Wednesday August 25 Ag News

 LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Late summer always seems like a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures.  Are you prepared to handle this late-summer nuisance?

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena, as well as annual weeds like horseweed, sunflowers, snow-on-the-mountain, and buffalo bur can be plentiful in some pastures.  In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, where animals congregate, or if overgrazing has occurred, weeds can be very visible.

Spraying weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill with herbicide. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production.  If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might actually be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control.  First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures.  This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan.  An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled.  For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best.  This provides the double whammy of stressing the plant heading into winter and allows more product to be translocated down to the shoots and roots as nutrients are pulled down for winter storage. Proper identification of your problem weeds is crucial when making these application timing decisions.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now, but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future



Rob-See-Co Acquires Masters Choice Independent Seed

Two seed companies will become one after the announcement that Rob-See-Co, Elkhorn, Neb., the acquisition of Masters Choice, Anna, Ill.

"We are honored to build on the seed legacy that Masters Choice has created in the premium animal feed business," Rob Robinson, Rob-See-Co CEO said in the news release. "Rob-See-Co and Masters Choice are family-owned companies that both value putting our customers and relationships first. This makes for a seamless and collaborative transition as we welcome the Masters Choice team to the Rob-See-Co family."

The Masters Choice dealer network will remain intact as well as the company's headquarters in southern Illinois will remain the hub for the business unit.

"We are handing the company over in trust and good faith," Lyn Crabtree, Masters Choice president. "We encourage our dealers to embrace the Rob-See-Co family and are confident that Rob-See-Co will continue to offer high quality, high value feed products for animals."

Masters Choice developed its MPG Index as part of its focus on silage production. The MPG Index was designed as a hybrid evaluation system to evaluate the silage product's statistical milk production advantage over the competitive hybrids.

"We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition brings for both companies," Jim Robinson, Rob-See-Co corn and soybean manager. "The animal feed business is underserved and there are not enough companies focused on development of seed products to support animal feeders. This gives us an opportunity to utilize our research and product testing abilities to continue offering Masters Choice premium, high quality animal feed products."



Challenge to California's Prop 12 Dismissed by Iowa Court

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa has ruled against the Iowa Pork Producers Association and several industrial pork producers in their challenge to California's Proposition 12, a ballot measure passed in 2018 with roughly two-thirds of the vote.

The Humane Society of the United States led the campaign to pass Proposition 12, a measure that they claim ensures egg-laying chickens, mother pigs and calves used for veal can stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs, and provides minimum space requirements to allow the animals to move.

The Iowa pork producer plaintiffs sued the state of California, but District Court Judge C.J. Williams dismissed the case, holding that it was improper for the producer plaintiffs to bring this case against the California defendants in the Iowa court. Accordingly, Judge Williams also denied the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction to stop Proposition 12 from going into effect.



Amid Drought, Rules for Good Corn Silage Still Apply

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor indicates continuing drought in northwest Iowa.

Corn fields are beginning to dry down, but appearance can be misleading when making corn silage, according to Beth Doran, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She reminds producers that the rules for good corn silage still apply.

Harvest at the optimum moisture. This would be 65-70% moisture for a bunker silo or 60-70% for a bag. Silage that is too wet will become putrid and seep excessively. If too dry, the silage does not pack well and will mold.

Increase the cutting height. Corn plants are traditionally cut 6 inches above the soil surface, but this is not a traditional year. To reduce nitrate levels in the chopped material, cutting height should be 12 to 18 inches. Yield is reduced, but so are the nitrate levels.

Adjust the length of cut for the chopper. Corn silage harvested with a conventional chopper (without a corn processor) should have a three-eighths-inch theoretical length of cut. If a kernel processor is used, the optimum length is three-quarters of an inch.

Kernel processing increases starch digestibility. The value of kernel processing increases when the moisture content is below 67%. Another plus for kernel processing is the reduction in cob sorting when the silage is fed.

Consider an inoculant. Inoculants can reduce the pH of the silage and inhibit yeast and mold growth. This helps increase the storage life of the silage.

Packing is critical. Dry matter loss during storage increases as the density of the silage decreases. The recommended minimum density of wet corn silage is 14 pounds per cubic foot.

Cover silage in bunkers, trenches and piles. Do this as soon as possible after filling and anchor the plastic with dirt, tires or other heavy items to protect it from wind damage.

Allow time for silage fermentation. Normal silage takes a minimum of three weeks, but drought-stressed corn silage may take longer. Although fermentation can reduce nitrate levels by 40%, test the silage before feeding to determine the nitrate level.

Be careful with green-chopped corn. Adapt cattle to green-chop slowly, have them full before green-chopped corn is introduced into the diet, and deliver only what they can eat in several hours. Cut the corn plant above the 12-15 inch height and feed immediately. Do not hold it over for the next feeding, as nitrate levels will increase.  

For more information, contact Doran at doranb@iastate.edu or 712-737-4230, or your extension beef specialist.



Same Time New City for 2022 Cattle Industry Convention

The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention may have just wrapped up after moving to August, but the 2022 event is returning to its regularly scheduled time slot in February. The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be held Feb. 1-3, in Houston, with the theme of “Gone to Texas”. With only a few short months until the next convention, planning is already underway to create a unique experience in a new host city.  

“This is the first time the convention will be held in Houston, and we are extremely excited about offering new opportunities for attendees,” said Kristin Torres, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association executive director of meetings and events. “The city has amazing facilities, making it convenient for everyone to fully enjoy all activities.”

The annual convention continues to be one of the industry’s largest events where thousands of cattlemen and women gather to learn, conduct business, network and have fun. The 2022 convention marks the 124th anniversary of the legendary event, and one that will offer a variety of activities that are appropriate for all ages.

Cattlemen’s College, which immediately precedes convention, will bring thought-provoking, stimulating sessions that provide producers with information they can put to work on their farms and ranches. The convention’s world-class NCBA Trade Show will feature more than seven acres of indoor and outdoor displays as well as live cattle handling demonstrations, educational sessions and entertainment. Trade show booths are already 95 percent sold out and exhibitors will offer products and services such as animal health products, equipment, irrigation technology, software, trailers and so much more.

Registration will open on Nov. 1, 2021. Additional information will be available soon at https://convention.ncba.org.



United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Down 1 Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 113 million head on July 1, 2021, down 1 percent from the 114 million head on July 1, 2020. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 45.4 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.
                        
All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2021, totaled 101 million head, down 1 percent from July 1, 2020. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 40.9 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.

All cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2021, totaled 12.3 million head, up slightly from the 12.3 million head on July 1, 2020. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 4.54 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the number of cattle and calves by class and calf crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States cattle industry to provide producers additional information about potential beef supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on July 23, 2021. Canadian inventory numbers were previously released on August 23, 2021.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Down 2 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2021 was 89.9 million head. This was down 2 percent from June 2020, but up slightly from June 2019. The breeding inventory, at 7.49 million head, was down 1 percent from a year ago and down 2 percent from 2019. Market hog inventory, at 82.4 million head, was down 2 percent from last year and up slightly from 2019. The semi-annual pig crop, at 82.2 million head, was down 1 percent from 2020 but up 1 percent from 2019. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.38 million head, down 1 percent from last year and down 1 percent from 2019.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2021 was 75.7 million head. This was down 2 percent from June 1, 2020 but up 1 percent from March 1, 2021. The breeding inventory, at 6.23 million head, was down 2 percent from last year, but up slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 69.4 million head, was down 2 percent from last year, but up 1 percent from last quarter. The March to May 2021 pig crop, at 33.6 million head, was down 3 percent from 2020 and down 3 percent from 2019. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 3.07 million head, down 3 percent from 2020 and down 2 percent from 2019.  

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on July 1, 2021 was 14.2 million head. This was up 1 percent from July 1, 2020 and up 2 percent from July 1, 2019. The breeding inventory, at 1.26 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up 3 percent from 2019. Market hog inventory, at 13.0 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up 2 percent from 2019. The semi-annual pig crop, at 15.3 million head, was up 5 percent from 2020 and up 9 percent from 2019. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.27 million head, up 2 percent from last year and up 4 percent from 2019. .

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential hog supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on June 24, 2021. Canadian inventory numbers were released on August 23, 2021.



RFA Testimony to EPA Calls for Inclusion of High-Octane Low-Carbon Fuels

In a hearing today on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed greenhouse gas emissions standards for 2023-2026 light-duty vehicles, the Renewable Fuels Association is spotlighting the role high-octane, low-carbon fuels like ethanol can and must play in increasing fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions.

“If our nation is to reach its goal of net-zero GHG emissions by mid-century, we’ll need both cleaner, more efficient cars and cleaner, more efficient fuels,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said in prepared remarks. “That’s why RFA’s member companies recently committed to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050 or sooner.”

RFA expressed its disappointment that EPA’s proposed GHG standards continue to focus solely on engines and vehicles, while ignoring the important influence of fuels on emissions and mileage.

“Unfortunately, EPA’s proposal fails to recognize that the fuels we put into our engines can have as much—or more—impact on fuel economy and GHG emissions as the engine technologies themselves,” Cooper said, noting that the proposal assumes automakers will increase production of certain engine technologies that rely on higher-octane fuels. “The proposed rule counts on broad deployment of high-compression ratio engines that will require high-octane fuel but does nothing to ensure those high-octane fuels will actually be produced and available in the marketplace.”

Cooper concludes by calling on EPA to use the current rulemaking, as well as the upcoming process to set GHG standards for 2027 and beyond, to create a higher octane standard for gasoline.

“Action by the EPA will be necessary to catalyze the development and introduction of cleaner, more efficient fuels into the marketplace, just as EPA action was required to eliminate lead, limit benzene, and reduce the sulfur content of our gasoline and diesel fuel,” he said. “We respectfully ask that EPA use the current rulemaking process and future rulemakings to establish the roadmap for increasing the required minimum octane rating of our nation’s light-duty vehicle fuel.”



Growth Energy’s Bliley Testifies Before EPA on Proposed Emissions Standards

Today, Growth Energy’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during its hearing on the proposed rulemaking, Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards.

Earlier this month, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed greenhouse gas standards to further decarbonize light-duty vehicles starting in model year 2023. In response, Growth Energy called for an increase in the use of low-carbon, sustainable biofuels like ethanol in our nation’s fuel supply.

