Saunders County Soybean Growers to meet

The Saunders County Soybean Growers would like to invite you to their annual summer meeting to be held on Sunday July 12th at the Vet’s club in Wahoo.  Happy half hour will begin at 6 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm.  In addition to the meal, they will have county director elections as well as hear from a motivational speaker Andy Greenberg, director of marketing for the Omaha family owned James Skinner Baking Company speaking on “Motivating you mind for a better life”.  Call the Nebraska Soybean Office in Lincoln for more information at 402-441-3239 or Doug Bartek at 402-443-6510.  RSVP by Monday July 6th.

 

Crop Certification Deadline

Nebraska Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Dan Steinkruger reminds producers of the annual requirement of reporting all crops.  The acreage reporting deadline for Nebraska, all crops has been extended to August 14, 2009.   Exception: For Non‑insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) purposes, producers are required to file an acreage report by the extended acreage reporting date, but no later than 15 calendar days before the onset of harvest.

Filing an accurate and timely report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, prevented planted acreage and non-cropland acreage dedicated to haying or grazing, can prevent loss of benefits for a variety of Farm Service Agency programs.  All crops on the farm must be reported to receive benefits from the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program, ACRE, NAP, CRP, Permanent Disaster Programs, Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments.

“It is also very important that producers report crop losses, including those insured under Federal Crop Insurance (FCIC) and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) within 15 days of the date damage occurred or 15 days from the date damage is apparent,” Steinkruger said.  Losses and or damages to crops must be reported after each disaster occurrence and in a timely manner to insure continued eligibility for benefits.

Producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA county office to file the required FSA-578 certification report before the deadline date expires.



STATEMENT FROM THE NBB REGARDING THE EXTENSION OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON THE PROPOSED RFS-2 RULE

June 30th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a notice providing for a 60 day extension of the public comment period for the proposed RFS-2 rule that initially published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2009. Specifically, the public comment period has been extended from July 27th to September 25th, 2009.

"Everyone agrees with the need for a thorough public review of the EPA's proposed RFS-2 rule and a comment period of sufficient duration to accommodate public input.  There are clearly ways to improve the proposed rule.  With that said, it important to note that RFS-2 was supposed to be in place at the beginning of this year, and extension of the comment period could further delay the implementation of the program.  This will provide additional hardship to the U.S. biodiesel industry.

"RFS-2 by law requires the use of 500 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel in 2009.  Biodiesel is the only fuel available in the marketplace in commercial volumes able to meet this requirement.  Given the extension of the RFS-2 comment period, it is only appropriate that EPA take immediate steps to ensure that the 2009 volume goals provided for in statute are met.  Accordingly, the EPA should use its existing regulatory authority to ensure that Biomass-based Diesel volume requirements are met and issue a notice requiring obligated parties to use biodiesel in 2009 to meet its 2009 volume requirements.

"In addition, NBB will continue working with policymakers and the EPA through the rulemaking process to promote the use of sound science and to ensure that the U.S. biodiesel industry can play a constructive role in meeting the nation's energy security and climate change needs."



Soy Transportation Coalition publishes Semi Weight Analysis

The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) recently published, “Heavier Semis: A Good Idea?” – a study analyzing the likely results of expanding semi weight limits over the federal highway system.

The study compares and contrasts the potential impact of the current 80,000 lb, five axle semi configuration and an expanded 97,000 lb, six axle configuration on three areas: motorist safety, infrastructure integrity, and cost savings and efficiency gains for the soybean industry.  The goal of the study is to highlight whether expanding semi weight limits is a viable and common sense approach for enhancing transportation capacity and mitigating highway congestion.

Ed Ulch, a soybean producer from Solon, Iowa, and board member of STC argues, "The soybean industry and agriculture, in general, is heavily dependent upon our nation's highways and interstates to transport the products that ultimately find their way onto the dinner plate.  Unfortunately, this is a system that is severely congested and underfunded.  In commissioning this study, the Soy Transportation Coalition sought to explore not only an option for increasing needed capacity over our road system, but doing so in a way that is not to the detriment of motorist safety or wear and tear."

"What Americans produce, manufacture, purchase and consume requires a transportation system to deliver products in a cost effective, reliable manner," says Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition.  "By all estimates, our nation's highways and interstates are increasingly incapable of accommodating these demands - resulting in a further drag on our overall economy, including the agricultural sector.  Increasing semi weight limits offers the potential of relieving a degree of pressure on this overly congested system.  However, because it is a hotly contested, controversial issue, it was prudent for the soybean farmers to take an inventory of the available research and analysis on this subject as well as determine the potential cost savings and efficiency gains realized by the soybean industry.  We believe our report will add value to the overall debate."

The full STC study, “Heavier Semis: A Good Idea?” as well as an executive summary can be accessed at the STC’s Web site, www.soytransportation.org .



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for July 2009

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for July 2009. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for July 2009 is 0.500 percent, unchanged from June 2009. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during July 2009 is 1.500 percent, unchanged from June 2009.

The interest rate for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for July 2009 is 3.250 percent, up from 2.625 percent in June 2009. The interest rate for Sugar Storage Facility Loans for July 2009 is 4.500 percent, up from 4.000 in June 2009.

The maximum discount rate applicable for July 2009 for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program is 5 percent, unchanged from June 2009. This is based on the 3.250 percent prime rate plus 2 percent, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Past monthly releases announcing interest rates charged by CCC on commodity and marketing assistance loans disbursed for that particular month reflect the interest rate the U.S. Treasury charged CCC for that month. This was the interest rate specified by CCC since Jan. 1, 1982, but the process of establishing the interest rate was changed by a provision of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (the Act), enacted on April 4, 1996.

Section 163 of the Act requires that monthly interest rates applicable to commodity and marketing assistance loans are to be 100 basis points - or 1 percent - greater than the rate determined under the applicable interest rate formula in effect on Oct. 1, 1995. This formula resulted in a rate equivalent to the amount the U.S. Treasury charged CCC for borrowing, for the month.



May MILC payment $1.47/cwt

USDA announced yesterday that the May Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payment rate for May will be $1.47/cwt. That’s based on a Boston Class I price of $14.22/cwt and a feed adjustor rate of $7.87/cwt. Without the feed adjustor, the May MILC payment would have been $1.22/cwt.  Cornell University is projecting the June MILC will climb back to $1.81/cwt. It also projects July at $1.67, and doesn’t forecast Class I prices to climb above the trigger for MILC payments until February 2010.  



Reports: CNH & AGCO May Be Considering a Merger?

There are rumors in the farm equipment industry of a possible merger between CNH Global and AGCO. Citing a report from Reuters News Service, Farm Equipment Magazine reports that AGCO President Martin Richenhagen said 'if we could do a major deal in North America, we would be very interested in doing something like that.' The article surmised that he was referring to a get-together with CNH.  The report goes on to say that "any North American deal with (John) Deere would likely stumble with antitrust authorities, analysts say, but a deal with CNH, however, not only might squeak through but also make more sense, given Fiat's purchase earlier this month of automaker Chrysler, which makes CNH look more and more like the odd man out in a car-centric portfolio."

Farm Equipment Magazine says Deere would still own the North American market, but a combined AGCO-CNH would become the largest equipment manufacturer worldwide and would more than double Deere's sales overseas.  No official actions have been taken or announced by either of the companies.

Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting Succeeds by All Measures
 
The Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting held June 17-18 in West Point, Wisner and Beemer was successful by any measure, NC leaders said. Weather cooperated for all the outdoor activities that included golf, an industry tour and children’s activities. Strong sponsorship from area members and businesses and a large amount of volunteer help from area cattlemen’s groups allowed programs to remain on schedule despite crowds at all events and meetings. In addition, a cattlemen’s campaign to benefit the West Point Area Food Pantry collected two pickup loads of food and raised $4,230, which will be used for beef certificates at local grocery stores. West Point Area Food Pantry Directors Tim and Michelle Ulrich said that the drive will help keep the pantry going strong through the rest of the year.
 
      At Midyear, the NC Natural Resources and Environment Committee hosted speakers on four subjects: the on-going ground water monitoring project, the fate and transport of nutrients in soil near a LWCF, wind energy development challenges and opportunities in Nebraska and carbon capture & sequestration (CCS) in deep geologic formations.
 
      Two policies were revised at the meeting and the NC Board will consider them during an upcoming meeting.  The first one says NC is committed to ardent stewardship of all natural resources, specifically the land, water and air.  Also, concern over greenhouse gases is leading to probable legislation and regulation.  Also, nitrous oxide and methane are considered powerful greenhouse gases and are produced by many biological systems.  In response, NC will work with law makers and regulatory agencies to ensure agriculture is not a regulated sector. Also, NC supports policy that allows for the sale of offsets from the reduction or sequestration of greenhouse gases from current management practices and those from emerging technology as part of the solution to problems associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
 
      Regarding wind energy, the proposed revised policy states that Nebraska is rated as the fifth best state in the nation for wind energy potential, and yet is only ranked eighteenth in the nation for wind energy development.  One reason for this is that public power in Nebraska is unable to use the Federal Production Tax Credit available to private wind energy development companies.  Also, the private development of wind energy will add to the local tax base, provide jobs for rural areas and create an additional source of income for farmers and ranchers. In response, NC recommends Nebraska state agencies and public utilities create a plan for wind energy development including generation and transmission.  NC supports the Nebraska Energy Office to fully examine the potential of capturing “green energy” in the form of wind and exporting it out of state at premium prices. NC will work to shape Nebraska policy for wind energy that will benefit landowners and the electric rate payers of the state.
 
      The NC Education Committee hosted State Senator Greg Adams for his update on the recent legislative activities concerning education issues, specifically LB 545, the state aid bill. Chairman Homer Buell reviewed recent activities of NC’s UNL Task Force including the recent IANR support letter sent to the State’s Appropriations Committee during the State’s budgeting process.  Shelia Scheideler, Animal Science Interim Department Head, presented to the committee recent activities occurring in the Department and Alan Moeller, Assistant Vice Chancellor, IANR, reviewed the budget process and recently approved budget for the University and the Institute.  Finally, Rich Katt with the Nebraska Department of Education discussed agriculture education in Nebraska schools and reviewed a current project to revise the current agriculture curriculum taught in Nebraska schools.
 
      After presentations from guests, the Taxation Committee approved a directive for staff to seek a meeting with Senator Abbie Cornett to discuss potential legislation regarding state sales tax reform.  In a second directive, the committee requested that NC President Todd Schroeder establish a task force to determine if new NC taxation policy is needed to address potential state legislation prior to NC’s annual convention.
 
      Senator Abbie Cornett, Revenue Committee chair, reviewed key bills introduced this year and gave an overview of issues Nebraska faces in relation to tax generation and challenges facing the Legislature if tax reform is to be achieved. LB 385, introduced by Sen. Rich Pahls of Omaha, would basically do away with sales tax exemptions to generate revenue for the state. Sen. Cornett reported that Nebraska collects roughly $1 billion dollars of sales tax annually but exempts almost $2 billion dollars. Sen. Cornett shared that efforts are underway to possibly bring a bill next year.
 
      Gerry Oligmueller, budget administrator for Nebraska, gave an update of Nebraska’s portion of the Federal Stimulus package. For further details of the comprehensive package to Nebraska, go to www.Recovery.Nebraska.gov.
 
      The Brand and Property Rights Committee heard presentations on how some feeders in the inspection area see brand inspection fees as a burden and another on the importance of inspection trails in discovering ownership of cattle. After discussion, the committee approved a directive that states NC is supportive of the Nebraska Brand Committee’s work to recover and return to the owner, lost or stolen cattle. Also, the Nebraska Brand Committee is a cash funded agency and needs fees to remain viable. Also, it is perceived that some segments of the industry receive more benefit from inspection fees than others. In response, the NC Brand and Property Rights Committee directs staff to work towards the establishment of a task force made up of persons from the  industry, the Nebraska Brand Committee, a select number of Senators to the Unicameral and other industry partners.  This task force should make recommendations on the fees and assessments schedule of the Nebraska Brand Committee in time for the next committee meeting scheduled in December 2009.
 
      During the NC Research & Education Foundation Luncheon, 14 producers and businesses and two sponsors were recognized for donating a steer to the Retail Value Steer Challenge in each of its 10 years. This year’s RVSC included 70 donated steers and raised nearly $43,000. Top three winners in three categories received a total of $6,000 in prize money. Also during the luncheon, recipients of seven foundation scholarships were recognized.



IA, IL, NE Corn Boards Receive Update on Texas

A joint mission of the Nebraska Corn Board, Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Illinois Corn Marketing Board recently took select representatives to Texas to receive updates on the corn, livestock and ethanol industries.  While in Texas, the group met with the BNSF, Texas Grain and Feed Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Northern Plains Groundwater Conservation District and Texas Corn Growers Association along with various livestock producers to gain a perspective on issues of importance and corn and distillers grains usage in the area.  The discussions allowed the group to gain a better understanding of issues of water concerns, corn imports and possible exports and distillers grains usage across the various species.  Attending from the Nebraska Corn Board was farmer director Curt Friesen of Henderson and Kelly Brunkhorst, ag program manager.  



NCB Supports NDA Led Beef Industry Tour

In a continuing effort to promote Nebraska’s beef industry, the Nebraska Corn Board is supporting “The Big Sky Cattle Drive”, a tour led by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).  The four-day tour will take Nebraska cattle feeders and allied industry representatives to Montana, with stops and meetings along the way, to meet with their counterparts and develop relationships to promote their own and Nebraska’s cattle feeding industry.  Montana is a key exporter of feeder cattle to Nebraska’s many cattle feeding operations.  The tour dates are August 18 – 21; more information can be gathered by calling the NDA at 402.471.4876.



Iowa, Nebraska Producers Wrap Up Corn-Fed Beef Trade Mission in Korea

A delegation of corn and beef producers from Iowa and Nebraska wrapped up its Asian trade mission this weekend with a series of events in South Korea.  The group had several meetings with retailers, distributors, cold storage operators and packer representatives, and observed a retail beef sampling promotion at an E-Mart outlet in Bundang, a southern suburb of Seoul.

The group arrived in Korea June 25 after participating in similar events in Japan last week. The delegation included David Hamilton of Thedford, Neb., representing the Nebraska Beef Council; Mark Jagels of Davenport, Neb., and Alan Tiemann of Seward, Neb., representing the Nebraska Corn Board; Merle Unkrich of Winfield, Iowa, representing the Iowa Corn Promotion Board; and Kevin and Terri Carstensen of Odebolt, Iowa, representing the Iowa Beef Industry Council.

