Friday May 29 Ag News

LENRD Chemigation Permits Due June 1

Farmers planning to chemigate during the 2015 growing season must renew chemigation permits by June 1 to meet state deadline requirements, according to LENRD Water Resources Specialist, Curt Becker.

To legally chemigate in Nebraska, an operator must be certified to apply chemicals and obtain a chemigation permit from their local NRD.

Chemigation renewal permits cost $20 and must be submitted to the LENRD.  An irrigation system that has not been renewed prior to the June 1 deadline cannot apply chemicals through the system until a new permit is obtained.  New chemigation permits cost $50 and the applicant cannot use the system until it passes a mandatory inspection.

Also, applicants must list a certified applicator and obtain their signature on the application form.  Becker stated, "In order to be certified, a person must complete a chemigation safety course and pass an exam once every four years."

If chemigating is necessary, on short notice, emergency permits can be obtained at a cost of $250.  Irrigation systems meeting chemigation law standards will then be allowed to operate after two working days of application.

Approximately 1,916 chemigation permits were approved by the LENRD in 2014.  For more information contact Curt Becker or Vickie DeJong at the LENRD office. For general information on chemigation, see the links below....

UNL Chemigation Page:  https://water.unl.edu/cropswater/chemigation. 
NDEQ Chemigation Page:  http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/Chemig. 
LENRD website:  http://www.lenrd.org/latest-news. 



Tour of Wheat Variety Trials scheduled for June 11
Are you looking for a positive cover crop experience, improved soil quality and health, reduced soil erosion, a place to haul manure in the summer, a breakup of the weed cycle, diversification of your corn and soybean rotation, an opportunity to receive additional cost share funding for conservation work? Then look no further than growing winter wheat according to Keith Glewen and Nathan Mueller, Nebraska Extension Educators.

Nebraska Extension will be hosting a wheat plot tour on Thursday evening, June 11 at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC) near Mead. The tour will start at 6:30 p.m. at the ARDC Agronomy Research site located ½ mile west of County Road 6 and H in Saunders County.

Dr. Stephen Baenziger, UNL Wheat Breeder and Dr. Stephen Wegulo, Extension Plant Pathologist will walk growers through winter wheat variety development plots. Supper will be served following the tour at the ARDC Christenson Research and Education Building.

Wheat variety trials in Nebraska are made possible in-part through funding provided by the Nebraska Wheat Board.

For more information regarding the tour, contact Keith Glewen at 402-624-8005, kglewen1@unl.edu or Nathan Mueller at 402-727-2775,  nathan.mueller@unl.edu



Nebraska Valuation Change Notices Being Sent

The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division, reminds property owners that real property Notices of Valuation Change will be sent by county assessors on or before June 1.

If there was an increase or decrease to the assessed valuation of a real property parcel from 2014 to the 2015 assessed value, the county assessor is required to send a notice of valuation change to the property owner of record as of May 20.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, whether or not a notice of valuation change has been received, a protest may be filed with the county board of equalization. The valuation protest may be filed in person or by mail with the county clerk in the county where the property is located, on or before June 30. Requirements for filing a protest are on the Notice of Valuation Change.

For more information regarding filing a protest, please contact the county clerk where the property is located. County contact information is available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD, under "Featured Information."

For further information, see the Real Property Valuation Protest Information Guide and Property Valuation Protest Forms 422 or 422A.



Celebrate the Reasons Why Dairy Makes Sense

More than 75 years since the annual celebration began, June Dairy Month continues to recognize dairy foods and the farmers who produce them. Beginning in 1937, the observance was created as a way to help distribute extra milk when cows started on pasture in the summer months. June Dairy Month’s rich history continues, with communities, companies and people from all over celebrating the many reasons why dairy makes sense for families and the environment.

Not only do dairy foods taste great, but they are good for your health and your budget. Plus, they’re produced by dairy farmers with a longstanding commitment to sustainability. To better understand dairy’s benefits, consider the following:

Dairy is a Nutrient Powerhouse: Dairy foods are full of vitamins and minerals and help build strong bones and healthy muscles, control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dairy Provides More for Your Money: At about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving, milk is a bargain, especially when you consider all the nutrients inside. “Dairy is a wise investment for your family,” says Midwest Dairy Association registered dietitian Stephanie Cundith. “No other food group delivers as much nutrition in such an affordable, flavorful and convenient way.”

Dairy Farmers Are Committed to Sustainability:  8,000 Midwest dairy farm families work 365 days a year to ensure nutritious milk and dairy foods are available now and in the future while using a variety of conservation practices and on-farm efficiencies to reduce their environmental impact.

To celebrate June Dairy Month, get to know a farmer by attending a June Dairy Month event in your state or meet a Midwest dairy farm family online. Also, aim for three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy every day, which is the amount recommended for people ages nine and older in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Start by finding a new dairy recipe to prepare, such as this Chocolate Berry Smoothie made with Greek yogurt and chocolate milk. For more dairy recipes, and dairy nutrition and farming information, visit DairyMakesSense.com.



Celebrate Iowa's Dairy Industry this June

Iowa’s dairy farmers deliver a wholesome and nutritious supply of milk and dairy products every day. June, national dairy month, is the perfect time to celebrate their contribution to human health and the state’s economy. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and dairy partners want Iowan’s to learn about dairy farming first-hand at open houses scheduled around the state.

“Our goal is to create an understanding and appreciation for dairy, including the care and well-being of animals, the stewardship of our land and resources, and finally, the commitment to high quality, nutritious, and safe dairy products,” said Leo Timms, Morrill professor of animal science and Extension dairy specialist with Iowa State University.  “We’re giving visitors an opportunity to get inside a dairy barn farm and experience modern dairy practices.”

Timms said the goal is for consumers to learn about local dairy products and the work it takes to make Iowa twelfth in the nation for milk production. Iowa produces 4.6 billion pounds of milk per year.

Dairy is the fifth largest agricultural business in Iowa, generating nearly $5 billion a year in economic activity from farming and dairy processing to local businesses and schools. There are about 1,370 dairy farms and 207,000 dairy cows in the state, with 98 percent of the state’s farms family-owned. Putting these numbers together, each dairy cow generates $25,000 of local economic activity.

The June open houses include face-to-face conversations with dairy producers and on-farm milking demonstrations. Activities vary by location and may include a meal or samples of dairy products, child friendly area to meet calves and visit educational exhibits, guided farm tour allowing families to milk a cow and see robotic milking machines.

Dairy open houses
-    Friday, June 5, 6-11 a.m. – ISU Dairy Farm  and Ag Discovery Center Open House, 52470 260th St., near Ames.
-    Saturday, June 20, 8:30 a.m.-Noon – 6th Annual Breakfast on the Farm at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 1527 Hwy 150 South, near Calmar.
-    Thursday, June 25, 4-7 p.m. – 8th Annual Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Open House — Dykstra Dairy, 34450 C-12, near Maurice, at the corner of Hwy B58 and Grant Avenue.

Events are held in partnership with the Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, Northeast Iowa Community College and various agriculture and commodity group sponsors and supporters in the local communities.

Visitors are asked to take precautions and follow biosecurity policies if they have been at another livestock operation. Those who have recently returned from a trip abroad are asked to wait five days before visiting farms with animals. Visitors are asked to change clothing and footwear if going from farm to farm and to refrain from bringing any food items to the farm. For more information, contact the farm manager of the dairy operation or one of the dairy specialists.



TWO PROBABLE CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WRIGHT AND SAC COUNTIES

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Wright and Sac counties.  The Department has quarantined the premise and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

Wright 5 - A pullet farm with an estimated 400,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

Sac 7 – Turkey farm with an estimated 42,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

As the Department receives final confirmations of the disease updated information will be posted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.iowaagriculture.gov/avianinfluenza.asp.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Regarding EPA Action on Renewable Fuels Standard
President Steve Nelson

“We are disappointed in today’s announcement by EPA regarding the Renewable Fuels Standard. EPA’s failure to meet the biofuels blending objectives under the Renewable Fuels Standard as outlined by Congress doesn’t just affect Nebraska farmers, but other hard working Nebraskans.”