Today, Bliley echoed that sentiment before EPA. In his testimony, Bliley urged EPA to consider the vital role that environmentally sustainable fuel options such as ethanol will play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the current and future vehicle fleet.  

“We appreciate EPA’s work to reshape the nation’s transportation mix to make it more sustainable as it is a central driver for our industry as well. Vehicles and fuels operate as a system and liquid fuels will continue to play a dominant role in the transportation sector for decades to come, even as alternative technologies flourish. As such, it is imperative to consider the vital role that environmentally sustainable fuel options such as ethanol will play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the current and future vehicle fleet.”

Previous Action  
In 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) developed more stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for vehicles. Growth Energy, recognizing the need for a high-octane solution for automakers to meet these more stringent standards, submitted an E30 fuel for vehicle certification as well as for consumer use as the agencies went through the process of setting standards.

In 2013, as EPA was putting together its proposal for Tier 3 fuel regulation, Growth Energy again pushed to have midlevel ethanol blends be used for vehicle certification, and Growth Energy was successful in getting EPA in the final rule to allow automakers to use alternative fuels for certification.

When the Obama administration undertook their mid-term evaluation of the vehicle standards, and again when the Trump administration moved to reconsider future vehicles standards, Growth Energy participated by echoing our call for high octane, midlevel ethanol blends as a necessary solution to meet vehicle standards.



EPA Urged to Increase Usage of Biofuels, NFU Testimony States  

Today, Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union, testified before the EPA in a hearing for the agency's planned revision of the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. As automakers refine vehicle technology, the opportunity exists to reduce GHG emissions in internal combustion engines through the increased use and development of biofuels.

Higher ethanol levels not only increase engine productivity, they also reduce criteria pollutants and air toxics like benzene, toluene, and xylene once fully deployed. NFU has long supported biofuels, such as E30, that can be realized in new and existing internal combustion engines. From President Larew’s testimony:

“NFU has been a strong supporter of the increased use of biofuels as an important and vital component of this nation’s energy policy. NFU has long urged EPA to support rural America by promoting higher-level blends of ethanol as a cost-effective means of achieving required and improved octane levels.

“NFU asks EPA to again acknowledge the potential for high octane, low carbon fuels, such as E30, to reduce GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles today. NFU also understands this proposal to be the first of several regulatory actions to address vehicle air emissions. In finalizing this rule and developing these proposals, EPA also must consider the economic benefits increased use of mid-level ethanol blends as a high octane, low carbon, cost-effective fuel will bring to struggling rural communities, while also benefitting consumers.”



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/20/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 20, ethanol production slowed by 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 4.1%, to 933,000 b/d, equivalent to 39.19 million gallons daily and the lowest level in 22 weeks. Production was 0.2% above the same week last year, which was affected by the pandemic, but was 10.1% below the 2019 level. The four-week average ethanol production volume decreased 2.0% to 976,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.96 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks shrank 1.6% to a six-week low of 21.2 million barrels. Stocks were 4.0% above the year-ago level but 7.7% below the same week in 2019. Inventories tightened across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 2.6% to 9.57 million b/d (146.74 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 4.5% above a year ago but 3.3% below the same week in 2019.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 0.5% to 926,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.20 bg annualized. Net inputs were 8.4% above a year ago but 3.0% less than the same week in 2019.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 8,000 b/d, or 2.35 million gallons for the week. This marks the first imports in four weeks. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of June 2021.)



No Major Price Increases as Fertilizers Maintain Upward March

It's a baby step for the constantly higher retail fertilizer market. No fertilizer had a significant price increase for the first time in nearly nine months.

DTN, which surveys nearly 1,700 fertilizer retailers each week, considers a price change of 5% or more from the month before to be significant. In the third week of August, DTN found that while prices of the eight major fertilizers increased, most were by 1% or less.

Last winter, DAP and MAP prices surged higher on tariffs on imports coming from Morocco and Russia. Nitrogen prices rallied through spring planting, and in recent months, it's been potash pushing considerably higher.

It's the first time since the first week of December 2020 that none of the eight major fertilizers had a significant price increase to report, although potash was close. At $564 per ton, it's 4% more expensive than last month.

The rest saw minor changes. DAP had an average price of $695/ton, MAP $755/ton, potash $564/ton, urea $556/ton, 10-34-0 $631/ton, anhydrous $743/ton, UAN28 $369/ton and UAN32 $420/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.45/lb.N, UAN28 $0.66/lb.N and UAN32 $0.66/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices compared to a year ago show all fertilizers have increased significantly. 10-34-0 is now 36% more expensive, urea is 56% higher, potash is 60% more expensive, UAN32 is 62% higher, DAP is 63% more expensive, both UAN28 and anhydrous are 67% more expensive and MAP is 74% higher compared to last year.



USDA Establishes Dairy Donation Program Part of Continuing USDA Pandemic Assistance

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh today announced the establishment of a $400 million Dairy Donation Program (DDP) on a call with Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow. The DDP, established by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aims to facilitate timely dairy product donations while reducing food waste.
 
The establishment of DDP is part of $6 billion of pandemic assistance USDA announced in March and follows last week’s announcement of $350 million Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program for dairy farmers on August 19. It is the second part of an over $2 billion comprehensive package to help the dairy industry recover from the pandemic and improve or establish programs to make it more resilient to future challenges.
 
Under the DDP, eligible dairy organizations will partner with non-profit feeding organizations that distribute food to individuals and families in need. Those partnerships may apply for and receive reimbursements to cover some expenses related to eligible dairy product donations. DDP was inspired in part by the donations made by Michigan Milk Producers Association in conjunction with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in response to the Flint water crisis.
 
“The benefits of the Dairy Donation Program are twofold – it supplements other financial support for producers while providing nutritious dairy products to American families,” said Deputy Secretary Bronaugh. “When there is surplus milk production, we encourage the milk be donated instead of being dumped. Together we can help someone in need, minimize food waste and support the U.S. dairy industry.”
 
“The Dairy Donation Program is a win-win for farmers and families. It will be easier for dairy farmers to donate milk and other dairy products, which in turn helps feed vulnerable Americans, including our children,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “Michigan dairy farm families and food banks continue to lead by example. I am proud of the role they played in pioneering this initiative which has become a model for the nation.”
 
The Michigan Milk Producers Association stated, “MMPA is excited for the launch of this new program, which builds on the significant donation partnerships we have been undertaking in Michigan for the last several years. Our dairy farmer members and others in the dairy sector have long supported giving back to our communities, and this program helps expand our efforts. We thank Senator Stabenow for her leadership in getting this program enacted into law, and we applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its work in implementing this new program, which will aid hunger relief efforts across the country while reducing food waste and supporting local dairy farmers.”
 
“This program comes at a time when the need has never been greater for fresh foods to help Michiganders,” said Dr. Phil Knight, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan. “Michigan’s agricultural community, especially the state’s dairy farmers, have come alongside of us throughout the pandemic. Their partnership means fresh, nutritious food and milk for families, children and seniors.”
 
Dairy farmers, cooperatives, or processors that purchase fresh milk or bulk dairy products to process into retail-packaged dairy products and meet other requirements are eligible to participate. Costs reimbursed through the program include the cost of milk used to make the donated eligible dairy product and some of the manufacturing and transportation costs. Reimbursement of these costs is designed to help offset some of the costs associated with processing and donating eligible dairy products.
 
Program details are available at www.ams.usda.gov/ddp. Interested partnerships must apply by completing and submitting a Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan. Upon plan approval, partnerships will be able to submit claims and supporting documentation to obtain reimbursement for eligible dairy products donated since January 1, 2020.
 
Entities participating in the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP) will be automatically enrolled in the Dairy Donation Program.
 
The interim final rule formalizing the program will soon be published in the Federal Register and will provide eligible handlers and cooperatives procedures on how to participate in the program. The program becomes effective one day after it is published in the Federal Register. A preview of the interim final rule is posted on USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website.
 
Today’s announcement is part of a broader package to help the dairy industry respond to the pandemic and improve or establish programs to be more resilient. Upcoming additional announcements will include $580 million for Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for small and medium farms. Outside the pandemic assistance funding, USDA will also make improvements to the Dairy Margin Coverage safety net program updating the feed cost formula to better reflect the actual cost dairy farmers pay for high quality alfalfa. This change will be retroactive to January 2020 and is expected to provide additional retroactive payments of about $100 million for 2020 and 2021. Unlike the pandemic assistance, this change will also be part of the permanent safety net and USDA estimates it will average about $80 million per year or approximately $800 million over ten years for dairy headed into the upcoming Farm Bill. Full details on these additional actions to support dairy farmers will be provided when regulations are published in the coming weeks. Dairy farmers should wait until these details are available to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.  



NMPF Lauds Establishment of Dairy Donation Program to Fight Food Insecurity

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today commended USDA for finalizing rules implementing the new Dairy Donation Program enacted by Congress last year. The program will help expand partnerships between dairy organizations and food banks to provide a wide range of dairy products to food-insecure households.

“We thank USDA leadership for their work to bring the Dairy Donation Program to fruition. This important program will help dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own to do what they do best: feed families nationwide,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy stakeholders are eager to enhance their partnerships with food banks and other distributors to provide dairy products to those experiencing food insecurity, which the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated.”

NMPF championed the proposal throughout the legislative process and worked closely with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who led the effort to include this new program in COVID-19-related legislation enacted last year. The new Dairy Donation Program expands the original Milk Donation Reimbursement Program and has one-time funding of $400 million to reimburse farmers, cooperatives, and other dairy organizations for the full cost of raw milk needed to make finished dairy products for consumers.  

NMPF worked closely with USDA to ensure that the program addresses additional costs, such as processing and transportation, as well as other elements that make the program more viable. The provision covering the cost of processing is a significant enhancement from the previous program. NMPF also worked closely with Feeding America to support the program and recommend approaches to ensure its effectiveness.

“We are grateful to USDA for helping ensure wholesome dairy products can be provided to food banks and other food distributors by reimbursing for some of these costs,” said Mulhern. “We have also been pleased to work with Feeding America to advance the partnership approach taken by this program as it will help to target dairy donations in a manner that effectively meets on-the-ground demand.”

