In the Field 2012

D2 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

AGRICULTURE 2012

Putting the ‘corn’ in

‘Cornhusker State’ From food to fuel, crop’s contribution to Neb.’s economy just keeps growing

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

By DIANE WETZEL dwetzel@nptelegraph.com

When Nebraska’s farmers head into the fields this spring to plant corn, they will be investing about $3 billion into the state’s economy.

As the centerpiece of the state’s agricultural economy, Nebraska’s farmers supply the state’s ethanol industry, generating jobs and additional revenue, and provide high quality feed for livestock in the form of corn and distiller’s grains, Please see CORN, Page D3

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Corn fun facts n An ear of corn averages 800 kernels in 16 rows; a pound of corn equals about 1,300 kernels. n Each year, a single farmer produces food and fiber for 129 people. n Bacon and eggs at breakfast, a glass of milk at lunch and a hamburger for dinner were all produced with U.S. corn. n 95 percent of all corn farms in American are family owned. n America’s farmers grow 20 percent more corn per acre than any other country.

CORN from Page D2

which are made by ethanol plants.

Since 2001, the 25,000 corn farmers in Nebraska have produced 1.4 billion bushels or more a year.

The ethanol industry uses a net 581 million bushels of corn each year to produce more than 2 billion gallons of ethanol and 6 million tons of the feed distillers grain.

As corn farmers continue to meet the demand for food and fuel, they are growing more corn on less land.

In 1978, the Corn Resources Act was established at the request of the state’s farmers. It was a simple idea; create a way to allow Nebraska corn farmers to implement a self-imposed assessment on their crop, with the proceeds invested in building markets. It’s known as the corn check off rate.

While the corn check off rate has remained the same at one-fourth of one cent for 23 years, Nebraska agriculture has seen amazing growth and profitability and more marketing opportunities.

“We need to work at expanding our market development,” said Tim Scheer, Corn Board member. “Carry over corn is at a record low right now. The more corn we produce the better, as long as we can find uses for it.”

Increasing the corn check off amount would help, he said. Legislation to raise the check off from one-fourth of a cent to one-half a cent per bushel is pending in the state legislature.

Check off funds are managed by the Nebraska Corn Board, a 9-member board made up of corn producers from across the state, and used to promote market development, research, promotion and education of the state’s corn industry. Eight of the members are appointed by the Governor and a ninth is elected by the board as an “at large” member.

While Nebraska ranks third in corn production and second in ethanol production in the country, the current corn check off rate ranks last when compared to other states. The rate has remained the same since 1988, but with half the purchasing power. Even if the increase were approved, the corn check off rate the state would still be tied for the lowest promotional assessment rate among corn producing states.

Agriculture is Nebraska’s strength but the state is falling behind in the ability to participate and lead the industry as other states that produce less corn are increasing their investments in national and international initiatives, the Corn Board argues.

While corn is the premier crop, its check off value lags behind other Nebraska commodities.

If the legislation passes, the additional funding would be used for research into food, biofuels and water research and into finding more efficiency in livestock production through feeding of distiller grains.

Some of the ways the Nebraska Corn Board will utilize the additional money from the increased corn check off are: Research: food, biofuels and water research are at the top of the list to create efficiencies and stay sustainable, along with discovery new value-added uses for the increasing corn crop.

Livestock production: finding increased efficiencies in livestock production through feeding of distiller grains, a feed product produced by ethanol plants. The program would also support the sustainability and growth of responsible livestock production in the state.

Consumer outreach: educating consumers on how farmers are growing more corn on less land with fewer resources.

Expanding markets: promoting and defending markets domestically and internationally for ethanol, livestock and other value added products in Nebraska.

Youth and leadership development: opportunities for the next generation of agriculture leaders through jobs and rural economic development.

AGRICULTURE 2012

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

D3

Don’t start with tired tires Make sure that your farm equipment tires have right air pressure for the job

By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent

It’s all about the air. Tires on tractors and farm equipment operate most efficiently when the air pressure is correct.

Daniel Silos of Nebraskaland Tires says that he frequently works with producers to determine proper inflation for tires. Many factors influence the necessary air pressure. In addition to information about the tire type and size, Silos makes considerations for the tire’s ply rating, the soil type, the type of farming application (disking, drilling, spraying, etc.) and the weight of the equipment being pulled.

Once all these details are pulled into the equation, the correct tire pressure and ballast requirement can be figured.

Ballast is weight that is added to tractors to achieve the correct weight ratio between the tractor and the equipment under operation. Ballast can be added by using tractor weights or by adding weight to the tires. Calcium chloride is often pumped into the tires to add weight that will improve traction and ground stability. Silos said another product used for adding weight to tractor tires is Rim Guard. It is a biodegradable product made from sugar beet juice. If it spills out onto the soil, there are fewer harmful effects to livestock that might ingest it.

It is important to check tires over before equipment is involved in heavy use. Silos recommends that producers check all tires for bubbles on the sidewall, and cracks, gouges or cuts. Tires on equipment that has been driven over cornstalks can have damage that is fairly noticeable, but some that is not.

“Some of the new hybrid cornstalks can chew up tires,” said Silos.

A heavy-duty tire sealant is often used to remedy this type of damage.

Brent Sinsel , manager of Hi Line Coop in Sutherland, notes that the in-

File photo

crease in no-till farming has meant an increase in wear and tear on tires.

The front or outside tires are usually involved in breaking the stubble down, so those often have more damage from corn, wheat, or cane stubble.

A close visual inspection of tires should be done to check for stubble damage.

Sinsel advised producers to watch for irregular wear on tires as this could indicate problems such as a bent rim. All the torque of the hub and wheel go through the rim, so rims need to be in good shape. Older tractor tires should be checked more frequently for damage on the rim. If it has become corroded, pitted or shows superficial cracks, then it is time to replace the rim. Tires that have had calcium chloride pumped into them are more prone to rim damage due to the corrosive nature of the product.

“Another easy thing to check is the valve core housing and valve core,” said Sinsel. “Make sure it is tight.”

A common indicator of a loose valve core is a continuing slow leak.

Running on tires that are low on air will have an impact on fuel efficiency.

As the air gets low, the tire starts to heat up.

“Air pressure keeps a tire cool,” said Sinsel. “The hotter a tire gets, the greater the chance that it can fail.”

That points right back to the need for correct air pressure. It is a common tendency to look on the tire to find the correct air pressure, but Sinsel advises to check for manufacturer recommendations. If there is an increased load, then the air pressure needs to be adjusted to bear that load.

A tire air gauge will give the best feedback when determining the level of air in the tires.

Tires on any type of farm equipment or pivot systems have a need for air to function. Correct air pressure not only improves the efficiency of the equipment and it’s fuel economy, it prolongs the life of the tire.

High-quality hay crucial after calving

energy content. Also determine the nutrient requirements of your cows. Then feed your cows a ration that will meet their requirements. But don’t overfeed, either. That is wasteful and expensive.

In summary, avoid underfeeding after calving; it can delay rebreeding and slow down calf growth. Use good quality forages to provide adequate nutrition. Your cows will milk well, rebreed on time, and produce healthy calves year after year.

By ROBERT TIGNER Chase County Extension Office

Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred. Remember the guidelines to make sure you do the job right.

Cows need good feed after calving. Each cow experiences much stress after calving because she is producing milk for her calf and she is preparing her reproductive system to rebreed. As a result, nutrient demands are high. Energy requirements increase about 30 percent and protein needs nearly double after calving. Underfeeding reduces the amount of milk she provides her calf, and it can delay or even prevent rebreeding. And if it gets cold, wet, or icy again, nutrient demands can skyrocket.

