Wednesday November 23 Ag News

 Elsmere rancher named Northeast Community College’s Agceptional Woman of the Year

An advocate for agriculture in Nebraska has been recognized for her contributions to the industry.

Anita Keys, Elsmere, was named 2022 Ag-ceptional Woman of the Year during Northeast Community College’s Agceptional Women’s Conference recently on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. The announcement was made as part of a video tribute that was played during the opening session of the 14th annual conference. The video was sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America and produced by the Northeast Agriculture Department and District 25 Productions, LLC.

A special selection committee made up of professionals from agricultural businesses and operations is assembled each year to select the winner from a competitive group of nominees.

“I am humbled and honored to get this award, and to receive it from your peers is something extra special,” Keys said in accepting the award. “It’s one thing to get an award for best yield or best whatever, but this is very special.”

Keys was raised on a farm in Wayne County. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) where she met her future husband, Kerry Keys. The couple, who operate a ranch near Elsmere in southeast Cherry County, has two adult daughters who have become successful in their own careers. Stacey Keys is a 4-H extension assistant for UNL Extension in Burt County while Amanda Keys is employed as an accountant in Broken Bow.

Keys was nominated for the Agceptional Woman award by Karen Grant, Meadow Grove, who was bestowed the honor in 2015. She said Keys is deserving of the recognition.

“Elsmere may be a tiny town out west, but Anita is big on educating about life as a farmer or rancher from her own home to all parts of the United States and the world,” Grant said. “She has connections and is willing to go above and beyond to spread the word of agriculture.”

Keys was a member of the Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) 17 program with content focused on economics, government, human relations, communications, international trade, sociology, education, the arts, social-cultural understandings as well as agriculture. She has utilized the knowledge she gained from her experiences with LEAD with others.

Keys is a member of Common Ground Nebraska which is described as, “a group of farm women having conversations about food and how it’s grown and produced.” She also uses social media to explain life on the ranch and discuss how and what they do with their livestock.

“(Anita) can speak with knowledge because she is involved on the ranch helping wherever she is needed,” Grant said.

Keys is also active with IFYE (International Four-H Youth Exchange), which focuses on bringing young people ages 18-25 to the United States to live with up to three families to learn their customs and lifestyles. Students from the United States may also travel to other countries as part of the program. Keys assists in matching farm and ranch families with individuals from other countries in the program. She serves as a substitute teacher and works with 4-H. She chaperoned 4-H members to Life Challenges held in June at the UNL East Campus, an activity she has done for many years.

The Agceptional Women’s Conference is northeast Nebraska’s premier event for women in agriculture, attracting over 400 women annually who come together for a full day of networking, professional development, and personal growth opportunities. This year’s event featured over 20 speakers who discussed issues related to creating predictable profits in an unpredictable industry, nitrates and public health, dedicating one’s life to service, hemp in Nebraska, smartphone photography for the farm or ranch, keys to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and growing intuitive eaters, among many more options.

To learn more about the conference, visit northeast.edu/events/agceptional.



Five Students Take State in Conservation Poster Contest

Earthworms, insects and roots were artfully crafted by young Nebraskans throughout the year turning blank paper into award-winning posters.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognize students from kindergarten to 12th grade, who competed in the annual “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life” Conservation Poster Contest. Students winning in the state competition include:
    K-1: Sadie Foltz, Humphrey, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
    2-3: Isabel Larson, Humphrey, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
    4-6: Kiersten Hans, Wynot, Nebraska (Lewis & Clark NRD)
    7-9: Ember Chavez, Purdum, Nebraska (Upper Loup NRD)
    10-12: Myranda Hansen, Norfolk, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)

Each NRD selects a winner from their district contest to compete in the state competition. The state winners take home a $25 prize and will go on to compete in the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest for a chance to win $200. National winners are selected at the NACD annual conference in February.

Typically, NRDs notify area teachers about the contest and allow them to introduce it in the classroom. Individual students can participate outside of the classroom by submitting their artwork to their local Natural Resources District. The 2023 poster theme is “One Water.”



Upcoming Nebraska Farmers Union Convention Agenda Highlights Announced
December 2-3, 2022
Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

“Building Rural Communities Since 1913” is the theme for the 109th annual Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) state convention.  John Hansen, NeFU President said, “We have an exciting program with 22 speakers addressing a wide range of topics from new water quality research from University of Nebraska Dr. Jesse Bell, Dr. Eleanor Rogan, and Matt Sutton, the prospects for the 2023 Farm Bill with NFU President Rob Larew and Government Relations Layla Soberanis, state updates from USDA FSA Executive Director John Berge, USDA Rural Development Director Kate Bolz, Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Reid Wagner, Farm To Schools coordinator Sarah Smith and a State Senator panel with Senators Carol Blood, Tom Brandt, John Cavanaugh, and John McCollister.”

Layla Soberanis, NFU Government Relations staff will report on NFU legislative issues Friday noon, Bryce Anderson, DTN retired Senior Meteorologist and Tom Giessel, NFU Historian will keynote the Friday evening banquet, and Rob Larew, NFU President will keynote the Saturday noon luncheon.

Hansen noted, “In addition, we will set our NeFU state policy, elect one member to our NeFU Foundation Board, two NeFU Board of Directors, and three delegates to National Farmers Union Convention. We are pleased to once again be meeting in person. There will be lots of handshakes and hugs.”

NeFU delegates will elect Board of Directors for three-year terms from Districts 3 and 7. Mary Alice Corman is running for re-election in District 3 and Art Tanderup is running for re-election in District 7.

In addition to electing officers, three delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention will be elected after the Friday noon luncheon. NeFU Vice President Vern Jantzen will chair the 2022-2023 NeFU policy day that will be held Thursday, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. at the Marriott Cornhusker, and also the policy adoption process Saturday afternoon when delegates finalize the policy.  

Hansen noted “NeFU has helped build economically stronger rural communities since 1913 by organizing hundreds of farmer-owned cooperatives, develop new profitable customer direct markets for ag producers, and capture the billions of dollars of value-added economic benefits from biofuels, wind, and solar renewable energy. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, registration and meal costs are affordable to encourage member participation. Our members are the owners and builders of our organization. Convention is their chance to put their hands on our steering wheel to give us direction for the next year.”



Reynolds Signs Harvest Proclamation Extension

Tuesday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.

The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through Dec. 22. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.



Khanna to Share Remarks at Iowa Farmers Union Anual Convention

Iowa Farmers Union is excited to add another guest speaker to the line-up of presenters at our upcoming annual state convention, Dec. 2-3, at the Iowa Valley Continuing Education Conference Center in Marshalltown. California Rep. Ro Khanna will address the convention body on day two of the event Dec 3 at 8:30 a.m. CT.

"We're so pleased to hear that Congressman Khanna will be joining us in Marshalltown to share his thoughts on rural development and the 2023 Farm Bill," says Aaron Lehman, president of the Iowa Farmers Union. "Rep. Khanna holds a seat on the House Agriculture Committee, which makes his voice an influential one when it comes to building good farm policy and a more equitable food system."

Khanna represents California's 17th Congressional District and is serving in his third term. He sits on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Oversight and Reform committees, where he chairs the Environmental Subcommittee. Khanna is also the Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; serves as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus and is the Democratic Vice Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

Register for the State Convention, Dec. 2-3, in Marshalltown at iowafarmersunion.org, where people can also view the full line-up of speakers, panels, and workshops.

The Iowa Farmers Union State Convention is a chance for members from all over Iowa to connect with one another, hear from world-renowned speakers, attend educational sessions, and influence changes made to its guiding policy.



NEW Cooperative 50th Annual Meeting Notice
2022 Annual Meeting
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Webster County Fairgrounds
Doors Open at: 4:00 P.M.
Meeting Starts at: 5:00 P.M.

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, the 2022 Annual Meeting of NEW Cooperative, Inc will take place at the Webster County Fairground’s auditorium with doors opening at 4:00pm and meeting starting at 5:00pm. The meetings agenda will include a status update of the cooperative, financial report, and director elections.  A meal and guest speaker, Jim Olson, the former Chief of Soviet Operations at the CIA, will follow the adjournment of the meeting.

Guest Speaker - James Olson, Former Chief of Soviet Operations
James Olson, the former Chief of Soviet Operations at the CIA, spent his 31-year undercover career at the CIA focused on Russia. He first started tracking Vladimir Putin when Putin was a lieutenant colonel in the KGB in East Germany in the 1980s. Mr. Olson will share with the audience his knowledge of Putin and describe the many assassinations and atrocities for which Putin has been responsible, most recently in Ukraine, but also in Chechnya, Syria, Georgia, and elsewhere. This is the story of a monster, a man with no respect for human life, international law, or national sovereignty. Mr. Olson will draw on his personal operational experiences in Moscow to highlight how Putin and the KGB have operated. He will leave time at the end for questions from the audience.



Commercial Red Meat Production Up Slightly from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.76 billion pounds in October, up slightly from the 4.75 billion pounds produced in October 2021.

By State   (million lbs.  -  % Oct '21)
Nebraska ........:     696.8            103       
Iowa ...............:     748.0             96       
Kansas ............:     515.9             96       

Beef production, at 2.40 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.90 million head, up 2 percent from October 2021. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,375 pounds.

Veal production totaled 4.5 million pounds, 1 percent below October a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 30,400 head, down 14 percent from October 2021. The average live weight was up 34 pounds from last year, at 259 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.34 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.9 million head, down 1 percent from October 2021. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 288 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 10.4 million pounds, was down 9 percent from October 2021. Sheep slaughter totaled 169,100 head, 10 percent below last year. The average live weight was 122 pounds, up 1 pound from October a year ago.

January to October 2022 commercial red meat production was 46.2 billion pounds, down slightly from 2021. Accumulated beef production was up 2 percent from last year, veal was up 3 percent, pork was down 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 5 percent.



Japan’s Diet Approves the Revised Beef Safeguard Mechanism Under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement
 
Yesterday, the Upper House of Japan’s Diet approved the Protocol Amending the Trade Agreement Between Japan and the United States of America regarding the beef safeguard mechanism under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), which completes the Diet’s process to finalize the agreement.  Once in effect, the updated agreement will amend the beef safeguard trigger level under the USJTA with a new, three-trigger safeguard mechanism that will allow U.S. exporters to meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef and reduce the probability that Japan will impose higher tariffs in the future.   The agreement was signed by United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Japan’s Ambassador to the United States Koji Tomita on June 2, 2022.  The United States and Japan are currently working to finalize all domestic procedures in order for the agreement to enter into force.
 