“Feeding America applauds today’s announcement implementing the Dairy Donation Program, which has the potential to connect millions of additional pounds of dairy donations through food banks to the people we serve. We look forward to working with USDA and our dairy partners to make this program a success now and in the future,” said Vince Hall, Interim Chief Government Relations Officer at Feeding America.

Mulhern said NMPF appreciates Chairwoman Stabenow’s leadership in securing the program’s enactment last year, as well as the support for dairy donation offered by other key members, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA).

“We commend Chairwoman Stabenow for her leadership in authoring this program and look forward to working with Congress to secure additional funding for this program in the future to continue to minimize food waste by providing nutritious dairy products to those who need them most,” Mulhern said.



USDA Celebrates Landmark Agricultural Legislation’s Century of Service by Committing to Maximum Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today issued new guidance regarding how it will enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act in light of the final rule issued on December 10, 2020, in a continuing effort to modernize and enforce the 100-year old authority to the full extent of the law. The updated enforcement policy is one piece of USDA’s robust agenda to deliver on President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy. The Executive Order launched a whole-of-government approach to strengthen competition, and directed USDA to, among other things, “address the unfair treatment of farmers and improve conditions of competition in the markets for their products” under the Packers and Stockyards Act.

The enforcement policy, in the form of “frequently asked questions (FAQs),” is a significant pivot from the previous administration and commits USDA to defending farmers to the maximum extent possible. In particular, the policy highlights how problematic provisions of the 2020 Undue Preferences rule will not apply to cases that seek to protect producers from a range of circumstances such as retaliation and racial discrimination by giant agribusinesses. They also highlight USDA’s long-standing position that a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act does not require a show of harm to competition. USDA is signaling its intent to use every weapon in its arsenal to ensure that growers and producers are protected from harm, even while the agency engages in the rulemaking process to update its rules.

The new enforcement policy follows USDA’s July announcement that it will be issuing three proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The proposed rules will strengthen USDA’s enforcement of unfair and deceptive practices and undue preferences, address the poultry grower tournament system, and make it easier for USDA to bring enforcement actions under the Act. The FAQs will help strengthen Packers & Stockyards Act enforcement while USDA completes those new rulemakings. USDA also announced in July that it would be investing directly in enhancing competition in livestock and poultry markets with $500 million of support for new entrants into meat processing.

This month, USDA also commemorates the centennial of the Packers and Stockyards Act which was signed into law in 1921 after a Congressional investigation found that the incumbent meat packers had “attained such a dominant position that they control at will the market in which they buy their supplies, the market in which they sell their products, and hold the fortunes of their competitors in their hands.” A century later, USDA recognizes the continued critical importance of the Packers and Stockyards Act for our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

“Since 1921, the Packers and Stockyards Act has protected fair trade practices, financial integrity, and competitive markets for livestock, meat, and poultry. Over the last 100 years USDA has defended producers by adapting to changes in the livestock industry—from terminal stockyards, to livestock auction markets, to internet and video auctions. Our legacy for the next century must also include similar bold, decisive and adaptive actions on behalf of farmers and the American people. As President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy made clear, USDA is committed to taking bold action to defend producers and growers and ensure the competitiveness of our agricultural markets over the century to come,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The December 2020 Final Rule to Define Undue or Unreasonable Preferences or Advantages under the Packers and Stockyards Act provides four criteria that will be considered when determining if an undue or unreasonable preference or advantage has occurred in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act. These criteria are not exhaustive, nor do they limit the scope of additional criteria. The FAQs released today shed more light on additional criteria that may be utilized in undue preferences cases brought by the Packers and Stockyards Division against packers, swine contractors, or live poultry dealers, and also distinguish circumstances that will be handled outside of the four criteria.

The FAQs also showcase examples designed to signal USDA’s intent to utilize the Packers and Stockyards Act across a range of different circumstances. Circumstances highlighted include:
    When a farmer faces discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status;
    When a farmer faces retaliation for participating in an association, speaking to the media, Congress, or governmental agencies;
    When a poultry company threatens to terminate a grower’s contract unless she upgrades her broiler houses;
    When a grower faces potential deception in the provision of inputs for poultry growing;
    Around whether a poultry grower has sufficient information to determine accuracy of pay, highlighting that payment and settlement records must be provided to the grower upon request;
    Around location of disputes, to protect growers from being forced to travel to distant courts.
    Around deception and manipulation between cash negotiated markets and formula contracts in cattle;
    Around refusal to engage in cash negotiated transactions, if the packer is treating the producer differently from others, including where producers can meet terms of delivery cooperatively;
    Clarifying that Packers and Stockyards Act does not force all cattle to be priced the same way, using organic as an example to show differences in quality;
    Around retaliation in the context of air and water pollution relating to hogs
    How to report a complaint; and
    How to offer further comments on Packers and Stockyards Act enforcement.

“The Packers and Stockyards Act has long stood as a beacon of hope for farmers and ranchers seeking relief from unfair and anti-competitive practices, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to strengthening its enforcement for the future,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Our upcoming rulemakings under the President’s EO, together with these FAQs, demonstrate our intent to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act to the greatest extent possible with every tool we have. Just as the Packers and Stockyards Act met the challenges faced a century ago, more authority would help reaffirm and modernize the commitment to farmers, ranchers and consumers.”



NFU Welcomes New USDA Guidance on Enforcement of Packers and Stockyards Act Provision

Today, USDA issued a guidance document on how the Department will enforce the final rule on “Undue and Unreasonable Preferences and Advantages” under the Packers and Stockyards Act as it composes new rules to bring fairness to the marketplace for farmers and ranchers.

National Farmers Union (NFU) continues to strongly support strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect livestock producers from unfair treatment and practices by meatpackers and integrators. NFU submitted comments on the Undue Preferences rule, finalized in December 2020, pointing out that the rule fell short of protecting family farmers and ranchers.

In response to the issuance of the guidance document, NFU President Rob Larew made the following statement:

“We welcome USDA’s newly released guidance, which demonstrates a further commitment to strong enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. The guidance provides helpful clarifications on the scope of the 2020 Undue Preference final rule and is essential, especially when considering the rule’s shortcomings. It is also encouraging to see USDA reiterate its intention to issue three new proposed rules that could help further strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“Family farmers need fair and competitive markets, and the Packers and Stockyards Act remains a critical tool to achieve this. We appreciate USDA’s new guidance, which continues to demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling the vision laid out in President Biden’s ‘Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.’”




U.S. Wheat Associates Welcomes Suspension of Vietnam Wheat Import Tariff

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is grateful to the Biden Administration and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for their work alongside Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance to reduce the cost of wheat for Vietnam’s millers and consumers. As part of a bilateral package announced during Vice President Kamala Harris’ Indo-Pacific trip, Vietnam will reduce or eliminate import tariffs on several U.S. commodities including wheat. The tariff suspensions are expected to be implemented soon and will help reduce food costs for the Vietnamese people. It will also help make U.S. wheat more competitive in Vietnam’s growing wheat market.

Vietnam, like many countries this year, has seen significant food and feed price inflation due to the rise in global commodity prices and COVID impacts on supply chains. Vietnam’s government should be commended for taking this proactive step to assist their domestic millers and consumers.

The newly announced reduction follows one from July 2020, when Vietnam reduced its tariff on imported U.S. wheat (excluding durum) from 5% to 3% in a revision of its Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates.  Vietnam is the last remaining Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) country applying a tariff against U.S. wheat imports but not against Canadian and Australian wheat, making today's announcement particularly noteworthy for U.S. wheat growers.

Despite the tariffs, Vietnam’s imports of U.S. hard red winter (HRW), soft white (SW) and hard red winter (HRW) wheat exceeded 500,000 metric tons in marketing year 2020/21, second in volume only to Australia. Vietnam currently imports an average of more than 3 million metric tons of wheat per year.

The suspension was granted because of the dedicated work between USDA/FAS, cooperator organizations and the Vietnamese importers who petitioned their government to reduce or eliminate certain MFN tariffs to help hold down rising food and feed prices.



FFAR Grant Uses Corn Protein to Improve Meat Alternatives

Plant-based protein alternatives are a rapidly expanding market—the use of soy protein is estimated to grow almost 10 percent per year between 2019 and 2025. Soy and pea proteins can closely replicate the texture of meats, but they lack the chewy quality of meat, known as viscoelasticity, which creates a tender bite. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), with additional funding from Open Philanthropy, is awarding a $387,556 grant through its Plant Protein Enhancement Project to Purdue University to study the viscoelasticity of a corn protein, zein, to develop a new commercial meat substitute.

Corn zein is a low-cost and plentiful byproduct of the ethanol industry and has unique textural properties that soy and pea protein lack. This research is teasing out zein’s potential to revolutionize the experience of eating plant protein

“Additional research can help plant-based meat alternatives, whose production is more environmentally sustainable than meat, replicate the sensations of consuming meat,” said Dr. Jeff Rosichan, director of FFAR’s Crops of the Future Collaborative. “Using a cheap, abundant ingredient to make these products more attractive to consumers will increase incentives to grow high-protein plants as well as invest in further research to improve their nutritional value.”

Zein has a viscoelasticity similar to wheat gluten, which is often used in meat substitutes. However, on its own zein is too dense and tough to be an acceptable meat substitute. Previous research from Purdue University researchers, led by Dr. Bruce Hamaker and including Drs. Osvaldo Campanella and Owen Jones, developed zein to mimic gluten. This project builds on that work to develop blends of zein and soy or pea to provide the viscoelasticity needed for plant protein to imitate meat more closely.

To start, the researchers are finding ways to improve zein for consumption by removing its yellow color and corn aroma. The team is also blending a variety of concentrations and ratios of zein and filler material and soy or pea protein to discover the combinations that optimize viscoelasticity in the blends. This work includes examining how changes to zein structure affects its properties as a meat substitute. Finally, the researchers are developing food product prototypes.

"We are excited about this project, with some of our new findings showing natural plant-based ingredient formulations with textural profiles similar to commercial meat (e.g. burger patties, chicken tenders) and cheese products," said Dr. Hamaker.

FFAR launched the Plant Protein Enhancement Project through its Crops of the Future Collaborative in 2019 to enhance the protein yield of plant-based staple crops and decrease costs. This competitive research program funds grants to enhance the supply chain for plant-based protein in a profitable and sustainable manner. Applicants were not required to secure matching funds.