The delegation capped off its Korean itinerary at a large outdoor barbecue held by USMEF at E-Mart’s Wolgye outlet. The event offered great opportunities for face-to-face interaction with Korean consumers and a chance to personally promote the safety and quality of U.S. beef. The June 27 barbecue, along with a similar promotion held the following day, attracted more than 7,000 customers and produced a significant jump in the store’s sales of U.S. chilled chuck eye roll.

“This trade mission been a great opportunity for Nebraska and Iowa corn and beef producers to work together to capitalize on one of our best assets – the high-quality, grain-fed beef that we export from the United States,” Hamilton said.

The neighboring markets of Japan and Korea both hold great potential for U.S. beef exports, and at one time they were the No. 1 and No. 3 beef export markets respectively.  But today the group found many contrasts between the two countries in terms of the business climate for U.S. beef.

“From a consumer acceptance and demand standpoint, I think the atmosphere in Japan is quite favorable if we can just get our governments to work together and give us better access,” Hamilton said, referencing the 20-month cattle age limit on U.S. beef exported to Japan. “But we have a totally different set of challenges in Korea. Here we have an ample supply, but the greatest challenge I see in Korea is the lack of consumer acceptance. There are still many misperceptions among Korean consumers that U.S. beef is not safe.”

“Their impression is that we export different beef than we feed to our own families, which is obviously not the case,” he added. “USMEF has done a tremendous job of rebuilding our base of importers, distributors and retailers, but we just need to build on that and remain diligent in our efforts to educate Korean consumers.”

“There’s a world of difference between here and Japan, and we really have obstacles we need to overcome here in Korea,” Unkrich said. “At one promotion we attended, the beef sold as fast as they could put it in the counter – that was very impressive. But when we walked away, it really slowed down.”

Despite these formidable challenges, both producers feel it is important to remain committed to the Korean market and to the industry’s investment in rebuilding beef market share.

“I certainly support the promotional efforts of USMEF, because if we don’t promote our product here we won’t get anything out of this market,” Unkrich said. “It’s an absolute must, because there are 50 million people here in an area the size of Indiana. So we have a tremendous opportunity if we can just change consumer attitudes.”

“The three strategies that USMEF has – buyer loyalty, market expansion and issues management – I think they’re really right on target,” Hamilton said. “As USMEF members and contributors, I think we need to finance as much promotion as we possibly can in the foreign markets. We have the greatest potential to gain volume and value in exports in the Japan and Korea markets, and that’s the message we need to take back home.”

Unkrich also noted the increasing costs of other proteins in the region, and feels this could open new doors for U.S. beef.

“The price of seafood is getting a lot higher here, and I think beef has a chance to capture some of the market,” he said. “We have a golden opportunity over here.”   



NFB Disappointed in House's Climate Change Bill
Keith Olsen, Nebraska Farm Bureau President

Passage of 'The American Clean Energy and Security Act' is extremely disappointing for Nebraska agriculture. I would, however, like to thank our Members of Congress, Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry and Adrian Smith, for their votes against this harmful piece of legislation.  While the changes House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson made to the proposal were positive ones, the legislation continues to be very seriously flawed. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers will face increases in the cost of energy across the board. These increased input costs will greatly affect Nebraska's producers who depend upon irrigation in the production of everything from corn to alfalfa.  As this legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate, we hope that the needs of agriculture will be more fully addressed.



Panel Keeps Monsanto's Alfalfa on the Shelf

A federal appeals court upheld a 2-year-old ban on Monsanto Co.'s genetically modified alfalfa in a case a biotech food opponent calls a "turning point" in the regulation of such crops.  The ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week leaves Creve Coeur-based Monsanto with two options. It can appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court or hope for regulatory approval after the Agriculture Department completes a comprehensive environmental review.

"The ruling is disappointing, both to our company and the growers," said Garrett Kasper, a Monsanto spokesman.  However, Monsanto said a dissenting opinion by one of the three judges provides a "sound argument" if the case is appealed to the Supreme Court. Monsanto got regulatory approval for biotech alfalfa in 2005. A year later, two alfalfa-seed farms and a coalition of environmental groups sued the government, challenging the decision to approve the crop without requiring an environmental impact statement.

The groups cited concerns that conventional and organic alfalfa could be contaminated through cross-pollination, preventing crops from being sold. They also claimed biotech crops have led to overuse of herbicides and given rise to "super weeds" resistant to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.  A U.S. District Judge in San Francisco issued an injunction that banned the planting of biotech alfalfa after March 30, 2007. By then, more than 260,000 acres of the Roundup Ready alfalfa had been planted.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging the government's approval of Monsanto's Roundup Ready sugar beets is pending.

Roberts, Harkin Introduce Ag Mediation Bill

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts introduced legislation to continue critical agriculture mediation programs. He introduced the measure along with U.S. Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

"The mediation programs at the Department of Agriculture go a long way in helping our farmers and ranchers seek confidential advice and counsel to address loan problems and disputes before they grow to be too much for the producer too handle," Senator Roberts said.

The legislation will continue to authorize the Certified State Agriculture Mediation Program for five years.

Mediation provides a neutral, confidential forum to discuss complex issues and build strong working relationships with producers, their lenders and government agencies. The programs address issues in a confidential and non-adversarial setting outside the traditional legal process of foreclosure, bankruptcy, appeals and litigation. Thiry-five states now participate in the program.

Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

"State-level mediation programs have a strong record of helping agricultural producers and lenders fairly resolve what would otherwise be unmanageable debt problems without having to go through expensive, time-consuming and adversarial legal proceedings," said Harkin. "I am hopeful that we will extend this program so that our farmers and ranchers can continue to benefit from state mediation programs providing practical, manageable way to address their loan problems."



Using Fertigation for Efficient Nitrogen Application
Richard Ferguson, Extension Soils Specialist

With corn in much of Nebraska currently in the V8 to V12 growth stages and rapidly growing, crop water use and nitrogen (N) uptake are increasing rapidly as well. Many irrigated growers are starting to closely monitor crop water use and soil moisture conditions in order to anticipate when to begin irrigation.

Fertigation is an efficient method of supplying part of the N needed for the crop through the irrigation system, near the time of maximum nitrogen uptake. Figure 1 illustrates the typical pattern of N uptake by a corn crop. While this pattern and amounts of uptake will vary slightly with hybrid, the most rapid period of N uptake is between V8 and VT growth stages. During this time a steady supply of N is critical to insure optimum yield.

In most growing seasons and for most soils in Nebraska, there is adequate soil water and precipitation so that irrigation isn’t necessary until late June or early July, when much of the crop may be in the V14 to R1 growth stages. Thus, don’t rely on fertigation to provide all the crop’s nitrogen need — the growing crop will need significant N before irrigation is likely to begin. On average the crop might take up as much as 50% of its total N before irrigation starts (Figure 1).

Timing Fertigation
Nitrogen fertigation for corn generally should begin with the first irrigation and be complete by the R1 to R2 growth stages. Application rates of 20-30 lb N/acre per irrigation event are recommended. However, higher rates of up to 50 lb N/acre per irrigation are unlikely to cause crop damage because the fertilizer is diluted in water. Producers should insure that water is applied uniformly, without runoff, to insure even distribution of N. Generally, fertigation is not recommended for furrow irrigation because of the likelihood of uneven water application.

Urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution is the most common N source for fertigation, though ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) also can be used, particularly in sandy soils likely to benefit from sulfur (S) fertigation. Anhydrous ammonia is not recommended for fertigation in Nebraska, as there is potential for precipitates to form and plug nozzles when ammonia is injected into water with dissolved calcium and magnesium.

