Tuesday February 16 Ag News

NDA ENCOURAGES USE OF COST-SHARE FUNDS TO PROMOTE LIVESTOCK EXPORTS

On behalf of U.S. Livestock Genetics Export (USLGE), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is reminding Nebraska’s livestock producers of the availability of cost-share funds to promote livestock sales in the foreign marketplace.

The funds are available to private livestock breeders, companies or cooperatives interested in promoting livestock, semen or embryo sales in international markets through December 31, 2016. These funds are available through the Market Access Program (MAP) of the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“These cost-share dollars are another tool that can be used to increase Nebraska livestock exports to foreign markets,” NDA Agricultural Trade Representative Stan Garbacz said. “I encourage Nebraska’s livestock producers and companies to take advantage of these funds to enhance their international marketing and promotion programs.”

The MAP program provides for partial reimbursement (up to 50 percent) of the cost of approved activities, such as international advertising, the development, translation and distribution of promotional materials and participation in foreign trade shows and exhibitions. Funds cannot be used for travel or personnel reimbursement. An administrative fee is charged to participate in the program.

For more information about the program, contact NDA’s Agricultural Trade Office at (402) 471-2341, or the USLGE at (618) 548-9154. 



Planting Intentions Surveys To Be Taken

The U.S. Agriculture Department will survey 3,800 Nebraska farmers and others across the nation about what they plan to plant this spring.

The information will be used to help compile the spring planting report that will be released March 31. The survey will be mailed out to farmers this month.

Dean Groskurth with the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service says this survey is one of the most important ones of the year.



CommonGround Takes American Families Out to the Ranch

CommonGround launched a new video today highlighting how ranchers care for their animals. The short piece, which features Colorado CommonGround volunteer and rancher Kelsey Pope (former employee with the NE Corn Board) and her mother, Cindy Frasier, helps consumers looking for the story behind their food.

Showing the family out together working in a pristine snowscape on their ranch, the video addresses topics of importance to consumers such as animal welfare and animal care. Together, Frasier and Pope share a multigenerational perspective on the importance of animals to their family, particularly animal health, and how it impacts them as American ranchers on a family farm.

"The animals make our family what it is," Pope says. "We love being able to work with the animals every day, being out there with them and getting to know their personalities. They are the reason we are able to do what they do and, in turn, our animals take care of us."

To watch the video on YouTube, click here.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fdOHq8DFhg. 

With about 39 percent of corn demand generated by livestock use, helping consumers address their concerns about animal welfare directly supports the interests of American farmers as well as ranchers. By sharing all of the stories behind the food on American families' plates, farmers can work to create the transparency consumers increasingly desire.



Vilsack on Research Showing Significant Improvement in Efficiency of Ethanol Production and Other Trends

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a statement on two recent research reports supported by USDA focused on ethanol and other renewable fuels, one published by USDA's Office of the Chief Economist and another published by the University of Missouri:

"These research reports demonstrate, once again, that America's renewable energy industry has quickly expanded and evolved since President Obama's administration embraced an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy beginning in 2009. Since then, we have more than doubled renewable energy production, and today we import less than half our oil. Improved and expanded ethanol and biodiesel production have saved Americans money at the pump. 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. And, as today's reports demonstrate, U.S. farmers continue to improve their efficiency in the production of corn for ethanol while the impact of ethanol production on corn production has become marginal. Between 1991 and 2010, direct energy use in corn production has dropped by 46 percent per bushel of corn produced and total energy use per bushel of corn by 35 percent. Moreover, between 2005 and 2010, direct energy use fell by 25 percent and the total energy use by 8.2 percent per bushel—meaning that between 2005 and 2010, the energy required per bushel of corn produced dropped by about 5 percent. The bottom line is, today, more energy is being produced from ethanol than is used to produce it, by factors of 2 to 1 nationally and by factors of 4 to 1 in the Midwest. There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of the bio-economy and the role biofuels and advanced biofuels will play in that future, and I am confident this administration has acted aggressively to expand the groundwork to support that brighter future."

To learn more about the reports referenced by Secretary Vilsack, please visit:
http://www.usda.gov/oce/reports/energy/2015EnergyBalanceCornEthanol.pdf
www.fapri.missouri.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FAPRI-Report-01-16.pdf



Experts On Trade Policy, Grain Markets Take Center Stage at USGC Annual Meeting
Globalization is happening, and U.S. agriculture needs strong trade policies to have a seat at the table, said Ambassador Darci Vetter, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, at the opening general session of the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 13th International Marketing Conference and 56th Annual Membership Meeting, held Monday.

Renowned political analyst and publisher of The Cook Political Report Charlie Cook set the stage at the session with a keynote presentation delving into the 2016 political climate and how it may impact trade policy, including the approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

He was followed by Vetter, who gave insights via FaceTime into the potential impact that TPP could have on grain exports.

TPP is a 21st century agreement that includes in its framework the ability for additional countries to join after it is enacted. This is important as at least eight additional countries have expressed interest in participating after the original 12 negotiating parties ratify it, Vetter said.

Both Cook and Vetter expressed hope TPP passes in the U.S. Congress soon but are unsure of the possibility of this happening during the balance of 2016.

“The Council supports the TPP agreement because it would enhance market access for U.S. grains and co-products, address non-tariff trade barriers and be the first trade agreement to include provisions related to biotechnology,” said USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann.

“TPP will set the rules of the road for grain exports for decades to come, so we know it’s critical to capturing emerging export opportunities—and to maintaining the United States’ competitiveness—in the global grain trade.”

A panel discussion about the changing farm market in Argentina and the work of MAIZALL, the international maize alliance, rounded out the USGC general session. That featured Alberto Morelli, first vice president of MAIZALL and former president MAIZAR, an Argentine grain farmer association; Martin Fraguio, executive director of MAIZAR; and Anibal Ivancich, president of MAIZAR.

The panel discussed how high inflation rates may keep Argentine farmers from taking full advantage of the policy changes enacted by the recently-elected President Mauricio Macri including eliminating the export permit system known as the Register of Export Operations (ROE) for grains and oilseeds.

However, the men said farmers in their home country are utilizing defense mechanisms that reduce their cost of production, including seeds that contain biotech traits, making their participation in the MAIZALL alliance grow in importance. They agreed that the three participating countries in MAIZALL - Argentina, the United States and Brazil - are stronger as a group while working to address global market access barriers.

More about the ongoing annual meeting is available online at http://grains.org/news-and-events/events/13th-international-marketing-conference-56th-annual-membership-meeting. 



   
Ethanol Exports Surge in December; DDGS Exports Set New Annual Record
(www.ethanolrfa.org)

U.S. ethanol exports finished the year on a high note, with 81.7 million gallons (mg) of product shipping out to both emerging and longtime markets. Canada was the top destination in December, receiving 21.3 mg. Oman (13.4 mg), China (10.6 mg), the Philippines (8.8 mg), and the Netherlands (8.8 mg) were other leading importers of U.S. ethanol. December ethanol exports were up 39% over November, reaching their highest monthly level since March. As documented in a new statistical report released by the Renewable Fuels Association last week, U.S. ethanol exports totaled 836 mg in 2015—identical to the 2014 final tally. The RFA report provides details on top export destinations, shifts in the marketplace, ethanol import volumes, the value of exports, and other key data regarding U.S. ethanol trade in 2015.

Denatured fuel ethanol exports totaled 50.3 mg in December, the highest monthly total of the year and up 57% from November. At 19.3 mg, Canada was once again the leading importer of denatured product. Meanwhile, Oman imported sizeable volumes (13.4 mg) of denatured fuel ethanol for just the third time on record. Relative newcomer China (10.6 mg), the Netherlands (4.3 mg), and Peru (2.6 mg) were other top spots for denatured fuel ethanol exports. December exports of undenatured fuel ethanol tallied at 28.6 mg, up 18% from November. The Philippines (8.8 mg), Brazil (6.4 mg), the Netherlands (4.5 mg), Belgium-Luxembourg (2.6 mg), and Mexico (2.2 mg) were the top five markets for undenatured product in December. Exports of denatured and undenatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes were 2.8 mg, with Canada receiving 2.0 mg.

U.S. fuel ethanol imports fell to 9.4 mg in December, less than half of the November import volume. Total imports of fuel ethanol finished the year at 93.2 mg, up slightly from 2014. More than 99% of December imports originated in Brazil, with the remaining imports coming from Germany.

Exports of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product manufactured by dry mill ethanol plants—rebounded slightly in December, with 988,356 metric tons (mt) of outbound shipments. That was up 5% from November, but still well below monthly export levels recorded from May through October. DDGS exports finished the year at 12.55 million mt, a new annual record.

China remained as the top market for U.S. DDGS exports in December, despite setting an 11-month low. China received 226,049 mt, down 20% from November and less than one-quarter of the DDGS volume imported as recently as July. Fortunately, other markets continued to step up their imports, with big increases seen in Mexico (166,321 mt), South Korea (110,916 mt), Canada (66,002 mt), and Vietnam (65,703 mt). For the full calendar year, China was the top market, receiving 6.3 million mt, or 50% of total exports. Mexico was the No. 2 market at 1.65 million mt (13%), while Vietnam (660,032 mt), South Korea (643,572 mt), and Canada (511,783 mt) rounded out the top five.



FARM and BQA Extend Collaborative Commitment on Animal Care Issues

In order to strengthen the ongoing partnership between the dairy and beef segments of the cattle industry on animal care issues, the National Milk Producers Federation and the beef checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program today announced they will jointly be offering more training opportunities for farmers and ranchers in 2016.

NMPF has been working for the past year on identifying areas where its Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program can further coordinate with the Dairy Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program, managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.  Both programs focus on educating cattle producers about the best practices in animal care, to assure consumers that their meat and milk comes from animals that receive optimal care throughout the animals’ lives.

At the Cattle Industry Convention last month, the BQA Advisory Board approved an addition to its program whereby any dairy producer evaluated using the FARM program’s upcoming version 3.0, due out in January 2017, will also receive their BQA certification.  BQA will also be working with the FARM program in the coming years to create training opportunities for dairy producers to preserve the beef quality of their cows.  These training sessions will focus on stockmanship, residue prevention, and transportation. Many of these training opportunities will be available at the state level, implemented by the BQA state coordinators.

“This partnership will maximize the value of the beef checkoff’s investment in animal care, which is an issue of greater importance today because of consumers’ interest in the source of their beef, and the treatment of cows,” said Dan Kniffen, Ph.D., vice chair of the BQA Advisory Board.

Emily Meredith, NMPF’s Vice President of Animal Care, and director of the FARM program, said that “education is the key to preventing health and wellness problems for cattle further down the road.  This collaboration with BQA will extend the reach of the FARM program’s educational materials, and harness the expertise that BQA state network of educators can provide to dairy farmers.”

In addition to regional training sessions and additional educational materials, the FARM program and BQA will jointly produce online stockmanship training resources that will be made available to dairy farmers in 2016.



Farm Transition Planning Project Free Assistance Available

The American Agri-Women  (AAW)  calls attention to the availability of a USDA NIFA grant from North Central Extension Risk Management Education is providing farm transition planning support for farm and ranch families. Ag Transition Partners, a group of agricultural professionals, are working with farm and ranch families on this project that includes webinars, on-farm and virtual coaching, and the use of web-based tools to guide families through the stages of farm transition and succession planning. This program is free of charge to farming and ranching families and there are only a few additional slots for interested families.

Farm transition planning is a high priority need in agriculture. An estimated 70% of farms/farmland will transition in the next 20 years and fewer than 50% of farmers have estate plans, less than 70% had named successors, and less than 11% had farm business transition plans in place. The consequences of a failure to plan can be severe—if the farm is inherited by multiple heirs, inheritance taxes and other fees may cripple the farm and its new owners. Inadequate farm succession planning may result in heirs becoming owners who are incapable of running the farm business; family conflict among heirs; or partitioning of family-owned and operated farm business assets to satisfy heirs who simply want to "cash in" on their share of the business. These worse case scenarios can be avoided when families learn how to work together as a team, confront the difficult issues and decisions, and commit to a decision.

The project funded three webinars, which are archived and available for viewing at www.americanagriwomen.org. The project requires participants to watch the webinars and complete an enrollment form before family or business coaching can begin. American Agri-Women is a co-sponsor of the project.

There are no workshops or long technical discussions about legal issues in the project; and no travel – the project comes to you. The customizable, hybrid approach will lead to more completed plans because we require a family coaching component that decreases communication barriers and helps in decision-making.  Ag Transition Partners believes that poor family communication is a symptom of a deeper issue, so we identify and solve those issues by facilitating an in-depth and highly successful teambuilding process with participants.  We also assign business coaches to each farm family.  Using coaches as part of an unbiased transition team in the early phases is critical to achieving a successful outcome.

This service is provided free of charge for 2015-2016 to ten farm families in midwestern states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, Participants from additional states will be enrolled if space and funds are available.

The project manager facilitates the 6-hour family discussions, addressing issues of conflict, commitment and accountability that often interfere with passing on the farm legacy. In phase two, a business consultant guides families through the transition steps using the University of Minnesota’s Ag Transitions online template. The entire process is designed to allow critical, multigenerational discussions so that all successors have input in the process; to reduce unproductive conflict; and to minimize the need for legal fees. Because the project focuses on business plan transfer and retirement planning, farm families who complete those two steps can proceed with estate planning in a succinct and cost effective manner.

Ag Transitions Partners is comprised of Joe Colyn, Originz, LLC (MI); Doris Mold, Sunrise Agricultural Associates, LLC (WI); Bob Olson, Elm Grove Enterprises (MN) and Kristine Ranger of The Learning Connection (MI).

To learn more, or to enroll a farm, please contact Kristine Ranger, Project Manager, at 517.974.5697 or via email at kristine@knowledgenavigators.com.  Interested farm families can download the FAQ’s and enrollment documents at www.americanagriwomen.org.



NIAA & NCBA Partner to Support Cattle Producers with Upcoming BVD Forum

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture will be hosting a BVD Forum for beef producers and animal health officials in conjunction with the NIAA Annual Conference, April 4-7, 2016. The forum “BVD: An Industry Prevention Strategies & Solutions Forum” will be April 7, 2016 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Mo.

“Disease prevention through vaccination and proper biosecurity is an important component of the Beef Quality Assurance program,” said Josh White, Executive director of Producer Education for the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and the BVD Forum Planning Committee Co-Chair. “Re-considering how we manage health risk in our herds is a valuable exercise and BVD provides an excellent example of a disease that can be successfully managed.”

BVD affects all segments of the beef and dairy industries. While there is a great deal of knowledge on the disease, the virus still presents various challenges to cattle producers.

“Veterinarians and researchers have worked together with cattle producers to develop BVD control strategies based on utilization of accurate diagnostic tests and effective immunization protocols,” Dr. Robert Larson, Coleman Chair in Production Medicine at Kansas State University said.”Because of management differences between different segments of the U.S. cattle herd and variation in risk factors between individual herds, optimum BVD control and prevention strategies will vary greatly between herds. This forum provides an opportunity for researchers, veterinarians, and producers to share the latest developments in our understanding of BVD virus and its control.”

Larson hopes to see a variety of outcomes from the forum including: improved understanding of the virus, increased cost-effectiveness of control and prevention strategies and effective implementation of control strategies in a variety of production strategies.

“Anyone with an interest in updating their knowledge of BVD and its prevention and control should come to the forum, including: researchers, veterinarians, Extension educators, and cattle producers,” Larson said.

The forum will be held April 7, 2016, in conjunction with the NIAA Annual Conference which runs April 4-7, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. at the Downtown Marriott. For more information, visit animalagriculture.org or contact the NIAA by calling 719-538-8843 or emailing niaa@animalagriculture.org.



   
State of the Ethanol Industry Remains Strong, says RFA Chief

Speaking before more than 1,000 attendees at the National Ethanol Conference (NEC) in New Orleans today, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen declared, during his annual State of the Industry address, that the domestic ethanol industry remains strong and touted its ability to successfully navigate the vagaries of the markets and overcome the perils of policy uncertainty.

“The strength of the U.S. ethanol industry is seen in its record production – 14.7 billion gallons, its record blending demand – 13.75 billion gallons, record feed production – 40 million metric tons, and record greenhouse gas reductions – 41.2 metric tons,” said Dinneen. “Those aren’t the stats of an industry in retreat, that’s an industry confident, defiant, and prepared to weather any storm.”

Dinneen called the U.S. ethanol industry the “cornerstone” of the rural economy, noting that it added $44 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and paid $10 billion in taxes last year. He drew a sharp contrast with what he characterized as the “boom and bust cycles” of oil extraction which, he said, can wreak havoc on economically-vulnerable communities.

“Margins might be tight, but you remain committed to your communities and are making an immeasurable difference in the lives of your neighbors and the pocketbooks of all Americans,” Dinneen said. “Your fuel is renewable, and so are the jobs you require, the investment you’ve made and the purchases you make every day, no matter the economic climate.”

Dinneen pointed out that in 2015 the U.S. ethanol industry exported 836 million gallons with a value of $1.78 billion and representing 5.7% of domestic ethanol production. He noted that last year’s export number was identical to 2014’s and was tied for the second-highest total on record. Dinneen said RFA will continue to focus on expanding export market opportunities and mentioned that the organization had been awarded a grant through the Department of Commerce to promote ethanol in international markets.

“I am very pleased to have representatives from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru here today to learn the advantages of increased ethanol use and make important and lasting commercial relationships,” Dinneen said. “With our collective efforts to enhance export opportunities, we will grow demand while at the same time enabling our foreign partners to address pressing pollution and climate change issues in their countries.”

In the address, Dinneen referenced this year’s NEC theme, “Fueling a High Octane Future,” and told attendees that whenever ethanol is marketed in the U.S. or international markets, it is octane that it is being traded. He also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits for refiners in using ethanol as a fuel additive.

“Not too long ago refiners produced all the octane they needed at the refinery from petroleum. But refinery processes to increase octane are energy intensive and costly, and yield additives that are highly toxic,” Dinneen said. “Ethanol is cleaner, cheaper, and carbon neutral. Refiners can use it to meet minimum octane specifications while extending the barrel to maximize fuel production.”

Dinneen noted that Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Industry, took a very myopic view of the energy landscape when, during his annual State of American Energy Speech last month, he referred to the RFS as a “relic of our nation’s energy past.”

“It’s not the RFS that is a ‘relic of our nation’s energy past,’” Dinneen said. “It is the very notion that prosperity can be driven by petroleum without regard for the environmental, economic, or national security implications of that dependency that is the ‘relic’ world leaders need to recognize and relegate to the trash heap of history.”



USDA: Public-Private  Partnership has Strengthened Crop Insurance and Reduced Waste

The current crop insurance system, which depends on cooperation and coordination between private-sector insurers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is working well and serves as an example of how effective such partnerships can be.

That was the message delivered yesterday by Brandon Willis, administrator of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, at the crop insurance industry’s annual meeting. Willis pointed to the partnership’s track record for eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse as proof of its success.

Occurrences of improper indemnity payments to farmers, which can result from data entry and reporting mistakes, fell to 2.2 percent in 2015, Willis told the group. That’s compared to a 5.5 percent improper payment average for other USDA programs in 2014 and a 4 percent average for programs across all government agencies.

“This demonstrates that the crop insurance program can withstand the scrutiny [from its critics],” Willis explained. “It’s a good story. It tells the story that crop insurance is a well-run program with an error rate far below the government average.”

He added that the USDA and private insurers will continue to identify and address the causes of errors and constantly make improvements to the system.

In addition to efficient and accurate program management, Willis said that the partnership excelled in implementing a complicated farm bill in 2014. In particular, he noted how hard work by both the public and private sectors made it possible to expand coverage options to beginning farmers and ranchers, organic production, and specialty crops.

This expanded coverage has helped crop insurance find new supporters, noted Willis, which will be essential to defending farm policy in the future.

“It’s important that we have a safety net that works for everybody,” he concluded. “Crop insurance has worked…and it is my hope that we can work together…to have a program that we are proud of and that farmers are proud of.”



Crop Insurers Celebrate  Past Success, Set Sights on Future

Crop insurers and farmers have shouldered their share of challenges in recent years, ranging from an historic drought to lower-than-expected financial returns, legislative debates, and implementing a new Farm Bill.

But Tim Weber, chairman of the American Association of Crop Insurers and National Crop Insurance Services, said today that those challenges have only strengthened crop insurance providers and better equipped them for the future.

“I believe crop insurance is stronger today for the obstacles it has faced in recent years and most importantly, it is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” he told colleagues at the industry’s annual conference.

Weber, who is coming to the end of his term as chairman, used his remarks to reflect back on lessons learned during pivotal years within the industry – a time, he said, when teamwork and building alliances was emphasized.

“Overall, I am very proud of what we have accomplished,” he said. “These accomplishments were the result of a hard-working, talented workforce that was willing to work together as [insurance providers], agents, adjusters, and industry allies to overcome attempts to weaken our farmers’ and ranchers’ most important risk management tool.”

Weber noted that, despite crop insurance’s past successes and its popularity with farmers, agriculture’s opponents will continue to criticize the farm safety net. He pointed to the recent Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which sought to cut $300 million a year from crop insurance, as proof of that criticism and how rural America must counter it.

“Farmers from across the country came to our defense…as did the agent force, the lending community, input providers, Main Street businesses, the conservation world, and leading voices from academia,” he explained. “Notwithstanding this level of support…we would never have won this battle if not for the leadership of key lawmakers who were not bashful about standing up for agriculture.”

Weber urged the group to remain vigilant moving forward by focusing on industry cooperation and collaboration with third-party allies. He also urged insurers to invest time and resources in the political process as a way to blunt future critiques.

“We need all Members of Congress to hear directly from their constituents regarding the importance of maintaining an effective crop insurance program,” he concluded. “After all, every person in this country benefits from a dynamic, financially healthy agricultural industry. Not only does it provide a dependable supply of domestically grown food, fuel, and fiber, but it also supports economic and job growth.”



Combine Sales Down in January, But Rose From Year Ago

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," tractor sales in the U.S. through January 2016, were down 6% compared to last year. In January, a total of 11,067 tractors were sold which compares to 171,762 sold in January 2015.

Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 13% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 6%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 39%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 9%.

For the first month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 13% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are down 6%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 6%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 9%.

Combine sales were down 21% for the month. Sales of combines for the first month totaled 419, an increase of 22% over the same period in 2015.



Obama Uses Antiquities Act to Lock off Additional 1.8 Million Acres
For the 22nd time in his Administration, President Obama has improperly leveraged the Antiquities Act of 1906 to lock up millions of acres of the American West.

In a press release touting the designation of Sand to Snow National Monument, Mojave Trails National Monument, and Castle Mountains National Monument - a total of 1.8 million acres - USDA celebrated this Administration’s prowess for these types of designations that have locked off 265 million acres in the last seven years without any formal review, economic analysis, or public comment.

“This president has misused and abused his executive power more than any of his predecessors in an attempt to distract from his true environmental legacy which will be one of mismanagement and undue economic hardship in rural communities,” said Brenda Richards, Public Lands Council President.

As President Obama closes out his final term, a rash of last-minute designations totaling nearly 10 million acres in states like Oregon, Arizona and Utah is expected. Congress must rein this abuse of the Antiquities Act and ensure the American public is engaged whenever the federal government makes sweeping decisions that impact such large areas of land.

“Here we are again discussing the President’s abuse of a law intended to protect objects or artifacts, not large landscapes,” said Tracy Brunner, NCBA President and Kansas cattleman. “When designations like these take place, multiple-use and valid existing rights like grazing always lose. If this Administration believes this land is in need of protection, they should do so through the proper democratic channels, not a stroke of the pen that bypasses the American people.”

Richards added, “It’s outrageous that the Administration would openly boast of sidestepping the American public under the guise of protecting these lands when in fact they are eroding the multiple-use doctrine of the federal land management agencies.”



Ag America Releases “Principles for Our Ag Future”

Today Ag America, a national coalition of agricultural leaders dedicated to electing candidates with proven records of supporting American agriculture, called on the 2016 Republican and Democratic U.S. presidential candidates to commit to publicly support the “Principles for Our Ag Future”. The principles, developed by Ag America, outline the path forward to ensure that American agriculture continues to be the envy and leader throughout the world.

“Ag America is calling on all of the fine men and women running for president to publicly commit to supporting American agriculture,” said Ag America Advisory Board Member and former Member of Congress Richard Pombo. “America’s elected leaders and policy makers must commit to protecting our ag future. When 4 out of 4 people in the world have to eat every single day, you can’t overstate the importance of sticking to these principles.”

“U.S. agriculture helps drive the economy and feeds the world.  The core principles outlined by Ag America will help ensure that the policies coming from Washington, D.C. support our farmers by creating new trade opportunities, limit regulatory overreach and support the next generation in agriculture,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

“Too many people, and this includes policy makers in our nation’s capital, take the food on their tables for granted,” said Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain. “If we as a nation don’t take the steps now to responsibly, and proactively act on our ag future, future generations the world over will be faced with decisions that were 100% avoidable had the leaders of today simply stood on principle.”

Principles for Our Ag Future

Enhance economic development opportunities that would improve access to existing and emerging agriculture markets.
-    Lead on the international stage in the promotion of free and fair trade for all nations by actively pursuing free trade agreements across the globe to open markets for America’s agricultural products.
-    Fight against the use and spread of unsound science used as a pretext to block the export of U.S. agricultural products crops abroad.

Advance the science of agriculture by supporting common sense regulations to protect our environment and energy resources.
-    Promote common sense conservation policies that preserve and protect our environment while providing for a growing and vibrant economy.
-    Ensure that rigorous cost-benefit analyses on the impact of federal regulations are consistently used in the propagation of all agriculture, environment and energy regulations.

Support the education of the next generation of America’s farmers through emphasis on science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and math.
-    Promote agriculture youth development programs such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America that increase engagement and youth interest in agricultural careers.
-    Support industry-based partnerships and certifications that allow for students to earn credentials that would result in productive, high wage jobs in agriculture.

Ag America is a coalition of agriculture leaders dedicated to electing candidates for public office with proven records of supporting American agriculture through the application of commonsense free market principles at all levels of government.  Ag America supports candidates through the provision of financial support, high quality research and refined messaging.  Ag America also serves as a forum for the exchange of best practices among agriculture leaders, including agribusiness, agriculture industry associations, public servants, and academia.

Ag America was formed in direct response to the lack of a unified national strategy supporting candidates and officeholders with proven records of supporting agriculture.  While anti-ag groups are a deeply connected network – stretching from city hall to the White House, the pro-ag equivalent is just taking shape under Ag America’s leadership.

Ag America is a Federal Super PAC active in local, state, and federal elections.

Learn more about Ag America at www.ouragfuture.com.