“The Protocol will ensure our farmers and ranchers continue to have access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “We are excited that Japan’s consumers can enjoy high-quality U.S. beef that is a staple of our agricultural industry.  The Protocol represents a foundational pillar of our bilateral trade relationship – and I am grateful to our producers and stakeholders who helped make it possible.”  
 
In 2021, the United States was the top beef exporting country in the world, with global sales of beef and beef products valued at over $10 billion.  Exports of U.S. beef to Japan totaled almost $2.4 billion in 2021, with Japan representing the United States’ second largest beef export market.



Fertilizer Prices Mainly Lower

Retail fertilizer sellers tracked by DTN for the second week of November 2022 continue to show prices floating around slightly higher and slightly lower.

Five fertilizers were marginally lower compared to last month while the remaining three were somewhat higher. No fertilizer was substantially higher or lower; DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.  The five slightly lower were MAP, potash, urea, 10-34-0 and anhydrous. MAP had an average price of $978/ton, potash $848/ton, urea $812/ton, 10-34-0 $753/ton and anhydrous $1,415/ton.

The other three fertilizers were slightly more expensive looking back to last month. DAP had an average price of $930/ton, UAN28 $584/ton and UAN32 $681/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.88/lb.N, anhydrous $0.86/lb.N, UAN28 $1.04/lb.N and UAN32 $1.06/lb.N.

Most fertilizers continue to be higher in price than one year earlier, although one is now slightly lower. Urea is now 5% less expensive from one year ago. Both UAN28 and 10-34-0 are 2% higher, UAN32 is 5% more expensive, MAP is 7% higher, potash is 10% more expensive, DAP is 13% higher and anhydrous is 16% more expensive compared to last year.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/18/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending November 18, ethanol production rebounded 3.0% to 1.041 million b/d, equivalent to 43.72 million gallons daily. Production was 3.5% lower than the same week last year and 0.7% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume rose to a 19-week high of 1.036 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.88 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks built 7.2% to 22.8 million barrels, the highest level in ten weeks. Stocks were 13.2% above the year-ago level and 7.4% above the five-year average. Inventories increased across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, fell 4.7% to 8.33 million b/d (127.65 bg annualized). Demand was 10.8% less than a year ago and 6.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked down 0.8% to 886,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.58 bg annualized. Net inputs were equal to the year-ago level but 1.0% below the five-year average.

There were no imports of ethanol for the fifth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of September 2022.)



Longview Livestock to host 2023 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Qualifying Event

The second of three qualifying events for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) will be hosted by Longview Livestock in Longview, Texas, on December 1, 2022.
 
Opening ceremonies will commence at 1:00 p.m. (CT), with the awards presentation following the competition. A total of 31 contestants will compete for a top 10 placing, granting them a spot in the semi-finals for the 2023 WLAC at Arcadia Stockyard in Arcadia, Fla.
 
Each qualifying event is a live sale where each contestant auctions at least 8 drafts of livestock (traditionally cattle) to actual bidders. Contestants are judged on the clarity of their auction chant, professionalism, and their ability to conduct the sale while catching bids.

Contestants competing are Andy Baumeister, Goldthwaite, Texas; Gary Crawley, Kiowa, Okla.; Shannon Davis, Winnsboro, Texas; Justin Dodson, Welch, Okla.; Keelan Dunn, Bowie, Texas; Quest Flesner, Hannibal, Mo.; Cody Hanold, Brighton, Ill.; Kirby Hill, Paris, Texas; Travis Holck, Lake Crystal, Minn.; Calvin Hollis, Mannford, Okla.; Michael Imbrogno, Turlock, Calif.; Takoda Kiser, Wytheville, Va.; Jonathan Lopinto, Amite, La.; Lane Marbach, Victoria, Texas; Tilon Mast, Auburn, Neb.; Brandon McLagan, Elmer, Mo.; Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, Calif.; Bill Nance, Sheldon, Mo.; Tate Rainey, Sweetwater, Texas; Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas; Luke Schubert, Brainerd, Minn.; Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kan.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan.; Dustin Smith, Jay, Okla.; Brooks Thompson, Prague, Okla.; Scott Twardowski, Swanville, Minn.; Seth Waldroup, Westminster, S.C.; Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, Neb.; Tim Yoder, Montezuma, Ga.; Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho.
 
The public may attend the livestock auction and competition free of charge. It will also be streamed live on the Livestock Marketing Association’s Facebook page.

Qualifying events are balanced across LMA membership. The final qualifying event will be held at Windsor Livestock Auction Co., Inc. in Windsor, Mo., on January 4, 2023.  



Agriculture Committee members surveyed current state of agricultural practices in Cuba, discussed state of food supply and related issues

Today, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jim Baird (R-IN) and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) concluded their bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Cuba as representatives of the United States and the House Agriculture Committee.

The four-day trip included meetings with Cuban farmers, agricultural business operators, and local officials to discuss the current state of agriculture in Cuba.

“Our journey to Cuba was an important opportunity to see the impact that U.S. agriculture is having in a nation that relies heavily on U.S. agricultural imports. As members of the House Agriculture Committee, we work every week in Washington to understand how U.S. agriculture and agricultural trade is affecting peoples around the world–and Cuba is no exception,” said the delegation. “We also had the chance to meet with farmers and local experts to better understand Cuba’s own agricultural operations, as well as discuss where opportunities for mutual economic benefit may exist for American businesses and the Cuban people. We look forward to sharing our findings with our colleagues and the rest of our committee in the coming weeks.”

The House Agriculture Committee members also met with the Vice President of Cuba Salvador Valdés Mesa, officials from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Representatives of the National Assembly.

In addition to discussing agriculture, the congressional delegation also raised concerns about human rights, migration, and consular issues.

Tuesday November 22 Ag News

Grateful Observations
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Beef Systems Extension Educator

Our world has gone through extensive transformation since 2019. From a cattle business perspective, great challenges surged in the fall of 2019, along with high beef production.  A few months later, the country (and the world) stopped functioning as we know it in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Packers slowed slaughter pace due to health and sociological impacts of the pandemic, at a time of high beef production.  In the streets of some American cities, social unrest brewed, and the election process changed dramatically.  Meanwhile, politicians debated, and continue to debate, the best path for America as inflation rages and threats of a recession continue.  

Closer to farm or ranch, the old nemeses of beef cattle production rested none. Activists, and others, did not stop reminding us that ruminants, including beef cattle, are to blame for current climate trends. Although at some point 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America while there were no humans on automobiles, trains, or airplanes.  (One is inclined to think that bison and other herbivores roaming North America then must have had similar contributions of methane to those ascribed to the current population of ruminants).  Concurrently, corporate start-ups of plant-based foods purporting to taste like meat products were launched and threatened to take a portion of meat buyers away from the meat case.  If, as a feedyard owner or rancher, you think of your own situation back to anytime in 2021, you might have found yourself feeling disappointed and concerned for the future.

Although some of the larger issues, perhaps ones we cannot change immediately or do something about remain, I will propose that there is much to be thankful for.  At the time this column was written, drought spread to over 50% of the US, the US beef supply in 2022 was projected to reach 27 billion pounds, and corn grain prices were holding at over $7/bu.  Yet, fed cattle price reached past $150/cwt, 5-cwt calves are selling for over $200/cwt, yearlings are selling for $180/cwt, and the Choice-Select spread is close to $30/cwt.  The last time fed cattle prices reached past $150/cwt was in 2014; beef production was 24 million pounds.  In 2014, aggregated beef retail value was $5.97/lb with an inflation rate (year-over-year) of 0.8%.  So far in 2022, aggregated beef retail value is $7.64/lb with an inflation rate of 8.3%.  So, at a time of high inflation, greater beef supply, and higher beef prices, we are selling more beef and of greater quality.  

This is something to be thankful for. Uncertainty remains; it always will. On the consumer side, some might ask:  how long before the nation’s economic conditions lead to true tightening of the belt?  Others might ask: what is tightening of the belt?  Consumer expenditure in entertainment has climbed rapidly since 2020 and steadily since 2000 despite recessions in 2001, 2007 to 2009, and 2020.  To which some of us ask, where does the money come from?  If some of it is government distributions and beef is the object of attention along with Hollywood productions (or wherever entertainment originates), then tax dollars are simply being recycled.  Although appetite for beef may be supported unorthodoxly, it is still something to be grateful for:  the consumer has a choice of what to do with the dollars available to them regardless of how they secured them.  

What will tomorrow bring for beef demand? Who really knows, predictions are based on prior information and experience.  The response by today’s consumer of beef is nothing anyone could have predicted given prior information and experience.  

At the present time, what remains is to be thankful for having come through four tough years and one rough drought, which, locally, nearly caused serious disasters for humans and beasts.  Beef’s appeal to consumers is key to its success in the marketplace.  You, cattle feedyard owners and ranchers, achieved this through production of a high-quality, safe, wholesome, and enjoyable product.

Lastly, I hope your Thanksgiving menu might include a roast, steak, short ribs or even some ground beef product (stuffing).  Mine will.



Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance

Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance will be offering Beef Quality Assurance and Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Certifications. The dates and locations include:
Wednesday, January 4, 2023. 4:00 – 6:00pm, Riverside Headquarters, Beemer

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) will be presenting the latest on the BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT) programs and certifying/recertifying producers in BQA and BQAT. The BQA and BQAT programs educates beef producers and transporters on animal health best management practices, proper stockmanship, and proper animal welfare guidelines. “Beef cattle producers, who are committed to producing a quality, wholesome and safe beef and beef products for consumers, are encouraged to attend to stay up to date on BQA practices,” says Jesse Fulton, Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance.

“By becoming or staying BQA and BQAT certified you are an integral part of beef's positive story to consumers. A story that can increase their understanding - and confidence - in how you and your operation are raising and transporting an animal that is fit to enter the beef supply chain,” says Fulton.

Many commercial beef packing facilities require producers who sell fed cattle to them to be BQA certified and those who deliver cattle to their facilities to be BQAT certified. If you have questions on how this may affect you, call Nebraska BQA.

