November 1, 2022

USDA Grain Transportation Reports

The USDA Grain Transportation Report is a weekly publication from the Agricultural Marketing Service. The weekly highlights cover snapshots by sector for Export Sales, Truck, Rail, Barge, and Ocean movements.

Past reports provide a snapshot of production costs and grain delivery to ports, and how grains were ‘moving’ along in the system. These reports are useful for penciling out capital risk. For example: 

October 8, 2015 report: National diesel fuel price $2.49

  • page 2, feature article: The importance of China to Grain Transportation and Logistics.
  • page 4, current transportation issues: slow demand for barge services. No significant rail disruptions.
  • page 4, grain transportation cost indicators: Using a base year 2000 = 100 value (biweekly value shown)
    • truck 165
    • rail 255
    • barge 359
    • gulf 147
    • pacific 126
  • page 13, barge movements, all commodities nearly all above three year trend since July.

October 25, 2022 report: National diesel fuel price $5.34

  • page 2, feature article: Using inspection data and services metrics to analyze grain rail exports.
  • page 4, grain transportation cost indicators: using a base year 2000 = 100 value (biweekly value shown)
    • truck 358
    • rail 332
    • barge 1112
    • gulf 284
    • pacific 262
  • page 12, barge movements, all commodities nearly all below three year trend since July.

For more indepth reading on these reports and more, see the website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/transportation-analysis/gtr-datasets

 

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
November 1, 2022

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in NJ

New HPAI case in New Jersey – October 22, 2022.

(TRENTON) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has confirmed a new Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) case in an Ocean County backyard flock (non-poultry) as classified by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The disease response is being coordinated between state and federal partners. – Jeff Wolfe, NJ Ag.

For additional information see: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2022/approved/press221022.html

“Second 2022 HPAI case in New Jersey” – Jeff Wolfe

October 14, 2022. (TRENTON) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) confirmed the state’s second Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) case in 2022 in a Warren County non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry). The disease response is being coordinated between state and federal partners.

The test samples were collected from ducks in Warren County and were tested at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. The duck flock had experienced high mortality, and some displayed neurologic signs before succumbing to the disease. Congruent testing was completed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, which confirmed detection of the disease on October 13, 2022. The virus is believed to have spread through wild birds, which were found deceased on the property and tested positive for HPAI.

State and federal personnel are following the appropriate response plan, including implementing site quarantine, proper biosecurity measures, and depopulation of poultry on the premises. Additionally, outreach to poultry owners, live bird markets, and the general public at www.nj.gov/agriculture has been completed to provide recommendations on poultry management and measures to ensure the maintenance of a healthy flock.

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. As a reminder, poultry and eggs’ proper handling and cooking to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kill bacteria and viruses.

Signs of HPAI in poultry can include:

  • Sudden death
  • Decrease in feed or water consumption
  • Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Darkening of the comb/wattles
  • Reddening of the shanks or feet
  • Decreased egg production
  • Lethargy

HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions, including feces, ocular, nasal, or oral secretions from infected birds. The virus can spread on vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc. Practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto a farm.

Those biosecurity practices include:

  • Eliminating exposure of domestic birds to wild birds. Minimizing standing water and extra feed in the environment that might attract wild birds.
  • Avoiding contact with other poultry.
  • Keeping a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. Disposable boot covers or a foot bath that is changed regularly are other measures that can be used.
  • Minimizing the number of people who visit the birds.
  • Avoiding sharing equipment with other flocks and using appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must come onto a farm.

HPAI is a reportable disease. Any individual who shall gain knowledge or suspect the existence of the disease shall notify this office without delay. Deceased birds suspected of having Avian Influenza should be double-bagged and stored appropriately for testing. Do not expose dead poultry to the environment, other poultry, or wildlife/wild birds. Wash your hands after handling sick or dead birds.

If you suspect HPAI, please alert the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

For additional information about the disease and outreach materials, go to:

###” – Press release from the NJ Department of Agriculture.

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock
September 28, 2022

Driving into High Path Avian Influenza Quarantine Zones in PA. Know the rules.

September 28, 2022. There has been a significant area placed under quarantine in Lancaster County East Lampeter Township. Read below to refresh on the rules when driving into a HighPath Quarantine Area.

For those traveling to Lancaster County for equipment, supplies and feed, be aware of the 20km zone that includes areas near Ephrata, New Holland, Gap, Quarryville, and Manhiem locations; and the 10km zone that includes Lancaster and Stroudsburg areas; and the epic-center 3km zone. 

Secretary Fisher has sent along the PADLS quarantine map to Ag Agents, you can contact your Ag agent for a copy of the map. The map when it is updated, can also be found at:  https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae

“Migration season is underway and the virus is obviously in the environment.  Please ensure all your poultry caretakers are practicing their best biosecurity, especially regarding using clean and dedicated footwear when entering the poultry houses.”- PADLS

Earlier this year….

As of 5/11/2022: The PA Department of Agriculture, via communications from Kevin D. Brightbill, DVM | State Veterinarian | Director is requesting continued compliance of the agriculture industry at large with the General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards for the existing control zones established in Lancaster and Berks County.