“Nebraska ranks second in U.S. ethanol production and with that production comes jobs and opportunities that have helped grow Nebraska’s rural and broader state economy. One doesn’t have to look any further than to the recent study by the University of Nebraska, which estimates the value of ethanol to Nebraska at roughly $5 billion per year.”

“EPA’s action is a step in the wrong direction and ignores the benefits ethanol and biofuels have provided, including lower gasoline prices for consumers while also reducing our reliance on foreign oil and providing environmental benefits.” 

“We look forward to providing comments on the proposal and working with Congress and the Administration on advancing utilization of our renewable fuel resources.”

Background:
The EPA today released targets for the nation’s Renewable Fuel Standard, which determines how much ethanol will be blended into the nation’s gasoline supplies. The new requirements for 2015-2016 are 16.3 billion and 17.4 billion gallons – significantly short of the standard mandated by Congress. The EPA proposal will be open for comment beginning July 27 with a final rule expected by Nov. 30.



Smith Reacts to EPA’s Biofuels Announcement

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) numbers for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

“I am disappointed with the numbers released today by the EPA,” Smith said.  “Record harvests show the supply exists, but excessive government regulation continues to prevent this clean, efficient and affordable fuel source from reaching consumers.  Ironically, the EPA is blaming ‘constraints in the fuel market’ for its decision.

“In April, I introduced H.R. 1736 to expand consumer choice at the fuel pump.  This legislation would extend to E15 the same waiver from EPA volatility standards already granted to E10, allowing all blends of ethanol to be sold year-round.  The USDA also announced plans this week to make a large investment in blender pumps.  These are exciting opportunities to boost biofuel production in our country, and the EPA must stop undermining these efforts with excessive red tape.”

Smith introduced H.R. 1736 in April to expand the existing waiver of EPA regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15 gasoline in addition to E10.



STATEMENT FROM DIRECTOR GREG IBACH FOLLOWING TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REGARDING THE RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to disappoint. Today’s announcement to reduce the Renewable Fuels Standard volume requirements undermines years of forward momentum toward reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. The ethanol industry has already shown it can meet the requirements of the law for conventional ethanol.

“On the heels of the Waters of the U.S. announcement, it shows just how out of touch the Administration is with what our rural communities need to thrive.

“I encourage farmers and other ethanol sector advocates to make their voices heard on this subject before the July 27 deadline.”



Comments on EPA's RFS Announcement Friday
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following the EPA releasing the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RVOs are set annually by EPA to dictate the amount of renewable fuel that is blended into the motor fuel supply.  The EPA’s full proposal can be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm.

“First of all, I think it is important to say that delayed release of the 2014 and 2015 RFA requirements by EPA is inexcusable.  The intent of the law, passed with strong bipartisan support, was to increase the usage of clean, homegrown, renewable fuels.  It is critically important the EPA get back on track.  We need a strong RFS to encourage retailers to invest in the infrastructure necessary to make renewable fuels available to customers. The release today of the 2016 RVO is a good first step, but we have lost an opportunity to really encourage access to higher blends the last two years.

“While the RVO numbers released today are an improvement on the initial proposal, they don’t restore the levels required by law and continue to use questionable justifications for not meeting the levels required by law.

“The release of this proposal starts another comment period so it is important that Iowans take advantage of that opportunity and again make sure their voice is heard.  More than 10,000 comments opposing EPAs initial proposal helped us get to this point, so I hope Iowans will again review the proposal and share their thoughts with EPA.”



ASA Responds to EPA’s Proposed RFS Volume Requirements for Biodiesel

The Environmental Protection Agency released today its Proposed Rule to establish the volume requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard, including the volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. EPA proposes setting the biomass-based diesel volumes at the following levels:

    2014 – 1.63 billion gallons of Biomass-based Diesel, 2.68 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuels
    2015 – 1.7 billion gallons of Biomass-based Diesel, 2.9 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuels
    2016 – 1.8 billion gallons of Biomass-based Diesel, 3.4 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuels
    2017 – 1.9 billion gallons of Biomass-based Diesel

The volumes proposed by EPA are certainly an improvement over the previous proposal, which would have set the Biomass-based Diesel requirements at 1.28 billion gallons for 2014 and 2015. The increases proposed by EPA will provide some benefit and certainty to the domestic biodiesel industry and to soybean growers who supply much of the feedstock. However, the proposed volumes do not fully recognize or capitalize on the capacity and further growth potential of U.S. biodiesel.

American Soybean Association President Wade Cowan noted that ASA believes the EPA and the Obama Administration could do more to capitalize on additional benefits that could be achieved with more robust biomass-based diesel volumes, however he welcomed the release of the Proposed Rule and expressed the association’s hope that this action is a further sign of a return to schedule on the implementation of the RFS.

“Again, we are glad to see the volumes for biomass-based diesel increased above the previous proposal. Biodiesel provides significant economic and environmental benefits and we have the capacity to do more,” Cowan said. “The administration wants to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiesel - a domestically produced, renewable fuel that is proven to achieve emissions reductions up to 86 percent better than petroleum diesel - can contribute more to that effort.”

There will be a 60 day public comment period and EPA intends to finalize the rule by November 30, 2015.

“We’re hardly done fighting for biodiesel,” Cowan added. “As we have in the preceding months and years, ASA will continue to point out the benefits and importance of this critical market for soybean farmers.”

By law, EPA is supposed to finalize biomass-based diesel volumes 14 months in advance of the applicable year, making the agency significantly overdue in setting the volumes for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

“ASA will continue to work, along with the U.S. biodiesel industry, to support the RFS and to highlight the many benefits that biodiesel provides to the nation, to rural communities, and to soybean growers,” Cowan added.



Biodiesel Industry Welcomes Renewable Fuels Proposal

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) voiced measured support Friday for the EPA’s proposal to increase volumes for biodiesel and other Advanced Biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) while calling for improvements in the final rule.

“This proposal is a significant step in the right direction,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “It is not perfect, but it will get the U.S. biodiesel industry growing again and put people back to work. I want to thank Administrator McCarthy and Secretary Vilsack for restoring growth to the program and for their commitment to renewable fuels.”

“Biodiesel has proven that Advanced Biofuels can do just what we said they would, which is create jobs and strengthen our energy security while significantly cutting harmful pollution from petroleum,” Jobe said. “Biodiesel has displaced more than 8 billion gallons of petroleum diesel in the U.S. over the last decade. That is an incredible achievement, and we will build on that success under the proposal the EPA released today.”

“However, more can be done, and we particularly look forward to working with the administration on strengthening biodiesel volumes for 2016 and 2017 during the comment period in the coming weeks,” Jobe said.

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement used in existing diesel engines without modification. It is the first and only commercial-scale fuel produced across the U.S. to meet the EPA’s definition as an Advanced Biofuel - meaning the EPA has determined that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent when compared with petroleum diesel.

Biodiesel falls under the Biomass-based Diesel category of the RFS, which is a subset of the overall Advanced Biofuels category. The EPA proposal, which is slated to be finalized in November, would gradually raise biodiesel volumes by about 100 million gallons per year to a standard of 1.9 billion gallons in 2017. Because of biodiesel’s higher energy content, this would count as 2.95 billion ethanol equivalent gallons under the RFS. The overall Advanced Biofuel standard would rise to 3.4 billion ethanol equivalent gallons in 2016. NBB had requested more aggressive growth to a biodiesel standard of 2.7 billion gallons by 2017, along with additional growth in the overall Advanced Biofuel category.

In its initial proposal in November 2013, the EPA called for holding the biodiesel standard flat at 1.28 billion gallons through 2015 – an effective cut from actual annual production in 2013 and 2014 of about 1.8 billion gallons.

“Biodiesel is one of the most practical, cost-effective means we have for cutting carbon emissions in the transportation sector, and there is no doubt that the industry can exceed the EPA’s proposed volumes in a sustainable way using domestic resources,” Jobe said, noting that the EPA’s proposal for 2017 is only slightly higher than the actual biodiesel production of 1.8 billion gallons in over the last two years. “It is imperative that we get it right. This is a critical component of President Obama’s pledge to address climate change while also making sure America leads in the development of alternative fuels.”

Biodiesel is produced in nearly every state in the country and is supporting more than 62,000 jobs. NBB is the U.S. biodiesel trade association.