All producers are invited to attend. BQA and BQAT certification is valid for three years. If your last BQA or BQAT training occurred prior to 2021, your certification could soon be or already be expired. Beef producers are encouraged to attend in order to keep their BQA and BQAT certification current. The certification fee is $20/person or a flat fee of $100 for operations who bring 5+ people.

Attendees will need to register online at bqa.unl.edu or by calling the Panhandle Research and Extension Center at 308.632.1230. Those who call in their registration, will need to be prepared to give name, phone number, for all those registering. Additionally, an email address will need to be provided for certificates to be electronically issued.

For all other inquiries, contact Nebraska BQA via email at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or by phone at 308.633.0158.



Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Young Cattlemen’s Connections Class of 2023

Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to announce the Young Cattlemen’s Connections (YCC) Class of 2023. The selection committee chose ten emerging leaders for the prestigious two-year program to help these participants develop a solid foundation of industry knowledge and to strengthen the future of Nebraska’s beef industry.

Nebraska Cattlemen President-elect Steve Hanson stated, “There were many outstanding applicants who made our decision process difficult, and we are grateful for their participation. The YCC Class of 2023 is a talented group of individuals. I look forward to watching this group strengthen their industry knowledge and leadership skills as we set up the future of the beef community for success.”

Young Cattlemen’s Connections Class of 2023
Austin Aksamit, Denton
Connor Biehler, Lincoln
Catie Blessin, Kenesaw
Jon Caraway, Lexington
Rachel Eickman, Chester
Devin Jakub, Dwight
Tanner Justesen, Mitchell, South Dakota
Natalie Jones, Stapleton
Christina Lammers, Hartington
Morgan Rhea, Blair

During the two-year program, YCC members are provided with extensive communication training, given the opportunity to tour multiple Nebraska-based agriculture production facilities, and trained on how to navigate state agencies and legislative processes.

This program is made possible by the sponsorship of Farm Credit Services of America and the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.

To learn more about the Young Cattlemen’s Connections Program, please visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org.



Webinar - 2023 Nebraska Crop Budgets: Estimating Costs, Margins, Yield and Price Breakeven
Dec 1, 2022 12:00 PM
With Glennis McClure, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, UNL
Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska

Newly published 2023 Nebraska Crop Budgets will be presented, along with a discussion of their potential uses and how producers and farm managers can create enterprise budgets using the UNL budgets as a guide. We’ll view estimated cash and economic costs, potential margins, along with yield and price breakeven figures and additional enterprise budget uses.

With the 2023 enterprise budgets available to download in the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) program, any of the budgets can be modified to fit individual farm or field situations. We’ll highlight the analysis features built into the program, including a risk module where price and yield risk exposure scenarios can be calculated at various levels of crop insurance coverage.

Get more information and register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  

AMVC, Landus Share Progress on Hamlin Feed Mill Project

After announcing collaborative plans in March 2022 to build a new feed mill in Hamlin, Iowa, AMVC and Landus today announced that construction is underway at the Hamlin Feed Mill site.

Last week, the concrete structures, including a day bin, loadout area, and milling towers, were poured using a slipform process. The 145-foot mill took eight consecutive days to construct, rising approximately 20 feet each day, and a crew of 200 people worked 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day. The roof is expected to be poured throughout the winter. Once complete, the project will enter the next construction phase, adding milling and mixing equipment and warehouse space. The project first broke ground in August and is expected to be fully operational in the summer of 2024.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition as it will add long-term economic and agricultural value to Audubon County and surrounding areas,” said Dr. Steve Schmitz, veterinarian and managing partner of AMVC Management Services. “The Hamlin feed mill allows AMVC and our clients more control over ingredient sourcing, quality assurance, and biosecurity, and creates an additional market for area crop producers.”

The feed mill will produce up to 400,000 tons of swine feed per year, generating demand for roughly 8.5 million bushels of corn and 48,000 tons of soybean meal annually. Once the project is complete, the mill will create 22 additional jobs – eight full-time mill employees and 14 local truck drivers.

“This investment into our nutritional program will provide cost savings and performance benefits for area pigs and enables us to better serve local swine operations.” shared Dr. Trey Kellner, swine nutritionist and managing partner of AMVC Nutritional Services. “AMVC, Landus, and project partners, Empire Ag, KC Engineering, and Agriculture Solutions International, have been drafting and designing the mill for over a year. It is exciting to see those efforts become a reality.”

Through this partnership, AMVC will own and operate the feed mill. Landus will be responsible for originating grain through its network of local farmer-owners.

“Our collaboration with AMVC showcases what’s possible when partners work together with an optimized approach to serving our local communities,” said Matt Carstens, president and chief executive officer, Landus. “The Hamlin facility provides additional grain origination, marketing and storage opportunities for Landus farmer-owners in western Iowa, keeping 8.5 million bushels of grain local. And all this was brought to life through an improved feed model that better serves both partners. AMVC will experience better control of their long-term biosecurity and traceability needs while Landus can focus on sourcing quality grain from our farmer-owners. Landus continues to seek responsible and impactful investment opportunities into insights and infrastructure, giving our farmer-owners access to more value in the supply chains in which they participate.”



Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 5

Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 72 locations in Iowa. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

There is no fee for the workshop. Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins allowed. Applicators must register by Dec. 29, 2022, with the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found online https://www.extension.iastate.edu/immag/commercial-manure-applicators.

Commercial manure applicators needing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend. All currently certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2023. Those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the Department of Natural Resources prior to March 1, to avoid paying late fees. The law requires all commercial manure applicators to attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements. Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source are also required to meet certification requirements.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 5 need to schedule time with their ISU Extension and Outreach county office to watch the training videos. Due to scheduling conflicts, many extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these videos but do offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at your county extension office, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour video is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local Department of Natural Resources field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam. Another option for commercial manure applicators is to take their training online at DNR MAC eLearning site at https://elearning-dnr.iowa.gov/. The applicator will need to sign in and get an A&A account.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 5, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer six dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2023. Information regarding these workshops and locations is also contained in the link to the brochure listed above. Program requirements are the same as the regular commercial training program, but this training program is geared more toward dry/solid manure issues.

For more information about the commercial manure applicator certification program, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.



USDA Cold Storage Report - October 2022 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on October 31, 2022 were down 4 percent from the previous month but up 11 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month but up 8 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 5 percent from the previous month but up 16 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 10 percent from last month and up 246 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on October 31, 2022 were down 9 percent from the previous month but up 9 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 18 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 32 percent from last month and down 12 percent from October 31, 2021.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on October 31, 2022 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down slightly from October 31, 2021. Butter stocks were down 10 percent from last month and down 14 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on October 31, 2022 were up 12 percent from last month and up 15 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 5 percent from last month but down 3 percent from a year ago.



NCBA Welcomes Comment Extension for Packers and Stockyards Act Rulemaking
 
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a 45-day extension of the comment period for the proposed rule titled, “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the extension while urging USDA to proceed in a cautious, deliberative manner.

“While we appreciate the additional time to submit thorough comments, overall USDA should tap the brakes on this rulemaking effort,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “This is a significant undertaking rooted in decades of legislative, regulatory, and judicial history. Stakeholders must be afforded the opportunity to holistically evaluate the effects of both this rule and those which the Department has suggested are forthcoming.”

NCBA, along with other national livestock partners, requested an extension of the comment period last month in a letter to USDA. In addition, this coalition secured 100 bipartisan signatures on a congressional letter, led by Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA) and Steve Womack (R-AR), to USDA echoing this request.

The proposed Packers and Stockyards Act rule spans 180 pages, poses 44 specific questions, and covers over 14 years of regulatory history, making the initial 60-day comment period too short for stakeholders to provide meaningful feedback.



Ethanol, Petroleum and Ag Groups Express Support for Year-Round E15 Legislation

In a letter sent yesterday to U.S. Senate and House leadership, a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation that would resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. Specifically, the groups expressed support for legislation that would result in equal regulatory treatment for all gasoline blends containing 10 percent ethanol (E10) or more, including gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15). Such legislation would permanently remove the regulatory barrier that has historically made it extremely difficult for retailers to offer E15 in the summertime.

The letter, sent to Senate Leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, was signed by Growth Energy, the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Petroleum Institute, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Corn Growers Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, NATSO, representing truckstops and travel plazas, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers.

“Due to the current policy, it is extremely difficult for many fuel marketers and retailers that may desire to offer E15 to their customers in the summer months to source that product,” according to the letter. “Our groups have come together—for the first time ever—to support legislation that would resolve this issue once and for all.”

The groups are advocating for a simple legislative fix that would provide equal treatment nationwide to all gasoline blends containing 10 percent ethanol or more, while simultaneously superseding state regulatory action recently sought by a group of governors. “By ensuring uniformity across the nation’s fuel supply chain, federal legislation will provide more flexibility and result in more consistent outcomes than a state-by-state regulatory landscape,” the letter says.
 
“In the absence of such legislation, we could see gasoline marketplace uncertainty and political disputes over E15 that would continue to resurface every summer. Thus, we urge Congress to act quickly to adopt legislation that will bring certainty and consistency to the fuel market, while also finally resolving long-standing differences among many stakeholders about fuel volatility regulations.”



ACE: Latest Round of USDA Infrastructure Funding Closed, More Becoming Available to Expand Higher Ethanol Blends

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has closed its application period for the latest round of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which provides $100 million in grants to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of equipment for station owners to add or upgrade equipment and sell higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85. This round of funding is separate from the $500 million provided in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Chief Marketing Officer Ron Lamberty assisted fuel retailers throughout this latest application window and is providing feedback on new funds designated for this purpose under the IRA. Lamberty issued the following statement following the closure of the application period:

“ACE is happy to have assisted marketers who applied for grants for nearly a hundred new retail locations as well as some blending facilities, and we appreciate USDA HBIIP Program Manager Jeff Carpenter’s efforts to make the program more accessible to retailers, by reaching out to ACE and others early in the process and allowing us to provide our observations and input we received from our industry partners in previous rounds of the program.

“Over the summer and fall, ACE promoted USDA’s biofuel infrastructure program through our flexfuelforward.com website, advertising in c-store industry publications, and by connecting with retailers in person at trade shows and a workshop we hosted featuring Carpenter and some top fuel marketers. We also made it easier for retailers to find information online with a new portal on flexfuelforward.com to sign up for updates, and submit questions and concerns surrounding the program, and we updated the short, fuel marketer-focused videos featuring Jeff (Carpenter) and breaking down the daunting HBIIP application process in to smaller pieces we hope are easier to follow and complete.

