumers, union workers, farmers and our environment. Whether it’s the EPA, financial analysts or university experts, all confirm refiners are not facing a RINs price impact because they recover any costs through the price they receive for their refined products. Senator Cruz is trying to upend the RFS to address a non-existent problem and bail out refiners who opted not to invest in blending infrastructure, so they could blend renewable fuels and get biofuels credits for free.
“Corn farmers’ definition of a “win-win” is providing regulatory parity for E15, and higher blends of ethanol, which would increase the supply of RINs to lower RIN values, and improve transparency in the trading system. The only plan Senator Cruz has is to block the confirmation of Bill Northey, a well-qualified and much-needed leader at the Department of Agriculture, in order to undercut the successful, and beneficial Renewable Fuel Standard. “
ACE statement on Cruz town hall at Philadelphia refinery
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings released the following statement following Senator Ted Cruz’s town hall with employees from the refinery Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month:
“Senator Cruz’s increasingly desperate publicity stunts do not change the fact that the problems facing Philadelphia Energy Solutions have nothing to do with the Renewable Fuel Standard and everything to do with mismanagement by the PES ownership group. In recent days, it has been disclosed by current and former PES employees that the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that owns two-thirds of PES, prioritized cash distributions to shareholders over small investments that would have enabled the refinery to comply with the RFS. It is shameful that Senator Cruz is calling on Uncle Sam to bailout PES for mismanagement blunders when most U.S. refiners have been complying with the law. The ethanol industry has been crystal clear with anyone willing to listen that the win-win Senator Cruz claims to seek is to grant RVP relief for E15 and higher blends. This would increase ethanol blending and the RIN supply, bring down RIN prices, and keep the RFS statute intact.”
NGFA seeks clarification on trucking regulatory exemptions for agriculture
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) this week urged the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to clarify the agricultural commodity exception to its hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers.
In its statement submitted in response to the FMCSA's request in the Dec. 20, 2017 edition of the Federal Register seeking input on the "Proposed Regulatory Guidance Concerning the Transportation of Agricultural Commodities," the NGFA urged FMCSA to clarify that grain elevators, feed and feed ingredient manufacturers, biofuels companies, grain and oilseed processors and millers, and livestock and poultry integrators are a source of agricultural commodities eligible for the exception.
"It is imperative that U.S. freight laws and regulations accomplish their goals without disadvantaging U.S. agriculture, given the highly competitive global marketplace that exists for agricultural products," the statement said. "Having access to a highly efficient freight transportation system and a pool of qualified drivers is critical for U.S. agriculture's competitiveness."
Specifically, NGFA said that the agricultural commodity exception should apply to all facility types within the agricultural supply chain to prevent additional financial harm.
In addition, for drivers operating under the agricultural commodity exception, NGFA recommended that FMCSA apply the hours-of-service regulations only to situations in which a driver operates beyond the 150-air mile radius. Under NGFA's recommendation, commercial truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities would not be required to maintain logs until exceeding the 150-air mile radius.
Finally, to prevent unnecessary regulatory burden and excessive costs, NGFA urged FMCSA to exempt from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirement drivers who predominantly transport agricultural commodities.
"Most NGFA members operate under the agricultural commodity exception and, therefore, are exempt from hours-of-service requirements for all or most of the year depending upon their state's definition for planting and harvesting seasons," said the NGFA statement, which also noted that requiring ELDs to be purchased for use during the non-planting and harvest seasons when demand for truck transportation has eased is nonsensical and inconsistent with President Trump's executive order to reduce regulatory burdens.
"NGFA looks forward to working with DOT and FMCSA on additional solutions to address the needs of our industry while continuing to protect the safety of the nation's highways," the statement concluded.
ASA Congratulates the 2018 Regional Winners of the Conservation Legacy Awards
The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates the regional winners of the 2018 Conservation Legacy Awards.
- Mark Schleisman, Lake City, Iowa (Midwest Region)
- David and Linda Burrier, Union Bridge, Md. (Northeast Region)
- Grant Norwood, Mansfield, Tenn. (South Region)
Each winner will be recognized at the ASA Awards Banquet on Feb. 28, 2018, at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif. During the banquet, one of the farmers will be chosen as the national winner.
The Conservation Legacy Awards is a national program designed to recognize the outstanding environmental and conservation achievement of soybean farmers, which helps produce more sustainable U.S. soybeans.
A national selection committee, composed of soybean farmers, conservationists, agronomists and natural resource professionals, evaluated nominations based on each farmer’s environmental and economic program. The achievements of these farmers serve as a positive example for other farmers and help produce a more sustainable U.S. soybean crop. This program is sponsored by ASA, BASF, Monsanto, Corn & Soybean Digest, the United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff and Valent.
Mark Schleisman heads up M&M Farms, a diverse family operation in Calhoun County, Iowa. M&M Farms grows 4,500 acres of crops, including 2,000 acres of popcorn; manages 360 cow-calf pairs; and finish approximately 30,000 head of pigs.
While M&M Farms is located in an area where agriculture can flourish very well, it is also under a significant amount of scrutiny from an environmental standpoint. Calhoun County was one of three counties targeted by the Des Moines Water Works (later dismissed) against county drainage districts for discharging high levels of nitrates. Des Moines uses the Raccoon River as a primary water source.
The Schleisman farm is in the Elk Run watershed, a tributary to the Raccoon River and a source of concern about nitrate. As part of a demonstration project directed by the Iowa Soybean Association in cooperation with a number of partner organizations, Mark installed a couple of edge-of-field practices designed to significantly cut nitrate contribution to the Raccoon River.
One of these practices is a saturated buffer. It stores water under field buffers by diverting tile water into shallow laterals that raise the water table within the buffer, thus slowing outflow. The other edge-of-field treatment process is a bioreactor. It consists of a buried pit filled with a carbon source (wood chips) through which tile water is diverted. The carbon provides a food source for microorganisms; they use nitrate to metabolize the carbon, converting the nitrate to harmless atmospheric nitrogen gas.
“I have seen nitrate levels entering the bioreactor running 15 to 22 parts per million,” Mark said. “It is exiting the bioreactor at less than one part per million.” He has shared that story with many farm audiences, and has been featured in many interviews conducted for urban audiences as well.
Dave and Linda Burrier also know what it is like to live in a highly scrutinized farming area, particularly when it comes to protecting water quality. Their farm in Union Bridge, Md., is within 50 miles of the Chesapeake Bay and situated against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. The farm is in a valley served by two well-traveled roads.
“We feel we are in a fishbowl,” Linda Burrier said. “We are always very conscious of what people can see. We try to keep our farm looking picturesque and our landlords expect us to care for their land in the same way.”
Regulators have pointed to agriculture as the largest source of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, and in 2010, established Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations as a way to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and all the rivers and streams that feed into it. The Bay TMDL, set by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, set targets for reduced nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution.
One way the Burriers demonstrate their conservation commitment is through the use of strip cropping. Their crops are grown in long narrow strips and the farm’s 1,800 acres support a diverse mix of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, hay, and grass hay. “All our fields have a certain amount of slope,” David Burrier explained. “Alternating crops in these strips allows us to control soil erosion, control sediment loss and retain nutrients.”
