Rewards can outweigh challenges in developing African agriculture markets
By Greg Ibach, Director, Nebraska Department of Agriculture
I recently had the privilege to travel to Accra, Ghana, to participate in an Agricultural Trade Mission coordinated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). I was one of two state agricultural department leaders who joined USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden to learn about trade opportunities. In all, agriculture officials from five states and 19 businesses met with buyers and potential business partners from more than a dozen African countries.
Africa is very much an emerging opportunity, particularly for those with mutually beneficial intentions. The African leaders we met with are concerned about countries that have shown great interest in the underdeveloped continent, not as much for a market for finished goods, but with a lusty eye at its food production potential. As a result potential trade partners who are looking to build true business relationships and partnerships have the best shot at gaining access to the marketplace.
Demographics also factor into the opportunities in Africa. The population of the continent is projected to more than double from 1.2 billion today to 2.5 billion by 2050. It would be over-optimistic to believe they alone will be able to produce more food than the residents will demand. In addition, Africa still does not enjoy a developed middle class, and residents across most of the continent have an average daily income of less than $5/day. However, they do have abundant natural resources, and leaders are looking for partners willing to join forces with public and private entities to develop these natural resources in a sustainable, market-building way through win-win partnerships. This in turn will foster the growth of a middle class who will be interested in our higher quality, value-added products.
Africa is not without risks and challenges. Some countries still are lacking the political stability necessary to incubate foreign investment. Other countries still face disease concerns that, while they handle on a day to day basis, westerners find intimidating. The rate of undernourished, estimated at 20.5 percent on average, underscores the moral responsibility to pay special attention to this continent and join forces to build food availability.
Over the next few years the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will continue to work with business and industry to position our companies and agricultural goods and services to find the right fits. It might be slow growth at first, but as the old Aesop’s Fable taught us as children, slow but steady wins the race.
Africa could be a great balance to our state’s business and agricultural portfolio. It represents the emerging market potential that as a state agency we can help companies and industry explore. Meanwhile, Central and Latin America are growing market opportunities, especially for our meat industry, while we still must focus on markets that are our bread and butter money-makers. Europe and Asia have disposable income and have proven to be reliable buyers and need our continued attention. We have to keep asking them for their business in an ever-competitive world marketplace.
Therein lies the challenge: to balance our investments and activities to assure both present and future success. We embrace the chance to join forces with our agribusinesses, farm and commodity organizations and farmers and ranchers to continue to make sure Nebraska Agriculture is a world leader on all continents.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR FIELD-TO-MARKET EFFICIENCY WORKSHOPS IS DEC. 3
Nebraska Extension, in cooperation with the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board, is conducting workshops to introduce Nebraska corn and soybean producers to a tool that tracks key farm efficiency measures. Field-to-market efficiency workshops will take place in eight locations in Nebraska the week of Dec. 7, where farmers will learn how to use a web-based computer tool called the Fieldprint Calculator.
"This is not your grandfather's definition of sustainable agriculture," said Rick Koelsch, Nebraska Extension associate dean. "The tool rewards farms focused on efficient use of inputs, productivity and sound stewardship practices as environmentally sustainable."
Most of the major grain buyers and companies using feed grains in food are reporting ways they are becoming more resourceful with energy, water, raw materials and product waste streams. The consumer is asking these companies to improve the efficiency of producing and bringing their products to market. Extension has learned through previous workshops that many of these environmental indicators can be improved by implementing best management practices already developed.
"Fieldprint can help growers to establish benchmark data on a field and track improvements over time, set energy-saving and efficiency goals and compare performance against local, state and national benchmarks," said Nebraska Extension educator Randy Pryor.
The field assessment workshops in Nebraska are hands-on and will show growers how to document eight sustainability and efficiency indicators on a computer. They are land use, conservation, soil carbon, irrigation water use, water quality, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and water quality.
Participants will select a representative corn or soybean field for 2015 and complete a data input sheet in advance of the Fieldprint Calculator workshops. Meals and workshop materials are sponsored through a Nebraska Extension Innovation grant and funding from the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board. Computers are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. No prior computer knowledge is necessary.
Registration is required by Dec. 3 by contacting a host Nebraska Extension office. Participants from 2014 workshops are invited back to review outcomes from last year's workshops and complete another cropping sequence.
"We want growers in Nebraska to be better able to understand and communicate how management choices affect overall sustainability performance and operational efficiency of their farm operations, but also be prepared for any new supply chain initiatives in the food sector that could emerge," Pryor said.
Workshop times, locations and registration information:
> LINCOLN: Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lancaster County extension office, 444 Cherrycreek Road; contact: Tyler Williams, (402)441-7180 or tyler.williams@unl.edu
> BEATRICE: Dec. 7, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Gage County extension office, 1115 West Scott St.; contact: Paul Hay, (402) 223-1384 or paul.hay@unl.edu
> AUBURN: Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nemaha County Hospital Meeting Room, 2022 13th St.; contact: Gary Lesoing, (402) 274-4755 or gary.lesoing@unl.edu
> GENEVA: Dec. 8, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Fillmore County extension office, 1340 G St.; contact: Brandy VanDeWalle, (402) 759-3712 or brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu
> CLAY CENTER: Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Clay County extension office, 111 West Fairfield; contact: Jennifer Rees, (402) 762-3644 or jenny.rees@unl.edu
> CENTRAL CITY: Dec. 9, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Merrick County extension office, 1510 18th St.; contact: Troy Ingram, (308) 946-3843 or troy.ingram@unl.edu
> FREMONT: Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dodge County extension office, 1206 West 23rd St.; contact: Nathan Mueller, (402) 727-2775 or nathan.mueller@unl.edu
> ITHACA: Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1071 County Road G; contact: Keith Glewen, (402) 624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu
Upper Big Blue NRD is Hosting the 12th Annual CROP-TIP Field Day to Help Farmers Gain an Advantage—Increase Bottom Line
Cornerstone Bank and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will be sponsoring the “12th Annual CROP-TIP Field Day” on December 9, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the York Auditorium. The public is invited to attend this free event.