Disadvantages of Fertigation
While fertigation is efficient because N is applied just when the crop needs it, there are potential disadvantages as well.
    * Nitrogen solution fertilizers are generally more expensive per pound of N than anhydrous ammonia or urea.
    * The irrigation system must be set up with appropriate check valves, injection pumps, and fertilizer tanks.
    * The operator must be certified for chemigation.
    * Rainy weather can delay the need for irrigation, thus delaying N application during critical growth stages as well.

As-needed Fertigation
While most growers use fertigation to apply a pre-determined amount of N based on recommendations, fertigation does allow N application on an as-needed basis, depending on crop N status. A chlorophyll meter, aerial imagery, or crop canopy sensors can be used to assess crop N status in-season. For more information on these methods, see
    * Using a Chlorophyll Meter to Improve N Management (NebGuide G1632)
    * Site-Specific Nitrogen Management for Corn (Extension Circular EC163)



Controlling Summer Grasses In Alfalfa
Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist

Wet soils in alfalfa fields right after cutting will certainly do one thing: Help weedy grasses like foxtail grow. To manage these weeds in your hay:
    * Keep your alfalfa thick and thrifty so it will compete aggressively with invading foxtail. Thick initial stands and good soil fertility are needed.
    * Harvest alfalfa only after it begins to bloom or when new shoots appear at the base of the plants. Then alfalfa should regrow rapidly so foxtail doesn't get much time to become a problem. This method may be easier said than done and will sacrifice some forage quality since harvest occurs after bloom begins.
    * Apply herbicides. Roundup® works great for Roundup Ready® varieties. In regular alfalfa, Select Max® and Poast Plus® control annual grasses. These herbicides work well on seedling grasses that are less than 4 inches tall, and alfalfa tolerates both herbicides very well. Gramoxone Extra® is a more risky herbicide. Gramoxone burns back top growth of all green plant material. This will kill most annuals like foxtail, but it also can injure alfalfa regrowth that has already emerged. Only use Gramoxone immediately after harvest and before new regrowth shoots appear.

      None of these herbicides has any soil residual activity, so good plant coverage is necessary and you may need to repeat the spraying if new weeds emerge.  If weedy grasses are a problem in your hay, thick and vigorous alfalfa stands and some well-chosen herbicides can help you get it under control.



The Good and Bad of Too Much Sweet Clover
Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist

Many growers may be noticing an abundance of yellow sweet clover in their grasses or pastures this summer. This has its advantages and disadvantages.  Sweet clover is a legume that can provide more nitrogen to adjacent grasses than most other legumes. Following a heavy sweet clover year, the next year’s grasses may get a production boost.  Sweet clover also provides good quality grazing similar to alfalfa before plants bloom heavily. After blooming, plants get stemmy and woody, reducing both feed value and palatability. Even young plants are quite bitter. If other plants are available to graze, cattle eat only limited amounts of sweet clover. This greatly reduces bloat hazards, which are a risk when sweet clover is abundant.

Feeding Spoiled Sweet Clover Risky
The biggest risk of heavy sweet clover is in hay. Specifically, in moldy hay.  Spoiled sweet clover produces a chemical called dicoumarin that interferes with metabolism and synthesis of vitamin K. Without vitamin K, blood will not clot properly after an injury and blood can even seep out of otherwise healthy blood vessels. That’s why sweet clover poisoning also is called sweet clover bleeding disease.  Make sure hay containing sweet clover is extra dry before baling or storing to prevent mold. And remember: mold can develop on perfectly dry bales if they get wet, so outdoor storage is risky. If you must feed moldy sweet clover, alternate by feeding moldy hay for a week followed by alfalfa or other non-moldy forage for a week. This intermittent feeding is safer than mixing good and moldy hay.

Sound management will enable you to handle the bad with the good when sweet clover is abundant.



South Dakota, Nebraska grazing groups plan bus tour July 21-22
Visits highlight organic production and extended grazing practices

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition and the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition have joined forces to host a bus tour of progressive grazing operations around the Yankton, S.D., area on July 21-22, 2009.
The two organizations will meet at the Best Western hotel in Yankton at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, then head to the Pat Steffen ranch near Wynot, Neb. Steffen is an organic producer who raises Scottish Highlander cattle and conducts custom grazing. The afternoon will feature the organic grazing operations of Dave Fischer and Martin Kleinschmidt, both of Fordyce, Neb. Fischer has recently initiated an irrigated rotational grazing system, and has worked closely with Kleinschmidt, who produces low-line Angus cattle.
Tuesday evening dinner at the hotel will include entertainment from South Dakotan Micah James sharing his world renowned collection of Tonka trucks, followed by the Rancher Panel Discussion. Panelists will give a short presentation then take questions in a round table discussion, and include: Dan Rasmussen of Belvedere, S.D., who helps manage his family’s certified organic ranch and sells organic grassfed beef; Angela Jackson of Vermillion, S.D., a consultant who has worked with Hy-Vee to market organic beef; Tom Neuburger of Canistota, S.D., who produces, processes and markets organic meat; and Jim Carr of Atkinson, Neb., who has a successful history of using rotational grazing to eliminate noxious weeds and improve grass production.
Friday the tour will travel to Vertigre, Neb., to visit the ranch of Wayne Rasmussen, a cattle producer whose practices include converting row crops to grass under pivot, grazing corn, grass-finishing beef, and extending the traditional grazing season. The tour will conclude at 1:30 p.m. at Yankton.
The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition will charter a bus to Yankton starting in Kearney, Neb., leaving at 5 a.m. on June 21, with a stop in O’Neill, Neb. The South Dakota Grasslands Coalition will charter a bus from Miller, S.D., with stops in Mitchell, Kimball and Parkston, S.D. Registration is due July 10, and participants can register by downloading the form at www.nebraskagrazinglands.org or contacting Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Coordinator Marcy Hunter at 402.613.9144 or marcy@nebraskagrazinglands.org.



R-Calf asks Senate to reverse Animal Disease Center relocation

On January 12th, the Department of Homeland Security made a decision to uproot its Plum Island Animal Disease Center off the coast of New York's Long Island and move it to Manhattan, Kansas.    The decision hasn't been implemented yet, but work is being done to encourage the Senate to take steps to reverse this decision.  Bill Bullard, R-Calf USA says the decision was rushed during the 11th hour of the previous administration.  The decision to relocate the facility took place even before the public comment period closed.  When the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs considered President Obama's nomination for Under Secretary for the Science and Technology Directorate, Bullard says they have asked members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security to pose questions to the new Directorate nominee Dr. Tara O'Toole to encourage her to reconsider this decision.  Other locations being considered included Biloxi, Mississippi and San Antonio, Texas.  Even though those locations are not in the heart of cattle country , Bullard says those locations still present signifigant risks.  Bullard says they are placing most of the weight of the decision on the Department of Homeland Security, cause that agency would have the ability to reverse the decision without Congresses intervention.  If the agency refuses Bullard says they will seek legislative Congressional action to prevent funding of this proposal or to completely reverse the decision.  Rather that relocate this facility  Bullard says they are seeking to upgrade and rebuild the Plum Island Facility to make it even safer.  Bullard says R-Calf and the Kansas Cattlemen's Association have opposed moving the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility from the beginning.


 
June Farm Prices Received Index Advanced 5 Points  
 
The preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in June, at 135 percent, based on 1990-92=100, increased 5 points (3.8 percent) from May.  The Crop Index is up 12 points (8.0 percent) but the Livestock Index decreased 1 point (0.9 percent).  Producers received higher prices for tomatoes, soybeans, broilers, and cantaloups and lower prices for cattle, strawberries, milk, and hay.  In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a 3-year average mix of commodities producers sell.  Increased monthly marketings of wheat, grapes, hay, and cantaloups offset decreased marketings of tomatoes, oranges, strawberries, and sweet corn.
 
The preliminary All Farm Products Index is down 23 points (15 percent) from June 2008.  The Food Commodities Index, at 133, increased 7 points (5.6 percent) from last month but decreased 22 points (14 percent) from June 2008.

ALL CROPS:  The June index is 162, up 8.0 percent from May but 11 percent below June 2008.  Index increases for commercial vegetables, fruits & nuts, oil-bearing crops, and potatoes & dry beans more than offset the index decreases for feed grains & hay, food grains, and cotton.
 
Food Grains:  The June index, at 194, is 3.5 percent below the previous month and 24 percent below a year ago.  The June all wheat price, at $5.69 per bushel, is down 15 cents from May and $1.93 below June 2008.
 
Feed Grains & Hay:  The June index is 169, down 2.3 percent from last month and 27 percent below a year ago.  The corn price, at $3.93 per bushel, is down 4 cents from last month and $1.54 below June 2008.  The all hay price, at $123 per ton, is down $8.00 from May and $38.00 from last June.  Sorghum grain, at $6.08 per cwt, is 10 cents above May but $4.02 below June last year.
 
Cotton:  The June index, at 73, is down 5.2 percent from May and 31 percent below last year.  The June price, at 44.4 cents per pound, is down 2.0 cents from the previous month and 19.6 cents below last June.
 
Oil-Bearing Crops:  The June index, at 207, is up 8.4 percent from May but 12 percent lower than June 2008.  The soybean price, at $11.60 per bushel, increased 90 cents from May but is $1.50 below June 2008.
 
 LIVESTOCK & PRODUCTS:  The June index, at 112, is 0.9 percent below last month and down 18 percent from June 2008.  Compared with a year ago, prices are lower for milk, cattle, eggs, hogs, turkeys, and calves.  The price for broilers is up from last year.
 
Meat Animals:  The June index, at 107, is down 2.7 percent from last month and 13 percent lower than last year.  The June hog price, at $43.90 per cwt, is down 60 cents from May and $9.50 lower than a year ago.  The June beef cattle price of $80.80 per cwt is down $2.40 from last month and $11.10 lower than June 2008.
 
Dairy Products:  The June index, at 87, is down 2.2 percent from a month ago and 41 percent lower than June last year.  The June all milk price of $11.40 per cwt is down 20 cents from last month and down $7.90 from June 2008.  The fluid grade milk price is 20 cents lower but the manufacturing grade milk price is 10 cents higher than the previous month.
 
Prices Paid Index Up 1 Point
 The June Index of Prices Paid for Commodities and Services, Interest, Taxes, and Farm Wage Rates (PPITW) is 179 percent of the 1990-92 average.  The index is up 1 point (0.6 percent) from May but 8 points (4.3 percent) below June 2008.  Higher prices in June for diesel, complete feeds, gasoline, and LP gas more than offset lower prices for feeder pigs, feeder cattle, hay & forages, and mixed fertilizer.
 
 

Crops great, moisture great in Nebraska

Agricultural Summary:  For the week ending  June 28, 2009, warm temperatures and high humidity helped push crop development, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  Over three-fourths of the wheat was turning color and the first fields have been harvested in the Southeast and South Central Districts.  Farmers were focused on applying herbicides and baling hay.  Livestock producers were busy trying to keep animals from over heating due to the high temperatures combined with high humidity.  Significant losses were reported in several counties.    
 
Weather Summary:  Temperatures averaged 2 degrees above normal; however, temperatures in the Panhandle were below normal.  The highs ranged into triple digits to lows in the high 40’s.   Over a half inch of rain was recorded in all districts except for the East Central and Northeast Districts.   Both top soil and subsoil moisture conditions are the best they have been since 2000.  Topsoil moisture:  7 percent surplus, 88 percent adequate, 4 percent short, 1 percent very short.  Subsoil moisture:  5 percent surplus, 88 percent adequate, 6 percent short, 1 percent very short.  We have earned back some of our growing degree days.  Since April 15th, 958 have been acculmulated at Concord, 33 behind the average;  in West Point 1040 so far, 89 behind the average;  and in Mead 1123 GDDs, 45 behind the average.  

Field Crops Report:  Corn conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 13 fair, 56 good, and 26 excellent, well above last year’s 70 percent good or excellent rating.  Irrigated fields rated 81 percent good or excellent with dryland fields rated 83, both above year ago levels.   
 
Soybean conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 12 fair, 62 good, and 23 excellent, well above last year’s 69 percent good or excellent condition.   Soybeans blooming were  2 percent complete ahead of last year but behind the 8 average.
 
Wheat conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 6 poor, 19 fair,  54 good, and 19 excellent, well above last year’s 58 percent good or excellent condition.  Wheat turning color was  77 percent, ahead of last year’s 72 but six days behind the average of 87.  Wheat ripe was 13 percent, ahead of last year’s 3 but 6 days behind the average of 32.   The first fields were being harvested.   
 
Alfalfa conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 8 poor, 25 fair, 53 good, and 12 excellent, below last year’s 74 percent good or excellent condition.  First cutting was 92 percent complete, ahead of last year’s 88 but behind the average of 96.  Second cutting was 15 percent complete, well ahead of last year’s  4 but behind the 21 average.     
 
Oat conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 7 poor, 9 fair,  66 good, and 18 excellent, below last year’s 91 percent good or excellent condition.  Oats headed was 86 percent, near last year’s 83 but behind the 91 average. The first fields have been harvested for grain.
 
Sorghum conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 22 fair, 64 good, and 11 excellent, above last year’s 69 percent good or excellent condition.  Sorghum emerged was 96 percent, ahead of last year’s 92 but even with the average.
 
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:  Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 18 fair,  59 good, and 20 excellent, above last year’s 71 percent good or excellent condition.  



Nebraska Weather & Crops County Comments

BOONE
Warm & humid early in the week with nightly showers; Later in week cooler, drier and less humid.

BURT
Feedlot losses (500+ head) last Tuesday because of heat & humidity!

BUTLER
Storms have tracked through county with high winds resulting in green snap of corn, along with some small hail, which has damaged crops. Rainfall has been varied, as evidenced this past Thursday with pivots running in northern Butler County and water from recent rains still standing in some fields in southwest Butler County.

CASS
Second cutting of hay is a good crop, but weather conditions when putting it up were far less than ideal. Quite a bit got 1-2 inches of rain on it before baling.

CEDAR
North part of the county received from 2 to 3 inches of moisture this past week, while the south part of the county received about 1 inch of moisture. All crops and grass look great in the county.

DIXON
Rain continues to be on the horizon keeping producers scrambling for field time to apply chemicals and harvest hay. The overall condition of crops and livestock are good to excellent after a week of threatening storms and high temperatures.

DODGE
Crops are growing very well. Spraying is the main activities. There have been some livestock losses because of the heat. One producer lost 300 head in a neighboring county and one lost over 70 head in Dodge Co.

