Friday June 9 Ag News

Central Valley Ag, Farmway announce merger

Farmway Co-op, Inc. (Farmway) membership votes to approve unification with Central Valley Ag (CVA). After a series of 13 informational voting sessions, accounting firm K-COE ISOM certified the owners of Farmway approved the merger with CVA by a super majority of 91%. The unified cooperative will retain the Central Valley Ag name and be headquartered in York, Neb. with Carl Dickinson serving as President/CEO.

“We are pleased that Farmway members have voted to unify CVA and Farmway. Both Boards felt strongly that unification would bring additional value to the members of both cooperatives and the results of the Farmway vote reaffirms this,” said Dave Beckman, CVA Board Chairman. “Central Valley Ag cooperative has a proud history on which the foundation has been laid for building a promising future of service to its members in agriculture.”

Initial merger discussions between the cooperatives began in January 2017, with the respective boards meeting in April to unanimously approve an Agreement and Plan of Merger. Farmway voting members received ballots at informational voting sessions throughout May and June with the final tally of votes completed June 8.

 “We are confident that together, we will become an even stronger cooperative for our member-owners with the ability to maintain local farmer-ownership for generations to come,” said Tim Porter, Farmway Board Chairman. “On behalf of our boards, management and employees, we appreciate each and every member who cast a ballot which made today’s announcement possible.”

Farmway and CVA will officially unite into one cooperative September 1, 2017. The new Central Valley Ag will consist of locations across Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas with more than 800 employees dedicated to serving its producer-owners. The cooperative offers a wide range of products, services, information and innovation through its agronomy, energy, feed and grain divisions to meet the needs of agricultural producers across the region.

To learn more, visit cvacoop.com or farmwaycoop.com.



Nebraska Cattlemen Members Gather to Discuss Key Issues at 2017 Midyear Meetings

Great weather brought excellent attendance this year at the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) annual Midyear Meeting held June 6 - 7 in Wayne and West Point, Nebraska.

The week kicked off Tuesday, June 6,in Wayne where the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors received a report from its Building Task Force. After a discussion about the proposed building project, the NC Board voted to proceed with purchasing land and building an office near Interstate 80 in northwest Lincoln. "We appreciate the work the Task Force members have done to thoroughly explore several options during the past two years," NC President Troy Stowater said.  "We have been saving for this opportunity and are looking forward to investing in a facility members can be proud to call the Lincoln headquarters for Nebraska Cattlemen."

The Task Force and Board will continue to refine plans and have set a goal to complete the office building by August 2018, concurrent with the end of the existing office lease. The remainder of the day was filled with activities including a golf tournament and an area tour, ending with a steak dinner and live music at the Wayne County fairgrounds.

The Nebraska Cattlemen membership gathered on Wednesday, June 7, in West Point for policy meetings, and numerous important topics were discussed. Two topics seemed to generate the most attention: the recently filed lawsuit regarding Nebraska brand statutes and the continued burden of property taxes on members.

The NC Board has been and will continue to be fully engaged in the brand policy process with its members, the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC), the Nebraska Legislature and other associations in finding solutions for all beef producers.

NC policy supports brand recording, inspection and investigation, as well as modernization of the registered feedyard program.  Clear evidence of NC's commitment to the strength and stability of the NBC was never more evident than during the just concluded 105th Legislature, 1st Session.  The Appropriations Committee attempted to sweep $500,000 from NBC funds due to the state budget shortfall.  NC members and staff worked with state senators to restore all the funds, maintaining NBC financial stability as it works to be more efficient in the near future.

NC has recognized, since the merger of the Nebraska Stock Growers and Nebraska Livestock Feeders, the brand issue is a passionate one to many within its membership.  Respect has been maintained through numerous policy debates and the Association has worked vigorously in finding solutions surrounding this complex issue.  "We are committed to the policy process and the strength of the entire membership especially during this time of legal challenge to the state's brand statutes," stated NC Brand and Property Rights Committee Chairman, Terry Cone.

With regard to property taxes, Nebraska Cattlemen members received an update on the 2017 legislative session.  Since adjournment of the session, there has been talk of a proposal to put a question on the 2018 ballot for voters statewide to weigh in on property tax relief.  Secretary of State John Gale addressed the NC Taxation committee on the mechanics of the ballot process and discussed the various steps and criteria that must be met for a question to qualify and be approved for the ballot.  Nebraska Cattlemen has robust policy on tax relief and reform, and will remain actively engaged in discussions during the interim period leading up to the 2018 legislative session and elections.