Tuesday August 24 Ag News

 NE Delegation Echoes Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Areas Affected by July Storms
        
Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) and Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) wrote a letter to President Biden echoing their support of Governor Ricketts’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for portions of Nebraska. The request follows severe thunderstorms that heavily impacted communities across the state between July 9 and July 10.

The counties highlighted in the request include Box Butte, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Grant, Hall, Hamilton, Madison, Sarpy, Saunders, Sheridan, Washington, and York.

A copy of the delegation’s letter to President Biden is below.


August 23, 2021

President Joseph Biden
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Governor Pete Ricketts’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance for Nebraska due to a period of severe weather from July 9-10, 2021 for the following counties: Box Butte, Cass, Clay, Douglas, Fillmore, Grant, Hall, Hamilton, Madison, Sarpy, Saunders, Sheridan, Washington, and York. We also support the Governor’s request for Hazard Mitigation statewide.

As a result of severe thunderstorms, 70-90+ mph wind gusts, and hail sizes up to 4 to 6 inches between July 9 and 10, numerous cities in Nebraska, including Aurora, Battle Creek, Giltner, Neligh, Newman Grove, Norfolk, Meadow Grove, Oakdale, Omaha, La Vista, Papillion, Plattsmouth, and Ralston all experienced damage to electrical distribution infrastructure, primarily to electrical lines and power poles. This caused the largest power outage in the Omaha Public Power District’s history, and resulted in 37 percent of the state being without power after the storms moved through the area. Significant crop damages were also reported, including to corn, soybean, wheat, sunflower, and alfalfa crops, which will likely have a long-term adverse effect on our state’s economy. A preliminary damage assessment has estimated costs totaling $30,862,617.  

This event comes after Nebraska did not suffer a federally declared disaster during the past 12 months, and while still recovering from the largest disaster in our state’s history, DR-4420, in March 2019. We ask that the federal government once again join in our state’s restoration efforts and ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Our offices stand ready and willing to assist in any possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.



Manure Application Following Silage
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

With silage harvest coming up quickly, manure application will soon follow. Because silage is often the first crop to come off the field, it allows for earlier manure application and thus an earlier cleanout of pens before winter. As that manure application plan develops, include best stewardship practices for optimum rates and preferred application methods for final decisions. But, wait, what do those things mean?

Agronomic rates
Agronomic rates consider what future crops will need. They are generally based on one nutrient. That may mean some of the other nutrients will be in excess of crop needs and others will leave the crop deficient if not supplemented with additional fertilizer.

Nitrogen based rates
A nitrogen-based (n-based) rate considers how much nitrogen will be needed for the next season’s crop. For example, if a field is to be planted to corn, the n-based rate would utilize available manure nitrogen to meet all the needs of the corn to be grown next year. For most manures, a n-based rate is the heaviest rate than can be applied to a field. In many cases, a n-based rate will far exceed nutrient needs for nutrients other than nitrogen.

Phosphorus based rates
Occasionally a farmer may choose to use a phosphorus-based (p-based) rate. A p-based rate requires more land to utilize the same amount of manure as an n-based rate. This is especially true with beef manure and when distillers grains are fed because the ratio of phosphorus to nitrogen in the manure is much higher. Because phosphorus is not likely to be leached into the soil or groundwater, a p-based rate usually accounts for multiple (4-5) years of phosphorus need. For example, if you were applying to a field with a corn and soybean rotation, you might apply based on the P needs for the next 4 years of crops (2 years of corn and 2 years of soybean).

Other rates
In many cases, farmers will choose a rate somewhere between n-based and p-based. It will often meet phosphorus needs for a couple of years, but not enough to meet nitrogen needs. It allows for nitrogen to be applied later in the season, closer to when the crop needs it. This method capitalizes on the complementary benefits of manure and commercial fertilizer and minimizes loss of nitrogen from leaching. Additionally, it allows for manure to be applied on more acres, thus gaining the benefits of manure other than nutrient value on more fields.
 

Knowing how much is being applied

The only way to know the actual application rate is to calibrate the manure spreader. Many people believe that’s a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. In many cases, calculations can be minimized and occasionally, with the proper tools, they can be completely eliminated. If you need help with your manure spreader calibration, contact myself or anyone on the manure team.

Incorporating Manure
When manure is applied on the surface of the soil, it remains exposed to the elements. This exposure can lead to nutrient losses from the manure. Nitrogen in the form of ammonia can be lost to the atmosphere, and phosphorus can be lost in runoff. To manage these two losses, a farmer may choose to incorporate the manure, essentially tilling it in. The sooner the farmer incorporates manure, the less the risk of loss. After 7 days though, especially if the weather is warm, ammonia nitrogen is already gone so there’s no nitrogen benefit for incorporation.

Before a farmer decides whether to incorporate manure or not, they need to weigh the pros and cons of that incorporation. And weight of these pros and cons are different for each farm or application.  

Reasons why a farmer might choose to incorporate:
    They are using manure with a large proportion of manure N in the form of ammonium N (risk of loss is high).
    There’s a rainfall event predicted the next day that would likely cause runoff (higher risk of loss of P).
    They’re also seeding a cover crop and are preparing the seed bed prior to planting or after broadcasting that seed.

Reasons why a farmer might choose to NOT incorporate:
    They are using manure with already low ammonium N content (loss would be minimal).
    They’re applying to relatively flat land where risk of runoff is low (loss of P would be minimal).
    They’re applying when there is little to no risk of rain for several days (loss from P from runoff is minimal).
    The field where they’re applying has few or no neighbors nearby to be bothered by the odor.
    They have no equipment or not enough time/labor to get it done in a timely fashion.
    They have steep hills and they’re not allowed to till the land without immediately following with a cover crop (high risk of erosion).

So, as you see manure application taking place this late summer and early fall, remember that the farmer isn’t doing it just to get rid of their manure. They most likely have a carefully orchestrated plan and they’ve probably thought about all of the risks and benefits of that manure application for that particular field.



STORAGE METHODS TO REDUCE HAY LOSSES
Jerry Volesky, NE Extension

Hay is a valuable commodity this year.  So, as you bring in your round bales for winter storage and feeding, store them to minimize weather losses.

Hay stored outside will be damaged by rain, snow, wind, and ice this fall and winter.  The average round bale may lose up to one fourth of its original nutrients during storage, but these losses can be reduced to less than 10 percent or so.

For instance, do you usually line up bales for easy access so the twine sides touch each other?  Or do you stack your bales?  If so, extra spoilage will occur where these bales touch because rain, snow, and ice will gather in spots where bales touch instead of running off.  Research has shown that round bales stacked in a pyramid form will have greater dry matter losses compared bales butted end-to-end, cigar-like.

Does snow drift around your bales?  Bales placed in east-west rows often have drifts on the south side.  Hay next to fencelines or trees can get extra snow.  As snow melts it soaks into bales or makes the ground muddy.  Plus, the north side never gets any sun so it's slow to dry.  This year, line your bales up north-and-south for fewer drifts and faster drying as sunlight and prevailing winds hit both sides of the row.

Most important is the bottom of your bales.  Always put bales on higher, well-drained ground so water drains away from them.  Keep them out of terrace bottoms or other low spots.  If necessary, use crushed rock, railroad ties, or even pallets to elevate bales to keep the bottoms dry.  This also will reduce problems getting to your hay or getting it moved due to snow drifts or mud.

So, for outside storage, a single row of bales end to end, along with consideration for row orientation and the ground surface drainage, will be the best storage method.  



 IANR receives record research funding during 2021 fiscal year

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska has continued its upward trajectory in securing research funding for critical projects despite the pandemic.   

IANR faculty teams were awarded $64 million in externally-sponsored research grants and contracts for the 2021 fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. This is the highest dollar amount in research funding that IANR has received in a single year, topping the institute’s previous high of $59.9 million in 2020. Dollars awarded for sponsored research have increased in IANR at an annual rate of 4.8% since fiscal year 2012, and the number of active externally-sponsored awards increased to over 470 during the 2021 fiscal year.

About 80% of the funding came from federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DoE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Industry partners, state agencies, and commodity boards contributed to 20% of the total funding.  

“These funds keep the University of Nebraska in a global research leadership position in food security and resilient natural and agricultural systems,” said Archie Clutter, dean of the Agricultural Research Division in IANR. “The integrated projects led by our faculty will help ensure environmentally and economically sustainable cropping and food animal systems, new connections of food to human health, and the well-equipped workforce these and other specialized areas of agriculture will require.”  

Highlights of projects funded during fiscal year 2021 include:  
    $6 million from NSF to lead a four-institution team to build a one-of-a-kind database from streams, lakes and other inland water systems across the nation, and enable studies of how changing waterways impact ecosystems on regional and national scales.

    $3 million from DoE for the development of novel commercial farm-field networks to quantify and understand greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural bioenergy feedstock production.

    $3 million from USDA to support the development of high-intensity sites for collection of new measurements of plant characteristics (phenomes) through novel imaging and UAV technologies, and advance understanding of the connection of genomes to phenomes, with focus on maize and wheat.  

    $2.3 million from USDA to expand the National Drought Mitigation Center’s drought information services for entities and agricultural producers across the United States, enhancing its role in providing national, state, tribal, and local scale drought information services to support the U.S. agricultural sector and multiple USDA agencies, including the USDA Climate Hubs.

    $1.2 million from DHHS for the development of automated computational tools for studies of carbohydrate metabolism in the gut microbiome aimed at improved human health through personalized nutrition.  

    $ 1 million from USDA to establish a scalable framework for next-generation variable-rate applications of water and nutrients in agriculture to enable real-time accurate decision making, increased efficiency of water use, reduced environmental impacts, and sustained food and energy crop production in the corn belt.

“The success of our faculty members in winning so many highly competitive grants and awards is a testament to the strength of their research, as well as to their dedication to their work, the university and the people of Nebraska, said Mike Boehm,  NU vice president and Harlan vice chancellor for IANR. “Every day, I am blown away by IANR’s extremely talented and hardworking faculty, and the breadth and scope of their research. It is wonderful to see their work being recognized, rewarded and advanced.”



