Farm & Ranch - October 2020

Farm & Ranch - October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

Expo one-of-a-kind in Nebraska

Young and old meet for goat conference

By GEORGE HAWS For The North Platte Telegraph

This year’s 4S Goat Expo on Oct. 3 to 4 in North Platte brought to- gether producers from all over the state and had quite a following on Facebook video, too. The show and sale portions of the expo, originating from Lincoln County Fairgrounds, were broadcast by live feed on the social media site, with a viewership of over 3,000, said expo committee member Laura Pryce of Broken Bow. She said she was very pleased about that. Goats, in general, are getting more atten- tion as time goes on, said Melissa Nicholson, also a member of the organizing commit- tee. There is good demand in a niche mar- ket for goat meat and the pandemic has cre- ated interest in acreage owners for live goats. This spring, especial- ly, there was concern that the food supply would be disrupted, prompting some people to decide to raise their own meat. It takes a lot less space to raise a goat or two than a beef animal, and people are more likely to be able to slaughter and process their own. “It gives them a feeling of security,” Nicholson said. Most producers raise from 20 to 100 head, so it is not their main source of income, but it is important. Nicholson and her husband, Bronc, raise Boer meat

George Haws / For The North Platte Telegraph Waiting to show their families’ home-raised Boar meat goats at the 4S Goat Expo are, from left, Zane Morgan (11) of Sutherland, and Gatlin (5), Keaton (13) and Kamden Fattig (8) of Brady.

chemicals are not nec- essary. Young goat produc- ers, ranging from 6 to 18 years old, learned some things of their own, and demonstrated their skills in a goat judging contest at the expo. While the older youth were adept at identi- fying body types and desirable traits in mus- cling, bone structure, etc., “We help out the little ones,” Nicholson said, and they are in a judging class of their own. They are prompt- ed to select a goat that looks good to them, then go through the judging card, “which can be a bit confusing,” while an adult helps them identify specific traits that make the an- imal desirable. Youngsters had an important role in showing their fami- lies’ prized goats, too. Typically in groups of two or three, they cir-

of Lazy S-T Ranch in San Angelo, Texas. Dusek is also a retired researcher with Texas A&M University. Management rec- ommendations have changed in the effort to combat resistance of parasites like the dead- ly barber pole worm, to paraciticides, Saner said. “Now we recommend using one class” of paraciticides in a par- ticular herd until they don’t work, then anoth- er class. “If none will work, use a combina- tion,” he said. However, “someday the combination may not work, either,” so other approaches are always important, to deal with resistance. They include keeping the most resistant an- imals for breeding, and culling those that are more susceptible to worm infestations. Producers should also avoid using para- citicides when the

goats at their home near Chadron and have about 35 nannies who kid each year. It’s com- mon for nannies to bear twins, she said. The Nicholsons do most of their sales through a livestock auction in Centennial, Colorado. Some producers market directly to con- sumers, and Facebook continues to be a popular vehicle for marketing goats, as it has been for sever- al years, said Randy Saner, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator who helps to organize the expo each year. Regardless of the herd size and how they are marketed, goats require careful man- agement, and parasite control takes high pri- ority. That was an important topic at the expo which featured Saner and other UNL extension educators, a panel of goat produc- ers, and Randy Dusek

Please see GOATS, Page F3

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

Farmers give conservation program ‘thumbs up’

irrigation scheduling and ro- tational cattle grazing. Each year, participating farmers also receive what Dallegge calls “significant” financial payments through the pro- gram. Initial paperwork for an application can be submitted through the nearest Natural Resources Conservation Service office, and must be received by Nov. 20. Andrea Hartman, policy assistant at the Center for Rural Affairs, said produc- ers selected for the program are teamed up with a tech- nician to develop a plan specific to each operation. Ranchers in the western part of the state might cre- ate rotational grazing and brush-management plans, for example, while farmers in the east could focus on cover crops and no-till. Hartman added establish- ing conservation practices is playing the long game. “Enrolling in a conserva- tion program like this, it’s really looking toward the fu- ture and how viable your operation will be,” Hartman

By ERIC GALATAS Nebraska News Connection LYONS — The Conservation Stewardship Program in Nebraska is open for applications. Jim Dallegge, a farm- er and rancher in Butler County, just ended his sec- ond five-year contract with the federal program, which gives financial and technical assistance for conservation efforts, like improving soil health and water quality. Dallegge credited the pro- gram for a host of upgrades to his operations, including the purchase of a GPS guid- ance system for targeted spraying. His advice for people lean- ing toward submitting an application? “Definitely do it,” Dallegge said. “I mean, it’s a no-brain- er, really. It helps with the environment; it’ll help your farmwith nitrogen manage- ment, with soil no-till, with helping your soil, with help- ing the water quality.” Dallegge also tapped the program to improve

Paul Godard / Nebraska News Connection Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska can now apply for conservation project funds through the Conservation Stewardship Program.

are kind of disappearing, and boy, it was just loaded with monarch butterflies this year,” Dallegge said. “And other kind of butter- flies too, plus bumblebees and bees, and I think that’s a real benefit.”

