Monday June 18 Ag News

Rains Welcomed, but Likely Not Enough
Al Dutcher, UNL Extension State Climatologist

The lack of precipitation coupled with above normal temperature during the past 30 days has resulted in a rapid expansion of drought conditions across the central Great Plains. The latest edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor, which reflects conditions through 7 a.m. June 12, indicates that moderate drought conditions have expanded to include most of the Panhandle and southwest and southeast Nebraska. A small area of severe drought conditions also was introduced into southeast Nebraska.

Abnormally dry conditions have been expanded to cover the Sandhills and central and east central Nebraska. The only areas not depicted with a dryness issue are most of northeast Nebraska and the northeastern portion of central Nebraska.

It should be noted that this depiction does not include the heavy rain that fell the evening of June 14, occurring south and east of a line from Minden to Omaha. It is likely that the next U.S. Drought Monitor will show improvements for areas receiving more than two inches from this event.

Prior to this storm, severe crop stress was reported across the Panhandle and southeast Nebraska. A long stretch of hot, dry, windy days may have already caused significant yield reductions to dryland corn and pastures. It is too early to tell, but this rain event may have come too late to save the corn crop in southeast Nebraska along the Kansas border.

Although this precipitation was very welcome, additional moisture will be necessary to avoid further crop deterioration if hot, dry, windy weather returns. The weather models indicate daily chances of rainfall through next Thursday (June 21). Although coverage is not expected to be broad-based on any given day, many locations could receive a total of two inches over several days. With northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri already reporting the first tassels on corn planted in early April, we are likely within 7-10 days of this occurring in extreme south central and southeast Nebraska.

With corn water use now estimated at 0.25-0.35 inch per day (crop stage dependent), two inches of moisture equates to six to eight days of use. Conditions have been so dry for much of the state during the past 20 days that, in the absence of rain, there is little soil water reserve to rely on. Certainly the severe leaf rolling of corn reported in several areas prior to this week’s rain is a testament to the lack of soil moisture.

Current water use estimates indicate that corn is now entering its high water demand period. At 0.25 inches of water demand per day, corn requires 1.75 inches of moisture a week. With soil moisture reserves severely depleted during the last 30 days, a distinctly wet pattern will need to be established to offset potential yield destruction. Unfortunately, no such pattern has firmly established itself during the past nine months.

Rain's in the Forecast, Followed by Heat
Current weather models are sending mixed signals for the moisture and temperature outlook. There are daily chances for moisture through late next week, followed by hot, dry conditions the next seven days as an upper air ridge builds into the central United States.

If the current models for the central plains are correct, high temperatures would persistently be in the 90s, with the distinct possibility of 100°F or higher temperatures developing across central and western Kansas. Some of this heat is likely to expand into southern Nebraska. In short, the amount of rainfall that falls during the next week will go a long way in determining whether significant heat and moisture stress continues as we approach corn pollination.



Crop Water Use Almost Double From Last Year
Gary Zoubek, Extension Educator

As producers and agribusiness industry professionals we know that no two years are the same in Nebraska. This has probably never been more evident than this year. We had an early, warmer-than-normal spring that looked much like summer and accelerated early crop growth and loss of soil moisture.

Crop evapotranspiration has been almost twice what it usually is for this date, as seen in the ET data from York County. These higher cropwater ET rates depleted soil moisture much earlier in the season than normal. For example, in 2011 the crop ET for May 13-20 was 0.07 inch while in 2012 it was 0.29 inches. For June 3-10, 2011, Crop ET was 0.42 inches and for June 4-11 it was 1.30 inches. With an early start to the irrigation season, especially in areas with below normal soil moisture profiles, effective irrigation management is essential to keep input costs in check.

To create a picture of crop water use at sites across the state, producers are posting their weekly ETgage readings at water.unl.edu on the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network (NAWMN).

Several changes have been made to the NAWMN reporting site to make it even easier to use. Locations that have not been updated in the past week are grey and those that have been updated are red. This should make it easier to quickly identify sites in your area with current reference ET data. In addition, automatic weather station sites are shown in blue and a few sites measuring pasture or grass ET are shown in green.

The changes in crop water use from last season to this season reinforce the point that each year is different and needs to be monitored accordingly. We cannot assume that crop water use will be the same each year or occur at the same point on the calendar. Producers should use tools to estimate both crop ET and soil water status to irrigate according to the needs of their field.