The following speakers are featured and will cover these topics:
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer: “Cover Crops.”
Dan Gillespie, NRCS (Battle Creek, NE): “Improving Soil Health.”
Al Dutcher, Nebraska Climatologist: “Nebraska’s Weather Forecast: What’s Ahead in 2016.”
Ray Ward, Ward Laboratories (Kearney, NE): “Nitrogen Efficiency.”
Dan Leininger, Upper Big Blue NRD: “CROP-TIP Update.”
John Turnbull, Upper Big Blue NRD: “What’s New in the Upper Big Blue NRD.”
The “Cornerstone Resources Observation Plot—Test Irrigation Project” (CROP-TIP) was an idea formulated in January 2004 by Cornerstone Bank and the Upper Big Blue NRD. Similar to an outdoor classroom, the farm is used as a demonstration plot for producers and youth throughout the area. We will share the harvest data and future plans for CROP-TIP this year.
We are providing a meal, so a RSVP is necessary by calling Carleen at the Upper Big Blue NRD at (402) 362-6601.
AFAN's Annual Meeting reinforced the importance of the livestock industry to Nebraska's economy
Speakers at the annual meeting of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) sounded a common theme: expansion of the livestock industry is good for Nebraska.
In his remarks, Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach talked about the “value-added” aspect of livestock production.
“The livestock industry uses the corn and soybeans and other raw materials that farmers and ranchers provide all across the state,” Ibach said. “It also creates jobs, increases the local tax base and provides opportunities for young people to return to the farm.”
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts discussed the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and the important role that livestock plays. He pointed out that 35 counties have earned the Livestock Friendly designation and cited Cuming County as an example of what a strong livestock industry can contribute to local economies.
“Cuming County is the first county to reach one billion dollars in ag receipts—and 80 percent of that was because of livestock,” Ricketts said. “It presents a huge opportunity for growth in our counties.”
Keynote speaker Bruce Eberle with Rabo AgriFinance at Grand Island echoed the value-added message.
“Think about livestock as a value-add for grain,” Eberle said. “There will be times when grains will be good in terms of price. But, in general, if we can add value—keep those dollars circulating within the state—and add the value of feeding it through a livestock operation, it creates a better revenue stream for the state.”
In her annual report to the group, Willow Holoubek, Executive Director of AFAN, presented an overview of the work that the organization has accomplished during the past year. She said AFAN continues to focus on livestock development issues and helping rural communities become more economically viable by growing animal agriculture in their areas.
Holoubek also introduced a new consumer education campaign entitled “Farmers and Ranchers Deliver.” The campaign, which uses a stylish graphic design and humor to catch attention, was created in Indiana and is being recreated to be Nebraska specific. It includes a series of brochures which will be tools for Nebraska farmers and ranchers to use when visiting with community leaders and prospective producers and processors.
The campaign includes a special website, where resources will be available to anyone who wants more information about Nebraska animal agriculture; a series of 8 brochures, each addressing a different topic; and a “Lunch Box” kit, a unique way to present all of the resources.
Following the presentations, attendee’s enjoyed a buffet lunch sponsored by the Nebraska
Soybean Board. Food left over from the buffet was donated to Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.
NORTHEY REQUESTS $10 MILLION FOR WATER QUALITY, $500,000 FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA RESPONSE EFFORTS
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today requested $10 million for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and $500,000 for avian influenza response efforts in a public meeting with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s fiscal 2017 budget request.
Northey requested a $500,000 appropriation to aid in preparing for and potentially responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak, such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The funds would be used to increase the capacity of the animal industry bureau and provide resources to better equip and prepare for future responses.
“The USDA has identified the recent avian influenza outbreak as the worst animal health emergency in U.S. history and unfortunately, Iowa was at the center of it. Animal agriculture adds so much to our state and the requested funds would help our Department continue to prepare for another animal disease situation, whether it is avian influenza or another disease,” Northey said.
The $10 million request for the Water Quality Initiative would allow the Department to continue offering cost share statewide to farmers trying new water quality practices, expand work in targeted watersheds to achieve measurable water quality improvements, and continue to develop new programs to help engage all Iowans in water quality efforts. The Department received $9.6 million for the current fiscal year for the Water Quality Initiative.
“We appreciate the strong support we have received from the Governor and Legislature for the Water Quality Initiative and are encouraged by a number of conversations identifying sustainable funding for water quality efforts going forward. It is important we build on the momentum that has been generated while those conversations continue,” Northey said.
Northey also requested $7.5 million for conservation cost share. For over four decades, Iowa’s soil conservation cost share program has encouraged the adoption of conservation structures and practices to protect and preserve our state’s natural resources. Last year alone, the state’s $9.8 million investment generated $12.8 million in matching funds from Iowa farmers and land owners to support conservation practices.
In the meeting with Branstad, Northey also requested $1.92 million to close Ag drainage wells. The requested funding would allow the Department to finish a project closing seventeen agriculture drainage wells in the state.
The final request for additional funding that was presented was $150,000 from the Technology Reinvestment Fund to begin the process of updating the Iowa Commercial Pesticide License and Certification Database. The current database system was developed in 1987 and is unsupported by current Windows operation systems. The Department’s Pesticide Bureau has annually collected more than $5 million in fees in recent years that are used to support the Groundwater Protection Fund in the Iowa DNR and more than $1 million returned to the State’s General Fund.
EPA Finalizes Increases in Renewable Fuel Levels
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program today for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to 2017. This rule finalizes higher volumes of renewable fuel than the levels EPA proposed in June, boosting renewable production and providing support for robust, achievable growth of the biofuels industry.