“This program helps make lower carbon ethanol blends available in more locations to help meet greenhouse gas reduction goals, and ACE looks forward to providing input next week on how to improve future rounds of funding, including making funds more accessible to small marketers. As this HBIIP deadline approached, we heard from prospective high-blend retailers waiting to apply for upcoming IRA funds, citing 75 percent cost share versus HBIIP’s 50 percent. Marketers know 75 percent is only an option, but 50 percent max is a certainty this round. If HBIIP applications end up being down, it's an indication of increased interest in the next round, not decreased interest in this one.”

ACE continues to provide the Flex Check E15 equipment compatibility tool as a resource station owners can use to determine whether their existing fuel infrastructure can already store and sell E15 (and possibly higher blends) without needing new equipment or federal grants. This year the tool was accessed by thousands of retailers who entered information about their pumps, tanks, dispensers and other equipment, to find out if they could sell E15 using existing infrastructure. Many came directly from a link on EPA’s Emerging Fuels and Underground Storage Tanks page, which lists Flex Check as a “resource for determining equipment compatibility and meeting federal requirements for storing biofuels.”



NSP Applauds RMA Expansion of Coverage for Grain Sorghum

National Sorghum Producers commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) for creating enhanced coverage for irrigated grain sorghum producers. The new coverage will be effective November 30, 2022, for the upcoming 2023 crop year.

“This expanded coverage for irrigated sorghum producers is the culmination of a decade of work between NSP, Congress and RMA, and we thank the agency for continuing to work with our industry to improve coverage options for sorghum producers,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “Improved rates and yields for sorghum producers will offer a greater level of aid and new opportunity for the 2023 growing season.”

RMA said in its announcement it has developed a modification to the Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI) program to improve crop insurance options for irrigated grain sorghum producers in select counties in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. This modification was pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, a policy component NSP advocated to include, that required RMA to research and develop potential improvements to insurance for grain sorghum.

RMA said it will now allow irrigated grain sorghum producers to index grain sorghum indemnities to corn, which will be used as a “proxy” crop, and producer data shows when there is a loss for irrigated corn, there is a high correlation to a loss for irrigated grain sorghum.

“The existing rates for irrigated corn will be used for irrigated grain sorghum and 80 percent of the irrigated corn yield will be used to determine the guarantee,” RMA said. “There is no change to the grain sorghum price. This modification will be available for Area Yield and Revenue Protection, as well as Area Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion. If there is not an irrigated corn ARPI offer in a county, there will not be an irrigated grain sorghum offer.”



Genetics Drive Conversation for Profitability of Commercial Cattlemen

Cost of gain increases, black-hided cattle market saturation and tight supplies due to weather are all challenging the commercial cattlemen today. How do they stay profitable amidst the market? During the 2022 Angus Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah November 5, the AngusLinkSM team hosted the Capturing Value session. The session aimed to help commercial producers learn how to capture more value for their calves so they can continue to face challenges but remain profitable.

Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations for the American Angus Association®, moderated a panel including Terrill Ostrum, livestock broker; Jordan Willis, cow-calf producer; Joe Goggins, Angus breeder and auctioneer; and Jed Connealy, Angus breeder and cattle marketer. Each panelist actively engages with cow-calf producers, but also have a hand in other sectors of the industry.

Regardless of their positions, panelists talked optimistically about the future, especially when discussing ways to earn a premium or a few more dollars for their calves. There are plenty of programs and opportunities, said Ostrum.

Connealy agreed. "I think there is a pile of opportunity and the gap between good cattle and bad cattle gets wider all the time," he said.

For those focused on raising good cattle, panelists shared ways those producers could earn more money and stay profitable. For many of them, genetics were key. Goggins said the number one thing to consider is buying good bulls with genetic value.

"Those invested in the feeding industry, we know the people who buy good bulls. We know the people who have watched their Ps and Qs as far as not only carcass but performance and fertility and everything," said Goggins.

Connealy takes those superior genetics and quantifies them through AngusLink’s Genetic Merit Scorecard. Understanding exactly what kind of bulls those producers bought and how those cattle are geared, it’s easy to make a connection and know where cattle would fit best, said Connealy.

"We work pretty closely with customers, so I don’t know who else would be better versed to do that [match cattle to buyers] rather than the genetic guy in the equation," said Connealy.

Willis said commercial producers have opportunities to capture more value if they start thinking about marketing. He stressed that marketing is what sets themselves apart on sale day.

"I think as cow-calf producers, we must put our marketing caps on," said Willis. "We work our tails off every day doing the daily jobs, but when it comes to marketing, I think we fall short."

Cow-calf producers also need to find the right seedstock producer and build a relationship with them. Seedstock providers needs to know what works and what we need in our operation said Willis. Connealy adds that producers should get behind a program that already aligns with their goals to help build consistency in their operation. Ostrum said he purchases program cattle because of their consistency.

"The most predictable cattle I buy on an annual basis are cattle who have tied to a program year after year after year and are taking some advice and some counsel from the seedstock producer," said Ostrum.

Flipping the script, seedstock producers can communicate with their customers to build relationships and help them be successful. One step can be helping their customers interpret the important data needed for bull buyers to make better decisions based on their environment and situation, said Ostrum. For Goggins, he said people buy people they like, know and trust.

"We all work in the agricultural business, but we are also in the people business," said Goggins.

Through genetics and marketing programs, the panel shared several tactics and thought processes commercial cattlemen can use to grow their operation. At the end of the day, getting better might just mean doing something new.

"Let’s get out of that paradigm and dare to do something no matter what part of the world you’re in," said Ostrum. "Look at those different opportunities and dare to do something different."

Monday November 21 Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 20, 2022, there were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 48% very short, 39% short, 13% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 51% very short, 38% short, 11% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 20% very poor, 20% poor, 39% fair, 20% good, and 1% excellent.

Sorghum harvested was 98%, ahead of 94% last year and 92% average.

Livestock Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 42% very poor, 36% poor, 18% fair, 3% good, and 1% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS

Harvest neared completion with 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 20, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cold temperatures and snow limited additional fieldwork to applying soil amendments such as anhydrous, manure, and lime.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 38 percent short, 37 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop was virtually complete at 97 percent. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained 16 percent.

Livestock were mostly in good shape with calves weaned and cattle out feeding on stalks.



USDA Crop Progress Report: 4% of Corn Remains in Fields; Wheat Condition Holds Steady

The U.S. soybean harvest wrapped up last week and just 4% of the nation's corn crop remained in fields, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Harvest progress: 96% of corn was harvested as of Sunday, Nov. 20, up 3 percentage points from 93% the previous week. This year's harvest progress is now 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 94% and 6 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 90%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 87% of winter wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 85% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 86%.
-- Crop condition: 32% of the crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged from the previous week but 12 percentage points below last year's rating of 44% good to excellent. That is the lowest good-to-excellent rating for the crop for this time of year in over 20 years.

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Extension ag land management, leasing workshop scheduled statewide

Nebraska Extension and the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host a series of in-person land management workshops covering current cash rental rates and leasing considerations for 2023. They will be held at locations across the state during the winter months.  

The workshops will offer updated leasing information relevant to landlords and tenants, including tips for communication and negotiating. They will address topics like current cash rental rates, managing and adjusting farmland leases, landlord-tenant issues, pasture leasing, crop share leasing and other management considerations.  

The presentations will be led by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator specializing in farm and ranch transition and succession, and Jim Jansen, an extension agricultural economist. Both are with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability.  

Farm and Ranch Lease Considerations for 2023 Schedule
Dec. 5 in Ord: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the office of Nebraska Extension in Valley County, 801 S St. Register: 308-728-5071. Lunch included.

Dec. 12 in Albion: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Casey's Building on the Boone County Fairgrounds, W. South St. and Fairgrounds Road. Register: 402-395-2158.

Dec. 19 in Norfolk: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Madison County Extension Office, 1305 S. 13th St. Register: 402-370-4040. Lunch included.  

Dec. 20 in West Point: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave. Register: 402-372-6006.  

Dec. 21 in Saunders County: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, 1071 County Road G, near Mead. Register: 402-624-8030. Lunch included.

Jan. 4 in Holdrege: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ag Center on the Fairgrounds, 1308 Second St. Register: 308-995-4222.

Jan. 5 in Hastings: 9 a.m. to noon at the Adams County Extension Office, 2975 S. Baltimore Ave. Register: 402-462-3247.

Jan. 6 in O'Neill: 9 a.m. to noon at the Holt County Courthouse Annex, 128 N. 6th St. Register: 402-336-2760.

Jan. 9 in Beatrice: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the office of Nebraska Extension in Gage County, 1115 W. Scott St. Register: 402-223-1384. Lunch included.

Jan. 17 in Hartington: 1 to 4 p.m. at Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 405 Arens Drive. Register: 402-254-6821.  

Feb. 1 in Lincoln: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the office of Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 444 Cherrycreek Road. Register: 402-441-7180. Lunch included.

Feb. 20 in Lyons: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lyons Community Center, 335 N. Main St. Register: 402-374-2929.

The meetings are free to attend, but registration is required for each date. The schedule and registration information for each location are listed. More information is available at https://cap.unl.edu/succession.  



CORN STALK QUALITY AFTER WEATHERING
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Forage and Range Specialist

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.   One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While this fall has been relatively dry, there has and will continue to be areas that receive some rain or snow events.  Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.  Most easily noticed is how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes.  Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.  Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.  These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field or especially in the bale.  Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.  Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.  This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses.  What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.  Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.  Just supplement them accordingly.



USDA CONDUCTS END-OF-YEAR HOGS AND PIGS SURVEY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is contacting producers for the December Hogs and Pigs Survey. This end-of-year survey is the most comprehensive gathering of quarterly data on market hog and breeding stock inventories as well as pig crop and farrowing intentions in every state.

“According to the most recent Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report in September, there were 73.8 million hogs and pigs in the United States,” said Nicholas Streff, NASS Northern Plains Regional Director. “The December survey and resulting report will continue to provide important indicators for the industry of what changes are occurring – if any.”

