Preparing Your Agricultural Loans

click on the image to enlarge

Healthy Breakfast: A "Plus" for Kids' Math Performance, Study Shows

Eating breakfast—or choosing to skip it—may significantly influence a child's ability to solve math problems, a USDA-funded nutrition study suggests. Research with 81 healthy children has indicated that those who ate breakfast were better able to tackle dozens of math problems in rapid-fire succession than peers who didn't have a morning meal. (11/27)

 

Follow this link to read the entire article

 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131127.htm

___________________________________________

Tyson imposes animal welfare requirements on beef producers

As consumers grow more concerned with animal welfare issues, Tyson says beef producers will have to follow on-farm requirements for animal treatment next year if they want to work with the major meat

Dust from Dairies Not Likely to Pose Hazard to Nearby Communities

 

By Ann Perry
December 12, 2013

Studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicate the dust stirred up by wind and restless cattle at dairies does contain bacteria, fungi and small bacterial remnants such as endotoxins. But these potentially problematic particles are not found at high levels far beyond the barnyard.

Read the story at (12/12) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/131212.htm

FDA plans to phase out some antibiotic use on farms

Mary Soukup  |  Updated: 12/12/2013 

In an effort to help address potential antimicrobial resistance concerns in humans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines to extend veterinary oversight and phase out the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics that are important to human medicine in food producing animals for growth promotion purposes. The new guidelines will be implemented over a three-year transition phase.

USDA Reminds Farmers of Whole Farm and Multiple Peril Crop Insurance Program Dates Approaching in Early 2014

SPOKANE, Wash., Dec. 09, 2013 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency reminds producers of the fast approaching winter and spring sales closing dates for multiple peril crop insurance programs, whole farm insurance programs, the Adjusted Gross Revenue Pilot, and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite. AGR and AGR-Lite cover most farm-raised crops, animals, and animal products.   

Leaf Spot of Apsen and Popular

"What can I do about the black spots on my quaking aspen trees?" is a common refrain around Idaho in July and August.  University of Idaho Extension has recently publish a new Current Information Series on Leaf Spot of Aspen and Popular. While black spot has a genetic susceptibility component, this publication, written by Dr. Bill Bohl describes the symptoms and lets you know what you can do culturally and chemically to help suppress this unsightly disease on your quakes.

Read it at http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/CIS/CIS1202.pdf

Do Grow Pasture Grasses for Seed?

The University of Idaho IR-4 program, which undergoes the registration of special use pesticides for specialty crops is seeking a cooperator who is growing pasture grasses to be harvested for seed.  If you are harvesting seed from you pasture I or around Butte County, please contact the Butte County Extension Office at 527-8587 or ccheyney@uidaho.edu.

In the Cattle Markets: Fewer Cattle on Feed....

Nov. 25, 2013

Tim Petry, Livestock Economist

North Dakota State University Extension Service

 

Fewer Cattle on Feed Will Reduce Beef Production

 

USDA-NASS released the monthly Cattle on Feed report on November 22. The number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 10.607 million head on Nov. 1. The inventory was almost 6% below Nov. 1, 2012, and marks the 15^th consecutive month with lower cattle on feed numbers than the previous year. And it was the lowest number of Nov. 1 cattle on feed since the data series began in 1996

Read the entire article at
http://www.lmic.info/memberspublic/pubframes.html

Idaho Health Insurance Market Place Workshop Dec 4th

In addition to this information filled evening, Your Health Idaho is committed to providing Idahoans with a magnitude of outlets to seek information. We encourage individuals to contact our Consumer Resource Center at 855-YH-Idaho (855-944-3246) or go online at www.YourHealthIdaho.org to find a Consumer Connector including agents, brokers and In-Person Assisters near them.

ATTRA Invites Sustainable-Agriculture Conversations

'Farmer Knows Best' Forum Offers More Than A Dozen Topics

ATTRA, the nation’s premiere source of sustainable-agriculture information, is asking its users to weigh in with ideas and questions of their own.