KNOX
Crops look great with recent rains and warm weather. Pastures are unusually green for this time of year.

NANCE
Extreme heat and humidity last week. Reports of livestock deaths (fat cattle) due to the heat.

THURSTON
Heat and high humidity and excellent growing conditions have caused rapid growth in all crops this past week. With only intermittent light showers, farmers were able to make rapid progress toward crop spraying and forage harvest this week. Livestock producers, especially cattlemen with cattle in feedlots, have needed to keep a close watch on their herds to prevent overheating of their animals.

WASHINGTON
Some livestock deaths were reported due to high temperatures and humidity this past week.



SUMMER SUN ENCOURAGES CROP DEVELOPMENT
 
The first week of summer brought warm weather across Iowa.  Corn and soybeans experienced good growing conditions with the exception of areas in the path of Tuesday’s thunderstorm which cut across Iowa.  Once again, hay harvest  efforts were  hindered  due  to  high  humidity  and  rains.    In  addition, rains prevented many fields from being sprayed again this week.  Some low-lying areas have standing water issues.  Also, high temperatures caused stress on animals in feedlots this week.
 
There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, compared to the five-year  average  of  5.0  days.    Topsoil  moisture  rated  3 percent  short, 77 percent  adequate,  and  20 percent  surplus  across  the  state.    Subsoil moisture rated 3 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus.
 
Field  Crops  Report: Nearly  all  of  Iowa’s  corn  acres  have  emerged.    Corn condition  was  rated  1 percent  very  poor,  3 percent  poor,  15 percent  fair, 56 percent  good,  and  25 percent  excellent.    The  corn  stand  was  rated  at 95 percent of normal with 100 percent considered normal.   The corn stand’s average  tallest  height  was  51  inches  with  an  overall  average  height  of 37 inches.   
 
Soybean planting advanced 1 percentage point  from  last week  to 99 percent complete.   Ninety-seven percent  of  the  State’s  soybean  crop  has  emerged.  Soybeans blooming in Iowa reached 4 percent, 2 days ahead of last year, but 3 days behind  the  five-year average. Soybean condition was  rated 1 percent very  poor,  3 percent  poor,  18 percent  fair,  59 percent  good,  and  19 percent excellent.
 
The oat  crop  reached 86 percent headed, 22 percentage points  ahead of  last year, but 2 percentage points below the five-year average.  Twelve percent of the oat crop  is now  turning color, 5 percentage points ahead of  last year but 9 percentage  points  behind  the  five-year  average.   Oat  condition was  rated 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.
 
The  first  cutting  of  alfalfa  was  76 percent  harvested,  behind  the  five-year average of 93 percent. Some farmers have begun their second alfalfa cutting as  it  is now 5 percent complete.   All hay condition was rated 3 percent very poor,  10 percent  poor,  26 percent  fair,  50 percent  good,  and  11 percent excellent.    
 
Livestock,  Pasture  and  Range  Report:    Pasture  and  range  condition  rated 1 percent  very  poor,  5 percent  poor,  20 percent  fair,  52 percent  good,  and 22 percent  excellent.    Stress  levels  on  cattle  increased  with  higher temperatures and humidity.         
 
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist
 
Hot and humid weather dominated Iowa for most of the past reporting week.  Tuesday  (23rd) was  the hottest and most humid day  in most areas.   Official temperatures topped out at 99 degrees at Glenwood.  The highest official heat index  was  113 degrees  at  Ames  but  unofficial  values  were  far  higher  on Tuesday.   Daytime highs were  in  the 90’s  statewide on Monday  (22nd)  and Tuesday (23rd).  Highs on Wednesday (24th) were in the low 80’s north to low 90’s southeast and on Thursday (25th) were  in  the mid 80’s northeast to  low 90’s south and west.  Highs on Friday (26th) were mostly in the 80’s.  A cold front brought welcome cooler and drier air over the weekend, but not before readings  again  climbed  into  the  low  to  mid  90’s  over  the  southeast  on Saturday (27th).  Highs on Sunday were in the 80’s statewide with overnight lows dipping  into  the 50’s and  low 60’s.   Sibley  reported  the state’s  lowest temperature  with  a  Monday  (29th)  morning  minimum  of  50 degrees.  Temperatures  for  the week  as  a whole  averaged  5.5 degrees  above  normal.  Monday (22nd) and Sunday (28th) were dry across Iowa.   Most of the week’s rain came on Tuesday when thunderstorms affected most of the state.  Severe weather,  mostly  in  the  form  of  high  winds,  was  reported  from  41  Iowa counties  on  Tuesday  afternoon  and  evening.    Hit  and  miss  thunderstorms were  the  rule  for  the  rest  of  the  week  with  only  a  few  localized  areas receiving  significant  rain.   Weekly  rain  totals  varied  from  only  0.03 inches near  Elkader  to  2.83 inches  north  of  New  Market  in  northwest  Taylor County.   The  statewide  average precipitation was 0.61 inches while normal for the week is 1.07 inches.  
 
National statistics on corn soybeans and winter wheat can be found here...  http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-06-29-2009.txt . 

U.S. Hog Inventory down 2 Percent
                                                                                
U.S. inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2009 was 66.1 million head.  This was down 2 percent from June 1, 2008 but up 1 percent from March 1, 2009.  
                                                                                
Breeding inventory, at 5.97 million head, was down 3 percent from last year and down slightly from the previous quarter.  Market hog inventory, at 60.1 million head, was down 2 percent from last year but up 1 percent from last quarter.
                                                                                
The March-May 2009 pig crop, at 28.5 million head, was down slightly from 2008 but up 2 percent from 2007.  Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.97 million head, down 3 percent from 2008 and down 2 percent from 2007.  The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 50 percent of the breeding herd.  The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 9.61 for the March-May 2009 period, compared to 9.38 last year.  Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 7.40 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 9.70 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.
                                                                                
U.S. hog producers intend to have 2.97 million sows farrow during the June-August 2009 quarter, down 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2008 and down 5 percent from 2007.  Intended farrowings for September-November 2009, at 2.96 million sows, are down 2 percent from 2008 and down 7 percent from 2007.
                                                                                
The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 46 percent of the total U.S. hog inventory, up from 41 percent last year.  More information, including state by state data, can be found here... http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/HogsPigs/HogsPigs-03-27-2009.txt .  



NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY DOWN 4 PERCENT
 
Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2009, was 3.25 million head, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.  This was down 4 percent from June 1, 2008 but up 3 percent from March 1, 2009.  Breeding hog inventory, at 390,000 head was up 3 percent from June 1, 2008 and up 1 percent from last quarter.  Market hog inventory, at 2.86 million head was down 5 percent from last year but up 3 percent from last quarter.   
 
The March-May 2009 Nebraska pig crop, at 1.83 million head, this was 3 percent above 2008.  Sows farrowing during the period totaled 185,000 head, unchanged from last year.   
 
Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 185,000 sows during the June-August 2009 quarter, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.  Intended farrowings for September-November 2009, are 185,000 sows, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period the previous year.   
 
IOWA:  On June 1, there were 19.6 million hogs and pigs on Iowa  farms.   The  June 1  inventory was up 200,000  from a year ago.  Breeding herd inventory was down 6 percent to 1.02 million head, but the market hog inventory was up 1 percent to 18.58 million head.  The March – May 2009 pig crop was 4.68 million head.   A total of 485,000 sows farrowed with an average litter size of 9.65 pigs per sow.  As of June 1, producers planned  to  farrow 480,000 head of sows and gilts in the June – August 2009 quarter. Farrowing intentions  for  the September  - November 2009 period were estimated at 480,000 as of June 1, 2009.  
 