Winter grass, corn stalks, and other crop residues are low quality right now because these feeds are weathered and have been pretty

Dormant spray for alfalfa weeds File photo

well picked over. So it is critical that the hay or silage you feed will provide the extra nutrients your cows need.

Not just any hay or silage will do. Your cow needs 10 to 12 percent crude protein and 60 to 65 percent TDN in

her total diet. If she is grazing poor quality feeds, your forage and supplements must make up any deficiencies.

Make sure your forage has adequate nutrients; if you haven’t done so, get it tested now for protein and

In just a few weeks, warmer spring weather will green up your alfalfa.

Before that happens, though, maybe you should do a little weed control.

More in a moment.

Weeds like pennycress, downy brome, mustards,

Please see HAY, Page D4

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AGRICULTURE 2012

D4 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

HAY from Page D5

Successful establishment

cheatgrass, and shepherd’s purse are common in first cut alfalfa. They lower yields, reduce quality, lessen palatability, and slow hay drydown. If you walk over your fields during the next few weeks when snow is gone you should be able to see their small, green, overwintering growth.

Once alfalfa starts growing, you can’t control these weeds very well without hurting your alfalfa. However, if you treat your alfalfa as soon as possible during this winter’s next springlike weather, you can have cleaner, healthier alfalfa at first cutting.

Several herbicides can help control winter annual grasses and weeds in alfalfa. They include Sencor, Velpar, Sinbar, Pursuit, Raptor, and Karmex. Also Roundup and Gramoxone. They all control mustards and pennycress but Karmex and Pursuit do not control downy brome very well.

To be most successful, though, you must apply most of these herbicides before alfalfa shoots green-up this spring to avoid much injury to your alfalfa. During mild winter weather would be a great time. If you wait and alfalfa shoots are green when you spray, alfalfa growth your might be set back a couple weeks. If it does get late, use either Pursuit or Raptor because they tend to cause less injury to your alfalfa.

Timing is crucial when controlling winter annual weeds in alfalfa. Get ready now, in the next few weeks before alfalfa greens up, to take advantage of nice weather when you get it.

This is Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist at the University of Nebraska. Talk to you again soon.

Stand failure is expensive. It costs more money to reseed and lost production from today’s high value land adds up quickly. In a moment, let’s review important steps to be successful.

Before planting alfalfa, grass, or other forages this spring, make sure you take the steps needed to give you the best chance for a successful establishment.

What are these steps?

Well, they may vary a little bit from farm to farm and field to field, but most fields need the following actions.

Begin by making sure the field is suitable for whatever you intend to plant. Seeding alfalfa in an area that frequently gets flooded or has standing water is not likely to produce long-term success. Next, soil test and add recommended fertilizer and lime before planting.

Probably one of the most important steps is preparing a firm seedbed. Walk across the field before planting. You should sink no deeper than the soles of your shoes or boots. Or bounce a basketball on your seedbed. If the ball won’t bounce back up, your seedbed to too soft.

Firm it some more with a flat harrow, a roller, or maybe even irrigate.

One of the most common causes of poor forage stands is planting too deep. Most forage seeds are very small and should be planted no more than a quarter to half inch deep on heavy or fine textured soils or a half to one inch deep on sands or coarse textured soils.

Lastly, control weeds.

Tillage during seedbed preparation, burn-down herbicides before planting, pre-plant incorporatposted herbicides, emerge herbicides, and even mowing all are possible methods.

It’s tempting to take shortcuts with any one of these steps. For your best success, of chance though, follow them all to avoid costly failures.

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Safflowers: Great alternative crop

By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent

How can idle ground make money in a crop rotation? — By growing safflowers. At recent farm and ranch expos, Dreamland Industries has offered farmers this crop as an alternative that provides weed control, erosion control and more revenue.

“One of the great things about safflowers is that they actually quit using soil moisture after bloom,” said Ray Templeton, Dreamland Industries, a safflower production company.

In crop rotations with corn and wheat, there are periods when the ground will be idle. This ground is often prone to weed growth, which robs the soil of moisture. A common practice has been to disc fields to destroy the weeds, however this breaking up of the soil may actually cause greater loss of soil moisture. An alternative to discing fields is to spray with herbicides such as glysophate, which destroys all vegetation. The cost for a “burndown” generally runs about $10-13 per acre. Fields usually need to be treated at least twice through the summer and sometimes even more depending on the amount of summer precipitation.

“Research has shown that working summer fallow ground will actually lose more water than to grow safflowers,” said Templeton. “That’s where we see safflowers fitting into a crop rotation. “ Safflowers are becoming part of crop rotations for producers in Southwest, south central, and the Nebraska Panhandle. Templeton said that there is a long history of safflower production in western Nebraska because there used to be a seed-crushing mill in Kimball.

Dreamland Industries of Abilene, Texas has begun contracting for acres of safflower through out this region.

File photo

According to Templeton, the best place in a crop rotation for safflowers is between plantings of corn and wheat. They are planted in March and April or when soil temperature is at least 40 degrees. Even after emergence, safflowers are quite hardy and can withstand a temperature of 18 degrees in the rosette stage or 25 degrees after rosette.

“If you have a good soil moisture profile, you will make a crop,” said Templeton, “If you get 3-4 inches of rain, then you will get a really good crop.”

Templeton said that safflowers require relatively little moisture and thrive in hot conditions. They are pretty resistant to damage from pests or weather related hazards.

They are most vulnerable to disease during the bloom stage if there are prolonged periods of heavy dews or wet humid weather. A fungus, alternaria, which is characterized by leaf spots can greatly impact yields if not treated. Treatment with fungicides such as Headline or Quadris works effectively.

Templeton said that crops that fol-

low safflowers often benefit from the soil conditioning properties of safflowers. The 5-15’ taproot improves water percolation into the soil profile. In addition, the root is rather fibrous so water uptake is very thorough.

Dreamland Industries works with closely with producers who contract acres. Their representatives advise farmers from the preparation to plant and planting and throughout the growing season.

Crop specialists from Western Nebraska’s Panhandle Research Center, Dipak Santra and Drew Lyons, feel that including safflower in a crop rotation in a dryland situation would be a very risky venture.

According to Lyons, safflower is a deep rooted, high water using plant.

It is fairly similar to sunflowers, but can dry out the soil profile even more. May, June, and July are the primary rainfall months for this area, so the chance of receiving enough significant moisture to recharge the soil profile after a late August safflower harvest is typically low.

“Safflower can extract water from 6-7 feet deep in the soil,” said Santra.

“That will have an impact on future crops.”

If safflower is part of a dryland crop rotation, then Santra advises that it be included no more than every 5-6 years. It should always be followed by a year of fallow to be certain to recharge the soil moisture.

If grown in an irrigated situation, then the water risk is taken out. Safflowers do grow well in hot conditions with low humidity. Humid conditions will increase the risk of disease that will require treatment with fungicides.

In an effort to use resources as sustainably as possible, it is worth the time to compare the revenue gained from growing safflowers to the moisture loss impact for the soil and future crops.

Push for ag education continues Lawmaker hopes to give Nebraska kids a better understanding of their state’s largest industry LINCOLN (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker who proposed creating an Agriculture Literacy Task Force acknowledges passage of her bill is unlikely this

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session, but she now hopes the Legislature will support a new effort aimed at ensuring children gain a better understanding of the state’s largest industry.

Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids initially wanted to create a task force to study just how much kids learn about farms and agriculture in the classroom. But that measure was opposed by state education officials, who said they already had launched a similar effort, and probably won’t be approved as the Legislature moves toward adjournment next month.

Sullivan said she now is seeking support from the Legislature’s agriculture and education committees to study the issue this summer and hold public hearings.