A new user forum on the ATTRA website, “Farmer Knows Best,” is a way for farmers, researchers, educators, and anyone else interested in sustainable agriculture to start or contribute to a conversation on more than a dozen topics:

•    Beginning Farmer
•    Water Management
•    Soils & Compost
•    Pest Management
•    Organic Farming
•    Marketing, Business & Risk
•    Local Food Systems
•    Livestock & Pasture
•    Horticultural Crops
•    Field Crops
•    Energy Alternatives
•    What Is Sustainable Ag?
•    Education
•    General

“What better way to support research and sustainable-agriculture education than offering the people who are dedicated and passionate about the subject to share their ideas and insights,” said Carl Little, director of the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s (NCAT) sustainable agriculture programs.

To get to Farmers Know Best, click on www.attra.ncat.org

ATTRA sustainable-agriculture specialists also will keep an eye on the site for conversations to join, adding another venue for their expertise.

Farming and Ranching Means Jobs

Last year water was short in California as it was in many places in the west.  Business people in the west side community came together to help people understand how important production agriculture is to their community

 

USDA Grain Supply and Demand Projectsions fro November 8

USDA released their long-awaited monthly grain supply and demand projections today after cancelling last month’s report due to the partial federal government shutdown.  Projections are considered mostly friendly to soybeans and corn and neutral to wheat.  Highlights below:

FRAUD ALERT! Producers should be aware of fraudulent letter circulating

November 2013

USDA has been made aware that there is a fraudulent letter circulating to producers and/or contractors. The signature line in these letters reads “Frank Rutenberg” and the sender claims to be a USDA employee seeking information about the recipient.  These letters are a fraud, the sender is fictitious and recipients should NOT respond to these letters. Should you receive one of these fraudulent letters, please notify your local Farm Service Agency or a USDA Service Center representative. Please share this information with your fellow farmers and ranchers. Contact USDA/FSA

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

RMA Reminds Growers of Sales Closing Dates for Apiculture and the Pasture , Rangeland, Forage Vegetation Index Program

SPOKANE, Wash., Nov. 5, 2013 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers in Idaho and Oregon of the November 15 sales closing dates for the Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) pilot program, Vegetation Index program, and the Apiculture (API) pilot program for the 2014 crop year.

In the Cattle Markets: Considering herd expansion?

by Glynn T. Tonsor, Associate Professor, Dept of Ag Economics, Kansas State University

 

As the meat complex adjusts to lower feed costs and increases interest in expanding production, it is important to step-back and take note of resources available to guide corresponding decisions. A valuable resource to utilize is the user-friendly spreadsheet Dr. Kevin Dhuyvetter has created for assessing the economic situation presented by purchasing replacement females.[1] The spreadsheet is designed to easily be adjusted for a given producer's situation regarding costs and production along with expectations of cattle prices over upcoming years and targeted rates of return.

See the entire article at:
http://www.lmic.info/memberspublic/InTheCattleMarket/cattlemarkets.pdf

ATTRA Invites Conversations on Sustainable Agriculture

Farmer Know Best’ Forum Offers More Than A Dozen Topics

ATTRA, the nation’s premiere source of sustainable-agriculture information, is asking its users to weigh in with ideas and questions of their own.

A new user forum on the ATTRA website, “Farmer Knows Best,” is a way for farmers, researchers, educators, and anyone else interested in sustainable agriculture to start or contribute to a conversation on more than a dozen topics:

·         Beginning Farmer

·         Water Management

·         Soils & Compost

·         Pest Management

·         Organic Farming

·         Marketing, Business & Risk

·         Local Food Systems

·         Livestock & Pasture

·         Horticultural Crops

·         Field Crops

·         Energy Alternatives

·         What Is Sustainable Ag?

·         Education

·         General

Getting the Most Feed Nutrient for Your Dollar

Drs. Glenn Shewmaker and John Hall with Extension educator Sarah Baker have recently publisher CIS 1201,  Getting the Most Feed for Your Nutrient Dollar".  The publication is on line at:

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/CIS/CIS1201.pdf

This is a great publication that leads the reader through evaluating the value of a feed to one's own situation.

USDA Invests in Crop Insurance Education throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska

SPOKANE, Wash., October 28, 2013 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Spokane Regional Office today announces $620,499 in partnership agreement awards that will support crop insurance education and outreach to ensure that small and underserved producers get the information they need to effectively manage their risk and remain productive.

NCAT offers free up-to-date sustainable-agriculture information via email newsletters

Up-to-date information is key both for students and for educators, and at the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) we have a range of free email newsletters offering the latest of what’s happening in sustainable agriculture.  