For more information on crop water use in Nebraska and how to incorporate it into your irrigation management program, see articles at cropwatch.unl.edu and water.unl.edu.



Farm Bill Threatened By Obstruction
Senator Mike Johanns

The Senate faces an important task in the weeks ahead with the continued consideration of the farm bill. I've noted many times over the past month that this legislation is a positive step forward – one that saves money while improving agriculture policy for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Unfortunately, as with so many pieces of legislation recently, it has stalled in the Senate due to our inability to debate and vote on amendments that could improve the bill even further. This is a troubling pattern and one that could put the farm bill in jeopardy.

Improvement through the amendment process has long been a standard of federal policymaking, dating back to the founding of our country. This is the same method I used last year to repeal the 1099 tax reporting mandate in the health care law – and though it ultimately received overwhelming bipartisan support, it took nearly a half dozen separate votes in the Senate to make it a reality.

The amendment process ensures representation by all states and the minority party in the Senate, and leads to better policy overall. But Majority Leader Harry Reid has ended this process for the time being. Though more than 200 amendments have been proposed, since the bill was brought to the floor on June 11 we've voted on only two handpicked amendments, with no indication of this trend changing soon.

I'm not suggesting every amendment proposed should receive a vote, but Leader Reid seems determined to clamp down on any ideas outside of a few which were doomed to fail. Since he first became Majority Leader in 2006, he has used Senate procedure – known as "filling the amendment tree" – to block amendments 60 times, while the five previous Majority Leaders did so only 34 times combined. This is an unhealthy practice which undercuts the very foundation of our republic.

You might hear, in the coming days, Leader Reid or others decry the lack of cooperation from the Republican side of the aisle and suggest that because of this we can't move forward. Don't believe this empty rhetoric. My colleagues and I stand ready with amendments and are eager to move forward.

The amendments I've proposed would strengthen the bill considerably. One would improve the food stamp program by closing a training and employment funding loophole which has allowed a few states to overspend; this would save $2 billion in excess spending without cutting food benefits. Another prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating everyday farm dust, and a third would prohibit EPA from aerial surveillance of agricultural operations. This amendment became necessary when EPA, after multiple requests for a transparent explanation, danced around the issue and declined to explain the size and scope of the program. It's a matter of trust: Americans must trust their government, and EPA hasn't proven itself trustworthy.

It is my hope that Majority Leader Reid allows a healthy number of farm bill amendments to be considered. That is how good policy is made in this country. Our farmers and ranchers are counting on this legislation, and I will continue to represent them and push for the farm bill in the Senate.



Farm, Rural and Environmental Groups call for Crop Insurance Subsidy Limits

Last week, the Center for Rural Affairs joined four other farm, rural and environmental organizations in signing and sending a letter to every U.S. Senator urging them to place limits on the federal crop insurance premium subsidies granted to individual farmers, establish income limits for subsidy recipients and require that recipients be actively engaged in farming.

“We are a diverse group of organizations united by the belief that responsible farm policy should direct subsidies for crop insurance premiums to farmers who need it,” said Chuck Hassebrook of the Center for Rural Affairs. “And Congress should cap those premium subsidies at levels that do not make it easier for the nation’s largest farms to drive out small, mid-sized and beginning farmers.”

To view or download a full copy of the letter go to: http://files.cfra.org/pdf/crop-insurance-letter.pdf

According to Hassebrook, federal farm spending is dramatically shifting from farm payments to subsidies for crop insurance, with the federal government now paying an average of 60% of premiums. Crop insurance expenditures are more than double traditional farm programs under the proposed new farm bill, with no subsidy limit and no eligibility requirements.

“The result will be an increase in the already excessive subsidies to the nation’s largest farms,” Hassebrook explained.

"In a time when federal dollars are scarce we are sending precious government resources to large and highly profitable agribusinesses while cutting food assistance to needy children and environmental protections for soil, water, and wildlife," said Craig Cox, senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at Environmental Working Group. "It is simply irresponsible to send unlimited subsidies to farm businesses that can easily afford to pay more of the cost for their crop insurance - 26 mega farms received over a million dollars apiece per year in crop insurance subsidies in 2011.”

The joint letter also explains that capping individual premium subsidies and setting income limits will not deny farmers access to needed risk protection.  And it is important to note that such a policy would not deny or cap insurance payments (indemnities) to farms facing losses.  Rather, it would limit subsidies on the front end for payment of premiums. These subsidies are highest in the best of times because it costs more to insure a crop at market value when its price is high.