EPA Snubs Consumers and Farmers Again, Takes Renewable Fuel Backward

The following is a statement from Maryland corn farmer Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association, in response to today’s announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of proposed  renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“Once again, the EPA has chosen to ignore the law by cutting the corn ethanol obligation 3.75 billion gallons from 2014 to 2016. This represents nearly a billion and a half bushels in lost corn demand. The only beneficiary of the EPA’s decision is Big Oil, which has continuously sought to undermine the development of clean, renewable fuels. Unfortunately, the EPA’s gift to Big Oil comes at the expense of family farmers, American consumers and the air we breathe.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard was working as intended, with no need to change. It has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased our reliance on foreign oil, lowered gasoline prices for consumers, increased economic stability in rural America and spurred innovation in advanced and cellulosic biofuels.

“We are evaluating our legal options for defending the law and protecting the rights of farmers and consumers. We will fight to protect and build profitable demand for corn, which is of fundamental interest to NCGA and our farmers.”



EPA Misses Opportunity to Advance Successful Energy Policy

In response to today’s proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) numbers and the methodology EPA employed to craft it, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“Today’s proposals are better than EPA’s initial proposed rule for 2014, but they still need significant improvement. We have sincere concerns that these proposed numbers are not moving forward to the degree that Congress had intended for the RFS.

“It is unfortunate that EPA chose to side with the obligated parties who have deliberately refused to live up to their obligation to provide consumers with a choice of fossil fuels or lower cost, higher performing, homegrown renewable energy at the pump. Everyone in Congress, as well as all parties in the renewables and oil industry, knew when this legislation was debated and passed into law that the only way the RFS goals could be met was by introducing higher blends into the market moving forward. Now the obligated parties, controlled primarily by Big Oil, have refused to live up to their obligation and the initial read on EPA's proposal is they have simply acquiesced to the demands of Big Oil. 

“One thing that everyone should keep in mind is that this a proposed rule. We will continue to analyze and review these proposals for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Furthermore, Growth Energy will file exhaustive comments with EPA. Just as we successfully commented on the original 2014 RVO proposal by EPA, which ultimately forced EPA to reconsider their initial flawed rule, we are confident that our forthcoming comments will highlight the changes that are necessary to meet the goals of the RFS.

“The RFS has been our nation’s most successful energy policy in the last 40 years and we must continue to advance a strategy that promotes American jobs, a cleaner environment and energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”



EPA states desire to get RFS back on track, but continues to side with Big Oil on blend wall 

Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), today issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
 
“Promises to get the RFS back on track and USDA funding for flex fuel pumps are appreciated, but EPA is yet again proposing to circumvent the RFS by limiting ethanol use to the amount oil companies are willing to blend with the gasoline they refine and not one gallon more.   It’s like the NFL saying it’s ok for the New England Patriots to deflate footballs while everyone else must play by the rules,” said Jennings.
 
As expected, proposed volumes for the 2014 RFS largely reflect actual use.   The Agency intends for renewable fuel use to increase from 2014 to 2016.   But EPA’s proposed blending targets for 2015 and 2016 fall back on the E10 “blend wall” methodology which has disrupted RFS implementation for more than a year.   Earlier this week the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory released a  confirming that most retail infrastructure is already compatible with E15.   The majority of cars on the road can use E15.



NFU Extremely Disappointed with Low RFS Volume Targets;

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today said he was extremely disappointed at the decision by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce its volume targets for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to levels below those mandated by federal law, and reminded the agency that family farmers are both struggling financially and are already feeling the effects of climate change.

“EPA’s delays in announcing the RFS have done a lot of damage to family farmers and to the fragile renewable fuel sector already, and the targets announced today are yet another setback,” said Johnson. “Family farmers are on the front line in climate change, and today’s decision will do little to help them,” he added.  

The RFS targets announced by EPA today are an 11.27 billion gallon shortfall over the 3 years for total biofuels, well below the targets called for by Congress in the law.  “The unwillingness of EPA to adhere to the targets set forth in the law will continue to cause capital investment to turn away from the U.S. renewable fuel sector in favor of foreign investments, leaving this nation without a robust renewable fuel sector,” he said.