In our Weekly Harvest newsletter, NCAT experts glean news that is relevant to sustainable agriculture from sources around the country for the ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. In addition to keeping you abreast of the news, Weekly Harvest offers a roundup of grants and other funding opportunities as well as a calendar of events around the country.

Each issue also features one of ATTRA’s more than 300 sustainable-agriculture publications, ATTRA webinars, a Question of the Week, and “Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert,” your chance to submit a question to our staff online.  

Fusarium Head Blight Forum in Idaho Falls, ID

Subject: Announcement for Fusarium Head Blight Forum in Idaho Falls, ID

Date: October 2, 2013 1:44:18 PM MDT

Due to a rising incidence of Fusarium Head Blight (scab) in western U.S. production regions, we would like to convene a one-day forum to explore the threat of Fusarium Head Blight in Western U.S. Barley Production and develop a strategic response that will collectively engage growers, industry and researchers.  We have tentatively targeted the date of January 9, 2014 in Idaho Falls, ID (preferred date) with a back-up date of January 16.  We understand that many of our intended audience will be attending T-CAP and PAG meetings in San Diego, CA on Jan. 12-15, but we hope that you can work out your schedule to join us for this important discussion in Idaho Falls.
 

Protecting Your Investment in Winter Cereal Planting

Planting winter cereals in Idaho- protecting your investment.
University of Idaho. Pest alert, September 12, 2013.
Dr. Juliet M. Marshall, Cereal Agronomy and Pathology
Dr. Arash Rashed, Entomology, Aberdeen R&E Center

Over the past several years our winter cereal production, in Idaho, has been negatively impacted with various arthropod pests and disease, including Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV).
Below, are a few suggestions made to improve the overall health of our winter crops and to reduce the risk of significant yield loss due to disease problems:

Southeast Idaho Cereal Trial Data is Now on Line!

Production data from Dr. Juliet Marshalls cereal trials are being posted at the Southeast Idaho Cereals website at  http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/scseidaho/

Webinars on Farm Tax Issues

Click on image to enlarge.

HealthCare.gov

 Later this year, well begin to realize the full promise of the health care law when millions of Americansindividuals, families, and small businesses will be able to find health insurance that fits their budgets and meets their needs, with less hassle, at the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

 Starting October 1st, the Marketplace will give Americans who are uninsured, or who buy their own coverage, a whole new way to shop for coverage. But nows the time to get ready.

Learn more about the Affordable Healthcare Act at http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/index.html

NCAT Offers Free Webinar on Grafting Fruit Varieties for Organic Production; Developing Regional Crops

Regionally and locally adapted fruit crops aren't just a treat for the palate.  Developing them would fill a number of needs from providing a boon to organic fruit growers to helping detail-oriented farmers and nurserymen make a decent on-farm income.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Horticulture Specialist Guy Ames will present a webinar addressing what it takes to develop fruit that's adapted locally and regionally - and he'll get hands-on with a discussion of grafting, budding, cuttings, and other forms of asexual fruit propagation.

Stripe Rust Continues to Spread - List of Suseptible Varieties

Stripe rust continues to spread in Brundage and is showing up in other susceptible winter wheat varieties such as Garland hard red winter wheat. Given the current weather, the widespread nature of stripe rust in southern and eastern Idaho, and the forecast for the next week, stripe rust will start to show up in our spring wheat fields, especially the susceptible varieties.

Stripe Rust Now Confirmed in Shelly

Sorry to keep bombarding you with information, but thanks to reports by various consultants in the field I wanted to send out an additional stripe rust update to indicate the current status.

Stripe Rust Report May 5th 2013

Stripe rust has been reported in Northern Idaho by Doug Finkelnburg in the soft white winter variety 'Brundage' on the University of Idaho's research farm in Moscow, ID. Stripe rust is also confirmed in southern Idaho from the Twin Falls / Filer areas (also in Brundage) and in Declo (also in Brundage). If you are growing a susceptible variety, please scout and spray with fungicides as needed. While visiting fields in the Twin Falls area, many fields (approximately 30%) of winter wheat and winter barley were infected with BYDV. Most of the fields of winter wheat were Stephens. What appeared to be a resistant reaction to stripe rust was visible on many of the flag leaves of Stephens. Please don't assume resistance with be maintained in varieties reported as resistant, as changes can and do occur in the race structure of the stripe rust fungi. Please check our website for additional information, pictures, and fungicide efficacy chart.  