NASS will mail the questionnaires to all producers selected for the survey in late November. To ensure all survey participants have an opportunity to respond, NASS interviewers will contact producers who do not respond by mail or online to conduct telephone and personal interviews.

The data gathered in this survey allow NASS to accurately measure and report conditions and trends in the U.S. pork industry over the course of the year. The information is used by all sectors of the industry, including producers themselves, to help make sound and timely business decisions.

NASS will publish the survey results in the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on December 23. All NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/. For more information, call the NASS Northern Plains Regional Office at (800) 582-6443.



Connie Lindstrom to Present Biofuels Benchmarking™ at Nebraska Ethanol Board’s December Meeting

The Nebraska Ethanol Board welcomes Connie Lindstrom, senior biofuels analyst at Christianson Benchmarking LLC., to present at its board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Lincoln. Lindstrom will present on trends in Nebraska ethanol plant performance. The company specializes in Biofuels Benchmarking™, which allows ethanol plants to access a vast database of anonymized industry data, insights, and reports.

“By observing trends, decision-makers can set priorities and improve processes,” Lindstrom said. “Benchmarking information is key to managing risks, identifying opportunities and prioritizing resource use.”  A growing set of opportunities are emerging for Nebraska ethanol plants and agricultural producers, ranging from process optimizations to plant expansions and development of innovative co-product streams.
 
The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet at 10 a.m. at Hyatt Place (600 Q Street) in meeting rooms I-III. The agenda includes:
    Presentation: Connie Lindstrom, senior biofuels analyst Christianson Benchmarking LLC
    Budget Report
    Fuel Retailer Update
    Nebraska Corn Board Update
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska Update
    Technical & Research Updates
    Marketing Programs
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports
    Election of Board Officers for 2023

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during October 2022 totaled 6.92 million, down from 8.28 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during October totaled 164 million eggs, down from 206 million in 2021. October egg production per 100 layers was 2,370 eggs, compared to 2,492 eggs in 2021.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during October 2022 was 1.07 billion eggs, up 5 percent from last month but down 17 percent from last year, 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 October 2022 was 41.0 million, up 2 percent from last month but down 17 percent from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for October were 2,604, up 3 percent from last month but down 1 percent from last October.

October Egg Production Down 4 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.13 billion during October 2022, down  4 percent from last year. Production included 7.83 billion table eggs, and  1.30 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.21 billion were broiler-type and 90.6 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during October 2022 totaled 374 million, down 4 percent from last year. October egg production per 100 layers was 2,439 eggs, up slightly from October 2021.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on November 1, 2022 totaled 375 million, down 4 percent from last year. The 375 million layers consisted of 309 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 62.6 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.52 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on November 1, 2022, averaged 78.7 eggs per 100 layers, up slightly from November 1, 2021.



October Milk Production in the United States up 1.2 Percent

Milk production in the United States during October totaled 18.9 billion pounds, up 1.2 percent from October 2021. Production per cow in the United States averaged 2,001 pounds for October, 17 pounds above October 2021. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.42 million head,
31,000 head more than October 2021, and 1,000 head more than September 2022.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during October 2022 totaled 496 million pounds, up 8 percent from the previous October according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during October, at 239,000 head, was 1,000 above last month and up 14,000 from October 2021. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,075 pounds, up 25 pounds from last October.



Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit set for December 15-16

Iowa cattle producers have an opportunity to weigh in on cattle industry topics of concern at the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting. This year’s event will be held Dec. 15 through 16 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in educational sessions, covering industry topics such as price risk management, international trade and Checkoff-funded production research. A full trade show and opportunities for networking will feature new products and solutions for producers in all sectors of the beef cattle industry.

Leadership Summit is also the culmination of our formal policy development process. Members are encouraged to participate in policy committee meetings, which provide the opportunity to review expiring resolutions and introduce new policy priorities for the Association. Decisions made by members in the policy committee meetings will be presented to the board for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Based on feedback we’ve received over the past year, we expect policy discussions to center on eminent domain and property rights, cattle market reform and the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.

The day will come to a close with dinner, awards and a keynote address by Amanda Radke. Radke is a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, S.D., who has dedicated her career to serving as a voice for the nation's farmers and ranchers. Radke regularly tackles industry issues as a columnist and speaker. She believes food security is national security, and her work is focused on keeping producers on the land and ensuring every citizen has access to safe, affordable and nutritious food in this country.

To register for the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit, visit iacattlemen.org. Registration is highly encouraged, and early bird rates will be offered through Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Hotel accommodations can be made online by following the link and entering the delegate code and password listed below. To receive the group rate, you will need to make reservations prior to Thursday, Dec. 1.



NGFA calls on Congress to prevent a rail shutdown

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) called upon Congress today to act to prevent a rail shutdown in December.

The Biden administration brokered an agreement between the National Railway Labor Conference, which represents railroads, and 12 rail labor unions on Sept. 15 that prevented a rail strike subject to final ratification by the unions. However, four unions have now voted against ratification. Congressional action will be necessary if they fail to reach an agreement before the “cooling-off” period ends, which is currently scheduled for Dec. 5 for one union and for Dec. 9 for the other three unions that voted to not ratify.

“A rail strike or lockout combined with existing challenges in the rail system and other modes of transportation, including trucking shortages and low water levels on the Mississippi River hindering barge shipments, would be catastrophic for the U.S. economy,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “The rail network has experienced significant service disruptions at different times throughout the past year. Any additional disruption of rail service would immediately impact the nation’s food and agriculture and broader supply chains. The risk in both domestic and international markets is real. Congress must take bipartisan action to prevent a strike or lockout from occurring.”

NGFA and 192 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group sent a letter to congressional leaders on Nov. 3 urging lawmakers to be prepared to prevent a shutdown of the rail system.



Cattle on Feed
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

The expectations before the November Cattle on Feed report were for fewer placements, more marketings, and fewer cattle on feed compared to a year ago. Several analysts expected placements to be down about five percent. The actual placements came in below the average expected as did the actual on-feed total. Feedlots in Colorado and Kansas have on-feed totals sharply lower than a year ago. Texas had a sharp decline in placements compared to last year, and those were uniformly lower across weight classes. Perhaps tight feed supplies are pressuring those feedlots. Idaho and Washington stood out slightly with increased placements compared to a year earlier. Overall, the report would be slightly supportive of nearby fed cattle prices as it indicates tighter supplies of market-ready cattle.

The on-feed situation is a continuation of a couple of longer-run patterns. In the October report the heifer mix in feedlots was reported at 39.7 percent of cattle on feed. This was an increase from a year earlier and from the prior quarter. It was also the highest heifer mix since 2001. The supply of feeder cattle outside of feedlots as of October 1 continued to decline. Note that the supply level outside feedlots was down 3.3 percent from a year earlier and the trade estimate for placements was down 3.6 percent - consistency of indicators is reassuring. At 28.6 million head, the supply outside feedlots is the tightest since 2014. There are fewer feeder cattle available, fewer being place, and a larger share of those have been heifers, which means continued tight fed cattle supplies going forward. Drought conditions are prevalent, especially in the western U.S. The dairy sector seems to have stabilized and is in a better position to compete for tight forage supplies compared to the beef (cow-calf) sector. The combination of these factors would generally be supportive of calf and feeder cattle prices for the remainder of 2022 and throughout 2023.

Heading into 2023, the Economic Research Service (ERS) and LMIC have price forecasts for fed cattle and feeder cattle that can be compared to recent futures prices. The ERS forecasts for fed cattle are $153, $154, and $155, respectively, for the first three quarters of 2023. The LMIC forecasts reflect a higher seasonal increase in the second quarter, with prices ranging from $147 to $158 across the three quarters. Recent live cattle futures prices for most of 2023 range from $155 to $160. Thus, fundamentals suggest some price pressure relative to the futures prices. This could be managed by using put options, establishing floor prices while leaving the upside open. Sharp rallies could be managed by stepping in futures sales. The ERS forecasts for feeder cattle are $177, $190, and $214, respectively, for the first three quarters of 2023. The LMIC forecasts reflect more uniformity, with prices ranging from $176 to $188. Feeder cattle futures prices show a similar uptrend expected as prices increase from $183 to $203 for much of 2023. The disparity may slightly favor using futures sales in nearby months, while favoring put option approaches for summer and fall months.



New Monounsaturated Soybean Oil Works Well in Pig Diets

Adding a fat source to the traditional corn-soy swine diet is common practice, but the type of fat can make a difference both for growing pigs and carcass quality. Polyunsaturated fats, the primary type in distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), can reduce fat quality and complicate processing of pork bellies and bacon.

High oleic soybeans, high in monounsaturated fats, create a stable oil valued by the food industry and nutritionists concerned with heart health. And according to new University of Illinois research supported by the United Soybean Board, high oleic soybean oil performs well as a DDGS substitute both for growing pigs and pork processing characteristics.

The research team fed growing pigs a standard corn-soybean meal finishing diet, plus DDGS or high oleic soybean oil (HOSO) as a fat source. They included DDGS at 25% and the HOSO at 2%, 4%, or 6% of the complete diet.

"When we fed the high oleic soybean oil, we saw reduced average daily feed intake, which makes some sense because as we include more energy in diets, pigs will usually consume less. The pigs were more efficient in converting that diet into pounds of gain," says Bailey Harsh, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Illinois and lead researcher on two new studies in the Journal of Animal Science.

In addition to growth performance, the first study focused on overall carcass characteristics.

"When we think about what is important to producers or to the standard commercial finisher, it's how those pigs perform and yield in terms of carcass weight and fat free lean. We wanted to make sure all of that was in one study so a producer could look at that and say, well, here's the impact on my bottom line," Harsh says.

The researchers found minimal differences in primal weights across the diets, but the overall trend showed greater fat thickness and reductions in fat-free lean as the HOSO percentage went up.

"As we added more fat to the diet, moving from 2% to 6%, the pigs grew more efficiently but were a little bit fatter and their carcass cutability dropped just a little bit, but not enough that we would be too concerned," Harsh says.

A second study focused solely on loin and belly quality, including palatability, from the same set of pigs. Drilling down allowed the researchers to evaluate whether the diets affected the highest-value primal cuts.

"Bacon quality, as well as belly quality, is relatively dependent on a pig's diet," Harsh says. "If pigs are consuming a standard DDGS-containing diet which has more polyunsaturated fatty acids, those pork bellies will also be more unsaturated. We usually think about unsaturated fats as being very soft or liquid at room temperature, so you can have problems with softness of the bellies that can make them hard to slice. The loin is another primary outcome, so we needed to make sure we didn't have any major impacts on the loin either."