Repeal of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate is also a top federal priority for Nebraska Cattlemen members.  An ELD synchronizes with a vehicle engine to automatically record driving time.  Absent a delay, the U.S. Department of Transportation will require all motor carriers to install and use an ELD no later than December 18, 2017.  The ELD mandate and existing hours of service regulations pose significant consequences for the livestock industry.  Nebraska Cattlemen recently adopted policy opposing the mandate and is working on a permanent fix at the federal level.

It was a busy week of discussion for Nebraska Cattlemen members and the association will continue striving to support its members across the state.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Recognizes Retail Value Steer Challenge Winners  

The annual Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) Retail Value Steer Challenge (RVSC) winners were honored at the NC Foundation lunch on June 7 during the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) Midyear Meeting in West Point.

The RVSC is the primary fundraiser for NC Foundation with money raised supporting youth & adult educational programs, scholarships, research & infrastructure projects, history preservation and judging teams at colleges in Nebraska.

Three winners of each of the three categories were awarded for their steer's performance in the 18th annual Retail Value Steer Challenge. First place in the Average Daily Gain category was awarded to the steer owned by TC Ranch of Franklin. Second place went to Briggs Feedyard of Seward and third place was awarded to Ron & Nancy Kvols of Wisner. Herb Albers Feedlot of Wisner owned the steer that won the Carcass Value category with Nutrient Advisors of West Point receiving second with their steer. A steer owned by Homer & Darla Buell of Bassett and Dave & Carol McCracken of Friend received the third place honors. First place in the Total Value Category was a steer owned by Todd & Holly Schroeder of Wisner. Second place went to the steer owned by Loseke Feedlot of Columbus and Folken Feedyard of Leigh and third place went to High Plains Feed Yard of Mitchell.

The NC Foundation would like to recognize the support of Darr Feedlot, Cozad, for administration and feeding of the steers that were entered into this year's challenge. In addition, the Foundation appreciates the following sponsors for their support of the Retail Value Steer Challenge:Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Bill's Volume Sales, Inc., Elanco Animal Health and Zinpro Performance Minerals.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce it has awarded $51,000 in scholarships to students furthering their education goals in the 2017-2018 academic year.

"The Foundation strongly believes in the importance of a sound education for tomorrow's industry leaders," says Jeff Heldt, president of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. "Due to the generosity of many donors and participants in the Retail Value Steer Challenge, we are able to award theses scholarships to these outstanding students."

David Schuler of Bridgeport was the recipient of the 2017 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship. This $10,000 scholarship was established in 2014 to support outstanding junior, senior or graduate level Nebraska resident students enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry related degree. Schuler will be a senior this fall at the University of Nebraska pursuing an Animal Science degree, with an Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship minor.

In addition to the Beef State Scholarship, the Foundation awarded 37 additional scholarships to the following students:
    Jayde Atkins, Broken Bow - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    McKenzie Beals, Friend - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship
    Heather Bentley, Miller - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Michael Borgelt, Wisner - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Krista Carter, Alliance - $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship
    Corey Conway, Campbell - $1,200 Bill Heller Memorial Scholarship
    Alexis Corman, Bridgeport - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Emily Critser, Bellwood - $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management Scholarship
    Michaela Cunningham, Fullerton - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Cassidy Curtis, Royal - $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship
    Lane Egger, Columbus - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Hannah Esch, Unadilla - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship
    Collin Freeman, Pierce - $1,200 Clarence & Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship
    Austin Freeman, Pierce - $1,200 Colonel Melvin Huss Scholarship
    Emily Frenzen, Fullerton - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Cooper Grabenstein, Smithfield - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship
    Karnee Hatch, Maxwell - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Megan Homolka, Swanton - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship
    Marissa Kegley, Kearney - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship
    Eric Klitz, West Point - $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship
    Morgan Leefers, Otoe - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Jason Line, Miller - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Erika Loseke, Columbus - $1,200 Colonel Melvin Huss Scholarship
    Krista Ott, Wisner - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Jesse Paxton, Stapleton - $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship
    John Radil, Comstock - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Brittany Reynolds, Ansley - $1,000 West Central Affiliate Scholarship
    Jessica Rudolph, Gothenburg - $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship
    Mathias, Schulte, Kearney - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Hannah Settje, Raymond - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Miles Stagemeyer, Page - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship
    Collin Thompson, Eustis - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
    Leah Treffer, Cozad - $1,200 Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship
    Emilye Vales, DeWitt - $1,200 Jim & Helen Gran Scholarship
    Lydia Vinton, Whitman - $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship
    Andrea Wach, Wauneta - $1,200 Bill Pullen Scholarship
    Sage Williams, Eddyville - 1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