In non-crop areas, the Burriers have installed and maintain grass waterways and buffers to reduce runoff. The TDML regulation has required them to have a nutrient management plan, which has greatly increased their record-keeping. Operating under TMDL regulations, the Burriers look for ways to efficiently provide crop nutrients to maximize production while minimizing potential nutrient losses.
Grant Norwood, a fifth generation farmer, grows 3,000 acres of crops in Henry County, Tenn. Going the extra mile for conservation has been the family’s approach to farming all the way back to the late 1800s, when Grant’s great, great-grandfather began farming from his log cabin in the Pleasant Hill community near Mansfield.
At Norwood Farms, they also implement a variety of conservation practices including cover crops, establishment of pollinator and wildlife habitats, installation of water and sediment control basins, and they are 100 percent no-till.
Norwood Farms’ efforts to be efficient and environmentally friendly even extend to their grain storage site, which uses three-phase electricity. The facility also uses a grain management system (Intelliair Bin Manager), which monitors temperature and moisture in the bins when grain is present.
“It maximizes the cooling and drying of the grain, reducing the energy because fans are only used when conditions are optimum to do the job,” Grant said.
“Our family’s focus on sustainability from one generation to the next is how we have been able to continue to farm the same land for five generations,” Grant added. He further explained that it may take some time to see the benefits of certain conservation practices, but they will pay back over time. “You have to have a long-term mindset, but the economic benefits will carry over to benefit future generations,” he said.
New Virtual Reality Video Tells Soil Health Story from ‘Every Angle’
As interest grows in soil health and its potential to optimize farming, the Soil Health Partnership has developed a new tool to immerse the inquisitive. Partnering with StoryUP, the nonprofit ag group has produced a “virtual reality” video that will allow viewers to visit a farm enrolled in SHP and experience a Virtual Field Day.
“One of our most powerful assets is our enrolled farmers sharing their stories and knowledge with others,” said NCGA Vice President of Production and Sustainability, Nick Goeser. “This video format allows viewers to transport themselves to a farm and learn from the farmer as if they are standing right there with him at a field day. We are all about innovation, and that spirit extends to our communications program.”
Virtual reality is 360-degree, 3D video or computer-generated environments viewed with special goggles where the user can see in all directions.
After giving some attendees of the Soil Health Summit a preview in January, the SHP officially launches the video, called “New Frontier in Agriculture,” at the Commodity Classic conference and tradeshow, Feb. 27 – March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees can stop by the SHP booth (#2739) to experience the video on a headset, and enter into a drawing for a prize.
The 4-minute experience, viewed in a Samsung GearVR headset, places the user in close proximity to farmers and SHP staff on Tim Smith’s farm in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Smith, enrolled with SHP since 2014, demonstrates how he sets up strip-till equipment (a less intensive form of tillage), discusses why soil health matters to him and explains the benefits he’s experienced.
“The most obvious benefits to using cover crops, strip-till or no-till on my farm are lack of erosion…and less ephemeral gullies in my fields,” Smith says in the video. “When we get heavy rainfalls I’m not so concerned about washouts.”
The SHP will have a professional goggle at Commodity Classic for viewing, but the video is available to watch with any VR headset, including cardboard versions handed out at the SHP booth. To watch it in a headset:
- Download the YouTube app for iPhone or Android
- Play the video (on the SHP YouTube Channel)
- Turn phone horizontal
- Click the Google Cardboard icon on the lower right side of the screen
- Phone will split into two screens
- Place horizontal phone in a VR headset
For regular viewing, the video is available on the SHP YouTube Channel, where it is best viewed in the Google Chrome browser, which provides arrows allowing the user to turn the viewpoint.
An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association, the Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health from an economic as well as environmental standpoint.
Commodity Classic Partners with Feeding America for Second Year
For the second year, Commodity Classic has selected Feeding America as its charity partner, providing farmers with an opportunity to help Set the Table™ for a hunger-free America. Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, will be held February 27-March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. Attendees as well as agricultural advocates across the nation are encouraged to donate to Feeding America during the event.
Feeding America works with U.S. food banks to distribute food to more than 60,000 food pantries. Secure donations can be made by visiting CommodityClassic.com and clicking on the Feeding America logo on the home page. Donations can also be made through the free 2018 Commodity Classic mobile app, which can be downloaded using iTunes or GooglePlay app stores.
Donations will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Central/3:00 p.m. Pacific on Thursday, March 1. You don’t have to attend Commodity Classic to contribute to the Feeding America initiative.
“America’s family farmers produce grains and oilseeds that help provide an abundant and reliable food supply for our nation and the world,” said Gerry Hayden, a Kentucky farmer and co-chair of the 2018 Commodity Classic. “By partnering with Feeding America, we’re also showing that farmers are willing to go the extra mile to help end hunger here at home.”
Access to Rare Pigs Could be Effective Way to Diabetes Treatment
A unique breed of pig equipped with a heart that mimics a human's heart and has a special genetic mutation could provide researchers and scientists the key to a cure for diabetes and related complications.
CorVus Biomedical LLC, a Purdue University- and Indiana University-related startup, aims to breed and sell Ossabaw miniature pigs to researchers around the country. The company was co-founded by Michael Sturek, professor and department chair of the IU School of Medicine Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and professor in Purdue's Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. Mouhamad Alloosh, an associate research professor, and James Byrd, a research technician, both in the IU School of Medicine's Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, are company co-founders.
In 2002 Sturek and a team of researchers acquired 26 feral Ossabaw miniature pigs from Ossabaw Island, one of the Sea Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Georgia. The pigs have a natural propensity for obesity and developing pre-diabetes, which make them ideal for research purposes, Sturek said.
"Ossabaw pigs naturally developed the propensity to obesity and pre-diabetes as a survival mechanism to cope with periods of starvation on Ossabaw Island," he said. "The pigs' form of pre-diabetes could reverse itself when the animals stopped gorging and started living lean again. We thought this genetic mutation and coping mechanism, and the pigs' heart, which mimics a human's fantastically, could provide the key to a cure for diabetes and the terrible long-term complications like heart disease, in humans."
About 30 million people in the United States, or more than 9 percent of the total population, have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, more than 84 million Americans have pre-diabetes and approximately 30 percent of them will develop type 2 diabetes.
"In humans a few long-term complications that can occur from diabetes include blindness, heart disease, obesity, fatty liver and polycystic ovary syndrome. These pigs provide the opportunity to test different drugs and devices, and even new types of bariatric surgery, more relevant to humans," Sturek said. "Ossabaws really are one of the most vital research specimens in the world to translate cures from basic lab research to humans."
Sturek said other animals don't provide the same research benefits.
"The Ossabaw pigs as we found them had never been touched by civilization, so they are at their purest pedigree. Other animals studied in biomedical research include mice; however, mice are so far removed from humanlike features that it's hard to gauge effectiveness of a treatment in humans," he said. "Ossabaw pigs can gain four times as much fat on the same calories than a normal farm pig. Normal farm pigs don't have the ability to gain as much fat as Ossabaws or even develop diabetes. The miniature Ossabaws are much preferred for research because of their efficiencies of scale."
CorVus Biomedical has contracts to sell the pigs to scientists in the next several weeks after the CorVus facility construction is completed.
"Right now we are the largest research and breeding colony of the Ossabaw pig in the world and we will expand further with our new facility," Sturek said. "It's important for us as a company to be able to produce these animals at a reasonable cost, and aim to operate more cost-effectively and provide more widespread access to these pigs for the future of research and medicine for diabetes."
CorVus has licensed its innovation through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization and the Indiana University Research and Technology Corp.
"During the research phase at Purdue and IU, independent of the company, we sold the pigs to over 140 research institutions. We know scientists recognize the value and benefit of the Ossabaws," Sturek said. "We are the only company that is big enough to produce enough pigs so that scientists can have that access. We are excited to get our production site up and running, selling the pigs to researchers to study at their own sites."
Ossabaw swine resources at Purdue and IU have also been supported by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.
Syngenta empowers ag students to be the future
Syngenta invites eligible university students to apply to its annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program. Applicants are asked to share how they became #RootedinAg and how they will benefit today’s and tomorrow’s world as future leaders.
“We are excited to continue the Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program this year and look forward to hearing how each student’s passion for ag took root,” said Vern Hawkins, Regional Director CP NA. “Because these young men and women are the branches that will grow to shape our industry’s future, we are confident they will strive to reach new heights.”
University students currently pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in crop-related disciplines are eligible to compete for $20,000 in scholarship awards. Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled as of spring 2018 in an accredited agriculture program at an eligible university.
“The number of strong submissions we receive each year proves that there is a young, vibrant group of students who are ready to energize the future growth of our industry,” said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. “This year will usher in a new class of students with innovative ideas and the ambition needed to bring their ideas to life.”
The 2017 winners were two young women who share a passion for the industry and its future success. Bachelor’s level winner Abigail Han shared in her essay how helping out on a farm was all it took for her love of agriculture to take root and spark her interest in pursuing an agricultural degree. Aimee Uyehara, 2017 master’s level national winner, believes “mutual respect, curiosity and the enjoyment of diversity” have contributed to her success as a student and will continue to guide her growth as a future leader.
Syngenta will award scholarships to a bachelor’s and master’s level national winner, selected from a pool of 4 regional winners in each category. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall.
For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic, eligible universities and application guidelines, please visit syngentaus.com/scholarships.
Eco Agro and Eco Agro International Introduce Nitrogen Conservation Input System
Eco Agro and Eco Agro International LLC proudly introduce the Nitrogen Conservation Input System (NCIS) for use into the Urea Production Process.
This exciting breakthrough technology is patent pending and based on research developed during the process of acquiring multiple individual patents. NCIS Technology allows for introduction of proven Nitrogen Efficiency additives into Urea production.
"Our latest innovation, "Nitrogen Conservation Input Systems" (NCIS), enables Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) to be affordable and effective at a lower cost for today's grower. We see NCIS as being a tool that overcomes a significant hurdle toward increased utilization of EEF's worldwide in efforts to improve crop production and yields." said David McKnight, whose team headed the development of NCIS.
In development and testing for over two years, NCIS introduces chemical synergies that allow Nitrogen Efficiency Additives to optimize the conditions for Enhanced Urea Production and performance. Test results have been on-going for over a year and have been very positive.
"By no means is the end of the development in the Urea Production area, there will be next generations of this technology," said Ray Perkins President of Eco Agro. "The options in these innovative discoveries are significant and the delivery system and molecular synergies created can be modified and taken down stream and applied onto Urea also," said Perkins.
Andrew Semple of EAI stated, "These proven Enhanced Efficiency Technologies coupled with an unparalleled low costs of treatment are a major leap toward mass adoption." Semple added "but there are more innovations on the horizon that are game changing and equally as exciting."
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Tuesday February 20 Ag News
Planning for the Calving Season
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County
For some producers the calving season is here, while for others, the start of the calving season is still a few months away. Here are some practices that need to be considered when preparing for the calving season.
Make sure to pay attention to nutrition needs of bred heifers or cows prior to calving. Adequate body condition at the time of calving for young females and mature cows is important as it impacts stamina during delivery of the calf, colostrum quality, calf vigor, and also impacts subsequent rebreeding. Adequate nutrition during the last trimester of pregnancy and especially the last 50-60 days prior to calving is important. Two-year-old heifers and three-year-old cows are vulnerable during this time period. These young females are still growing themselves while growing a calf inside them. As this calf grows and takes up room, rumen capacity is impacted and the amount of feed the young female can eat is reduced. The impact of this condition can be compounded when this time period prior to calving coincides with cold weather and available forage that is low in energy and protein. Body condition can deteriorate rapidly under these conditions.
Be sure to review your herd health plan with your veterinarian. Address possible management options to reduce the health problems that have historically been an issue.
Examine calving facilities making sure they are in good working order. Inspect gates, pens, alleys and head catches, fixing or replacing broken items. Good lighting is an important part of a calving facility. Plan to provide wind protection along with a clean, dry environment. Wet, muddy conditions are stressful both to cows and calves.
Check all your calving supplies. Make sure you have on hand plastic sleeves, obstetrical lube, obstetrical chains or straps, esophageal feeders, calf feeding bottles, calf puller and any other equipment that you will need. Test flashlights or spotlights to make sure they are working as well. Have colostrum or colostrum replacement products on hand. The calf’s ability for absorption of immunoglobulin across the intestine decreases rapidly 6-12 hours after birth. Therefore it is critical that the calf receive colostrum during this time. It is a good practice to immediately milk out a heifer or cow when she is assisted at calving and provide this colostrum to the calf. If quality or quantity of the colostrum is a concern, other sources of colostrum or colostrum replacement products should be used. Use caution when bringing outside sources of colostrum into the herd as disease transfer can occur. The best source of colostrum is from within your own herd. Colostrum replacement products can be a good option to utilize when calves are not vigorous at birth, after a prolonged calving event, cold stress or where there is poor maternal bonding. Visit with your veterinarian about which colostrum replacement products are best for your operation.
Have a plan and equipment for warming calves if calving during cold weather. Calves born during cold, wet conditions can quickly succumb to hypothermia. Have facilities, tools and supplies on hand to deal with this type of event. For mild hypothermia, (body temperature between 94 and 100°F) giving a calf warm, body temperature colostrum or colostrum replacement products along with drying the calf off with towels and warm air can quickly bring a calf’s temperature back to normal. For extreme hypothermia a combination of warm colostrum with a warm bath can be used. Calves should be dry, alert and have a normal body temperature before being returned to their mother.
There are several good Extension resources available to producers related to calving. “Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving Time” from Nebraska Extension is a good resource.
2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award Winners Announced
Russ Vering, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association recognized the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award winners at a ceremony held in conjunction with NPPA’s Annual Meeting. The Outstanding Pork Service Awards are given annually to recognize exceptional work by an individual, company, or organization that has advocated the fundamental efforts of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Plaques were presented to each of the 2017 winners by NPPA President Vering.
Mark Stephens of Bob Stephens and Associates was recognized with the Outstanding Pork Service Award for Promotions for his more than 30 years of guiding the Association’s promotional needs. His passion for pigs, the people who raise them made his willingness to volunteer, teach and share his knowledge is why Troy McCain of Aurora was named as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award for Producer Outreach. As the local food movement continues to grow, it’s giving new farmers like Travis Dunekacke, a niche marketer the opportunity to raise specialty pork for local chefs while educating consumers about where their food comes from. Travis’s engagement in niche production makes him a notable recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Awards for Industry Outreach. QC Supply, headquartered in Schuyler has been a strong supporter of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and has been a valued partner since 2004. Recognizing their longevity, QC Supply was named as Outstanding Pork Service Award for Allied Members.
