Thursday February 25 Ag News

Midwest Dairy Association Names Next CEO; Mike Kruger to Retire After 35 Years

Midwest Dairy Association, a non-profit organization which manages dairy farmer checkoff funds in a 10-state region, has named Lucas Lentsch as its next CEO. Lentsch, who is currently serving as South Dakota’s secretary of agriculture, will begin working for the organization in mid-April, transitioning into the group’s leadership post as the current CEO, Mike Kruger, moves toward retirement on July 1, 2016.

“We’re excited about this new chapter for our organization,” said Jerry Messer, Richardton, N.D., Midwest Dairy chairman. “We are looking forward to a seamless transition from Mike Kruger’s legacy of leadership to a new perspective from Lucas Lentsch.”

Lentsch was selected by a search committee of 12 dairy farmers from across Midwest Dairy’s geography and was approved by the organization’s 34 dairy farmer board members who serve at the corporate level.Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search firm focused on the food and agribusiness sectors, assisted Midwest Dairy Association in the recruitment of Lentsch.

Lentsch to play key role for dairy community
In his new role, Lucas Lentsch will lead the organization, which represents nearly 20 percent of the nation’s dairy farmers, in building trust and sales on behalf of farmers across the Midwest. He will play a key role in working with Dairy Management Inc. at the national level. Capitalizing on his expertise in government and business development, Lentsch also will play a key role in continuing Midwest Dairy’s leadership on A Path Forward, an effort to help the region capture its share of the growing consumer dairy market in years to come.

Previous to his appointment as agriculture secretary by South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard in 2013, he was director of agriculture development for South Dakota. He also spent more than 10 years in business and community development in northeast South Dakota. He was raised on a family dairy farm and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in dairy manufacturing from South Dakota State University.

“It has been an honor serving as secretary of agriculture for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, and I am now looking forward to serving the more than 8,000 dairy farm families of Midwest Dairy Association,” said Lentsch. “As a passionate advocate for agriculture, I am excited to lead the team of Midwest Dairy Association forward as their CEO.”

Lentsch and his family plan to relocate this spring to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where Midwest Dairy’s corporate office is located.

Mike Kruger to close career of dairy leadership
On his retirement date, Mike Kruger will have completed 35 years of service to dairy farmers through their checkoff program. He assumed leadership of a Midwest Dairy Association predecessor organization, American Dairy Association of Minnesota, in 1985 after serving as assistant manager for five years. He guided the organization as it evolved to become American Dairy Association/Dairy Council of the Upper Midwest and later Midwest Dairy Association.

In addition to serving as Midwest Dairy’s CEO, Kruger held various leadership roles at Dairy Management Inc., the national checkoff program, through which he provided guidance and influence in representing the interests of Midwest Dairy Association and other state and regional organizations across the country. 

In addition to forming Midwest Dairy Association, Kruger’s accomplishments were:
-    Transitioning the organization to follow a unified national marketing plan that moved away from a generic advertising focus to strategic partnerships and innovation;
-    Establishing dairy farmers’ leadership in child health and wellness through Fuel Up to Play 60 and outreach to the region’s leading health organizations; and
-    Elevating the importance of the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center including developing a position for a dairy economist at the University of Minnesota.

“I’ve been one of the lucky few to have spent my career serving dairy farmers, who I think embody the essence of American values and represent a product that is fundamental to sound nutrition and enjoyment,” Kruger said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege.”




 Nebraska Pork Producers Elect New Directors and Officers

Nebraska’s Pork industry gathered in Lincoln for their Annual Meeting to address industry issues, recognize the Outstanding Pork Service Award winners, Allied Members and elect new directors and officers.

Russ Vering with Central Plains Milling in Howells was elected President for the Association. Darin Uhlir of St Paul will serve as 1st Vice President; Tim Chancellor of Broken Bow assumed the position of 2nd Vice President, and Kevin Peterson of Osceola was elected to fill the 3rd Vice President position. Elected to their first two-year term as Directors are Mike Wisnieski of Omaha and Shana Beattie of Sumner. Dan Meiergerd of Dodge and Alesha Meyer of Diller were elected as alternate directors.

Karen Grant, Meadow Grove; Matt Clark, McCool Jct.; Ron Browning, Fremont; Tim Chancellor, Broken Bow; Kevin Peterson, Osceola; and Duane Miller, Davenport, Nebraska were all elected to serve another two-year term on the Board of Directors.

Retiring from the Board of Directors were Alden Zuhlke of Plainview and Scott Spilker of Beatrice. Shane Meyer of Diller retired from the Executive Committee. Dr. Benny Mote will replace Dr. Larry Berger on the Executive Committee as the representative from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Joining Nebraska’s pork industry as the breakfast keynote speaker was Governor Pete Ricketts who was introduced by Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) who was an impromptu guest that addressed the gathering. Industry issues were addressed by National Pork Board’s Vice President of Strategic Communications, Kevin Waetke; Ansley Mick, Executive Director for We Support Agriculture; Dr. Ron Brodersen, President of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and John Hinners, Assistant Vice President of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.



Pork Production Down 1 Percent from Last Year

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.06 billion pounds in January, down 1 percent from the 4.09 billion pounds produced in January 2015, according to USDA in its montly livestock slaughter report.

Beef production, at 1.95 billion pounds, was 1 percent below the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.36 million head, down 2 percent from January 2015.  The average live weight was up 23 pounds from the previous year, at 1,381 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.7 million pounds, 2 percent below January a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 41,800 head, 5 percent above January 2015.  The average live weight was down 17 pounds from last year, at 274 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.08 billion pounds, 1 percent below the previous year.  Hog slaughter totaled 9.74 million head, slightly below January 2015.  The average live weight was down 2 pounds from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.2 million pounds, was 4 percent below January 2015.  Sheep slaughter totaled 161,400 head, 3 percent below last year.  The average live weight was 139 pounds, down 1 pound from January a year ago.

By State - Jan 2016 Red Meat Production
                  million pounds - % of Jan 2015
Nebraska .....:     639.1            103      
Iowa ............:     585.5             96      
Kansas .........:     420.2            102      




IFBF hosting spring cover crop management webinar 

As record numbers of conservation-minded Iowa farmers have recently incorporated cover crops into their farms’ environmental protection plans, many farmers have questions regarding the management of the cover crops.  At 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) will feature a cover crop management webinar to help farmers prepare for spring management considerations including crop termination planning and equipment adjustments.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has worked with hundreds of farmers across the state in recent years to secure cost share funding to plant post-harvest cover crops.  Fall 2015 was a good season for cover crop establishment and growth, with adequate moisture and growing temperatures.  The tremendous fall growth of many cover crops proved extremely valuable, as the covers helped hold soil in place and protected waterways during heavy rain events.

With the successful fall cover crop growth, farmers could face challenges this spring with the crop management.  The IFBF webinar will feature a variety of expert speakers including Iowa State University (ISU) Extension staff, a plant physiologist from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and an experienced cover crop farmer from Wellman, Iowa.

The experts will cover topics such as: cover crop effects and benefits on soil health, spring termination considerations, planter settings for planting into cover crops, and burndown choices.  “As hundreds of Iowa farmers planted fall cover crops for the first time in 2015, there are many questions regarding their maintenance this spring, said Ed Kordick, IFBF commodity services manager.  “This timely webinar will provide insight into handling the common challenges farmers may face this spring when managing their cover crop.”

Farmers can access the webinar at www.iowafarmbureau.com.  Pre-registration is not required for online viewing, but attendees are encouraged to test their computer’s ability to participate prior to the webinar.

For more information, contact Kordick at ekordick@ifbf.org.



Schedule Finalized for AG CONNECT Main Stage at Commodity Classic

The educational experience at Commodity Classic will be even bigger and better in 2016, thanks to the addition of a new presentation area located right on the trade show floor.

The AG CONNECT Main Stage, which will be located near Aisle 100 on the trade show floor, is presented by Commodity Classic and Successful Farming®.   The stage will feature a series of seminars, panel discussions and demonstrations that are sure to attract large audiences.

The 2016 Commodity Classic will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 3-5.  Registrations for Commodity Classic are on pace for another record-breaking attendance.   This year’s event will also feature the largest trade show in the two-decade history of Commodity Classic, which should ensure large crowds at the AG CONNECT Main Stage.

The line-up for the AG CONNECT Main Stage is as follows:

THURSDAY, MARCH 3
•      “What’s New Session Previews” which will provide short 3-minute sneak peeks of the 40-minute “What’s New” sessions scheduled for Friday and Saturday
•      “Stop the Fighting on the Way to the Funeral Home™” presented by Jolene Brown will put a humorous spin  on managing family issues related to farming and transitions between generations.
•      “What is the Next American Agricultural Dream?” In which futurist Brian David Johnson provides his outlook  for the future of American agriculture
•      “Ag Showcase: Tools of the Future” will include key areas of innovation such as robotics and sensors.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4
•      “Farmer Panel Discussion:  Data-Driven Decision Agriculture” in which innovative farmers will share  information on how they use and apply data in their operations.
•      “Agribusiness Executive Panel Discussion:  Innovation in Spite of a Tough Market” will highlight how leading agribusiness companies are investing in innovation.
•      “Ag Showcase:  Winning the War on Weeds” will help growers decipher what herbicide sites and modes of action can mean in weed control strategy.
•      “Ag Showcase:  Big Data ROI” in which Tyler McClendon, Dr. John Fulton and Doug Hackney will discuss how  to find buried value in data and how different data streams can improve productivity and profitability.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5
•      “Cooking Demonstration” will feature a well-known chef sharing Creole recipes featuring eggs and poultry.
•      “More Profit in 2016 Through Better Agronomy” will feature Brian and Darren Hefty of Ag PhD talking about  key decision points in a farming operation.
•      “Who’s Hiding the Humor?™” during which Jolene Brown will share how a positive sense of humor extends to better health and other benefits.

The AG CONNECT Main Stage provides a new venue for grower education in addition to the Learning Center Sessions, What’s New Sessions and Mini What’s New Sessions that are offered at Commodity Classic.

“Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic and the addition of the AG CONNECT Main Stage takes it to a new level,” said Commodity Classic Co-Chair Sam Butler, an Alabama soybean farmer.  “There’s a dynamite line-up of diverse and powerful presentations designed to inspire, inform and entertain.  We’re very excited about the value this new opportunity adds to the Commodity Classic experience.”

Attendees are encouraged to download the Commodity Classic mobile app to build their own schedule, receive alerts and keep up on event details.   Information on downloading the mobile app is available at www.commodityclassic.com/app.



Farm Bureau Donations Benefit Hungry Americans

The farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau raised more than $1.1 million and donated a record of more than 48 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau's "Harvest for All" program. Combined, the monetary and food donations also reached a record level of the equivalent of more than 49 million meals.

Now in its 14th year, Harvest for All is spearheaded by members of Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers program, but Farm Bureau members of all ages from across the nation contribute to the effort. In all, 19 state Farm Bureaus and the American Farm Bureau Federation heeded the call to action, helping ensure Americans in need can enjoy the bounty of food farmers and ranchers produce.

In addition to raising food and funds for the initiative, farmers and ranchers tallied nearly 16,000 volunteer hours assisting local hunger groups in 2015.

"We're pleased to continue Farm Bureau's long tradition of helping nourish those who need help the most," said Cole Coxbill, a rancher and crop farmer from Wyoming who chairs the AFBF YF&R committee.

"More than 50 percent of Americans that struggle with hunger live in rural areas and farming communities," Coxbill said. "Through the coordinated efforts of America's farmers and ranchers and Harvest for All, we're helping to lower that statistic."

Harvest for All is one of the most important community service efforts undertaken by Farm Bureau members. Although the U.S. economy is stronger overall compared to several years ago, many Americans still need help securing adequate food for their families.



Soil Health Institute Appoints Inaugural Members to Board of Directors

The Soil Health Institute marked a milestone today in the organization’s efforts to bring world-class leaders together to help improve soil health. The Institute announced it has appointed 13 members to its first-ever board of directors.

“Ensuring we have healthy soils is one of the most important, yet challenging, jobs of our time,” says Bill Buckner, chairman of the board. “To accomplish this critical goal, we brought together leaders from across the agriculture sector. Most importantly, this board is comprised of a diverse mix of farmers and ranchers, who are experiencing the critical nature of keeping our soils healthy.”

The board, the first of its kind, features representatives from all areas of agriculture and farming practices, including organic and conventional operations, row crops and specialty crops, and native and improved-pasture cattle ranches. Four full-time farmers have been currently named to the board.

The Institute expects to ultimately add an additional nine directors with six of those being farmers/ranchers. The board also includes soil research experts, as well as environment, conservation and industry leaders. “We have assembled a board of visionaries with different perspectives,” Buckner says, “all of whom are working toward one common goal – improving soil health.”

Board member V. Larkin Martin, a row crop farmer from Northern Alabama, provides first-hand insight from the farming front lines. She wants to know as much as she can about her soils, so she can not only make good business decisions for her farm, but make sound environmental decisions that benefit everyone.

“Farmers have to live with the risks of variable weather conditions and variable soils. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we take care of our soil,” Martin says. “We would benefit from having more information about soil health in general, as well as practical information about how it can be improved through farmer practices. The Soil Health Institute’s vision is to go beyond simply measuring the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in our soil, but to understand the importance of organic matter, microbial interactions and more. We need the Institute to help identify and coordinate this research and transfer that insight to farmers in a useful format, so we can make the best possible decisions for the land.”

Members will work together and challenge each other to help solve our soil health challenges. The full list of current board members includes:
    Bill Buckner, President/CEO, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
    Neil Conklin, Ph.D., President, Farm Foundation, NFP
    Daniel DeSutter, President, DeSutter Farms
    William Flory, President, Flory Farms
    Jim Gulliford, Executive Director, Soil and Water Conservation Society
    Jerry Hatfield, Ph.D., Laboratory Director, National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment
    Diana Jerkins, Ph.D., Research Director, Organic Farming Research Foundation
    Bruce I. Knight, Principal/Founder, Strategic Conservation Solutions, LLC
    Andrew W. LaVigne, President/CEO, American Seed Trade Association
    Klass Martens, Owner, Lakeview Organic Grain
    V. Larkin Martin, Martin Farm
    Lara Beal Moody, P.E., Senior Director of Stewardship and Sustainability, The Fertilizer Institute
    Jay Vroom, President/CEO, CropLife America
    Wayne Honeycutt, President/CEO, Soil Health Institute

“Since the Soil Health Institute’s inception, we knew we couldn’t just talk about the soil – we had to have our hands in it, so we could drive real, effective and lasting change,” Buckner says. “Our board selection demonstrates that approach. We’re proud to bring together this strong group of leaders who will reshape agriculture as we know it.”



Rabobank Releases Report on Dairy Production Consolidation

The profitability of large dairy farms is driven by economies of scale, leading Rabobank to believe the long-standing trend of consolidating milk production is here to stay.  These findings are part of a new report from the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group, which explores consolidation in the U.S dairy sector

“Over the last few decades we have seen a transition in the industry and the rise of larger farms,” notes  report author and Rabobank dairy analyst Tom Bailey. “These larger operations have created a great deal of positive change for the U.S. dairy industry, including reduced environmental impact through much more efficient production.”

The report, “Economies of Scale Driving Consolidation in U.S. Dairy: Farmers and Processors Should Both Pay Attention,” goes on to note the increase in larger dairy operations has picked up speed over the last decade as market volatility and industry changes have made dairy farming more challenging. Data going back to 1970 indicates the U.S. dairy industry has seen a steady increase in the average size of dairy farms as larger operations benefited from economies of scale.

“The dairy market is definitely more voliatile than it was 30 years ago, but if consolidation and growth are done proprty, the operation is ultimately more profitable for large and efficient producers,” notes Bailey.

The increasing rate of change has boosted consolidation of U.S. milk production, putting increasing influence in the hands of large farms and sending ripples throughout the U.S. dairy industry. With large farms likely accounting for the majority of growth in the coming years, U.S. dairy producers and processors alike should be considering the potential impact of this change.

“We find many of the most motivated and successful dairy owners seek growth as part of their future strategy,” notes Bailey. “We expect both challenges and opportunities for producers and processors alike over the next 10 years. As large farms increase their market share, they will continue to put pressure on processors to give them a voice in how their milk is used, they will also face headwinds from increased regulations, consumer pushback, and the implications of being a highly visible part of the industry. For large farms to appropriately address these challenges will take time and money.”



Next wave of water-optimized Agrisure Artesian® corn hybrids expected for 2017 growing season

Building on a long-standing commitment to helping farmers make the most of their available water, Syngenta announced the discovery of newly identified water-optimizing corn genes. These genes will be deployed in select Agrisure Artesian® hybrids available for planting in 2017.

Following the successful introduction of Artesian™ hybrids in 2012, Syngenta scientists have continued to study how corn plants respond to water stress at the gene level — research that contributed to the identification and validation of these newly identified genes offered in the latest corn hybrids from Agrisure Artesian.

“The development of Artesian hybrids with these additional genes signifies our continued commitment to help growers across the Corn Belt make the most of their available water,” said Duane Martin, Ph.D., Syngenta product lead, commercial traits.

Built for season-long water optimization, Artesian hybrids perform in a variety of soil types and climates, helping improve yield stability and consistency on virtually any acre. Growers will be able to better manage the unpredictability of weather and optimize the conversion of available water to grain with access to these latest corn hybrids.

“During the past several growing seasons, we observed how Artesian hybrids maximized yield in favorable conditions and increased yield when water was limited — and we are excited to offer growers more options for the 2017 growing season,” said Dirk Benson, head, seed product development. “These advanced hybrids contain even more native genes for consistent, dependable performance in all weather conditions.”

Artesian corn hybrids are available from Golden Harvest® Corn and NK® Corn and through licensing agreements with independent seed companies.



Pepperoni Tops Americans' List of Favorite Pizza Toppings

Pizza!

There's no question that Americans eat it, love it, and are even comforted by it. In a recent Harris Poll, Americans weigh in on what they like, don't like, and where to find the best. Pepperoni is tops on Americans' list of favorite pizza toppings. Anchovies, on the other hand, rank first on the list of least favorite toppings. And in the great debate over New York style versus Chicago deep dish, Americans may have an answer as New York is seen as the best state to get a good slice while Illinois lands second.

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,193 U.S. adults surveyed online between Jan. 13 and 18.

Pepperoni may be in the top spot, but it's certainly not the only thing Americans like to put on their pies. Sausage and mushrooms rank second and third, while a simple cheese pizza ranks fourth. Adults point to onions as fifth, olives in sixth, and bacon as their seventh favorite. Ham/Canadian bacon and pineapple are tied for eighth place, while peppers round out the top ten.

While the toppings may be the cherry on top, a solid foundation can make or break the meal. When it comes to crust style, there's no majority rule though a plurality (29%) prefer thin crust. A bit more distantly, adults turn to regular crust (18%), deep dish (15%), and stuffed crust (14%). Fewer than one in ten prefers thick crust (9%), French bread (4%), or Sicilian crust (3%).

Interestingly, generation appears to play a factor in preferred crust style: Millennials don't just want toppings on their pizza; they want it in their pizza! Stuffed crust is the number one pick for this group, while all other generations default to thin crust as their top choice.

Six percent say they really have no preference when it comes to crust type, just give them the pizza already! Meanwhile a paltry 2% may be missing out on all the goodness as they say they don't eat pizza at all.

While Americans may be more or less united in eating pizza, they're also pretty aligned against certain ways to top it. Anchovies rank number one as America's least favorite pizza topping. Beyond that, one person's treasure indeed seems to be another's trash as most other top ten favorites also make an appearance on the least favorites list. Mushrooms fall second, followed by pineapple, onions and olives to round out the top five. Pepperoni, the number one favorite, is sixth on the least favorite list. Peppers and sausage rank seventh and eighth, while meat in general falls ninth. And an ordinary pie just won't do for some, as a plain cheese pizza rounds out the list of top ten least favorites.