USDA’s Risk Management Agency updated their 2021 ‘Prevented Planting Coverage’ in July. This update allows crops planted on insured acreage to be harvested as forage, including cover crops, without resulting in a penalty or reduction of payment if certain conditions apply.

https://rma.usda.gov/News-Room/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Prevented-Planting-Coverage

Scroll down on their page ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ and read the “What are my options for planting forage on prevented planting acres?” sample questions and example scenarios. And the same question is posed related to planting a cover crop. 

The Cash Rents Survey estimates have been published by the National Agriculture Statistical Survey Office. Survey responders reported an average cropland rental rate of $76/acre across the state ranging from $46 an acre on average for pasture; $66/acre on average for non-irrigated cropland; and $128/acre on average for irrigated cropland. The link to the data is:

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Cash_Rents_by_County/

State average cash rentals by year: Url shortener: 2021 Cash Rents by State NASS Data

County level by year cash rental rates: Url shortener: Past Year’s Cash Rents NJ NASS

USDA to Measure Small Grain Production

“HARRISBURG, PA – During the first two weeks of September, a sample of small grains growers around the country will receive Agricultural Survey questionnaires from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2021 production and supply of small grains, including wheat, oats, barley, and rye. ” – August 13, 2021 News Release

To read the full announcement go to: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/New_Jersey/Publications/Current_News_Release/2021/2021_Sept_Ag_Area_Survey_News_Release.pdf

Have goats or sheep? Read the update from the USDA regarding how to receive your free metal ear tag.

“The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Scrapie Eradication Program, is providing up to 100 plastic flock ID tags free-of-charge, to first time participants in the sheep and goat identification program through fiscal year (FY) 2021 or until the available funds are expended. Producers will need to purchase the compatible applicator from the tag manufacturer. APHIS is working with sheep and goat organizations to develop a plan for transitioning toward electronic identification to improve our nation’s ability to quickly trace exposed and diseased animals in the event of an outbreak.

APHIS discontinued the availability of no-cost metal tags for producers on 8/31/19. Dealers and markets may continue to receive metal serial tags at no cost through FY 2021 or until the available funds are expended. Flock ID tag numbers are the producer’s flock ID assigned by APHIS or the State followed by an individual animal number. Metal serial tag numbers have the state postal abbreviation, 2 letters followed by 4 numbers. Plastic serial tags have the state postal abbreviation, a letter and a number in either order, followed by 4 numbers. ”

For the full announcement go to:  USDA APHIS Sheep and Goat Information url shortener at https://go.rutgers.edu/cmo1d1hh

As anticipated, the weather conditions during corn silking when high heat coupled with little precipitation has yielded a corn grain crop in many parts of the state with visible signs of lighter test weights on the cob and signs of mold proliferation.

Field dry, low test weight kernals are very likely to crack before or during harvest. This is when molds that produce aflatoxins can form in as little as twenty-four hours. And previously uninfected, or undetectable levels can develop in previously uninfected kernals if the molds that cause the toxin are present in the environment (field,combine, storage).

Aflatoxins levels in feed and corn intended for human consumption are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. All animals can be sickened by high levels of aflatoxins. The tolerance ranges established by the FDA range from 20 ppb to 300 ppb (parts per billion) depending on the age, weight and type of poultry, swine, and cattle. Pet food’s made from corn fed to dogs and cats have a tolerance range of 20 ppb. For detailed information see the March 2019 revision of the FDA compliance policy guide on Action Levels for Aflatoxins in Animal Food https://www.fda.gov/media/121202/download

There are four main types of aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the major toxin produced, and is regulated in the United States at 20 ppb in agricultural products that may be used in human food.

Laboratories will test for the different types of aflotoxins and also conduct a comprehensive screen for all mycotoxins in the feed sample. Prices generally begin at $25.00 for an individual aflatoxin test to $100.00 for a comprehensive screen.

Sample each field by variety separately. Focus on the areas with visible signs of light test weight kernals (pre-mature husk death, unfilled ear tips, visible molds on kernals, cracked kernals). For comparision, find a healthy normal section of corn and test.

Waypoint Analytical Feed and Forage Form. Write ‘Aflatoxin test’ on the form; or write ‘Complete Mycotoxin Screen’ on the form. Indiviual samples for Aflatoxin are currently $24.50. Individual tests for complete screen for mycotoxins are currently $85.00. https://www.waypointanalytical.com/Docs/samplesubmittalforms/WaypointFeedandForageInfosheet-Pennsylvania.pdf

Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Call the lab for test availability and pricing. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/contact.php

Dairy One (Mycotoxin Panel $99: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Vomitoxin, Zearalenone, T2, 3-acetyl DON, 15-acetyl DON) https://dairyone.com/services/forage-laboratory-services/submitting-a-sample/