Nebraska's Golden Triangle Benefits Renewable Fuels

September is Renewable Fuels Month!
Part Two of a Four-Part Series for Renewable Fuels Month

Nebraska’s economic prosperity is deeply rooted in agriculture. Very few states can stake claim to the high rankings and diverse production that Nebraska consistently maintains year after year. Besides taking the top ranking in cattle on feed, in 2014, Nebraska also ranked first in popcorn and Great Northern dry edible bean production.

Last year, Nebraska ranked third in corn production and fifth in soybean production, accounting for nearly 12 percent of the nation’s corn bushels and almost 8 percent of the nation’s soybean bushels. Nebraska’s centralized location, access to water, and fertile soils make it a natural hub for crops, livestock and biofuels production – all of which make up Nebraska’s Golden Triangle.

“No state is better situated with crops, livestock and renewable fuels than Nebraska,” said David Bruntz, farmer from Friend, Nebraska and secretary/treasurer on the Nebraska Corn Board. “Nebraska ranked second nationally in ethanol and distillers grains production in 2014. These production rankings clearly illustrate the interdependent nature of the biofuels and feed industries.”

Farmers have solid, established markets for corn – ethanol and livestock – while the two-dozen ethanol plants across our state then provide renewable fuel and a feed ingredient for the livestock industry, giving cattle feeders in Nebraska more feed options and an advantage over feeders in other states.

Soybean acres in Nebraska are up nearly 13 percent from last year. Not only do soybean farmers expect a large crop, but they also expect to find a market for that large crop as well. Roughly 97 percent of domestic soybean meal goes to feeding poultry, hogs and other livestock.

The majority of the oil from soybeans continues to be used for human consumption, but biodiesel production has increased significantly over the last few years, helping to alleviate a glut of soybean oil that remained on the market. In fact, roughly one quarter of all soybean oil is now used to produce biodiesel.  According to a study conducted by the USDA, the increased usage of biodiesel has returned nearly $0.74 per bushel to soybean farmers while decreasing the price of meal by $21 per ton.


Eugene Goering, a soybean farmer from Platte Center, Nebraska and chairman of the Domestic Marketing Committee for the Nebraska Soybean Board, thinks Nebraska’s Golden Triangle makes perfect sense. “Agricultural production in Nebraska is part of a very dynamic system, a system in which soybeans, corn, and biofuels production can fit in perfectly with livestock production. We can market our crops locally, create jobs locally and keep some of these tax dollars in our communities.”

Seed Corn Harvest has Begun

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

For the week ending September 13, 2015, temperatures averaged near normal with rain confined to the eastern half of the State, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Silage cutting was active in a number of areas. Seed corn harvest had just begun and the first fields of high moisture corn were being taken. The last irrigation activities of the year were underway. Winter wheat seeding was progressing in western counties, as was dry bean and millet harvests. There were 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 29 short, 61 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 26 short, 66 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Photo Courtesy of David City FFA Chapter

Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 19 fair, 56 good, and 19 excellent. Corn dough was at 96 percent, near 100 for both last year and the five-year average. Dented was at 86 percent, equal to last year, but behind 91 average. Mature was at 27 percent, equal to last year, and near 30 average. Harvested was at 1 percent, near 0 last year and 5 average.

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and Nebraska Extension. Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables HERE. Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE. Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE.

The Farm Whisperer

A local Nebraska businessman, speaker and University of Nebraska Coordinator of Family Business Programs and lecturer has recently published a book on family farm succession planning.

Dave Specht is an internationally recognized expert in family business management and his new book, The Farm Whisperer, encourages the reader to discover the key pitfalls that families face with generational farm transitions and offers strategies to help you in your own succession process. The Farm Whisperer is an actionable guide to help begin discussions and get your family started on this important journey. While The Farm Whisperer offers no silver bullet guarantees, it does provide questions, processes and a framework to get started on being intentional about, "Preserving Your Family and Perpetuating Your Farm.".

Spect is the founder of Advising Generations LLC, a strategy consulting firm for family-owned businesses. His work was recently featured in The New York Times, Successful Farming Magazine, Drovers Cattle Network and Family Business Magazine. He has gained international attention for his creation of the GenerationalBusiness360© process and a new mobile app called Inspired Questions-For Farmers.