“The biofuel industry is an incredible American success story, and the RFS program has been an important driver of that success—cutting carbon pollution, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and sparking rural economic development,” said Janet McCabe, the acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “With today’s final rule, and as Congress intended, EPA is establishing volumes that go beyond historic levels and grow the amount of biofuel in the market over time. Our standards provide for ambitious, achievable growth.”
The final RFS is an important part of the Obama Administration’s strategy to take action on climate change by propelling the U.S. toward a clean energy future. With final standards in place for the year ahead, biofuel producers and blenders are in a better position to plan and invest – putting the market on stable ground and supporting further growth and innovation in the renewable fuels industry.
Final Renewable Fuel Volumes 2014 2015 2016 2017
Cellulosic biofuel (million gal) 33 123 230 n/a
Biomass-based diesel (billion gal) 1.63 1.73 1.90 2.00
Advanced biofuel (billion gal) 2.67 2.88 3.61 n/a
Renewable fuel (billion gal) 16.28 16.93 18.11 n/a
The final 2016 standard for cellulosic biofuel — the fuel with the lowest carbon emissions — is nearly 200 million gallons, or 7 times more, than the market produced in 2014. The final 2016 standard for advanced biofuel is nearly 1 billion gallons, or 35 percent, higher than the actual 2014 volumes; the total renewable standard requires growth from 2014 to 2016 of more than 1.8 billion gallons of biofuel, which is 11 percent higher than 2014 actual volumes. Biodiesel standards grow steadily over the next several years, increasing every year to reach 2 billion gallons by 2017.
The RFS, established by Congress, requires EPA to set annual volume requirements for four categories of biofuels. The final rule considered more than 670,000 public comments, and relied on the latest, most accurate data available. EPA finalized 2014 and 2015 standards at levels that reflect the actual amount of domestic biofuel used in those years, and standards for 2016 (and 2017 for biodiesel) that represent significant growth over historical levels.
EPA's Volume Rule a Wake-Up Call for Ethanol Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to limit the volume of biofuels allowed under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is a “wake-up call” that biofuels must move beyond government imposed limits and establish new value based on performance and environmental benefits, according to several industry organizations.
In a call with reporters today, Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator and Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) chairman, said EPA’s final rule for 2014 and 2015 was “disappointing but not unexpected.” The rule essentially caps biofuels at 10 percent of the market under the RFS program but there is no legal limit to use more ethanol, biodiesel or other renewables. Although part of this rule, the proposed volumes for 2016, is not finalized.
“The RFS was, and remains, a foundation to provide a solid base for biofuels to continue to develop,” Sneller said. “All this means is EPA will limit the amount of biofuels they intend to manage under this particular program. Ethanol's high octane and cleaner-burning properties make it an extremely valuable fuel and we expect increasing demand for those reasons.”
Under the RFS, a volume requirement is established by EPA that translates to a percentage. A refiner, for example, as an obligated party is required to meet that percentage in the fuels they provide. Sneller noted that once that obligation is met, additional volumes of ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuel can be used on a discretionary basis. By design the RFS volume requirement is a floor and not a ceiling. However, Sneller said the RFS has been viewed as the only factor driving demand and therefore labeled a cap.
“Our challenge and wake-up call is to provide a valuable product that does not depend on levels established by the EPA,” said Doug Durante, CFDC executive director. “We continue to be alarmed as we learn more about the harmful effects of gasoline-related emissions. Ethanol replaces and dilutes toxic, carcinogenic compounds in gasoline and provides a healthier alternative.”
Although the EPA has chosen to limit the amount of fuels like ethanol under the RFS, Durante said the EPA can facilitate access to new markets and increase biofuel demand by limiting toxic compounds in gasoline, which the agency is required to do under the Clean Air Act.
“Our biofuels reduce carbon, sulfur and toxics, and our producers can make plenty more ethanol,” Durante said. “We will work to provide access to the market and move beyond the RFS.”
Nebraska Corn Decries EPA Decision to Reduce Corn Ethanol Requirements in Nation’s Fuel Supply
A slap in the face to the American farmer and another strike against the American consumer. That’s how Nebraska’s corn industry is characterizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to reduce the amount of corn-based American Ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.
On Monday, EPA announced its decision to adjust the prescribed volume of corn-based ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply as originally set forth in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) passed by Congress. EPA has determined that the volume of corn-based American Ethanol required in 2016 will be 14.5 billion gallons instead of 15 billion gallons as outlined in the RFS. EPA also reduced the corn-ethanol requirement for 2015 to 14.05 billion gallons, compared to the original 15 billion gallons prescribed in the RFS.
“EPA has clearly bowed to the influence of the oil industry in reducing these volume requirements,” said David Merrell, a family farmer from St. Edward, Nebraska, and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “The unquestioned success of the RFS has created greater fuel choice at the pump for consumers and that cuts into the market share for the oil companies. They don’t like that—and apparently EPA paid a lot of attention to their complaints.”
The reduction in the corn ethanol requirement equates to more than 500 million bushels of lost corn demand over 2015 and 2016. Nebraska is the nation’s second largest ethanol producer and the third largest corn producing state. Nebraska leads the nation in cattle feeding, due in large part to the ready availability of distillers grains, a high-value livestock feed which is a co-product of ethanol production.
“The RFS has been one of the most successful rural development programs in the history of our nation—creating jobs and economic vitality, building demand for corn and creating a high value feed for our livestock industry,” Merrell said. “Instead of amplifying the contribution that rural America can make to our nation’s energy future, EPA has decided to default to the status quo and extend our dependence on fossil fuels and their detrimental effect on our economy and environment.”
Because of American Ethanol, the United States reduced its use of crude oil by 512 million barrels, more than is imported annually from Saudi Arabia.
