Wednesday February 22 Ag News

Nebraska Farm Bureau Celebrates Its Centennial; 100 Years of Representing Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural dignitaries from across the state will help honor the 100th anniversary of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation (NFBF) in a year-long celebration. A new centennial web page is launched and Governor Pete Ricketts issued a proclamation to recognize Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 100 years and its ability to unite thousands of Nebraska farm and ranch families under a common banner—doing together what they can’t do alone.

“100 years of engagement, 100 years of passion for Nebraska agriculture, and 100 years of representing Nebraska farmers and ranchers, the very people who grow our food, fuel, and fiber. It is not very often that an organization can say they have reached this milestone. I am very excited about our yearlong centennial celebration,” said Steve Nelson, NFBF president Feb. 14.

As part of honoring the past, renowned Nebraska sculptor Sondra L. Johnson, of Cambridge, will create a cast bronze bas-relief sculpture to mark the centennial. The sculpture, in the shape of the State of Nebraska, includes the many landscapes and crops found across the state. Looking to the future, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation announced the Cornerstone Campaign. “Celebrating Our Past, Building Our Future” is the theme of the fundraising campaign to provide a financial foundation for its programs that promote an understanding of and appreciation for Nebraska agriculture.

“Through our new Foundation, we will equip the next generation of Nebraskans for careers, leadership positions, and consumer roles that intersect with agriculture,” said Nelson. “Foundation programs such as Agriculture in the Classroom, student scholarships, and leadership development are an investment in the continued success of agriculture and all of Nebraska.”

The cast bronze centennial sculpture and corresponding Cornerstone Campaign donor recognition wall will be installed at the Nebraska Farm Bureau state office in Lincoln. An unveiling is planned for March 30, 2017.

Throughout this centennial year, Nebraska Farm Bureau will hold other statewide events including events for members in Western Nebraska, to be held in Scottsbluff June 8, Northeast Nebraska in Norfolk Aug. 8, and a tailgate will be held prior to the Sept. 22, Nebraska Husker football game against Rutgers in Lincoln. You can find out more about the celebration at our website www.nefb.org/centennial.

“As part of our centennial, Nebraska Farm Bureau continues to look ahead to the next century of possibilities, especially for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Helping them get excited about agriculture and Nebraska Farm Bureau is vital to strengthening the future of our organization and Nebraska agriculture,” Nelson said.



HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS: APPLY NOW TO ATTEND NAYI 2017

The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) brings together high school juniors and seniors from around the state to explore the ag industry, discover potential ag-related careers and strengthen their appreciation for agriculture. Applications for this year’s NAYI are now available from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending this summer’s program in Lincoln have until April 15th to apply.

“Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry with an abundance of potential for future career opportunities,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “NAYI provides students time to network with current and future ag leaders, learn more about the agricultural industry and discover the many agricultural career paths available to them in the future.”

NAYI is a five-day summer program for current high school juniors and seniors. The Institute will be held July 10-14, 2017, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussion on agricultural issues and opportunities, a computer-simulated farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation and a street dance. Celebrating 46 years this year, NAYI is the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth. 

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interest and involvement in agriculture. Applications are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi or by contacting the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-6859.

“It’s remarkable to think of the impact this program has had on the Nebraska agriculture community,” Ibach said. “NAYI is what the future of our industry looks like. If you know a current high school junior or senior interested in agriculture, encourage him or her to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline. ”



RISK OF ALFALFA WINTER INJURY
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               I’m worried.  I’m worried that winter will return.  And when that happens, what will it do to our alfalfa fields?

               Alfalfa usually is a dependable crop.  It seems to come back year after year.  After the nice winters.  After the cold winters.  And even after the ugly winters.  But what about this winter.

               I’m not very good at predictions.  So I’m not going to tell you that your alfalfa will be fine this spring nor will I predict that it winterkilled.  But I will suggest that you check it extra closely this spring to judge how well it made it through this winter.

               The recent long spell of daytime temperatures in the 50s, 60s, and even some 70s probably awakened at least some alfalfa plants from winter dormancy.  When alfalfa plants break winter dormancy they use nutrients stored in their roots and crown and start to grow as if spring has arrived.  A return to average winter temperatures forces these plants back into dormancy.  Another streak of warm weather could break dormancy again, using more nutrient reserves.  If this is followed by more cold weather, eventually the alfalfa plants will exhaust their reserves and be unable to start spring growth when spring truly does return.

               Another potential problem in other areas has been snow followed by melting followed by freezing.  Prolonged or repeated formation of ice at or on the soil surface can prevent the exchange of gases between the air and the soil.  As alfalfa roots respire during winter they produce some gases that can become toxic to alfalfa plants if too concentrated.  The roots also need some oxygen to respire and remain healthy.  So ice can cause plants to essentially suffocate.

               It’s impossible to predict if alfalfa will be hurt this winter.  Since weather conditions have been risky, be ready to check your fields and make any necessary adjustments early.



Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman will Screen at Commodity Classic

Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman, fresh from its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival, will preview at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas before it airs worldwide on Discovery Channel in August. The Discovery Impact film weaves together the stories of a Montana rancher, two Kansas farmers and a handful of Gulf fishermen who feed the world while stewarding the land and water they work. Based on a book by the same name, the documentary is a tribute to the unsung conservation heroes of America’s heartland.

“The men and women profiled in the book and film work tirelessly to protect America’s natural resources, make their operations more productive and resilient and leave a legacy for their children. They don’t receive much credit for their conservation achievements, and we’re trying to change that,” said Miriam Horn of Environmental Defense Fund.

Horn authored Rancher, Farmer Fisherman: Conservation Heroes of the American Heartland, on which the film is based. NCGA and EDF will host an audience Q&A with Horn after the screening.

“Most farmers I know have spent a lifetime trying to do a better job of protecting the soil and water resources on their farms.  This love of the land and how to grow crops more sustainably is passed down in many cases for four generations or more,” said Brent Hostetler, National Corn Growers Association’s Sustainability Action Team chairman and a farmer from Plain City, Ohio.  “This project opens public dialogue to challenge traditional notions and show how modern farming and environmentalism can go hand in hand.”

The screening and audience discussion will be held in the Lila Cockrell Theatre during Commodity Classic’s Closing Learning Center Session on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 1:30–3:30 pm CDT. Anyone with a Commodity Classic badge may attend.



Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continued to increase the third week of February 2017, according to retail data tracked by DTN. This marks the fourth week in a row prices have moved higher.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier with four higher by a considerable amount.  UAN28 was 8% higher compared to last month while UAN32 was 7% more expensive, urea was 6% higher and anhydrous up 5%. UAN28 had an average price of $240/ton, UAN32 $276/ton, urea $357/ton and anhydrous $491/ton.  Three fertilizers were slightly higher than the previous month. MAP had an average price of $450/ton, potash $332/ton and 10-34-0 $440/ton.

DAP prices actually fell slightly for the month, with an average price of $432/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are lower compared to a year earlier. Five of the eight major fertilizer are double digits lower.  10-34-0 is 23% lower from a year ago while potash is 12% less expensive and anhydrous is 11% lower. Both DAP and MAP are 10% less expensive compared to year earlier.  UAN32 is now 9% lower, UAN28 is now 8% less expensive and urea is 3% lower compared to last year.



National Coalition Advocates for Investment in Rural Infrastructure

More than two hundred organizations from across the country wrote to President Donald J. Trump today encouraging him to prioritize rebuilding infrastructure in rural America.

“American agriculture truly feeds the world and creates millions of jobs for U.S. workers. Our nation’s ability to produce food and fiber and transport it efficiently across the globe is a critical factor in U.S. competitiveness internationally. Infrastructure that supports rural communities and links them to global markets has helped make the U.S. the unquestioned leader in agricultural production. Our deteriorating infrastructure threatens that leadership position,” the letter states.

The coalition went on to highlight the unique infrastructure needs in rural communities where populations are less dense and distance between communities creates challenges, calling on Trump to “provide leadership to ensure that rural America’s needs are addressed."

While a stronger transportation infrastructure will help American agriculture compete in an increasingly crowded global marketplace, the other infrastructure needs of rural communities differ from urban areas. The letter highlights the “critical needs” that “exist in providing clean water for rural families, expanding broadband to connect rural communities to the outside world, and enhancing the ability to supply affordable, reliable and secure power for the rural economy.”

The #RebuildRural organizations that signed the letter represent U.S. agricultural producers, rural businesses, rural communities and rural families.



Trump Reiterates Support for Renewable Fuels

In a letter sent Monday to National Ethanol Conference attendees, President Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"Rest assured that your president and this administration values the importance of renewable fuels to America's economy and to our energy independence. As I emphasized throughout my campaign, renewable fuels are essential to America's energy strategy," Trump wrote.

"As important as ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard are to rural economies, I also know that your industry has suffered from overzealous, job-killing regulation. I am committed to reducing the regulatory burden on all businesses, and my team... [will] identify and reform those regulations that impede growth, increase consumer costs, and eliminate good-paying jobs without providing sufficient environmental or public health benefit," Trump added.

"Thank you to President Trump for reaffirming your support for ethanol and the RFS," said NCGA President Wesley Spurlock. "President Trump understands that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a critical economic driver for rural America. We look forward to working with him and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to maintain a strong RFS and promote American-grown, renewable ethanol."



New Economic Analysis Exposes Problems with Changing the Renewable Fuel Standard Point of Obligation

Growth Energy today released an expert economic analysis that identifies numerous problems associated with changing the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) point of obligation. Growth Energy strongly supports EPA’s proposed denial to move the point of obligation.

“Changing the point of obligation would have a disastrous impact on the industry, retailers, and consumers,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said.

“Shifting the financial and administrative burden to retailers and fuel distributors would result in a logistical and regulatory nightmare. Hundreds – if not thousands – of new parties would suddenly be required to demonstrate compliance. This would require new rules, new staff, new infrastructure, and years of recalibrating a program that already works, not to mention potential delays with annual renewable volume obligations (RVO)s. Changing the point of obligation would dramatically expand the number of new obligated parties including fuel marketers, convenience stores, truck stops, trucking companies, railroads, and even consumer service companies like FedEx and UPS.”

The analysis, conducted by Edgeworth Economics, is part of the association’s detailed comments, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which were filed today. Growth Energy’s comments and the analysis detail how a shift in point of obligation would be detrimental to growing the renewable fuels marketplace and would ultimately undermine an energy policy that has cut oil imports and reduced transportation-related emissions. A change to the point of obligation would limit consumer fueling options and would increase costs for consumers by stifling competition among market participants.

The analysis’ key findings include the following:
·         Shifting the point of obligation would have no impact on the incentives to invest in biofuel infrastructure or increase blending of renewable fuels.
·         Renewable Identification Number (RIN) values represent neither windfalls for blenders nor out-of-pocket costs for refiners.
·         RIN markets are, for the most part, operating efficiently and competitively; moreover, a change in the point of obligation would have no beneficial impact on those conditions.
·         Changing the point of obligation would have no impact on fraud in the RIN markets.
·         The petitioners’ proposal would result in an increase in the number of obligated parties and an increase in the overall administrative burden of the RFS.

“The RFS point of obligation must be preserved to ensure that fuel retailers continue to have the incentive to make the investments necessary to deliver renewable fuels that provide consumers with better, cleaner, and more affordable choices at the pump,” Skor added.



Smithfield Foods Introduces Pure Farms™ Antibiotic-Free Product Line

Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced the launch of an antibiotic-free line of fresh pork products under its Pure Farms™ brand. The Pure Farms™ product line meets the highest level of USDA standards with minimal processing and no antibiotics, steroids, hormones or artificial ingredients. The full line of products will be available in fresh pork cuts, ham cuts and packaged pork cuts such as breakfast sausage and bacon in both retail stores and food service beginning this month.

"The Pure Farms™ brand is ideal for families looking to enjoy the highest quality, antibiotic-free pork," said Ken Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. "We're proud to provide our customers and consumers with a broader range of products to meet a variety of needs and preferences, including antibiotic-free."

As the only company in the industry to report antibiotics usage since 2007, this new product line further affirms Smithfield's continued leadership of practices that uphold highest standards of transparency and strengthen consumer trust. Smithfield also recently refined its definition of ‘prevention' as related to antibiotics use in farm animals, providing a practical explanation to consumers and customers that offers greater clarity. These efforts are driven by an internal antibiotics task force, which supports Smithfield's commitment to industry-leading antibiotics initiatives.

"This new line from Pure Farms™ reflects Smithfield's continued commitment to meeting the needs of all consumers with good food that is made the right way," said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "This commitment led to the creation of this new line and other bold steps we continue to take to ensure our products exceed our customers' and consumers' expectations."