“Federal crop insurance is a valuable tool for producers – one which we support.  Farmers need to be able to manage risks of failed crops and low prices to maintain their farms from year to year,” said Chuck Hassebrook of the Center for Rural Affairs. “But the emergence of crop insurance as the primary element of farm policy requires that it be subject to payment limitations and eligibility requirements, just like traditional farm programs.”



High Corn Prices Blamed for Idling Nebraska Ethanol Plant

NEDAK Ethanol, LLC has temporarily suspended production of ethanol at the plant it operates in Atkinson, Nebraska in order to conduct its regular spring maintenance and to monitor the corn and ethanol markets.

"We hope to resume production as soon as we have completed our spring maintenance and the crush margins have returned to a level that will enable profitable production."

President and General Manager, Jerome Fagerland, stated that the early months of the year usually have fewer miles driven by consumers, which reduces the demand for gasoline and ethanol.

"Normally, consumer driving increases by the Memorial Day holiday, but it has been less so this year. We are also experiencing a much stronger local basis for current corn deliveries, resulting in relatively higher local corn prices, " Fagerland noted. "The surplus of ethanol combined with the increased demand for corn from developing countries has further contributed to the negative crush margins the ethanol industry is currently experiencing."

The company is still determining the impact the halt in production will have on its workforce and whether it will lay off a portion of its workforce or require the entire workforce to work reduced hours. At a minimum, they will need to maintain the staff necessary to conduct its regular spring maintenance and cleaning while the plant is idle.

Fagerland says he hopes to resume production as soon as they have completed their spring maintenance and the crush margins have returned to a level that will enable profitable production.



Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Evolving

Dan Steinkruger, State Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that the 2012 general signup resulted in 104,298 acres enrolled into the 10-year CRP starting on October 1, 2012.  Steinkruger stated “we are excited to enroll or re-enroll over 100,000 acres into this critical conservation and environmental program in Nebraska; however, the CRP program is downsizing in Nebraska and nationally.”

Nebraska has a little over 201,000 acres coming out of CRP on October 1, 2012.  With the recent signup there will be a net loss of 100,000 acres of CRP across the state.  These acres are being returned to crop production or for grazing.  This reduction will leave about 900,000 acres in CRP in Nebraska, down from peak enrollment of over 1.34 million acres in 2007.

“For more than 25 years, CRP has protected natural resources in Nebraska while providing economic and environmental benefits to rural communities through the state,” said Steinkruger.  “The newly accepted CRP offers will continue the CRP legacy by improving water and air quality, increasing wildlife habitat and preventing soil erosion.”

All CRP signup 43 offers were evaluated and ranked using the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) that consists of the following five environmental factors plus cost:  wildlife enhancement, water quality, soil erosion, enduring benefits and air quality.  The national average rental rate per acre for this signup is $51.24.

Nationwide, USDA accepted enrollment of 3.9 million acres bringing the total program enrollment to 29.6 million acres.

Landowners enrolled in CRP receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland.  Accepted contracts will become effective October 1, 2012.

“The change in CRP acreage in Nebraska and nationally is driven by the economics of higher commodity and livestock prices,” noted Steinkruger.  “With economic changes impacting CRP it is important that landowners and farmers evaluate enrolling small acreages and/or special CRP practices so that we can continue the environmental, wildlife and outdoor economic activity benefits of CRP across the state.”



World Pork Expo sets records for Junior National show, largest pork burger

The 2012 World Pork Expo attracted nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry leaders from 38 countries to Des Moines, Iowa, for the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. During three action-packed days, it offered seminars with the latest industry insights and management information, and a trade show featuring more than 400 exhibitors from throughout the world. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s World Pork Expo set records for the number of pigs in the Junior National show and the quantity of meals served at the Big Grill, and featured the creation of the world’s largest pork burger during its well-attended MusicFest.

“People attending World Pork Expo this year were some of the most analytical and conscientious producers I’ve met, and they are serious about the industry,” said R.C. Hunt, NPPC president from Wilson, N.C. “They appreciated hearing about what’s happening with pork production, such as new research showing that a minority of pigs lives in group housing. And, we all found it exciting to see new innovations, designs and engineering that help us raise our animals responsibly wherever we farm.”

