BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ceilidhkern/">CEILIDH KERN</a>&nbsp;

The University of Missouri rolled out its first all-electric, autonomous tractor Tuesday, calling it a “revolutionary piece of technology” that could pioneer new agricultural practices and make farming more efficient and sustainable.

The Monarch MK-V tractor, bought with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the Midwest’s first fully autonomous tractor, according to Christopher Daubert, dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. The tractor will be used for research by CAFNR, the MU College of Engineering, and MU Extension.

The MK-V runs solely on electricity and is equipped with cameras and sensors that allow it to be driven remotely. Its artificial intelligence capabilities are designed to collect data and analyze crop health, allowing the machine to align with future agricultural innovation.

Kent Shannon, a CAFNR professor specializing in agricultural systems and technology, piloted the tractor for Tuesday’s demonstration. He said the MK-V was well-suited for smaller-scale farms, including his own.

“It provides some opportunities that a traditional tractor wouldn’t,” he said. “I can see me using this on a beef cattle farm at home.”

The tractor does come with a high price tag: A standard model starts at about $89,000, more than twice the price of a traditional tractor of the same size, Shannon said.

Even so, he emphasized that the total value of the tractor has yet to be fully understood, meaning that the price might actually be affordable given the advanced capabilities it offers.

“If I went to the local dealership, yeah, I’d find something a lot cheaper than this,” he said. “But if you think about agriculture as a whole, it’s not exorbitant.”

“You might even think it was more than $90,000 for a tractor like this,” he added. “You’ve got to think of all of the technologies on it — there’s no other tractor of this stature that has both electric and autonomy capability.”

Sazzad Rifat, a PhD student at MU studying biosystems engineering, said he looks forward to learning about the tractor’s autonomous driving features and its ability to maneuver around obstacles.

To better understand the MK-V’s technologies, university researchers are interested in exploring its ability to support farmers with disabilities.

Findings from this research, as well as information about the MK-V, will be shared with farmers through MU Extension’s AgrAbility program, which helps farmers with disabilities overcome challenges.

For Missouri’s small-scale farms, this tractor’s technological capability could be revolutionary, said Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension in a news release.

A more sophisticated hydraulic system and engine reduce emissions that may interfere with farm conditions, Downing said. The tractor also scores very well environmentally on air and water quality measurements.

Because of the nascency of this new technology, no state subsidies are yet available to help farmers pay for it, according to Teng Lim, a professor at MU Extension. There is, however, a “good chance” of future state support, he said.

This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/mu-unveils-the-first-fully-electric-autonomous-tractor-in-the-midwest/article_6d1f4dea-4c27-11ee-b22d-e3a740636d5f.html#tncms-source=Featured">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694017307494.png" alt="William Lee, left, and Kent Shannon look at the tractor before the demonstration on Monday at Sanborn Field in Columbia (Kate Cassady/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption>William Lee, left, and Kent Shannon look at the tractor before the demonstration on Monday at Sanborn Field in Columbia (Kate Cassady/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ceilidhkern/">CEILIDH KERN</a>&nbsp;The University of Missouri rolled out its first all-electric, autonomous tractor Tuesday, calling it a “revolutionary piece of technology” that could pioneer new agricultural practices and make farming more efficient and sustainable.The Monarch MK-V tractor, bought with grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the Midwest’s first fully autonomous tractor, according to Christopher Daubert, dean of the MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. The tractor will be used for research by CAFNR, the MU College of Engineering, and MU Extension.The MK-V runs solely on electricity and is equipped with cameras and sensors that allow it to be driven remotely. Its artificial intelligence capabilities are designed to collect data and analyze crop health, allowing the machine to align with future agricultural innovation.Kent Shannon, a CAFNR professor specializing in agricultural systems and technology, piloted the tractor for Tuesday’s demonstration. He said the MK-V was well-suited for smaller-scale farms, including his own.“It provides some opportunities that a traditional tractor wouldn’t,” he said. “I can see me using this on a beef cattle farm at home.”The tractor does come with a high price tag: A standard model starts at about $89,000, more than twice the price of a traditional tractor of the same size, Shannon said.Even so, he emphasized that the total value of the tractor has yet to be fully understood, meaning that the price might actually be affordable given the advanced capabilities it offers.“If I went to the local dealership, yeah, I’d find something a lot cheaper than this,” he said. “But if you think about agriculture as a whole, it’s not exorbitant.”“You might even think it was more than $90,000 for a tractor like this,” he added. “You’ve got to think of all of the technologies on it — there’s no other tractor of this stature that has both electric and autonomy capability.”Sazzad Rifat, a PhD student at MU studying biosystems engineering, said he looks forward to learning about the tractor’s autonomous driving features and its ability to maneuver around obstacles.To better understand the MK-V’s technologies, university researchers are interested in exploring its ability to support farmers with disabilities.Findings from this research, as well as information about the MK-V, will be shared with farmers through MU Extension’s AgrAbility program, which helps farmers with disabilities overcome challenges.For Missouri’s small-scale farms, this tractor’s technological capability could be revolutionary, said Dan Downing, a water quality expert with MU Extension in a news release.A more sophisticated hydraulic system and engine reduce emissions that may interfere with farm conditions, Downing said. The tractor also scores very well environmentally on air and water quality measurements.Because of the nascency of this new technology, no state subsidies are yet available to help farmers pay for it, according to Teng Lim, a professor at MU Extension. There is, however, a “good chance” of future state support, he said.This story originally appeared in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/mu-unveils-the-first-fully-electric-autonomous-tractor-in-the-midwest/article_6d1f4dea-4c27-11ee-b22d-e3a740636d5f.html#tncms-source=Featured">the Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

First fully electric, autonomous tractor in the Midwest unveiled

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension

&nbsp;While many people would love to see their weight decrease when crossing the scale, beef cattle producers selling cattle by the pound prefer to minimize weight loss animals experience from the farm to the sale facility, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

“Shrink refers to weight loss that occurs when bodily fluids or solids are excreted by the calf between home and the sale location,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/25/heifer-management-vaccination-timing-for-calves-hidden-cost-of-transportation-shrink/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

White said this is often a hidden cost because cattle producers don’t always factor that into their marketing plan.

“From a marketing standpoint, shrink is the difference between the amount of weight &nbsp;I got paid for at sale versus the amount of weight I could have sold if I’d done everything right,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.

How the cattle are managed between home and the point of sale can influence how much weight is lost.

“When cattle are stressed, they will increase the frequency of urination and defecation, which increases the amount of shrink,” said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist.

He added: “So when moving cattle be sure to remain calm and go slowly.”

It is also helpful to have good facilities to move the cattle through, the experts said.

K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added that even with good facilities, well-trained animal handlers are important in reducing shrink.

“You can have the best facilities in the world and yet the wrong handlers will totally negate what you are trying to keep from happening in respect to weight loss, so be sure that if you use third-party handlers that they are well-trained,” Lubbers said.

The goal is to minimize the amount of time the cattle don’t have access to familiar feed and water, according to Larson.

“The worst case scenario is to move the cattle from the pasture to a dry lot with little access to feed and water, and then take them to an auction market where they are not weighed for another day or two,” Larson said. “Even if you give them access to feed and water at the new location, it will take time for them to resume eating and drinking.”

