Friday February 17 Ag News

NEBRASKA FARM NUMBERS LOWER

Nebraska's number of farms and ranches declined during 2016, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The number of farms and ranches in the State, at 48,400, was down 300 farms from 2015. Numbers of farms and ranches in Nebraska with less than $100,000 in agricultural sales declined 900 farms from the year earlier, while operations with more than $100,000 increased 600 farms from 2015.

Land in farms and ranches in Nebraska totaled 45.2 million acres, unchanged from 2015. The average size of operation, at 934 acres, was up 6 acres from the year earlier.



IOWA LAND IN FARMS

The total number of farms in Iowa in 2016 was 87,000, down 500 farms compared to a year ago, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The largest decrease in number of farms came in the $1,000-$9,999 range with a decrease of 600 farms from 26,600 in 2015 to 26,000 in 2016.

Total land in farms in Iowa in 2016 was 30.5 million acres, unchanged since 2014, however, total land in farms in the $1,000-$9,999 range fell to 0.9 million acres, while total land in farms in the $1,000,000 and over range rose to 9.6 million acres.

The average farm size in Iowa in 2016 was 351 acres, up two acres since last year. The average farm size in the $1,000,000 and over sales class increased 32 acres from 1,301 in 2015 to 1,333 in 2016.



2016 Farms and Land in Farms Highlights

The number of farms in the United States for 2016 is estimated at 2.06 million, down 8 thousand farms from 2015. Total land in farms, at 911 million acres, decreased 1 million acres from 2015. The average farm size for 2016 is 442 acres, up 1 acre from the previous year.

Farm numbers and land in farms are differentiated by six economic sales classes. Farms and ranches are classified into these six sales classes by summing the sales of agricultural products and government program payments. Sales class breaks occur at $10,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000. Producers were asked during the 2016 mid-year surveys to report the value of sales based on production during the 2015 calendar year.

Point Farms are farms that did not have the required minimum $1,000 in sales for the year to qualify as a farm, but had sufficient crops and livestock to normally have sales of $1,000 or more. Point Farms are assigned a sales class based on the sum of the agricultural point (dollar) values assigned to the quantity of commodities produced but not sold. The 2012 Census of Agriculture showed that 428,810 farms or 20.3 percent of the 2.11 million farms were Point Farms. These Point Farms operated 63.0 million acres or 6.9 percent of the 914.5 million acres of farmland.

Number of farms declined by 8 thousand from 2015. The number of farms in Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999 increased while all other sales classes declined slightly. Fifty percent of all farms had less than $10,000 in sales. Eighty percent of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales. Eight percent of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more. 

Changes in the number of farms by sales class are:
*    Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999 at 1.03 million farms, declined by 5 thousand farms.
*    Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999 at 621 thousand farms, declined by 2 thousand farms.
*    Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999 at 145 thousand farms, declined by 4 hundred farms.
*    Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999 at 98 thousand farms, increased by 4 hundred farms.
*    Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999 at 82 thousand farms, declined by 5 hundred farms.
*    Sales Class $1,000,000 or more at 82 thousand farms, declined by 2 hundred farms.

The percent of all farms by sales class are:
*    Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999: 50.1%
*    Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999: 30.1%
*    Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999: 7.0%
*    Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999: 4.8%
*    Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999: 4.0%
*    Sales Class $1,000,000 or more: 4.0%

Land in farms, at 911 million acres, was down 1 million acres from 2015. The biggest changes for 2016 are that producers in Sales Class $250,000-$499,999 operated 1.29 million more acres and those in Sales Class $1,000,000 or more operated 1.01 million fewer acres. Similar to the previous year, in 2016 nearly 31 percent of all farmland was operated by farms with less than $100,000 in sales. Forty-one percent of all farmland was operated by farms with sales of $500,000 or more.

Farmland changes by sales class are:
*    Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999 at 86.9 million acres, declined by 850 thousand acres.
*    Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999 at 192.0 million acres, increased by 410 thousand acres.
*    Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999 at 129.9 million acres, declined by 940 thousand acres.
*    Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999 at 127.1 million acres, increased by 1.29 million acres.
*    Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999 at 156.5 million acres, increased by 100 thousand acres.
*    Sales Class $1,000,000 or more at 218.6 million acres, declined by 1.01 million acres.
 
Percent of all farmland by sales class are:
*    Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999: 9.5%
*    Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999: 21.1%
*    Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999: 14.3%
*    Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999: 14.0%
*    Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999: 17.2%
*    Sales Class $1,000,000 or more: 24.0%

The average farm size continued to increase in 2016 as the number of farms declined more than land in farms. The overall average size increased by 1 acre to 442 acres per farm. Average farm sizes increased in the $10,000 - $99,999, $250,000 - $499,999, and $500,000 - $999,999 sales classes and decreased in the others.

Average farm size by sales class are:
*    Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999: 84 acres
*    Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999: 309 acres
*    Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999: 896 acres
*    Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999: 1,296 acres
*    Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999: 1,897 acres
*    Sales Class $1,000,000 or more: 2,656 acres



INSTALLATION CEREMONY FOR CHANCELLOR GREEN IS APRIL 6

      Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to join in the official installation of Ronnie D. Green as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 20th chancellor at a special April 6 ceremony at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

      The event will begin at 11 a.m. and will celebrate the university’s historical achievements as a global higher education leader, as well as highlight Nebraska’s charge to lead with distinction as an engaged 21st-century flagship, land-grant institution in the coming era.

      April 6 is the one-year anniversary of Green’s selection as the university’s top leader.
      The chancellor's installation is a celebratory tradition that officially marks the start of a new chancellorship at Nebraska. Typically held during the chancellor’s first year in office, the event provides an opportunity to welcome a new chapter in the institution’s history and to celebrate as a community.

      The installation will involve a processional, faculty garbed in academic regalia and the investiture of the official powers and responsibilities of the office to Green by University of Nebraska system President Hank Bounds and Board of Regents Chairman Bob Whitehouse. Dignitaries attending will include those from across the university, higher education and around the United States, as well as international partners, private industry and business leaders, and leaders in state and federal government.

      For more information on the event, go to http://go.unl.edu/installation.

      Green said the April 6 event will also take on an interactive and entertaining format to encourage audience engagement. Invitations were being sent this week to the university community; to RSVP go to http://www.unl.edu/chancellor/cigreen-rsvp.

      The installation will be live-streamed at http://unl.edu. A reception at the Sheldon Museum of Art will follow the ceremony.

      Prior to being named chancellor, Green was for six years the Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Nebraska. In that role, he was also the vice president for agriculture and natural resources of the university system. In 2015, Green also was Nebraska's senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, the institution’s chief academic officer.

      He was raised on a mixed beef, dairy, and cropping farm in southwestern Virginia. He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in animal science from Virginia Tech and Colorado State University, respectively. His doctoral program was completed jointly at Nebraska and the USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.

      Green has been a member of animal-science faculties of Texas Tech University and Colorado State University, and as the national program leader for animal production research for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and executive secretary of the White House’s interagency working group on animal genomics within the National Science and Technology Council. In that role he was one of the principal leaders in the international bovine, porcine and ovine genome sequencing projects. Prior to returning to Nebraska, Green was senior global director of technical services for Pfizer Animal Health’s animal genomics business. He is widely published in the field of animal breeding and genetics and is considered an international leader in the application of genetics to beef production systems.

    He was named a fellow of American Society of Animal Science in 2014 and, in 2015, was tapped as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society. He serves on a number of university, corporate and professional boards, including recent appointment to the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities board of directors as the chair of APLU’s Commission on Food, Environment, and Renewable Resources.



NEW STUDY DETAILS RETAIL TRENDS ACROSS NEBRASKA

Nebraska's retail activity is shifting toward urban centers, according to a new study conducted by the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The study found that population is the largest factor affecting retail activity.