Use of Operating Agreements in Farming Operations
Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Succession

Do you need an operating agreement?  There are six states that legally require Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) to keep an operating agreement: California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska and New York. However, an operating agreement can benefit all farms and ranches, regardless of their legal structure.

Writing an operating agreement can be a very valuable process for farm operation owners.  The operating agreement is a chance to think through some very important contingencies. What happens if a farm partner dies? What if one partner wants to leave the business? What if you want to bring another partner on? These problems can cause massive disruption if people have not thought them through. The discussion process puts everyone on the same page and can serve to prevent disputes that often lead to crises. Do not forget to have all members sign the operating agreement and keep the signed copy in a safe place for your records.

You will probably want to have an attorney help you with this to be sure that the operating agreement is working with your formal partnership agreement or LLC agreement to handle the unexpected issues like someone wanting out of the business, or someone passing away out of order.  Please refer to the accompanying article, “Considerations for Operating Agreements,” by Professor Shannon Ferrell for additional information about setting up the details to have the operating agreement work properly with the formal partnership agreement (Like the LLC).

For all the business decisions, it is very important to follow the document. This gives the business legitimacy in court. And if you went to all that effort, you should make it work for you.

An operating agreement outlines how the LLC is to operate or run its business. The document may or may not filed with any government office — it is for the business’ own use.  An operating agreement is valuable for three reasons: (1) it helps safeguard the personal liability protection LLCs provide for individual members, (2) it lets your farm operation to take advantage of the flexibility aspects of the LLC, and (3) it allows you to set more favorable ground rules in your relations with third parties.  First, the operating agreement helps set the ground rules for how the members will manage and operate the company. When members operate the business in line with the written provisions of the operating agreement a court is more likely to find that the members have earned the LLC’s protection for personal assets. Also, when a written operating agreement is in place, which explicitly requires things like holding an annual meeting, maintaining separate bank accounts and separate accounting records, the members generally take these fundamental requirements of the business more seriously. This helps prevent the commingling of funds and other careless acts that could give a court grounds to reach around the LLC and grab hold of the individual member’s personal assets.

Second, if you do not have a thorough operating agreement the detailed provisions in your state’s LLC statute will step in as the default rules if a dispute arises between the members or with a third party. Your state’s default rules may not be preferable or suitable for your farm or ranch. In other words, creating a thorough operating agreement gives the operation the opportunity to write its own rules. By writing an operating agreement, farmers and ranchers can take advantage of the flexible aspects of the LLC entity that we discussed above. Third, the operating agreement clarifies and governs relations with third parties. It may not seem to matter much if there are just a few members who all have a close working relationship. They could agree on each decision related to how the LLC will operate in various conversations and that may be good enough. However, if it is not written down in an operating agreement, it will not govern anyone else who was not a part of that discussion. For example, let us say one LLC member dies and bequeaths her membership to her daughter. If the prior agreements between the mother and other LLC members are written into an operating agreement, the daughter would have to follow the rules set forth in the operating agreement as well.

Need help drafting an agreement? Work with a local attorney to develop the formal document. Revisit the operating agreement at least annually to ensure that you are abiding by the guidelines provided in this important business document.



RFA Welcomes Mid America Bio Energy as its Newest Producer Member

Mid America Bio Energy, a renewable fuels producer based in Nebraska, has joined the Renewable Fuels Association, becoming the organization’s newest producer member. Mid America Bio Energy CFO Prestin Read will represent the company on RFA’s Board of Directors.

MABE’s ethanol biorefinery, located in Madrid, Neb., produces approximately 50 million gallons of low-carbon ethanol annually, along with valuable co-products like distillers grains animal feed. Mid America Bio Energy is continuously seeking innovative approaches to their production process while enhancing the value of their products, such as producing higher ethanol grades and better protein values in their co-products.

“We are excited to welcome Mid America Bio Energy to the RFA family as a producer member,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The company is recognized across the industry as an innovator, and RFA welcomes the opportunity to work more closely with MABE’s leadership to advance our industry’s collective vision and goals. In these challenging and dynamic times, a unified front is absolutely essential, and we know we can accomplish far more when we work together.”

“The Renewable Fuels Association is an impressive and powerful voice for the U.S. ethanol industry,” said Mid America Bio Energy CEO Robert Lundeen. “We’re proud to align with RFA and are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, collaborating with other members and, together, help our industry grow in these challenging times.”




Secretary Naig Announces Artisanal Butchery Task Force Members

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced members appointed to the Artisanal Butchery Task Force, which will study workforce challenges in the meat processing industry, specifically for small-scale meat lockers. The task force will be chaired by Sec. Naig and consist of meat locker owners from across the state, livestock producers, and professionals from the public and private sector who have a vast knowledge of the industry.

During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers passed House File 857, which charged the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship with establishing the Butchery Innovation Task Force to study workforce issues in the meat processing industry. The legislation also established a grant program jointly administered by the Department and Iowa Economic Development Authority to help lockers purchase equipment to increase production and create jobs.

“When I visit meat lockers across Iowa throughout the year, I typically hear about two major challenges they face: difficulty affording upgrades to grow their businesses and a lack of skilled workers that hampers their ability to increase processing capacity,” said Naig.

“I’m proud that Iowa is taking a multi-pronged approach to tackling these issues and excited to lead the Artisanal Butchery task force to figure out the best path forward to address our locker’s workforce challenges. We have assembled a top-tier group of folks who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table and I look forward to what this group comes up with.”

Task force membership will include:
    Secretary Mike Naig (Chair), Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
    Jerry Roorda, In’t Veld’s Meat Market
    Ty Gustafson, Story City Locker
    Baili Maurer, Edgewood Locker
    Dan Julin, Arcadia Meats
    Dave Walter, Corning Meat Processing
    Kent Wiese, Amend’s Packing Company
    Ned Skoglund, Skoglund Meats
    Laura Cunningham, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
    Steve Kerns, Iowa Pork Producers
    Fred Long, Iowa Conservation Alliance
    Dave Grunklee, Hawkeye Community College
    Dr. Terry Houser, Iowa State Meat Lab
    Chef John Andres, Iowa Culinary Institute
    Jeff Cook, Fareway Stores
    Dr. Kathryn Polking, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
    Brad Frisvold, Iowa Economic Development Authority
    Kathy Leggett, Future Ready Iowa
    Jake Swanson, Governor’s Office

The Artisanal Butchery Task Force will hold its first meeting at on Tuesday, Sept. 7.
WHAT:          Artisanal Butchery Task Force
WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 at 1 p.m.             
WHERE:        Second Floor Conference Room, Wallace State Office Building

The task force will study the feasibility of establishing an artisanal butchery program at a community college or at Regent institution. The task force will consider things such as apprenticeship and internship opportunities, employment outlook for graduates, and potential program enrollment and costs. A report with findings and potential recommendations is due to the Iowa General Assembly by the end of the year.



USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set an Oct. 12 deadline for all eligible producers to apply for or modify applications for CFAP 2.

“We listened to feedback and concerns from producers and stakeholders about the gaps in pandemic assistance, and these adjustments to CFAP 2 help address unique circumstances, provide flexibility and make the program more equitable for all producers,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on agricultural producers, and we have made significant progress since announcing our plans in March.  While additional pandemic assistance remains to be announced in the coming weeks, USDA is also ramping up its efforts to make investments in the food supply chain to Build Back Better.”  

Assistance for Contract Producers  
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides up to $1 billion for payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry for revenue losses from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 27, 2020. Contract producers of broilers, pullets, layers, chicken eggs, turkeys, hogs and pigs, ducks, geese, pheasants and quail may be eligible for assistance. This update includes eligible breeding stock and eggs of all eligible poultry types produced under contract.    

Payments for contract producers were to be based on a comparison of eligible revenue for the periods of Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 27, 2019, and Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 27, 2020. Today’s changes mean contract producers can now elect to use eligible revenue from the period of Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 27, 2018, instead of that date range in 2019 if it is more representative. This change is intended to provide flexibility and make the program more equitable for contract producers who had reduced revenue in 2019 compared to a normal production year. The difference in revenue is then multiplied by 80% to determine a final payment. Payments to contract producers may be factored if total calculated payments exceed the available funding and will be made after the application period closes.

Additional flexibilities have been added to account for increases to operation size in 2020 and situations where a contract producer did not have a full period of revenue from Jan. 1 to Dec. 27 for either 2018 or 2019. Assistance is also available to new contract producers who began their farming operation in 2020.  
Updates for Sales-Based Commodities  
USDA is amending the CFAP 2 payment calculation for sales-based commodities, which are primarily comprised of by specialty crops, to allow producers to substitute 2018 sales for 2019 sales. Previously, payments for producers of sales-based commodities were based only on 2019 sales, with 2019 used as an approximation of the amount the producer would have expected to market in 2020. Giving producers the option to substitute 2018 sales for this approximation, including 2018 crop insurance indemnities and 2018 crop year Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) payments,  provides additional flexibility to producers of sales-based commodities who had reduced sales in 2019.

Grass seed has also been added as an eligible sales commodity for CFAP 2. A complete list of all eligible sales-based commodities can be found at farmers.gov/cfap2/commodities. Producers of sales-based commodities can modify existing applications.

Applying for Assistance  
Sign-up for CFAP 2 was re-opened in March and remains open to address inadequate initial outreach efforts to reach underserved producers and particularly those who produce sales commodities. Newly eligible producers who need to submit a CFAP 2 application or producers who need to modify an existing one can do so by contacting their local FSA office. Producers can find their local FSA office by visiting farmers.gov/service-locator. Producers can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-508-8364. All new and modified CFAP 2 applications are due by the Oct. 12 deadline.  

As USDA looks to long-term solutions to build back a better food system as announced in June, the Department is committed to delivery of financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers and businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions. Since USDA rolled out the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative in March, the Department has announced approximately $7 billion in assistance to producers and agriculture entities. Previously announced pandemic assistance has included:
    Additional dairy assistance related to market volatility
    Depopulated livestock and poultry
    Timber harvesting and hauling
    $1 billion to purchase healthy food for food insecure Americans and build food bank capacity
    Pandemic Cover Crop Program
    $500 million deployed through existing USDA programs

For more details, please visit www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance.  



