Nebraska Corn on Track - 96% Planted, 78% Emerged

Photo courtesy of David City FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 29, 2016, numerous rain events limited planting activities, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Accumulations of an inch were common, with rainfall totals of three inches or more recorded across the southeast. Temperatures averaged two to four degrees above normal in the east, but near normal in the west. Crusting of soils was reported with some producers running pivots to help their crops emerge. There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 78 adequate, and 20 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 84 adequate, and 14 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 26 fair, 62 good, and 10 excellent. Corn planted was 96 percent, near 93 last year and the five-year average of 97. Emerged was 78 percent, near 80 last year and 82 average. 

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.
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

Nebraska Corn 2016 Internships Announced

Seven Nebraska Students Selected to Represent Nebraska Corn in Internships

(L-R): Morgan Schilling, Laura Lundeen, Lauren Stohlmann,
Kelsey Scheer, Andrea Gurney & Colton Flower (Not Pictured, Maddy Breeling)

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska CornGrowers Association (NeCGA) are proud to support seven college students as interns starting this summer. 

Five of the seven interns will be hosted by national cooperators of NCB, including: the National Corn Growers Association in St. Louis, Missouri and Washington, D.C., the U.S. Meat Export Federation in Denver, Colorado and the U.S. Grains Council in Washington, D.C. and internationally in the Panama City, Panama office. The other two internship programs will be yearlong internships in the Nebraska Corn offices in Lincoln.

“We are thrilled to once again be able to offer these various internship opportunities to an excellent group of students,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director for the Nebraska Corn Board. “Nebraskans should be very proud of these bright and energetic collegiate candidates. They represent an insightful next generation of young people who will help bring a new dimension to producing food, feed, fuel and fiber for a growing world population.”

Below is a listing of students who were selected for this year's internships and a short description of what they'll be experiencing. You can keep up with these students and their experiences throughout the summer here on the blog under the "Interns 2016" label.

The National Corn Growers Association headquarters’ office in St. Louis, Missouri, will host Lauren Stohlmann of Murdock, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Lauren will be a senior in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be primarily working with market development on the American Ethanol NASCAR sponsorship as well as participating in a variety of other communications and grassroots activities.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) office in Washington, D.C. will host Colton Flower of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and NCGA. Colton will be a senior in Agricultural Education/Leadership with minors in Agribusiness-Entrepreneurship and Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During his internship, he will be involvedx with a variety of agricultural issues related to environmental regulations, transportation, free trade agreements, biotechnology, ethanol, and energy.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), located in Denver, Colorado will host Kelsey Scheer of St. Paul, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USMEF. Kelsey will be a senior in Animal Science with a Production and Management option from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be assisting with beef, pork and lamb specific projects, as well as promotions and international relationship opportunities.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in Washington, DC will host Maddy Breeling of Omaha, Nebraska, as their summer intern supported by a partnership between NCB and USGC. Maddy will be a senior studying Global Studies, with minors in Business and National Security at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She will be working with the global programs team and assisting with preparation for international trade teams and other market development programs that help to develop demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products.

In cooperation with NCB, the U.S. Grains Council will also host Andrea Gurney from Torrington, Wyoming, as their international intern in the Panama City, Panama office. Andrea will be a senior majoring in Agricultural Business at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will be working with the western hemisphere team on issues related to global trade in food and agricultural products, assisting with communication to importers. 

The NeCGA office in Lincoln is happy to welcome Laura Lundeen of Axtell, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Laura will be a junior in Agricultural Education with minors in Animal Science and Agronomy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She will oversee NeCGA’s online communications as well as contribute to a variety of communication and outreach projects.

The NCB office in Lincoln is excited to welcome Morgan Schilling of McCook, Nebraska, for a yearlong internship. Morgan will be a senior studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Agronomy at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As part of his internship, he will oversee Nebraska Corn’s crop progress report placement, contribute to communication programs and projects and will help coordinate educational and promotional activities.

“Nebraska Corn’s internship program has been engaging students for over 20 years and has been a great investment into Nebraska’s agricultural future.  As our board has observed, the educational and career advantages these internships have provided to students over the years, have been instrumental in motivating students go on to excel in agricultural focused careers,” added Brunkhorst.