World’s largest pork-specific trade show
The trade-show buildings and outside exhibits were crowded throughout World Pork Expo as attendees viewed displays put on by more than 400 exhibitors from throughout the world. Expo exhibitors commented on the brisk activity, and the interest in learning about new products and services.

“The crowd was great Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with many producers considering expansion and remodels,” said Brian Rieck, product manager for AP, a swine-equipment company based in Assumption, Ill. “We valued the chance to reconnect with customers, show our new products and hear feedback that enables us to help producers find solutions. This Expo is the best show we’ve had in years.”

Debbie Schoenbeck, owner of ITSI Provisions, a Walworth, Wis., company that provides animal-health and swine-reproduction supplies, also talked about how Expo enables pork producers and companies to connect.

“This year’s Expo was phenomenal,” said Schoenbeck. “Attendance exceeded our expectations and producers were very positive. We enjoyed this chance to see customers we typically work with by phone, and we’ll be back in 2013!”

Setting new records
Once again, the World Pork Expo Junior National set a record for the number of pigs exhibited in the pedigreed barrow and gilt shows hosted by the National Junior Swine Association and Team Purebred. More than 700 junior exhibitors from 26 states competed with 2,177 head, a 25 percent increase from 2011.

Expo set another record by grilling the world’s largest pork burger, made with 260 pounds of pork and a 40-pound bun. Sponsors Hog Slat, Newton Grove, N.C., and the NPPC donated half of the pork burger to be served as pork sandwiches in Des Moines-area homeless shelters; the rest was enjoyed by Expo-goers during MusicFest.

“I appreciated the record-breaking pork burger, which was made possible by a company from my home state of North Carolina and used to help reduce hunger in central Iowa” said Hunt. “I also was impressed with the time both Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds spent with producers at Expo. It is very special to have this type of support for the work we do as pork producers.”

25th-anniversary plans
As this year’s Expo went into the record books, NPPC announced dates for the 2013 World Pork Expo, which will celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary. It will take place June 5-7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.



ISA invests in Iowa Hall of Pride Agriculture Exhibit

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is partnering with the Iowa Hall of Pride to help tell the story of Iowa agriculture’s past, present and future.

With ISA’s $25,000 investment in the Iowa Hall of Pride’s Agriculture Exhibit, design and construction began this spring with a tentative opening date in the fall.

The exhibit will share with visitors where the agriculture industry is today and the direction of its future.

“We want to share the story of Iowa agriculture,” says Jack Lashier, Iowa Hall of Pride director. “We will have interactive stations with planting and harvesting and time-lapse videos of the growing seasons of soybeans and corn. We are also planning to have interviews with individuals from our various corporate sponsors, kiosks explaining ag-related majors from Iowa State University and generational interviews from Iowa farm families.”

ISA President Dean Coleman says the exhibit will help educate those outside of farming.

“The ISA board of directors felt it was important to fund this project because so many people no longer have a relative on a farm they can visit and use as a foundation of learning,” Coleman says. “This display will give them a chance to learn about agriculture in a factual setting, and this makes for a more knowledgeable consumer.”

The Iowa Hall of Pride is located in downtown Des Moines.



Twospotted Spider Mites Early, Already in Southeast Nebraska Soybeans
Tom Hunt, UNL Extension Entomologist, Haskell Ag Lab, Northeast REC

Twospotted spider mites are occasional pests of soybeans in Nebraska, typically during hot, dry periods in mid to late summer. However, it has been an uncommonly warm spring, and reports of spider mite problems in Richardson County and parts of Iowa are already coming in.

Biology
Twospotted spider mites typically overwinter in alfalfa and other broadleaved plants along field borders. In the spring or summer, mites either crawl or are carried by wind to soybean fields where they deposit small, round, pearly white eggs on the underside of leaves. Early infestation and injury often appear first on the south and west edges of fields because of the prevailing wind direction, but infestations also may occur in "hot" spots scattered throughout the field. The eggs usually hatch in about three or four days. Young mites resemble the adults, and increase in size by periodically shedding their skins. It takes about five to 10 days after hatching before mites are mature and begin to produce eggs. All stages of mites may be present at the same time, and there may be seven to 10 generations during the growing season.

Soybean Injury
Mites injure soybean by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking the juices. Feeding often begins on the lower part of the plant, moving to the top as the plant condition deteriorates. The first evidence of mite feeding is usually seen on the top of the leaf, appearing as yellow or whitish spotting in areas where the mites are feeding on the lower leaf surface. Many other things can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to check leaves to make sure that mites are actually causing the damage. Leaf discoloration caused by mite feeding can be easily identified by checking the undersurface of leaves for mites, eggs, and webbing.

Twospotted spider mites produce webbing, and a network of fine, silken webs will likely be associated with mite colonies. A magnifying glass or 10X hand lens is helpful in examining plants for mites. As mite infestations develop, leaves may be severely damaged and the food-manufacturing ability of the plant is progressively reduced. Damage includes leaf spotting or stippling, leaf drop, accelerated senescence and pod shattering, as well as yield loss. Leaves may have a sand-blasted appearance and under severe infestation, may die. Early and severe mite injury left untreated can completely eliminate yields. More commonly, mite injury during the late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages will reduce soybean yields 40-60 percent. Spider mites can cause yield reductions as long as green pods are present.

Factors Contributing to Mite Infestations
Mites do not cause major economic damage every year. Several factors, such as weather and natural enemies, strongly influence spider mite numbers. Overwintering sites that are close to soybean fields, especially grasses, wheat, and perhaps alfalfa, also may increase the possibility of mite invasion.

Dry, hot weather favors mite reproduction and survival, especially if accompanied by drought stress. When the weather in June, July, and August is especially hot and dry, mites can reach damaging numbers in most soybean-growing areas of Nebraska. Major mite infestations are more likely to occur in central and western counties that normally experience less rainfall. Sandy soil types may also contribute to spider mite problems because crops grown on these soils are more likely to experience drought stress even when irrigated.

Natural Enemies 
Several species of insects and mites prey on spider mites. The most important of these are the predatory spider mite, the mite destroyer beetle, six-spotted thrips, and the minute pirate bug. In addition to these predators, a fungal disease may reduce spider mite populations.

In many years these natural enemies may help keep spider mite populations below damaging levels. They are particularly effective during cool, moist periods in early and mid summer when mite reproduction is slowed. For this reason, their presence and abundance should be noted and considered when evaluating spider mite populations. Low numbers of spider mites may allow predators to build up and prevent the spider mites from reaching damaging levels. Nearly all synthetic insecticides have severe, detrimental effects on spider mite predators.

Treatment
No research has been conducted that would allow calculation of economic injury levels or thresholds for twospotted spider mites on soybeans. Iowa State University Extension specialists have suggested that control may be warranted when infested plants have live mites and substantial spotting or leaf yellowing, but before there is browning and leaf drop. Injury from mites may be confused with that caused by drought and several foliar diseases, so be sure to base treatment decisions on the presence of mites, rather than just apparent injury symptoms. Fields may be spot-treated if the infestation is localized, but check other areas for mites (especially downwind of infestation) and extend treatments into these areas if you find large numbers of mites. Although late season infestations may accelerate soybean senescence and increase pod shattering, take caution when deciding to treat with miticides. Some products registered for mite control in soybeans have up to a 45-day preharvest interval.

For effective control, spider mites must come into contact with the miticide. Since mites are found primarily on the underside of the leaves, they are difficult to reach with low volume applications. Using three or more gallons of water per acre to carry pesticides may increase effectiveness. Aerial applications are generally more effective if applied very early in the morning or in the late evening. Applications made at these times avoid the upward movement of sprays away from the plants on hot rising air. Eggs are difficult to kill with soybean miticides, so reinfestation is likely to occur seven to 10 days after treatment due to subsequent egg hatching. The reinfestation is frequently heavy because natural enemies have been reduced or eliminated. A second application may be necessary to kill newly hatched mites before they mature and deposit more eggs. In many cases, slowing the rate of population increase is all that can be accomplished with a miticide application.

Several pesticides are labeled for spider mite management in soybean. These can be found on the Department of Entomology website in Insecticides for Control of Spider Mites in Soybean.  Note that several entries indicate “Suppression only.” If managing spider mites is the goal, do not use “suppression” products, as the chance for spider mite flare-up is high. Organophosphates are the preferred chemistry for twospotted spider mites in soybean, as pyrethroids appear to be less effective and mite flare-ups are a possibility. Because spider mites are appearing early this year, and treatment may be within several days of an herbicide application, make sure to check the label for any phytotoxic herbicide/miticide interactions before making a miticide application.