USDA Announces Contract Grower Aid Program

Farmers who were previously ineligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) can now apply for aid thanks to collaboration between the American Farm Bureau, lawmakers and USDA. Up to $1 billion will be made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act to livestock and poultry producers who suffered financial losses from January 1, 2020, through December 27, 2020. The American Farm Bureau first raised concern about farmers being left out of the aid package in May 2020 and has been engaged on this issue for more than a year.

Coverage has now been expanded to include chickens, poultry eggs, turkeys, hogs and pigs, ducks, geese, pheasants and quail including eligible breeding stock and eggs of all eligible poultry types produced under contract.

“We appreciate USDA recognizing the incredible losses farmers endured during the height of the pandemic,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “When restaurants and schools closed, the demand for fresh food disappeared almost overnight. While previous CFAP funding addressed many losses, AFBF recognized that contract growers were left out and worked with lawmakers and the administration to ensure all farmers’ voices were being heard.

“We thank Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Chris Coons, as co-chairs of the Senate Chicken Caucus, as well as the Senate and House Agriculture committees for their work to address the shortcomings of CFAP assistance, and we appreciate the Biden administration and Secretary Vilsack for seeing this aid through. COVID relief will help farmers across the country recover from the damage caused by the pandemic and ensure they can continue putting food on the table for America’s families.”

USDA also announced it is amending the CFAP 2 payment calculation for several commodities by allowing farmers to substitute 2018 sales for 2019 sales.



Dynamic photosynthesis model simulates 10-20 percent yield increase

A team from the University of Illinois has developed a model that treats photosynthesis as a dynamic process rather than an activity that either is or is not happening. This allowed the group to examine the impacts of the many fluctuations in light that crop leaves experience due to intermittent clouds, overlying leaves and the sun’s daily passage across the sky. In today's densely planted crops, these fluctuations are the norm. Lower efficiency of photosynthesis due to slow adjustment to light changes and are estimated to cost up to 40 percent  of potential productivity.  If crop leaves could be genetically manipulated to adjust more rapidly, then the gain in productivity and efficiency of water-use would be substantial.

Plants use sunlight to generate their food through photosynthesis. When the sun rises each morning, plants must prepare themselves to receive nutrients from the sunlight, which takes time. Decreasing the prep time of plants could hold the key to improving yields in many varieties.

“When light changes, the plants need time to get used to it. It takes time and decreases efficiency,” said Yu Wang, a postdoctoral researcher at Illinois, who led this work for a research project called Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE). “Our goal is in trying to limit the loss during the transition period. We are working to make the plants respond faster to the dynamic light environment.”

RIPE, led by Illinois, is an international research project that aims to increase global food production by developing food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

In this recent study, published in The Plant Journal, RIPE researchers showed that by  treating photosynthesis as a dynamic process, they could improve the response time of C4 plants, (plants that use C4 carbon fixation for photosynthesis) such as corn, to adjust more rapidly to fluctuations in light.

First, they validated their model against actual photosynthesis measurements in fluctuating light, which they made in corn, sorghum and sugarcane. They then used their model to predict which steps in photosynthesis limited the response of the process to fluctuations in light in the three crops.

“The important thing to realize is in a crop canopy, light is changing all the time, and yet 99 percent of investigations of what limits photosynthesis have concerned constant light, something a crop leaf in the field might never experience,” said RIPE Director Stephen Long, Ikenberry Endowed University Chair of Crop Sciences and Plant Biology at Illinois’ Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. “Perhaps we overlooked the idea that if we improve efficiency in fluctuating light, not just in constant light, we could see big results.”

By treating photosynthesis as a dynamic process, the team was able to look at which segments of the process limit the speed of response. Through their modeling and simulation, they identified two proteins they believe are essential in the adjustment. This summer, the group is continuing their work by partnering with another RIPE research team to regulate the two proteins in corn and with a team from the U.S. Department of Energy Center for Advanced Bioproducts & Bioenergy Innovation (CABBI) at Illinois in sorghum and sugarcane to engineer these proteins.

“We think this has great potential,” said Long. “This could improve productivity by 10 to 20 percent. Compared to yield increases that are achieved, more importantly, year over year with breeding, this would be a large jump. Of course, time will tell if we can realize this.”



USDA On Track to Provide Record-Breaking Support for Rural Working Capital Needs in Fiscal Year 2021

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is on track to provide a record level of support for rural working capital and other business capital needs in fiscal year 2021.

The Department has invested $1.2 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses in 41 states, Guam and the Virgin Islands. These investments – made through the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program and the Business and Industry CARES Act Program – are expected to create or save more than 12,000 jobs for people in rural areas.

“Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA is expanding access to capital to prioritize rural economic development,” Maxson said. “As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and restore the economy, USDA remains committed to helping rural businesses create job opportunities so rural Americans can build back better and stronger than ever before.”

USDA has invested $811 million through the Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program since the start of the current fiscal year. This assistance has helped businesses create or save more than 6,000 jobs in rural areas.

Investments under the B&I program are 36 percent higher than they were this time last year. Applications have increased by 44 percent. These increases are due in part to a series of program improvements USDA adopted under the new OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.

This initiative increased the USDA loan guarantee to 80 percent for investments greater than $5 million. The previous guarantee percentages were 70 percent for loans less than $10 million and 60 percent for loans greater than $10 million. This improvement has made the program more attractive to capital-intensive businesses such as manufacturing companies.

USDA also invested $380 million in rural businesses through the Business and Industry CARES Act Program, which was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This assistance has helped rural businesses create or save more than 6,000 jobs in rural areas.

These investments USDA is announcing today are helping rural businesses and workers in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Monday August 23 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending August 22, 2021, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 15% very short, 39% short, 46% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 14% very short, 46% short, 40% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 4% very poor, 8% poor, 21% fair, 43% good, and 24% excellent. Corn dough was 89%, behind 95% last year, but near 86% for the five-year average. Dented was 41%, behind 56% last year, and near 42% average. Mature was 1%, behind 6% last year, and near 2% average.

Soybean condition rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 21% fair, 49% good, and 20% excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 93%, near 97% last year and 91% average. Dropping leaves was 4%, near 5% last year and 3% average.

Sorghum condition rated 4% very poor, 14% poor, 26% fair, 43% good, and 13% excellent. Sorghum headed was 96%, near 98% last year and 95% average. Coloring was 35%, near 39% last year and 37% average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 3% very poor, 5% poor, 26% fair, 45% good, and 21% excellent. Dry edible beans blooming was 95%, equal to last year. Setting pods was 90%, near 89% last year. Dropping leaves was 4%, behind 20% last year.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 10% very poor, 12% poor, 58% fair, 19% good, and 1% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS REPORT

Despite spotty precipitation, Iowa’s farmers had 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 22, 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included harvesting hay and oats. Producers were utilizing the release of CRP land for haying and grazing.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 24% very short, 40% short, 36% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 27% very short, 42% short, 31% adequate and 0% surplus. Northwest, Central and East Central Iowa had the lowest subsoil moisture levels in the State, with more than 80% rated short to very short.

Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 90%, six days ahead of the 5-year average. Forty-seven percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond, four days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn reaching the mature stage. Some producers have begun chopping silage. Iowa’s corn condition rated 58% good to excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 95%, eight days ahead of normal. Five percent of soybeans were coloring. There were a few reports of soybeans dropping leaves. Soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent. Sudden death syndrome was observed in some soybean fields across the State.

Oats harvested for grain reached 97%.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 68% complete, three days ahead of the 5-year average. Both mites and army worms have been spotted in alfalfa and grass hay crops.

Pasture condition was rated 31% good to excellent. Water for cows and calves on pasture has become an issue as some creeks and ponds dry up.



Corn, Soybean Conditions Continue to Fall in Latest USDA Crop Progress Report

U.S. corn and soybean conditions fell again last week, USDA NASS said in its weekly Crop Progress report Monday. The trade had expected conditions for both crops to hold steady.

Following a 2-percentage-point drop in the Aug. 16 report, U.S. corn condition fell another 2 percentage points last week to reach 60% good to excellent as of Sunday, Aug. 22, NASS said. Corn dented was estimated at 41%, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 38%, while the percent of the crop reaching maturity was equal to the five-year average of 4%.

After falling 3 percentage points in the Aug. 16 report, soybean conditions also dropped another 1 percentage point last week to reach 56% good to excellent as of Sunday. Soybean development moved ahead at a near-average pace last week, with soybeans blooming at 97%, equal to the five-year average; soybeans setting pods at 88%, just 1 percentage point ahead of the average of 87%; and soybeans dropping leaves at 3%, equal to the average pace.

Meanwhile, spring wheat harvest showed no sign of slowing down last week, jumping ahead another 19 percentage points to reach 77% complete as of Sunday and maintaining a 22-percentage-point lead over the five-year average of 55%.

Sorghum headed was 90%, 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Sorghum coloring was pegged at 44%, 2 percentage points behind average. Sorghum condition was rated 62% good to excellent, up 2 percentage points.

Cotton squaring was 97%, 6 percentage points behind the average. Cotton setting bolls was 79%, 10 percentage points behind the average pace. Cotton condition was rated 71% good to excellent, up 4 percentage points from the previous week.

Rice was 93% headed, 2 percentage points behind the average pace. Rice harvested was 14%, 2 percentage points behind the average pace. Rice condition was rated 77% good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from the previous week.

Oats were 87% harvested, 6 percentage points behind average. Barley was 72% harvested, 9 percentage points ahead of the five-year average.



Pro Farmer Releases National Corn and Soybean Crop Estimates

Pro Farmer national corn crop estimates:
    Corn: 15.116 billion bu.; Average yield of 177 bu. per acre
        Corn +/- 1% = 15.267 billion bu. to 14.965 billion bu.; 178.8 bu. to 175.2 per acre

Nebraska: 190 bu. per acre. Irrigated corn is going to pull up yields, offsetting some dryland losses. We measured a more mature crop that needs some rain to hold onto the yield potential it has. If rain doesn’t fall on dryland corn soon, it will go backward.

Iowa: 198 bu. per acre. We saw a lot of good corn, a fair amount of bad corn and plenty in between. That’s unusual for Iowa and it will hold back the final yield.