Johnson noted that he is perplexed that an administration that has taken admirable steps forward to address climate change is not backing a policy that reduces gas consumption and replaces it with cleaner, greener ethanol.  “They refuse to utilize this low-hanging fruit by implementing existing law and isolating rural America from engaging in climate mitigation,” said Johnson. 

EPA does not have the authority to set the targets so low. The agency cited the fictitious “blend wall” as the reason to invoke its authority to waive the volume targets set by Congress.  The statutes enacting the RFS were intended to force oil companies to build the infrastructure needed to accommodate the mandated biofuels volume. “With regard to the intent of Congress, there’s no such thing as the blend wall,” Johnson said.

Johnson pointed out that both cellulosic ethanol and advanced biofuels have now reached commercial status and offer the greatest potential for environmental benefits, but delays in issuing volume targets have caused an estimated $13.7 billion gap in capital investment needed to comply with the volume targets set in the statutes that enacted the RFS, according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization.  “The cuts to cellulosic and advanced biofuels – the fuel types with the best environmental potential  – will hit industries poised for potentially explosive growth,” said Johnson.  “These cuts are particularly punishing.”

Johnson noted that the RFS has benefitted both farmers and consumers alike.  He urged EPA to strongly consider getting its volume targets back on track with federal guidelines. “Home grown ethanol saves consumers $.50-$1.50 per gallon of gas and has added more than $1.7 billion to the U.S. economy,” he said. “This homegrown fuel supply has helped mitigate this nation’s dependence on foreign sources of petroleum while driving much needed investment in rural communities,” he said.

Also announced this morning was $100 million in grants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to states to build biofuels delivery infrastructure.  “USDA’s announcement of funding up to $100 million in a Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership is helpful and appreciated. A properly implemented RFS is the most efficient route to opening the transportation fuels market to the domestic biofuels industry,” said Johnson.



USDA to Invest Up to $100 Million to Boost Infrastructure for Renewable Fuel Use, Seeking to Double Number of Higher Blend Renewable Fuel Pumps

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest up to $100 million in a Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership to support the infrastructure needed to make more renewable fuel options available to American consumers. Specifically, USDA will administer competitive grants to match funding for state-led efforts to test and evaluate innovative and comprehensive approaches to market higher blends of renewable fuel, such as E15 and E85. States that are able to provide greater than a one-to-one ratio in funding will receive higher consideration.

"American-made, clean energy sources support the environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs and sustain the economy in rural communities across the country. We are fortunate that our farmers are producing record amounts of feedstock for these fuels," Vilsack said. "However, a combination of factors, including lower commodity prices and reduced demand for feed as the poultry industry recovers from highly pathogenic avian influenza, are creating uncertainty for America's corn and soybean producers. With this partnership, USDA is helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place for consumers to access more renewable fuels, expand marketing opportunities for farmers, and grow America's rural economies."

Higher blends of renewable fuel offer significant potential for increasing the use of renewable fuels in the U.S. gasoline pool, but currently, the typical gas pump can deliver fuel containing a maximum of 10 percent ethanol, limiting the amount of renewable energy consumers can use to fuel their cars. This new USDA partnership will help support the installation of fuel pumps capable of supplying higher blends of renewable fuel by partnering with states to fund innovative, public-private partnerships to test more comprehensive approaches to marketing such blends. This new investment seeks to double the number of fuel pumps capable of supplying higher blends of renewable fuel to consumers, such as E15 and E85.

The United States exported more than $2 billion dollars of ethanol last year, making the United States the world's largest exporter of ethanol. Additionally, the United States has become a market leader in the export of high-quality distiller's dried grains (DDG), a byproduct of ethanol production used as a high-protein feed for livestock and poultry. Other countries are investing in clean energy technologies because they realize the tremendous economic potential of these energy sources, and the United States must do the same to remain competitive. The projects funded by these competitive grants will expand markets for farmers and help them diversify their rural energy portfolios, support rural economic growth and the jobs that come with it, and ultimately give consumers more affordable options at the pump.

Today's announcement marks USDA's latest effort to increase renewable fuel use in the United States. To formally launch this infrastructure partnership, USDA will post a Notice of Solicitation of Applications in June.