One last look at my time as the NCB Intern

Exactly one year ago I was going through the training process for my internship. Morgan Zumpfe, the previous intern, did such a great job teaching me all about what the internship entailed and all of the duties that I would have for the upcoming year. Also during my time with Morgan, we attended the Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival in Grand Island, and taught Nebraska 4th graders about the importance of water to growing corn. Now, one year later, I have switched roles and am now training Morgan Schilling, who will be replacing me beginning this week as the new Nebraska Corn Board Intern. I know he will be a great addition to the Corn Board team.

During the past year, this internship has allowed me to learn so much about the agricultural industry. Attending ethanol promotions, traveling to Commodity Classic, going on the Nebraska Agribusiness Club Tour, and being a sponsor at Frog Fest were just a few of the highlights of my internship. Through all of my experiences, I have truly grown as an individual. Coming into this internship as a freshman with only one year of college under my belt, I was a little nervous about having an internship so soon, but I am so thankful that the staff at the Corn Board allowed me to have this great opportunity. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined, and this truly was a growing experience over the past year. Although I am sad that my time here has come to an end, I am so excited to see Morgan take over.

I want to extend my thanks especially to the Corn Board staff. These staff members have been there for me from day one, and have been the main reason of why I have enjoyed this internship so much. I can't think of a better group of individuals to come to work with each and every day. You will all truly be missed. Also, I want to thank all Nebraska corn farmers for their continuous support. It is your support that allows students like myself to attain these internships. It is internships like this that grow and develop our next generation of agricultural leaders.

Gov. Ricketts Highlights Benefits of Biofuels During Renewable Fuels Month

On Thursday, May 19, Governor Pete Ricketts highlighted Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska and the importance of biofuels to Nebraska by kicking off a unique ethanol promotion at Sapp Brothers in Omaha.  The Governor previously designated May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska by signing a proclamation.

“With renewable fuels, we’re not only adding value to the crops we grow, but also expanding America’s domestic fuel supply while creating quality jobs all across our state,” Governor Ricketts said.  “Renewable fuels have a positive influence on our economic landscape in Nebraska.  By filling up with biofuels, you support Nebraska’s farm families and generate as much as $3 million in tax revenue for our rural communities.”

Nebraska’s economic prosperity is closely tied to agriculture, the state’s number one industry.  Nebraska ranks second national for ethanol production, which consumed 43 percent of the state’s corn crop in 2014 according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Both American Ethanol and soy biodiesel are clean-burning, renewable fuels made from homegrown Nebraska commodities.  These fuels and co-products greatly contribute to Nebraska’s economic vitality and make an impact across the entire country.  More than 1,500 people in rural Nebraska and more than 850,000 people nationwide are employed in the renewable fuels industry, according to a 2014 economic impact study released by Fuels America.

In addition to financial benefits, biodiesel and American Ethanol also provide many environmental and consumer benefits.  According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, some 70 percent of harmful air pollution is attributable to mobile sources such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and construction equipment.  Biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent.  Similarly, American Ethanol is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that dramatically reduces the level of toxics added to gasoline, including proven and suspected carcinogens such as benzene, toluene, and xylene.

"When it comes to air quality, renewable biofuels such as American Ethanol and biodiesel burn cleaner and help make our air healthier,” Governor Ricketts noted.  “Renewable Fuels Month is a great way to bring awareness to the wide range of benefits biofuels provide.  Nebraska-produced biofuels are cost-effective, American-made, renewable, and better for our environment.”

In recognition of Renewable Fuels Month, Nebraska’s corn and soybean farmers announced they would give drivers in the Omaha metro cause to celebrate.  Renewable biofuels were offered at a steep discount from 4-7 p.m. at Sapp Bros. located at I-80 Exit 440 in Nebraska.

More photos of Renewable Fuels Month celebrations can be found here.

Corn Planted at 90% - Equal to Last Year

Photo Courtesy of Imperial FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 22, 2016, dry conditions allowed producers to get back into fields and resume spring planting activities, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rain was experienced late in the week with an inch or more common in central and north central counties. Temperatures averaged two to six degrees below normal. Corn planting was winding up with producers focused on soybean acres. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 81 adequate, and 16 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 85 adequate, and 12 surplus.

