Wednesday Jan 18 Ag News

Ag PhD Soils Clinic Feb 22 in West Point

Free Ag PhD Soils Clinic hosted by Hefty Seed West Point is Wednesday, February 22nd at the Nielsen Center in West Point. Anyone involved in ag should be at this event. Starts at 9:30 in the morning and goes until 3pm. Walk-ins welcome but RSVP’s encouraged. Free lunch. Offering the best agronomic advice and this is the time to get your questions answered. 

FREE Ag PhD Soils Clinic
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Nielsen Center
200 Anna Stalp Ave
West Point, NE 68788

– Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP.  Call 402-372-9900. 




2017 NeATA Conference, Feb. 1-2 in Lincoln, NE

The Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association (new website at http://neata.org/) will be hosting their annual 2-day conference on Wednesday February 1st and Thursday, February 2nd in Lincoln, NE. The conference is held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center located at 2021 Transformation Drive. The Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association (NeATA) is a network for all stakeholders to share applied and on-farm research experiences and gain knowledge from each other related to current and emerging technologies in agriculture. The NeATA Board encourages farmers, Ag retailers, government/university employees and others to attend the two-day conference that runs from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Wednesday February 1st, and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Thursday February 2nd.

On Wednesday, a full-day symposium on aerial imagery in agriculture will feature 6 speakers, both from private industry and governmental agencies, discussing satellite, plane, and UAV platforms for capturing imagery. One featured speaker is Rick Mueller, Head of Spatial Analysis Research at USDA-NASS. The symposium will finish up with a panel discussion with all 6 speakers.  Attendees are encouraged to take the setup tours of the new Food Processing Center and Greenhouse Innovation Center between 4:00 and 5:00 pm before leaving for the evening.

On Thursday, Dave Varner, Nebraska Extension Associate Dean & Director, will start the day at 8:00 talking about the history and future of NeATA and Nebraska Extension related to Ag technologies. Attendees will then be able to pick 4 sessions out of the 16 breakout sessions available (view full program online at http://neata.org/program/).  Speakers are split into 4 rooms each with focused areas including: Soil management, water management, data management, and machinery and hardware. Over lunch, UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green will welcome the crowd and Jeremy Wilson with Crop IMS will discuss Ag Data Issues and The Agricultural Data Coalition. The closing keynote speaker at 3:00 pm will be Lisa Prassack, AgriFood Innovation Expert and Data Strategy Consultant, discuss Assembling the Precision Agriculture Puzzle for Farm Profit.

To register for one or both days visit http://neata.org/registration/.  To get more information about the upcoming Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association Conference on February 1st and 2nd in Lincoln NE, visit the association’s new website at http://neata.org/.



Biodiesel industry honors year of achievements, industry growth

The biodiesel industry saw record market growth in 2016 and this year’s National Biodiesel Board industry awards highlight champions who have had a major impact on the use of biodiesel. Clean air champions, policy drivers, fleet vehicle influencers, and lifetime biodiesel advocates were all honored this week during the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo.

“The biodiesel industry has seen record growth over the last decade which means the fuel is reaching more markets than ever before,” said Kent Engelbrecht, chairman of the National Biodiesel Board. “As we continue to grow it becomes increasingly important that we tell our industry’s story of being an American-made, clean burning, advanced biofuel. We are proud to recognize these individuals and organizations for going above and beyond to advance this industry that benefits American consumers so much.”

NBB recognizes the 2017 “Eye on Biodiesel” award winners this week. The honorees are:

Climate Leader Award – Costa Constantinides – New York City Council Member
New York City has been a leader on biodiesel and clean air issues, taking a giant leap forward in 2016. In September, the New York City Council voted overwhelmingly to pass INT. 642-A, led by Council Member Costa Constantinides, that creates a fuel standard for heating oil that includes increasing amounts of biodiesel over time. The measure grows the amount of biodiesel in heating oil in the City from the current two percent level to five percent October 1, 2017. The blend level then moves to 10 percent in 2025, 15 percent in 2030, and 20 percent in 2034.

Constantinides has long been a champion of improving air quality in the city and recognizes policies that reduce the fossil fuel content of heating oil and increase the use of cleaner-burning, renewable energy will pay dividends from a health perspective. Constantinides represents the New York City Council's 22nd District, and serves as the chair of the City Council's Environmental Protection Committee.

It is estimated that the increase from a two percent biodiesel blend to a five percent blend in the City would reduce the emissions equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road with the increase to 20 percent the equivalent of removing more than a quarter of a million cars.

National Energy Leadership Award – Gov. Terry Branstad
The state of Iowa is a national leader in clean energy production and is the number one biodiesel producing state in the country, thanks in large part to strong leadership within the state. Last year saw a host of new and renewed policies supporting the biodiesel industry in Iowa. In 2016, Governor Branstad rallied support for, and signed legislation, that extended the Biodiesel Production Credit through 2024, extended and expanded the Biodiesel Promotion Retail Tax Credit, also through 2024, and secured another year of funding for the state’s successful biodiesel and ethanol blender pump program, the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. All of which will keep Iowa at the forefront of biodiesel production and use, driving growth in rural economies, economic development, and cleaner air for Iowans.

Additionally, the governor has provided critical national leadership through his service on the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition. These efforts have a major impact on the national energy landscape as more American-made, environmentally friendly, advanced biofuels like biodiesel make their way into the marketplace.

Industry Partnership Award – The Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program and the American Lung Association in Illinois for the B20 Club
Together, the two organizations have created a unique and impactful program in Illinois called the B20 Club. This program is focused on raising the profile of exemplary fleets that use B20 in any type of diesel engine. Members range from municipalities to school buses to over-the-road trucking companies. Sharing their success stories with other fleet managers and decision makers has had a significant impact on those who have been hesitant to use B20 for reasons ranging from economics to engine warranty questions. The B20 Club showcases real stories of how, when, and why members began using B20, what their experiences have been since the switch, and provides peer support for fleet managers and other decision makers who are considering B20 for their own fleets. The efforts of the club have provided confidence in biodiesel and a platform for showcasing successful biodiesel user stories in the media, to decision makers, and the general public.

Influence Award – Ron Flowers – Greater Washington, DC Clean Cities
Ronald “Ron” Flowers is the Executive Director of the Greater Washington, D.C. Region Clean Cities Coalition, a post he has held since 2010. To the biodiesel industry, Ron is a well-connected and respected voice of wisdom with more than 45 years of service in the public and private sector. Ron has worked closely with the National Biodiesel Board as well as the National Biodiesel Foundation, resulting in the use of thousands of gallons of B20 blends. His knowledge of fuels and fleets was instrumental in transforming the nation’s capital region from a community of biodiesel naysayers to biodiesel believers. He has been instrumental in the DC Government, Smithsonian Institution, American University and many others switching to biodiesel. With Ron at their side, many of these fleet staff not only switched their own fleets but became champions of biodiesel who mentor their peers to join them in reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and improving air quality with biodiesel.



FFA Members Return from Educational, Cultural Experience in South Africa

During the past two weeks, 75 FFA members visited South Africa for a 12-day educational and cultural experience.

Members participated in the 2017 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) as an annual, international opportunity through the National FFA Organization. The seminar allows FFA members to experience foreign culture, learn about international agriculture and become more knowledgeable on the global marketplace.

Seventy-five past and present state FFA officers representing 20 states left the United States on Jan. 4. The group traveled throughout five of South Africa’s nine provinces while surveying the agricultural landscape. FFA officers met with government and U.S. Embassy officials to learn about U.S. and South African trade relations; toured crop and livestock operations; met with business and industry leaders; and explored a private game reserve that is home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The group also met with fruit exporters, olive oil producers and more.

“This seminar exposes students to culture and food production practices beyond what they are accustomed to in the United States,” said Shane Jacques, education specialist with the National FFA Organization. “Our hope is that through a structured experience like ILSSO, these students will see that study abroad opportunities or global internships and careers are not only attainable, but essential to providing a sustainable talent pipeline for agriculture and feeding the world.” Jacques added that, on average, nine out of 10 students who participate in the program admit that they would be receptive to living and working abroad as a result of this experience.

Prior to departing the United States, the students completed eight weeks of online coursework related to cross-cultural adaptability. The program was made possible by corporate sponsors Bunge North America and John Deere.

 Students shared their experience throughout their trip on Twitter and Instagram. To see a recap of their adventures, visit: https://pulse.ffa.org/index.php/2016/12/14/follow-ilsso17-to-south-africa/.

Those students who participated in the trip were: Foster Thompson of Jonesboro, Ark.; Mariah Alvarez of Sebring, Fla.; Hunter Burnsed of Macclenny, Fla.; Anna Conrad of Dover, Fla.; William Jameson of Lake Panasoffkee, Fla.; Emily Little of Sebring, Fla.; Catharin MacFarlane of Deltona, Fla.; Mason Taylor of Cottondale, Fla.; Brett Vorheis of Ocoee, Fla.; Faith Gilman of Commerce, Ga.; Angel Rewis of Fargo, Ga.; Cully Forsyth of Charles City, Iowa; Zach Hamilton of Bryant, Iowa; Zach Hoffman of Creston, Iowa; Chase Kusel of Belle Plaine, Iowa; Blake Lineweaver of Milford, Iowa; Zach Becker of Amboy, Ill.; J.C. Campbell of Little York, Ill.; Corrine Harding of Trivoli, Ill.; Paxton Morse of Eldorado, Ill.; Cody Suddeth of Steward, Ill.; Katelyn Bohnenblust of Clay Center, Kan.; Jacob Grinstead of Hutchinson, Kan.; Grace Luebcke of Marysville, Kan.; Elizabeth Meyer of Tampa, Kan.; Trenton Smedley of Thayer, Kan.; Clara Wicoff of Iola, Kan.; James Clay Ballinger of McKee, Ky.; Ben Pinkston of Salvisa, Ky.; Bayli Quick of Saline, La.; Jessica Corazza of Clarksburg, Md.; Evelyn Etchison of Woodsboro, Md.; Amanda Farmer of Frederick, Md.: Ellie Grossnickle of Myersville, Md.; Nicole Michol of Hampstead, Md.; Kelcey Trewin of Freeland, Md.; Josephine Forbush of Byron, Mich.; Loren King of Burr Oak, Mich.; Mariah Daninger of Forest Lake, Minn.; Clay Newton of Echo, Minn.; Rebekka Paskewitz of Browerville, Minn.; Joe Ramstad of Forest Lake, Minn; Katie Rogers of Worthington, Minn.; Spencer Wolter of Windom, Minn.; Kayla Mercer of Walnut, Miss.; Gabrielle Simpson of Tupelo, Miss.; Manuel Acosta of Bayard, Neb.; Christy Cooper of Waverly, Neb.; Cheyenne Gerlach of De Witt, Neb.; Kaitlyn Hanvey of Center, Neb.; Halle Ramsey of Sidney, Neb.; Collin Swedberg of North Platte, Neb.; Nicholas Taylor of Nickerson, Neb.; Josh Loew of Newport, N.J.; Morgan Rutar of Stewartsville, N.J.; Renee Stillwell of Cream Ridge, N.J.; Jeremy Posluszny of Cream Ridge, N.J.; Erin Langdale of Warwick, N.Y.; Kameron Rinehart of Jeffersonville, Ohio; Trisha Seckel of Caledonia, Ohio; Shea Booster of Bend, Ore.; Liberty Greenlund of Wasco, Ore.; Hailee Patterson of Imbler, Ore.; Bryson Price of Oakland, Ore.; Raymond Seal of Joseph, Ore.; Zanden Unger of Dallas, Ore.; Mackenzie Clark of Cedar Grove, Tenn.; Ally Clark of Decatur, Tenn.; Taylor Curtis of McEwen, Tenn.; Sam Daniel of Covington, Tenn.; Allison Parker of Gallatin, Tenn.; Dalton Teel of Lebanon, Tenn.; Megan Gould of Castle Rock, Wash.; Luke Moore of Garfield, Wash.; and Andrew Hauser of Eglon, W.Va.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.



FSBC Successful Ibotta Mobile Commerce Campaign

A successful campaign to drive nationwide sales of fresh beef at retail has resulted in the confirmed movement of more than 270,000 units of fresh ground beef in less than two weeks. Today, the Federation of State Beef Councils of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association approved an additional $300,000 to extend the partnership with the mobile rebates app Ibotta through the Super Bowl, giving consumers more reasons to purchase great tasting beef.

Ibotta is a consumer mobile app that has a subscriber rate of 19 million mostly-millennial consumers and growing. Consumers who download the app can browse the grocery category for rebates on fresh beef products, unlock the rebates and after reviewing educational information about beef buy the items at any grocery store nationwide to get cash back through Ibotta. Beef only pays for verified sales.

Initial results from the first few weeks of the campaign have been impressive. Nearly half of the redemption budget was exhausted in the first weekend. As of Jan. 16, more than 700,000 users unlocked ground beef rebates demonstrating the strong consumer demand for beef. Redemption rates for beef have been 35 percent, far surpassing the Ibotta average rate of 22 percent and delivering more than 14 million brand impressions for beef system-wide. In addition to increasing sales, more than 700,000 consumers received educational messaging about beef as a part of the campaign. These educational opportunities were delivered in the form of a beef recipe or an in-app task that helps consumers better understand nutritional benefits of beef.

“We have seen tremendous success from the initial thrust of our campaign, so this additional investment makes sense,” according to Steve Hanson, a beef producer from Elsie, Neb., and chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils. “State beef council partners agree with the Executive Committee that this move to further boost consumer retail beef sales is the right move at the right time.”

In addition to the national campaign, many state beef councils contributed additional funding to promote the campaign to consumers in their markets. Through in-app media tiles, email newsletters and social media engagement, state partners helped drive traffic to the app and create broader visibility of lower beef prices for 2017.

“The Ibotta campaign is a tremendous opportunity to connect with a highly engaged community of shoppers at that critical time for purchase inspiration,” said Patti Brumbach, executive director for the Washington State Beef Commission. “Through partners like Ibotta, the beef community is helping revolutionize how beef is marketed to today’s consumer and transforming the shopping experience.”

The $300,000 in funding approved today is in addition to an initial $300,000 Federation reserve allocation directed toward the Ibotta program last November, with the expectation that it will double the confirmed units of beef sold. The initial investment was part of a $940,000 package for both international and domestic beef sales-enhancement efforts during a time of high protein production that is putting significant pressures on the cattle market.



Another ‘Midnight’ Regulation Dumped On Farmers

In another poke in the eye to agriculture, the Obama administration tomorrow will issue a regulation that adds animal welfare standards to the nation’s organic food production law. The National Pork Producers Council will work with the Trump administration and Congress to repeal yet another “midnight” regulation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s amendment to the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 would strictly dictate how organic producers must raise livestock and poultry, including during transport and slaughter, and specify, without scientific justification, which common practices are allowed and prohibited in organic livestock and poultry production, thereby eliminating producers’ discretion to make sound decisions about animal care. It also would establish unreasonable indoor and outdoor space requirements for animals. The regulation was cleared by the Office of Management and Budget Wednesday, the last step before becoming final.

“This parting gift from Agriculture Secretary [Tom] Vilsack is not welcomed,” said NPPC President John Weber, a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “This unnecessary, unscientific midnight regulation won’t win him any friends in the agriculture community he’s apparently joining. (Vilsack, whose last day at USDA was Friday, is taking over the Dairy Export Council.)

“This is precisely the type of executive branch overreach that Congress will reign in through regulatory reform,” Weber said.

NPPC, which in July submitted comments in opposition to the regulation, said the welfare standards are not based on science and are outside the scope of the organic food production law, which limits consideration of livestock as organic to feeding and medication practices. Additionally, the organization pointed out, animal welfare is not unique to organic production.

“Animal production practices have nothing to do with the concept of ‘organic,’” Weber said. “These new standards will present serious challenges to livestock producers and add complexity to the organic certification process, creating significant barriers to existing and new organic producers.

“The standards seem to be based on public perception – or USDA’s understanding of that perception – of what good animal welfare is and don’t reflect a consensus by experts in animal welfare and handling,” he added. “The inclusion of animal welfare requirements into the organic food production law is no different than requiring that all farmers wear bib overalls or paint their barns red in deference to public sentiment.”

Some of the standards even could jeopardize animal and public health, said NPPC in its comments to USDA. The provision on outdoor access, for example, is in conflict with best management practices to prevent swine diseases that pose a threat to animal and human health.

The organization also pointed out that livestock industry-driven animal care and handling standards, such as ones included in the National Pork Board’s Pork Quality Assurance Plus program, already exist and that such programs can more rapidly accommodate new practices and procedures that promote animal health and welfare than a federal regulation can. Many of the programs already are available to organic producers.



Administration Pushes Forward with Organic Marketing Rule
 
NCBA President Tracy Brunner released the following statement in response to the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service’s Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices final rule:

“The Obama Administration has bowed to the whims and demands of animal activists rather than talking to the industry as a whole to see what is best for the program and for consumers. This rule sends a clear signal that an activist agenda is more important to the outgoing Administration than any true attempt to clarify a consumer’s perception of what ‘organic’ means.

“NOP is a marketing program, not an animal health, welfare, or safety program and certainly not a place to set animal welfare requirements. Cattlemen and women have worked diligently over the past 30 years to develop and improve animal care and handling standards through the Beef Quality Assurance Program, which is continuously reviewed and updated as new science becomes available.”



Initial Assessment of Biotech Regulatory Documents Pleases NCGA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published documents today addressing the pre-market regulatory oversight of biotechnology-based agricultural tools. The National Corn Growers Association is pleased that the agency has included input given by NCGA and others throughout the rule-making process while focusing on the importance of science-based regulations.

Corn farmers have a strong interest in the availability of new technologies to enhance the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. Agriculture biotechnology and next generation breeding techniques allow growers to increase yields while decreasing inputs. Meeting demand, improving processes and minimizing environmental impacts are what make modern corn production a dynamic industry. The documents published indicate that, in large part, federal agencies agree with the basis of our stance and strive to create a more efficient regulatory process allowing growers greater access to new products.

NCGA continues working to fully analyze the implications and impacts of these documents with awareness of the importance of the balance of access to technology and markets.



NGFA emphasizes importance of engaging with trading partners as USDA proposes new biotech regulatory review policies

In response to today's release of proposals regarding the U.S. government's pre-market regulatory oversight of genetically engineered plants, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) emphasized the importance of working to achieve consistent regulatory policies globally for products of the latest plant breeding methods to avoid costly disruptions in international trade.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published several documents related to the pre-market regulatory oversight of genetically engineered plants and plants and animals derived from certain newer precision breeding techniques, commonly known as genome editing. The NGFA still is reviewing in detail the USDA's pre-published proposed rule on the "Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms," as well as a companion proposal and guidance document issued by FDA.

The NGFA said given the global nature of agriculture and the importance of trade to the economic well-being of farmers, ranchers and the nation as a whole, consistent regulatory policies among governments for products of the latest plant breeding methods, such as gene editing, are needed so that trade in U.S. commodities, research collaborations and global seed movement are not hindered or disrupted.

"It is critical that the U.S. government actively engage with our trading partners around the world, and secure alignment in regulatory approaches with U.S. trading partners before these regulations are finalized and take effect," the NGFA noted.

USDA's proposal recognizes that some applications of gene editing result in plant varieties that are essentially equivalent to varieties developed through more traditional breeding methods, and proposes to exclude such traits from pre-market regulatory review.

The NGFA also noted that consumer education about the safety of these products should be a top priority. 

"It will be imperative that the U.S. government and the seed industry, technology providers and the value chain explain the scientific basis and rationale for this regulatory approach to consumers to facilitate understanding and acceptance of these technologies and their commercial application in the marketplace," the NGFA stated.



Fertilizer Prices Continue to Drift

According to fertilizer retailers surveyed by DTN for the second week of January 2017, fertilizer price trends continue to be stuck in a narrow price range. For the first time in recent weeks, however, more fertilizers are now trending slightly higher than lower.

Five of the eight major fertilizers edged higher although none by any substantial amount. Potash averaged $320/ton, urea $338/ton, anhydrous $467/ton, UAN28 $222/ton and UAN32 $258/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were slightly lower but none of these moves to the low side were that significant. DAP averaged $432/ton, MAP $441/ton and 10-34-0 $437/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.37/lb.N, anhydrous $0.29/lb.N, UAN28 $0.40/lb.N and UAN32 $0.40/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are lower compared to a year earlier and should offer relief to many farm budgets this season. All fertilizers are now double digits lower.

Urea remains down 11%, DAP is 13% less expensive, MAP is 15% lower and potash is 18% less expensive versus the same time a year ago. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are now 19% lower while anhydrous is 20% less expensive and 10-34-0 is 24% lower compared to a year prior.



Wholesale Choice Beef Prices Falling Faster Than Retail

Retail and wholesale food prices often move closely together. When wholesale prices rise, retail prices typically follow. The price of choice beef in wholesale and retail markets moved upward in 2014 and most of 2015.

Wholesale prices increased from roughly $3 per pound to nearly $4 per pound by mid-2015. As wholesale prices rose, retail prices followed, moving from just over $5 per pound in January 2014 to a peak of $6.41 in June 2015.

Both prices decreased in 2016, with the wholesale price falling below $3 in late 2016.

While retail prices dropped also, they fell at a slower rate. As a result, the ratio of retail to wholesale prices has increased to above 2 to 1, 20 percent higher than the ratio in June 2015 when both prices were highest.

This highlights an aspect of the interplay between wholesale and retail prices, in which retail prices respond slower when wholesale prices decline compared to when prices increase.



Hay Acres Revision Cause Outlook Prices to Edge Upward
Katelyn McCullock, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

The USDA NASS annual crop production report showed significant revisions to the hay acres harvested in 2016.  Changes from the October crop report indicated a 7% (1.2 million) reduction in the number of alfalfa acres harvested and a 4% (1.5 million) reduction in all other hay acres harvested.  Final acres showed South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa having more than 200 thousand acres taken out of alfalfa production.  North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Missouri, Kentucky, all had declines of 100 thousand acres or more in other hay acreage declines. New alfalfa seedlings for the 2017/18 marketing year are also continuing the long term trend downward, posting an 11% year over year decrease.

Despite large acreage revisions, December 1 hay stocks moved up slightly relative to last year by 1%, and production was unchanged from last year.  Pasture and range conditions were excellent this year and very few problem areas in the plains region required supplemental feeding during the warm months.  High numbers of wheat acres and low cost of gain also contributed to ample wheat grazing opportunities over the winter.  Both of these factors allowed hay prices to continue to slip from last year's prices.  Alfalfa prices have averaged nearly $30 per ton below last year's price over this marketing year.  Other hay prices have been even to slightly lower, averaging $2 per ton lower.

Alfalfa and other hay prices have posted year over year declines since the 2012/2013 marketing year, but still remain above the historical long term average prior to that drought year.  If disappearance remains light for the second half of this winter, alfalfa prices are expected to post another year over year decline in prices, while other hay prices are expected to be even.  The loss or continued loss of hay acres to other crops make it unlikely this short term trend of price declines will continue.  In the 2000's alfalfa prices averaged $115 per ton annually, a figure prices have not seen since 2009/10.  Other hay prices averaged $91 per ton over that same decade, an annual average season price not seen since 2005/06.  Hay stocks are also much lower than they have been in previous decades. December 1 hay stocks 2001-2010 averaged about 105 million tons, compared to 2011-2016, averaging 92 million tons.  Tighter supplies mean drought or poor pasture and range conditions can aggressively move prices upward.  Cattle feeders and dairymen alike should expect hay prices to average higher, but still are very much dependent on regional weather events. 



CWT Assists with 272,000 Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 2 requests for export assistance from member cooperatives. These member cooperatives have contracts to sell 51,809 pounds (24 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese, and 220,462 pounds (100 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from January through April 2017.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



New CFI Approach Provides Insights for Food and Ag to Earn Trust

A new research approach from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) identifies influential consumer groups and the motivations that not only dictate food trends, but drive conversations that impact the decisions of others as they make choices at the grocery store or form opinions about the products, processes, people and brands that define today’s food system.

For the past 10 years, CFI has conducted annual consumer trust research to better understand public opinion and how to engage with consumers to earn trust. In the first-of-its-kind consumer research, the 2016 survey used an innovative research methodology called digital ethnography. It can help those in food and agriculture more effectively engage and balance the conversation as it provides much deeper insights into influencers including unspoken motivations, values, top-of-mind issues, emotional triggers, preferred social channels and sources, behaviors and trusted brands.

The research goes beyond surveying what people say they do to demonstrating what they are actually doing.

“We’re currently in the midst of a shift in the marketplace where the culture and conversation around conventional food, particularly online, is changing as consum­ers navigate which foods to adopt, moderate or abandon,” said Charlie Arnot, CFI CEO. “Digital ethnography identifies influencers who shape those trends.”

Digital ethnography pinpoints why consumers form beliefs and develop behaviors around food, and the why speaks to what they value, said Arnot.

“That’s important because the CFI consumer trust model shows that communicating with values is three-to-five times more important to earning trust than simply communicating facts and science,” he said.

“Better understanding why consumers make their food decisions and what they value in their food choices helps companies be more responsive to consumer needs. CFI’s latest research will help food companies do a better job of communicating what’s most important to consumers and the values we share,” said Leigh Horner, vice president, communications and CSR at The Hershey Company.

Of the five Consumer Types identified in the research, one of particular interest to the food system is Providers?, the largest group representing a third of the U.S. population.

“Providers? never feel quite good enough,” said Arnot. “And the last thing they want is to be seen as a neglectful parent or to be caught snoozing when some­thing new is known about the foods they buy for their family. To ease the anxi­ety, they look to other Consumer Types for guidance.” 

This influence is why more Americans are flocking toward various attributes of food that they consider evolved and that signify prog­ress, Arnot said. “We see that in the demand for food less processed, simpler labels and labels that indicate the product is 'free from everything from gluten to GMOs.”

“Understanding consumer attitudes toward food and how those attitudes influence the conversation allows food companies to more effectively talk with consumers. Consumers want to feel good about the products they buy for themselves and their families and want easy access to balanced, useful information to know they are making the right choices,” said Horner. “These insights will help food companies build trust by meeting consumers’ expectations for transparency and engaging in a meaningful conversation about the food they buy.”