He also offers five reasons farm transition planning in “optional”.

5 Reasons Farm Transition Planning Is Optional

1. If you don't mind the default plan that the government has already created for you, don't bother with the planning process.
2. You have confidence that your children will work it out and their relationships won't suffer because of your lack of guidance.
3. You don't really care if the farm stays in the family or if it gets sold to your neighbor.
4. If your relationship with your lender is so good that you are 100% confident they will continue lending to the next generation.
5. If you are willing to have your kids sell the farm should you or your spouse need medical or long-term care.

If any of these five reasons make you uncomfortable, you should take an intentional approach to the planning process. The Farm Whisperer may be just the start that you need to get your family on the road to generational continuity.

Don't leave your farm and family legacy to chance. Thanks to Dave for offering a great resource to farmers about issues that are becoming ever more important.

Strategic Research Survey

In an effort to be more strategic in prioritizing the research funded by the Nebraska Corn Checkoff Program, the Nebraska Corn Board is asking for your assistance in identifying the issues that hold the most importance to Nebraska farmers.

As the first step in focusing research funding, the Board would like to ensure that no issues impacting your profitability have been overlooked – including opportunities for increasing demand.  Please take a moment to complete this anonymous survey by selecting the level of importance each issue has in terms of value to your farm and your profitability over the next 10 years.  The survey is only 11 questions and we expect it will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

While our first priority is to hear from farmers, we welcome feedback from others with valuable input (e.g. crop consultants, extension educators, etc.).  To participate, please click on the following link:  

Nebraska Corn Board Research Strategy Survey

This survey will be open through Wednesday, September 30. The Nebraska Corn Board appreciates your assistance in helping us capture the greatest value from your checkoff investment in research.

Renewable Fuels Offer Consumers Choices at the Pump

September is Renewable Fuels Month!
Part One of a Four-Part Series for Renewable Fuels Month

Nebraskans have the choice of what type of fuel they put in their vehicle when they fill up. These options are available thanks to renewable biofuels such as American Ethanol or biodiesel. In September, Nebraskans can celebrate these choices with the recent proclamation of “September is Renewable Fuels Month” by Gov. Pete Ricketts (see photo on the right).

Biofuels come in many different blends and can be found all over the country. Most vehicles can fill up with E10, vehicles newer than 2001 can use E15, while flex fuel vehicle (FFV) owners can fill up with flex fuel blends from E20 up to E85. Biodiesel blends can usually be found at levels of B5, B10 or B20. Blend rates are identified by the number following the letter, so B20 is comprised of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent regular diesel fuel, whereas E85 is 85 percent American Ethanol and 15 percent regular unleaded gasoline.

Finding the fuel choice for your vehicle is simple. “The main thing to know is if you have a flex fuel vehicle (FFV) or not. If you do have an FFV, you can fill up with any blend of American Ethanol up to E85. If you don’t have an FFV and it’s newer than 2001, you can fill up with any American Ethanol blend up to E15,” said Tim Scheer, farmer from St. Paul, Nebraska and past chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board.

When consumers make the choice to put these renewable fuels in their fuel tank, they are choosing their energy future. A future with renewable fuels is less reliant on the oil industry and its negative impacts on our environment. By using renewable fuels, they will also diversify their fuel sources to positively impact America’s economic and national security, which ensures a healthier future for the environment.

“Renewable biofuels offer consumers a wealth of benefits when they fuel up at the pump,” added Scheer. “While there are a lot of options to choose from, the decision to use these renewable blends is an easy one. It is cost-effective, American-made, renewable and better for our environment and consumer health.”

While biofuels are better for the environment, many motorists are also pleased to know it is better for their engines. Evidence shows that ethanol keeps engines clean by preventing build-up in the fuel injection system and reducing tailpipe emissions. Additionally, since it is water-soluble and has a low freezing point, it helps prevent a vehicle’s gas line from freezing up in cold weather. 

Biodiesel also offers many benefits, such as added engine lubricity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit is that you do not need to modify your engine to run biodiesel, and when using biodiesel motorists won’t be sacrificing fuel economy or performance. Whether you drive a car, truck, semi, or farm equipment, biodiesel is made to work in any diesel engine.