Stripe Rust Spotted Near Hazelton May 22nd

I have had the first report of stripe rust in Idaho this year in the Hazleton area on Brundage soft white winter wheat. It was first seen 22 May by the pilot for Red Baron, Clay Seamons, and reported to me by Jared Hobson. Clay sent pictures and yes it is stripe rust. 

2013 Idaho Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Program

Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets are one of the most serious pest problem on Idaho rangeland and adjacent cropland.  These are high priority programs for the Idaho Department of Agriculture and the cooperating agencies.  The Idaho program manager, Dick Lawson reired in January and have been replace by Dan Safford.

In the past the program has included a combination of coordinated insecticide treatments, as well as the distribution of carbaryl bait to landowners.  Due to problems with the NPDES permitting, cooperative cost-share spray programs will NOT be conducted in 2013.

Carbaryl bait will be available to landowner who take full responsibility for the labor of application and proper application and storage.  No bait will be available for agricultural lands of less than 5 acres or agricultural land of 5 acres or more that does not produce an agricultural income.  A request for evaluation form must be completed and approved before the bait will be issued

For complete information and a copy of the necessary forms and contact information, please click the cricket below!

Southeast Idaho Cereal Pest Alert for Barley Yellow Dwarf

PNW Pest Alert. Prepared by Juliet M. Marshall, May 9, 2013.

Widespread incidence of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) – infected winter wheat and winter barley is evident throughout the Magic Valley from Buhl to Murtaugh. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, stunting of plants both above and below ground (look for small root systems), and irregular heading with small heads in affected plants. Often, the most severe symptoms will occur along field edges and the edges created along the tracks of pivot tires. (Please see pictures.) There may also be a yellowing to a very characteristic reddening of leaves of infected weedy grasses in nearby ditch banks (Fig. 3), which also host the virus and aphids. Additional symptoms may also include notching of the leaf margins, twisting, leaf tip scorch, and abnormal development of emerging leaves.

User-Friendly Program Updates Phosphorus Management

A more comprehensive and consistent system for modeling phosphorus loss is now available, thanks to work by ARS scientists whose user-friendly spreadsheet program can predict field-scale phosphorus loss in runoff for a whole year, and can also be used in many different states to quantify field-scale phosphorus loss and soil phosphorus changes over 10 years for a given set of runoff, erosion, and management conditions.  

 

A more comprehensive synopsis of the program and links to the research, magazine article and the free computer program are available HERE!

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130418.htm

Cereal Disease Forcast for East Idaho for 2013

It will be difficult to forecast disease for the upcoming year, as everything depends on mother nature and the production practices of each grower. I have no control of either! However, I can give an opinion of what I expect to see in wheat and barley.

Evaluating Alfalfa Stands In the Spring

Dr. Dan Understander, extension forage specialist at the University of Wisconsin has done a lot of work on early season evaluation of alfalfa stands for winter kill and disease.  He has found that stands with less that 50 stems per square foot can be expected to have reduced yields.  While Understand and other have listed 6 plants per square foot as necessary for maximum yield but the stem count seems to work out better, integrating the health of the plants.  Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho extension forage specialist, feels that one might go down to 3 plants per square foot with slight yield reduction.

Dr. Understand has a video on evaluating plant health at http://youtu.be/hoJUU1rmCko.    He also has associated Extension Publications, Alfalfa Stand Assessment : Is it good enough to keep at:

http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/A3620.pdf

 

In addition there is a wide variety of UW related alfalfa publications available at:

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/alfalfa.htm

 

 

eXtension Entrepreneurship Webinar Series Begins April 11th with Farmers Market

Mark your calendars! The eXtension Entrepreneurship webinar series is finishing the season with three presentations of interest to farmers' market vendors and  farmstand owners. All webinars will air monthly on the second Thursday at 2:00pm (ET); 1:00pm (CT); 12:00pm (MT); 11:00am (PT) at https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/etc-cop.

On Thursday April 11, 2013 join Londa Nwadike, University of Vermont Extension Food Safety Specialist, for Food Safety for Farmers Market Vendors. Farmers Markets are a great venue for food producers and value-added processors to introduce their products to consumers, make sales, and also to get valuable feedback on their products. To protect this valuable outlet for your food products, it is essential that all the food sold at the market is as safe as possible and follows local, state and federal regulations. This helps to assure your customers that your business, as well as the entire Farmers Market, has product safety and quality in mind. This webinar will provide information on the food safety risks associated with direct marketing of foods, the regulations that farmers market vendors are required to follow, and strategies/best practices for maintaining a safe environment at farmers markets.