Secretary Vilsack has recognized the biobased economy as one of the four pillars of rural economic growth, in addition to production agriculture, local and regional food systems, and conservation and natural resources. Biofuels lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on foreign oil, give businesses and consumers more energy options and create well-paying American jobs.

USDA has also helped jumpstart efforts to provide a reliable supply of advanced plant materials for biofuels. Through its Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), for example, USDA is incentivizing more than 850 growers and landowners farming nearly 48,000 acres to establish and produce dedicated, non-food energy crops for delivery to energy conversion facilities.

To ensure those feedstocks are put to use, USDA has invested in the work needed to create advanced biofuels refineries. USDA has supported efforts to build six new biorefineries to produce advanced biofuels in Louisiana, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, North Carolina, and Iowa, in addition to two existing facilities in New Mexico and Florida previously supported by the program.

USDA has also worked with agencies to strengthen markets for biobased products. Approximately 2,000 products now carry USDA's BioPreferred label, and approximately 150 applications for the BioPreferred label are in process. Companies in over 40 countries on six continents are now participating in USDA's BioPreferred program.

USDA has partnered with the U.S. Navy and Department of Energy to accelerate the development of domestic, competitively-priced "drop-in" diesel and jet fuel substitutes. Awards under the Defense Production Act were announced in 2014 for three companies (Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC; Emerald Biofuels, LLC; and Red Rock Biofuels, LLC) to scale up production capacity to supply the U.S. Navy with over 100 million gallons per year of advanced drop-in biofuel beginning in 2016 and 2017 at a price competitive with their petroleum counterparts.

USDA has invested $332 million over the past six years to accelerate research on renewable energy ranging from genomic research on bioenergy feedstock crops, to development of biofuel conversion processes and costs/benefit estimates of renewable energy production.



Growth Energy Commends USDA Efforts to Enhance Consumer Choice

In response to an announcement by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will be launching a program worth 100 million dollars to help fund infrastructure projects to increase the availability of higher ethanol blends, furthering consumer choice, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement by the USDA is a tremendous win for American consumers. The USDA is helping advance consumer choice and market access for higher blends of cleaner burning, American made, renewable fuels. I would like to thank the administration and in particular, Secretary Vilsack, for his unwavering leadership and dedication to promoting America’s renewable fuels and helping bring a choice and savings to consumers when they fill up at the pump.

“This program will provide grants to states who then can, in turn, form public or private partnerships to help defer the costs of infrastructure enhancements for higher blends, such as adding blender pumps and retrofitting existing fueling facilities.

“By helping build out the necessary infrastructure, consumers will have increased choice at the pump. Higher blends, such as E15, give consumers a choice to use homegrown American biofuels that are less expensive, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and bolster local communities and our rural economy by creating jobs that will never be outsourced.”



Beef Checkoff Educates and Engages with Foodservice Operators and Influencers

At the recent National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2015 Show, the beef checkoff engaged in several meetings associated with the conference, which hosted 65,000 attendees.

Starting the week off, the checkoff was a sponsor of the Supply Chain Management Executive Study Group, which brings together the leading supply chain decision makers from the top-tier foodservice operations.

“It is vitally important for the checkoff to be visible with national foodservice operators in order to deepen existing relationships,” says Jana Malot, Beef's Image Committee co-chair and producer from Harrisonville, Pa. “The NRA show is a platform where the checkoff can share what farmers and ranchers are doing to continuously improve how they raise beef, as well as to explain to information-seeking consumers how beef goes from pasture to plate by utilizing websites such as FactsAboutBeef.com and videos such as the recently-released Pasture to Plate video.”

As part of the Supply Chain Management Executive Study Group, Season Solorio, executive director of issues and reputation management for the beef checkoff, was invited to speak on a panel along with other animal protein representatives (pork and chicken) to discuss issues that affect the supply chain, such as antibiotics, sustainability and animal welfare. The presentation was followed by a number of questions from the audience and one-on-one dialogues with several retail/foodservice operators.