A recent study found that biofuels such as corn ethanol have led to a dramatic reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis conducted by California-based Life Cycle Associates and sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association concluded that biofuels consumed under the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) have reduced U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 354 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent since 2008. The study found that conventional corn ethanol reduced emissions by an average of 29 percent when compared to the petroleum actually used in 2008, with that reduction growing to 39 percent by 2015.
Larry Mussack of Decatur, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, said “It’s sad that the very agency responsible for protecting our environment has opted to favor petroleum-based fuels that foul the air, pollute our water, endanger human health and accelerate climate change,” Mussack added. “American Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions, burns clean, reduces air pollution and does not harm our water supply. It’s clearly a better alternative to petroleum-based fuels.”
Mussack said the battle is far from over since EPA will continue to set volume requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Congress passed the RFS on behalf of the American people and it has paid dividends for our environment, improved our energy security and saved consumers money at the pump,” Mussack said. “It’s discouraging that a federal agency led by non-elected officials can simply change the will of Congress with the stroke of a pen. We will continue to hold EPA’s feet to the fire and press them to follow the renewable energy roadmap that Congress set forth for our future.”
Smith Statement on EPA’s Final Renewable Fuel Standard Rule
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) numbers for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015, and 2016.
“The final RVO numbers released by the EPA are disappointing and do not reflect the standards for biofuels set by Congress,” Smith said. “Despite record corn harvests showing the supply exists, the EPA continues to undermine consumer choice at the fuel pump through arbitrary regulations. I hope the EPA will reconsider these RVO levels and recognize the necessity of an all-of-the-above approach to meet our country’s energy needs.”
Smith introduced H.R. 1736 in April to extend to E15 the same waiver from EPA volatility standards already granted to E10, allowing it to be sold year-round.
Ricketts Comments on the EPA's Failure to Keep the RFS Promise
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the final Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) rule.
“Today, the EPA made formal a policy decision that is already negatively impacting future investment in Nebraska’s biofuels industry. By lowering the Renewable Fuels Standard figures committed to in legislation almost a decade ago, the EPA has broken a promise to Americans and created an uncertainty that investors will not soon forget.
“The decision to lower the RFS will hamper investment in existing businesses, as well as in research and development of the next generation of biofuels. In Nebraska, we’ve already seen the impact. News of the plan to decrease the RFS earlier this year caused a major biofuels company operating in Nebraska to cool a proposed expansion project.
“The figures released today are an improvement on what the EPA proposed earlier this year, but an olive branch won’t provide the certainty that is needed for ongoing development in the biofuels sector in Nebraska.”
Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Regarding EPA Action on Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS)
“Today, America took a step backward in its long-standing mission of reducing our reliance on foreign oil, lowering fuel costs for American consumers and producing a cleaner burning biofuel that helps protect our environment. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) deviation from the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) targets as established by Congress will be widely felt, particularly here in Nebraska.”
“The strength of Nebraska’s agriculture-based economy stems from the interdependent relationship between Nebraska’s corn, cattle and ethanol sectors, which collectively have provided tremendous economic benefits to our state, and to individual farm and ranch families.”
“Nebraska’s ethanol industry is worth an estimated $5 billion per year to Nebraska’s economy and has helped create 3,000 Nebraska jobs. Ethanol is truly a homegrown success story that started as a single ethanol plant in 1985 and has grown to 24 plants statewide today, making Nebraska the second largest ethanol producing state in the country.”
“It is our hope Congress will take action to reverse EPA’s decision and require them to maintain the original corn-based ethanol targets as originally passed by Congress in 2007.”
Iowa Corn Says EPA’s Final RVO Rule Sets Poor Precedent
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released today its final rule decreasing the Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It reduced the volume of corn ethanol levels by nearly 500 million gallons for 2016.
“While we are pleased EPA has taken a step forward to revise its original proposal, any reduction in the RVO below the statutory levels will significantly cut America’s use of cleaner burning renewable fuels and halt continued demand for corn-based ethanol,” said Bob Hemesath, a farmer from Decorah and President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). “At a time when corn prices are below the cost of production, this will be a blow to Iowa’s rural economy.”
RVOs are set annually by EPA to dictate the amount of renewable fuel that is blended into the motor fuel supply. The RFS is a federal law that requires domestic, renewable, cleaner burning ethanol to be blended into the nation’s fuel supply. It has been one of America’s most successful energy policies ever.
“Contrary to the erroneous criticism spread by the oil industry, biofuels can meet growing consumer demand for these home-grown fuels,” said Hemesath. “We should be strengthening our commitment to renewable fuels, not taking a step backwards.”
When the EPA proposed to lower the RVO numbers under the RFS, ICGA activated and engaged members from across the state to defend this important priority for our organization, farmer members and industry. ICGA, as well as many other organizations across the nation, submitted thousands of comments to the EPA telling them to stick with the statute that was passed by Congress.
“The RFS is the number one priority for ICGA as it builds demand for corn and corn-products. In light of the EPA’s decision, we will continue to fight to protect RFS and hold the EPA accountable.”
Iowa Corn will continue to grow the renewable fuel market by working to upgrade infrastructure for higher blends and promote the use of higher blends amongst automakers, fuel retailers and consumers to gain more demand for corn-based ethanol.
Iowa Soybean Association President Wayne Fredericks reacts to final RFS ruling
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the final Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. Total biomass-based diesel volumes, which includes soy-based biodiesel, moved in a positive direction.
Wayne Fredericks, Iowa Soybean Association president and farmer from Osage, said the final rule signals continued progress for biodiesel as the association continues to enhance the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Iowa soybean farmers.
“While the bump in total volumes for biodiesel were not to the levels we advocated, today’s announcement certainly continues to move us in the right direction. The timing of the announcement is opportune given the importance of increasing demand for soybeans on the heels of this year’s record soybean production.