Promoting Livestock For Future Growth
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
Raising livestock has always been a part of life in Nebraska. Our ranchers have made beef Nebraska’s largest industry. In 2017, we exported $1.26 billion worth of beef, making Nebraska the largest beef exporting state in the country for two years in a row. We have topped a billion dollars in beef exports for four years running.
Our state is the national leader in all areas of beef production, from cow/calf to cattle on feed to processing, but beef isn't the only area where Nebraska ranchers, and farmers, have found success. In 2017 Nebraska's pork production totaled $479 million, making us the fifth largest exporter. Together, Nebraskans increased their total beef exports by 12 percent and pork exports by 20 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While impressive, Nebraskans are eager to build on this success. Organizations such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Department of Agriculture, and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska have dedicated time and manpower to promote livestock production. This has included offering workshops and classes that help farmers investigate ways to expand into livestock production, as well as offering assistance with finance, permitting, fertilizer requirements, and water well placement.
Local and state leaders have done a great job helping our state expand its livestock production. I'm ready to work with them to help further the success of Nebraska ranchers. I am a strong voice for Nebraska on the Senate Agriculture Committee and excited to announce that I will be serving as the Chairman of the Livestock Subcommittee.
The Livestock subcommittee oversees a number of programs and policies relevant to our state's livestock industry. This includes foreign trade and market development, domestic marketing programs, international commodity agreements and export controls, and livestock inspection and certification of meat.
I have firsthand knowledge about the importance of livestock to our state's economy. I have been a Nebraska cattle rancher for over 40 years and worked with agriculture producers and rural and economic development groups all across our state. One of my first pieces of legislation in the Nebraska Legislature was to protect private information shared by livestock producers. I look forward to doing the same kind of work on the Senate Ag Committee.
In this vein, I've already begun drafting policy that will help our farmers and ranchers. I recently led a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act. This bill would protect farmers, ranchers, and livestock markets from burdensome EPA reporting requirements for animal waste emissions. The Farm Act gives an exemption for animal waste emissions at a farm from CERCLA reporting requirements. These requirements were never intended to affect animal agriculture. They were meant to address dangerous industrial pollution, chemical plant explosions, and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Nebraska agriculture producers should be able to concentrate on doing their job of feeding the world without being burdened by unnecessary red tape. Working together with Nebraskans, I am committed to promoting policies that will allow our ag producers to build on recent success. As a member of the Senate Ag Committee and chairman of the Livestock subcommittee, I'll be focusing on doing what's best for our livestock producers.
Track Record of Support for Agriculture, Fischer Receives Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” Designation
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Fischer, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate, received the designation based on her strong track record of supporting Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.
“Time and again Sen. Fischer has gone to bat for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, whether it’s involved working legislation in the Senate, or working directly with the administration. We are pleased to once again provide our support and backing to Sen. Fischer as she seeks re-election,” said Nelson.
Fischer’s list of actions supporting agriculture is extensive with many of them involving Nebraska Farm Bureau’s highest policy priorities. Farm Bureau pointed to several in announcing Fischer as a “Friend of Agriculture” including:
Fischer’s introduction of legislation to address misguided regulations on anhydrous ammonia retail facilities that would have left farmers to pay thousands of dollars in increased fertilizer costs with no real benefit to public safety.
Fischer’s efforts to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw or vacate the “Waters of the U.S.” rule, a far-reaching regulation that would have infringed on the property rights and management of private land.
Fischer’s work on the “FUELS Act”, legislation to exempt the vast majority of Nebraska’s farms and ranches from having to comply with the EPA’s Spill Prevention Containment and Control (SPCC) regulations originally designed to address spills from large scale fuel storage facilities, such as oil refineries.
Fischer’s introduction of the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act (FARM Act) to exempt farms and ranches from reporting routine air emissions from farm animals and their manure; regulations intended to address emissions of hazardous wastes from Superfund sites.
Fischer’s ongoing support for trade deals to expand markets for Nebraska agricultural products.
Fischer’s support for repealing Obamacare, which has resulted in skyrocketing health care costs for farm and ranch families.
Fischer’s efforts to drive sound transportation and infrastructure policy by helping secure the first long-term highway bill in over a decade, while also working to expand broadband internet access for greater Nebraska.
Fischer’s efforts to help deliver federal tax reform to lower tax rates, double the estate tax exemption, and other provisions that allow farm and ranch families to retain their hard-earned dollars for reinvestment in their operations.
Fischer’s recent appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee allowing her to bring a Nebraska perspective to the development of the next Farm Bill.
Fischer’s ongoing effort to fix federal trucking regulations that fail to meet the unique needs of transporting livestock animals and create challenges for livestock haulers.
Fischer’s work to support agriculture friendly appointments in the Trump administration, including support for Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture and Scott Pruitt as administrator of the EPA.
“With fewer and fewer people engaged in the day-to-day production of food, fuel, and fiber, it is critical to have candidates who understand the needs of production agriculture and its role in our overall national security. As a rancher, Sen. Fischer understands those needs well and provides a critical voice for our interests in Washington D.C.,” said Nelson.
Farm Bureau Statement on AG Act Workforce Legislation
The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on all members of Congress to support House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte in his goal of including the AG Act in the Securing America’s Future Act.
“We are at a crisis point in agriculture,” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “Chairman Bob Goodlatte wants to address our problem and has included the AG Act in pending legislation related to the DACA issue. Chairman Goodlatte’s AG Act would establish a new H-2C agriculture worker program that is far superior to the existing H-2A program. The new H-2C program offers a much brighter future for agriculture. For farmers in sectors like dairy, mushrooms and others, who are excluded from H-2A and have nowhere else to turn, the H-2C program offers a path forward in meeting their future labor needs.
“At the same time, we are continuing to work with Chairman Goodlatte and other members of Congress to provide greater assurances on how the AG Act would affect our existing workforce. Farmers today rely on these workers. They sustain our farms. They are part of the fabric of many rural economies. Farm Bureau policy supports providing these workers the opportunity to earn permanent legal status. That is our goal and we will do everything we can to achieve it.
“We applaud Chairman Goodlatte’s leadership and support him in his effort to include a solution for agriculture’s labor issue in the Securing America’s Future Act.”
Zoetis Develops First Holstein Reference Genome
Zoetis has developed the first complete Holstein de novo reference genome, giving geneticists the ability to map regions of the genome influencing a range of health and disease outcomes. This significant development will promote advancement of the dairy industry through healthier, more productive animals.
The genome was completed with several new technologies and three sequencing platforms to order the Holstein genome as accurately as possible. With this level of accuracy, scientists can more easily identify genes that advance herd health and productivity and, alternatively, those genes that impede the dairy industry’s progression.
“Sequencing a genome is the most important step toward fully understanding it,” said Sue DeNise, PhD, executive director, Zoetis Animal Genetics Global Research and Development. “In the future, discoveries made from the new Holstein reference genome will allow us to identify new targets for disease resistance and utilize natural selection processes to improve health and welfare of cattle,” DeNise said. “It’s like going from analog TV to high-definition TV. We’ll have even better insight into which genes reside to help animals resist and withstand diseases, such as pneumonia and mastitis.”
Until now, the dairy industry looked to the first reference genome assembled for cattle in 2009, which was derived from a beef cow named L1 Dominette 01449, a Hereford born in Montana. While Dominette’s genome assembly piloted the cattle genomics era, a single reference genome was not enough to demonstrate the full genetic differentiation of a species. Genetic makeup fundamentally differs from breed to breed due to genetic drift and selection due to breed divergence. Comparing a Hereford genetically with other breeds of cattle — such as Holsteins — was only the beginning.
Genome sequencing is often compared to decoding a software program. The process determines the order of DNA bases in a specific genome — the order of A’s, C’s, G’s and T’s that together make up an organism’s DNA. Cattle have 30 pairs of chromosomes and about three billion bases to put into order. To facilitate a highly accurate sequence, a single Holstein bull was utilized from straws of semen available commercially. These samples from a single animal contain the entire DNA blueprint for an animal, providing unique insights into the Holstein breed.
“By generating a complete Holstein reference genome, we can better understand the genetic basis of dairy cattle phenotypes,” said Mike Layfield, senior director, strategic marketing, Global Genetics at Zoetis. “Promoting the health and wellness of dairy cattle has long been a key aspect of the Zoetis portfolio. This development is a strong testament to the innovative spirit and industry dedication of those in Zoetis’ genetics business.”
This development comes at a time when dairy producers are focused on raising healthy cows to help maximize their productivity while improving efficiencies and sustainability. This new development could help optimize their investment in raising the right cattle for their operation. Producers can improve Dairy Wellness through genomic testing tools such as Clarifide® Plus, which offers producers detailed predictions for wellness traits and reliable assessments of genetic risk factors for diseases in Holstein cattle — including the two most costly diseases in dairy cattle, mastitis and lameness.
Zoetis has a substantial portfolio devoted to the health and wellness of dairy cattle. This new genome sequence helps further Zoetis’ innovative products and services that are supported by industry-leading expertise and research, providing dairy producers the reliable, dependable information needed to achieve operational and herd goals. Learn more about the Zoetis commitment to the continuum of care of dairy cattle by visiting Dairy Wellness and ClarifidePlus.com.
Increased investment in Golden Harvest® seeds results in more robust portfolio for farmers
Deeply rooted in genetics, agronomy and service, Golden Harvest® seeds will be a major benefactor of Syngenta's incremental $400 million investment over the next five years. The investment will strengthen the diverse Golden Harvest product portfolio, enhance service offerings and further demonstrate its commitment to farmers. This funding is in addition to the $1.3 billion the company already invests in research and development (R&D) annually.
“With the mega-merger industry consolidations happening and market prices where they are today, it’s more important than ever to provide farmers with differentiated hybrids and varieties, as well as exceptional service,” said David Hollinrake, President, Syngenta Seeds, LLC and North America Region Director. “Golden Harvest is committed to equipping farmers with customized seed options and the local agronomic knowledge they need to address the unique requirements of every field.”
Strengthening the portfolio
Built on a legacy of reliable performance against in-field challenges, Golden Harvest is expanding its strong seed portfolio to help farmers get the most yield out of every field. Golden Harvest will double its seed breeding staff, increase trial testing by one-third and increase new corn chassis by 58 percent, giving farmers an even more differentiated portfolio of hybrids and varieties to choose from.
“Golden Harvest corn and soybeans feature the latest genetics to boost performance in varying soil types, weather conditions and pest pressures,” said Hollinrake. “Starting with genetics and traits, the additional investment will provide farmers with more choice and more yield, in the Golden Harvest brand they can count on.”
The genetic potential of Golden Harvest corn is protected with the latest Agrisure® traits technology. Agrisure Viptera® is the only trait available today that effectively controls western bean cutworm, which is one of the most destructive pests to corn. No other trait in the industry provides better or more comprehensive above-ground insect control. And for farmers seeking to manage corn rootworm, the Agrisure Duracade® trait offers the latest control technology on the market. Farmers seeking ultimate insect control, simplicity and choice should consider planting Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge®, the most advanced trait stack on the market. Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge combines the Agrisure Duracade and Agrisure Viptera traits to offer premium, broad-spectrum control of 16 yield-limiting pests, with the convenience and simplicity of a 5% in-bag E-Z Refuge.
The Golden Harvest portfolio includes Enogen® corn hybrids in select geographies, which feature an in-seed innovation benefiting farmers marketing grain to ethanol plants and those producing grain or silage for livestock feed. A recent expansion of the Enogen footprint resulted in two new agreements with ethanol plants, bringing product marketability to 31 plants. This game-changing technology supports rural communities by keeping enzyme dollars local and helps make ethanol even more sustainable.
Increased field support
A deep commitment to genetics, agronomy and service is at the root of Golden Harvest. The additional investment will also boost field support, putting more boots on the ground to help farmers manage their crops throughout the entire growing cycle.
“Golden Harvest is in the process of hiring more agronomists, who will work alongside farmers to make sure the right genetics are placed on every acre,” said Bruce Battles, head of agronomy, seeds. “Considering today’s tough commodity market for corn and soybeans, it’s even more important to help the hardworking American farmer get as much return on investment as possible.”
Local, independent Golden Harvest Seed Advisors, who offer farmers the combination of advanced genetics, along with tailored agronomic knowledge, will also benefit from enhanced support.
“With expanded training and local data delivered in real-time, our Golden Harvest Seed Advisors will provide farmers with even more personalized field recommendations,” said Battles. “This will lead to a greater understanding of how seed genetics, soil types and farm management practices work in their environment.”
Syngenta identifies key approach to protect yields from resistant giant ragweed
As corn and soybean growers continue the fight against weed resistance, Syngenta provides key insight into how to manage giant ragweed, a large-seeded broadleaf weed that truly lives up to its name.
Giant ragweed can reach up to 20 feet high, pilfering water, nutrients and sunlight from surrounding corn and soybean plants as it grows. Like other large-seeded broadleaf weeds, it is hard to manage as its seeds germinate deep within the soil profile, shielded from herbicide applications. According to Purdue University, giant ragweed can produce more than 5,000 seeds per plant and is often 1 to 5 feet taller than the crop with which it is competing.
Many growers fight to manage giant ragweed in their fields as it has shown resistance to multiple modes of action (MOAs). The Take Action Organization reports giant ragweed resistance to ALS inhibitors first occurred in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Iowa in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Furthermore, glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed was first confirmed in the Eastern Soybean Belt and has now been confirmed in 11 states across the Midwest and Southern U.S.
“Giant ragweed is the worst broadleaf weed problem in all of our corn/soybean cropping systems in Indiana,” said Bill Johnson, professor of weed science at Purdue University. “The fact that it can emerge from soil depths up to 5 inches and that glyphosate (Group 9) and ALS (Group 2) resistance in this weed is common makes control very challenging with our current herbicide arsenal.”
According to Joe Wuerffel, Ph.D., research and development scientist at Syngenta, giant ragweed historically has been one of the first weeds to emerge out of the ground and germinate in early March for 30 to 40 days. “But recently, this difficult-to-control weed has extended its germination period to 60 to 90 days in the growing season, resulting in the need for residual herbicides and multiple MOAs,” said Wuerffel.