The bottom line, White said, is that “some shrink is unavoidable, but it is greatly influenced by how we manage the nutrition leading up to that point and then how we handle those cattle in the transportation process.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/25/heifer-management-vaccination-timing-for-calves-hidden-cost-of-transportation-shrink/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693326446019.jpeg" alt="Keeping cattle calm will reduce the shrink they experience during transportation to the auction facility. Photo Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Keeping cattle calm will reduce the shrink they experience during transportation to the auction facility. Photo Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;While many people would love to see their weight decrease when crossing the scale, beef cattle producers selling cattle by the pound prefer to minimize weight loss animals experience from the farm to the sale facility, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.This weight loss is termed shrink.“Shrink refers to weight loss that occurs when bodily fluids or solids are excreted by the calf between home and the sale location,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/25/heifer-management-vaccination-timing-for-calves-hidden-cost-of-transportation-shrink/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.White said this is often a hidden cost because cattle producers don’t always factor that into their marketing plan.“From a marketing standpoint, shrink is the difference between the amount of weight &nbsp;I got paid for at sale versus the amount of weight I could have sold if I’d done everything right,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.How the cattle are managed between home and the point of sale can influence how much weight is lost.“When cattle are stressed, they will increase the frequency of urination and defecation, which increases the amount of shrink,” said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist.He added: “So when moving cattle be sure to remain calm and go slowly.”It is also helpful to have good facilities to move the cattle through, the experts said.K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added that even with good facilities, well-trained animal handlers are important in reducing shrink.“You can have the best facilities in the world and yet the wrong handlers will totally negate what you are trying to keep from happening in respect to weight loss, so be sure that if you use third-party handlers that they are well-trained,” Lubbers said.The goal is to minimize the amount of time the cattle don’t have access to familiar feed and water, according to Larson.“The worst case scenario is to move the cattle from the pasture to a dry lot with little access to feed and water, and then take them to an auction market where they are not weighed for another day or two,” Larson said. “Even if you give them access to feed and water at the new location, it will take time for them to resume eating and drinking.”The bottom line, White said, is that “some shrink is unavoidable, but it is greatly influenced by how we manage the nutrition leading up to that point and then how we handle those cattle in the transportation process.”To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/25/heifer-management-vaccination-timing-for-calves-hidden-cost-of-transportation-shrink/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Experts offer tips to minimize weight loss when traveling to sale site

K-State cattle experts share advantages of composite sires in a commercial herd

By LISA MOSER&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension

Many commercial cattle producers wanting to leverage genetic diversity incorporate sires of different breeds as a way to get the benefit of heterosis, said the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Experts on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/18/avc-conference-summary-treatment-strategies-for-sick-cattle-on-summer-pastures-role-of-a-composite-sire-in-a-commercial-breeding-program/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

“Heterosis is a combination that gives some vigor in areas of the genetic profile that are not highly heritable specifically in reproduction and health,” K-State veterinarian Brad White said.

Instead of rotating the breeds of sires, some producers are now using composite sires to accomplish the goal of a genetic advantage, according to K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“A composite bull has a specific combination of breeds,” Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist, explained. “Because it is a crossbred animal, it has heterosis advantages that can be passed through the cows to the offspring in a consistent manner.”

Additionally, some composite sires have Expected Progeny Difference data much like purebred cattle to help predict the offspring performance, Larson said.

“Composites with EPDs available can be an appealing option to a producer who wants to follow a simplified breeding system,” he said. “While we don’t get maximum heterosis from the composites, there is some genetic benefit.”

Along with that, genomic testing allows producers to learn in greater detail what the performance of that particular animal will be, according to Lancaster.

“Producers can select the individual that has a high level of heterosis within its genome to improve the hybrid vigor,” he said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/18/avc-conference-summary-treatment-strategies-for-sick-cattle-on-summer-pastures-role-of-a-composite-sire-in-a-commercial-breeding-program/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<h2>K-State cattle experts share advantages of composite sires in a commercial herd</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692710255317.jpeg" alt="Some cattle producers are now using composite sires to accomplish the goal of a genetic advantage, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>Some cattle producers are now using composite sires to accomplish the goal of a genetic advantage, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER&nbsp;K-State Research and ExtensionMany commercial cattle producers wanting to leverage genetic diversity incorporate sires of different breeds as a way to get the benefit of heterosis, said the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Experts on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/18/avc-conference-summary-treatment-strategies-for-sick-cattle-on-summer-pastures-role-of-a-composite-sire-in-a-commercial-breeding-program/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.“Heterosis is a combination that gives some vigor in areas of the genetic profile that are not highly heritable specifically in reproduction and health,” K-State veterinarian Brad White said.Instead of rotating the breeds of sires, some producers are now using composite sires to accomplish the goal of a genetic advantage, according to K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“A composite bull has a specific combination of breeds,” Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist, explained. “Because it is a crossbred animal, it has heterosis advantages that can be passed through the cows to the offspring in a consistent manner.”Additionally, some composite sires have Expected Progeny Difference data much like purebred cattle to help predict the offspring performance, Larson said.“Composites with EPDs available can be an appealing option to a producer who wants to follow a simplified breeding system,” he said. “While we don’t get maximum heterosis from the composites, there is some genetic benefit.”Along with that, genomic testing allows producers to learn in greater detail what the performance of that particular animal will be, according to Lancaster.“Producers can select the individual that has a high level of heterosis within its genome to improve the hybrid vigor,” he said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/18/avc-conference-summary-treatment-strategies-for-sick-cattle-on-summer-pastures-role-of-a-composite-sire-in-a-commercial-breeding-program/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Role of composite sires

K-State’s Carter says no-cost by help available to farmers, small businesses

The director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasenergyprogram.org/">Kansas Energy Program</a>&nbsp;says a federal grant program that has pumped more than $1.2 million into the state since 2016 has helped to improve the economic viability of agricultural producers and small businesses in rural areas.

David Carter said the Rural Energy for America Program – known as REAP – provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems, or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Agricultural producers are eligible to apply for new, energy-efficient equipment and new systems loans for agricultural production and processing, he said.

“We think this is huge for agricultural producers and small businesses,” Carter said.

REAP funds are available to small businesses in rural areas, or those with a population of 50,000 or less. Agricultural producers can be located in rural or non-rural areas.

Carter said funds can be used for such renewable energy systems as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar and more. Funds also are available to install energy-efficient heating, insulation, light, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows and more.

The program is administered nationally through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Complete information on the program&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans">is available online</a>.

In Kansas, Carter said the Kansas Energy Program – housed at Kansas State University as part of the Engineering Extension program – provides free assistance with filling out applications for REAP, as well as a free energy assessment to support the request.

Carter said K-State’s no-cost help has helped to boost applications in the state. Since 2016, in addition to $1.2 million in grants received by Kansas businesses, the estimated annual savings in energy costs as a result of those projects totals more than $1.4 million.

REAP grants pay up to 50% of costs for eligible projects, Carter noted that the funds come through a reimbursement grant, which means that the producer pays all costs upfront, but then receives a reimbursement for a portion of the costs.

REAP funds can used in addition to potential federal tax credits or rebates that the producer may qualify for.

