Mark Your Calendar - 7th Annual D.C. Fly-In Scheduled for Feb. 6-9

Be sure to mark your calendar for NAFA's 7th Annual D.C. Fly-In scheduled for February 6-9. This event has proven to be very successful in garnering recognition for our industry. Due to this exposure, we have received $1.35 million in Alfalfa Seed and Forage Systems Research Program (AFRP) funding in fiscal years (FY) '14 & '15, and $2 million in FY '16. We continue to work with Congressional offices to increase AFRP funding to the $3 million level!

NAFA is building a list of growers interested in joining this effort. If you'd like to be on the list, please email us your contact information. Mark your calendars now to join us and add your voice to NAFA’s effort to support the alfalfa industry in our nation's capital.

5 Facts to Know Before Adding GE Reduced Lignin Alfalfa to Your Seed Order
Dave Whalen, Forage Genetics International

Alfalfa is a staple in many animal diets because it is an excellent source of fiber and high-quality protein. It’s complementary to other types of forage and grain, cost-effective, and palatable.

However, there can be challenges when feeding alfalfa mainly due to the forage’s digestibility. A recent industry push has prompted research to help overcome this challenge. This research has resulted in a solution: genetically enhanced (GE) reduced lignin alfalfa. Click here for the complete article.

Don't Miss NAFA's 2016 Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar (AITS)

One of the most successful programs available for training professionals in the alfalfa industry about alfalfa growth and management will be presented in Boise, ID, November 15-17, 2016, at the Red Lion Boise Downtowner. Sponsored by NAFA, the Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar (AITS) is a must for anyone growing or working with alfalfa, including agronomists, sales managers, crop advisors, nutritionists, extension agents, and alfalfa growers. AITS features some of the nation's leading experts in the fields of alfalfa production and management.

A partial list of topics to be covered includes genetics, varieties, variety development, seed production, growth and development, soils, fertility, irrigation and water use, harvest management, forage quality and sampling, and much, much more. Don't miss this great opportunity to increase your knowledge of all things alfalfa. Register today! Click here for more information or to print the AITS brochure.

Management Issues Exposed
Reprinted with permission from Red River Farm Network

When corn was at $7 a bushel, it masked a lot of management problems. Bell State Bank director of agribusiness Lynn Paulson says sub-$3 corn is now exposing those management issues. Despite that, Paulson says most farm balance sheets are still healthy. “Generally, most of that healthiness is in farm real estate," says Paulson. "Eighty-one percent of the farm assets are in farm real estate. The top part of the balance sheet with working capital has obviously been diminished. You can’t pay bills with equity. At some point, you need to get back to making profits to be successful in the long-run.” Paulson says not all farmers are struggling, but not all farmers will survive. That’s the normal economic cycle.

“I always believe this country gives you the right to succeed and the right to fail. When there is no risk, you get folks who are doing things that aren’t always smart and we all end up paying for down the road.” Paulson says most ag lenders are now going with straight lines of credit instead of revolving lines of credit, and the majority of debt is fixed. The RRFN interview can be found at http://rrfn.com/indepth/072816lynnpaulson.mp3.

FSA Taking Acreage Reports on 2017 Grass and Alfalfa

A few years ago, the Farm Service Agency modified its acreage reporting dates to match up with those of the Risk Management Agency. November 15 or December 15 were established as the acreage reporting deadlines for most states for pasture, rangeland & forage/perennial forage.

Farmers with grass intended for haying or grazing, alfalfa, and other perennial forage crops are encouraged to report their 2017 acreage by these deadlines. Failure to report by the deadline jeopardizes eligibility for the 2017 Livestock Forage Program and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)/Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Program benefits.

All cropland on a farm must be reported to be eligible for ARC/PLC program benefits. Many waterways that are hayed and/or grazed carry a cropland status.

Many farmers over the past few years have missed this deadline, resulting in substantial late-file acreage reporting fees and delayed farm program benefits. Farmers are urged to contact their County FSA Office to determine the acreage reporting deadlines for their state and to schedule an appointment to timely report their 2017 perennial forage.

Forage Producers Reminded of Upcoming Crop Insurance Sales Closing Dates

Producers are being reminded of the Risk Management Agency's upcoming sales closing deadlines for 2017 fall crop Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) programs. The sales closing date is the last day to buy federal crop insurance. Current policyholders and uninsured producers must make all of their decisions on crop insurance coverage, especially which crops to insure and what level and type of coverage to get, before the sales closing date. The sales closing dates for forage production and forage (alfalfa) seed are:

• Forage Production APH - Sept. 30 (Oct. 31 in CA, NV, UT)
• Forage (Alfalfa) Seed - Sept. 30 (Oct. 31 in CA, NV, UT)

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Federal crop insurance policies are sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance companies and agents. To find a crop insurance agent near you, use RMA's Agent Locator page by clicking here.