“I don’t want it to be a mandate for the schools, but I think there are some ways to incorporate it that I hope would be brought

out in the public hearing” she said.

Sullivan said she’s heard about nonprofit groups formed to encourage economic literacy efforts in schools, and he’s like to try something similar.

“That’s the sort of thing that could be done with agriculture” she said.

Sullivan said she will introduce a resolution calling for the agriculture and education committees to put the issue on their summer schedules. Resolutions usually pass the Legislature easily, especially proposals such as Sullivan’s idea that don’t carry any cost.

Hilary Maricle, an agriculture instructor at Community Northeast College in Norfolk, said people know little about modern agriculture, even in a state like Nebraska that remains dependent on farming and livestock.

“People don’t ask ques-

tions about farming” Maricle said. “Why would they? Their tummies are full.”

Maricle, who also taught high school for five years in Albion and Spalding, said she supports Sullivan’s effort to ensure agriculture has a part in school curriculums.

Sullivan’s original plan would create a nine-member panel made up of the chairmen of the Legislature’s education and agricultural committees, the commissioner of education, the director of agriculture, two representatives of educational interests, two representatives of agricultural interests and one representative from a private agriculture literacy group.

Although the state Department of Education opposed the bill because officials said they were already studying the issue, Assistant Commissioner Brian Halstead told lawmakers the department agreed with the need for agricultural education.

Please see PUSH, Page D5

AGRICULTURE 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

D5

Survey says: Ag land values jump 31 percent Neb.’s 2011 increase in real estate values is largest jump in at least 34 years, according to UNL study World-Herald News Service

LINCOLN — Nebraska’s agricultural real estate values jumped 31 percent in the last year, the largest increase in the 34-year history of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s annual survey.

The 2012 UNL Nebraska Farm Real Estate Survey “confirms what most people close to agriculture already knew — agricultural land values across the state have shot upward in recent months,” said Bruce Johnson, the UNL agricultural economist who conducts the survey.

Preliminary survey results show the state’s all-land average value as of Feb. 1 to be at $2,410 per acre, 31 percent above the year-earlier level. The annual gain is a new record in both dollar amount and percentage.

Cropland especially showed significant value gains in every region of the state, with increases of 35 percent or more noted in several areas.

“Clearly, a booming cashgrain economy in 2011 translated into spirited bidding for cropland,” Johnson said. “And, at the same time that demand was robust, the amount of land for sale in any given local area was generally minimal.”

Johnson said survey reporters said the land-transfer market

PUSH from Page D4

The department plans to complete a report on possible changes to the social studies curriculum in October, he said.

Maricle said students in high school and even at the college level don’t understand the modern agriculture industry.

“Agriculture has embraced technology, but most people think farms are three chickens, a pig, and two cows” she said.

Maricle said studies have shown that one in three jobs in Nebraska is tied to agriculture, but that statistic is lost on many people whose families haven’t lived on farms for generations.

“We work to help our students to understand and share the story of agriculture” Maricle said. “We tell them to listen to the questions that people have and say, ‘You be the source.’

These students can help teach the general population every day.”

has been so thin that it’s difficult to get a good reading on it.

Grazing land classes showed more modest value gains for the year, but overall for the state still showed a 19 increase for non-tillable grazing land.

The tillable grazing land class, which is land considered to be potentially converted to cropland, recorded significantly higher values and larger higher percentage value gains in those areas of the state where no moratoriums preclude further irrigation expansion.

Reflecting the great resource diversity across the state, the per-acre values of land vary significantly.

For example, the average value of center pivot irrigated land (pivot not included in the value) ranges from about $2,600 per acre in the Northwest District to nearly $8,000 per acre in the East District, with the highest quality irrigated land exceeding $10,000 per acre.

Dryland cropland values show an even greater spread of more than seven-fold from west to east.

UNL survey reporters also reported higher cash rental rates for 2012 for all the land classes.

But the percentage advances of cash rents over the previous year were considerably below the land value advances. For cropland, the cash rent advances

usually fell in the 10 percent to 20 percent range.

Johnson said it’s reasonable to ask whether the gains of last year are sustainable.

“If one assumes that farm incomes will remain at 2011 earnings levels or higher, then one

may answer with a guarded yes,” he wrote.

“However, more likely is an immediate future that is economically volatile for production agriculture, triggered by weather patterns, the strength of the dollar, interest rates, in-

ternational financial fallouts, and political unrest both here and abroad. That said, there is no question that some retreat of these value advances could easily happen in the next few years,” Johnson added, calling that a “reality reset.”

Back to normal — or less — this water year March, April mountain snow key to supplies in Platte Basin

By LORI POTTER World-Herald News Service

HOLDREGE — After two record-setting water supply years in the Platte Basin, reservoir managers are planning for what could be a below-normal 2012.

It all depends on how much it snows in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and southern Wyoming in the next two months and then how fast the snow melts, Central Public Power and Irrigation District civil engineer Cory Steinke said Tuesday.

At Central District Water Users’ annual meeting, he said some snowpack progress has been made in the upper part of the North Platte Basin from which most of the Nebraska’s water comes. Steinke said averages were around 70 percent of normal a month ago and stood at 83 percent Tuesday.

About 25 percent of

CNPPID’s water comes from the lower part of the North Platte Basin, which is at 128 percent of the average snowpack. The South Platte Basin in Colorado is in the “high 80s.”

“As a total, we’re not average],” [at there Steinke said.

The two largest federal Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs in the North Platte Basin in Wyoming, Seminoe and Pathfinder, each has 200,000 acre-feet of space to fill this spring.

Steinke said most water releases from those reservoirs are made in June. For now, bureau officials aren’t expecting to reach flood stage or have

a spill of excess water this year.

They do plan to make full water deliveries to irrigation districts in the Nebraska Panhandle and eastern Wyoming, which helps Central. Most of Lake McConaughy’s inflows are return flows to the North Platte River from those upstream irrigation projects.

A normal water year or something less in 2012 would follow two recordsetting years.

In 2010, a combination of late heavy snows in the mountains and spring rain downstream had refilled drought-depleted reservoirs faster than anyone could have anticipated. Lake McConaughy saw about 1.6 million a-f of inflows.

Steinke said inflows to-

Lake McConaughy today Elevation: 3254.9 feet Volume: 1,451,600 acre-feet Percent of full: 83.3, compared to 83 a year ago Inflows: 1,010 cubic feet per second, compared to 1,648 cfs a year ago taled 2.6 million a-f in 2011. Some came in at 9,000 cubic feet per second at times when 2,000 cfs is the norm. A slow late springearly summer snowmelt allowed water managers to avoid major flooding in the basin.

Steinke said those two wet years compare to perhaps five similar ones in the history of Lake McConaughy. They followed

six consecutive dry years earlier in the decade that each would have been a record low for inflows.

For now, he’s projecting 2012 inflows of less than 900,000 a-f, which would compare with the average about 930,000 a-f. of “That’s unless something changes pretty fast upstream,” he added.

Please see WATER, Page D6

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AGRICULTURE 2012

D6 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

More rehab work ahead for Dawson Co. canals

By LORI POTTER World-Herald News Service

GRAND ISLAND — A bid of nearly $300,000 from Ho Chunk Builders of South Sioux City has been accepted by the Executive Committee of the Central Platte Natural Resources District Board of Directors for rehabilitation work on Thirty Mile Canal in Dawson County.

The bid of $299,067 was about $14,700 less than the only other

bid received, said CPNRD General Manager Ron Bishop.

Trees will be cleared along three to four miles of the canal over the next month as the first phase of an estimated $3 million worth of rehabilitation work.