“The benefits of soy biodiesel are well documented including the support it provides the livestock and poultry sectors. As more soy oil is processed for biodiesel production, more soy meal is available for livestock feed. Demand for biodiesel creates demand for soy oil, which, in turn, lowers the cost of soy meal and the price of rations for our poultry and livestock farmers. A recent study found biodiesel’s demand for soy oil has lowered feed prices by as much as $21 per ton and raised the price of soybeans by 62.5 cents per bushel.
“As an industry, we called for increased totals and production of biodiesel from the proposed volumes released earlier this year and our voices were heard. While we may not have achieved all we wanted, hitting 2 billion gallons in 2017 shows how far we have come as an industry. The final numbers set a precedent for growth and Iowa farmers are appreciative of the certainty these numbers provide for the coming years. As the leading state in biodiesel production, we look forward to seeing the numbers grow to match the significant capacity of the industry in the future.”
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, on RFS Announcement
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following the EPA releasing the 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.
“This announcement is extremely disappointing. There is no reason for EPA to ignore the law and lower the amount of renewable energy included in the nation’s fuel supply. We need a strong RFS to encourage retailers to invest in the infrastructure necessary to make renewable fuels available to customers. With the low price of corn and beans, now is the time to grow the renewable fuels industry, not undermine it. Unfortunately, this continues the pattern by EPA in recent years to give in to the demands of Big Oil rather than stand up for clean-burning, home-grown renewable fuels.”
EPA’s Final Rule A Step Forward for Ethanol
The following is a statement from Maryland 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 the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
“America’s corn farmers are proud to grow a cleaner burning, renewable fuel source for America and the world. In July, we asked the Environmental Protection Agency to restore the 2014-16 corn ethanol renewable volume obligation to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard as passed by Congress and signed into law.
“While we are pleased to see the EPA take a step forward and revise its original proposal, the fact remains that any reduction in the statutory amount will have a negative impact on our economy, our energy security, and the environment. It is unfortunate that Big Oil’s campaign of misinformation continues to carry weight in the court of public opinion, and in this decision.
“The Renewable Fuel Standard has been one of America’s most successful energy policies ever. Because of it, our economy is stronger, we are more energy independent, and our air is cleaner. We should be strengthening our commitment to renewable fuels, not backing down.
“In light of the EPA’s decision, we are evaluating our options. We will fight to protect the rights of farmers and consumers and hold the EPA accountable.”
RFS Final Rule Provides Stability and Modest Growth for Biodiesel
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the Final Rule setting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements, including the volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. The American Soybean Association (ASA) appreciates EPA, the U.S Department of Agriculture(USDA) and the Obama Administration for their contributions to this Final Rule that provides some stability and modest growth for the U.S. biodiesel industry.
The Final Rule sets the biomass-based diesel volumes at the following levels:
• 2014 – 1.63 billion gallons
• 2015 – 1.73 billion gallons
• 2016 – 1.9 billion gallons
• 2017 – 2.0 billion gallons
These volume levels represent a modest improvement over the Proposed Rule. The Proposed Rule called for 1.63 billion gallons in 2014, 1.7 in 2015, 1.8 in 2016 and 1.9 in 2017.
The volumes established by EPA will provide some certainty to biodiesel producers and feedstock providers and will continue to generate many benefits for consumers and the environment. As outlined in the comments submitted by the ASA in July, the benefits of biodiesel include a more diversified energy market; increased domestic energy production; reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; new jobs and economic development; expanded markets; and reduced soy meal feed costs.
While the volumes in the Final Rule do not fully capitalize on the capacity and growth potential of U.S. biodiesel, it does provide a step in the right direction.
ASA President Wade Cowan said, “We are glad to see the volumes for biomass-based diesel increased above the Proposed Rule and previous proposals. Biodiesel provides significant economic and environmental benefits and we have the capacity to do more. The Administration wants to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and biodiesel can contribute more to that effort.”
Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that is proven to achieve emissions reductions ranging from 57 to 86 percent and is the first and only Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide. Biodiesel has made up the vast majority of Advanced Biofuel production under the RFS to date.
"As an industry we have always advocated for RFS volumes that are modest and achievable and the biodiesel industry has met or exceeded the targets each and every year that the program has been in place," Cowan commented.
Accounting for approximately half of the feedstock used, soybean oil remains the largest source of oil for biodiesel production.
The ASA wishes to specifically acknowledge the role of the USDA and the efforts of Secretary Vilsack and his team, which have consistently demonstrated their understanding and support for the benefits that the RFS provides for farmers and rural communities.
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. Stated Cowan, “This Final Rule will get the RFS implementation back on track and hopefully enable the EPA to remain on schedule in future years.”
Vilsack on Finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's finalization of the Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements:
"The rule released today is a positive step forward providing for continued growth in all parts of the Renewable Fuel Standard—advanced, biodiesel, cellulosic, and conventional—building on the Obama Administration's and USDA's commitment to biofuels and American-grown renewable energy. While the Renewable Fuel Standard is one piece of the equation of this commitment, it is not the only piece. Significant strategic investments by this Administration across the board in feedstock production, research, refining capacity, distribution and new market development have resulted in an a sophisticated and growing American biofuels industry.
"America's renewable energy industry has quickly expanded and evolved since 2009 when the Obama Administration embraced an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Since then, we have more than doubled renewable energy production, and today we import less than half our oil. We are saving Americans money at the pump with improved and expanded ethanol and biodiesel production. Our national security has been bolstered because we are more energy secure and also because our nation's military is a major commercial customer for U.S. biofuels. We're also combatting climate change with investments in technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide for cleaner air. And we're building our economy by exporting U.S. biofuels to other nations, stabilizing farm prices with expanded production, and creating good jobs in small towns and rural communities.