“With today’s innovative engine advancements, biodiesel now has a place for every diesel engine. It has been proven the fuel provides similar fuel economy, horsepower, and torque as regular fuel,” states Ron Pavelka, farmer from Glenvil, Nebraska and chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “Whether it be in town, on the interstate, or steering down the rows of a field, renewable fuels are home-grown and here to stay.”

Irrigation Winding Down

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

For the week ending September 6, 2015, above average temperatures and generally dry conditions were experienced throughout Nebraska, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Temperatures averaged up to ten degrees above normal, causing some livestock and dryland crop stress in areas where there was minimal rainfall. Fieldwork activities included cutting silage and winding down irrigation. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 30 short, 59 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 25 short, 67 adequate, and 1 surplus.

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 18 fair, 57 good, and 19 excellent. Corn dough was at 94 percent, near 97 last year and the five-year average of 98. Dented was at 75 percent, near 73 last year and 79 average. Mature was at 12 percent, near 14 last year and 16 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and Nebraska Extension. Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE. Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE.

Nebraska Corn Board Elects New Officers

The NebraskaCorn Board met and elected officers for the 2015-2016 fiscal year at their board meeting on Monday, August 31 at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Lincoln. The board met to conduct regular board business and hold election of officers.

David Merrell, District 7 director from St. Edward, Nebraska, was elected chairman.  Merrell previously served as the vice-chairman of the board and has been a director on the Nebraska Corn Board since 2006. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanized Agriculture (Biological Systems Management). He and his wife, Cyndee, have three children and have been farming for over 20 years around St. Edward, located in Boone County, Nebraska.

Dennis Gengenbach, District 6 director from Smithfield, Nebraska, was elected vice chairman. Gengenbach previously served as the secretary/treasurer and was chair of the board’s biofuels committee.  He has been a director on the Nebraska Corn Board since 2006.

David Bruntz, District 1 director from Friend, Nebraska, was elected secretary/treasurer. Bruntz previously served on the board’s biofuels committee and has been a director on the Nebraska Corn Board since 2013.

Tim Scheer, District 5 director from St. Paul, Nebraska, will now serve as the past-chairman of the board. Scheer has been a director on the Nebraska Corn Board since 2007.

“It’s an honor to be elected chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board,” said Merrell.  “This organization represents an industry that is vitally important to our state and we are fortunate to have farmer leaders and staff members who are extremely dedicated to it. I look forward to working with the board, staff and industry leaders to continue the positive momentum of Nebraska’s corn industry in the areas of market development, research, promotion and education.”

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Tim for his dedication and efforts over the past years of serving as chairman and Alan Tiemann for serving as past-chairman,” added Merrell. “Both of these farmer leaders have contributed substantial time, shown great commitment, and brought innovative ideas to our industry over the last three years.”

Talking ag with a vegan

I had an opportunity with CommonGround recently to attend a dinner with media, dietitians, nutritionists and bloggers. It was a great event to reach influencers who have day-to-day interaction with consumers who have questions about food and what farmers and ranchers do.

At my table were three dietitians: one was a pro-GMO spokesperson, one was in administration and one was ---- a vegan. I was really nervous when I first met him hoping that he didn't immediately ram down my throat about modern ag production practices. And I also hoped I could keep my cool and not let him dominate the conversation.

The conversation started well with the table being open to hearing what I do as a farm woman, mom and blogger, as well as learning about what each of them do in their field of practice. It was interesting to me that what we do on our farm was (for the most-part) okay, but when the words "environment", "GMO", "climate change", "economics" and more were brought up, things got a little more heated. In all of the research that my "new friend" had done, I had known of a study that refuted his information and was peer-reviewed and backed by sound-science. He rattled off numbers (I later found out this is what he does in his spare time - research!) and I was pretty impressed by the passion that he had for wanting to change the world to be meat-free and all organic - but he had his facts all wrong because he simply hasn't seen it done, been to a farm or ranch, and had a very naive view of the rest of the world.