Growers must account for early-emerging weeds, like giant ragweed and lambsquarters, and late-emerging weeds, like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. To protect yields and manage resistant giant ragweed season-long, Dane Bowers, herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta, recommends the following practices:
· Start clean: Know if giant ragweed is present in the spring, then apply an effective burndown herbicide, or use tillage, to set up a clean field for planting. When growers use tillage to prepare the seedbed, make sure that equipment is set to ensure that emerged weeds are removed and not just injured.
· Don’t wait: Make timely, full-rate applications before weeds are 3 to 4 inches tall.
· Use residuals: Apply multiple, effective MOAs with residual activity on giant ragweed.
· Monitor season-long: A second post-emergence application may be required.
“In this area, we see a lot of giant ragweed,” said Matt Rausch, a grower in Winamac, Indiana. “We’ve had problems where weeds have gotten out of hand late in the season, and after they harden off, they become very hard to kill. It is better to get them under control when they are small, at the beginning of the season.”
For early-season giant ragweed management, growers can apply Acuron® or Acuron Flexi corn herbicides from Syngenta. Acuron has four active ingredients and three effective MOAs, while Acuron Flexi has three active ingredients and two effective MOAs. Both herbicides contain the active ingredient bicyclopyrone, which provides improved control of large-seeded broadleaf weeds like giant ragweed.
For soybeans, a pre-emergence herbicide applied prior to the weed emerging is recommended. A post-emergence application of Flexstar® GT 3.5 herbicide, which delivers two different MOAs, can help control glyphosate- and ALS-resistant giant ragweed.
Decades of research and development have put Syngenta at the forefront of introducing herbicides with multiple, effective MOAs and extended residual control to help fight resistance. The Syngenta Resistance Fighter® program provides education, local recommendations, and a comprehensive herbicide portfolio to help growers and retailers effectively manage resistant weeds in their area.
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County
For some producers the calving season is here, while for others, the start of the calving season is still a few months away. Here are some practices that need to be considered when preparing for the calving season.
Make sure to pay attention to nutrition needs of bred heifers or cows prior to calving. Adequate body condition at the time of calving for young females and mature cows is important as it impacts stamina during delivery of the calf, colostrum quality, calf vigor, and also impacts subsequent rebreeding. Adequate nutrition during the last trimester of pregnancy and especially the last 50-60 days prior to calving is important. Two-year-old heifers and three-year-old cows are vulnerable during this time period. These young females are still growing themselves while growing a calf inside them. As this calf grows and takes up room, rumen capacity is impacted and the amount of feed the young female can eat is reduced. The impact of this condition can be compounded when this time period prior to calving coincides with cold weather and available forage that is low in energy and protein. Body condition can deteriorate rapidly under these conditions.
Be sure to review your herd health plan with your veterinarian. Address possible management options to reduce the health problems that have historically been an issue.
Examine calving facilities making sure they are in good working order. Inspect gates, pens, alleys and head catches, fixing or replacing broken items. Good lighting is an important part of a calving facility. Plan to provide wind protection along with a clean, dry environment. Wet, muddy conditions are stressful both to cows and calves.
Check all your calving supplies. Make sure you have on hand plastic sleeves, obstetrical lube, obstetrical chains or straps, esophageal feeders, calf feeding bottles, calf puller and any other equipment that you will need. Test flashlights or spotlights to make sure they are working as well. Have colostrum or colostrum replacement products on hand. The calf’s ability for absorption of immunoglobulin across the intestine decreases rapidly 6-12 hours after birth. Therefore it is critical that the calf receive colostrum during this time. It is a good practice to immediately milk out a heifer or cow when she is assisted at calving and provide this colostrum to the calf. If quality or quantity of the colostrum is a concern, other sources of colostrum or colostrum replacement products should be used. Use caution when bringing outside sources of colostrum into the herd as disease transfer can occur. The best source of colostrum is from within your own herd. Colostrum replacement products can be a good option to utilize when calves are not vigorous at birth, after a prolonged calving event, cold stress or where there is poor maternal bonding. Visit with your veterinarian about which colostrum replacement products are best for your operation.
Have a plan and equipment for warming calves if calving during cold weather. Calves born during cold, wet conditions can quickly succumb to hypothermia. Have facilities, tools and supplies on hand to deal with this type of event. For mild hypothermia, (body temperature between 94 and 100°F) giving a calf warm, body temperature colostrum or colostrum replacement products along with drying the calf off with towels and warm air can quickly bring a calf’s temperature back to normal. For extreme hypothermia a combination of warm colostrum with a warm bath can be used. Calves should be dry, alert and have a normal body temperature before being returned to their mother.
There are several good Extension resources available to producers related to calving. “Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving Time” from Nebraska Extension is a good resource.
2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award Winners Announced
Russ Vering, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association recognized the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award winners at a ceremony held in conjunction with NPPA’s Annual Meeting. The Outstanding Pork Service Awards are given annually to recognize exceptional work by an individual, company, or organization that has advocated the fundamental efforts of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Plaques were presented to each of the 2017 winners by NPPA President Vering.
Mark Stephens of Bob Stephens and Associates was recognized with the Outstanding Pork Service Award for Promotions for his more than 30 years of guiding the Association’s promotional needs. His passion for pigs, the people who raise them made his willingness to volunteer, teach and share his knowledge is why Troy McCain of Aurora was named as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Award for Producer Outreach. As the local food movement continues to grow, it’s giving new farmers like Travis Dunekacke, a niche marketer the opportunity to raise specialty pork for local chefs while educating consumers about where their food comes from. Travis’s engagement in niche production makes him a notable recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Pork Service Awards for Industry Outreach. QC Supply, headquartered in Schuyler has been a strong supporter of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and has been a valued partner since 2004. Recognizing their longevity, QC Supply was named as Outstanding Pork Service Award for Allied Members.
Promoting Livestock For Future Growth
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
Raising livestock has always been a part of life in Nebraska. Our ranchers have made beef Nebraska’s largest industry. In 2017, we exported $1.26 billion worth of beef, making Nebraska the largest beef exporting state in the country for two years in a row. We have topped a billion dollars in beef exports for four years running.
Our state is the national leader in all areas of beef production, from cow/calf to cattle on feed to processing, but beef isn't the only area where Nebraska ranchers, and farmers, have found success. In 2017 Nebraska's pork production totaled $479 million, making us the fifth largest exporter. Together, Nebraskans increased their total beef exports by 12 percent and pork exports by 20 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While impressive, Nebraskans are eager to build on this success. Organizations such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the Department of Agriculture, and the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska have dedicated time and manpower to promote livestock production. This has included offering workshops and classes that help farmers investigate ways to expand into livestock production, as well as offering assistance with finance, permitting, fertilizer requirements, and water well placement.
Local and state leaders have done a great job helping our state expand its livestock production. I'm ready to work with them to help further the success of Nebraska ranchers. I am a strong voice for Nebraska on the Senate Agriculture Committee and excited to announce that I will be serving as the Chairman of the Livestock Subcommittee.
The Livestock subcommittee oversees a number of programs and policies relevant to our state's livestock industry. This includes foreign trade and market development, domestic marketing programs, international commodity agreements and export controls, and livestock inspection and certification of meat.
I have firsthand knowledge about the importance of livestock to our state's economy. I have been a Nebraska cattle rancher for over 40 years and worked with agriculture producers and rural and economic development groups all across our state. One of my first pieces of legislation in the Nebraska Legislature was to protect private information shared by livestock producers. I look forward to doing the same kind of work on the Senate Ag Committee.