was hard to farm. He hopes other farm- ers consider setting aside a patch of ground, to give pol- linators that migrate for hundreds of miles a place to land and refuel. “The monarch butterflies

said. “Not just in five years, but in 10 or 20, or 50 years.” The program also helps preserve wildlife habitat, and Dallegge said he’s espe- cially proud of his pollinator garden, converted from a rough corner of land that

GOATS from Page F2

goats in a line, they prompted the animals to stand with their legs at just the right distance apart, holding the animals’ heads in position to give the best impres- sion, hoping for first place. 4S stands for “show, sale, sem-

inar and showcase.” Nicholson said this is the only goat expo in the state and she has been in- volved in organizing the expo since it moved to North Platte about eight years ago. It was pre- viously held in Lexington.

cled the ring while the judge, Dusek, eyed the animals. Then, positioning themselves and their

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

Fall brings new animal disease concerns

US officials continue to monitor African swine fever

Other diseases like swine inf luenza are al- ways on the industry’s radar. More information on African swine fe- ver and other diseases from the Swine Health Information Center may be found online at swinehealth.org. For cattle producers, early fall is usual- ly a popular time for weaning calves. Grant Dewell, Extension beef veterinarian at Iowa State University, said those calves will need pre-weaning vacci- nations to make sure their immune system is ready for the transi- tion into the feedlot. Dewell said cattle still need to be closely monitored, even when the combines are roll- ing. “Make sure you keep an eye out on the nor- mal things. You want to make sure they are staying healthy,” he said. With weather issues, Dewell said any feed- stuffs should probably be tested. “With the drought some have had and the downed corn from the derecho in August, there is the potential for excessive nitrates in the feed,” he said. “You could have af la- toxin and mold issues as well because of the weather. I would def- initely test any feed you plan to use this winter.” Jeff DeYoung is livestock editor for Iowa Farmer Today, Missouri Farmer Today and Illinois Farmer Today. Reach him at jeff.deyoung@iowa- farmertoday.com.

they had, locations, bi- osecurity protocol, testing availabili- ty,” Pyburn said. “We have our Secure Pork Supply program that enables us to have that information ahead of time.” He said while African swine fe- ver is in the news, other swine diseas- es continue to cost producers millions of dollars annually. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome is at the top of the list, Pyburn said, and usually be- comes more prevalent as the thermometer drops. He said the outbreak of porcine epidem- ic diarrhea in 2013 heightened the pork in- dustry’s need for better biosecurity. It forced producers to imple- ment strict biosecurity programs on their farms. “We are not seeing a lot of PED now for two years running,” he said. Pyburn said while there will always be new pathogens, some could possibly be eradi- cated like pseudorabies was in the 1990s. One of those is mycoplas- ma. “I think we are in a position where mycoplasma could eventually be eradicat- ed,” he said. “I think if we work on improving pig f low and pig com- fort, we might be able to do it.”

By JEFF DEYOUNG Lee Agri-Media

African swine fe- ver continues to inch its way across Europe, and while safeguards are in place to keep it out of the U.S., pork in- dustry officials say continued vigilance is essential. “There is an empha- sis on prevention along with preparedness,” said David Pyburn, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board. The recent discov- ery of African swine fever in Germany es- sentially shut down the largest pork pro- ducing country in the European Union, with exports to China and other major customers stopped immediately. “There are no exports anywhere out- side of the EU,” Pyburn said. “They are going to lose billions of dol- lars.” Pork industry of- ficials have worked closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other organizations to put a surveillance system in place, which includes carefully examining imported feedstuffs or other ingredients. Pyburn said this also includes an enhanced effort to control the country’s feral hog population. He said the U.S. is much better prepared than Germany. “They had little knowledge of the sites

Photo courtesy of National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff via Lee News Service U.S. Department of Agriculture officials and the U.S. pork industry continues to monitor the crawl of African swine fever across Europe, but swine producers in the U.S. also need to be aware of other diseases that can present problems during the fall and winter months.

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

Deadline for Beginning Farmer Tax Credit approaching

NEWS AT A GLANCE

Telegraph staff reports Corn maturity reaches 96%

59% last year but behind 68% av- erage. Sorghum condition rated 4% very poor, 10% poor, 18% fair, 42% good and 26% excellent. Sorghum mature was 95%, ahead of 80% last year and 89% aver- age. Harvested was 31%, well ahead of 8% last year and ahead of 23% average. Dry edible beans harvested was 87%, near 85% last year. Pasture and range conditions rated 16% very poor, 22% poor, 26% fair, 36% good and 0% excel- lent. Farm Finance Clinic is Wednesday The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska are hosting a free farm finance clinic on Wednesday. The clinics are conducted on Zoom. To sign up or for more in- formation contact Michelle at the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.

Midwest Messenger November is right around the corner and, with it, the deadline for applications for the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s NextGen program offers the tax credit to help new pro- ducers get a head start in farming and ranch- ing, while giving back to those who own agri- cultural assets. Nathan Beacom, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs, said the pro- gram has important benefits for both new farmers and landown- ers.