Crop Progress: Corn planted was at 90 percent, equal to last year, and near the five-year average of 93. Emerged was at 51 percent, behind 68 last year and 62 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

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

May Proclaimed as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

Biofuels Improve Economic Activity, Environment and Human Health Across the State

Ethanol and soy biodiesel have become major markets for Nebraska corn and soybeans—and are providing significant economic, environmental and consumer benefits. In recognition of the importance of renewable biofuels to the state, Governor Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska. 

Nebraska is the nation’s second largest ethanol producer, home to 25 ethanol plants with the capacity of more than two billion gallons of production. These plants, which employ more than 1,300 people, process more than 700 million bushels of corn a year into clean-burning ethanol as well as distillers grains, a high protein feed ingredient for livestock. Some Nebraska ethanol plants also produce carbon dioxide for bottling and food processing as well as corn oil for human food consumption.

Biodiesel production, which uses soybeans as a primary feedstock, is on the rise in Nebraska. A biodiesel plant in Beatrice is expected to begin commercial operation in 2016 with the capacity to produce 50 million gallons, requiring more than 33 million bushels of soybeans.

“Renewable biofuels have absolutely transformed the economic landscape in Nebraska,” said Ron Pavelka, a farmer from Glenvil and chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “The additional demand for Nebraska commodities created by renewable fuels production has created a new market for farmers, generated significant investment and tax revenue in rural communities, and created good paying jobs in areas of the state that really need them.” 

“The growth of renewable biofuels has helped reduce our nation’s dependence on imported petroleum, reduced prices at the pump and provided greater choice for consumers,” said David Merrell, a farmer from St. Edward and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “But perhaps the most important benefit of these fuels is their dramatically positive impact on the environment and on human health.”

For example, biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent and reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 86 percent compared to its petroleum based counterpart. The 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel used in 2015 reduced the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by 18.2 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 3.8 million cars from the road or planting 466 million trees.

Ethanol is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that dramatically reduces the level of toxics added to gasoline to increase octane, including proven and suspected carcinogens such as benzene, toluene and xylene. “Since these toxics do not completely combust in the engine, they enter the atmosphere through exhaust emissions and are directly connected to cancer, heart disease and asthma in humans,” Merrell added. “The more ethanol we add to gasoline, the lower the levels of these harmful toxics in the air we breathe.”


According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, some 70 percent of harmful air pollution is attributable to mobile sources such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and construction equipment. “When consumers choose renewable biofuels at the pump, they are not only saving money and supporting a homegrown fuel, they are also making the choice for a better environment and cleaner, healthier air for their families,” Pavelka said.

Corn Planted at 74%, 30% Emerged

Photo Courtesy of Heartland FFA Chapter

For the week ending May 15, 2016, rain amounts of one to two inches were common across the eastern half of the state during the first half of the week, with heavier amounts in east central counties, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Hail accompanied the rain in portions of the State. Planting progress was limited in eastern counties as producers waited for soils to dry. Temperatures averaged two to six degrees below normal. Producers continued to move cows and calves to pasture.

There were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 2 short, 80 adequate, and 18 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 3 short, 86 adequate, and 11 surplus.

Field Crops Report: Corn planted was at 74 percent, behind 82 last year and the five-year average of 81. Emerged was at 30 percent, behind 47 last year and 35 average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service.

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 Voice: agriculture-style

Any “The Voice” fans out there?

Photo from NBC.com

The Voice is a two-time Emmy Award-winning vocal competition show in its 10th season on NBC. In this show, celebrity judges - Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Pharrell Williams and Adam Levine - choose the contestants they feel would fit best on their team then coach them throughout the season with a series of battle rounds, knockouts, live playoffs and the finals. To get on a celebrity judge’s team initially, the contestant must have a “blind audition” where the judges cannot see the person singing, only judging on their voice.

This “blind audition” reminds me how people often identify with farmers and ranchers.

On the show, the judges can’t see who is making the sound until they choose to turn around. Much like that with food production today, food-eaters don’t know much about where their food comes from unless they “choose” to know.

Sure, they hear about certain production practices from their neighbor or fellow MOPS mom or maybe a relative. But until they really choose to know and look up the facts for themselves, they are just in a blind audition.