In this vein, I've already begun drafting policy that will help our farmers and ranchers. I recently led a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act. This bill would protect farmers, ranchers, and livestock markets from burdensome EPA reporting requirements for animal waste emissions. The Farm Act gives an exemption for animal waste emissions at a farm from CERCLA reporting requirements. These requirements were never intended to affect animal agriculture. They were meant to address dangerous industrial pollution, chemical plant explosions, and the release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Nebraska agriculture producers should be able to concentrate on doing their job of feeding the world without being burdened by unnecessary red tape. Working together with Nebraskans, I am committed to promoting policies that will allow our ag producers to build on recent success. As a member of the Senate Ag Committee and chairman of the Livestock subcommittee, I'll be focusing on doing what's best for our livestock producers.
Track Record of Support for Agriculture, Fischer Receives Nebraska Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” Designation
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Fischer, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. Senate, received the designation based on her strong track record of supporting Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.
“Time and again Sen. Fischer has gone to bat for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, whether it’s involved working legislation in the Senate, or working directly with the administration. We are pleased to once again provide our support and backing to Sen. Fischer as she seeks re-election,” said Nelson.
Fischer’s list of actions supporting agriculture is extensive with many of them involving Nebraska Farm Bureau’s highest policy priorities. Farm Bureau pointed to several in announcing Fischer as a “Friend of Agriculture” including:
Fischer’s introduction of legislation to address misguided regulations on anhydrous ammonia retail facilities that would have left farmers to pay thousands of dollars in increased fertilizer costs with no real benefit to public safety.
Fischer’s efforts to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw or vacate the “Waters of the U.S.” rule, a far-reaching regulation that would have infringed on the property rights and management of private land.
Fischer’s work on the “FUELS Act”, legislation to exempt the vast majority of Nebraska’s farms and ranches from having to comply with the EPA’s Spill Prevention Containment and Control (SPCC) regulations originally designed to address spills from large scale fuel storage facilities, such as oil refineries.
Fischer’s introduction of the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act (FARM Act) to exempt farms and ranches from reporting routine air emissions from farm animals and their manure; regulations intended to address emissions of hazardous wastes from Superfund sites.
Fischer’s ongoing support for trade deals to expand markets for Nebraska agricultural products.
Fischer’s support for repealing Obamacare, which has resulted in skyrocketing health care costs for farm and ranch families.
Fischer’s efforts to drive sound transportation and infrastructure policy by helping secure the first long-term highway bill in over a decade, while also working to expand broadband internet access for greater Nebraska.
Fischer’s efforts to help deliver federal tax reform to lower tax rates, double the estate tax exemption, and other provisions that allow farm and ranch families to retain their hard-earned dollars for reinvestment in their operations.
Fischer’s recent appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee allowing her to bring a Nebraska perspective to the development of the next Farm Bill.
Fischer’s ongoing effort to fix federal trucking regulations that fail to meet the unique needs of transporting livestock animals and create challenges for livestock haulers.
Fischer’s work to support agriculture friendly appointments in the Trump administration, including support for Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture and Scott Pruitt as administrator of the EPA.
“With fewer and fewer people engaged in the day-to-day production of food, fuel, and fiber, it is critical to have candidates who understand the needs of production agriculture and its role in our overall national security. As a rancher, Sen. Fischer understands those needs well and provides a critical voice for our interests in Washington D.C.,” said Nelson.
Farm Bureau Statement on AG Act Workforce Legislation
The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on all members of Congress to support House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte in his goal of including the AG Act in the Securing America’s Future Act.
“We are at a crisis point in agriculture,” American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “Chairman Bob Goodlatte wants to address our problem and has included the AG Act in pending legislation related to the DACA issue. Chairman Goodlatte’s AG Act would establish a new H-2C agriculture worker program that is far superior to the existing H-2A program. The new H-2C program offers a much brighter future for agriculture. For farmers in sectors like dairy, mushrooms and others, who are excluded from H-2A and have nowhere else to turn, the H-2C program offers a path forward in meeting their future labor needs.
“At the same time, we are continuing to work with Chairman Goodlatte and other members of Congress to provide greater assurances on how the AG Act would affect our existing workforce. Farmers today rely on these workers. They sustain our farms. They are part of the fabric of many rural economies. Farm Bureau policy supports providing these workers the opportunity to earn permanent legal status. That is our goal and we will do everything we can to achieve it.
“We applaud Chairman Goodlatte’s leadership and support him in his effort to include a solution for agriculture’s labor issue in the Securing America’s Future Act.”
Zoetis Develops First Holstein Reference Genome
Zoetis has developed the first complete Holstein de novo reference genome, giving geneticists the ability to map regions of the genome influencing a range of health and disease outcomes. This significant development will promote advancement of the dairy industry through healthier, more productive animals.
The genome was completed with several new technologies and three sequencing platforms to order the Holstein genome as accurately as possible. With this level of accuracy, scientists can more easily identify genes that advance herd health and productivity and, alternatively, those genes that impede the dairy industry’s progression.
“Sequencing a genome is the most important step toward fully understanding it,” said Sue DeNise, PhD, executive director, Zoetis Animal Genetics Global Research and Development. “In the future, discoveries made from the new Holstein reference genome will allow us to identify new targets for disease resistance and utilize natural selection processes to improve health and welfare of cattle,” DeNise said. “It’s like going from analog TV to high-definition TV. We’ll have even better insight into which genes reside to help animals resist and withstand diseases, such as pneumonia and mastitis.”
Until now, the dairy industry looked to the first reference genome assembled for cattle in 2009, which was derived from a beef cow named L1 Dominette 01449, a Hereford born in Montana. While Dominette’s genome assembly piloted the cattle genomics era, a single reference genome was not enough to demonstrate the full genetic differentiation of a species. Genetic makeup fundamentally differs from breed to breed due to genetic drift and selection due to breed divergence. Comparing a Hereford genetically with other breeds of cattle — such as Holsteins — was only the beginning.
Genome sequencing is often compared to decoding a software program. The process determines the order of DNA bases in a specific genome — the order of A’s, C’s, G’s and T’s that together make up an organism’s DNA. Cattle have 30 pairs of chromosomes and about three billion bases to put into order. To facilitate a highly accurate sequence, a single Holstein bull was utilized from straws of semen available commercially. These samples from a single animal contain the entire DNA blueprint for an animal, providing unique insights into the Holstein breed.
“By generating a complete Holstein reference genome, we can better understand the genetic basis of dairy cattle phenotypes,” said Mike Layfield, senior director, strategic marketing, Global Genetics at Zoetis. “Promoting the health and wellness of dairy cattle has long been a key aspect of the Zoetis portfolio. This development is a strong testament to the innovative spirit and industry dedication of those in Zoetis’ genetics business.”
This development comes at a time when dairy producers are focused on raising healthy cows to help maximize their productivity while improving efficiencies and sustainability. This new development could help optimize their investment in raising the right cattle for their operation. Producers can improve Dairy Wellness through genomic testing tools such as Clarifide® Plus, which offers producers detailed predictions for wellness traits and reliable assessments of genetic risk factors for diseases in Holstein cattle — including the two most costly diseases in dairy cattle, mastitis and lameness.