Since the onset of the REAP program, Carter said his staff has provided 173 free energy assessments in Kansas, reaching 65 counties and 110 communities. He said K-State’s program currently provides assistance in 84 of Kansas’ 105 counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692186454018.jpeg" alt="Kansas agricultural producers are eligible to apply for grants through the Rural Energy for America Program, which will provide up to 50% reimbursement for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas agricultural producers are eligible to apply for grants through the Rural Energy for America Program, which will provide up to 50% reimbursement for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State’s Carter says no-cost by help available to farmers, small businesses</h2>By PAT MELGARESKSREThe director of the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasenergyprogram.org/">Kansas Energy Program</a>&nbsp;says a federal grant program that has pumped more than $1.2 million into the state since 2016 has helped to improve the economic viability of agricultural producers and small businesses in rural areas.David Carter said the Rural Energy for America Program – known as REAP – provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding for renewable energy systems, or to make energy efficiency improvements.Agricultural producers are eligible to apply for new, energy-efficient equipment and new systems loans for agricultural production and processing, he said.“We think this is huge for agricultural producers and small businesses,” Carter said.REAP funds are available to small businesses in rural areas, or those with a population of 50,000 or less. Agricultural producers can be located in rural or non-rural areas.Carter said funds can be used for such renewable energy systems as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar and more. Funds also are available to install energy-efficient heating, insulation, light, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows and more.The program is administered nationally through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Complete information on the program&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans">is available online</a>.In Kansas, Carter said the Kansas Energy Program – housed at Kansas State University as part of the Engineering Extension program – provides free assistance with filling out applications for REAP, as well as a free energy assessment to support the request.Carter said K-State’s no-cost help has helped to boost applications in the state. Since 2016, in addition to $1.2 million in grants received by Kansas businesses, the estimated annual savings in energy costs as a result of those projects totals more than $1.4 million.REAP grants pay up to 50% of costs for eligible projects, Carter noted that the funds come through a reimbursement grant, which means that the producer pays all costs upfront, but then receives a reimbursement for a portion of the costs.REAP funds can used in addition to potential federal tax credits or rebates that the producer may qualify for.Since the onset of the REAP program, Carter said his staff has provided 173 free energy assessments in Kansas, reaching 65 counties and 110 communities. He said K-State’s program currently provides assistance in 84 of Kansas’ 105 counties.

Grant program pumps $1.2 million into Kansas energy projects

K-State beef cattle veterinarians share how to keep the fly load down in August

By LINDA MOSERK-State Research and Extension

In this video, K-State Research and Extension veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds outlines a study that takes a look at how prescribed burning in the spring, summer or fall affects populations of ticks, horn flies and dung beetles.

“Most farmers do some form of prescribed burning,” Olds said, “so what we really are trying to do is figure out what time of year is most effective for controlling tick populations.”

Ticks are of particular importance because they consume the blood of animals they attach to, potentially transmitting pathogens.

“It seems that burning definitely impacts the overall tick population,” Olds said. “Early season data suggests that spring burning might be the most effective time to do that. The most important thing with prescribed burning is making sure you do a complete burn. So, for example, burning under a tree or anywhere there is a thicket is important to burn. That is going to be a pocket for ticks to reside, and animals tend to move to these areas because they are shaded.

Olds said spring and fall burns seem to be most effective for reducing horn fly populations. Dung beetles, a beneficial insect that Olds calls an “ecosystem warrior” due to its ability to utilize manure in the soil, seem to be least affected by prescribed burns done in the spring.

K-State Research and Extension video produced by Dan Donnert

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692103234461.jpeg" alt="Cattle performance can be impacted by the fly load. KSRE PHOTO" />
 <figcaption>Cattle performance can be impacted by the fly load. KSRE PHOTO</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle veterinarians share how to keep the fly load down in August</h2> By LINDA MOSERK-State Research and ExtensionIn this video, K-State Research and Extension veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds outlines a study that takes a look at how prescribed burning in the spring, summer or fall affects populations of ticks, horn flies and dung beetles.“Most farmers do some form of prescribed burning,” Olds said, “so what we really are trying to do is figure out what time of year is most effective for controlling tick populations.”Ticks are of particular importance because they consume the blood of animals they attach to, potentially transmitting pathogens.“It seems that burning definitely impacts the overall tick population,” Olds said. “Early season data suggests that spring burning might be the most effective time to do that. The most important thing with prescribed burning is making sure you do a complete burn. So, for example, burning under a tree or anywhere there is a thicket is important to burn. That is going to be a pocket for ticks to reside, and animals tend to move to these areas because they are shaded.Olds said spring and fall burns seem to be most effective for reducing horn fly populations. Dung beetles, a beneficial insect that Olds calls an “ecosystem warrior” due to its ability to utilize manure in the soil, seem to be least affected by prescribed burns done in the spring.K-State Research and Extension video produced by Dan Donnert

Cattle Chat: Late summer fly control

In the current cattle market, K-State cattle experts offer considerations for selling or retaining cows

By LISA MOSER &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. — For many, investing in the stock market is a long-term retirement strategy that takes discipline to avoid reacting to changes in the market.

In much the same way, making a profit in the cattle business requires a long-term approach, said the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institue on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/04/cattle-inventory-and-selling-strategies/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

“Having a strategy to deal with fluctuating prices is much better than reacting; it is much like the stock market in that you don’t want to buy in or buy out on a whim,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

White’s observation is related to the July USDA report that showed beef cow numbers at 29.4 million head, which is down 2.6% compared to the same time last year, and the cattle and calves total inventory was 95.9 million head, which is down 2.7% from the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“What I take from this report is that we haven’t bottomed out yet with the inventory numbers because people are still liquidating the herd,” said Dustin Pendel, K-State agricultural economist. “As the herds continue to shrink, cattle prices are going to stay high a little longer and possibly go a little bit higher.”

From a cattle producer’s perspective, there are choices to make. K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said, “As a producer, I may want to retain the four- to eight-year-old cows that are going to produce the best calves that I can sell into a market with high calf prices.”

White agreed and added that heifers retained can contribute to the financial success of the herd, but it will take a longer period of time compared to cows.

“Once we start saving heifers, it is a long-term investment because it takes months before they can contribute offspring to the herd,” White said.

One factor that influences the liquidity of the cattle market is drought, Lancaster said.

“If you are in an area that has been getting rain, you may be able to keep extra heifers and cows that can add to the herd, but if you are experiencing drought then there will be feed costs that need to be accounted for in the decision to keep or sell,” Lancaster said.

White called that knowing the “resource availability.”

“If I have the resources available, I can be more selective about which females I keep and I can sell the ones I don’t want at a reasonable price,” White said.

Along with the production cycle, Pendell said the consumer demand also can influence cattle prices.

“We are starting to see that the consumer beef demand is softening as consumers were not willing to pay as much for their beef in June as they did in May,” Pendell said. “Eventually that will translate down to cattle prices along with the influences of international trade.”

The K-State experts agreed that producers need to think about the marketing opportunities for the long term.

“Every operation is going to be different depending on where you are located in respect to drought; prices are going to be high for the foreseeable future, so you need to figure out where those marketing opportunities are and then run with them,” Pendell said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/04/cattle-inventory-and-selling-strategies/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691518941606.jpeg" alt="Cattle market prices are a factor in deciding whether to sell or retain ownership. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>Cattle market prices are a factor in deciding whether to sell or retain ownership. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In the current cattle market, K-State cattle experts offer considerations for selling or retaining cows</h2>By LISA MOSER &nbsp;K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. — For many, investing in the stock market is a long-term retirement strategy that takes discipline to avoid reacting to changes in the market.In much the same way, making a profit in the cattle business requires a long-term approach, said the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institue on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/04/cattle-inventory-and-selling-strategies/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.“Having a strategy to deal with fluctuating prices is much better than reacting; it is much like the stock market in that you don’t want to buy in or buy out on a whim,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.White’s observation is related to the July USDA report that showed beef cow numbers at 29.4 million head, which is down 2.6% compared to the same time last year, and the cattle and calves total inventory was 95.9 million head, which is down 2.7% from the previous year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“What I take from this report is that we haven’t bottomed out yet with the inventory numbers because people are still liquidating the herd,” said Dustin Pendel, K-State agricultural economist. “As the herds continue to shrink, cattle prices are going to stay high a little longer and possibly go a little bit higher.”From a cattle producer’s perspective, there are choices to make. K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said, “As a producer, I may want to retain the four- to eight-year-old cows that are going to produce the best calves that I can sell into a market with high calf prices.”White agreed and added that heifers retained can contribute to the financial success of the herd, but it will take a longer period of time compared to cows.“Once we start saving heifers, it is a long-term investment because it takes months before they can contribute offspring to the herd,” White said.One factor that influences the liquidity of the cattle market is drought, Lancaster said.“If you are in an area that has been getting rain, you may be able to keep extra heifers and cows that can add to the herd, but if you are experiencing drought then there will be feed costs that need to be accounted for in the decision to keep or sell,” Lancaster said.White called that knowing the “resource availability.”“If I have the resources available, I can be more selective about which females I keep and I can sell the ones I don’t want at a reasonable price,” White said.Along with the production cycle, Pendell said the consumer demand also can influence cattle prices.“We are starting to see that the consumer beef demand is softening as consumers were not willing to pay as much for their beef in June as they did in May,” Pendell said. “Eventually that will translate down to cattle prices along with the influences of international trade.”The K-State experts agreed that producers need to think about the marketing opportunities for the long term.“Every operation is going to be different depending on where you are located in respect to drought; prices are going to be high for the foreseeable future, so you need to figure out where those marketing opportunities are and then run with them,” Pendell said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/08/04/cattle-inventory-and-selling-strategies/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Understanding cow inventory to build a marketing strategy

By PAT MELGARESKSRE

&nbsp;If you think the odds of being negatively affected by an event that happens every 11 years are long, just think about one that happens every 100 to 200 years.

For farmers using GPS technology – and there are a lot of them – those probabilities are becoming a lot more likely, according to officials at Kansas State University and the University of Minnesota.

K-State precision agriculture economist Terry Griffin notes that Earth may soon feel the effects of a solar maximum, or that period in the sun’s 11-year solar cycle in which humans can observe the highest number of sunspots, which are generally associated with more solar flares and an increase in geomagnetic storm activity.

During sunspot maximums, the Earth is likely to experience an increase in the Northern and Southern Lights, and disruptions to radio transmissions, power grids, and numerous GPS-backed technologies.

“If we think back about 11 years, well, we did have GPS, but we did not rely on it as much as we do today,” Griffin said.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/105894/eib-248_summary.pdf?v=7401.6">In a Feb. 2023 report,</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reported that a majority of row crop acreage in the United States was managed using auto-steer and guidance systems – as much as 72.9% compared to 5.3% in 2001.

The report – of which Griffin was a co-author -- also indicates that GPS applications are used on 40% of all U.S. farm and ranchland acreage. The precision agriculture market is projected to reach $23,056 million by 2030,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/precision-agriculture-market">according to a report from Allied Market Research</a>.

Griffin said an increase in geomagnetic activity heightens the chance for an ionospheric scintillation, which can prevent a GPS receiver from locking on to a signal and make it impossible to calculate a position.

“When these events occur,” he said, “it can be quite annoying more so than catastrophic for those areas, which may be as small as a county or a few counties, and it could last just moments or a few hours.”

“But when it’s a GPS signal you’re relying on, and it’s not getting a location fix in the middle of planting or spraying or even harvesting, it can be quite frustrating.”

Kathy Draeger, the statewide director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.umn.edu/regional-partnerships">Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships</a>&nbsp;at University of Minnesota Extension, said planet Earth is also due for what is known as a Carrington Event, an intense geomagnetic storm thought to occur every 100 to 200 years.

The last Carrington Event on record happened Sept. 1-2, 1859, creating strong auroral displays (natural light displays that shimmer in the sky) that caused sparks and even fires in multiple telegraph stations.

But, Draeger notes, “unless you were a telegraph operator in 1859, you may not have even known there was a solar flare.”

Nearly 164 years since the last Carrington Event, the impact could be a lot more intense the next time around.

“We’ve increased our reliance on technology for everything,” Draeger said. “We know that farmers are dependent on technology more and more, and at the same time, we have a growing awareness that there may be vulnerabilities to our dependence on some of that technology.”

Griffin and Draeger currently are co-authors on a report that will soon be available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://extensiondisaster.net/">Extension Disaster and Education Network</a>&nbsp;to discuss the potential impact of space weather on agriculture.

“You know, I think about it this way: What if the technology that we’ve grown accustomed to goes away?” Griffin said. “It’s going to be annoying, frustrating, (though) maybe not catastrophic if we have to take a day off and make up planting sometime in late May instead of mid-April.

“But there will be yield penalties for doing so. And if every farm operation in Kansas has to do that, well, that’s a bunch of bushels that are no longer available for marketing. There will be implications… not only for farm operations, but it can also affect grain elevators, traders and others. It’s going to have a ripple effect on America’s agricultural industry.”

Draeger said she and Griffin are hoping to “define the problem…and the potential impacts it will have.”

“One of the things I’m interested in is…the economic impacts, as well as the supply chains for food and agricultural products. I’m interested in how we keep the system resilient, as well. What do we need to do to make sure the electrical grid is prepared to handle different levels of solar storms?”

Draeger added that numerous groups already are involved with making electrical grids more resilient in the face of solar storms. “Their efforts will go a long ways in helping farmers to keep producing their food,” she said. “I’ve brought this up in meetings with government agencies, and we’re all trying to make sure that we’ve got a system that allows the food supply to continue to work as efficiently as it currently does.”