"This unprecedented commitment is part of the reason why, even in recent years when there has been some uncertainty with RFS, we have seen continued growth in biofuels production and consumption. USDA and this Administration remain committed to using the full set of tools at our disposal to expand the use of biofuels, which support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bring choice and savings to consumers when they fill up at the pump, support American producers, expand new markets for rural-grown and -made products, and drive economic investment in rural America."
Biodiesel Association Welcomes Renewable Fuels Announcement
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the Obama administration Monday for reducing America’s dependence on high-carbon fossil fuels by raising biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“This decision means we will displace billions of gallons of petroleum diesel in the coming years with clean-burning biodiesel. That means less pollution, more American jobs, and more competition that is sorely lacking in the fuels market,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “It is a good rule. It may not be all we had hoped for but it will go a long way toward getting the U.S. biodiesel industry growing again and reducing our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels.”
“I want to thank President Obama, Administrator McCarthy and Secretary Vilsack for supporting growth in the program and for their commitment to biodiesel,” Jobe added. “We have seen three years of damaging delays, but the Administration took a strong step forward today that should put biodiesel and the RFS on a more stable course in the years to come.”
Made from a 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. According to the EPA, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel, qualifying it as an Advanced Biofuel under the RFS.
Under the new RFS rule, Biomass-based Diesel volumes would grow to 1.9 billion gallons in 2016 and 2 billion gallons in 2017. The Biomass-based Diesel category – a diesel subset of the overall Advanced Biofuel category – is made up mostly of biodiesel but also includes renewable diesel, another diesel alternative made from the same feedstocks using a different technology.
The new standards reflect modest but meaningful growth over recent years when the U.S. market has hovered around 1.8 billion gallons annually.
EPA Improves Final RVOs
Growth Energy and its members are pleased to see that the President and the Environmental Protection Agency have recognized the need to move the renewable fuel industry past the so-called blend wall for the sake of America’s climate, energy security and rural economy. While this rule still relies on a flawed methodology that sets renewable fuel volumes below the statutory levels enacted by Congress, it is an important improvement from the proposed rule, and moves us closer to getting America’s most effective climate policy back on track and providing certainty for biofuels in the marketplace.
Specifically, we are pleased that the RVOs have been finalized after such a long delay and that the levels have increased from the original proposal. This final rule makes it possible to drive the growth of higher ethanol blends through the so-called blend wall, giving consumers choices at the pump, such as low-cost E15. Additionally, the numbers for 2016 represent a final rule closer to the statutory levels established by Congress, avoid the “reset” and indicate a more certain future for renewable fuels.
However, we remain concerned that the final rule continues to rely on the “distribution waiver” that redefines supply as demand and was rejected by Congress when the RFS was enacted into law. Of particular concern is that by using such a waiver, the oil industry is being rewarded for its unwillingness to follow the law and invest in infrastructure to move toward cleaner, renewable fuel, which sets a dangerous precedent for the future of the program. The uncertainty this waiver will create risks sending investment in the next generation of renewable fuel overseas just as this new, homegrown industry is taking off.
We appreciate Administrator McCarthy’s stated commitment to return to statutory levels, and our industry is committed to working with her to ensure the final rule announced today is the first step toward fulfilling that commitment.
EPA RFS rule protects those who say ‘no we can’t’
Brian Jennings, the Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s final Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“When Congress enacted the Renewable Fuel Standard it voted to side with those of us who said ‘yes we can’ reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor fuel, ‘yes we can’ allow consumer access to E15 and flex fuels, and ‘yes we can’ spark innovative ways to produce cleaner fuels,” said Jennings. “While we appreciate that the Administration made incremental improvements compared to the proposed RFS rule, unfortunately, today they are choosing to side with those who say ‘no, we can’t’.
Regrettably, EPA’s final RFS rule protects the old way of doing business by obstructing consumer access to cleaner fuels, stifling competition in the marketplace, and undermining innovation. Given all the President hopes to accomplish at the international climate talks which begin in Paris today, it is inconsistent for the Administration to unravel the most effective policy at their disposal to support low carbon fuels.”
Despite the fact that the Clean Air Act calls for ethanol use to exceed ten percent of gasoline consumption, EPA’s final rule sets blending targets for 2015 and 2016 which fall short of statutory requirements and instead draw on the legally questionable E10 “blend wall” methodology put forward by oil companies who don’t want ethanol to comprise more than ten percent of fuel use in the U.S. Congress did not authorize EPA to adjust volumes based on the E10 blend wall.
“Thanks to the RFS, ACE members have made significant biofuel production advancements and we know that further innovation is just around the corner. ACE is strongly committed to ensuring consumers have access to higher blends of ethanol and we will explore all options at our disposal to achieve that goal with this Administration and the next.”
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Updated Renewable Fuel Standard
"EPA's decision today to lower the Renewable Fuel Standard undermines our nation's commitment to advancing biofuels and establishing energy independence. Biofuels have been a homegrown energy success story for the U.S. and our rural economies. The RFS has produced jobs, decreased reliance on foreign oil and contributed to cleaner air.
"We need more biofuels, not less, and Farm Bureau called on EPA earlier this year to protect the RFS. We are disappointed to see the agency move forward with a decision that will stall growth and progress in renewable fuels as well as the broader agricultural economy. Farmers, ranchers and consumers will be impacted by the drop in ethanol production and the falloff in livestock feed that goes along with it. In the end, we lose the jobs and stability that come from growing renewable fuel."
Administration’s Efforts to Mitigate Climate Change
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today sharply criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for issuing final volume targets today that were well below their statutory levels, further damaging investment in the renewable fuel sector and undermining the Obama administration’s efforts to combat climate change.
“The administration’s decision to issue RFS volume obligations below their statutory requirements exacerbates the serious damage already done to the renewable fuels industry and America’s family farmers,” said Johnson. “Clearly the administration has accepted Big Oil’s talking points and paved the way for a weaker RFS to the detriment of economic prosperity in rural America and the administration’s own climate change goals.”