The checkoff continued building relationships with leading foodservice trade media and influencers by sharing the latest foodservice market intelligence showing the value of beef to foodservice, as well as consumer market research from the Consumer Beef Index and Millennial panels that show strong demand among Millennials for beef. Media expressed interest in featuring the checkoff’s data in upcoming editorial to communicate the value of beef for foodservice, as well as praise for the checkoff as a trusted, continual source of the latest market trends and consumer data.

Technomic, a leading resource for foodservice industry data and intelligence, hosted a Planning Session, which the checkoff team attended to gain insights to inform fiscal year 2016 planning and to discuss future opportunities to partner with Technomic on industry-leading research efforts. During the session, Technomic shared macroeconomic, foodservice and distribution industry updates and forecasts.

“Continuing to maintain relationships and visibility with foodservice operators at this 2015 meeting will result in further discussions and engagement to help increase the profit power for beef,” says Malot.



Vilsack Announces Additional 800,000 Acres Dedicated to Conservation Reserve Program for Wildlife Habitat and Wetlands

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives that provide multiple benefits on the same land.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept new offers to participate in CRP under a general signup to be held Dec. 1, 2015, through Feb. 26, 2016. Eligible existing program participants with contracts expiring Sept. 30, 2015, will be granted an option for one-year extensions. Farmers and ranchers interested in removing sensitive land from agricultural production and planting grasses or trees to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat are encouraged to enroll. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during a speech delivered at the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"For 30 years, the Conservation Reserve Program has supported farmers and ranchers as they continue to be good stewards of land and water. This initiative has helped farmers and ranchers prevent more than 8 billion tons of soil from eroding, reduce nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively, and even sequester 43 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, equal to taking 8 million cars off the road," said Vilsack. "This has been one of most successful conservation programs in the history of the country, and today's announcement keeps that momentum moving forward."

The voluntary Conservation Reserve Program allows USDA to contract with agricultural producers so that environmentally sensitive land is conserved. Participants establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years.

"CRP protects water quality and restores significant habitat for ducks, pheasants, turkey, quail, deer and other important wildlife. That spurs economic development like hunting and fishing, outdoor recreation and tourism all over rural America," said Vilsack. "Today we're allowing an additional 800,000 acres for duck nesting habitat and other wetland and wildlife habitat initiatives to be enrolled in the program."

In addition to Ducks Unlimited's partnership with the Conservation Reserve Program, other longtime partners include Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, National Association of State Foresters, National Wild Turkey Federation, Audubon Society, National Bobwhite Technical Committee, Quality Deer Management Association, National Rural Water Association, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Longleaf Alliance, state soil and water conservation districts, and state forestry, agriculture and natural resource agencies.

"I encourage all farmers and ranchers to consider the various CRP continuous sign-up initiatives that may help target specific resource concerns," said Vilsack. "Financial assistance is offered for many practices including conservation buffers and pollinator habitat plantings, and initiatives such as the highly erodible lands, bottomland hardwood tree and longleaf pine, all of which are extremely important."

Farmers and ranchers may visit their FSA county office for additional information. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the enrollment of grasslands in CRP and information on grasslands enrollment will be available after the regulation is published later this summer.



Titan Machinery Reports Lower Quarter Earnings

Titan Machinery Inc., a leading network of full-service agricultural and construction equipment stores, reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended April 30. For the first quarter of fiscal 2016, revenue was $353.2 million, compared to $465.5 million in the first quarter last year. Equipment sales were $245.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to $345.0 million in the first quarter last year. Parts sales were $61.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to $68.4 million in the first quarter last year.

Revenue generated from service was $32.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to $37.1 million in the first quarter last year. Revenue from rental and other decreased to $13.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 from $15.0 million in the first quarter last year.

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was $60.4 million, compared to $75.9 million in the first quarter last year, primarily reflecting a decrease in Agriculture equipment revenue. The company's gross profit margin was 17.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to 16.3% in the first quarter last year.

This increase in gross profit margin primarily reflects a larger portion of gross profit coming from the company's higher margin parts, service, and rental and other businesses. Gross profit from parts and service for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 was 65.3% of overall gross profit, compared to 56.7% in the first quarter last year.

Operating expenses were 16.2% of revenue or, $57.1 million, for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to 15.3% of revenue or, $71.2 million, for the first quarter of last year.