"Retailing is an important sector of the state's economy and is watched as an indicator of overall economic performance," said Bruce Johnson, professor emeritus of agricultural economics and a co-author of the study.

Total taxable sales for the state were over $23 billion in 2015.

Using data from the Nebraska Department of Revenue, the study investigates retailing activity and trends at different spatial scales from 1990 to 2015. The report contains data on taxable sales volume for every Nebraska municipality in the last quarter century.

"Rising unemployment and income stagnation, which reduced buying power and uncertainty among consumers, during the most recent recession years slowed the growth of the retail sector significantly," said Anil Giri, assistant professor of biology and agriculture at the University of Central Missouri and co-author of the study.

Despite the recession, metropolitan areas saw a slight increase in retail dollar volume between 2005 and 2010. The study also found that the higher performing retail centers across the state almost always use the local options sales tax as a means of revenue generation for the municipality.

Recession impacts did not appear to be uniform across the city size classes of Nebraska communities. The smallest class of towns of less than 500 people saw an increase in retail. This could be attributed to basic inelastic goods and services that people need regardless of the economic situation.

To view the full report, visit http://go.unl.edu/gm8o.



STATE ECONOMIC INDICATOR RISES SHARPLY

Nebraska’s economic growth will improve during the second half of 2017, according to the latest leading economic indicator report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, rose by 1.97 percent in January.

“The rapid increase in the indicator during January is a positive sign for Nebraska economic growth,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university. “Economic growth should improve in Nebraska by mid-2017.”

Businesses maintained a positive outlook during January, with respondents to the January Survey of Nebraska Business anticipating an increase in both sales and employment over the next six months.
“Business expectations have strengthened in recent months,” Thompson said.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance also fell sharply during January. The drop in initial claims, however, simply reversed a sharp increase during December.

The value of the dollar was little changed during January.

“A stable U.S. dollar is good news for Nebraska exporters, especially after rapid increases in the dollar during the second half of 2016,” Thompson said.

The leading economic indicator report is produced monthly by faculty and students in the Bureau of Business Research in Nebraska’s College of Business Administration. The full report and a technical report describing the indicators are available at the Bureau of Business Research, http://bbr.unl.edu.



Sasse Warns President's Trade Council of Threat to Nebraska Corn

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, the chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance, wrote to President Trump's new National Trade Council, warning about “troubling developments that threaten U.S. corn exports to Mexico.” The full text of Senator Sasse’s letter is found below...

As the Trump Administration negotiates trade deals on behalf of the United States, it is critical that Nebraska producers are able to continue competing in world markets. I would like to call your attention to troubling developments that threaten U.S. corn exports to Mexico.

Over the last few days, Mexican officials have taken several steps to suggest Mexico may begin to import less corn from the U.S. and more from other nations. In explaining these steps, officials cite the possible re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the perception that Mexican citizens are not being respected.

Earlier this week, Mexican Senator Armando Rios Piter announced his plans to introduce legislation cutting off all U.S. corn purchases and instead purchase the commodity from Brazil and Argentina. He said, “I’m going to send a bill for the corn that we are buying in the Midwest and...change to Brazil or Argentina,” adding it would be a “good way to tell them that this hostile relationship has consequences, hope that it changes.”

Then yesterday, Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary Jose Calzada said that, in light of possible changes to NAFTA, he will lead a trip to Brazil and Argentina to purchase corn. “It's not a trip to open relationships or of goodwill, it's a trip to do deals,” noted Secretary Calzada.

In short, these steps appear to be clear pre-emptive efforts by Mexico to retaliate against the U.S. by hurting our corn exporters. I would strongly urge the administration to act immediately to prevent any lasting damage to Nebraska agriculture exports by demonstrating that Mexico will continue to be a valued trading partner and that future negotiations will be conducted in good faith. It is the job of the federal government to help open markets around the world without losing the gains we have already made.

Nebraska farmers cannot become collateral damage in a trade war. Mexico is currently one of the biggest importers of Nebraska corn. In 2014, 17 percent of Nebraska’s corn was exported to Mexico, which under NAFTA can be shipped there without any tariff or quota. It is a special point of pride for Nebraskans that our corn is in such high demand for its quality, which is all facilitated by a strong free trade agreement.

This administration should take careful steps not to threaten the gains achieved by Nebraska corn growers. This includes helping our trade partners understand the benefits of a strong relationship with the United States.

I look forward to working with you to protect and create overseas markets for U.S. agriculture.



Nebraska Cattlemen Representing at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow

Nebraska was well represented during the Cattle Industry Convention and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show held in Nashville, Tennessee. Low and behold it was a young Nebraska couple that pushed this year's attendance past the previous record. A marvelous 9,331 cattlemen and women from across the nation visited Music City last week.

"During NCBA convention various policies come out of numerous committees that Nebraska Cattlemen will be mindful of moving forward" Troy Stowater, Nebraska Cattlemen President. "Everyone has a role, from cash trade transparency to being a leader in advocacy. We all must play our part to keep the industry moving forward."

At the convention, several key beef industry leadership roles were filled by Nebraska Cattlemen members:
-    Craig Uden, Elwood, was elected to become President of NCBA
-    Mark Spurgin of Ogallala, was appointed to be the new Chairman of NCBA PAC.
-    Dawn Caldwell, Edgar, was elected to the Federation Division Vice Chair
-    Steve Hanson, Elsie, was appointed to be Federation Division Representative Operating Committee
-    Buck Wehrbein, Waterloo, was appointed to be Federation Division Representative Operating Committee

Nebraska Cattlemen members beginning their NCBA service were Dr. Dale Grotelueschen as Cattle Health & Well Being Committee Vice Chairman, Stephen Sunderman as Live Cattle Marketing Committee Vice Chairman and Scott Peterson as Tax and Credit Committee Vice Chairman.

Also, congratulations to the Nebraska cattlemen and women that received awards for their hard work and dedication to the cattle industry:
-    BQA Cow-Calf Award - Wulf Cattle, Nebraska & Minnesota
-    2016 Top Hand Club Res. Champion with 40 Members - Melody Benjamin, Nebraska Cattlemen, Lakeside
-    National Beef Ambassador - Elizabeth Loseke, Columbus

Nebraska Cattlemen is thankful for the great representation at this year's NCBA Convention. Our members are a true testament to our successful organization.  



ISU Professor Debunks Misconceptions on High Fructose Corn Syrup

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) has teamed up with Dr. Ruth MacDonald, Chair and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University in creating a video explaining the makeup of fructose and debunking the common misconceptions regarding High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). The video, located on Iowa Corn’s YouTube channel and Facebook account, uses animation to break down a complex topic for Iowans allowing them to make informed food purchasing decisions.

“Walk down any grocery store aisle and just about everything on the shelves contains corn ingredients grown right here in Iowa and as farmers, we are proud of that,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President, Larry Klever, a farmer from Audubon. “However, we think that there are a few things consumers should know about the corn we grow and how it is used. We want Iowans and all consumers to understand that there is little difference between High Fructose Corn Syrup and table sugar or any other sweetener. HFCS is made from corn, a natural grain product with no additives. By partnering with Dr. MacDonald, we are able to provide the public with accurate information in a way that resonates.”

99 percent of the corn grown in Iowa is field corn. The kernel is made up of four major components – starch, fiber, protein and oil – that can be processed in different ways to be used in all kinds of products. In fact, a typical grocery store contains 4,000 items that list corn ingredients on the label.

Corn syrup is used as a sweetener, thickening agent and as a humectant, a water-absorbing ingredient. One bushel of corn can provide 33 lbs. of sweetener. In 2015, 300 million bushels or 2.2. percent of U.S. Corn Production went to the processing of corn syrup. The rest went to feeding livestock, fueling our vehicles, for export, and for other corn processing and industrial uses.