“For the farmer, the program ensures a minimum three-year lease, which provides the stability for indi- viduals seeking to get their feet under them,” Beacom said. “The farmer also qualifies for personal property tax exemption, mean- ing that property used in production, up to $100,000, is exempt from state personal property taxes.” An additional reim- bursement is available for the farmer to pursue financial man- agement education. For the landowner, the benefit includes a refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the cash

rent or 15% of the value of the share-crop rent received. “This program is a great opportunity for a landowner looking to transition to a young- er farmer and to ensure their land remains in responsible produc- er, this benefit means more opportunity to rent land, to develop a relationship with a landowner, and to build a foundation for a long- term operation.” Applications are due by Nov. 1. Visit next- gen.nebraska.gov for more information or to fill out an application. tion,” Beacom said. “For the new farm-

LINCOLN — Corn maturity reached 96% for the week end- ing Oct. 11, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rat- ed 27% very short, 46% short, 27% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 23% very short, 41% short, 36% adequate, and 0% surplus. Corn condition rated 5% very poor, 9% poor, 23% fair, 46% good and 17% excellent. Corn mature was 96%, ahead of 82% last year and 90% for the five- year average. Harvested was 34%, ahead of 18% last year and 22% average. Soybeans harvest- ed was 82%, well ahead of 24% last year and 39% average. Winter wheat planted was 89%, near 93% last year and 90% average. Emerged was 60%, near

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

Readiness plan is essential during harvest As COVID-19 lingers on, farmers need to be prepared

keeping our distance from others, wearing masks in public places and washing our hands and using hand sanitiz- ers often.” Nebraska Corn rec- ommends farmers develop a farm read- iness plan in case of emergency. No one can learn the nuances of a farmer’s operation overnight, but having a plan in place will re- duce stress in the event of an accident or ill- ness. Once farmers develop their plans, they should place them somewhere where they can easily be found and additional copies can be given to trusted neighbors or friends. Protect yourself: » Always “take a sec-

ond for safety.” An extra second could save your life. » Wear proper PPE. » Drink plenty of wa- ter and get enough rest. » Make it a point to check in with family and loved ones regular- ly, especially when fall gets hectic. » Take time for your- self, even if it’s just a quick walk around the farm. » Monitor yourself for signs of stress. If you notice something odd, say something. » Follow all safety guidelines for equip- ment. General farm infor- mation to include in plan: » Hired help contact information and prima- ry job responsibilities. » Typical machinery dealership and/or re- pair services used. » Crop advisor and/ or farm manager name and phone number. » Crop insurance agent name and phone number. » Ag lender name and phone number. » Locations of equip- ment needed for harvest. Field Plans: » Field names and lo- cations. » Highlight in a plat book, if possible. » Note where the field entrance is and what side is best to start working from. » Location of hybrids that may be sooner to dry down for harvest. » Do you have tile inlets or irrigation equipment that needs to be moved? » Are there any po- tential hazards for harvest (deep gullies or pivot stops)? » What still needs to be done? Do you have

Nebraska Corn Board LINCOLN — As the corn growing sea- son winds down, Nebraska farmers are anxious to begin har- vest. Every year as autumn begins, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association reminds farmers and rural residents to “take a second for safety,” in order to prevent ac- cidents and ensure a successful harvest. This year, safety pre- cautions are especially important, as the world continues to deal with

the coronavirus pan- demic. “As someone who contracted COVID-19 earlier this summer, I can adamantly say this is a virus you want to avoid, and it’s defi- nitely not something you want to get during harvest,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Friend. “Oftentimes, as farmers, we think our occupations are prime for social distancing. While that may be true, this virus spreads eas- ily, so we need to take precautions, such as

Nebraska Corn Board According to the CDC, the agricultural sector is one of the most dangerous industries in America. By following safety precautions and having a farm readiness plan in place, farmers can greatly reduce the risk of an emergency.

pivots that need to be checked? Stored crop plans: » What is your in- tended location for storage or delivery for each field’s crop? » Are there any bins that need to cleaned out? Where do you de- liver to? » Are all bins func- tioning clearly? » Which bins may need to be watched more closely than oth-

ers?

» Do you have any upcoming delivery contacts? List specific contract information. » Does anyone help market your crops? If so, list their contact in- formation. Livestock plans: » Do you still have cows to calve? If so, list calving routine and processing procedures. » Which pastures do Please see PLAN, Page F10

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FARM RANCH

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

OCTOBER 2020

University of Nebraska provides drought resources

National Drought Mitigation Center, Extension team together

IANR News LINCOLN — No mat- ter where you live, drought is a part of life. Being prepared for drought before the next one develops can help reduce the severity of its damaging effects on everything from agri- cultural production to urban water supplies to physical and emotional well-being and beyond. The National Drought Mitigation Center, based at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln School of Natural Resources, along with Nebraska Extension, works with an array of partners to develop resources that can help producers be better prepared before and during drought events. The most well-known of those re- sources is the National Drought Mitigation Center’s U.S. Drought Monitor, which pro- vides a weekly drought outlook across all 50 states and U.S. territo- ries, along with over 20 years of >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

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