Griffin recently spoke on USDA radio about trends regarding producer’s adoption of precision agriculture methods and use of digital tools.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/radio/weekly-features/2023-05-16/precision-ag-digital-age">That interview is available online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690890293390.jpeg" alt="GPS applications are used on 40% of all U.S. farm and ranchland acreage. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>GPS applications are used on 40% of all U.S. farm and ranchland acreage. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure> By PAT MELGARESKSRE&nbsp;If you think the odds of being negatively affected by an event that happens every 11 years are long, just think about one that happens every 100 to 200 years.For farmers using GPS technology – and there are a lot of them – those probabilities are becoming a lot more likely, according to officials at Kansas State University and the University of Minnesota.K-State precision agriculture economist Terry Griffin notes that Earth may soon feel the effects of a solar maximum, or that period in the sun’s 11-year solar cycle in which humans can observe the highest number of sunspots, which are generally associated with more solar flares and an increase in geomagnetic storm activity.During sunspot maximums, the Earth is likely to experience an increase in the Northern and Southern Lights, and disruptions to radio transmissions, power grids, and numerous GPS-backed technologies.“If we think back about 11 years, well, we did have GPS, but we did not rely on it as much as we do today,” Griffin said.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/105894/eib-248_summary.pdf?v=7401.6">In a Feb. 2023 report,</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reported that a majority of row crop acreage in the United States was managed using auto-steer and guidance systems – as much as 72.9% compared to 5.3% in 2001.The report – of which Griffin was a co-author -- also indicates that GPS applications are used on 40% of all U.S. farm and ranchland acreage. The precision agriculture market is projected to reach $23,056 million by 2030,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/precision-agriculture-market">according to a report from Allied Market Research</a>.Griffin said an increase in geomagnetic activity heightens the chance for an ionospheric scintillation, which can prevent a GPS receiver from locking on to a signal and make it impossible to calculate a position.“When these events occur,” he said, “it can be quite annoying more so than catastrophic for those areas, which may be as small as a county or a few counties, and it could last just moments or a few hours.”“But when it’s a GPS signal you’re relying on, and it’s not getting a location fix in the middle of planting or spraying or even harvesting, it can be quite frustrating.”Kathy Draeger, the statewide director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://extension.umn.edu/regional-partnerships">Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships</a>&nbsp;at University of Minnesota Extension, said planet Earth is also due for what is known as a Carrington Event, an intense geomagnetic storm thought to occur every 100 to 200 years.The last Carrington Event on record happened Sept. 1-2, 1859, creating strong auroral displays (natural light displays that shimmer in the sky) that caused sparks and even fires in multiple telegraph stations.But, Draeger notes, “unless you were a telegraph operator in 1859, you may not have even known there was a solar flare.”Nearly 164 years since the last Carrington Event, the impact could be a lot more intense the next time around.“We’ve increased our reliance on technology for everything,” Draeger said. “We know that farmers are dependent on technology more and more, and at the same time, we have a growing awareness that there may be vulnerabilities to our dependence on some of that technology.”Griffin and Draeger currently are co-authors on a report that will soon be available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://extensiondisaster.net/">Extension Disaster and Education Network</a>&nbsp;to discuss the potential impact of space weather on agriculture.“You know, I think about it this way: What if the technology that we’ve grown accustomed to goes away?” Griffin said. “It’s going to be annoying, frustrating, (though) maybe not catastrophic if we have to take a day off and make up planting sometime in late May instead of mid-April.“But there will be yield penalties for doing so. And if every farm operation in Kansas has to do that, well, that’s a bunch of bushels that are no longer available for marketing. There will be implications… not only for farm operations, but it can also affect grain elevators, traders and others. It’s going to have a ripple effect on America’s agricultural industry.”Draeger said she and Griffin are hoping to “define the problem…and the potential impacts it will have.”“One of the things I’m interested in is…the economic impacts, as well as the supply chains for food and agricultural products. I’m interested in how we keep the system resilient, as well. What do we need to do to make sure the electrical grid is prepared to handle different levels of solar storms?”Draeger added that numerous groups already are involved with making electrical grids more resilient in the face of solar storms. “Their efforts will go a long ways in helping farmers to keep producing their food,” she said. “I’ve brought this up in meetings with government agencies, and we’re all trying to make sure that we’ve got a system that allows the food supply to continue to work as efficiently as it currently does.”Griffin recently spoke on USDA radio about trends regarding producer’s adoption of precision agriculture methods and use of digital tools.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/radio/weekly-features/2023-05-16/precision-ag-digital-age">That interview is available online</a>.

KSRE: Space weather could impact work on U.S. farms

By ASHLEY MURRAY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators approved bipartisan amendments to the annual defense policy bill Tuesday night that would prohibit China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/17/limits-on-foreign-ownership-of-u-s-farmland-gain-support-in-congress-despite-skepticism/">purchasing</a>&nbsp;U.S. farmland and screen American investment in high-tech ventures on foreign adversary soil.

By a 91-7 vote, the lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/senate-amendment/813/text?s=2&amp;r=9&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Mike%22%2C%22rounds%22%5D%7D">measure</a>&nbsp;that would require review of — and direct the president to halt or waive — agricultural land transactions by the four nations.

The amendment would empower the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to evaluate the land deals. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states-cfius">committee</a>&nbsp;already reviews other inbound investment transactions,

Of the 40 million acres of U.S. forest and farmland owned by foreign investors at the end of 2021, China accounted for 383,935 acres, or less than 1%, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;on foreign land holdings.

The 2022 purchase of 300 acres by a Chinese-owned corn processing company near an Air Force base in North Dakota triggered concern among some lawmakers, as did the discovery in February of a Chinese surveillance&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/03/chinese-surveillance-balloon-now-drifting-across-the-middle-of-the-u-s-pentagon-confirms/">balloon</a>&nbsp;hovering over Montana, home to many U.S. nuclear missiles.

The amendment was co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Steve Daines of Montana, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Ted Cruz of Texas, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven of North Dakota, Katie Britt of Alabama, and Democratic Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

“In recent years, our country has seen firsthand attempts by our near peer competitors to acquire land adjacent to our military bases,” Rounds said on the Senate floor Tuesday.&nbsp; “In 2020, a Chinese-led company planned to build a wind energy farm project near Del Rio, Texas, only miles away from Laughlin Air Force base, where U.S. pilots are trained.”

State lawmakers blocked the wind farm project in 2021, but recently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-chinese-wind-farm-green-energy-6cd629303e8870e1942c170ebc52d7bc">gave</a>&nbsp;it a green light after a company from Spain backed it instead.

As of 2021, Canadian investors held the largest amount of forest and farmland, followed by the Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany, according to the USDA.

Senators also voted 91-6 on an amendment to screen investment by U.S. companies in China, Iran, North Korea and Russia in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, satellite communications and quantum computing.

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas have been pushing legislation since 2021 that would monitor the offshoring of supply chains in industries and locations with national security implications.

The annual defense bill “tackles the toughest national security issues facing our nation,” Casey said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “And the technological competition with the People’s Republic of China is certainly at the top of that list.”

“Right now we’re in competition with a communist government that doesn’t play by the rules,” he continued in remarks before the vote. “The Chinese government employs economic espionage and it exploits the United States’ open research and innovation to build up its own capabilities.”

U.S. outbound investment totaled $6.58 trillion at the end of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2023/direct-investment-country-and-industry-2022">according to</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Most was concentrated in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland and Canada. Just over $1 trillion landed in Latin America and the Western Hemisphere, while roughly $951 million went to Asia and the Pacific. The Middle East and Africa were near the bottom of the list with just over $80 million and $46 million respectively.

The Casey-Cornyn amendment would require U.S. corporations and other entities to notify the secretary of the Treasury prior to a deal.

Unlike foreign investment that comes into the U.S., no federal mechanism screens the dollars American companies are investing outside the nation.