U.S. Pork Industry Seeks Producer Input on New Direction Pork Checkoff Seeks Input from Pork Producers in Crafting New Strategic Plan

With a wide array of challenges facing pork producers today, the National Pork Board is seeking input from pork producers across the country for a new plan to shape the future of the U.S. pork industry.  The objective of the planning process is to find new solutions to the economic, social, and scientific challenges facing the pork industry.  To ensure the plan is focused on critical day-to-day needs of pork producers, a series of regional meetings is planned for July to get pork producer input from three distinct geographic areas of the country.

The meetings are open to all pork producers and to others with an interest in the future of the pork industry and the role of the Pork Checkoff. The meetings will be from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. on:
    * Thursday, July 23-Omaha, Nebraska (Holiday Inn Convention Center-3321 South 72nd St).
    * Friday, July 24-Indianapolis, Indiana (Indiana Pork Producers Office-5722 W. 74th Street).
And from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on:
    * Monday, July 27-Clinton, N.C. (Sampson Community College-1801 Sunset Avenue).

During 2010, the National Pork Board will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the national Pork Checkoff. The strategic planning process is motivated in part by a desire to look at the role of the Pork Checkoff with fresh eyes, just as the pioneering producers who created the Checkoff did 25 years ago, said National Pork Board Chief Executive Chris Novak.  The big questions, Novak said, are, "What are the industry's needs, concerns and priorities now, and what will they be five years from now and even 25 years from now? And what should the National Pork Board be doing to address these needs through the Pork Checkoff?"

At the regional meetings, producers will hear a brief overview of the National Pork Board, its role in the industry and its statutory obligations. There will be a progress report on the planning process to date. And then producers will have the opportunity to provide their own ideas and to discuss others' ideas. The best of those ideas will go to the task force of producer leaders who are working with the farmer-leaders of the National Pork Board to craft a new plan for the future. The board is expected to approve a new strategic plan by the end of 2009.

Producers unable to attend one of the regional meetings can still participate in several ways, Novak said. They can provide their ideas to their state office or to state leaders who will attend the meetings. They also will have the opportunity to participate in an online survey that will be available on Pork.org .  Lunch will be provided at the regional meetings. To assist with meal planning, anyone planning to attend one of the regional meetings is asked to call (toll-free) the Producer Service Center at the National Pork Board - 800-456-PORK before July 17, 2009. Customer service representatives will have details and directions to the meetings in each of the three cities.



Operation Main Street training in Lincoln

Pork Checkoff ‘s Operation Main Street is an intensive training program for producers to help spread the message about the pork industry. This program helps producers across the country upgrade the pork industry’s image starting at the vital local level.  Producers who participate in Operation Main Street gain public speaking experience, receive training on how to deliver a positive industry message to media and the public, and walk away ready for public presentations. Participants also receive updates on emerging issues facing the pork industry, and have the opportunity to connect with other producers.  Operation Main Street will be coming to Lincoln, Neb. on July 9 and 10, 2009, at Lincoln’s Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street. For further detail, contact the Nebraska Pork Producers at (888) 627-7675. Registration is limited.



May Red Meat Production Down From Last Year                   
                                                                                
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.92 billion pounds in May, down 7 percent from the 4.22 billion pounds produced in May 2008.
                                                                                
Beef production, at 2.18 billion pounds, was 8 percent below the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.85 million head, down 9 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was up 13 pounds from the previous year, at 1,264 pounds.
                                                                                
Veal production totaled 10.3 million pounds, 11 percent below May a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 65,100 head, down 8 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was down 7 pounds from last year, at 268 pounds.
                                                                                
Pork production totaled 1.72 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year.  Hog kill totaled 8.45 million head, down 7 percent from May 2008.  The average live weight was up 3 pounds from the previous year, at 271 pounds.
                                                                                
Lamb and mutton production, at 13.0 million pounds, was down 13 percent from May 2008.  Sheep slaughter totaled 184,700 head, 11 percent below last year.  The average live weight was 141 pounds, down 5 pounds from May a year ago.
                                                                                
January to May 2009 commercial red meat production was 20.1 billion pounds, down 4 percent from 2008.  Accumulated beef production was down 4 percent from last year, veal was down 1 percent, pork was down 4 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 7 percent.

State by state details available here...  http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/LiveSlau/LiveSlau-06-26-2009.txt



Watch Cattle for Heat Stress in Summer's Heat

With summer just starting and temperatures already hitting 100 degrees, cattle producers need to take steps to ward off heat stress in their herds, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef specialist said.

Late spring 80-degree days with abundant rain are always welcome, but the recent rapid rise in temperature and sustained moderate to high levels of relative humidity can be disastrous for cattle that have not had a chance to get adapted to such conditions, said Terry Mader, beef specialist at UNL's Haskell Agricultural Laboratory near Concord.

"Cattle, as well as other animals and humans, usually need two to four weeks to adapt to the changes in environmental conditions we observed last week," Mader said. "Sunny days with temperatures above the mid-80s can be stressful, particularly if there is no wind and humidity is above 50 percent."

Cattle can begin to experience some level of heat stress when the heat index approaches 80 degrees, with most cattle being severely stressed when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees. Heat indices in excess of 110 already have been found in some parts of Nebraska.

Also, when early morning temperatures are above 70 and/or the heat indices are in the mid-70s or above, chances are cattle did not adequately cool down at night, and feedlot managers should be prepared to provide as much relief to cattle as possible during the day.

Water is probably the best avenue to dissipate heat, Mader said.

"The cattle don't have to be thirsty, but as cattle drink and pass water through their body, it removes a lot of heat in the process," he said.

Cattle normally take in about 5 to 6 gallons of water per day. However, when temperatures rise, that amount can double or even triple.

"It's important to have plenty of available water," he said. "When there is competition for water, it creates problems because the dominant animals will occupy waterer space and not allow other animals access."

If cattle are crowding around the watering trough, add more waterer capacity or move a portion of the animals to pens that will allow the animal to have adequate access to water, Mader said.

In an emergency, cattle can be sprayed with water to cool them down. However, once producers do that, they need to repeat or continue spraying until the heat subsides.

Spraying cattle with water will allow the animal to rapidly dissipate heat through evaporative cooling processes but this may limit the animal's ability to adapt to the heat. If the pen surface is dry, then wetting the pen will also provide relief to confined animals. It is always beneficial to start the wetting or cooling process in the morning before the cattle getting to hot.

Producers also should have an emergency plan in case water supplies are low or cut off, Mader added.

In addition, producers should avoid handling cattle when it's hot and never after 10 a.m. Cattle body temperatures can rise an additional 0.5 to 3.5 degrees during handling.

Producers should feed cattle most of the day's feed several hours after the day's peak temperature in the late afternoon or evening. Avoid filling cattle up with feed late in the morning when added heat generated by digestion will peak around the hottest time of the day, he said.

Cattle yards also should be inspected so there aren't any structures that restrict airflow. Cutting down vegetation around pens and moving cattle away from windbreaks can all help. Building earth mounds in pens also can increase airflow by preventing cattle from bunching together. Other heat stress mitigation strategies include: provide shade, control biting flies and other parasites, keep very current on cattle marketings and be mindful of the effects of heat on personnel as well.