Local Meats Field Day April 20th

 

[Click on brochure to make it readable.]

Demand for sustainably raised meat and fiber is increasing. Consumers are demanding more information about where their food comes from and seeking out relationships with the people who grow it. Washington livestock producers of all shapes and sizes are invited to the Local Meats Field Day at the Windy N Ranch (www.windynranch.com) in Ellensburg on April 20^th. The event, starting at 9:00AM and continuing through a free lamb chili lunch, ending around 1:00PM, will highlight practices successfully used by the Newhall Family in their efforts to become a fully certified organic farm

Cow Camp Chatter: Steer-Heifer Price Spread

Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture

            Why do heifer calves sell so far back from their steer mates?  Regardless of the similarities between the cost of production with steers and heifers,  steer calves generally demand up to a dime more per pound at weaning than their heifer mates.  One would expect the steer-heifer spread to narrow as the demand for replacement females increases.  If expansion of the national beef cow herd accelerates as anticipated the question may become: Why do steer calves sell equal to or behind their heifer mates? 

Help for New Farmers at Tax Time

New tips sheet points out issues they need to know about 

 

Tax time can be daunting for any business, and farming operations bring their own set of challenges—particularly for beginning farmers. 

A new tip sheet from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) can take away some of the mystery as April 15 approaches. 

New USDA Program Focuses on Improving Soil Health

BOISE, ID – February 7, 2013 – The Natural Resources Conservation Service is rolling out a new initiative that encourages improving soil health. In Idaho, the initiative focuses on reducing wind and water erosion issues by increasing soil health. Producers interested in implementing conservation practices emphasizing soil health may apply for technical and financial assistance by March 15, 2013 for fiscal year 2013 funding.

“The Soil Health Initiative promotes improving the soil through soil health management systems,” said Marlon Winger, State Agronomist. “A system combines several different types of tactics to improve soil health.”

Now Microloans Expand Farm Finance Options

(Boise, Idaho) Jan. 22, 2013— New and beginning farmers and ranchers in Idaho now have an agricultural Microloan credit option to consider. As of Jan. 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer its customers a Microloan designed to help farmers and ranchers with credit needs of $35,000 or less. The loan features a streamlined application and a simplified qualification process built to fit the needs of new and smaller producers.

Grain Marketing Webinars On-Demand

Grain Marketing Webinars are available on-line…

·         NEW…February 8, 2013 - Global Grain Market Outlook - presented by Kelly Olson, Idaho Barley Commission at http://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p89861735/

Nation BQA Offeres Free Certification Opportunity

The checkoff‐funded National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program is giving all beef producers and interested individuals the chance to become certified for free thanks to a partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) housed at Kansas State University. The cost of BQA certification is normally $25‐$50; however, between Feb. 11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification, making it free for producers. Those interested in taking advantage of this BQA certification opportunity should start at www.BIVI‐BQA.com. 

Farmers Reminded of Upcoming Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Program Date

SPOKANE, Wash., February 19, 2013 ----- USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Pacific Northwest corn producers of the several options they have available through Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI).   

“During these winter months is the best time to plan for spring-time planting and we want to remind all Pacific Northwest farmers of the Friday, March 15 sales closing deadline for their 2013 seeded spring crops,” said RMA’s Spokane Regional Office Director Dave Paul.  

FoodCorps Recruiting Next ‘Class’ to Connect School Kids to Real Food and Help Them Grow Up Healthy

MISSOULA, MONT. — This week FoodCorps, a national organization that addresses childhood obesity and food insecurity in underserved communities, opens applications for its third annual class of service members.

The selected emerging leaders will dedicate one year of full-time public service in school food systems – expanding hands-on nutrition education programs, building and tending school gardens, and bringing high quality local foods into school cafeterias.

Farm Service Agency Announces Important Program Updates

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended the authorization of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) for many Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity, disaster, and conservation programs through 2013. FSA administers these programs.

New Backpackers Guide to Idaho Range Plants

Click on image to enlarge.