HFCS got a bad rap in the 1980’s when two professors published an unsound study linking it to obesity. The scientists later admitted in 2004 they reached an erroneous hypothesis using flawed science. The American Medical Association has since stated there is no correlation, but the damage had been done and the myth of it being bad for you had already been spread. In 1983, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally listed high fructose corn syrup as safe for use in food and reaffirmed that decision in 1996.

 “The science is clear, you can enjoy sugar made from corn or sugar cane in moderation,” said Klever.

The versatility of corn often creates questions and at times concerns for the unknown, that is why one of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board’s top priorities is to promote corn in all forms while answering consumers’ questions and addressing their concerns. With campaigns such as Corn:It’s Everything (which discusses the importance and the many uses of corn) and Super Duper (a push to use E15 at the gas pump), we work to familiarize consumers about corn and the farmers that grow it.



Midwest Dairy Offers Scholarships, Internship in Iowa

Applications for Midwest Dairy Association Iowa Division scholarships and a summer internship with the organization are due March 17.

The organization offers 20 $1,000 scholarships to family members of dairy farmers in Iowa who fund Midwest Dairy Association, which delivers dairy promotion programs across 10 states including Iowa. The family must have an active dairy as of Jan. 1 of 2017 and reside in Iowa. The dairy farmer, his or her spouse, children or grandchildren are eligible. A winner may apply in subsequent years.

The scholarships apply to any college major or degree and the student must be full time at an accredited institution.

Midwest Dairy’s Iowa internship is awarded to a college student interested in communications, public relations, marketing, food science or agribusiness. During the summer, the student must locate near Ankeny and be available to assist with duties including Midwest Dairy’s operations at the Iowa State Fair. The intern must be a student or permanent resident in Midwest Dairy’s 10-state area.

The Iowa scholarship application can be downloaded at midwestdairy.com/for-farmers/scholarships/ and the internship details can be downloaded at midwestdairy.com/category/internship/.

Applications are to be emailed to Sue Ann Claudon at saclaudon@midwestdairy.com or mailed to 101 NE Trilein, Ankeny, Iowa, 50021 .



Costco Expansion Provides Even Greater Momentum for U.S. Beef in Korea

U.S. beef has been rapidly building momentum in South Korea, and received a further boost this week as Costco officially began converting its imported chilled beef selection from Australian beef to 100 percent U.S. product. The move follows a multi-year effort by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to persuade store managers that sales of U.S. beef – a popular item at Costco – would match or exceed Australian beef sales due to revived consumer confidence in the safety of U.S. beef.

Costco currently has 13 warehouses in Korea, with two new locations scheduled to open this year. On Feb. 13, Costco began transitioning two of those warehouses to 100 percent U.S. chilled beef. The others will be converted in May.

In total, Costco’s move represents an opportunity for about 15,000 metric tons (mt) of incremental new beef business in 2017, said Jihae Yang, USMEF director in Korea. Yang noted that the theme of U.S. beef promotions in Korea has gradually moved from food safety to consumer enjoyment and product quality.

“While USMEF still reassures Korean consumers that U.S. beef is a safe product, we are now able to focus more on the outstanding flavor of U.S. beef,” Yang said. “Tasting demonstrations at Costco and other popular stores have been very successful in getting consumers to taste U.S. beef and increase awareness of our product.”

USMEF is also providing support to Costco to ensure a smooth transition to U.S. chilled beef, helping re-acquaint customers with the full range of U.S. beef cuts.

“Korean consumers love the high quality of U.S. beef and really enjoy the flavor of our product,” added Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president for marketing. “In Korea, Costco is the gold standard when it comes to imaging food products, especially beef. USMEF, along with our partners in the U.S. beef industry, have been working hard to recapture market share in Korea. We’ve been able to do that, but mostly on the frozen side. The marquee items at Costco are the chilled beef cuts and we finally have that chilled section of the meat case back.”

U.S. beef exports to Korea totaled 179,280 mt in 2016, up 42 percent year-over-year. Export value reached $1.06 billion, up 31 percent from a year ago and breaking the previous value record (from 2014) by 25 percent. Chilled beef exports to Korea totaled 24,572 mt in 2016, up 47 percent year-over-year, valued at $216.4 million (up 43 percent).

U.S. beef captured 42 percent of Korea’s imported beef market in 2016, up from 35 percent the previous year, while Australia’s market share fell from 57 percent to 49 percent. But Yang notes there is still room for further growth, citing pre-BSE data from 2003.

“Prior to the December 2003 market closure, U.S. beef accounted for the majority of imported beef sales in Korea and 49 percent of total sales – including domestic beef,” she explained. “So while U.S. beef has made excellent progress in Korea, the market still holds strong growth opportunities.”

Korea’s per capita beef consumption set a new record in 2016 at more than 25 pounds (product weight), up about 5 percent year-over-year and increasing by one-third since 2009 – so U.S. beef is not only gaining market share, but also contributing to growth in overall consumption. Korea’s demand for imported beef remains strong, and based on customs clearance data U.S. beef topped Australian beef in Korea’s January imports, continuing a trend that began late last year.

“Regaining Costco’s chilled beef business is a milestone on several fronts,” says Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia Pacific region. “Not only will U.S. sales soar at this iconic beef retailer, but Costco’s beef merchandising decisions are a bellwether for overall Korean consumer sentiment toward U.S. beef.”



Fischer Statement on Confirmation of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, made the following statement after the Senate confirmed Scott Pruitt to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

“Mr. Pruitt can now begin the process of running an EPA focused on enforcing our laws rather than unilaterally making new ones. I’m hopeful that, under Mr. Pruitt’s leadership, the EPA will leave behind the unprecedented regulatory overreach of the past eight years. I look forward to working with Administrator Pruitt to protect our environment and unravel the reams of federal red tape that have made life harder for Nebraska families.”



 Statement by Steve Nelson, President, Supports Scott Pruitt Confirmation to Lead the EPA

“We were very pleased to see the Senate finally confirm Scott Pruitt as the new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our thanks go out to Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse for supporting Mr. Pruitt's nomination, as well.”

“Now, the hard work begins. Mr. Pruitt will now take on the enormous task of truly reforming a federal agency which has spent the past eight years waging war on our nation's farm and ranch families. From the obviously harmful Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) and greenhouse gas regulations to the lesser known changes made to oil spill and irrigation motor regulations, it is our hope that Mr. Pruitt will not only repeal many of these economically harmful regulations, but also work to ensure the EPA's culture of regulatory expansion is permanently changed.”



Pruitt Will Restore Common Sense, Regulatory Sanity To EPA

Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Scott Pruitt to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) –

“For far too long, the EPA has been a runaway bureaucracy largely out of touch with how its policies directly affect folks like cattle ranchers, who use – and responsibly care for – the environment while providing the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. Scott Pruitt will restore some common sense to environmental policy and we look forward to working with him on restoring regulatory sanity to Washington, such as by killing the onerous ‘waters of the United States’ rule.”



Statement of NPPC President John Weber on Confirmation of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator

“NPPC congratulates Scott Pruitt on his confirmation as EPA administrator. He’s a champion for American agriculture who relies on science and supports the rule of law in advancing common sense regulations that will protect our environment without overburdening farmers.

“As Oklahoma attorney general, he struck a balance between protecting the environment and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and business owners. Everyone, particularly farmers, wants to have clean air and water and to preserve and protect our natural resources. But you don’t achieve those goals by piling regulations on the very people who are the stewards of the land, air and water. Scott Pruitt understands that, and that will serve him well as EPA administrator.”



Farm Bureau Hails Pruitt Confirmation
Zippy Duvall, president, American Farm Bureau Federation

“Scott Pruitt’s confirmation to lead the Environmental Protection Agency will bring a breath of fresh air to the post. America’s farmers and ranchers look forward to working with Administrator Pruitt as he leads the EPA with a welcome level of common sense in the important job of protecting the environment.

“For too long, farmers and ranchers have been victims of EPA’s harsh regulatory overreach. Farmers are conservationists to the core and we want to play a positive, cooperative role in protecting the environment we rely on to produce food for this nation.

“In his position as attorney general in Oklahoma, Pruitt stood up for common-sense, effective regulation that protects the environment and the rights of the regulated community. We’re optimistic that he will retain those same values as administrator and we look forward to working with him. But what we truly look forward to is working with someone at EPA who understands how farmers and ranchers care for our nation’s natural resources each and every day.”



ACE congratulates Scott Pruitt on confirmation as EPA chief

Brian Jennings, the Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
 
“We congratulate Mr. Pruitt on his confirmation and are eager to work with him to help EPA keep the promises that President Trump made about ethanol during the campaign.   EPA and oil company restrictions on the use of higher ethanol blends the last few years have created surplus stocks of corn and put pressure on prices and rural economies. According to USDA, net farm income has dropped from $123.7 billion in 2013 to $66.9 billion in 2016 — a decrease of 46 percent.   From 2015 to 2016 alone, net farm income dropped 17.2 percent.   It is imperative that Administrator Pruitt work to help ensure the successful implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard to drive the use of higher ethanol blends, to maintain the RFS point-of-obligation with refiners and importers, and to lift unnecessary restrictions on ethanol use such as the Reid vapor pressure limit.   Taking these steps will prevent further harm to rural economies in key states that supported President Trump because of his promises to create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy.”



Growth Energy Congratulates Scott Pruitt on Confirmation as EPA Administrator

Today, former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt was confirmed as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In response to Mr. Pruitt’s confirmation, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, issued the following statement:

“We congratulate Mr. Pruitt on his confirmation as Administrator of the EPA. We look forward to working with him to carry out President Trump’s strong commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard and the issues crucial to the success of the American ethanol industry.

“America’s ethanol producers and supporters were instrumental in helping bring President Trump into the White House and are counting on his leadership to protect home-grown domestic energy security. We are confident that Administrator Pruitt and his team recognize the important role the ethanol industry plays in supporting American jobs, fostering a vibrant rural economy, and giving American consumers access to 21st century fuels for their 21st century vehicles.”



NSP Welcomes New EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt

National Sorghum Producers is excited to work with Scott Pruitt who was confirmed today as the new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency.

“National Sorghum Producers congratulates Scott Pruitt on his new position with the EPA,” said Tim Lust, National Sorghum Producers CEO. “We look forward to working with Pruitt on current and future regulations that affect sorghum farmers and our industry nationwide.”

Pruitt has been the Attorney General of Oklahoma since November 2010. As administrator for the EPA, Pruitt will oversee all environmental regulations and programs that protect the environment and human health. NSP will work closely with Pruitt and the EPA on regulations such as fuel pathways, pesticide regulations and registrations, and the Waters of the U.S. rule.



Grain Barge Movements Stable Despite Severe Weather

Despite multiple tornados hitting southern Louisiana last week, two of the grain barge movement indicators indicate the grain barge shipments in the lower Mississippi and the Gulf were stable.

The number of barges moving down the Mississippi River generally increase in summer and peak in early December, then decline in the winter and early spring.

For the week ending February 11, the number of down-bound barges (416) followed a declining trend, but were still 25 percent higher than the 3-year average for February.

The number of barges unloaded in the New Orleans port region usually increases in July and peaks in November/December, then declines afterwards until April/May.

Last week, there were 941 grain barges unloaded, which was slightly lower than the week before, but still 36 percent higher than the 3-year average.