Zoetis has a substantial portfolio devoted to the health and wellness of dairy cattle. This new genome sequence helps further Zoetis’ innovative products and services that are supported by industry-leading expertise and research, providing dairy producers the reliable, dependable information needed to achieve operational and herd goals. Learn more about the Zoetis commitment to the continuum of care of dairy cattle by visiting Dairy Wellness and ClarifidePlus.com.
Increased investment in Golden Harvest® seeds results in more robust portfolio for farmers
Deeply rooted in genetics, agronomy and service, Golden Harvest® seeds will be a major benefactor of Syngenta's incremental $400 million investment over the next five years. The investment will strengthen the diverse Golden Harvest product portfolio, enhance service offerings and further demonstrate its commitment to farmers. This funding is in addition to the $1.3 billion the company already invests in research and development (R&D) annually.
“With the mega-merger industry consolidations happening and market prices where they are today, it’s more important than ever to provide farmers with differentiated hybrids and varieties, as well as exceptional service,” said David Hollinrake, President, Syngenta Seeds, LLC and North America Region Director. “Golden Harvest is committed to equipping farmers with customized seed options and the local agronomic knowledge they need to address the unique requirements of every field.”
Strengthening the portfolio
Built on a legacy of reliable performance against in-field challenges, Golden Harvest is expanding its strong seed portfolio to help farmers get the most yield out of every field. Golden Harvest will double its seed breeding staff, increase trial testing by one-third and increase new corn chassis by 58 percent, giving farmers an even more differentiated portfolio of hybrids and varieties to choose from.
“Golden Harvest corn and soybeans feature the latest genetics to boost performance in varying soil types, weather conditions and pest pressures,” said Hollinrake. “Starting with genetics and traits, the additional investment will provide farmers with more choice and more yield, in the Golden Harvest brand they can count on.”
The genetic potential of Golden Harvest corn is protected with the latest Agrisure® traits technology. Agrisure Viptera® is the only trait available today that effectively controls western bean cutworm, which is one of the most destructive pests to corn. No other trait in the industry provides better or more comprehensive above-ground insect control. And for farmers seeking to manage corn rootworm, the Agrisure Duracade® trait offers the latest control technology on the market. Farmers seeking ultimate insect control, simplicity and choice should consider planting Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge®, the most advanced trait stack on the market. Agrisure Duracade 5222 E-Z Refuge combines the Agrisure Duracade and Agrisure Viptera traits to offer premium, broad-spectrum control of 16 yield-limiting pests, with the convenience and simplicity of a 5% in-bag E-Z Refuge.
The Golden Harvest portfolio includes Enogen® corn hybrids in select geographies, which feature an in-seed innovation benefiting farmers marketing grain to ethanol plants and those producing grain or silage for livestock feed. A recent expansion of the Enogen footprint resulted in two new agreements with ethanol plants, bringing product marketability to 31 plants. This game-changing technology supports rural communities by keeping enzyme dollars local and helps make ethanol even more sustainable.
Increased field support
A deep commitment to genetics, agronomy and service is at the root of Golden Harvest. The additional investment will also boost field support, putting more boots on the ground to help farmers manage their crops throughout the entire growing cycle.
“Golden Harvest is in the process of hiring more agronomists, who will work alongside farmers to make sure the right genetics are placed on every acre,” said Bruce Battles, head of agronomy, seeds. “Considering today’s tough commodity market for corn and soybeans, it’s even more important to help the hardworking American farmer get as much return on investment as possible.”
Local, independent Golden Harvest Seed Advisors, who offer farmers the combination of advanced genetics, along with tailored agronomic knowledge, will also benefit from enhanced support.
“With expanded training and local data delivered in real-time, our Golden Harvest Seed Advisors will provide farmers with even more personalized field recommendations,” said Battles. “This will lead to a greater understanding of how seed genetics, soil types and farm management practices work in their environment.”
Syngenta identifies key approach to protect yields from resistant giant ragweed
As corn and soybean growers continue the fight against weed resistance, Syngenta provides key insight into how to manage giant ragweed, a large-seeded broadleaf weed that truly lives up to its name.
Giant ragweed can reach up to 20 feet high, pilfering water, nutrients and sunlight from surrounding corn and soybean plants as it grows. Like other large-seeded broadleaf weeds, it is hard to manage as its seeds germinate deep within the soil profile, shielded from herbicide applications. According to Purdue University, giant ragweed can produce more than 5,000 seeds per plant and is often 1 to 5 feet taller than the crop with which it is competing.
Many growers fight to manage giant ragweed in their fields as it has shown resistance to multiple modes of action (MOAs). The Take Action Organization reports giant ragweed resistance to ALS inhibitors first occurred in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Iowa in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Furthermore, glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed was first confirmed in the Eastern Soybean Belt and has now been confirmed in 11 states across the Midwest and Southern U.S.
“Giant ragweed is the worst broadleaf weed problem in all of our corn/soybean cropping systems in Indiana,” said Bill Johnson, professor of weed science at Purdue University. “The fact that it can emerge from soil depths up to 5 inches and that glyphosate (Group 9) and ALS (Group 2) resistance in this weed is common makes control very challenging with our current herbicide arsenal.”
According to Joe Wuerffel, Ph.D., research and development scientist at Syngenta, giant ragweed historically has been one of the first weeds to emerge out of the ground and germinate in early March for 30 to 40 days. “But recently, this difficult-to-control weed has extended its germination period to 60 to 90 days in the growing season, resulting in the need for residual herbicides and multiple MOAs,” said Wuerffel.
Growers must account for early-emerging weeds, like giant ragweed and lambsquarters, and late-emerging weeds, like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. To protect yields and manage resistant giant ragweed season-long, Dane Bowers, herbicide technical product lead at Syngenta, recommends the following practices:
· Start clean: Know if giant ragweed is present in the spring, then apply an effective burndown herbicide, or use tillage, to set up a clean field for planting. When growers use tillage to prepare the seedbed, make sure that equipment is set to ensure that emerged weeds are removed and not just injured.
· Don’t wait: Make timely, full-rate applications before weeds are 3 to 4 inches tall.
· Use residuals: Apply multiple, effective MOAs with residual activity on giant ragweed.
· Monitor season-long: A second post-emergence application may be required.
“In this area, we see a lot of giant ragweed,” said Matt Rausch, a grower in Winamac, Indiana. “We’ve had problems where weeds have gotten out of hand late in the season, and after they harden off, they become very hard to kill. It is better to get them under control when they are small, at the beginning of the season.”
For early-season giant ragweed management, growers can apply Acuron® or Acuron Flexi corn herbicides from Syngenta. Acuron has four active ingredients and three effective MOAs, while Acuron Flexi has three active ingredients and two effective MOAs. Both herbicides contain the active ingredient bicyclopyrone, which provides improved control of large-seeded broadleaf weeds like giant ragweed.
For soybeans, a pre-emergence herbicide applied prior to the weed emerging is recommended. A post-emergence application of Flexstar® GT 3.5 herbicide, which delivers two different MOAs, can help control glyphosate- and ALS-resistant giant ragweed.
Decades of research and development have put Syngenta at the forefront of introducing herbicides with multiple, effective MOAs and extended residual control to help fight resistance. The Syngenta Resistance Fighter® program provides education, local recommendations, and a comprehensive herbicide portfolio to help growers and retailers effectively manage resistant weeds in their area.
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