There is an Interstate (existing or carried on between states) and General Quarantine Order in effect in Pennsylvania; specific to Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Vehicle, Container and Material Standards that is critical to abide by to prevent introduction of High Path. The specifics of “following the conditions and requirements of this Interstate and General Quarantine Order Order related to vehicles and products being transported including other domestic animals” can be found in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 52 Issue 18 52 Pa.B. 2597 General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, Containers and Material Standards.

https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol52/52-18/637.html

New Jersey agriculture producers, please be mindful of these efforts as you travel in and out of the location of the current quarantine area (10 kilometer radius) as shown in the PA DEPT AG MAP https://padeptag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a9066a3d68a443a08043766cb84bf4ae.

Elsewhere in the region, please consider how you can help reduce potential spread as you travel to and from agriculture service centers in the region.

To stay up to date on the quarantine restrictions and recommendations related to disinfecting transportation vehicles and conveyances, please join the weekly Pennsylvania High Path Avian Influenza call by contacting Jennifer Reed – Harry, Penn Ag Industries at Email: jrharry@pennag.com

NJ Poultry Producers. To participate in the next South-Jersey Poultry Association monthly webinar with guest veterinarians from either USDA or state agencies, contact Melissa Bravo at the Salem County Extension Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
September 16, 2022

Sept 22 HighPath Avian Webinar for Backyard Producers

USDA Defend the Flock Program

Navigating Avian Influenza: from prevention to recovery

Webinar Registration – Zoom

Learn from USDA and other experts about how to keep your flocks safe from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This session is for enthusiasts, farmers, educators, and anyone interested in signs and symptoms of HPAI, what to watch out for during fall migration, and how to develop an effective biosecurity and response plan. Hear about one educational farm’s experience managing a potential HPAI outbreak and get tips on how to keep your poultry flocks safe.

 

Time: Sep 22, 2022 02:30 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Uncategorized
September 14, 2022

Hessian Fly-Free Planting Date Reminder

Grower planting small grains for ‘grain’ harvest next year should review the Hessian fly-free planting date for their area. Wheat is more at risk, rye for grain is least at risk.

Additional information on this season’s damage in wheat in Salem County can be found at: https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/crop-progress-and-hessian-fly-sightings/

Penn State article on early planting and risk of hessian fly damage

Penn State Fact Sheet on Hessian Fly 

Beck’s Hybrids has a map on their website that is also helpful to gauge your location

 

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops
September 14, 2022

High Probability of Downed Droughty Corn During Hurricane Season

The national oceanic and atmospheric agency at Colorado University has released their forecasting for the next two months of the Hurricane and Tropical Storm Season. The strong La Nina is persisting into a third year coupled with decreasing water temperatures returning closer to normal for this time of year are reportedly similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and 2021 conditions.

Field corn: The stalk stability of droughty corn is much less tolerant to high winds than non-droughty corn. Given the drought conditions, corn producers may have the ability to harvest corn earlier than normal due to rapid dry down on the cob. Current soil moisture conditions are very suitable for fitting fields for winter small grain establishment.

Moldy cornAspergillus mold species often show up after drought conditions, posing a significant risk of aflatoxins in the corn crop if present. Aspergillus molds are carcinogenic to people and cause losses in livestock and poultry. Combine operators and elevator operators should take precautions against inhaling fungal spores. Signs of Aspergillus ear rot include evidence of powdery olive-green mold on the ear tip or on kernels in the ear.

Corn with brown spots

Fusarium ear rots are also probable in fields that had significant high humidity and high temperatures as grains are developing to black layer. Fusarium molds show up as white to pink cotton-like growths mold scattered throughout the ear. A starburst like pattern may occur on infected kernels that may also be brown in color.

*Inhaling poison ivy volitile oils and ivyleaf morning glory and jimson weed dust as they go through the combine along field edges should also be avoided. 

For additional images see https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/encyclopedia/aspergillus-ear-rot-of-corn

Hurricane Season: Hurricane forecasters have stated that this La Nina and nearer to average water temperatures are similar to 1999, 2000, 2011 and last year. Given that in 1999, 11.41 inches of rain fell in Salem County; and in 2000, 5.76 inches fell in Salem County; and in 2011, 6.19 inches fell in Salem County in the month of September, producers who can harvest early may want to consider higher moisture harvest if standability is an issue. Hurricane season peaks from mid-August to mid-October with the season ending on Nov. 30.

Soybeans: Soybean fields should be walked for signs of stem snap in areas with high levels of soybean stem borer activity in 2020 and where July herbicide applications visibly stressed plants during the height of the drought this season. Due to in season stresses, bean maturity in the pods may be farther along in some fields than leaves indicate. If 90% of the beans are tan, test moisture levels frequently.

Salem County producers can pick up mycotoxin plant analysis bags at the extension office. Current pricing from regional laboratories are as follows:

1. NJ Department of Agriculture website submission form: (click link)

Mycotoxin test. Please call the laboratory to check on current availability and pricing

 

2. Dairy One Mycotoxin Testing: (click link)

  • Mycotoxin Panel $105: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Vomitoxin, Zearalenone, T2, 3-acetyl DON, 15-acetyl DON
  • Ochratoxin A $77
  • Fumonisin B1, B2, B3 $77
  • Full Panel $210

3. Dairyland Laboratories Individual Toxins: (click link)

  • Aflatoxin  $55.00
  • Vomitoxin (DON) $55.00
  • Zearalenone $55.00
  • T-2 /HT2 $55.00
  • Fumonisin  $55.00
  • Ochratoxin $55.00

Check out the historical storm map maker image below at https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/08/noaa-historical-hurricane-tracks-explore-more-than-150-years-of-historical-hurricane-landfalls/

Filed Under: Field, Forage & Livestock, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops