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| (r) Rod Gray, Harrison, Neb., NE Beef Council |
With all the frenzy and excitement of a flash mob, a who’s who of more than 100 of the Western Hemisphere’s top red meat industry buyers and sellers assembled in Bogota this week and then dispersed. In the intervening 36 hours, relationships were made and renewed and enough American beef, pork and lamb changed hands to put a smile on the face of farmers and ranchers from Washington state to New England.
The event was the Second Annual Latin American Product Showcase, organized by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) with funding support provided by the USDA Market Access Program (MAP), the Nebraska Beef Council, the Pork Checkoff and the Illinois Soybean Association. It was a follow-up to the extremely successful showcase held one year ago in Panama.
The main attraction was more than 50 buyers representing 10 countries throughout Central and South America. Buzzing about them was a swarm of processors and exporters, ranging from international corporations to small, independent traders.
“This is a very targeted and efficient program," said Kurt Holdmeyer of AJC International Trading Corp. of Atlanta. "We have four people working the floor and they’re all busy. We already knew many of the buyers here, but a lot changes in this industry in a year and we're making a lot of new contacts.”
For some exporters, the showcase is a window to a new universe of prospective customers. Howard Milner, owner of Mercer Meat Company of Dallas, learned the value of the USMEF showcase from the 2011 Panama event.
“Prior to the Panama showcase, our main customer base was in Mexico,” said Milner. “We picked up several new accounts at the Panama event and grew our Central American business by 50 percent.”
The value, according to Milner, which was echoed by a number of other exporters, is the bringing together of interested buyers with a variety of sellers.
“This is a valuable resource,” said Milner, referring both to the showcase and his membership in USMEF. “After founding my company in 2010, I made the decision to grow it through exports. USMEF provides a comprehensive list of customers and leads. Within one month of joining, Liz Wunderlich (USMEF-Caribbean representative) had helped me get my first sale in Jamaica.”
Since that first year, Milner has added two employees – tripling the size of his team – and seen his business mix shift from 30 percent exports in year one to 70 percent in year two, doubling his sales. And he wasn’t about to miss an opportunity in Colombia.
Sharing Milner's view but from the perspective of a processor as well as an exporter, Agri Beef Company Executive Director of Marketing Jay Theiler sees the Colombia showcase as the continuation of his company's long relationship with USMEF.
"The best way to characterize the return on investment of an event like this - and of working with USMEF on exports - is to say that Agri Beef's exports have more than doubled in the last five years," said Theiler. "It's a matter of matching the right product with the right export market. The right match benefits everyone from the cow-calf producer all the way to the processor."
Theiler noted that until fairly recently Agri Beef had focused its export energies on Asian markets, but Central and South America offer new potential for improved returns and maximizing the profit potential of each animal processed.
From the perspective of a funding source behind the showcase, Rod Gray of the Nebraska Beef Council was pleased both with the turnout for the event and the interest shown by the buyers.
"Four or five years ago, I didn't know that USMEF existed," said Gray. "Now I see the value it brings to the Beef Checkoff Program. The agriculture industry in America must pool its resources to be competitive on a global scale. USMEF is the umbrella that brings together checkoff funds with USDA MAP resources and funding from other checkoff groups. That way, we all get more bang for our buck."
The International View
Excitement over the Colombia showcase was evident from both sides of the ledger. Buyers expressed their delight with the opportunity to learn more about U.S. red meat and gain valuable contacts with a broader range of American exporters.
"We are very grateful to be invited because I know there wasn't room for every buyer who wanted to be here," said Juan Edgardo Hernandez, who with brother Jose operates La Unica importers in El Salvador. "Before attending the product showcase in Panama, we were working with only a few U.S. suppliers. Now we have more sources and a better reference for products and services. Products from the U.S. add value to our brand because people in El Salvador feel that U.S. products are high quality."
Sadi Velex, president of Global Food Traders in the Dominican Republic, appreciated both the sales contacts as well as the educational sessions.
"That cutting demonstration (conducted by Colorado State University Assistant Professor Dale Woerner) was great," said Velex. "It will help us explain cuts better to our clients as they look for alternative cuts in a time of high prices.”
While a location has not been announced, based on the positive feedback received from both the Panama and Colombia showcases, USMEF already is making plans for the 2013 showcase. Details will be released in the coming months.
Options for Drought-Damaged Crops
Wondering what your best options are for your drought-damaged corn, alfalfa, and oats?
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, will provide answers to all your crop drought questions at a drought meetings scheduled for Wednesday, July 18 and 19th in multiple locations across Northeast Nebraska.
Federal crop insurance agents, USDA Farm Service Agency representatives, USDA Natural Resource & Conservation Service personnel, and others will be available to provide information on farm programs, disaster aid, conservation and other factors you should know before doing any serious field activities.
Drought meetings scheduled in northeast Nebraska include:
Columbus on July 18 at 10:00a.m. at the County Courthouse meeting room located in the basement
Norfolk on July 18 at 2:00p.m at the Lifelong Learning Center
Bloomfield on July 18 at 7:oop.m. at the Community Center in Bloomfield
O’Neill on July 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the County Extension Office
Scotia on July 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Leigh on July 19 at 7:00p.m. at the Fairgrounds
For more information or directions to meeting locations, contact your local Extension Office; or visit the UNL Extension webpage at www.extension.unl.edu
Using Weather-Damaged Corn as Forage
Tom Dorn, UNL Extension Educator, Lancaster County
The expanding drought, as well as hail, wind, heat, and other factors, may lead to extremely low corn yields in some fields this year. Often much forage value still remains in this low- and no-grain corn. Silage, green chop, hay, and grazing all are potential options for capturing its value. Harvest costs can be high, especially when yield per acre is low, so carefully evaluate the economics of any salvage operation.
Preliminary Considerations
Before deciding to harvest your crop as forage, consider these points:
- If grain prices remain high, grain yield may not need to be very high to justify selecting grain harvest over forage harvest.
- Sometimes leaving the corn residue can result in increased yield next year and that increase may provide more value than that resulting from forage use. See NebGuide G1846, Harvesting Crop Residues for information on evaluating your situation.
- Check labels of all chemicals applied to be sure they are cleared for forage use and that the minimum harvest interval has been met.
- Check with the USDA Farm Service Agency and your crop insurer to maintain compliance with farm programs and crop insurance requirements.
- Nitrate concentrations can reach toxic levels in weather-damaged corn. The harvest method can affect the nitrate, a particular concern when its being fed to livestock. Leaving a tall stubble (8 or more inches) will reduce nitrate risk but note eliminate it. Choose the harvest method accordingly.
Silage
Silage may be the safest method of harvest as fermentation usually (but not always) reduces nitrate levels and risk. Yield is about one ton per acre of silage for each harvested foot of earless corn plant (not counting the tassel). Feeding value is about 70% to 80% of well-eared corn silage. Corn with some grain (less than 50 bushels) tends to produce about one ton of silage for every five bushels of grain with a feed value about 80 to 90% of regular corn silage.
Harvest timing is critical with silage to ensure the correct moisture for proper fermentation. Plants probably are about 80% moisture now and the desired moisture level for silage is about 65%. Plants with any green leaves usually are too wet to chop for silage. For proper moisture, most leaves may need to be dead before chopping. The stalk and ear hold amazingly high water concentrations. For corn with no grain, even if all leaves are dead, the whole plant (and silage) moisture can be 70% if the stalk is still green and alive. Once plants actually die they can rapidly dry down.
There are several ways to reduce moisture content.
- If corn has pollinated, delay silage harvest until all chances of increased biomass tonnage have passed or plants naturally dry down to appropriate moisture levels.
- Corn can be windrowed and allowed to partially dry before chopping.
- Excessively wet material can be blended with drier feeds such as ground hay, cracked grain, or dried distillers grains. However, this can take a lot of material — about 500 lb of grain or hay to reduce each ton of chopped corn with 85% moisture down to 70% moisture.
- Silage inoculants may improve fermentation and preservation of drought-damaged silage.
Green Chop
Green chop minimizes waste but may be the most dangerous way to salvage corn. If present, nitrates will start to change into nitrites (about 10 times as deadly) as green chop begins to heat. Chop and immediately feed only an amount that animals will clean up in one feeding. Chop and feed two or three times per day instead of providing excess feed from a single chopping. If any green chop remains two hours after feeding, clean out bunks. Never feed green chop held overnight because nitrites can be exceptionally high. Be sure to allow plenty of bunk space (36 inches per cow is recommended) so boss cows don’t overeat and timid cows can get their share.
Hay
Hay may be the most difficult method of mechanical harvest, especially if ears have started to form – the stalk and especially the ears will be slow and difficult to dry. If possible, use a crimper when windrowing. Unlike with silage, nitrate levels do not decrease in hay after it is baled. Some of the nitrate risk can be reduced by cutting to leave a tall stubble, about 8 inches. Tall stubble also will elevate the windrow off the ground, allowing air to circulate better through the forage and aid in drying.
Grazing
Challenges with grazing include acidosis risk for cattle not accustomed to grain if ears have started to fill (smart cows will selectively graze ears), waste from excessive trampling, availability of drinking water, perimeter fencing, and nitrates. Reduce acidosis risk by feeding increasing amounts of grain similar to feedlot step-up rations before turning into standing corn that has much ear development.
Reduce waste by strip-grazing with at least two or three moves per week; daily is best. Back fences are not needed because regrowth is not expected. Water can be hauled in as with winter corn stalks or lanes might be constructed with electric fence to guide animals back to water sites that are nearby. If strip grazing, animals can walk back over previously grazed areas since back fences aren't needed.
Perimeter fences can be built using the same fencing as for winter stalks. Cows are likely to respect such fencing but inexperienced calves may not remain where desired. To better control calves, use a double strand of electric wire and/or a more visible barrier such as electric polyrope or polytape. Animals not already experienced with electric fences may need some exposure and training before moving them to a corn field.
Nitrates usually are not a problem with grazing since the highest concentration is in the stem base, the plant part least likely to be consumed. Risk increases, though, if animals are forced to “clean-up” a strip before moving to fresh feed and when corn plants are short (probably less than 3 to 4 feet tall) with small, palatable stem bases. Tests for nitrate concentration (whole plant and just the bottom 8 inches of the stem base) can be made prior to grazing to assess risk. If nitrate levels are risky, the hazard can be reduced by offering enough desirable forage to discourage consumption of hazardous plant parts as a major component of diet. Also, delaying grazing until plants more fully mature often lowers nitrate risk.
Windrow Grazing
This method includes cutting as you would for hay and then grazing the windrows rather than baling them. It eliminates the cost of baling, transporting bales, feeding bales, and maybe hauling manure. It also eliminates any flexibility in feeding location and may reduce opportunities to sell the corn forage.
Windrowing tends to preserve forage quality better than allowing plants to stand. Usually it is easier to strip graze windrows than standing corn because building fences and estimating strip size are easier. Snow cover rarely causes problems if animals already know the windrows are there. They will use their hooves and face to push snow aside to access the windrow. Thick ice, however, can cause a significant barrier. Follow appropriate management recommendations listed earlier for hay and grazing for best utilization and safety.
With High Temps, Adjust Alfalfa Cuttings to Let Plants Recuperate
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
When temperature is consistently above 90°F, many guidelines for managing alfalfa harvest can be thrown out the window. "Always cut at one-tenth bloom." Gone.
Alfalfa is one of our most reliable crops. We cut it several times each year and it keeps coming back for more. In fact, the plant even tells us when it is ready to be cut. When it begins to bloom, it has recovered from the previous harvest and is ready to be cut.
Or is it? When summer temperatures exceed 90°F every single day like it has much of this summer, it isn't unusual to see alfalfa start to bloom after only twenty-five, or twenty, or even fewer days of regrowth. If it's dry, it may bloom even sooner. Is it really ready to harvest?
The simple answer is "No." High temperatures can cause alfalfa to mislead us about when it is ready to be harvested. Although plants bloom more rapidly when it is hot, it actually takes them longer to recover from the previous cutting than when temperatures are more moderate.
Alfalfa stores nutrients it doesn't need for growth, like extra carbohydrates and protein, in its crown and roots. When alfalfa is cut, it uses these stored nutrients to initiate new regrowth. As regrowth develops, nutrient reserves decline until plants develop enough leaf area to support themselves. Then and only then can extra nutrients be sent into storage. High temperatures, especially at night, reduce the amount of extra nutrients available for storage. So, it takes longer for reserves to return to the same levels as before harvest.
As an added insult, early blooming gives shorter, lower yields that are even worse during dry weather.
Be prepared to break the rules this summer. Even if alfalfa is blooming, be sure to give plants extra time between hot summer harvests to maintain healthy stands.
Farm Bureau PAC Names Turco 'Friend of Ag'
Acela Turco of Omaha has been named a "Friend of Agriculture" by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau's political action committee.
Turco is seeking election to the District 31 seat in the Nebraska Legislature, a position currently held by term-limited Sen. Rich Pahls. Turco was recommended to receive the Friend of Agriculture designation by members of NFBF's Urban District Evaluation Committee, which is comprised of NFBF-PAC's executive committee and individuals representing Douglas, Hall, Lancaster and Sarpy counties.
"Acela Turco shares many of the core values of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and its members and we are pleased to include her among those receiving our Friend of Agriculture endorsement," said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NFBF-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. "Acela will bring a wide array of experiences to the Nebraska Legislature, including experience as a small business owner. Because of that experience Acela has much in common with Nebraska's farmers and ranchers and we believe she will effectively reflect those interests in the legislature."
"We look forward to working with Acela in the Nebraska Unicameral and encourage our members to take an active role in advancing Acela's campaign as we move toward November," said McHargue.
According to McHargue, the Friend of Agriculture designation is given to selected candidates for public office based on their commitment to and positions on agricultural issues, qualifications and previous experience, communication abilities and their ability to represent the district.
NASCAR team drives green with biodiesel
In the race against global warming, you could say NASCAR driver Todd Peck leads the pack. Yesterday in Newton, Iowa, he filled up his team’s race hauler with a 15 percent blend of biodiesel (B15) as part of his commitment to lead the greenest team in NASCAR.
Peck Motorsports makes its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at the Iowa Speedway on July 14. Peck filled up with B15 at Love’s Travel Center, but has used up to 50 percent biodiesel at other stops.
“Peck Motorsports is dedicated to be environmentally clean leaders in NASCAR,” said Peck. “Fueling our team transporter full of biodiesel has been a part of that process. We can’t thank the Iowa Biodiesel Board enough for joining our efforts in Iowa this race weekend in making our journey as ‘green’ as possible.”
Based in Pennsylvania, Peck Motorsports, with help from Renewable Engineered Systems, has outfitted its race hauler with solar panels on the roof, which power the newly installed LED lights and equipment. The team’s goal is to drive to and from races using biodiesel blends.
“We commend Peck Motorsports for taking the initiative to use biodiesel, and would be thrilled to see more NASCAR teams follow suit,” said Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “NASCAR’s popularity as a spectator sport presents a great opportunity to raise public awareness on biodiesel, and I’m proud that Iowa biodiesel is helping to kick off this team’s racing series.”
Governors Look to Boost E15 throughout Midwest
Three governors have called on their colleagues in the Midwestern Governors Association to support an E15 action plan on the state level.
Govs. Terry Brandstad (R-Iowa), Pat Quinn (D-Ill.) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) sent a letter to 11 of their fellow Midwestern governors, asking they assist in the expansion on the heels of EPA approval of E15 for 2001 model light-duty vehicles and newer.
"We are writing you to share some actions we believe to be best practices to enhance consumer choice and help accelerate the commercialization of E15 in your state," the three governors said. "By doing so, you can help diversify our nation’s transportation fuel supply, support productivity advancements by our nation’s farmers, and help stretch family incomes."
They cited the availability of a guidance document, "Pathway to E15 Implementation," that provides "helpful guidance on how to make the option of E15 available to your consumers."
The three governors also point out that based on market economics, E15 is selling for 5 to 10 cents less than E10 in parts of the Midwest. "Widespread availability of E15 would provide much needed relief at the pump for families and businesses trying to stretch every dollar," they wrote.
They also emphasize that E15 is an option, not a requirement. "A retailer must choose to offer the fuel and a consumer must choose to purchase it. However, today in many states, there are state-level roadblocks to the commercialization of E15 – holding back willing retailers and consumers," the governors wrote.
Noting that Illinois, Iowa and Kansas are generally recognized as states that have removed the barriers to the free market introduction of E15, the governors offer "some areas where your state can further engage to move the implementation of E15 forward," including:
- Fuel acceptability – ensure that state codes and regulations for fuel specifications accommodate E15; and confirm that state regulations regarding compatibility determinations for systems dedicated to storing/dispensing biofuels both exist and are consistent with federal requirements governing same.
- Coordination across multiple state agencies – regulations for fuels and fuel dispensing are often overseen by multiple agencies in each State, requiring active coordination.
- Liability Protection – create misfueling liability protection for retailers.
"Adding a new fueling option for consumers is not easy," governors tell their colleagues. "It takes a coordinated effort. Yet, with gasoline prices squeezing family budgets, Midwestern states can lead the way in providing a home-grown, lower-cost fuel choice for our citizens."
They call on their colleagues to bring relevant stakeholders within their states together to formulate an E15 action plan.
Oil industry attacks on E15 are unrealistic
Late yesterday, the American Petroleum Institute issued a “warning” to Kansas drivers to not use E15 now being sold at a Zarco 66 station in Lawrence, Kansas. This “warning” is based on a high questionable study funded by API and other oil interests in which some vehicles failed testing, including tests conducted on old fashioned gasoline not containing ethanol.
The protocols involved in this study were questionable enough to draw a harsh rebuke from the U.S. Department of Energy which conducted more than 6 million miles of testing on E15 and found no problems for vehicles built in model year 2001 and newer.
“If you take the argument of API and other biofuel critics to its logical conclusion, based on the study they cite, they should be warning Americans against using so-'called 'clear gasoline' as well given that vehicles failed in their limited testing on that fuel also,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Of course, that would be unrealistic to expect from the nation's refiners. Equally unrealistic is the smear campaign and fear mongering that is going on surrounding the introduction of E15 into the market. The fact remains that E15 has been the most thoroughly tested fuel in American history and ethanol has been a safe and effective fuel component in wide use for more than three decades. It’s time to move past the nonsense and constructively work to bring Americans the choice at the pump they want and deserve. Such a choice is beginning in Lawrence with E15.”
In its first full day of sales, the Zarco 66 station reported E15 sales were 16% of its total unleaded gasoline sales.
Grain Groups Call for Report Timing Change, Trading Pause
Key USDA statistical reports should be released “at a time of day when volume is heaviest and liquidity is deepest” and should be accompanied by both a one-page summary of relevant details and a one-hour pause in trading on major exchanges, grain groups told the Department in comments this week.
In a letter directed to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the groups said these changes by USDA could help market participants who are managing physical risk and product deal with the increased volatility expected following the expansion of trading hours at the major U.S. grain exchanges in May.
The new hours prompted concern about the effects on farmers, grain and oilseed users and elevators of quick market reactions to new information contained in the USDA reports, which have historically been released to the public while markets are closed in part to give market participants time to digest the new data.
While adjusting the timing of the reports’ release and providing a quick summary to help non-corporate traders would help small market participants, the groups also noted that USDA’s ability to mitigate the risks of new volatility is limited.
For that reason, the groups also strongly recommended exchanges implement a one-hour pause of trading around report release times, which would provide a short period of time in which to analyze the data contained before trading resumes.
“We are deeply concerned that producers and smaller business operators without high-speed Internet access and/or sufficient personnel dedicated to immediate report downloads may be put at a significant disadvantage,” the groups wrote.
“Such data is relied on by our producer and agribusiness members to market their production and manage their risk, and a pause would allow them to adjust positions accordingly prior to potentially dramatic moves based on USDA-NASS reports.”
The group said the recommendations should be implemented for the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and reports on acreage, crop production, grain stocks and prospective plantings.
Groups signing onto the letter included National Association of Wheat Growers, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Grain and Feed Association and North American Export Grain Association.
Council Successfully Promotes DDGS Usage in Japan
Tommy Hamamoto, U.S. Grains Council Director in Japan
This past June, the U.S. Grains Council successfully spread awareness of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) usage throughout Japan. Despite the large use of DDGS in Japan, many actually fail to recognize DDGS as an ingredient in compound feed.
The Council conducted DDGS workshops focused on swine nutrition in the major swine producing areas of Japan. The goal was to develop DDGS, corn gluten meal (CGM) and corn gluten feed (CGF) markets within the Japanese swine sector and provide updated information on DDGS nutritional values and feed use.
Presentations by Dr. Gerald Shurson of the University of Minnesota and Dr. Malachy Young of Gowans Feed Consulting emphasized the advantages of DDGS as an energy, digestible amino acid and phosphorous, and efficacy of high inclusion of DDGS in gestating and lactating sows. The findings from the Council’s sponsored poultry feeding study on the quality of manure by feeding DDGS were presented, demonstrating that DDGS can be fed to layers without any problems in egg quality and manure characteristics. Japanese producers also had their questions answered about reduced-oil DDGS and its energy value in animal feeds.
The Council also participated in the International Poultry and Pig Show, with 20,000 livestock producers and feed/livestock related businesses, to continue spreading the economic and nutritional advantage of DDGS. By interacting with Japanese livestock producers, they also became more familiar and comfortable with U.S. DDGS.
Through the Council’s continued effort to educate major importers, feed millers, and integrated livestock and poultry operations, we were able to strengthen the relationship with Japanese producers and businesses and expand the U.S. DDGS market. The Council now projects around 500,000 metric tons of U.S. DDGS will be exported to Japan in 2012.
Senators Introduce Year Extension of Ag Disaster Assistance
Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) introduced legislation Thursday to provide a one-year extension of agriculture disaster assistance programs that expired at the end of the 2011 Fiscal Year. As severe fires and drought threaten ranchers and farmers across the country, this extension will provide certainty for American producers while Congress works to pass the next Farm Bill.
Disaster programs extended under Thrusday's bill include:
-- Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program, which provided crop insurance for farmers affected by disasters.
-- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), which compensates ranchers at a rate of 75 percent market value for livestock mortality caused by disasters.
-- Livestock Forage Program (LFP), which assists ranchers who graze livestock on qualifying drought- or fire-affected pasture land.
-- Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP), which compensates producers for disaster losses not covered under other disaster programs.
Before these disaster programs, Congress provided support on an ad hoc basis and there was no standardized, reliable process for farmers and ranchers in need of assistance.
Conserving and Restoring America’s Natural Resources
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack
Every day, the work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conserve America’s lands and natural resources stretches across our nation. As President Obama and I work together to boost the rural economy and create jobs across America, it’s important to recognize the strength we draw as a nation from our forests, grasslands, farms, ranches, rivers and wilderness areas.
And it’s even more important that we all work together to protect them.
In 2010, President Obama established the “America’s Great Outdoors” initiative to help reconnect Americans to the land, promote recreation and tourism that bring jobs to rural communities, and build on America’s long history of conservation.
USDA has played an integral role in this effort, and we’ve achieved historic results to help restore, protect and conserve our natural resources.
Under the Obama Administration, USDA has enrolled a record amount of private working lands into conservation programs that help landowners protect clean water, conserve habitat, and benefit our environment. In fact, we’ve worked with more than half a million private landowners, farmers and ranchers to improve conservation practices on their land.
For example, through a commitment to the Conservation Reserve Program, over the last three years we’ve enrolled over 12 million acres while also targeting the program to the most environmentally-sensitive lands – protecting farmland and providing economic benefits on the farm and in rural communities. This spring we announced a special initiative through CRP to protect a million acres of wetlands, grasslands, and wildlife habitat in partnership with farmers.
Under the Wetlands Reserve Program we’ve seen similar interest, enrolling more than 650,000 acres nationwide since 2009 to improve water and soil quality.
On our 193 million acre National Forest lands, the USDA Forest Service has developed a new “planning rule” to manage and restore our National Forests so that they are more resilient to wildfire, and so they continue to conserve our water resources and wildlife while providing jobs and opportunity in local communities. And we’ve accelerated forest restoration work on public and private lands by treating more than 12 million acres over the past 3 years to sustain, enhance, or restore watershed function and resilience.
USDA’s innovative targeting of conservation funding through 19 landscape-scale initiatives – from the Great Lakes to western sagebrush rangeland to the Longleaf Pine forests of the southeast – is helping generate three to five times the benefits of more general approaches. Our voluntary efforts with farmers are reducing nutrient runoff to rivers and streams by as much as 45 percent.
These investments are helping rural communities create jobs while ensuring sustainable lands. They’re supporting a strong rural economy. They’re giving rural Americans new opportunities to give back to the land, a long-held American value that’s rooted in our small towns and rural communities.
I’m proud that under President Obama, we’ve taken historic action to preserve natural resources, farmland and wild areas for future generations. I know that these restoration efforts, taking place every day across America, will continue providing an economic boost for agriculture and rural communities, while helping to protect the natural resources and pristine lands that we all hold dear.
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