For more information about managing heat stress in feedlots, consult UNL Extension NebGuide G1409, Managing Feedlot Heat Stress, available from local UNL Extension offices or on the Web at http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1409.htm .



Correctionville Pasture Walk June 30

Register by today to learn more about managed intensive grazing, pasture rental rates, calf marketing, proper carcass disposal and ag credit for cow-calf operations on June 30.

These topics will be featured at a pasture walk on the Larry Knaack farm near Correctionville, Iowa, on June 30. The pasture walk will begin with a light supper at 6 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m.

Participants will see how Knaack rotationally grazes cow-calf and yearling stocker cattle through a 60-paddock system, consisting of 1-1/4 acres per paddock. His cattle primarily graze an alfalfa-brome grass mix, but he also has 20 acres of canary grass. He pumps water from a deep well to the paddocks through above ground, plastic tubing.

Other current issues featured during the pasture walk will include: how to determine pasture rental rates; developing a marketing plan that can adjust to changes in pasture carrying capacity; proper disposal of cattle carcasses; and the availability of ag credit for cow-calf producers.

The pasture walk is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa Beef Center, Woodbury County Soil and Water Conservation District, Woodbury County Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Credit Services of America, Woodbury County Cattlemen's Association and the Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council.

To register, participants are asked to please respond with a phone call to Beth Doran, ISU Extension beef field specialist, at (712) 737-4230.  Registration will be $5 per person, which includes the light meal.



NMPF Calls For Expansion of Dairy Price Support Program

The National Milk Producers Federation asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to boost its purchase prices for cheese and milk powder in order to bolster the current rock-bottom milk prices that are threatening the livelihoods of thousands of dairy farmers.

In a letter sent Friday to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, NMPF requested that the USDA raise the purchase price for cheese blocks from $1.13/lb. to $1.19; raise the purchase price for barrel cheese from $1.10 to $1.16/lb.; and raise the purchase price for nonfat dry milk powder from $0.80/lb. to $0.84. These price levels are identical to those suggested by NMPF to Congress as it wrote the farm bill in 2007 and 2008. Higher product prices will translate into higher farm-level prices, according to NMPF.

Under the Dairy Product Price Support Program, the USDA serves as a buyer of last resort to help clear commodity dairy markets during periods of exceptionally low farm-level prices. The current price levels were written into the 2008 Farm Bill, passed by Congress a year ago, but the USDA has the authority to increase those prices, according to NMPF. The letter to Vilsack asks the USDA to temporarily boost those purchase prices for a three-month period of July through September.

The letter also asked USDA to authorize DEIP bonuses for the new fiscal year that begins July 1st, which, if fully implemented, could help clear another 1.7 billion pounds of milk from the U.S. market. The letter also reiterated NMPF's intention to maximize the use of its Cooperatives Working Together self-help program, which is currently concluding its largest-ever reduction in surplus milk volume.



Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company Announces Strategic Alliance with Rain and Hail L.L.C.

Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company announced today that it has formed a strategic crop insurance business alliance with Rain and Hail L.L.C.  Under this new alliance, which is effective July 1, 2009 for the 2010 crop year, pending regulatory approval, the two organizations are poised to deliver a comprehensive combination of products and services designed to meet the changing needs of America's farmers.  

"The agricultural marketplace is dynamic, with changes occurring in regulations, technology, genetics and production capabilities, as well as the volumes required for producers to remain successful. These issues, coupled with the risk management needs of today's American farmer, create an opportunity for industry leaders to work together to ensure that farmers have access to the best tools and resources for protecting and enhancing their financial performance," said Bruce Trost, executive vice president of Farm Bureau Financial Services' property-casualty companies.
 
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company was established in 1939 to serve the needs of American agriculture and is the leading insurer of farms within its operating territory. To better serve its member clients, Farm Bureau Mutual has expanded its offering of crop insurance, growing this business by more than 360 percent in the last four years.  Premium has grown from $66 million in 2005 to $303 million in 2008. Farm Bureau Mutual has been rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best for more than 65 years.

Rain and Hail L.L.C. was formed in 1919 and is an industry leader in product development and innovation, and is known for delivering outstanding service and support to its broad network of policyholders and agents. In addition to being one of the top writers of crop insurance in the marketplace today, Rain and Hail is also recognized as a pioneer in the crop insurance industry. The company formed one of the nation's first risk management pools in 1919, and they also played a key role in establishing equitable adjusting and rating procedures for the industry.

Rain and Hail will operate as the exclusive Managing General Agency (MGA) for Farm Bureau Mutual, and it will be responsible for policy administration service, including loss adjustment, for crop insurance business written by Farm Bureau Mutual's captive and independent agents for the 2010 crop year. Rain and Hail will also manage Farm Bureau Mutual's independent agency operations. Policies will continue to be issued in the name of Western Agricultural Insurance Company or one of the insurance companies currently represented by Rain and Hail L.L.C.

Existing policies will not be impacted by the partnership, and customers will continue to work with their current agents. Policyholders will receive additional information from the companies soon.   

"This alignment with Rain and Hail is consistent with Farm Bureau Mutual's mission to serve the unique needs of crop producers with the most innovative and affordable crop insurance programs available," said Jim Hohmann, Chief Executive Officer of FBL Financial Group, Inc., the West Des Moines-based financial services holding company that manages Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company.  "We firmly believe this strategic alliance creates the right opportunity to capitalize upon the collective strength and vitality of our two organizations," he added.  "Together, we can deliver a comprehensive offering of essential and differentiated products that bring new value to the American farmer and impact the industry in a positive way."  



U.S. DDGS Demand in Canada on the Rise

Three hundred fifty cars containing approximately 31,500 metric tons of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were purchased on June 17 for the third quarter by Canada’s largest distiller’s grains importer, Rycom Trading Ltd. Lower moisture levels due to lower-than-normal precipitation in Western Saskatchewan and Eastern Alberta have resulted in poor crop conditions, causing an escalation in the price of Canadian barley, western Canada’s main source of feed.

“Farmers are concerned they may not get their crop in or the crop they do get will yield very little, which has caused them to lockup their bins and not sell,” said Ryan Slozka, senior trader at Rycom. “Poor weather has also caused inadequate pasture conditions. Western Canada is currently in its slowest feeding time for cattle and feedlots are near half capacity. As more and more heads are sent to the trough due to the lack of pasture, feedlot demand has the potential to continue to increase significantly.”

U.S. Grains Council Consultant in Canada Neil Campbell met with Slozka following a recent agricultural golf event where cattle farmers asked Slozka many questions on the relative value of DDGS compared to barley. He received positive feedback from those who currently utilize U.S. DDGS in their feed rations.

“Due to weather conditions, the price of barley in Lethbridge has shot up C$30 per ton to $195 per ton. U.S. DDGS is currently trading for C$216 per ton delivered, which is now 111 percent of the barley price compared to 130 percent previously,” said Campbell.

In 2008, Canada imported 772,000 tons of U.S. DDGS, up 453,000 tons from 2007, making Canada the second largest market for U.S. DDGS. Rycom also tendered 115 cars (approximately 10,000 tons) of U.S. DDGS per month for August and November.

“Western Canadian feeders rely heavily on U.S. DDGS and now possibly whole corn, which we are watching closely. We will wait and see if crop conditions improve here in western Canada, but as long as cattle feeders continue to see good results with feeding U.S. corn DDGS, we anticipate this upward trend in demand to continue,” said Slozka.