The National Defense Authorization Act is the annual defense policy bill that continues defense policies, nuclear weapons programs and authorizes defense-related spending.

Lawmakers often use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10516">massive bill</a>&nbsp;as a vehicle for various policy matters because Congress consistently enacts the legislation each year. After the Senate bill is passed, it will go to a conference committee with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/14/defense-bill-that-targets-abortion-access-trans-health-racial-equity-passes-u-s-house/">a House-passed bill</a>&nbsp;that targets abortion access, transgender health and racial equity.

The legislation does not appropriate money for the Department of Defense and other relevant federal agencies. Rather, the bill authorizes how the funds should be spent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605548577424.jpeg" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>By ASHLEY MURRAY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. senators approved bipartisan amendments to the annual defense policy bill Tuesday night that would prohibit China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/17/limits-on-foreign-ownership-of-u-s-farmland-gain-support-in-congress-despite-skepticism/">purchasing</a>&nbsp;U.S. farmland and screen American investment in high-tech ventures on foreign adversary soil.By a 91-7 vote, the lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/amendment/118th-congress/senate-amendment/813/text?s=2&amp;r=9&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Mike%22%2C%22rounds%22%5D%7D">measure</a>&nbsp;that would require review of — and direct the president to halt or waive — agricultural land transactions by the four nations.The amendment would empower the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to evaluate the land deals. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/international/the-committee-on-foreign-investment-in-the-united-states-cfius">committee</a>&nbsp;already reviews other inbound investment transactions,Of the 40 million acres of U.S. forest and farmland owned by foreign investors at the end of 2021, China accounted for 383,935 acres, or less than 1%, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;on foreign land holdings.The 2022 purchase of 300 acres by a Chinese-owned corn processing company near an Air Force base in North Dakota triggered concern among some lawmakers, as did the discovery in February of a Chinese surveillance&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/03/chinese-surveillance-balloon-now-drifting-across-the-middle-of-the-u-s-pentagon-confirms/">balloon</a>&nbsp;hovering over Montana, home to many U.S. nuclear missiles.The amendment was co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Steve Daines of Montana, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Ted Cruz of Texas, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven of North Dakota, Katie Britt of Alabama, and Democratic Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.“In recent years, our country has seen firsthand attempts by our near peer competitors to acquire land adjacent to our military bases,” Rounds said on the Senate floor Tuesday.&nbsp; “In 2020, a Chinese-led company planned to build a wind energy farm project near Del Rio, Texas, only miles away from Laughlin Air Force base, where U.S. pilots are trained.”State lawmakers blocked the wind farm project in 2021, but recently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-chinese-wind-farm-green-energy-6cd629303e8870e1942c170ebc52d7bc">gave</a>&nbsp;it a green light after a company from Spain backed it instead.As of 2021, Canadian investors held the largest amount of forest and farmland, followed by the Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany, according to the USDA.<h2>Investment abroad</h2>Senators also voted 91-6 on an amendment to screen investment by U.S. companies in China, Iran, North Korea and Russia in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, satellite communications and quantum computing.Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas have been pushing legislation since 2021 that would monitor the offshoring of supply chains in industries and locations with national security implications.The annual defense bill “tackles the toughest national security issues facing our nation,” Casey said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “And the technological competition with the People’s Republic of China is certainly at the top of that list.”“Right now we’re in competition with a communist government that doesn’t play by the rules,” he continued in remarks before the vote. “The Chinese government employs economic espionage and it exploits the United States’ open research and innovation to build up its own capabilities.”U.S. outbound investment totaled $6.58 trillion at the end of 2022,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2023/direct-investment-country-and-industry-2022">according to</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.Most was concentrated in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland and Canada. Just over $1 trillion landed in Latin America and the Western Hemisphere, while roughly $951 million went to Asia and the Pacific. The Middle East and Africa were near the bottom of the list with just over $80 million and $46 million respectively.The Casey-Cornyn amendment would require U.S. corporations and other entities to notify the secretary of the Treasury prior to a deal.Unlike foreign investment that comes into the U.S., no federal mechanism screens the dollars American companies are investing outside the nation.<h2>Defense bill</h2>The National Defense Authorization Act is the annual defense policy bill that continues defense policies, nuclear weapons programs and authorizes defense-related spending.Lawmakers often use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10516">massive bill</a>&nbsp;as a vehicle for various policy matters because Congress consistently enacts the legislation each year. After the Senate bill is passed, it will go to a conference committee with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/14/defense-bill-that-targets-abortion-access-trans-health-racial-equity-passes-u-s-house/">a House-passed bill</a>&nbsp;that targets abortion access, transgender health and racial equity.The legislation does not appropriate money for the Department of Defense and other relevant federal agencies. Rather, the bill authorizes how the funds should be spent.The 2022 NDAA authorized $768.2 billion.

U.S. Senate votes to curb farmland purchases by China, Iran, North Korea, Russia

This is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.

Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;

“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;

At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;

Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;

Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;

Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;

“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”

The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;

There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;

That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;

As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;

“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”

Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;

“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”

“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”

Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;

“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;

His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;

“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690309393965.png" alt="Harvest Report Day 15 Image Courtesy Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>Harvest Report Day 15 Image Courtesy Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThis is day 15 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports: Day 15

Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew…Oh My! When should you harvest melon?

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension

Harvesting melons at the perfect time is crucial to the best eating experience. Melons will have the highest sugar content if allowed to ripen fully on the vine, Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said.

“When cantaloupes are ready for harvest they will easily separate from the vine,” Domenghini said.

If melon is ripe, Domenghini said by putting pressure on the fruit where the vine attaches, the fruit will slip off with a dip-shaped depression in the fruit. Twisting the stem to force separation indicates the melon is not ready.

“Additionally, the skin of the (ripe) melon should begin to show yellowing, instead of solid green during immaturity,” Domenghini said. “A ripe cantaloupe should have a musky fragrance and the end of the fruit opposite where the vine is attached should be soft.”

Domenghini said cantaloupe can be stored in a refrigerator for two weeks.

Watermelons are ready to harvest when the underside of the fruit changes from green-white to yellow. The melon will appear more dull, rather than glossy green, Domenghini said.

“The tendril attaching the fruit to the vine will turn black when the fruit reaches maturity,” Domenghini adds.

To harvest, separate the fruit from the vine by cutting the tendril, but leave about two inches still attached to the fruit. Store freshly harvested watermelons at room temperature for one week or in 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three weeks.

“Honeydew melons do not easily pull away from the stem when ripe,” Domenghini said.

Instead, she recommends relying on the change in color of the fruit from pale green to light yellow; the softening spot on the fruit opposite from where the vine attaches; and the aroma coming from the fruit.