Harsh says she saw very little impact on palatability, oxidation, or belly and loin quality in pigs fed HOSO compared with the DDGS diet. As expected, bellies from HOSO-fed pigs were thicker and firmer, with a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids compared with DDGS-fed pigs. And loin chops were just as tender, juicy, and flavorful in the HOSO-fed pigs as pigs fed the industry standard supplement.

Although the researchers evaluated three HOSO inclusion levels in the studies, they didn't specifically intend to make a recommendation for the swine feed industry. However, based on their results, Harsh says the 4% level looks promising.

"If we're talking about maximizing lean growth traits, the 2% is probably best because those pigs are a little bit less fat. But the 4% level probably is best for improving the thickness of bellies and making them a bit firmer, without compromising lean percentage to the same degree as the 6% level," she says. "Looking at all the traits together, the 4% HOSO inclusion seemed to be the sweet spot."

Although HOSO achieves good growth and meat quality characteristics, Harsh notes producers may pay a premium for the ingredient for now.

"Diet cost per pound of pig weight gain was actually a little more for HOSO than the DDGS diet. However, we really think most of that is a factor of availability," she says. "DDGS are plentiful, so cost is lower. HOSO currently makes up a small portion of the total market, so it is more expensive. But as high oleic soybean production increases, the price for HOSO will eventually go down."

The studies, "Effects of feeding high oleic soybean oil to growing finishing pigs on growth performance and carcass characteristics" [DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac071] and "Effects of feeding high oleic soybean oil to growing-finishing pigs on loin and belly quality" [DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac284] are published in the Journal of Animal Science. Authors for both papers are Katelyn Gaffield, Dustin Boler, Ryan Dilger, Anna Dilger, and Bailey Harsh. Funding was provided by the U.S. Soybean Board.

The Department of Animal Sciences is in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.



Ag Committee Delegation Traveling to Cuba This Week

Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) is leading a bipartisan House Agriculture Committee delegation of Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) and Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) to Cuba.

"As members of the House Agriculture Committee, we work every week in Washington to track the impact that U.S. agriculture and agricultural trade is having in nations around the globe. And as the United States is one of Cuba's largest suppliers of agricultural imports, we look forward to seeing the impact of U.S. products and the opportunity to survey local agricultural practices," said the delegation.

"We will be meeting with farmers and agricultural experts to help us understand the current state of agriculture and food supply in Cuba, as well as discuss where opportunities for mutual economic benefit may exist for American businesses and the Cuban people. We are eager to report our findings back to our colleagues and our committee upon our return."

The bipartisan delegation is expected to meet with Cuban farmers, agricultural business operators, and local officials to discuss the current state of agriculture in Cuba, the impact that U.S. commodities are having in Cuban markets and households, and related issues.



Wisconsin Singer Wins 10th Annual National Anthem Contest
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announces that Franki Moscato of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is the winner of the 10th annual National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®. Moscato will sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans during the Opening General Session as well as at the Friday night “Party Gras” concert.

“Farming has been part of my family’s history since before my ancestors arrived from Wales in 1857,” said Moscato. “It is an honor to be chosen to sing for an industry that means so much to me.”

Moscato first sang the National Anthem at the age of 11, has performed at Lambeau Field and competed on the television show “American Idol”. She was cast in two feature films and a human trafficking documentary series used in schools across the nation. Moscato is actively engaged in her community as a hospital volunteer, and she created the Franki Moscato Foundation to fight the growing teen suicide epidemic. She inspires kids to recognize bullying and suicide awareness through regular school assembly performances and keynote presentations.

“My goal is to inspire people of all ages to try their best, to take risks and to do things that they otherwise wouldn’t attempt,” said Moscato.

As the winner of the contest, Moscato will receive roundtrip airfare to New Orleans, hotel room for three nights, convention registration, a meet-and-greet hosted by Norbrook®, plus a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson. Online voting by the public determined the winner.

The annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle business. The 2023 convention is Feb. 1-3, and features education, entertainment and meetings of NCBA, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, CattleFax, National Cattlemen’s Foundation and American National CattleWomen. For best pricing, register before December 1 at  convention.ncba.org.



NFU Releases 2022 Farmer’s Share of Thanksgiving Food Dollar

Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) released the 2022 Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for several items typically served for the Thanksgiving holiday.  

"Corporate profits and consumer food costs continue to go up and up, but the share of the farmer’s share of the food dollar remains low,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Thanksgiving is a time of family and community, often centered around food, but thanks to price gouging by corporate monopolies in the food system, that meal is getting increasingly difficult to afford. NFU will continue to push back against harmful anti-competitive practices and for policies that bring fairness to farmers and consumers alike.”

Even though consumers are paying more for food this year, almost none of that increase is being passed on to America’s family farmers and ranchers. Multiple waves of mergers and acquisitions during the last several decades resulted in agriculture and food supply chains that are not only uncompetitive and fragile but also underpay farmers.

Included in the 2022 Thanksgiving Farmer’s Share numbers are:
·     Turkey: Retail Price - $1.99/pound, Farmer’s Share - $0.06/pound
·     Sweet Corn, 16oz frozen: Retail Price - $2.59, Farmer’s Share - $0.44
·     Stuffing, 12oz box: Retail Price - $3.59, Farmer’s Share - $0.13
·     Boneless Ham, 2lb: Retail Price - $12.98, Farmer’s Share - $1.00
·     Mashed Potatoes, 5lb bag: Retail Price - $5.99, Farmer’s Share - $1.30
·     Apple Pie Filling, 21oz can: Retail Price - $4.99, Farmer’s Share - $1.03
 
Farmer’s Share data is derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices". Retail prices based on Washington, D.C. based Safeway locations.



Happy Thanksgiving! There’s Plenty of Butter
NMPF

First, the bad news (for consumers): Heading into the holiday baking season, butter prices are, indeed at an all-time high. That’s for a few reasons. The biggest one is simple demand. Americans love butter, with the highest per capita consumption since the 1960s leading to the highest overall demand ever for the nation’s pre-eminent spread and ubiquitous baking ingredient. Overseas markets are also getting in on the act, with another record year for dairy trade possible in 2022.

Meanwhile, butter supplies haven’t, as of yet, been able to keep up with that demand enough to stabilize prices. That’s especially been the case in the past couple months, when retailers traditionally stock up in anticipation of the holidays. And of course, once you get past the actual cost of making butter itself and then add transportation, packaging, labor, and all the other the costs that are making everything else more expensive too, you have a recipe for record butter prices on the grocery shelf. And that’s making consumers (and media) notice.

But are higher prices the same thing as a “shortage”? We posit, not. Are store shelves empty? There’s always some one-off instances somewhere, but with those exceptions, no. Are crowds of consumers lining up for blocks outside local supermarkets to buy out rationed supplies, like early-COVID toilet paper? (Everyone stand six feet apart, please!) No again. And is anyone who wants to buy butter currently being deprived of anything other than $5 should they choose a four-pack, maybe a little extra if it’s extra-creamy European Style?!?? (And often less is you catch a good sale.)

That’s three strikes, and still, no one’s out of butter.

It’s easy to understand the concern: Butter is, after all, nature’s most perfect sandwich spread, the ingredient that makes a top-quality croissant worthy of a nasal-sounding French pronunciation. And even with all this, the underlying concern that’s fueled the “shortage” worries is itself showing signs of fading. Milk production is on the rise again, and with that, butter futures traded on commodities markets are declining. While some product prices rise and stay that way, butter goes up and down. Take a look at this chart -- a dozen years of butter-price history that includes both the value of butterfat to a farmer (blue line) and the cost at the grocery store (orange line). See how they move together – and see where the blue line’s expected to go in 2023.

“What goes up, must come down” applies to butter. Production chases prices, and eventually higher production pushes prices down. That’s not always so great for farmers, by the way – and one nice thing for them about current pricing is that it’s helping farmers smooth out a challenging few years and rebuild the balance sheets they need to thrive. So be patient if you’re feeling sticker shock, and in the meantime, feel good that you’re helping a farmer.

But above all, don’t feel like you’re at risk of a butterless Christmas. The food chain, and the law of supply and demand, are ensuring that doesn’t happen. The holidays would be less happy without butter, but it just ain’t gonna happen. So Happy Thanksgiving. And here’s to, um, butter days ahead.



NTF Celebrates 75-year Tradition of National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation

National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Ronnie Parker presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey named "Chocolate" to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. "Chocolate" and his alternate, "Chip," received a formal pardon from the holiday table and will now reside at the Talley Turkey Education Unit at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. This year's presentation marked an exciting milestone as NTF celebrated 75 years of this time-honored American tradition dating back to 1947.

"When I started my career in the turkey industry 44 years ago, I never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to present the National Thanksgiving Turkey at the White House," said NTF Chairman Ronnie Parker. "I want to thank President Biden for welcoming the National Turkey Federation and my family to the White House. Chocolate and Chip had a pretty remarkable day for two turkeys from North Carolina! While this event is a fun tradition that has spanned 75 years, it is also an important reminder of the importance of American turkey producers and agriculture in delivering food to the table. It's an honor to represent these hardworking men and women. Happy Thanksgiving!"
Additional Information

The 2022 National Thanksgiving Turkey and alternate were raised in Monroe, North Carolina, by NTF Chairman Ronnie Parker. Parker is a 44-year veteran of the turkey industry and serves as General Manager of Circle S Ranch. Parker was joined in presenting the National Thanksgiving Turkey by Lexie Starnes, a 4th generation member of the Starnes family involved in the operation of Circle S Ranch. While in Washington, D.C., Chocolate and Chip stayed at the historic Willard InterContinental. Following their visit to the White House, the turkeys will retire to NC State University where they will be under the experienced care of veterinarians, faculty and students within the Prestage Department of Poultry Science.

NTF's participation in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 with President Harry Truman. It has continued for 75 years across 14 successive administrations.

Friday November 18 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.60 million cattle on feed on November 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year. Placements during October totaled 590,000 head, down 6% from 2021. Fed cattle marketings for the month of October totaled 450,000 head, up 3% from last year. Other disappearance during October totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.


IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 620,000 head on November 1, 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service -- Cattle on Feed report. This was up 3 percent from October and up 2 percent from November 1, 2021. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 485,000 head on feed, up 4 percent from last month but down 7 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,105,000 head, up 4 percent from last month but down 2 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during October 2022 totaled 103,000 head, up 21 percent from September but down 10 percent from October 2021. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 67,000 head, up 52 percent from September but down 13 percent from October 2021. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 170,000 head, up 32 percent from September but down 11 percent from October 2021.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during October 2022 totaled 81,000 head, up 11 percent from September but down 21 percent from October 2021. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 45,000 head, down 21 percent from September but unchanged from October 2021. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 126,000 head, down 3 percent from September and down 15 percent from October 2021. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.7 million head on November 1, 2022. The inventory was 2 percent below November 1, 2021.

On Feed, by State (1,000 hd  -  % Nov 1 '21)
Colorado ......:               1,070           93             
Iowa .............:                 620          102            
Kansas ..........:               2,340           93           
Nebraska ......:               2,600          102             
Texas ............:               2,860          100          

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.11 million head, 6 percent  below 2021. Placements were the lowest for October since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 2.05 million head. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 545,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 465,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 450,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 378,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 190,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 80,000 head.

Placements         (1,000 hd  -  % Oct '21)
Colorado ......:             175            95       
Iowa .............:            103            90      
Kansas ..........:            420            97         
Nebraska ......:            590            94        
Texas ............:            440            86      

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.80 million head, 1 percent above 2021. Other disappearance totaled 54,000 head during October, 5 percent below 2021.

Marketings              (1,000 hd  -  % Oct '21)
Colorado ......:                  170           106          
Iowa .............:                  81            79             
Kansas ..........:                 430            97               
Nebraska ......:                  450           103           
Texas ............:                 390           104          



Farm and Ranch Transition and Estate Planning Workshop

Nebraska Extension has scheduled a workshop in Pender on estate and transition planning for farmers and ranchers. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the Pender Fire Hall, 314 Maple St.

It will be presented by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator for farm and ranch transition and succession, and Brandon Dirkschneider, a Certified Financial Planner and farm succession coordinator with Insurance Design Management in Omaha. They will offer tools and strategies to effectively plan, start and complete estate plans, offer background on common mistakes during the process and highlight essential considerations for creating and carrying out estate and succession plans.

“The common mistake is that most know that they need an estate plan, but never get around to putting a plan into a legal document,” Vyhnalek said. “Over several years, at the end of the workshop, the most common comment is that the participants wished that they had started learning the steps to start and complete a plan sooner.”

A light meal will be provided, courtesy of CharterWest Bank in Pender and Frontier Bank in Pender.

The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required by calling Nebraska Extension in Thurston County at 402-385-6041 by noon on Nov. 21.

More information about Nebraska Extension’s resources related to estate planning and succession planning for farmers and ranchers is available on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/succession.



Confronting Cropping Challenges Program to be Offered in November and December 2022

Producers in northeast Nebraska will have an opportunity to learn from cropping issues that impacted the area during the 2022 growing season.

The Confronting Cropping Challenges program will help producers make decisions for the 2023 growing season and they can renew their private pesticide applicator license. This is the sixth year for the Confronting Cropping Challenges program, and responses from previous years have been very positive.

This year, the program will be offered in five locations across northeast Nebraska in December. The program will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.

Dates
    Tuesday, Nov. 29 — Lyons Community Center, Lyons
    Tuesday, Dec. 6 — Community Center, Bloomfield
    Thursday, Dec. 8 — Valley County Ag Complex, Ord
    Tuesday, Dec. 13 — County Fair Grounds Commercial Building, Madison
    Wednesday, Dec. 14 — Butler County Event Center, David City

Program Topics
    Corn tar spot
    Drift management/boom sprayer calibration
    Drought (herbicide carryover, nutrient carryover, irrigation considerations)

In addition to cropping info, the topics will cover important areas for pesticide applicators such as IPM, reading a label, resistance management and minimizing environmental concerns.  

You can join us for just the first three informational sessions or if you need to renew your private pesticide applicator license in 2023, please attend the whole program. Even though this training is being offered in 2022, you will not lose a year of certification on your license.

Please note that this training will only offer recertification of private pesticide licenses — those needing initial training will need to attend one of the other training courses offered in early 2023.

The cost for the program is $10 if you are only attending the first three sessions. If you are being recertified for your private pesticide applicators license, the cost will be $60. The additional $50 is the same as you would pay to be recertified at a traditional private pesticide applicator training. 

Pre-registration online https://go.unl.edu/2022_ccc is appreciated but not required.

For more information, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.



ABC Overview and Whole Farm Features

Ag Budget Calculator Training
Date: Nov. 30, 2022 Time: 1:00 pm
Online (via Zoom)
Contact: Glennis McClure, gmcclure3@unl.edu

Part 1: Join us to learn more about –
-Using the ABC program to create and/or update crop budgets for your farms or fields (owned and/or rented ground)
-What’s included in the projected cost of production and anticipated return reports generated by ABC (cash and economic costs and returns)

Part 2: Combining your enterprise budgets and using the Whole Farm component of the ABC Program. What will this help me do?
-Figure an overall cost of production on similar crop enterprises
-Reconciling operation expenses to account for farm totals
-Allocate overhead expenses to enterprises
-Create a cash flow from your combined enterprise budgets
-More about ABC program features, including breakeven, crop comparison, and risk analysis, and how can use program features in decision making.

Plan for 1.5 hours to cover both parts of the virtual training program

https://cap.unl.edu/abc/training



Solar Electric for Farms, Homes, and Businesses

This workshop is from homeowners, farmers, and business owners who are interested in exploring solar PV systems. The workshop will review the function, feasibility, and economic return of solar electric systems for farms, homes, and businesses.  Each solar installation is unique, and individuals have their own reasons for exploring solar installations.  Included in these workshops will be information to help you decide if solar is right for you, such as how systems work, safety, the value of electricity, value of incentives, and how to evaluate quotes from installers. The workshop speaker will be Nebraska Extension Educator, F. John Hay, who has 10 years’ experience doing solar economic analysis and installed solar at his home in 2017.

These workshops are supported by Lincoln Electric Systems, Nebraska Public Power District, and Omaha Public Power District.  Workshops will be held in:
Lincoln (Dec 1st)
Tekamah (Dec 5th)
Auburn (Dec 6th)
Chadron (Dec 7th)
Ogallala (Dec 8th)
Concord (Dec 13th)
Central City (Dec 15th)

Select which location you will attend when registering.... https://web.cvent.com/event/68c2255b-2abe-4f09-ba97-7bf0b963ba71/summary.  



Farmers and Ranchers College Returns Dec. 8

The Farmers and Ranchers College will continue to provide high-quality programming to area producers and agribusiness professionals with 2022-23 programming. 

The Farmers and Ranchers College was formed in January 2000 with the purpose of providing high quality, dynamic, up-to-date educational workshops for area agricultural producers in south-central Nebraska through a collaborative effort between business, industry, and higher education leaders. Furthermore, the Farmers and Ranchers College will provide the tools necessary so that agricultural producers will be able to respond positively to these changes using a profitable decision-making process. 

Farmers and Ranchers College — Dec. 8
The 2022-23 Farmers and Ranchers College will be Thursday, Dec. 8. Registration will start at 12:45 p.m. and the program will start at 1 p.m. at the Opera House in Bruning, Nebraska. The program is titled, “Agriculture Today: New Era of Prosperity or Temporary Opportunity?” featuring Dr. David Kohl. Don’t miss out on this engaging session that applies the big picture variables to your business, family and personal life. 

ABC Workshop — Dec. 15
In collaboration with the Farmers and Ranchers College, the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability has scheduled a hands-on workshop for Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Geneva. This workshop is for ag producers, farm managers, bankers and anyone interested in learning more about utilizing the free online Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) for enterprise budgeting. The workshop will run from 1-3 p.m. at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds, 641 N Fifth St., Geneva, Nebraska.

Cow/Calf College — Jan. 19
In 2023, the Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar (Cow/Calf College) will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Clay Center. The program will feature eastern red cedar control, pasture leases, stocking rates/AUM and more. Details will follow as the date nears. 

Contributions and support of area businesses allow participants to attend at no cost; however, for programs with meals, it is requested that people RSVP at least a week in advance for an accurate meal count by calling Fillmore County Extension at (402) 759-3712.

The Farmers and Ranchers College committee consists of Fred Bruning of Bruning, Bryan Dohrman of Grafton, Sarah Miller of Carleton, Jennifer Engle of Fairmont, Jim Donovan of Geneva, Bryce Kassik of Geneva, Whitney Lovegrove of Geneva, Lindsay Waetcher-Mead of Blue Hill and Brandy VanDeWalle of Ohiowa.

Questions on the Farmers and Ranchers College can be directed to the Fillmore County Extension Office at (402) 759-3712. To participate and register, visit the website https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/fillmore/farmers-ranchers-college/.



Fighting Winter Blues

Nebraska Extension’s Women in Agriculture program will host “Fighting Winter Blues,” a virtual course offering strategies to work through symptoms of seasonal depression and anxiety, at 7:30 p.m. Central time on Nov. 30.

It will be facilitated by Ashley Machado, a mental health consultant who works primarily with agricultural professionals and their families.

“With the shorter days, colder weather, and gray skies, the lack of sunshine and outdoor time in the winter can leave some feeling down,” Machado said.

The course will discuss why the winter blues come around and how to work through them. It will offer actionable tools for participants to bring home over the winter months.

Machado is an advocate for rethinking the ways that we support mental health in the agriculture industry and specializes in breaking down big ideas and deep feelings into simple, actionable strategies. She applies 15 years of experience to helping individuals and organizations in agriculture to develop the tools they need to maintain good mental health and operate and live fully.

Machado holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and a master’s in social work with an emphasis in clinical mental health. She grew up in the dairy industry and now lives in California with her husband, a rancher and almond farmer.

The free workshop will be held via Zoom. Registration can be completed on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu.



Beef Quality Assurance and Transportation Certification Sessions Set in Southwest Iowa

Producers and haulers who need to renew or obtain their certification in Beef Quality Assurance or Beef Quality Assurance Transportation can preregister now for in-person trainings for both programs to be held in southwest Iowa.