Pro Farmer national soybean crop estimates:
    Soybeans: 4.436 billion bu.; Average yield of 51.2 bu. per acre
        Soybeans +/- 2% = 4.525 billion bu. to 4.347 billion bu.; 52.2 bu. to 50.2 bu. per acre

Nebraska: 58 bu. per acre. We sampled a pretty average Nebraska soybean crop. That said, we’ve learned never to underestimate the ability of the Nebraska bean crop to build yield late in the season. Disease and insect pressure was limited, but the crop needs rain.

Iowa: 57 bu. per acre. We were underwhelmed by Iowa’s bean crop. Soil moisture was up 10.5% from last year’s dry crop but down 31% from average. If the state doesn’t get rains, yields could fall even further from USDA’s Aug. 1 58-bu.-per-acre peg.

Note: The national estimates above reflect Pro Farmer’s view on production and yields. They take into account data gathered during Crop Tour and other factors like crop maturity, acreage adjustments, historical differences in Tour data versus USDA’s final yields, areas outside those sampled on Tour, etc. That’s why the state yield numbers below differ from the Crop Tour figures. For corn, we raised harvested area by 910,000 acres (based on FSA data) versus USDA’s June estimate. USDA in August estimated the corn crop at 14.750 billion bu. on a national average yield of 174.6 bu. per acre. It estimated the bean crop at 4.339 billion bu. on a 50.0 bu. per acre yield.

Other states of interest:  Corn
South Dakota: 140 bu. per acre. Heat and dryness are going to keep the crop subpar, and scouts measured yield more so than yield potential, which is rare for the state. Rains are needed and the risk is to the downside.

Minnesota: 170 bu. per acre. Minnesota corn has the appearance of a dry-season crop, but we were surprised just how well it held on. The crop built yield early and was spoon-fed rain in the nick of time. Central areas of the state where drought is more severe will hold down yields, but our numbers suggest USDA cut too deep with its Aug. 1 estimate.

Illinois: 212 bu. per acre. Will there be enough pockets of excellence to offset nicks from dryness and wind, enabling the crop to hit USDA’s lofty 214 bu. per acre peg? We doubt it, but it could come close. Late-season rains are needed to maintain the yield potential we measured.

Indiana: 200 bu. per acre. Who would’ve thought Indiana would join the 200 bu. club before Nebraska? Consistency was unbelievable. Scouts pulled just one sub-100 bu. per acre sample there. But again, rain is needed to finish strong.

Ohio: 190 bu. per acre. This is often a hit or miss state, and this year there weren’t many misses. The yield factory is there for a record crop.

Other states of interest:  Soybeans
South Dakota: 41 bu. per acre. Spotty rains resulted in pod counts all over the board, resulting in a fairly ordinary South Dakota bean crop. If expected rains don’t develop soon, the crop will set back.

Minnesota: 46 bu. per acre. Scouts found fewer pods and less moisture than last year. And last year’s crop didn’t finish well.

Illinois: 66 bu. per acre. The crop has a better chance than corn of hitting USDA’s forecast, in our opinion. Plants were loaded with pods and rain fell during Tour. But more will likely be needed to maximize yield potential.

Indiana: 62 bu. per acre. USDA is calling for a record crop, but getting there would require ideal conditions until harvest. The verdict is still out on whether the state will have the moisture to finish and fill pods that are there.

Ohio: 60 bu. per acre. A big crop is in the works, especially if it catches a few more rains, but the crop may have a bit too much variability to hit maximum yields. Rains fell as scouts sampled fields, which will help. But a hot, dry stretch could erode yield potential in a hurry.



NEBRASKA STATE FAIR TO KICK OFF WITH OPENING CEREMONY ON AUGUST 27, 2021 at 10:00 AM

The Nebraska State Fair is excited to kick off 4,250 plus hours of entertainment and attractions with an Opening Ceremony on August 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Earl May Fair Center. Admission is free until noon and all are invited to come out and help kick off the opening of the 2021 Nebraska State Fair.

“We are very excited to open up the 2021 State Fair. There really is Nothing More Nebraskan than getting together for the biggest event of the summer!” said Bill Ogg, Executive Director.
This year’s Nebraska State Fair will feature a great mix of new and traditional events. Fairgoers can catch a livestock or equine show or stop for a corndog or funnel cake from their favorite concessionaire. Families won’t want to miss Jump! The Ultimate Cool Dog Show or Hedrick’s Racing Pigs in action.

An exciting mix of sports events will take place on the Anderson Auto Sports Field. Opening night, August 27, will feature Bull Thirty Freestyle Bullfighting with Horse Nations Indian Relay Races continuing the action on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29. Closing out the Fair is the Iron on the Island Truck and Tractor Pull on Sunday, September 5 and Fair Smashing Fun Demolition Derby on Monday, September 6. Tickets for these events can be purchased online or in the State Fair Box Office located in the Nebraska Building.

The 2021 Nebraska State Fair runs August 27 through September 6 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Admission and carnival tickets are currently available at all Pump & Pantry locations or online at StateFair.org. Entertainment information and a schedule of events can be found online.



Smith Welcomed U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Republican Thompson in Nebraska

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) recently welcomed House Agriculture Committee Ranking Republican, Congressman G.T Thompson (R-PA) to Nebraska’s Third District, the number one Congressional district for agriculture production.

During the trip, Smith and Thompson visited the United States Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), near Clay Center, and Nebraska’s first dry mill ethanol plant, Chief Ethanol Fuels near Hastings. Former United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Greg Ibach, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue and representatives from the USDA and the University of Nebraska participated in the visit.

The trip provided an opportunity for representatives to visit with Smith and Thompson on the importance of federal agriculture policy to Nebraska’s Third District. In particular, the discussion focused on the significance of livestock regulations and the direction of federal policy concerning liquid fuels like ethanol.

“Strong agriculture policies are a vital part of ensuring Nebraska’s producers can compete globally,” said Smith. “I appreciate my colleague G.T Thompson, the lead Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, for his interest in the production practices of our great state as we continue to work collaboratively to improve federal agriculture policy.”



THIN ALFALFA STANDS FALL OPTIONS
– Todd Whitney, NE Extension

Forage producers usually want alfalfa fields to produce for at least 4- or 5-years after seeding before being converted to another crop. So, what should producers do when their alfalfa stands fall below 10 plants per square foot; or a heavy weed populations emerge; or the annual forage yields drop off below half?

For thin alfalfa stands, the temptation may be to drill or broadcast more alfalfa seeds to fill open spaces between plants. However, this practice is NOT recommended; since live alfalfa roots emit an ethylene chemical toxin into soil impeding growth of new alfalfa. This allelopathy effect also called ‘autotoxicity’ weakens or kills any new emerging alfalfa. Autotoxicity also accumulates more in soil over time; meaning older alfalfa stands have increased toxin levels compared to newer stands. Therefore, it would be better to find a new replacement alfalfa field than seed into an existing thin stand.

The next decision for thin fields might be to delay mowing of the alfalfa to increase harvest tonnage. Once it has been decided to convert a thin alfalfa field to another crop, potential winter injury on plants lacking 6 or 8 inches of recommended regrowth is no longer a concern.

For retained thin stands, an updated weed control plan may be needed following herbicide label carryover rotation restrictions. Finally, consider interseeding with perennial grasses such as brome, fescue, orchard grass or native grasses to increase forage production for the next growing season.

The bottom line is wait 4 weeks to over a year after established plants have been killed before drilling new alfalfa seed into previous alfalfa field. Further, when converting a thin alfalfa field into an alternative ‘cash crop’ like corn or grain sorghum, opportunity arises for fall or winter alfalfa graze-out of thin alfalfa fields.



 NEW ANALYSIS HIGHLIGHTS CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN NEBRASKA

The majority of Nebraska farms with more than 1,000 acres of cropland utilized at least one of the regenerative cropping practices of planting cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage between 2012 and 2017, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture.

These are among the most common practices for sequestering carbon and potentially becoming eligible to earn carbon credits from organizations and aggregators currently participating in private voluntary carbon markets. A recent analysis by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability looks at USDA data related to the use of all three practices on Nebraska farms between 2012 and 2017 to gauge the status of producers’ participation in environmental credit markets.

According to the census, there were 38,084 cropland farms in Nebraska in 2017, representing more than 22 million acres. About 73% of Nebraska cropland was included on farms of 1,000 acres or more.

The number of farms utilizing cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage is not mutually exclusive, meaning that a farm can employ a combination of the three practices across its acreage. And some farms that utilize one or more of these practices do so on only a portion of their acres.

No-till practices were the most widely used of the three practices across the state, employed on 51% of the acreage on farms with 1,000 to 1,999 acres and on 45% of the acreage on farms with more than 2,000 acres. Reduced tillage practices (excluding no-till) were used on 29% of the acreage on farms with 1,000 to 1,999 acres and on 26% of farms with more than 2,000 acres.

The utilization of cover crops — employed on about 3% of the acreage on farms in both the 1,000-to-1,999-acre and 2,000-plus-acre categories — trailed the usage rates of no-till and reduced tillage practices. However, the amount of cropland acres planted to cover crops on Nebraska farms grew by 109% between 2012 and 2017, compared to more modest growth during the same period in the proportion of acres using reduced tillage (20%) and no-till (9%) practices.

Larry Van Tassell, director of the Center for Agricultural Profitability, attributed the increase in cover crop use, in part, to the rising recognition of their ecological advantages and government incentives for producers.

“The environmental and soil quality benefits, coupled with the cost-share programs offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, have helped to drive the appeal of cover crops, in particular,” he said.

In addition to being eligible for carbon credit payments in existing private markets and possible future public markets, sequestration practices such as planting cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage have other economic benefits for producers, according to Van Tassell.

“According to UNL enterprise budgets, and many field studies, greater yields are experienced with no-till practices compared to conventional tillage, with cost per bushel of production averaging lower with no-till,” he said. “Cover crops will often not show an immediate profit, but soil and water health are the great motivators.”

Compared to Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota, Nebraska producers have been leaders in utilizing these three practices. The state had a larger percentage of all farms (45%), as well as a greater percentage of acreage on those farms (46%), using no-till practices than each of the other three states, as well as the United States as a whole. Nebraska trailed only Iowa in both the percentage of total cropland planted to cover crops (3%) and the percentage of total cropland using reduced tillage (26%).