May Milk Production up 2.1 Percent
                       
Milk production in the 23 major States during May totaled 16.4 billion pounds, up 2.1 percent from May 2011 according to USDA. April revised production at 16.0 billion pounds, was up 3.5 percent from April 2011. The April revision represented an increase of 38 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.  Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,924 pounds for May, 22 pounds above May 2011.  The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.52 million head, 77,000 head more than May 2011, but 3,000 head less than April 2012.



Statement from NCBA Vice President Bob McCan Regarding TPP Invitation to Mexico

On Mon., June 18, 2012, President Obama announced that the United States and the other countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have extended an invitation to Mexico  to join the TPP trade negotiations. In addition to the United States, the current TPP countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President and Texas cattleman Bob McCan commended the announcement and issued the following statement.

“Mexico is our second-largest export market and their participation in these negotiations is paramount. TPP has the potential to be the beginning of a new era in global trade where tariff and non-tariff barriers are eliminated and standards are based on sound, objective science instead of political protectionism. This agreement could likely become much more than a multi-lateral free trade agreement. Eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers promotes greater economic stability and job creation in all countries, which will strengthen bonds between nations and encourage global security in the Pacific Rim.

“NCBA encourages the United States to push for full and free market access to all TPP countries NCBA wants prices to be determined by market demand instead of being inflated by protectionist trade barriers, which is one of the greatest hindrances to U.S. beef trade. Specifically, U.S. beef is has been subject to non-science based standards in multiple countries for many years. This has been very disruptive for the U.S. beef industry and has caused an enormous amount of damage to U.S. beef trade.

“We cannot afford to perpetuate politically-motivated standards as a justification for public safety. All TPP countries must agree to and abide by the highest sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards possible, in accordance with the World Trade Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health. Mexico being a part of this historic agreement is a victory for global trade and for all U.S. cattle ranchers.”



Chipotle Reaches Pasture-Raised Dairy Milestone
100% of Sour Cream Now Made with Milk From Pasture-Raised Dairy Cows

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it has reached an important milestone in its efforts to serve sour cream and cheese made with milk from pasture-raised dairy cows. Beginning this month, 100% of the sour cream served in its restaurants is produced with dairy from pasture-raised cattle. Under this protocol, cows have daily access to outdoor pastures, are never given added hormones, and are fed an all vegetarian, plant-based diet.

Chipotle reached an important milestone in its quest for better ingredients from more sustainable so ...

“We are constantly looking at every ingredient we use to make our food and how we can get them from better, more sustainable sources,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. “For too long, food made with more sustainably raised ingredients has been out of reach to many consumers, but we are changing that. It’s one of the ways we are changing the way people think about and eat fast food. Food made with these great ingredients should be available and affordable to everyone.”

Cows are often portrayed on food packaging, advertising, and in popular culture as living on wide-open prairies with access to plenty of fresh grass and water, but very few dairy cows actually enjoy this kind of existence. According to Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal protection organization, three out of four dairy cows in the United States never graze in pasture, and a significant amount of dairy cows are denied routine access to the outdoors.

Chipotle has long believed that animals should live in a way that allows them to display their natural tendencies. In addition to its commitment to serving dairy from pasture-raised cattle, Chipotle also serves all naturally raised meat – from animals that are raised in a humane way and never given antibiotics or added hormones – in all of its restaurants.

Chipotle’s pasture-raised dairy protocol states that dairy cattle must have regular access to pasture and that all natural resources, including plants, soil and water, must be sustainably managed. The animals must also have access to shelter, housing or windbreaks that provide adequate protection from the elements.

In addition to its sour cream, 65% of the cheese served at Chipotle restaurants is produced with dairy from pasture-raised cows. The dairy cattle used in the production of cheese and sour cream are never administered antibiotics or added hormones, including rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone).

Not only does Chipotle believe dairy products from pasture-raised cows taste better, the company also believes pasture-raised dairy is better for the environment. According to a study conducted by the USDA, cows raised with regular access to the outdoors emitted fewer greenhouse gases and contributed less to phosphorous runoff, which is responsible for soil erosion and depletion of natural resources.

In addition to serving dairy from pasture-raised cows and naturally raised meat, Chipotle remains the only national restaurant chain with a significant commitment to local and organically grown produce.

About Chipotle
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that—where possible—are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. A similarly focused people culture, with an emphasis on identifying and empowering top performing employees, enables us to develop future leaders from within. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993 and currently operates more than 1,250 restaurants.