The irrigation project was constructed in 1927 and runs about 36 miles on the south side of the Platte River from near Jeffrey Lake east to the Interstate 80 exit at Darr. It has 52 structures, including bridges,

siphons and culverts, that will be repaired or replaced in the later phases.

Under an agreement approved in January, CPNRD is paying about $2 million for half interest in the irrigation district and its water rights, in addition to the rehabilitation work costs.

Central Platte also has management-lease agreements with the Southside Irrigation Co., also known as the Orchard-Alfalfa canal, and with the Cozad

Ditch Co. on the north side of the river, which dates to 1894.

Ho Chunk Builders is working under a $551,801 contract awarded in December to clear trees and reshape canals on the lower end of the Cozad Ditch Co. system. That project, set for completion by April 10, is the first phase of a $7.7 million rehabilitation project.

All three agreements allow CPNRD to use the canals after

irrigation season to hold diverted off-season excess Platte River flows, when available. Water will seep from the canals into groundwater hydrologically connected to the river and provide river enhancement credits for the NRD. Central Platte officials are seeking water rights from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources for any credits to the river.

Conference shares info with bankers, producers Specialists offer guidance on ag product prices and more

By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent

File photo

Lake McConaughy is seen here in a photo from spring 2011. Nebraska water experts and public power officials say that water resources could be below normal this year.

WATER from Page D5

The current split jet stream to the north and south isn’t a strong moisture pattern for Nebraska, Steinke said. However, the wettest mountain snows of the season typically come in March and April.

Less water in 2012 also will mean fewer diversions specifically for hydropower production. He said water running through the hydros during irrigation season probably will be just irrigation diversions.

Steinke said Lake McConaughy currently is down 10 feet from a full reservoir, so the goal is to

add to the volume once U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service releases from an designated environmental account end. The lake typically drops 15 feet during an irrigation season.

Meanwhile, Central officials planned to start filling Elwood Reservoir today and have it full by June as a source of late-irrigation-season supplemental water.

A new issue for CNPPID is leasing water to help natural resources districts, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and other potential buyers meet streamflow requirements. Steinke said discussions with those groups is

focused on “how to do this and make it work,” which will take time.

Later at the meeting, CNPPID General Manager Don Kraus said the district also is working with Platte program officials on feasibility studies for small reservoirs that may be built near the Platte River in northern Phelps County, downstream from the J-2 power plant. Water delivered through Central’s Phelps Canal could be held in the reservoirs for retimed releases into the river.

Kraus said that would benefit Central’s water use for hydropower production and also the river.

He also said a long-term issue still to be resolved is how to restore North Platte River flows into Lake McConaughy in dry years.

During the drought years, Central officials claimed that inflows were depleted by upstream irrigators pumping groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the river.

Kraus said that CNPPID will continue to raise the issue with NRDs and the Legislature.

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Economic specialists at the Cornhusker Economics Conference held Feb. 29 at the West Central Research and Extension Center provided bankers and producers information about price projections for agricultural products. A strong agricultural economy is giving producers more income to work with, but a slow economic recovery and uncertainty about the presidential election ahead are keeping consumers cautious.

James Robb, Director of the Livestock Market Information Center, tracked the history of beef demand over the years and explained the reasons behind the surges and slow-downs.

During the recent recession, beef demand dropped slightly, but has gradually climbed back up as consumers show a continued interest in purchasing beef. Many consumers have opted to buy less expensive beef cuts and more hamburger rather than shifting their meat choice to chicken.

With less demand for chicken products, poultry producers have adjusted their production down. Those growers will find it more difficult to show a profit due to the high cost of feed at the present time.

The pork market has had less domestic demand, but a rise in the demand of the export market is bringing in money for pork producers. Asian countries are

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the major purchasers and are interested in carcasses quartered rather than packaged meat. After distribution in the foreign market, then the carcasses are cut to suit local demand. U.S. pork production is on the increase, and Robb expects the export market to absorb it.

The high quality of U.S. meat products is a primary reason the foreign markets continue to seek U.S. meat. That demand includes variety meats and some by-products that are not in very high demand domestically.

“The reason cattle prices are high is partly due to domestic demand, but a lot is the export demand,” said Robb.

As countries such as India and China begin to develop a middle class, those growing consumer incomes overseas drive more demand for U.S. beef exports.

It is not new news that cattle numbers are the lowest in many years, but producers are getting more pounds out of the animals in production.

Any thought to figuring where this trend fits into the cattle cycle will result in few explanations. Robb pointed out that the beef industry is no longer the highly cyclical industry that it was in the past. It is more accurately described as a seasonal industry now.

High cattle prices are beneficial to producers, but cattle feeders who presently face a high cost of gain are under more pressure. Packers are feeling even more finan-

cial stress as it becomes increasingly difficult to push costs on to consumers.

All indicators point to strong cattle prices into 2012 with a price projection of 500-600 weight steers bringing between $169-177 per cwt. and 700800 pounders bringing $151-157/cwt. The return per cow in 2011 was $90 and that is anticipated to be over $200 in 2012. That figure is cash cost including pasture rent.

While cattlemen have a lot to look forward to, there remains the chance for price volatility and market shocks.

“Cattle prices have set records, but the roller coaster will continue at a much higher level,” said Robb.

Producers need to continue to carefully calculate feed costs and manage forages properly.

Grain market presentation

Dan O’Brien, extension ag economist from Kansas State University, started out his presentation on the grain market outlook by spotlighting the key “drivers” that will impact future grain prices.

For feedgrains, the actual production from the expected planted acres will have an influence as well as continued worries about tight supplies because of lower levels of corn in storage. In the soybean market, the questions center on the expected production of the United States and South America. The U.S. export market is fairly dependent on Chinese demand, so that is another area to watch. As far as the wheat market goes,

Please see INFO, Page D7

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AGRICULTURE 2012

INFO from Page D6

there have been projections that U.S. acres planted are at an all time low and the Black Sea wheat crop may be in distress due to weather. Yet there is an abundance of stored wheat, so it is unlikely that there will be a shortage.

According to O’Brien, if the trendline average of 155-160 bushels per acre holds true, then the expected corn production for 2012 will be between 13.5 and 14 billion bushels. Those kind of supplies could pull corn prices down into the $4$4.50 per bushel range.

Courtesy photo

Brad Lubben, UNL assistant professor and extension policy specialist, talks with participants at the Cornhusker Economics Conference held at the West Central Research and Extension Center on Feb 29. The conference topics covered the economic outlook for crops, livestock, future farm policy and current trends in rent agreements for agricultural properties.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

Over the past years, corn prices have been influenced by needs of the ethanol market and weather related calamities that reduced production. Corn prices reached all time highs of $7.50-$8 per bushel in late summer 2011, but the price has eased down to $6.50.

“We can’t count on ethanol to continue and grow as it did,” said O’Brien.

A look at the current futures market shows prices that aren’t that much higher than the current cash price. This indicates that grain buyers may not be as interested in stored corn.

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Presently, market indicators project that 2012 harvested corn will be selling from $4.50-$6 per bushel, dependent on overall production.

With a look at the wheat market, O’Brien did not have optimistic news.

“The big bear in the wheat market is that we have enough supplies to absorb shortages around the world,” said O’Brien. “We now have about 40-percent stock.”

The projected price for wheat harvested in 2012 is around $5 per bushel.

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D8 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

INFO from Page D7

Farm programs

Farm programs for U.S. farmers have existed for almost 80 years, and they were originally established to help farmers when events beyond their control occurred that would cause income or output to plummet. Those government programs were especially needed in the “Dirty Thirties” and the Depression years when average farm household income substantially lagged that of households. non-farm Whether focused on price supports, income supports or risk management, those programs have been considered a safety net for producers. Brad Lubben, policy specialist and director of the North Central Risk Management Education Center, outlined the structure of past farm policy and how current economic conditions will impact some changes.