We had a healthy debate on how unrealistic it is for the WHOLE world to turn meat-free and all organic. There is a place for these markets and I totally support that (I told him I even supported him being vegan - the sentiment was not returned). The biggest point that I wanted to get across to him was the availability of CHOICE that we have here in the U.S. I was grateful for the GMO-supporter-dietitian that was also at our table because she has done work all over the world and agreed that we have the safest, most affordable food supply in the world with the most choices.

While a little disappointed I wasn't able to "change" my vegan-friend's mind about modern agriculture, it was a good reminder that he is in the 10% of the population whose mind cannot be changed on a matter they think they know all about (I'm not saying all vegans are this way). While I came away from the dinner disheartened over what I "should have said" to try to change his mind, I realized that there were two other sets of ears at the table who were more likely in the "move-able middle", 80% of the population that we should really be focusing our efforts on who we can give information to for them to make an educated decision. The remaining 10% are those of us in agriculture and consumers we already have "on board" and supporting our cause.

It is an exciting time in agriculture to be able to share our story with a wide-consumer base of people who are truly interested in how their food is raised. What are you doing to reach out and share your story to the "move-able middle"?

A Healthy Soil is a Living Soil

2015 International Year of Soils

Biological diversity or 'biodiversity' is described as "the variability among living organisms from all sources, whether terrestrial, aquatic or marine." It includes the diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (organism diversity) and of ecosystems (ecological diversity). Soil is one of nature's most complex ecosystems and one of the most diverse habitats on earth: it contains a myriad of different organisms, which interact and contribute to the global cycles that make all life possible. Nowhere in nature are species so densely packed as in soil communities; however, this biodiversity is little known as it is underground and largely invisible to the human eye.

Soil Biodiversity and Agriculture

Our agricultural systems exert an important influence on soil organisms, including their activities and their biodiversity. Clearing forested land or grassland for cultivation affects the soil environment and drastically reduces the number and species of soil organisms. A reduction in the number of plant species with different rooting systems, in the quantity and quality of plant residues, or in soil organic matter content limits the range of habitats and foods for soil organisms. While the use of external inputs, particularly inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, can overcome some soil constraints to crop production, the overuse or mis-use of afro-chemicals has resulted in environmental degradation, particularly of soil and water recourses. The quality and health of soils largely determine agricultural production and sustainability, environmental quality and, as a consequence of both, has bearing on plant, animal and human health. Improving soil biodiversity is vital to ensuring soil health and further food and nutrition security. Agricultural systems and afro-ecological practices that dedicate great care to nurturing soil biodiversity, such as organic farming, zero-tillage, crop rotation and conservation agriculture, can sustainably increase farm productivity without degrading the soil and water resources.

What do soil microorganisms do?

In both natural and afto-ecosystmes, soil organisms are responsible for performing vital functions in the soil ecosystem which have direct interaction with the biological, atmospheric and hydrological systems. Soil organisms act as the primary agents of nutrient cycling, regulating the dynamics of soil organic matter, soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions, modifying soil physical structure and water regimes, enhancing the amount and efficiency of nutrient acquisition by the vegetation through mutualistic relationships, and enhancing plant health. These services are essential to the functioning of natural ecosystems and constitute an important resource for the sustainable management of agricultural systems

The Soil Food Web
When diverse soil organisms interact with one another and with the plants and animals in the ecosystem, they form a complex web of ecological activity called the soil food web. The resilience of the food web in inextricably linked to the biodiversity within the soil.

Corn Condition Rates 77% Good/Excellent

For the week ending August 30, 2015, cooler temperatures were noted in eastern counties where significant rainfall occurred, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. However, western dryland crops and pastures were showing stress as producers worked to keep up with demand of irrigated crops. Final hay harvest was active, as was preparation for winter wheat planting in the west. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 29 short, 61 adequate, and 4 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 25 short, 67 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 18 fair, 58 good, and 19 excellent. Corn dough was at 91 percent, near 93 last year and the five-year average of 95. Dented was at 59 percent, equal to last year, but behind 64 average. Mature was at 1 percent, behind 7 last year and 8 average.

Photo Courtesy of David City FFA Chapter

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and Nebraska Extension. Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps HERE. Access the U.S. Drought Monitor HERE.

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter