Tuesday March 15 Ag News

Flow meter installation certification training sessions begin March 21

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors approved changes to its Groundwater Management Area rules and regulations that now require LENRD approved flow meters on all active irrigation wells within the district by January 1, 2018.

LENRD Water Resources Specialist, Curt Becker, said, “This change also incorporates a certification process for flow meter installers, which requires anyone who wants to install a flow meter within the LENRD to attend an installation training session.”  The first training is scheduled for March 21.  There will be five sessions held at each training, one session for each of the five types of approved flow meters.  Interested producers must attend a session for the meter they are planning to install.  The list of training dates are on the district’s website at:  www.lenrd.org/water-use-calculator.    Additional training sessions will be held as needed.

Training Dates and Locations:
Date: March 21st, 2016
Location: Pender Community Fire Hall, 314 Maple St., Pender, NE
RSVP: No RSVP necessary for this site.

Date: March 22nd, 2016
Location: Plainview Community Hall, Corner of Locust Ave. & King St., Plainview, NE
RSVP: Space is limited at this site so please RSVP to the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org if you are going to attend this training.

Date: March 29th, 2016
Location: City of Madison Auditorium, 209 S. Lincoln St., Madison, NE
RSVP: No RSVP necessary for this site.

Date: March 30th, 2016
Location: Village of Dodge Municipal Building, 226 N. Elm St., Dodge, NE
RSVP: Space is limited at this site so please RSVP to the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org if you are going to attend this training.

Date: March 31st, 2016
Location: City of Laurel Auditorium, 101 W. 2nd St., Laurel, NE
RSVP: No RSVP necessary for this site.

Each Days Training Schedule:
Session 1: 9:00am – 9:45am Growsmart by Lindsay IM3000 Magnetic Flow Meter
Session 2: 10:00am - 11:00am McCrometer Propeller Flowmeters (All Models)
Session 3: 11:15am – Noon McCrometer McMag 3000 Magmeter
Lunch is on your own from Noon to 1:00pm
Session 4: 1:00pm – 1:45pm Seametrics AG 2000 Series Magmeter
Session 5: 2:00pm – 2:45pm Senninger Flo-Wise Ag Rotor Sensor System

Currently, the LENRD has approved five meters for installation.  A list of the approved meters as well as a list of the LENRD Certified Flow Meter Installation Contractors can also be found on the district’s website or by calling the LENRD.  These contractors have already completed the required flow meter installation training.  Becker added, “If you do not want to become certified to install your own meter, you must select a certified installer from the list.  This list could change as additional contractors become certified by the LENRD and will be updated when necessary on the LENRD website.”

If you have any questions, please contact Curt Becker at 402-371-7313 or email cbecker@lenrd.org



NOFRN 2015 Summary Now Available

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network 2015 Growing Season Results book is now available to download as a pdf here... http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch/resultshome. 

Thank you to the producers and sponsoring organizations who made the research presented here possible!

This year:
* 80 on-farm research studies were completed.
* 66 producers participated in studies.
* 250 attended our results update meetings in North Platte, Grand Island, Norfolk, and the ARDC near Mead in February.

Planning for 2016 projects is underway. More information about project opportunities will be coming soon. If you have interest in conducting an on-farm research study, let us know!

Project SENSE 2015 Results Summary
Project SENSE (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment) is a special project focused on using crop canopy sensors to direct in-season nitrogen application in corn.

This quick, 2-page summary contains the results of year 1. Planning is underway for 20 research sites in 2016.  Summary is available here... http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch/resultshome. 



 Clock Ticking, Nebraska Farm Bureau Tells Legislature Property Taxes Must Be Top Priority in Waning Days of Session

Addressing the property tax burden on Nebraskans should be the top priority for the Nebraska Legislature in the waning days of the 2016 legislative session. With less than 20 days of the 60-day legislative session remaining, Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging state lawmakers to refocus their efforts and come together to act on measures that would provide property tax relief. While also moving the state forward in property tax and school funding reforms to lessen the burden on property taxes over the long haul, said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, March 15. The comments were made during a news conference held on the steps of the State Capitol with members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors and farmers and ranchers from across the state.

“Nebraskans want property tax relief. It’s all I hear about from members. I know senators have heard it on the campaign trail and they’ve heard it while serving in the body. This has to be a priority. The clock is ticking. Doing nothing is not an option, particularly for farm and ranch families that have seen a dramatic downward swing in profitability,” said Nelson.

Property taxes paid by farmers and ranchers on agricultural land have increased 176 percent statewide over the last 10 years, increasing 12 percent alone in 2015. While property taxes have skyrocketed, the ability for farm and ranch families to pay property taxes has not. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service is forecasting net farm income will decline for the third straight year in 2016, following a 38 percent decline in 2015.

“Any perception that the agriculture economy is humming along is simply inaccurate. Nebraskans, need the legislature to act on property taxes, particularly farmers and ranchers who face a rapidly deteriorating agriculture economy,” said Nelson.

In remarks, Nelson also cautioned the Legislature about spending precious legislative time debating a proposed constitutional amendment to protect farmers and ranchers “Right to Farm.”

“We understand the concerns about the issues that have led the “Right to Farm” constitutional amendment to the Legislature. While important, that issue clearly needs more study and work before being debated. Property taxes are the priority for farmers and ranchers and “Right to Farm” shouldn’t take away from the legislature’s efforts to make progress in that area,” said Nelson.

With all the major pieces of legislation related to property taxes remaining in both the Legislature’s Education and Revenue Committees, Nelson encouraged the members of the legislature to work with their colleagues to advance a package of legislation that would:
·         Provide alternative school funding sources (LB 883 – school foundation aid)
·         Provide some form of spending restraint on schools and local governments to address the increasing demands on property taxes (LBs 882, 958, 959)
·         Slow spikes in agricultural land valuations (LB 717)
·         Provide new revenue sources for providing property tax relief (LB 1013 – cigarette tax increase)

“There’s not a lot of time left in the session, but if the Legislature makes property taxes a priority some positive things can be done before lawmakers close out the session. It’s critical that Nebraskans know the Legislature takes this issue seriously and is committed to moving this issue forward,” said Nelson.



NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

    The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council recently elected new officers and board members during its annual meeting.

    Newly elected officers are Terry Schutte of Lincoln, chairman of the board; Greg Ibach of Sumner, vice chair; Leland Poppe of North Platte, secretary; and Jarid Childears of North Platte, treasurer.

    Kelly Brunkhorst of Lincoln was elected to the board. Re-elected for a second, three-year term were Eric Brown of Lincoln, Jim Farrell of Omaha, Carol Hudkins of Malcolm, Stephanie Liska of Wayne, Brad Lubben of Eagle, William Rhea III of Arlington and Ray Ward of Kearney.

    Other board members are Cindi Allen of Ogallala; Bryan Barrett of Gering; Galen Frenzen of Fullerton; Lori Pankoke of Lincoln; Pat Rasmussen of Geneva; Royce Schaneman of Denton; Ed Woeppel of Firth; Kerry Glandt of Grand Island, president of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association; and Jill Brown of Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources liaison representative.

    The council's president is Terry Hejny, who also is the director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.

    The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    For more information or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 36, which will begin in September, contact 402-472-6810 or leadprogram@unl.edu.



First National Bank of Omaha Partners with Nebraska FFA Foundation

First National Bank, which also operates as First National Bank Fremont and First National Bank North Platte, is partnering with the Nebraska FFA Foundation and investing in the future of agriculture by sponsoring two statewide FFA programs, announced Tom Jensen, Sr. Vice President, Correspondent and Agribusiness Banking. The bank will donate $10,000 to the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign, a fund which supports educational programs across the state, and $5,000 to support programming development for the “Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE),” a required component of a student’s total agricultural education program.

The purpose of the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign is to build the local and statewide capacities of Nebraska FFA. It also serves as an educational campaign for Nebraska FFA. “First National Bank’s donation to this fundraising campaign will be combined with contributions from other corporate sponsors to provide an outlet for local FFA chapters to raise money for innovative projects in their classrooms, leadership programming, community service projects and field trips to advance agriculture education in their schools,” said Stacey Agnew, executive director, Nebraska FFA Foundation.

First National Bank’s sponsorship of the SAE program will provide funding for the development of programs that focus on Work-Based Learning as a component of every student’s experience within agricultural education coursework. The funds will be utilized specifically for agriculture education training and resources to develop a new program model, including school-based enterprise and other SAE delivery models. First National Bank and the Nebraska FFA Foundation plan to partner with state leaders and agriculture educators for the development of the SAE program.

First National Bank’s FFA sponsorships are part of the bank’s broader efforts to celebrate National Agriculture Week. “As the fifth largest Agribusiness lender in the nation, First National Bank and our affiliates are proud to recognize the contributions of the agriculture industry and support the next generation of farmers through our partnership with the Nebraska FFA Foundation,” added Jensen. First National Bank is also donating to the Colorado FFA Foundation and local FFA chapters in Illinois.



Nebraska Farmers Union Spring District Meetings                                

District 4 Spring Meeting:  Valentino’s, 701 Court Street, Beatrice.
Monday, March 21, 2016.  6:00 PM buffet meal on your own with meeting to follow.
NeFU District 4 Director Jantzen will give his Director’s report.  Director Jantzen and President John Hansen will report on the NFU Convention. President Hansen will report on national issues, state legislature issues, and organizational activities.
Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to be a member.
For more information, call Karen Sysel (402) 946-6561 or (402) 381-8047.

District 5 Spring Meeting:  Harry’s Restaurant, 308 W. 2nd Street, Valparaiso.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016.  6:00 PM meal on your own with meeting to follow.
NeFU District 5 Director Gotschall will give his Director’s report. Director Gotschall and President John Hansen will report on the NFU Convention.  President Hansen will report on national and state legislative issues, and organizational activities.
Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to be a member.
For more information, call Justin Orem (402) 570-8512.

District 6 Spring Meeting:  Fernando’s Café & Cantina, 1600 Washington St., Blair.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016, 5:00 PM meeting with supper on your own.
NeFU District 6 Director Graham Christensen, Gus Von Roenn, Paul Poppe, President John Hansen will report on the NFU Convention. Director Christensen will provide his Director’s report.  President Hansen will report on national and state legislative issues. 
Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to be a member.
For more information, call Paul Poppe (402) 380-4508.

District 7 Spring Meeting:  Prenger’s, 116 East Norfolk Avenue, Norfolk.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 6:00 PM supper on own with meeting to follow.
Meeting is in a private meeting room.  Ask receptionist for directions.
NeFU President John Hansen will report on the NFU Convention, national issues and state legislative issues.  District 7 Director Martin Kleinschmit will give his Director’s report.
NPPD Board of Director candidate Zak Hooksta will be our guest speaker.
Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to be a member.
For more information, call Art Tanderup (402) 278-0952 cell or (402) 887-1396 home.



Fertilizer Prices Reward Procrastinators

For the second week in a row, retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN are mixed but still offering savings compared to a year ago.

Five fertilizers were lower compared to month earlier, but the move to the low side was insignificant. DAP averaged $477 per ton, MAP $494/ton, potash $372/ton, 10-34-0 $562/ton and anhydrous $541/ton.

Three fertilizers edged higher in prices compared to last month, but again the move was fairly small. Urea averaged $378/ton, UAN28 $262/ton and UAN32 $312/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.41/lb.N, anhydrous $0.33/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.49/lb.N.

After the six-month slide in prices, all fertilizers are double-digits lower compared to a year earlier. Even 10-34-0 is now down 10%.

Both DAP and UAN32 are now 16% lower, MAP is 17% less expensive and urea is 20% lower from a year ago. In addition, UAN28 is 21% less expensive, anhydrous is 23% lower and potash is 24% less expensive compared to a year earlier.



ASA Pleased Sustainable U.S. Soy Approved By European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is proud that the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) was positively benchmarked against the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation’s (FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines through the independent International Trade Centre (ITC) customized benchmark tool in early March.

ASA President Richard Wilkins, a farmer from Greenwood, Del., congratulated the U.S. soy family on the accomplishment this week.

“This is another step forward for U.S. soy and sustainability,” Wilkins said. “The strong conservation practices of U.S. farmers allow us to produce large quantities and continue providing the EU with sustainable soy. The soy family should be proud of the work we’ve done to maintain and strengthen trade and the value of U.S. soy.”

ASA worked with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and members of the U.S. soy family to develop SSAP in 2013. The protocol helps to ensure that U.S. soy is produced following a strong set of conservation regulations combined with wide adoption of best management practices by a majority of U.S. farmers. The SSAP verifies that U.S. Soy is sustainably produced and aims to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally, socially and economically produced commodities. The protocol covers four key components including sound environmental objectives, social responsibility, conservation focused management practices and continuous improvement.

This crop year, over 3 million metric tons, equivalent to 110.22 million bushels, of U.S. Soy have been exported and certified under the SSAP program.



United States Secures Full Access for U.S. Beef and Beef Products to Peru

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced today that the U.S. government has reached agreement with the government of Peru to remove barriers for U.S. beef exports to Peru that have remained in effect since 2003, opening one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America to all American beef and beef products. In 2015, the United States exported $25.4 million in beef and beef products to Peru. Since the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) entered into force in 2009, U.S. beef and beef products have grown substantially but have been hampered due to burdensome certification requirements installed by Peru in 2003. This agreement, reached today during Secretary Vilsack's trade and investment mission to Peru, removes those barriers – called the export verification program – and assures American ranchers of expanded market access.

"Since 2009, the United States and Peru have enjoyed one of the strongest bilateral trade relationships in the Western Hemisphere, and today it became much stronger," said Vilsack after meeting with officials from the government of Peru. "Since 2003, USDA and USTR have worked diligently to reopen and expand markets once closed to U.S. beef. This is another win in a long line of successes that led to a near-record U.S. beef and beef product exports in 2015. The Obama Administration will continue to work hard around the world to remove unfair barriers and create a more level playing for America's farmers, ranchers, producers and rural communities."

"Peru has been a growing market for American beef and this agreement will only further expand opportunities for American producers and exporters," said U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. "Not many years ago, there was little American beef going to Peru, but through the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and agreements like this, we are seeing increased demand for high-quality American beef."

Bilateral trade of agricultural, fish and forestry products between the United States and Peru topped $3 billion in 2015 and has grown more than 110 percent since 2009.

The agreement reached today reflects the United States' negligible risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Through an exchange of letters, the United States and Peru have agreed to changes in certification statements that will allow beef and beef products from all federally inspected U.S. establishments to be eligible for export to Peru, rather than only those beef and beef products from establishments that participated in the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Export Verification (EV) programs under the previous certification requirements.

Agricultural exports have climbed more than 35 percent in value since 2009 under the Obama Administration, totaling a record $919.6 billion over the past seven years. Agricultural exports support more than 1 million American jobs. Since 2009, USDA has removed numerous unfair restrictions to U.S. trade to help farmers export more. USDA has also led more than 225 U.S. agribusinesses and more than 20 State Departments of Agriculture on agricultural trade missions to countries around the world, including Peru. Peru is also a member of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which concluded negotiations in October 2015 on a historic trade agreement. Passage of TPP by the U.S. Congress will provide new market access across the board for America's farmers and ranchers by lowering tariffs, eliminating barriers, boosting exports and supporting jobs in America's rural economies.



Choice/Select Spread: Trends and Impacts on Fed Cattle Prices
Brenda Boetel, Dept of Ag Economics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Year to date, the Choice/Select spread has averaged $5.53, compared to $5.92 for the same time period in 2015.  However, in the last few weeks, the Choice/Select spread has increased year over year from 2015 levels.  Looking back, from 2010 through 2015, the Choice/Select spread averaged $8.25/cwt, with a weekly high peak of $22.16 and a low of -$1.36. During the 2010-2015 time period, the Choice/Select spread exceeded the average 43% of the weeks. Since 2010, the highest annual average Choice/Select spread occurred in 2012 at $10.00 and the lowest was 2010 at $5.95. The average range for the Choice/Select spread from 2010 through 2015 was $18.49.

The spread is determined by both demand and supply factors.  As cattle hit their typical grading peak in the first quarter of the year and when demand for middle-meats is seasonally low, the weakest Choice/Select spread occurs. Going into spring and summer the demand for middle-meats is strong as people begin grilling more; during this same time the percentage of cattle grading choice typically declines, and as such the Choice/Select spread will typically increase between now and July.  In July, the Choice/Select spread will narrow until October and then increase through the end of the year.

Differences in the Choice/Select spread are also driven by value differences in the seven primal values, especially the loin and rib. The value of the other five primal cuts is important to the overall cut-out value and strength in demand for these primals does have an impact on the Choice/Select spread and can result in higher fed cattle prices.  The small differences between choice and select values for these primal cuts is often due to export demand.  For example, primal cuts such as brisket, chuck and round are popular in the United States but are in higher demand in countries such as Canada, Mexico and South Korea.  Mexico and South Korea have historically preferred select quality cuts over choice, whereas Japan prefers choice quality.

U.S. beef exports have accounted for approximately 9-11% of domestic U.S. production in recent years, providing a significant boost to fed cattle prices.  2015 saw a 12% decline in beef exports.  The U.S. exported 19% less beef to Japan in 2015 as compared to 2014, and 17% less beef to Mexico; however exports to South Korea increased by 6%.  This change in beef exports has impacted the value for the different primal cuts and has contributed to the smaller difference in value between choice and select loins, and increased difference in value between choice and select rounds. As export demand increases in 2016, the price of the specific subprimal cuts will increase and ultimately affect the cut-out value and fed cattle prices.



ABA Report: Farm Banks Increase Ag Lending 8% in 2015

Farm banks increased agricultural lending by 7.9 percent in 2015 and held $100.3 billion in farm loans at the end of the year, according to the American Bankers Association’s annual Farm Bank Performance Report.

Asset quality continued to improve at the nation’s 1,976 farm banks as non-performing loans declined to a pre-recession level of 0.47 percent of total loans. ABA defines farm banks as banks whose ratio of domestic farm loans to total domestic loans is greater than or equal to the industry average.

“With farm income forecasted to decline to its lowest level since 2002, banks are ready to assist their farm and ranch customers. Farm banks saw a solid performance in 2015, remain well-capitalized and are well positioned to continue serving the needs of their communities despite any potential turbulence in the ag sector,” said Brittany Kleinpaste, director, economic policy and research at ABA. “Banks hold nearly half of all farm loans and will remain an important source of ag credit.” 

Kleinpaste noted that the entire banking industry – not just farm banks – provide farmers and ranchers with the credit they need.  At the end of 2015, banks held $170 billion in farm and ranch loans. Small and micro loans made up almost half of bank agricultural lending with nearly $75 billion in small and micro farm and ranch loans on the books at the end of 2015. A small farm loan is a loan with an original value of $500,000 or less and a micro farm loan is a loan with an original value of $100,000 or less.

Farm banks continued to build high-quality capital over the year. Equity capital at farm banks increased 4.9 percent to $47.7 billion in 2015, while Tier 1 capital increased by $3.0 billion to $44.3 billion. Farm banks have built strong high-quality capital reserves and are well-insulated from risks associated with the agricultural sector.  

In addition, more than 97 percent of farm banks were profitable in 2015, with 63 percent reporting an increase in earnings.

The Farm Bank Performance Report also provides regional summaries:
-    The Northeast region’s 10 farm banks increased farm loans by 19.7 percent to $651 million. Ag production loans rose 7.3 percent and farmland loans rose 21.4 percent.
-    The South region’s 211 farm banks increased farm loans by 10.3 percent to $7.4 billion. Ag production loans rose 14 percent and farmland loans rose 8.8 percent.
-    The Cornbelt region’s 934 farm banks increased farm loans by 7.4 percent to $44.3 billion. Ag production loans increased 5.8 percent and farmland loans rose 9 percent.
-    The Plains region’s 753 farm banks increased farm loans by 8 percent to more than $38.5 billion. Ag production loans increased 6.1 percent and farmland loans rose 10.5 percent.
-    The West region’s 68 farm banks increased farm loans by 7 percent to $9.5 billion. Ag production loans increased 10 percent and farmland loans rose 4.4 percent.

"Farm banks play a vital role in their communities by providing loans, creating jobs and paying taxes to support rural America,” said Kleinpaste.

Farm banks added more than 2,500 jobs, a 2.9 percent increase, and employed more than 90,000 rural Americans. Since 2007, employment at farm banks has risen 20.5 percent.



 NFU Urges Congress to Find a Meaningful Compromise on Biotech Labeling Action

On behalf of nearly 200,000 family farmers and ranchers from a wide range of operations, National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging Congress to find a meaningful compromise on the federal biotech labeling debate.

President Roger Johnson today sent a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), highlighting the organization’s biotech labeling policy.

“NFU represents a range of producers, from conventional to organic and all practices in between,” said Johnson. “Our policy holds that the rights of both conventional and organic producers should be respected as Congress and regulatory agencies seek to address growing consumer demands for labeling. Any agreement should not limit the freedom of agricultural producers and processors to accurately advertise, label and promote products as non-genetically altered.”

Johnson noted that market demands, driven by consumers, have created growth and price premiums for producers growing non-GMO products.

“We urge that any compromise ensure that the growth we have witnessed is protected for the benefit of producers and consumers alike,” said Johnson. “NFU policy holds that thorough and accurate food labels are an important tool that helps consumers make informed decisions and allows producers to differentiate their products. Such labeling must be clear, consistent, and truthful.”

NFU has affirmed its confidence in the safety and benefits of agricultural biotechnology. At the same time, the organization reiterates its respect for producers who choose to practice alternative forms of agriculture.

“We appreciate the challenge you face as you try to balance those competing demands, while reconciling consumer preferences and consumer confidence in a labeling framework. This is no small task and we thank you again for your willingness to address this challenging question.



Ag Industry Failing to Attract Next Generation

The world's demand for food will surge by 2050, with a projected 10 billion people requiring a 70 percent increase in food production. The question is, who will lead the way to find solutions for this demand and ensure the world's people will be fed?

Today, on National Agriculture Day, the stark shortage of agricultural talent as well as lingering misperceptions about Ag careers are of pressing concern to agricultural groups, universities and agriculture and food companies.

A recent nationally representative survey conducted by ORC International on behalf of Land O'Lakes, Inc. shows there's a startling lack of young people planning to work in the agriculture industry. In fact, only 3 percent of college grads and 9 percent of Millennials surveyed have or would consider an Ag career. When compared to other industries, respondents were least likely to indicate that they have or would consider a career in agriculture (6 percent), with healthcare and technology at the highest career interest (each at 21 percent); followed by education (20 percent); marketing and sales; finance; and manufacturing and engineering (all at 12 percent).

USDA job reports underscore these findings: more than 20,000 agriculture jobs go unfilled each year. Despite this fact, the majority of survey respondents – 54 percent – think it is difficult or very difficult for recent college graduates to get a job in agriculture.

"We will need to produce more food in the next 40 or 50 years than in the previous 500 years combined," said Lydia Botham, executive director, Land O'Lakes Foundation. "Our priorities are clear – we must focus on attracting the next generation of Ag workers to the highly skilled, well-paid career opportunities. Failing to do so may lead to severe consequences."

According to the survey, 76 percent of respondents do not think or are not sure if a career in Ag pays well. This misperception is prevalent across geographies (85 percent in the Northeast, 82 percent in the West and 71 percent in the Midwest and South). However, 35 percent of Millennials – significantly more than any other generation – think Ag careers do pay well, (compared with 21 percent of Generation X and 17 percent of Baby Boomers), which may be a promising sign of attracting college students to the field.

"People still think you have to wear boots and overalls to work in Ag," said Botham. "But modern agriculture has evolved to become one of the most vital and technologically advanced fields there is today. And the career choices are as dynamic as the industry itself – from seed geneticists and soil conservationists to supply chain analysts and economists."

To attract new college graduates, Land O'Lakes, Inc. created the Global Food Challenge – Emerging Leaders for Food Security™ program to engage future leaders in the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture. The yearlong fellowship program provides selected college students the opportunity to learn more about global food security, and includes travel to U.S. farms, to Washington, D.C., to understand policy, and to smallholder farms in rural Africa. Students are selected from a wide range of education disciplines, from agronomy and environmental science to nutrition, finance and marketing.

Trey Forsyth, a 2014 Emerging Leader, believes that programs like the Global Food Challenge will encourage the next generation to get involved in agriculture – and to tackle global hunger. His trip with other Emerging Leaders to meet policymakers in Washington, D.C., was a revelation.

"I saw a whole new side of agriculture that I never knew existed, and it was fascinating," Forsyth said. "Now I'm thinking of pursuing a career in Ag policy."

Learn more about the Global Food Challenge and join the conversation at http://foodchallenge.landolakesinc.com.