Farmer and ranchers are just as much involved in the “blind” part of this. Part of it is our fault. For a long time, we didn’t do a good job of sharing about what we were doing or how we were doing it. It’s our own business, right?

Photo from NYDailyNews.com

Right, but it is also the food-eater’s business. They want to know about their food – who raised it, where it came from, what was put on it, how it was processed. They don’t want to come in blindly and just assume it is safe. And unfortunately, some groups in agriculture try to pit one form of production over another – which really confuses the food-eater.

So – let’s come together and make it easy for the food-eater to choose to learn more about modern food production. Here’s how we can learn from The Voice and use a few of their tactics:

• Blind Auditions: sometimes food-eaters haven’t heard both sides of the story. They are coming in blind to a situation where they know little about an issue involving modern food production, yet they feel passionate because of who told them about it. Explain to them where you are coming from and how you know what you know. While face-to-face conversations are ideal, social media is a great place for this. You can get personal while sharing on blogs, Facebook, Instagram, videos, Twitter, etc., but it also allows for one-on-one conversations and questions. (see our blog series, Social Soil, about how to use these social media tools!)
• Battle Rounds: conversations around food can get heated. It’s a very personal issue that EVERYONE is affected by. Try not to get into a debate with someone, but simply give them the educated-information for them to make their own choice.
• Knockouts: you know you’ve knocked it out of the park when you’ve been able to open up someone’s perspective towards modern agriculture so they can see why you do what you do, and become a champion for you. To help achieve this knockout, make sure you are prepared with personal stories about your farm and ranch. Hitting that emotional string is a powerful and relatable one.
  
• Live Playoffs: get in front of a live audience. Many civic groups, schools, moms groups and more need speakers for their events. So speak up and volunteer to share about what you do to raise food. You’ll be surprised at how rewarding it is.
• The Finals: our end goal in advocating for agriculture is to share what we do and why we do it so that we are known for what we do – not what others say we do (or don’t do). This needs to be a part of every food-producers business plan. You won’t have a business if you sit around and wait for someone else to share your story. The truth is, it is already being shared and not by the right people. Keep the sustainability of your farm or ranch in mind with this issue: step up, get out and share your story.

Commodity Classic 2016 Discussions

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. Commodity Classic is an annual convention and trade show that is farmer-led and farmer-focused. It provides farmers with an opportunity to learn about the latest improvements in agriculture, meet with industry leaders, attend educational sessions, and network with other farmers and agribusinesses from across the nation. While I was at this convention, I was also able to attend Corn Congress and listen to the discussions and presentations that were held there. There were two important discussions that I took away from this convention: the growing importance of sustainability in agriculture, and the need for innovation in order to feed our growing population.

I think that the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) spoke very well on these two important topics, that are so important to agriculture. Their vision is, "to sustainably feed and fuel a growing world." They stated that they are working within their organization to develop new programs that meet today's needs, and are also building new tools to communicate and coordinate better across the agricultural industry. In order to meet the demands of the growing population, NCGA is working with its value chain partners to create a competitive market demand for 19 billion bushels of corn through stable annual growth by 2025. They will do this by increasing ethanol use, developing three new uses for corn, promoting corn based food demand, increasing livestock exports, improving the quality of livestock feed, and several others. One important goal of NCGA will be to enhance customer and consumer trust over the upcoming years. They will accomplish this by creating new partnerships, telling the story of American corn farmers sustainability, engaging more members in advocacy, and several others. Overall, I believe that NCGA is on the path to success in regards to addressing the importance of sustainability in agriculture, and the need for innovation in order to feed the growing world.

Corn Planted at 53 Percent

For the week ending May 8, 2016, dry conditions prevailed allowing producers to get back into fields after midweek, however widespread rainfall was reported late in the week, shutting down activities, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Rainfall accumulations of one or more inches were common in the Panhandle, central and southeastern counties.  Temperatures were near normal.  Standing water in low lying areas made portions of fields inaccessible.  There were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork.  Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 3 short, 81 adequate, and 15 surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0 percent very short, 5 short, 87 adequate, and 8 surplus.

