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CONTINUED FROM PAGE C16 but particularly with 18% corn silage compared with 5%. Interestingly, steers that required a different number of days on feed because they entered the feedlot at different body weights resulted in different ADG and feed efficiencies when fed either whole shelled corn or cracked corn. Steers that were heavier at feedlot entry and required fewer days on feed had an ADG of 4.1 lb/d compared with lighter weight steers at feedlot entry that had a 3.5 lb/d ADG and required more time on feed when fed cracked corn. Both groups had similar gain to feed ratios. However, when fed whole shelled corn, light weight steers at feedlot entry that required more days on feed had a 3.6 lb/d ADG, which was similar when compared with heavier weight steers at feedlot entry that required less time on feed and had an ADG of 3.9 lb/d. Steers that were lighter weight at feedlot entry had a greater gain:feed ratio of 0.21 lb gain/lb feed compared with 0.19 lb gain/lb feed for heavier weight steers at feedlot entry when fed whole shelled corn. The reduced performance for steers consuming processed corn may be due to the long-term exposure of enhanced ruminal starch fermentation, which could increase the chance or frequency of acidosis occurring and comprise the rumen’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients.

Starch digestibility was similar between cracked and whole shelled corn diets with no interaction between forage level and corn processing. Less than 2% of the whole shelled corn kernels were found in the manure from steers consuming either the 5 or 18% corn silage finishing diets. Interestingly, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was greater for the 18% corn silage diet compared with the 5% corn silage diet when whole shelled corn was fed, while NDF digestibility was similar between the two different forage levels when cracked corn was fed. Due to greater chewing and salivation when fed whole shelled corn, feeding whole shelled corn compared with processed corn may prevent the rumen pH from decreasing to a level that is unsuitable for a microbial community that is designed to break down forage and fiber.

Overall, ADG, feed efficiency, and starch digestibility of the corn being fed to feedlot cattle did not differ when fed as whole shelled corn or dry processed corn, regardless of the small appearance of whole corn kernels present in the manure. Therefore, grain processing costs do not appear to be justified without an increased response in feedlot performance and or carcass quality. Whole shelled corn may be more appropriate for low forage finishing diets to help buffer the rumen with additional saliva and prevent the rumen from experiencing a greater and/or more frequent occurrence of acidosis or ruminal damage due to a low pH. In conclusion, research has proven that cattle can digest whole shelled corn.

Planning for spring annual forages

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts.

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For spring or cool-season annual forages, the planting period is typically late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42-to-45-degree range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality.

Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost of the different species before making a decision. With the early spring planting date of the cool-season annuals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. Haying usually take place around the 3rd week of June.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the cereal grains, and this will result in a longer grazing period. Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation.

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Remember to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. Some herbicides may have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring.

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Signup for assistance for specialty crop growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs were due by January 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.

FSA is making available up to $200 million through the FSCSC program, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small-scale agricultural operations and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.

USDA first announced and opened this program for signup in 2022, delivering critical assistance for specialty crop operations, with an emphasis on equity in program delivery while building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.

“Specialty crops growers experienced many challenges meeting regulatory requirements and accessing additional markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Many of these producers had to pivot quickly as demand shifted away from traditional markets, like restaurants and food service, and many continue to feel the impacts of those abrupt changes. By helping mitigate the costs of on-farm food safety certification, the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program will help create new markets and opportunities for small-scale producers. In turn, these producers will have another tool to leverage as they work to become more nimble and more resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, serve their local and regional economies, and support fairer and more transparent markets.

Program Details

FSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and 2023 for certifications issued on or after June 21, 2022. For each year, FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s eligible costs of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a portion of their related expenses.

To be eligible for FSCSC, the applicant must: Be a specialty crop operation.

Meet the definition of a small business or very small business.

Have paid eligible expenses related to certification. Specialty crop operations may receive assistance for the following costs:

Developing a food safety plan for first-time food safety certification.

Maintaining or updating an existing food safety plan. Food safety certification.

Certification upload fees.

Microbiological testing for products, soil amendments and water.

Training.

FSA calculates FSCSC payments for each category of eligible costs. FSA set a higher payment rate for underserved farmers and ranchers, which includes socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning and veteran producers who have a CCC-860 on file with FSA.

FSA will issue payments at the time of application approval for 2022 and after the application period ends for 2023. The 2023 application period opens Feb. 1, 2023, and closes Jan. 31, 2024. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated.

Applying for Assistance

Interested specialty crop producers can apply by completing the application, FSA-888. The application, along with other required documents, can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. Producers can visit farmers. gov/service-locator to find their local FSA office. Specialty crop producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist.

Producers can visit farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.

Due to the Coronavirus we are unsure of business hours. So if you have questions, or want to schedule an appointment, please call or text Brian on his cell phone: 406-868-4309 between 9 am - 6 pm. Thanks!