Johnson noted that through their finalized target levels, the EPA has disregarded the intent of Congress clearly expressed in the RFS’ statute, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. He says the agency has apparently chosen to acknowledge Big Oil’s fictitious “blend wall,” as the reason to waive the volume targets set by Congress.
“Congress’ intent was to require the wealthy transportations fuels industry to adapt and make the infrastructure changes necessary to offer consumers lower-carbon biofuels, allowing the American public to help lower their own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Johnson. “If EPA is going to allow Big Oil to dictate volume targets based on existing infrastructure, it clearly demonstrates the stranglehold Big Oil has on U.S. politics.”
Johnson noted that the administration missed a significant opportunity to advance its own efforts to mitigate climate change. As part of the RFS, renewable fuels such as corn ethanol reduce GHG emissions by 34 percent, and new types of biofuels curb GHG emissions by upwards of 80 and 90 percent.
“The RFS has helped family farmers and the nation make tangible steps toward mitigating climate change by making real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Johnson. “By damaging the RFS, the administration is undermining its own climate change agenda in the midst of negotiations on an international climate change agreement.”
Johnson also noted the administration will have some serious work to do in order to overcome mistrust in future engagements with family farmers and rural America.
“Family farmers and ranchers are on the front lines of climate change and have much to offer efforts to mitigate climate change including significant reductions in GHG emissions and sequestering atmospheric carbon,” said Johnson. “However, after today’s decision, engaging farmers in conversations on future climate mitigation efforts will be much more difficult.”
House Passes Bill to Address Abuse of EAJA
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council applaud the House passage of H.R. 3279 Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), requires oversight and transparency of funds awarded under EAJA. Philip Ellis, NCBA president and Wyoming rancher, said the bill is critical to leveling the playing field between private citizens, for which the law was intended, and the vast resources of groups who repeatedly abuse the system.
“The lack of oversight and accountability has led to rampant abuse by well-funded radical environmental groups who use EAJA to advance their agendas,” said Ellis. “The simple fact that millions of dollars in taxpayer funds have been awarded, with virtually no accounting of who received the payments is unacceptable.”
EAJA was originally passed in 1980 to allow plaintiffs to recover legal fees when they prevail against the federal government in court. However, it has repeatedly been exploited by environmental activist groups which target federal-lands agencies, and ultimately the ranching families who use the lands, at the expense of the taxpayer. From 2001 to 2011, environmental activist groups, some worth in excess of $50 million, have been awarded an estimated $37 million. During the same time period, more than 3,300 cases have been filed by just 12 groups, many of which were frivolous or filed on technicalities.
“When these groups file suit, farmers and ranchers are often forced to pay crippling legal fees to fight these unfounded attacks and defend their land, business and way of life,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president and Idaho rancher. “To add insult to injury, it’s their own hard-earned money that pays the legal fees of groups seeking to take them off the land.”
The Act, as originally passed, required the Department of Justice to report to Congress where and how EAJA funds were being spent. However, in 1995, through passage of the paperwork reduction act, the reporting requirement for EAJA payments was removed. For nearly 20 years the government has not been tracking how much money has been paid out through EAJA.
H.R. 3279 restores much-needed accountability by requiring an accounting of all attorney fees spent under the Act; an annual report to Congress detailing the use of EAJA funds; and a Government Accountability Office audit of EAJA funding over the past 15 years.
Collaboration Key to Antibiotic Stewardship
Human and animal health experts came together in Atlanta, Georgia Nov. 3-5 to discuss issues related to antibiotic resistance and to work toward increased antibiotic stewardship in human medicine and animal health. Throughout the dialogue, attention focused on specific areas that can be measured to verify progress made in reducing antimicrobial resistance.
Convened by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) and sponsored in part by the beef checkoff, the national symposium brought together a broad cross-section of professionals to share relevant science and develop consensus on those key areas in which the most progress can be made.
“Antibiotics have been critical in human and veterinary medicine since the 1940’s and antibiotic resistance has been a challenge almost as long,” said Dr. Robert Tauxe, deputy director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Thus, with the ever-changing antibiotic landscape, research, education and constantly improving stewardship is imperative.”
“Stewardship is a cycle, not something we do and then forget,” said Dr. Mike Apley, professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at Kansas State University. “Stewardship is a commitment to a cycle.”
With increased antibiotic stewardship comes a greater need for more detailed recordkeeping and data management. “Emphasis on treatment records will be relied upon like they never have been before,” Apley said. “Increased federal regulations and requirements on veterinary feed directives and veterinary-client-patient relationships, producers and veterinarians will have to keep treatment records like they do their finances.”
Key stakeholders in the battle against antimicrobial resistance within the livestock and human-health communities developed pathways to accomplish this goal. Under the direction of Tom Chapel, chief evaluation officer for the CDC, participants worked in groups to develop a roadmap to decrease antibiotic resistance while continuing to provide a safe and adequate food supply.
All sides of the table were represented in these discussions, including the retail community. Representatives from Costco, Tyson Foods and Yum Brands shed light on what the consumers are demanding and what they are doing to answer those demands.
“For consumers, this is not a scientific discussion, it is an emotional one,” said Donnie Smith, chief evaluation officer of Tyson Foods. Parents want to know that they are doing the right thing for their children and, that when their children need an antibiotic, that it is going to be effective.
This requirement also is being asked of the human-health community, making it a no-brainer for veterinary and human-health communities to work together. “Challenges are really too complex for any group to address alone,” said Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, associate director for healthcare associated infection prevention programs in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the CDC.
The production of the symposium’s proceedings will be available soon at animalagriculture.org, and a white paper on the event will be available by the end of 2015.
National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation Join the #GivingTuesday Movement to Encourage Spending with a Purpose
The National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation have joined #GivingTuesday − a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Occurring this year on December 1, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
“Donations to the National FFA Foundation go to support nearly 630,000 FFA members in the pursuit of premier leadership, person growth and career success. Giving Tuesday is a unique opportunity for FFA supporters to celebrate the impact of their generosity on a global day of giving,” said National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball.
92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2014, the third year of the movement, #GivingTuesday brought together 30,000 partners in 68 countries and registered 32.7 million impressions on Twitter, with its eponymous hashtag mentioned 698,600 times. Since 2012, online giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has increased more than four-fold, based on findings by Blackbaud and the Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, produced in partnership with the Case Foundation.
“We have been incredibly inspired by the generosity in time, efforts and ideas that have brought our concept for a worldwide movement into reality,” said Henry Timms, founder of #Giving Tuesday and executive director of 92Y. “As we embark on our fourth year of #GivingTuesday, we are encouraged by the early response from partners eager to continue making an impact in this global conversation.”
Those who are interested in joining National FFA Foundation’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit FFA.org/GivingTuesday.
Wendy's is Latest to Eliminate Pork Raised in Gestation Crates
Wendy's has become the latest restaurant chain to announce it will work with its U.S. and Canadian pork suppliers to eliminate the use of sow gestation crates by 2022.
"We believe that confining pigs in gestation stalls is not sustainable over the long term, and moving away from this practice is the right thing to do," the company said.
The company says it has been preferentially buying from suppliers that have committed to phasing out single sow gestation stalls since 2007.
The new policy requires Wendy's pork suppliers to submit quarterly progress reports that reflect the percentage of stall free pork.
MONSANTO TAKES ACTION TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE WITH CARBON NEUTRAL CROP PRODUCTION PROGRAM
As agriculture and farmers around the world work to mitigate and adapt to the complex challenges posed by climate change, Monsanto Company today announced plans to make its operations carbon neutral by 2021 through a unique program targeted across its seed and crop protection operations, as well as through collaboration with farmers.
“Climate change is one of the biggest issues we face in agriculture, as well as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto chairman and chief executive officer. “That’s why we have pledged to do our part within our own business and to help support farmers and others. While progress has been made to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint, we must work collectively to do even more if we are going to sustainably feed 9.6 billion people by 2050. Agriculture is uniquely positioned to deliver climate change solutions, and we hope that policy makers recognize the role agriculture, farmers and crops can play in mitigating carbon emissions.”
The company’s efforts focus on several key areas:
Seed Production – Monsanto will drive carbon neutral crop production in its own seed production operations by leveraging diverse products and agronomic approaches, such as breeding, plant biotechnology, data science, conservation tillage and cover cropping systems, with the goal of eliminating that portion of its carbon footprint altogether. Working with outside experts in data science on extensive modeling, Monsanto has shown that utilizing these practices and innovations can make an important difference, allowing corn and soybeans to be grown such that soil absorbs and holds greenhouse gases equal to or greater than the total amount emitted from growing those crops – reinforcing agriculture’s unique role in climate change mitigation. The company also will work with farmers to promote and drive the increased adoption of these carbon neutral crop production methods.
Crop Protection – The company also is targeting its crop protection business to be carbon neutral by 2021. Previously, Monsanto announced a goal to reduce the operational greenhouse gas emissions intensity in its crop protection operations and has continued to make steady progress against its commitment. To offset the remainder of its crop protection and other non-seed production operations, Monsanto is working to develop a program to provide incentives to farmer customers who adopt carbon neutral crop production methods – in exchange for part of their carbon reduction value. Monsanto will use those reductions as offsets to neutralize its remaining carbon footprint.
Sharing Data, Increasing Adoption of Best Practices – Monsanto has developed the carbon neutral crop models with the help of external experts and will share their data and modeling results with the broader agriculture, climate modeling and other communities to help drive the adoption of best practices and to reinforce the role crops can play in reducing carbon emissions. To date, these models are focused on the U.S. Corn Belt, where the most accurate data on crop yields, soil types, crop rotations and best management practices are publicly available. The models indicate that high yielding, carbon neutral corn and soybean production, in the United States alone, has the potential to reduce crop production emissions equivalent to 100 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equal to reducing 233 million barrels of oil consumption per year.
At the center of achieving and verifying carbon neutral crop production is the advancement of data science in agriculture. Innovations from The Climate Corporation, a division of Monsanto, and other data scientists have allowed farmers to plant and harvest crops more precisely than ever. Examples include the use of satellite imagery to precisely target emerging pest problems or the development of sophisticated algorithms that model the exact fertilizer needs of each field. The continued integration of this data allows farmers to make more precise decisions, and when used in conjunction with agronomic best practices, can lead to carbon neutral crop production.
“This program is a critical step in agriculture’s overall effort to mitigate climate change,” said Dr. Chuck Rice, Distinguished Professor, Kansas State University and an author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. “The recent IPCC report indicated that agriculture is a significant pathway to mitigating greenhouse gases. Similar to other formalized carbon offset and renewable energy credit programs, organizations have started to invest in verified offsets originating from agricultural activities. Agriculture can be a positive force in the fight against climate change, and it’s important to see Monsanto stepping forward in this way.”
Farmers’ interest in adoption of these practices will require ongoing demonstration of the best practices and benefits related to carbon neutral cropping program. “My goal is long-term sustainability – raising crops as sustainably and environmentally friendly as I can,” said Tim Smith, an Iowa farmer from Eagle Grove. “Using these best practices together has proven to not only be good for the environment, but it also maximizes my productivity. In recent years, rainfall events have been more intense in terms of quantity and in frequency, so it is even more important today to implement practices that will help to protect soil from serious erosion losses. As a farmer and steward of the land, it is encouraging to know that implementing these practices on my farm can be an important contribution in addressing climate change.”
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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