Historically, the farm programs have been government funding to support income for farmers to continue in business if there was lost income, limited access to credit or natural disasters that destroyed the crop. Past programs were priced based, so that if commodity prices fell below target levels, then producers would receive compensation in the form of loan-deficiency payments or counter cyclical payments. Producers participating in the program are also eligible for fixed, direct payments that continue today. The price-based payments have been greatly reduced and target prices are so low relative to current market prices that the price-based supports provide little in payments or protection.

In the 2008 Farm Bill, the ACRE program was introduced as an average revenue-based safety net. Protection levels are calculated according to a 5-year moving average on yield and a 2-year moving average for price. The state-level revenue guarantee is limited to an annual change of no more than 10percent, which has restricted its ability to keep pace with the current in-

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NEWS AT A GLANCE Nebraska gov. announces farm and ranch tour

LINCOLN (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman is planning a one-day tour of Nebraska to honor the state’s farmers and ranchers.

The governor’s office announced Tuesday that Heineman will visit Ainsworth, Alliance and Grand Island on March 16, along with Department of Agriculture director Greg Ibach and Nebraska Farm Bureau representatives.

Heineman proclaimed this week Nebraska Agriculture Week to coincide with the national week that honors farming and ranching.

State officials say farm marketing contributes more than $17 billion annually to Nebraska’s economy.

Nebraska is the nation’s top producer of red meat, Great Northern beans and popcorn. It also consistently ranks among the nation’s top five producers of corn, soybeans, hay and dry edible beans.

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crease in prices. While ACRE offers better protection than the price-based programs, participation has been limited to date because of the complexity of the program, the concern over the 10-percent cap, the requirement of losses at the state level to trigger payments, and most significantly the loss of 20-percent of the direct payment for producers participating in the ACRE program.

The third component of the safety net is coverage from crop insurance. According to Lubben, it is the biggest part of any producers’ management decision at present. Most crop insurance is designed to protect from yield or revenue shortfalls, but it only offers coverage based on current year prices, so protection falls when prices fall over multiple years. It is also based on production history, so a few bad years can

AGRICULTURE 2012 change the history and therefore the yield goals for coverage.

As budget constraints begin to restrict spending across all government programs, agriculture is sure to be downsized. The Agriculture Committee leadership is recommending that 23 billion in reductions be made over the next 10 years. Within the proposed budget cuts and program changes, the overall goal is to make the revenue safety net more efficient with crop insurance as the foundation. It is likely that the direct payments program will be eliminated.

“The driving force in the current policy debate is budget, budget, budget,” said Lubben.

Nebraska has become proactive in creating models that can be used to test the impact of farm program changes. The Nebraska Soybean Board has

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funded a research project at UNL that has developed representative farms across the state that can provide insight on the farm level impact of farm programs and policy changes. Research to date has demonstrated that potential changes in farm programs could improve the performance of revised revenue-safety net programs over the current ACRE program, but that total payments to producers are likely to be much smaller than has historically been received from direct payments.

Producers will certainly need to watch the potential changes coming in farm programs and analyze the impact on risk management decisions.

“Producers will also need to watch other policy issues such as proposed regulations and even policy developments in the social arena including chang-

ing market and consumer demands to stay on top of their operation and their future opportunities,” said Lubben.

Farm programs have been a main player in providing resources for farming, but many farm programs focus on improved land management and resource conservation practices. Brad Lubben presented information about the changes in conservation programs and the benefits available. Past conservation reserve programs (CRP) took land out of production to reduce erosion.

Producers participated in the program voluntarily, and Nebraska reached 35 million acres in CRP. It became a major part of the farm programs budget, but over time the payments have become less. It is expected that as current CRP contracts expire, fewer will be renewed and the land

will be put back into production or used for wildlife habitat.

As CRP acres become available, Lubben sees the possibility of adjusting management arrangements.

“This could be one of the few entry opportunities that exist for beginning farmers or ranchers,” said Lubben.

He recommends that young farmers or ranchers try to get in contact with producers who have CRP contracts that expire soon.

Landowners that transition CRP acres to a beginning farmer or rancher can be eligible for tax incentives, etc.

Robert Tigner, SouthWest 4 UNL Extension Educator, presented information on current trends in property values and the influencing factors for establishing rental rates for agricultural use land.

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NEWS AT A GLANCE

Vilsack to stress conservation in Nebraska speech OMAHA (AP) — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted conservation programs during a speech at the National Farmers Union convention in Nebraska on March 5.

The Agriculture Department announced a new program that offers financial incentives for farmers to enroll up to 1 million new acres in the conservation reserve program. The new program focuses on grasslands and wetlands.

About 6.5 million of the 30 million acres the government pays farmers to idle are covered by contracts that expire this fall.

Officials are worried that farmers might decide to put more land into production to take advantage of high corn and soybean prices.

Vilsack says he hopes to be able to keep the number of acres enrolled in the conservation program around 30 million.

Nebraska prairie dog bill wins final approval LINCOLN (AP) — A bill designed to limit the

spread of black-tailed prairie dogs in Nebraska has won final approval in the Legislature, and will now head to Gov. Dave Heineman.

Lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to the measure by Ellsworth Sen. LeRoy Louden. The proposal would give counties the power to carry out management programs to control their numbers.

Ranchers view the prairie dogs as pests.

The bill is intended to prevent black-tailed prairie dog colonies from spreading from one person’s property to another.

Counties would have the power to notify landowners that a colony is not being managed, and could require them to address the problem.

Radon conference planned in Nebraska City NEBRASKA CITY (AP) — State officials and the Environmental Protection Agency will hold a conference on radon later this month in Nebraska City.

Health officials from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska will join the EPA at the conference on March 14.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

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D10 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

AGRICULTURE 2012

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Shelby man turns remote pasture into golf course

File photo

Will current livestock ID measures prove adequate?

By ANDREW BOTTRELL abottrell@nptelegraph.com

In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture began to implement a nation-wide animal identification program that is aimed at tracking animals in case of the outbreak of a disease.

The USDA’s goal is to help stop a disease outbreak, such as the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in England that cost the country’s livestock industry thousands of cattle and millions of dollars.

“That’s what the USA is worried about. It may never happen. We have pretty good regulation. But, it happened in Britain,” said Randy Saner, unit leader at the University of Nebraska extension office in

North Platte. “And it happened by some food that came in and wasn’t cooked properly. It devastated their whole livestock industry.”

Saner also said there is concern that a terrorist group could bring Foot and Mouth into the country, and it could spread rapidly, because its such a highly contagious disease for livestock.

While the spread of disease is the primary concern for the USDA, Saner also said the animal identification might become a necessity for exports in the future, as well.

“All of our competitors have [animal identification],” Saner said. “Obviously, Canada can trace their animals a little better than we can. That’s

why we’re looking at it, because other countries are doing it.”

Saner said the United States primary competitors – including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and England – are all using animal identification systems and more and more countries are beginning to use country of origin tracking as they import beef.

“Country of origin labeling is part of that. Animal ID was for a different cause, but it may become part of the same thing, if countries require that in the future,” Saner said.

Producers are mostly concerned with the cost of the animal identification, which falls primarily on the producer, while others are concerned with government intrusion, Saner said.

Saner said many western Nebraska farmers and ranchers have long-believed that the branding system would be enough to track cattle, but Saner noted that most states don’t have a branding system, nor do they have branding inspectors.

“There’s just not enough states that would accept it, or understand it, and they don’t have brand inspec-

tors,” Saner said. “So, they went to the ear tag.”

Saner said initially the USDA was going to require a certain type of electronic tracing tag, which producers would have to purchase at a fairly high cost. He said the USDA has backed off that some, telling producers that the metal health tags that many producers already use would be enough to satisfy the requirements.

“They have made some changes to the positive. I think they are finally starting to listen to the people at the bottom [of the producer line],” Saner said.

Eventually, records may be kept electronically, which Saner said would be much faster and more convenient for everyone involved in the process, including producers, buyers and veterinarians.

Other concerns from producers include privacy issues, though Saner said the USDA’s intent is only to access the records, at this point, in case of an emergency.

“It is somewhat intrusive. But, it would only be accessed in case of an emergency,” he said.

SHELBY (AP) — Along T Road, in the Polk County countryside, a small sign is staked in the ground.

“Golf ” it reads in red lettering. Below, an ardirects traffic row through a steel cattle gate, up a gravel path that winds toward the hilltop.

On the hill, ripped from its foundation in Shelby just two months ago, sits a building surrounded by freshly moved dirt.

Welcome to Kyote Run, the state’s newest public golf course.

Carved out of 60 acres of former pasture, the 2,800-yard par 36 is still “a work in progress,” creator John Messing says, but work is something he and wife JoAnn are plenty used to since the project started nine years ago.

Located about five miles northwest of Shelby on land Messing’s father owned, the golf course concept can be credited to a son-in-law who introduced the 61year-old to the game.

“I was young at heart when I first started,” Messing said.

He was also looking for a way to hone his skills on a couple of practice holes. That idea quickly escalated to a full public course.

“The more I got to thinking about it, if I’m going to put in two, I

might as well put in the whole nine holes,” the Shelby native said.

After eight years of working and reshaping the rolling hills, and with the help of friends and family, the Messings opened Kyote Run Golf Course last year.

About 250 people played during the inaugural season, which included a Shelby community picnic tournament.

Ironically, Messing, at one time a 13 handicap, wasn’t among them after a fall from his tractor.

“I hardly played last year,” he said.

Messing hopes to hold various leagues and tournaments once interest is high enough.

But for now, his focus is on improving the course itself.

A 2,000-square-foot clubhouse — the old convent and chapel from Sacred Heart Catholic Church that Messing purchased for $1 — was moved from its Shelby location to the course in January.

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GOLF from Page D10

Club Car carts to be stored in the basement. Eventually, Messing said he would like to see the clubhouse operating as a weekend steakhouse, as well.

One thing you won’t find there is alcohol. Golfers of legal age are allowed to bring it with them, if they abide by a couple rules.

“We just ask them to be responsible,” Messing said, “responsible for their litter and responsible for their actions.”

On the course, locust trees have been planted as windbreaks on the hilltops and bluegrass is starting to overtake parts of the native grass fairways. The bentgrass greens are small, making them a challenge to hit for nearly any golfer.

When they’re not farming, the Messings can spend up to 10 hours a day mowing, watering and maintaining Kyote Run. The other employees are all family members, because “If they want to play golf, they have to work,” Messing said.

Messing knows his course isn’t Pebble Beach. There are no swanky homes overlooking its edges.

Kyote Run is golf in its rawest form, and it’s challenging, he said.

Among the nine holes are a 500yard par 5 that requires players to cross three separate draws and a picturesque No. 6 that snakes through the valley offering a tight fairway to eye from the elevated tee.

A lake is in play on three different holes, with a second water hazard reachable for those unfortunate enough to hit a snap hook off No. 9.

The encouraging news for potential players is the 178-yard par 3 was already aced last year.

Messing plans to add a driving range and bunkers in the future.

“I’m waiting for all the divots to show up, then I know where to put the sand traps,” he said.

It’s about location when playing Kyote Run, Messing said, whether that means strategically placing your drive or simply enjoying the quiet, nature-filled country atmosphere.

There have been plenty of deer, ducks, turkey, geese and even a stray cow to keep players entertained.

While Messing admits the financial investment he’s made at Kyote Run has crossed his mind a time or two, he’s not concerned about the all too common struggles golf courses can face.

“I can always have my own personal golf course,” he said with a smile.

Kyote Run Golf Course, 13528 T Road, is open March 31 to Oct. 31.

AGRICULTURE 2012

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

D11

Warm winter may mean more bugs But unusually warm weather’s effect on pests not yet certain HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The mild winter that has given many Northern farmers a break from shoveling and a welcome chance to catch up on maintenance could lead to a tough spring as many pests that would normally freeze, have not.

Winters are usually what one agriculture specialist calls a “reset button” that gives farmer a fresh start come planting season. But with relatively mild temperatures and little snow, insects are surviving, growing and, in some areas, already munching on budding plants.

Almost every state had a warmer-thanusual January, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In Albany, N.Y., for example, the average high in January was 37 degrees, when it’s usually less than freezing, according to the National Weather Service. In Tulsa, Okla., the average high last month was about 57 degrees, 9 degrees higher than normal.

The Upper Midwest, Great Plains and a few other areas were “much above normal” in temperature, NOAA said.

Dawn Allen, who has an 89-year-old, family-run bog in Freetown, Mass., said her family will likely start sweeping bogs with a contraption similar to a butterfly net in April to catch winter moth caterpillars, instead of waiting until mid-May, when they typically start. The winter moth caterpillars are aggressive and eat buds, potentially ruining a crop for a whole year.

“It’s a big stress factor that gets us out on the bog early,” said Allen, whose farm sells cranberries for juice and pulp converted into cranberry vitamins.

Martha Sylvia, a research technician at the University of Massachusetts cranberry station, said growers should expect to start spraying earlier and more often because there’s “definitely an upswing” in winter moths, she said.

“We just know we’re in for it,” Sylvia said.

Tim Tucker, a beekeeper in Niotaze, Kan., said he saw flies in February when “all flies should be gone” and bumble bees that usually don’t appear until May or June. The warm weather hasn’t been entirely good for beekeeping, though. Usually, queen bees won’t lay eggs in the cold, but this year, his hives have been active.

“This year, we have some hives that raised bees all winter,” Tucker said. “I don’t think they ever stopped.”

Because so many bees are being raised, Tucker has had to buy supplemental food, such as sucrose, so they don’t eat all the honey he wants to sell.

File photo

While bees are good for pollination, many of the insects that are surviving have a destructive bent, such as the bean leaf beetle that targets soybeans, corn flea beetle that damages corn, and the alfalfa weevil. Those insects live close to the surface of the ground so the mild temperatures give them a head start, said Christian Krupke, a Purdue University entomologist.

“Winter is like a big reset button for the Midwest,” Krupke said. “It wipes out lots of insects usually.”

However, the warmer temperatures generally don’t affect insects that spend their winters burrowed deep into the ground, he said. And some insects may be threatened by a lack of snow.

Erin Hodgson, an entomologist at Iowa State University, said a drought there due to a lack of snow could threaten boxelder bugs and beetles, who will die if food fails to emerge. And insects that pass the winter in dormancy above ground could die of

dehydration or starvation without the insulating cover of snow, she said.

“Making predictions about overall insects surviving or not can be kind of tricky,” Hodgson said.

But the warmer weather hasn’t been all bad, said Henry Talmage, executive director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau. He compared this winter with last year, when southern New England endured back-toback snow storms and an ice storm. In early February 2011, farmers in Connecticut lost nearly 150 barns and other structures as feet of snow accumulated. Those in Massachusetts and upstate New York also struggled with roof collapses.

This year, farmers were able to spend the winter working outside, maintaining equipment and buildings, Talmage said.