“Nebraska farmers have been relatively early adopters when it comes to conservation land-use practices, so a number of Nebraska producers are already positioned to participate in carbon markets,” Van Tassell said. “It also appears that there is still a large amount of acreage than can be positioned to engage in these markets.”  

As private environmental markets continue to grow, a more transparent public voluntary market appears to be getting closer with the passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act in the Senate on June 24. If enacted, it would direct the USDA to develop a program to facilitate the participation of farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners in such a market. The act has identified planting cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage as practices that would potentially be eligible for payment in voluntary carbon markets.

Dave Aiken, a professor in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics, said that additionality — a principle that may require the producer to do something different, in addition to what they have been doing, to contribute to climate solutions and earn carbon credits — has caught the attention of many in agriculture due to the term’s presence in the Growing Climate Solutions Act. But he noted the importance of distinguishing between compliance and voluntary markets.

“The Growing Climate Solutions Act deals with voluntary markets, not compliance markets,” Aiken said. “There are ongoing conversations about whether today’s voluntary markets should have the same rules as the original compliance or regulatory markets.”

Aiken said that, while much is still uncertain, voluntary markets are not expected to have additionality requirements in the near term, though he noted that the additionality debate is likely to continue as carbon policies are developed to respond to climate change.

Van Tassell said he believes the use of conservation cropping practices will continue to grow, both because Nebraska producers are good stewards of the land and because the economic benefits will continue to appeal to farmers.

“If these public ecosystem services markets come to fruition, there will be greater incentive to increase the number of acres in reduced tillage, no-till and cover crop practices,” he said.

For the recent analysis of conservation practices on Nebraska cropland, more on the Growing Climate Solutions Act and additionality, as well as many other resources related to agricultural carbon markets in Nebraska, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website at https://cap.unl.edu.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during July 2021 totaled 8.19 million, down from 8.53 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during July totaled 203 million eggs, up from 199 million in 2020. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,478 eggs, compared to 2,327 eggs in 2020.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during July 2021 was 1.28 billion eggs, up 5% from both last month and a year ago, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during July 2021 was 49.4 million, up 1% from last month and up 6% from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for July were 2,591, up 4% from last month but down 1% from last July.

United States egg production totaled 9.39 billion during July 2021, up 1 percent from last year. Production included 8.10 billion table eggs, and 1.28 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.21 billion were broiler-type and 74.7 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during July 2021 totaled 385 million, up 1 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,439 eggs, down slightly from July 2020.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on August 1, 2021 totaled 385 million, up 1 percent from last year. The 385 million layers consisted of 319 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 62.8 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.88 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2021, averaged 78.8 eggs per 100 layers, down 1 percent from August 1, 2020.



Beck's Purchases Bayer Facility In Beaman, Iowa

Beck's is pleased to announce the purchase of the Bayer processing plant in Beaman, Iowa, for the use of soybean production and processing. The fully operational site in Grundy County will provide Beck's with soybean seed processing capabilities and additional warehousing.

"At Beck's, we base our growth and acquisition strategy and decisions with a focus on helping farmers succeed," said Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck's. "As we continue to expand into new states and grow our customer base, our family of employees and farmer-dealers remain dedicated to providing exceptional localized service. This new facility will allow Beck's to maximize efficiency, stay ahead of demand, and deliver products faster."

Ten of the former full-time Bayer employees have been hired on by Beck's to continue operations at the Beaman facility, allowing a seamless transition this fall and winter to ensure soybean seed is ready for spring 2022 planting. The facility features approximately 30,000 square feet of warehousing and is configured with all the modern equipment necessary for Beck's to process and treat one million units of soybeans per year. In addition to the new facility in Beaman, Beck's has three other permanent locations in Iowa, including a processing and distribution facility in Mount Pleasant, a research facility in Marshalltown, and a distribution and Practical Farm Research (PFR)® site in Colfax.

"Situated fifteen minutes north of our Marshalltown, Iowa facility and approximately an hour northeast of our Colfax location, the addition of this new facility will take the pressure off of our distribution channels," said Beck. "More importantly, it will help us ensure we are fulfilling our customer's soybean needs quickly and efficiently. We're excited to put down roots in Beaman and for the opportunity to provide our growing family of customers with more regionally selected, grown, and processed soybeans."

As the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, Beck's has seen tremendous growth over the past several decades and has doubled in size in the past six years alone. Today, Beck's is the third-largest corn and soybean brand in the United States, offering the world's most diverse access to genetics and traits. Beck's lineup of high-yielding corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa are treated with Escalate™ yield enhancement system, a proprietary seed treatment, and backed by a 100% Free Replant Policy. Beck's also offers an extensive lineup of cover crops, forages, and milo/grain sorghum. In addition, Beck's industry-leading PFR program brings farmer-focused research to the farm management process.



USDA Cold Storage July 2021 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on July 31, 2021 were up slightly from the previous month but down 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down slightly from the previous month and down 9 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up slightly from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 24 percent from last month and down 35 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on July 31, 2021 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 17 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 16 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 7 percent from last month but down 16 percent from July 31, 2020.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on July 31, 2021 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from July 31, 2020. Butter stocks were down 4 percent from last month but up 7 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on July 31, 2021 were up 36 percent from last month but down 2 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 8 percent from last month but down 3 percent from a year ago.



National Biodiesel Foundation Welcomes New Director

The National Biodiesel Foundation warmly welcomes newly elected Director Todd Ellis to the NBF Board. Ellis currently is the Executive Director, North American Sales, for Renewable Energy Group, Inc.

Todd Ellis has been a leader in sustainable business and economic development for leading biofuels companies for more than 16 years. He oversees North American strategic planning and sales responsibilities for Renewable Energy Group, Inc. He holds an executive M.B.A. from the University of Iowa, an M.A. from Antioch University and a B.A. from Fort Lewis College.

“I believe the Foundation is critical to educating the public about biodiesel and inspiring students to pursue careers in the clean fuels industry," Ellis said. “Events and education forums, such as the Sustainability Workshop and congressional tours, bring industry experts together to help tackle carbon reduction. I’m excited to work with experts focused on the environmental benefits of better, cleaner biodiesel.”

In addition to the new director, biodiesel industry leaders currently serving on the Foundation’s Board are:
    Mark Caspers, Chair (Nebraska Soybean Board)
    Dave Walton, Vice Chair (Iowa Soybean Association)
    Danielle Brannan, Secretary (Executive Vice President, New Leaf Biofuel)
    Chris Hill, Treasurer (American Soybean Association)
    Michael Devine, Director (World Energy Vice President for Sales and Business Development)
    Colin Huwyler, Director (CEO, Optimus Technologies)
    Rob Shaffer, Director (American Soybean Association)

The Foundation’s mission is to accomplish outreach, education, research and demonstration activities for the advancement of biodiesel. The Foundation works closely with the National Biodiesel Board.



Summary of the August Cattle on Feed Report
James L. Mitchell, Extension Economist, University of Arkansas

USDA released the August Cattle on Feed report on Friday, August 20th. August 1st cattle on feed inventories for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more is estimated at 11.1 million, a 1.9 percent decline from August 1st of 2020. Cattle on feed inventories have been running above 2020 levels for most of the year. This month’s report is the second consecutive month with cattle on feed inventories below 2020. Seasonally, on-feed inventories decline through September before feedlots reload during the fall calf market.

Feedlot placements during July are estimated at 1.74 million head, an 8.1 percent decline from July 2020. Historically, the seasonal trend has been for feedlot placements to decline in July from the previous month. This year, July feedlot placements were 4.1 percent higher compared to June: placements were 23 percent higher this month in Colorado, 27 percent higher in Iowa, 6 percent higher in Nebraska, and 5 percent higher in South Dakota.

Fed cattle marketings in July were 1.90 million head or 5 percent below 2020. For context, July 2021 had one less slaughter day than July 2020. Despite one less slaughter day, daily average marketings in July were only fractionally higher compared to a year ago.

In general, the report brought optimism to the market and reveals an improving feedlot situation. USDA is forecasting beef production to be down 1.2 percent during the second half of 2021. Declining feedlot inventories and lower feedlot placements, supported by an expected third consecutive year of declining calf crops, during the second half of the year would mean fewer cattle available for slaughter to begin 2022. USDA is projecting beef production to be down 3.2 percent in 2022.



USDA Accepts 2.8 Million Acres for the Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted 2.8 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2021. This year, almost 1.9 million acres in offers have been accepted through the General CRP Signup, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has accepted over 897,000 acres for enrollment through the Continuous Signup.  The Continuous Signup remains open and CRP Grasslands Signup closed last week, so USDA expects to enroll more acres into all of CRP than the 3 million acres that are expiring.

“Despite Congress raising the enrollment target in the 2018 Farm Bill, there have been decreases in enrollment for the past two years.  The changes we made this spring have put us on the path to reverse this trend,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said. “Even with the improved direction, USDA will still be about 4 million acres below the enrollment target.  The CRP benefits for producers, sportsmen, wildlife, conservation and climate are numerous and well documented. We cannot afford to let them to be left on the table.”

The 4 million-acre shortfall in CRP would have had the following impacts:
    More than 359,000 acres less annual forage under CRP Grasslands;
    A loss of 1,500,000 acres of quality wildlife and pollinator less habitat for wildlife;
    20% fewer apiaries in major production regions meeting critical forage thresholds;
    A loss of more than 4 million upland game and other grassland birds;
    About 90 million pounds of nitrogen entering waterways;
    Over 30 million tons of soil eroded, leading to increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers; and
    Foregone sequestration of more than 3 million metric tons of CO2.

Like other USDA conservation programs, CRP is a voluntary program that has a variety of options that can be tailored to the specific conservation issues of a state or region and desires of the landowner. The options run the gamut from working lands such as CRP Grasslands to partnerships with states and private entities to target a specific joint concern such as water quality or quantity.

“We are grateful to the leadership and staff at the USDA, who have worked diligently over the last several months to ensure that the Conservation Reserve Program remains a viable and effective conservation tool,” says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that when the CRP is administered with the needs of landowners in mind, they respond by investing their lands in conservation. This course correction is needed now more than ever, as management decisions in recent years have left program acreage at a 30-year low, with an additional 4 million acres set to expire by October 2022. We look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to improve the trajectory of the CRP and guarantee that the program benefits our natural resources, landowners, and the sporting community for years to come.”