“Honeydews can be stored for two weeks at 50 F,” Domenghini said.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689942681160.jpeg" alt="Harvesting melons at the right time is crucial to the best eating experience. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>Harvesting melons at the right time is crucial to the best eating experience. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew…Oh My! When should you harvest melon?</h2> By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension Harvesting melons at the perfect time is crucial to the best eating experience. Melons will have the highest sugar content if allowed to ripen fully on the vine, Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said.Cantaloupe“When cantaloupes are ready for harvest they will easily separate from the vine,” Domenghini said.If melon is ripe, Domenghini said by putting pressure on the fruit where the vine attaches, the fruit will slip off with a dip-shaped depression in the fruit. Twisting the stem to force separation indicates the melon is not ready.“Additionally, the skin of the (ripe) melon should begin to show yellowing, instead of solid green during immaturity,” Domenghini said. “A ripe cantaloupe should have a musky fragrance and the end of the fruit opposite where the vine is attached should be soft.”Domenghini said cantaloupe can be stored in a refrigerator for two weeks.WatermelonWatermelons are ready to harvest when the underside of the fruit changes from green-white to yellow. The melon will appear more dull, rather than glossy green, Domenghini said.“The tendril attaching the fruit to the vine will turn black when the fruit reaches maturity,” Domenghini adds.To harvest, separate the fruit from the vine by cutting the tendril, but leave about two inches still attached to the fruit. Store freshly harvested watermelons at room temperature for one week or in 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three weeks.Honeydew“Honeydew melons do not easily pull away from the stem when ripe,” Domenghini said.Instead, she recommends relying on the change in color of the fruit from pale green to light yellow; the softening spot on the fruit opposite from where the vine attaches; and the aroma coming from the fruit.“Honeydews can be stored for two weeks at 50 F,” Domenghini said.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

KSRE: When Should You Harvest Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Honeydew

This is day 12 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Wheat harvest continues to be a slog with producers fighting rains and weeds to get the crop across the scale. Harvest is now 71 percent complete, well behind 98 percent last year and 94 percent for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 16, 2023.&nbsp;

In the far southwestern corner of the state, Morgan Walls with Elkhart Co-op reports wheat harvest in Morton County has been a drag. Weather has been inhibitive; quality has been a challenge and weeds continue to be a struggle.&nbsp;

Wheat harvest here should be wrapped up by the fourth of July, but this year that’s when the first loads hit the scales. With rain delays that have continuously deteriorated test weights, wheat harvest should finally finish by the end of the week.&nbsp;

But it’s hard to gauge where harvest is at, as 70 to 75 percent of planted acres were zeroed out by crop insurance, and more acres were taken out by spotty hail in the last couple of weeks. Test weights are averaging lighter than preferred at about 58 pounds per bushel with protein ranging between 12 and 14 percent. Yields are all over the place, from five bushels an acre all the way up to a very small area that had timely moisture and is seeing averages around 70 bushels per acre.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following a busy weekend of cutting in Ness County harvest is all but done, according to Brad Cowan, general manager of CGS in Bazine. After having started cutting around June 23, producers are just tired after fighting the weeds, fighting the weather and fighting green wheat.&nbsp;

Yields ranged from 15 to 55 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 59.6 pounds per bushel and average protein coming in consistently just short of 13 percent. Fields that were close, but not released by crop insurance, benefitted from a perfect two-week period of filling weather, resulting in yields at 25 to 30 bushels per acre.&nbsp;

Weeds have been a continuous struggle, which means more work for the elevators. CGS will take in about the same number of bushels as last year, which is roughly half of the five-year average. That wheat will be loaded by train onto the short line and delivered to flour mills in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;

Weeds are also the main struggle in Meade County, where Dave Strecker with Alliance Ag and Grain LLC reported from Fowler in the eastern part of the county. Harvest here has been going on for a long time, having started around June 27 and still only about three-quarters finished.&nbsp;

Strecker said grain quality is pretty good with better than average proteins, but bushels are down dramatically due to approximately 65 percent abandonment of planted acres. There are several producers who won’t bring a single bushel of wheat to town.&nbsp;

The wheat that is coming in is yielding 20 to 35 bushels per acre, compared to the 60 to 70 bushels per acre for a normal year. Overall, he estimated the area will take in a maximum of 25 percent of bushels compared to the five-year average.&nbsp;

But, by this time next week, Strecker expects that all the wheat that will be harvested will be in the bin. And that’s much-needed as the corn is tasseling. He estimated only five weeks until the first load of dryland corn arrives, not a lot of time for the elevators to turn house and prepare for fall harvest.&nbsp;

With triple-digit temperatures expected in coming days, producers will likely make quick harvest progress if summer storms stay away. Stay tuned as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next report scheduled for July 18.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689639526635.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Julia Debes for Kansas WheatThis is day 12 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Wheat harvest continues to be a slog with producers fighting rains and weeds to get the crop across the scale. Harvest is now 71 percent complete, well behind 98 percent last year and 94 percent for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 16, 2023.&nbsp;In the far southwestern corner of the state, Morgan Walls with Elkhart Co-op reports wheat harvest in Morton County has been a drag. Weather has been inhibitive; quality has been a challenge and weeds continue to be a struggle.&nbsp;Wheat harvest here should be wrapped up by the fourth of July, but this year that’s when the first loads hit the scales. With rain delays that have continuously deteriorated test weights, wheat harvest should finally finish by the end of the week.&nbsp;But it’s hard to gauge where harvest is at, as 70 to 75 percent of planted acres were zeroed out by crop insurance, and more acres were taken out by spotty hail in the last couple of weeks. Test weights are averaging lighter than preferred at about 58 pounds per bushel with protein ranging between 12 and 14 percent. Yields are all over the place, from five bushels an acre all the way up to a very small area that had timely moisture and is seeing averages around 70 bushels per acre.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a busy weekend of cutting in Ness County harvest is all but done, according to Brad Cowan, general manager of CGS in Bazine. After having started cutting around June 23, producers are just tired after fighting the weeds, fighting the weather and fighting green wheat.&nbsp;Yields ranged from 15 to 55 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 59.6 pounds per bushel and average protein coming in consistently just short of 13 percent. Fields that were close, but not released by crop insurance, benefitted from a perfect two-week period of filling weather, resulting in yields at 25 to 30 bushels per acre.&nbsp;Weeds have been a continuous struggle, which means more work for the elevators. CGS will take in about the same number of bushels as last year, which is roughly half of the five-year average. That wheat will be loaded by train onto the short line and delivered to flour mills in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;Weeds are also the main struggle in Meade County, where Dave Strecker with Alliance Ag and Grain LLC reported from Fowler in the eastern part of the county. Harvest here has been going on for a long time, having started around June 27 and still only about three-quarters finished.&nbsp;Strecker said grain quality is pretty good with better than average proteins, but bushels are down dramatically due to approximately 65 percent abandonment of planted acres. There are several producers who won’t bring a single bushel of wheat to town.&nbsp;The wheat that is coming in is yielding 20 to 35 bushels per acre, compared to the 60 to 70 bushels per acre for a normal year. Overall, he estimated the area will take in a maximum of 25 percent of bushels compared to the five-year average.&nbsp;But, by this time next week, Strecker expects that all the wheat that will be harvested will be in the bin. And that’s much-needed as the corn is tasseling. He estimated only five weeks until the first load of dryland corn arrives, not a lot of time for the elevators to turn house and prepare for fall harvest.&nbsp;With triple-digit temperatures expected in coming days, producers will likely make quick harvest progress if summer storms stay away. Stay tuned as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next report scheduled for July 18.&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 12, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

By Jared Strong <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">States Newsroom&nbsp;</a>

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Former President Donald Trump claimed he is the “most pro-farmer president that you’ve ever had” during a campaign stop in Iowa and joked that his payments to them during a trade war with China should guarantee he will win the state’s caucuses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688866742399.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump said he is a champion of farmers in a campaign visit to Council Bluffs on July 7, 2023. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump said he is a champion of farmers in a campaign visit to Council Bluffs on July 7, 2023. (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jared Strong <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/woman-who-shouted-shame-following-critical-gun-bill-passage-is-banned-from-nebraska-capitol/">States Newsroom&nbsp;</a>COUNCIL BLUFFS — Former President Donald Trump claimed he is the “most pro-farmer president that you’ve ever had” during a campaign stop in Iowa and joked that his payments to them during a trade war with China should guarantee he will win the state’s caucuses.“How the hell can I not? I gave the farmers $28 billion,” he said Friday in a ballroom of the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.Trump was referring to bailout money paid to farmers in 2019 amid his efforts to rework the country’s trade policies, which included imposing tariffs on Chinese products. The country retaliated, in part, by imposing its own tariffs on soybeans, crippling an important export market for Iowa farmers.Last year, the United States exported about $154 billion of goods to China, up about 19% from 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Exports dropped to about $107 billion during the trade war in 2019.Trump said farmers benefited from the dispute and his trade renegotiations with other countries such as Canada and Mexico. He said farmers also benefited from tax cuts implemented by Congress during his administration, along with a temporary increase in the exemption to the federal tax that is levied on the estates of wealthy people after they die.“A lot of times they lose the farm,” he said of children of farmers who can’t afford to pay.Further, Trump said his administration supported the ethanol industry by allowing summertime sales of E15 — a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol. A&nbsp;federal judge later reversed that action, saying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did not have the authority to lift restrictions on its sales without approval from Congress.Trump said he would continue to negotiate better trade deals for farmers if reelected and would prevent Chinese ownership of American farmland.State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Wilton Republican who is a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign in Iowa, launched the Friday event with a panel discussion about agriculture that included talks about water quality restrictions, farm subsidies and other issues.“There is no doubt in my mind that Donald Trump has been the single best president in United States history for Iowa agriculture and farmers in general,” Kaufmann said. “I mean, look, he brought the rain today.”Rally attendees had long waits in sometimes heavy rain to get into the venue, which was considerably smaller than the large-scale rallies for which Trump is known. Staff at the Mid-America Center said the ballroom could accommodate about 2,000 people.As they waited inside, there were periodic chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!” and “Build the wall!” There was also an impromptu recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.<h2>Shadow of indictments</h2>It was the Republican frontrunner’s first appearance in Iowa since&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/06/09/the-indictment-is-unsealed-trump-faces-37-felony-counts-in-classified-documents-probe/">his 37-count federal indictment</a>&nbsp;last month that accuses Trump of scheming to keep classified documents from his time as president.“It’s all bull—,” Trump said Friday. “I’m the only person who ever got indicted that got more popular.”Trump, as a presidential candidate seven years ago, made repeated statements about the importance of protecting classified information, according to the indictment: “No one will be above the law,” he said in August 2016.But he has pivoted to claim he is being unfairly targeted by the federal government for political reasons and that others — including President Joe Biden and his first presidential opponent Hillary Clinton — are guilty of similar offenses.However, the accusations against Trump stand apart in that he allegedly took more than 100 classified documents from his former presidency to his resort and home in Florida, stored them haphazardly, and disclosed some of the information they contained to people without appropriate security clearances.That doesn’t matter to Travis Humbert, of Underwood, who attended the rally with his 13-year-old son.“It could be true,” said Humbert, who voted twice in presidential elections for Trump and plans to again. “But people are stuck in the past. Who cares? We all have a past. Let’s move on. He’s a businessman, not a politician, and he’s actually trying to work for the American people.”The federal indictment is the second criminal allegation against him that has yielded formal charges this year. In April, a New York grand jury indicted Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/03/30/trump-indicted-by-manhattan-grand-jury-according-to-reports/">for falsifying business records</a>. The state indictment targets Trump’s claims that certain payments to an attorney were for legal fees, while investigators allege they were reimbursements for a hush-money payment to an adult film actress.And there are two pending investigations into whether Trump attempted to interfere with the 2020 election in Georgia — a state Biden narrowly won — and into Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack of the U.S. Capitol.“It’s a joke — a total joke,” Patty Murray, of Omaha, said of the criminal inquiries into Trump.Murray wants Trump to get a second term so that he can finish building a wall at the country’s southern border with Mexico, promote international peace and bolster the economy.She said the investigations and indictments have done little to diminish Trump’s credibility with his supporters.“It’s helped him,” Murray said. “Everybody says it’s a joke.”Jeanne Greisen, a Lincoln, Nebraska,resident who volunteered at Friday’s rally, agreed: “People like to support somebody that’s being attacked and doing the right thing. They like to back the small guy.”Trump pledged last month to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and his family if he is elected president again. Greisen hesitated to express support for politically motivated investigations but said: “I think it just needs to be fair across the board. The same law needs to be applied to every person.”Greisen said she will vote for Trump, hoping in a second term he can require public school children to learn more about the U.S. Constitution, lessen the prevalence of human trafficking and reduce the size and scope of government.Greisen, Murray and Humbert also said that the economy has suffered under Biden’s leadership and that inflation is still a major problem.“Gas prices need to come back down,” said Humbert, of Woodward.<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/iowa/">Recent polls</a>&nbsp;of potential Republican caucus voters in Iowa show Trump with double-digit percentage point leads over his nearest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Nationally, pollsters show a wider margin of support for Trump, with Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, in a distant third.Trump lobbed numerous personal attacks at DeSantis for being a “lousy candidate” for governor who was only elected because of Trump’s support in 2018.Trump said that his status as the clear frontrunner is what made him a target for criminal investigations and that he is acting as a shield for the nation’s citizens.“They want to take away my freedom because I sure as hell won’t let them take your freedom,” he said to rapturous applause. He later added: “In the end, they’re not after me. They’re after you, and I just happen to be standing in the way.”He was not more specific about who was planning to take freedoms from citizens nor what specific freedoms they are.<h2>Democrats point to Roe</h2>Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the state’s sole elected Democrat to currently hold a statewide office, criticized Trump at a news conference in Des Moines on Friday before the former president’s Council Bluffs event.Sand said Trump is advocating for the same “extremist” policies that Iowa Republican lawmakers and Gov. Kim Reynolds advocate for. He pointed to Reynolds’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/05/reynolds-announces-special-session-on-abortion-for-july-11/">call for a special session</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, July 11, to pass abortion legislation following the Iowa Supreme Court decision not allowing enforcement of the state’s 2018 six-week abortion ban.“So as Donald Trump comes to Iowa today, it’s important to remember that he bragged about being the one to get Roe overturned,” Sand said. “It’s important to remember that they are paving the way for the legislative bans that Republicans are going to do right here in Iowa.”Trump mentioned abortion briefly and said the Supreme Court decision gives abortion opponents more leverage to negotiate for regulations that are less extreme than what he said Democrats want. He said he supports exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.Of the court decision to eliminate a right to abortion at the federal level: “Good things are going to come about it, and you move it back to the states where all the legal scholars said it should be,” Trump said.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/07/07/trump-appeals-to-farmers-in-iowa-campaign-visit/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.