“Instead of shoveling snow, farmers can do something more productive,” Talmage said. “Nobody is complaining. We’re all happy at this point it’s been as mild as it has been.”

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Certificate/ Commercial programs not included (ex: railroad program or commercial customer). These programs may lower price/ increase rebate. Contact Dealer for Details. (020212).

AGRICULTURE 2012

D12 SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Is Neb. reaching a ‘watershed moment’ in water budgeting?

By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent

The Nebraska Water Balance Alliance sees the state approaching another watershed moment in which decisions made now will have great impact on water availability in the future. Producers and agribusinessmen attended a Feb. 2 informational session presented by Lorre McKeone to learn more about the approach that the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance would like to take toward sound groundwater management.

McKeone noted watershed moments of the past that have advanced the water management practices of Nebraska.

The first came during the 1890s in the midst of a 10-year drought. It was at that time that surface water diversion was started. In 1899, surface water rights were established by the “1st in time, 1st in right” water law. The second came after the “Dustbowl years.” In the 1930s, public power districts were largely involved in putting in surface reservoirs to supply a canal system with water for agricultural purposes. Moment No. 3 came in the 1950s when producers began to tap into underground water. The number of wells drilled per year went from 500 to 16,600.

Each of these moments has allowed us to do things we didn’t do before, and Nebraska prospered,” said McKeone.

There are four events that are driving concern that water may become an endangered commodity in the future. n The interstate compact with Kansas that restricts Nebraska’s water use in order to provide the proper allocation to Kansas. n The Platte River Recovery has established target flows to assist in improving and maintaining habitat for target species. n LB 962 states that the Platte River is over-appropriated for water usage, considering that surface water and ground water are coexisting supplies. n There are worries about the depletion of the aquifer.

“We need to find a way to have healthy working streams and appropriate ground water levels,” said McKeone.

The historical approach to water management has been to make adjustments in how man impacts the stream. It has con-

sidered stream flow as a measure of water supply and that attributes two thirds of water consumption to irrigation. This approach has led to metering and allocations.

The Nebraska Water Balance Alliance presents the Water Balance Approach as a way to consider the collective supply of all sources of water; reservoirs, aquifers, precipitation, and inflow. That supply is compared to the collective consumption of water. Through research, it was concluded that only 10-percent of the total water supply actually goes to irrigation, and 85-percent is consumed by evaporation, invasive species, native vegetation, and dryland farming.

Their research and goals are focused around developing methods to increase the amount of water in storage.

“We need to do a better job of capturing water in excess years to store for short years,” said McKeone.

In a typical year, Nebraska receives 90 million acre feet of precipitation. With a water inflow from Wyoming of 2 million acrefeet, there is essentially 92 million acre feet of water received.

On the consumption side, up to 10 million acre feet is used by irrigation and 9 million acre feet exit by stream flow out. A sizing up of the math results in 73 million acre feet that can be accounted for as consumed by natural vegetation, dryland farming, invasive species and evaporation.

Historical wisdom might suggest more controls on irrigation.

One such solution would be taking irrigated acres out of production. Research has indicated that the negative influence on Nebraska’s economy due to reduced production and reduced income to businesses that serve crop production would far outweigh the actual benefit to the water supply. It is a figure calculated into the billions of dollars.

“There is a significant impact when we take good irrigated acres out of production,” said McKeone. “Nebraska is still creating wealth through that agricultural production.”

Land reclassification Reclassification of land would also impact the tax base and the amount of revenue received through real estate taxes.

The Nebraska Water Balance

Courtesy photo

Lorre McKeone of the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance talks with those who attended a informational session held on Feb. 2. The program sponsored by First National Bank presented a proactive approach to new water management strategies.

Alliance has generated some alternatives to water management that would conserve water. The construction of manmade lakes and canals that could be used to recharge the ground water is one option. This network could more effectively handle floodwaters due to a more extensive system for water outflow. This plan would utilize the present canal and ditch system with possible plans for expansion.

Another option that is presently in a research phase strives for the reduction of evaporation while increasing water percolation into the soil profile.

One trial done has tested the effect of digging a 4 foot deep trench in the terrace bottom of terraced dryland fields. Preliminary results showed that the area with the trench had a significant loss of standing water compared to the untrenched areas of the terrace bottom. Increased water absorption into the soil was credited rather than evaporation, because the water levels in untrenched terraces remained higher.

A third option would be to engage producers in more practices that conserve water. Use of moisture probes would provide feedback for accurate measure

A alley V

of soil moisture. Those readings would help producers make irrigation decisions that meet the needs of the crop without extravagant water use.

Specialists at the West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC) have been actively involved in researching practices that will conserve water. Tillage practices such as non-till or reduced-till farming leave more crop residue that keeps more moisture in the soil due to reduced evaporation.

“Residues greatly reduce the evaporation from the surface,” said Simon Van Donk, WCREC Irrigation specialist. “The difference in water savings on the average is 3-4 inches, and that is a significant amount.”

That difference contributes greatly to the productivity of the crop and improved yields, especially if a farmer is restricted by irrigation allocations. When there are no limitations, then that captured soil moisture equates to reduced costs because the need to irrigate has been decreased.

In the past 5 years, VanDonk has seen the use of moisture probes increase. Technology has made monitoring soil moisture with moisture probes more user

friendly. Many current systems have the capability of being checked from a home computer or even a smart phone.

Any ground with vegetation growing on it will lose moisture to supply the needs of the crop, but there are plants that have been developed to be more drought tolerant. Many of these improved varieties have better rooting systems for efficient uptake of soil moisture. Others have been improved for plant response during various growth processes.

First National Bank has taken a role in sponsoring information sessions to increase awareness of water management questions that could affect future generations. According to Greg Wilke, vice president of First National Bank, they value the proactive approach to seeking solutions for improved water management.

As long as there are water conservation questions, there will always be those seeking solutions. The Nebraska Water Balance Alliance is working proactively to seek water management solutions that will prevent circumstances that result in limited reactive choices.

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AGRICULTURE 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Neb. Pheasants Forever hosting CRP landowner workshop series World-Herald News service Nebraska Pheasants Forever is hosting CRP Landowner Workshops this month to inform farmers, ranchers and conservationists about the Conservation Reserve Program General Sign-up 43. The sign-up, which runs from March 12 through April 6, is crucial to Nebraska’s ring-necked pheasant population.

At the workshops, landowners can learn from Pheasants Forever farm bill wildlife biologists how to improve the chances of their land being accepted in the competitive CRP General Sign-up 43. Pheasants Forever will also be informing producers on how conserving marginal lands through CRP can prove mutually beneficial for wildlife and agriculture production.

Grassland habitat in Nebraska has helped maintain the state’s status as one of the nation’s top pheasant-producing states, but Nebraska has faced continued loss of critical CRP acres in recent years. Subsequently, Nebraska’s pheasant population dropped 27 percent last year.

“These meetings are designed to help landowners understand the conservation program options available to them with CRP as well as a host of additional conservation programs and incentives,” said Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever senior field coordinator. “Even in a time with significant commodity prices, there are often great opportunities where conservation programs can be used to increase farm and ranch income.”

Workshops scheduled in the area include: March 13, 9-11 a.m., Legion Club, Burwell. March 13, 7-9 p.m., Goodrich Building, Greeley. March 13, 4-6 p.m., Community Center, Loup City. March 13, noon to 2 p.m., Lower Loup NRD, Ord. March 15, 7-9 p.m., The Gathering Place, St. Paul.

For more information regarding landowners workshops, contact Pete Berthelsen at 308-754-5339.

World-Herald News Service

GRAND ISLAND — Members of the Nebraska Corn Board were in Grand Island this past week supporting legislation increasing the state’s corn checkoff program.

Currently, the corn checkoff rate is one-quarter of a cent per bushel. It has been at that rate since 1988. Under legislation before Nebraska lawmakers, LB1057, the checkoff would be allowed to increase to one-half of a cent per bushel with a cap of 1 cents per bushel. Currently, the checkoff raises about $3.5 million.

According to Alan Tiemann, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, the corn checkoff program was implemented in 1978 at one-tenth of a cent per bushel, but the Nebraska Legislature gave authority to increase that rate to one-quarter of a cent per bushel.

Past attempts to increase the rate since 1988 have not succeeded because of lack of support from the Nebraska governor, who, Tiemann said, has felt it would be equivalent to a tax increase. The governor has the authority to deny or allow an increase in the corn checkoff program.

Earlier this week, Gov. Dave Heineman said the request to increase the corn checkoff rate has merit, but “I haven’t made a judgment yet whether I am willing to support that increase or not. I want to watch and listen to the concerns that the Legislature will address and then we will see if the bill gets to my desk.”

But, Heineman said, “I’m always concerned when there is an attempt to raise a fee or a tax. I want to make sure that it is the right thing to do.”

He said checkoff pro-

D13

Neb. leads in red meat production World-Herald News Service Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.12 billion pounds in January, up 2 percent from the 4.04 billion pounds produced in January 2011.

Nebraska’s commercial red meat production was 593.7 million pounds.

Beef production, at 2.11 billion pounds, was slightly below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.72 million head, down 1 percent from January 2011. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,300 pounds.

In Nebraska, 593,700 head were slaughtered in January, with an average live weight of 1,370 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.99 billion pounds, 5 percent above the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.54 million head, 5 percent above January 2011. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year at 278 pounds.

In Nebraska, 673,200 head of hogs were slaughtered during January, with an average live weight of 278 pounds.

Farmers, ranchers tally contribution of nearly 13 million meals for hunger program The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau last year raised more than $556,273 and donated more than 10 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All program through Feeding America. Combined, the monetary and food donations provided nearly 13 million meals.

Members of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program spearhead Harvest for All across the country, but all facets of

Farm Bureau contribute to the effort.

Aside from raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied 10,159 volunteer hours assisting hunger groups through Harvest for All in 2011.

Since Harvest for All was launched nine years ago, Farm Bureau families have gathered more than 49 million pounds of food, logged nearly 60,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $1.8 million in donations. Combined, the food and money donations amount to more than 55 million meals.

U.S., Canada cattle inventory down 2 percent All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 103.3 million head on Jan. 1, down 2 percent from the 105.1 million on Jan. 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 44.3 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago.

All cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 1 totaled 90.8 million head, 2 percent below the 92.7 million on Jan. 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.1 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago.

All cattle and calves in Canada as of Jan. 1 totaled 12.5 million head, up 0.5 percent from the 12.5 million on Jan. 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 5.21 million, were down 1 percent from a year ago.

All sheep and lambs in the United States and Canada combined totaled 6.17 million head on Jan. 1, down 2 percent from the 6.29 million on Jan. 1, 2011. Breeding sheep, at 4.61 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago and market sheep and lambs, at 1.57 million head, were down 1 percent from last year.

Producers group seeks increase in Nebraska’s corn checkoff rate

By ROBERT PORE

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012

grams, such as for corn, beef and soybeans, are “different mechanisms than what I would argue as standard tax situations that we go through and fee situations.”

“This is a little bit different and that is why I have had several meetings to discuss that and what they want to do with those monies, particularly as they relate to research, such as for ethanol,” Heineman said.

The growth of the ethanol industry has helped to push corn prices up for the last six years.

Last month, the USDA reported that Nebraska’s corn crop had a total value last year of $9.37 billion, an increase from $7.48 billion in 2010 and $5.64 billion in 2009. The average price of corn in Nebraska, according to the USDA, went from $3.58 per bushel in the 2009 marketing year to $6.10 per bushel in the 2011 marketing year.

With an increase of nearly $1 per bushel in the average marketing year price of corn between 2010 and 2011, Nebraska farmers produced 1.54 billion bushels, which was 5 percent more than the previous year and the second largest harvest on record.

Corn is Nebraska’s dominant crop. Last year, farmers harvested 9.6 million acres of corn for grain, 8 percent more than in 2010 and the largest harvest since 1933.

Tiemann said the increase is needed, especially as corn prices have tripled since the last time the corn checkoff was increased in 1988, because the value of the checkoff is now less than half what it was the last time the program was increased in Nebraska.

“While we have increased acres and bushels to get our budget higher, our spending power has

still not kept up,” Tiemann said.

Corn checkoff dollars are primarily spent in Nebraska to help in corn research, livestock production, consumer outreach and communication, expanding and defending markets and youth and leadership development.

Much of the checkoff dollars are invested in research and development programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Tiemann said the Nebraska Corn Board receives more than $1 million per year in research funding requests from UNL. “Should we get an increase, we see a lot more opportunities,” he said.

“We will get bigger and better research projects that we can fund.”

An important research area that the Nebraska Corn Board is funding is water efficiencies programs that will help corn producers during times of water shortages, along with developing new markets for the distillers grain by-product from ethanol production.Tiemann said many of those programs have helped to increase corn production and development of value-added programs.

According to Tiemann, the proposed increase in the corn checkoff program will still keep that checkoff program “equal to the bottom tier of checkoff programs across the nation.”

Nebraska is the thirdleading corn-producing state in the U.S. and the second-leading ethanolproducing state, with nearly 600 million bushels of corn used to produced more than 2 billion gallons of ethanol and 6 million tons of feed distillers grain.

“We are the lowest corn marketing board in the U.S.,” Tiemann said.

All sheep and lambs in the United States as of Jan. 1 totaled 5.35 million head, 2 percent below the 5.48 million head on Jan. 1, 2011.

Breeding sheep, at 3.98 million head, were down 3 percent from a year ago, while market sheep and lambs, at 1.37 million head, were down 2 percent from last year.

All sheep and lambs in Canada as of Jan. 1 totaled 829,000 head, up 2 percent from last year’s number of 813,000. Breeding sheep, at 631,000 head, were up 1 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs, at 198,000 head, were up 5 percent from a year ago.

Record year for America’s ethanol industry in 2011 In a turbulent year for America’s economy, domestic ethanol production was a shining light of hope for hundreds of thousands of American families all across the nation in 2011.

According to analysis commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the production of an estimated 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol directly employed 90,200 Americans. An additional 311,400 Americans found work in industries indirectly affiliated with ethanol production.

These 401,600 jobs helped create nearly $30 billion in household income and, as a result of record ethanol production, contributed $42.4 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP).

The record ethanol production also helped displace a record 485 million barrels of imported oil worth $49.7 billion.

“Our nation’s ethanol industry is a perfect example of a domestic, homegrown industry that is harnessing American innovation to create jobs, improve the envi-

ronment, and help secure our energy future for generations to come,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.

Rainwater Basin Joint Venture presents wetland stewardship awards

The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture presented three Wetland Stewardship Awards during its annual Informational Seminar on Feb. 8. The award recognizes significant contributions to wetland conservation in the Rainwater Basin region of south Central Nebraska. Angie Biester and the late Gary Biester of Clay County were recipients of the Landowner Wetland Stewardship Award. Roger Hammer, a retired soil scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, received the Agency Wetland Stewardship Award. Gene Mack of Kearney was project leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District from 1996 until his retirement in 2011.

The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture is a public-private partnership of organizations, government agencies and individuals working cooperatively to conserve wetlands and habitat in the Rainwater Basin Region of south-central Nebraska.

More information is at www.rwbjv.org.

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