Corn planted was at 53 percent, behind 71 last year and the five-year average of 59.  Emerged was at 15 percent, behind 24 last year, but equal to average.

Data for this news release were provided at the county level by USDA Farm Service Agency and UNL Extension Service

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

USMEF, USFRA, and USGC Discussions at Commodity Classic

As the current Nebraska Corn Board intern, I was able to attend Commodity Classic 2016 in New Orleans. While there, I spent some time at the trade show, engaging in conversations with several different agribusinesses. I stopped by the following three booths: United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF), United States Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), and the United States Grains Council (USGC). I had really great, informative conversations with each of these three agricultural groups.

At the USMEF booth, I learned that their mission is, "to increase the value and profitability of the U.S. beef, pork and lamb industries by enhancing demand for their products in export markets through a dynamic partnership of all stakeholders." This past year they were able to set a new record for global pork exports, which increased by about 5 percent from last year. This was largely driven by demand in China, Mexico and South Korea. After speaking with a representative of USMEF, I was informed that one of their main focuses this year has been producer education, which will continue being a priority into the upcoming years. Being present at Commodity Classic helped USMEF reach these producers from all over the nation.

I also spoke with employees of USFRA. Their main goal is to communicate all aspects of agriculture with consumers who might have questions about how today's food is grown and raised. The vision of USFRA is to build trust and confidence in today's agricultural practices. Specifically, they have been working to build the bridge between farmers and consumers. This year, they have focused on farmers thanking consumers and have trained farmers to be comfortable talking to consumers about any concerns or questions they may have.

Finally, I spoke with representatives of USGC. Their goal at Commodity Classic was to entertain all attendees, but doing so in a way that would show the importance of agricultural trade. Their mission is to develop markets, enable trade, and improve lives. I learned that one of their main priorities is to help people understand the global picture of crops, including prices and profitability. Being present at Commodity Classic allowed USGC to create new partnerships by building valued, long-lasting relationships with farmers, agricultural leaders, policymakers and administrators.

High Octane Fueling the Future

Knock, Knock!

Who’s there?

Ethanol!

In 2012, the Obama Administration set groundbreaking standards to increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 MPG for cars and light-duty trucks by model year 2025. 

Although the auto industry has made many design innovations during the years, it will take a better fuel to meet this lofty goal. That better fuel contains ethanol.

Engine efficiency is how much of the energy in the fuel is converted to “useful work.” In a vehicle “useful work” is measured as MPG (miles per gallon). Gasoline engines in vehicles are typically 25-30% efficient, which means that only 25% of the energy contained in the fuel is used to move the car down the road. Diesel engines are 40-50% efficient, much higher than gasoline engines.

The main reason for the increased efficiency is that diesel engines run on a much higher compression ratio or a higher pressure. Higher compression means greater engine efficiency. Gasoline engines cannot be operated at higher compression, because the fuel prematurely combusts under high engine pressure causing “engine knock,” which greatly decreases engine efficiency and can be harmful to the engine.

Reducing engine knock is all about octane – and what’s added to our fuel to get it. But what’s octane?

Octane is a measure of the ignition quality of gasoline. The higher the octane number the less susceptible the fuel is to knocking. Knocking occurs when the fuel prematurely burns in the engine’s combustion chamber due to compression, instead of being ignited by the spark as the engine is designed. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting.

^{These numbers at the fuel pump represent the octane number. You can see that E85 (85% ethanol) has an octane of 105. Traditionally, denatured ethanol from an ethanol plant usually has a 113 octane number.}

A recent report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory noted high-octane ethanol blends containing 20-40% ethanol are being “extensively studied” as fuels that would enable the design of engines that get better performance and fuel economy and produce fewer emissions.

Ethanol is a non-toxic, cleaner-burning octane booster that combusts more completely in the engine. Higher blends of ethanol dilute the level of toxic additives in our fuel, which helps reduce pollution.

It’s important that flex fuel infrastructure is available now to supply higher blends of ethanol for flex fuel vehicle drivers and new high-compression engine vehicles hitting the market.

Ethanol is truly the fuel of the future.

This post was submitted by the Nebraska Ethanol Board. The Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board continue to work together to establish procedures and processes necessary to the manufacturing and marketing of ethanol fuel.