Offered by the Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the sessions are set for Nov. 29 in Oakland and Dec. 6 in Clarinda. ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is organizing the sessions and said both are provided at no cost.

"BQA certification in necessary for anyone who markets fed cattle to major packers, and BQAT certification is necessary for custom haulers or producers delivering fed cattle to certain packing plants," Lundy-Woolfolk said. "For cattlemen who market fed cattle and deliver their own cattle to the packing plant, both BQA and BQAT certifications may be necessary, depending on the packer."

The Nov. 29 location is at the Oakland Community Center, 614 Drive, Van Zee Road. The BQA session will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. and the BQAT session from 2:30-4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to preregister by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach East Pottawattamie County office at 712-482-6449 or emailing ellundy@iastate.edu.

The Dec. 6 location is at the Wibholm Hall, 200 S. 6th St., Clarinda. The BQA session will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. and the BQAT session from 7:45-9:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to preregister by calling the ISU Extension and Outreach Page County office at 712-542-5171 or emailing xpage@iastate.edu. A free meal will be served at 7:30 p.m. thanks to sponsorship from Page County Cattlemen.

"At both locations, participants are welcome to attend either the regular BQA or BQA Transportation session, or both sessions, depending on their needs," Lundy-Woolfolk said. "For those unable to attend a training in person, BQA and BQAT are available online at www.bqa.org."



Amidst extreme drought and record high input costs, Iowa farmers report record corn and soybean yields in 2021

The 2022 Iowa Agricultural Statistics, a comprehensive overview by Iowa’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) office and released by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), found Iowa’s corn yield in 2021 averaged 205 bushels per acre, breaking the previous high of 203 in 2016.  Iowa’s soybean crop yielded an average of 63 bushels per acre, eclipsing the old record of 60, also set in 2016.

“Technology advancements in seed and precision agriculture have allowed farmers to increase yields, even during drought,” said Brent Johnson, IFBF President. “It also enables us to use less fertilizer which reduces inputs and water quality impacts. Iowa is a global leader in seed genetics research, and farmers continue to make big strides in both practice and management, which has helped us produce more food, fuel and fiber while using fewer resources and remaining focused on sustainability.”  

In addition to having a highly productive crop year in 2021, Iowa livestock farmers led the nation in commercial red meat production.  NASS data found that Iowa ranked first nationally in pigs raised and egg production, fourth for cattle and calves on feed and seventh for turkey production.  Iowa ranks first in corn production, and second for both soybeans and oats.  

“Iowa is home to nearly 85,000 farms with a tremendous amount of diversity among commodities raised, production practices and size,” said Johnson.  “A significant portion of Iowa farms are small scale, with 60% of Iowa farms having less than $99,999 in annual sales, and regardless of whether a farm operation is conventional or caters to a niche market, we continue to see new opportunities and productivity increase.”  

While Iowa ag production continues to rise, the analysis found that farmers are feeling the economic crunch amidst inflation and rising cost to grow a crop and raise livestock.  The NASS survey found that statewide land values set a record high average in 2021 of $9,751 per acre, contributing to rising cash rent rates.  Additionally, Iowa farmers faced a record year for farm production expenses in 2021, with per acre expenses up $1,000 from 2020.  The cost of production is expected to rise yet again for 2022, amidst rising input costs and a fertilizer crisis.  

“Perseverance and farming go hand-in-hand; from volatile markets to Mother Nature, there will always be challenges, but Iowa farmers continue to rise up to overcome obstacles and cement our status as some of the most productive farmers in the nation,” Johnson said.   

The $12 stats book can be ordered from the Marketing and Communications Division, Iowa Farm Bureau, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Checks should be made payable to the Iowa Farm Bureau.



Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered in February 2023

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators on six different dates and locations in February. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification, but anyone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State, and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed. Register for one of the workshops by calling the number listed with the selected site. All workshops begin at 1 p.m.
    Feb. 8, Hamilton County, Kamrar Lions Community Building, Kamrar. Call 515-832-9597.
    Feb. 9, Wright County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, Clarion. Call 515-532-3453.
    Feb. 10, Adair County, Greenfield City Hall, Greenfield. Call 641-743-8412.
    Feb. 14, Washington County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, Washington. Call 319-653-4811.
    Feb. 15, Buena Vista County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, AEA Office, Storm Lake. Call 712-732-5056.
    Feb. 16, Sioux County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, Orange City. Call 712-737-4230.

The workshops are free to attend and open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to meet manure applicator certification requirements.



Beef Advocacy Program Seeks New Applicants

The Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program is seeking applications for its next class of beef advocates. Trailblazers, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, takes advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths.

“Trailblazers develops the next generation of beef advocates through a highly engaging and interactive program,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy & spokesperson development at NCBA. “Our goal is to empower the beef community to share their stories, which ultimately helps safeguard the work of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country.”

Trailblazers is looking for new spokespeople to participate in a year-long hands-on program designed to train, equip and empower beef advocates. Selected candidates receive training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef related practices when talking to consumers.

Each year, 10 new Trailblazers are selected to create a tight-knit community that works together to find solutions to social and practical issues impacting the beef community. Throughout the year, Trailblazers receive advanced in-person and virtual training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media, and enhance public speaking skills. Upon completion of the program, Trailblazers serve as industry spokespeople and inform beef advocates at the local and state levels on advocacy, media and spokesperson best practices.

"The Trailblazers program increased my confidence to share the truth about beef in my own unique way while providing the resources, experiences and network to do so,” said Trailblazer Shaye Koester of North Dakota. “This professional, yet fun program is like no other."

Applications will be accepted through December 30 and selected participants will be notified mid-January. Applicants must be 21 years of age, have completed their Masters of Beef Advocacy certification, and provide at least two references with their online application. To apply, visit the website and for more information, contact Chandler Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef.org.



NMPF Calls on Lawmakers to Support Domestic Infant Formula Production

In a letter to lawmakers, the National Milk Producers Federation urged support for domestic infant formula production as the production shortfalls that stripped store shelves of necessary infant formula have eased. Given the improving situation, tariff waivers that could discourage the production of a safe, secure domestic infant formula supply should be allowed to expire at end of this year as scheduled, NMPF said in the letter to the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee.

“Given that the temporary production shortfall that gripped American families in need of formula earlier this year has abated, we urge Congress to ensure that the unique, unilateral tariff benefits granted to our trading partners under the Formula Act and the Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act end as scheduled at the close of this year,” said NMPF Chairman and CEO Jim Mulhern in the letter, dated Nov. 17. “We respectfully request your opposition to any effort to extend these preferential tariff benefits beyond the end of this year.”

A strong, diversely sourced domestic infant formula production industry ensures the highest quality, safest products while supporting rural jobs and domestic producers.  



Ethanol Is Making It More Affordable for Families to Get Together This Thanksgiving

After COVID disrupted holiday plans for millions of Americans in 2020 and 2021, families are looking forward to gathering for Thanksgiving and resuming their pre-pandemic traditions this year. AAA predicts that 54.6 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home for the holiday, approximately 90% of them by car. Given that retail gasoline prices hit a record $5 per gallon this summer and current gas prices are $0.30-0.40 per gallon above year-ago levels, travel costs remain a primary concern.

The good news is that ethanol is helping save consumers money this holiday season, as it has been doing all year. In fact, analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association suggests that the presence of ethanol in our nation’s gasoline is expected to save Thanksgiving travelers nearly $140 million on gasoline purchases over the long holiday weekend.

Based on the most recent monthly data, E10, a 10% ethanol blend that is prevalent at gas stations nationwide, is saving drivers $0.32 per gallon at the pump. [2] The discount has averaged $0.23 per gallon since January—on pace to reduce Americans’ spending on gasoline by $34 billion, or $240 per household, for the year as a whole.

The discount is even greater for E15, a 15% ethanol blend that is approved for more than 95% of the cars and trucks on the road today. According to E15prices.com, the national average retail price of E15 has been $0.35 per gallon less than E10 this year (the differential stood at $0.38 on November 16). If E15 were adopted nationwide, it would reduce household spending on gasoline by $47 billion this year, or almost $370 per household. And, as recently noted by EIA, E15 helped keep a lid on pump prices in the summer of 2022, as the market faced tight fuel supplies and record-high prices.

There are many things for which Americans can be thankful at this time of year—one of those is ethanol, which lowers prices at the pump and is better for the environment. The U.S. ethanol industry is proud to help make it more affordable for families to gather together for Thanksgiving this year.



NCBA and PLC Denounce ESA Listing of Lesser Prairie Chicken

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) announced their opposition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) final rule to list the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act.

“Over and over the science has proven that healthy, diverse rangelands – the exact kind of landscape maintained by livestock grazing – are where the lesser prairie chicken thrives. Cattle ranchers’ efforts to conserve these acres are absolutely critical to the survival of the species,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and Public Lands Council Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover. “We are deeply disappointed by the Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to impose redundant bureaucracy and punitive restrictions on the very same people that we have to thank for the lesser prairie chicken’s continued existence on the range.”

To make matters worse, the Service is also establishing a 4(d) rule for the Northern DPS that enables them to appoint private third parties – such as environmental activist groups – as the grazing authorities in the range of the LPC. FWS has stipulated that cattle producers in the Northern DPS range will only qualify for legal protection under the 4(d) rule if they are following a grazing management plan that has obtained arbitrary approval from a yet-to-be-named, FWS-approved third party. By contrast, other agricultural practices that are listed as key factors in the Service’s decision are granted far more flexibility.

Designing a third-party verification system to empower distant bureaucrats over land managers and ranchers with decades of experience, with parameters that blatantly prioritize political objectives over sound science, effectively ensures that the only use of the 4(d) rule will be to obstruct grazing activities.

The rule establishes two Distinct Population Segments (DPS) for the species: the Southern DPS that covers New Mexico and the southwest Texas panhandle, and the Northern DPS that covers southeastern Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and the northeast Texas panhandle. The Southern DPS will be listed as endangered and the Northern DPS will be listed as threatened. The final rule does not include any critical habitat designation. Cattle grazing provides immense benefit by conserving the very habitat the species needs to thrive. These birds favor diverse rangeland with a variety of plant species rather than uniform grasslands or cropland.

“To truly support lesser prairie chicken habitat, the Fish and Wildlife Service should make it easier for ranchers to graze, not harder,” said Glover.