Grain Marketing Webinars On Line

The Idaho Barley Commission has the following grain marketing webinars archived on line--check them out whenever you want

 

Grain Marketing Webinars are available for viewing on-line…

·         Jan. 17, 2013 - How to Hedge Grain Prices Using Recurring Trends & Market Cycles - presented by Mr. Lan H. Turner, Gecko Software, Inc at  http://connect.cals.uidaho.edu/p71004116

·         Nov. 20, 2012 - Executing a 2012/13 Grain Marketing Plan – presented by Craig Corbett and Carley Garner, commodity broker, Las Vegas, NV  at http://connect.cals/uidaho.edu/p20437593/

·         Oct. 30, 2012 - 2012/13 Grain Market Outlook & Understanding Technical Trends – presented by Kelly Olson and Craig Corbett, Grace, ID at http://connect.cals/uidaho.
edu/p47995616/

Cow Camp Chatter: Gestation and Dystocia

Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture

Oftentimes when a first-calf heifer experiences calving difficulty we automatically cast all the blame on the immediate sire of the calf.  We may forget that the sire contributes only half of the genetic merit.  The pedigree of the dam determines the other half.  If the dam’s pedigree is stacked with growth and large birth weight sires and dams this is likely to influence calf delivery as a first-calf heifer.  Conversely, if the dam’s pedigree is stacked with calving-ease sires and dams, one would expect shorter gestations, lower birth weights and less dystocia.  

Cow/Calf Corner: Feedlot Numbers Continue to Dwindle

COW/CALF CORNER

The Newsletter

From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

January 28, 2013

Feedlot Numbers Continue to Dwindle

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist 

The January Cattle on Feed report pegged January 1 feedlot inventories at 11.2 million head, down 5.6 percent from last year. December placements were down about 0.5 percent from year earlier levels.  This makes the seventh consecutive month of declining feedlot placements.  Marketings in December were down 1.7 percent from year ago levels.  December had one less business day compared to December 2011. 

Learn to identify the trees of Idaho

Learn to identify the trees in Idaho

 It is a cold wintery time and one wonders if spring will ever come.  But spring will come and soon the trees will be covered with leaves.  You can identify the different  trees that grow in Idaho with the help of the tree identification book.  There are descriptions of 175 trees that grow in Idaho.  Also in the book there is information on the tree size at maturity which can help you decide what type of tree you should plant in your yard.  There is also information on the common diseases that affect trees.

ATTRA Wraps Up a Productive Year

‘Catalog’ lists new publications, webinars, and videos

 

ATTRA celebrated its 25^th anniversary in 2012 by doing what it does best—being the nation’s leading resource on sustainable-agriculture information.   

ATTRA’s 2012 “catalog” includes more than 50 new and updated sustainable-agriculture publications, including eight Spanish-language publications. That brings the ATTRA publication total to well over 400, nearly all of which are available to be downloaded for free or ordered as a paper publication for a small processing fee at the ATTRA website. 

Farmers are Reminded of Upcoming Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Program Dates

SPOKANE, Wash., January 23, 2013 ― USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers of the fast approaching spring sales closing dates for Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) programs (March 15). This also includes the whole farm insurance programs Adjusted Gross Revenue Pilot (AGR) (Janaury 31) and Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite). AGR and AGR-Lite cover most farm-raised crops, animals, and animal products.    

Answer the Census of Agriculture

The Census of Agriculture questionnaire was mail to farmers in the us on December 28.  Please help ensure vital programs by answering the census quickly, either by mail or on line at www.agcensus.usda.gov.

USDA Finalizes New Microloan Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2013 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack todayannounced a new microloan program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) designed to help small and family operations, beginning and sociallydisadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans.

Cow/Calf Corner: Agricultural Data is More Important than Ever

From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
January 14, 2013
Agricultural Data
is More Important than Ever
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

U.S. agriculture has seen tremendous changes and challenges in recent years.  Unprecedented new demands for agricultural products have caused significant changes in crop production and have provoked huge impacts on livestock production.  Input market shocks, dynamic global markets and drought have all contributed to volatile short term market conditions.  The changes and impacts are not merely short term in nature.  There are long term structural implications to these changes that will impact what will be produced and where and how it will be produced.  These changes have implications, not only for agricultural producers but also for consumers.  Food price impacts of changes the last six years are just beginning to be manifest in the consumer marketplace.  All of these factors imply that much information will be needed to understand the changes and implications of those changes on the U.S. food and fiber system.