All scholarship recipients were recognized at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in West Point, Wednesday, June 7, during the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch.



LONG-TERM FORECAST: WEAK FARM INCOME TO LIMIT STATE’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

Weak farm income will continue to hamper Nebraska’s economic growth during the next three years, according to the latest long-term forecast produced by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bureau of Business Research and the Nebraska Business Forecast Council.

“Farm incomes have been driven down over the last four years and are expected to bottom out in 2017,” said Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research, an applied economic and business research entity of the College of Business at Nebraska. “Weakness in its largest sector will cap growth in the Nebraska economy, despite strong performances in select sectors like construction and business services.”

The updated forecast, which covers 2017 through 2019, was released June 9.

Nebraska’s net farm income is projected to decline by nearly 16 percent for 2017, to $3.7 billion, as federal support for agriculture continues to decline and as yields normalize following a strong 2016 harvest. It would be the fourth straight year of declining farm income and would equal about half of the nearly $7.5 billion Nebraska farmers realized in 2011’s record-high year.

Still, the forecasters say agriculture should hit bottom in 2017 and begin trending upward in 2018 and 2019. Better-than-expected grain yields in 2016 softened the impact of sinking crop and cattle prices. Farm income decreased by 9.2 percent in 2016, compared to previous predictions of a 17 percent decline for the year.

Farm income is projected to rise nearly 4 percent in 2018 and more than 7 percent in 2019 mostly as a result of improved productivity. The forecasters say they don’t expect a rebound in crop prices.

The outlook for farm income contrasts with the good news that non-farm income is expected to grow by an annual average of about 4 percent during the next three years – exceeding both population growth and inflation. Job growth will hover around 1 percent a year.

Other highlights from the forecast:
> Fueled by an expanding service sector, new roads and new homes, construction will be Nebraska’s fastest-growing job sector, projected to add 4,500 jobs, a nearly 9 percent increase, by the end of 2019.

> The services industry will be another fast-growing part of the economy. Thanks to population and income growth and an aging population, health-care employment is expected to increase by 1.2 to 1.4 percent per year. Expansion also is anticipated for professional and business services and the hospitality sector. Forecasters project an additional 19,000 jobs in the services sector by the end of 2019, an average annual increase of 1.6 to 1.7 percent per year.

> Manufacturing will be challenged by shortages of skilled workers and declining farm income. Jobs in durable goods manufacturing will decrease in 2017 as farmers continue to limit purchases of new machinery and equipment. However, a new chicken processing plant under development near Fremont will help add more manufacturing jobs in non-durable goods in 2019.

> A shortage of long-haul truck drivers and railroads’ declining coal business will prevent significant growth in transportation jobs. After a decline in job numbers in 2016, the sector is projected to add only about 500 jobs as of 2019 – annual growth of about 0.5 percent.

> Although net taxable sales are projected to grow by more than $3 billion over the next three years, relatively few new retail jobs will be added. That’s because of rapidly growing online sales and increasing automation in the retail labor force. The sector is projected to add 2,100 more jobs through 2019, an annual increase of less than 1 percent.

> New investments in high-speed internet are a source of new jobs in the information sector. But increasing automation in areas like publishing, broadcast media, data processing, website design and telecommunications has slowed sector job growth. Only about 300 jobs are projected to be added to the information sector through 2019 – average annual growth of less than 0.5 percent.

> Financial services employment is projected to add as many as 2,100 jobs by the end of 2019, with annual growth of 1 percent in 2017 and 2018 and 0.8 percent growth in 2019.

> Government jobs are expected to grow slowly during the next several years as state and local governments wrestle with budget deficits.

The Business in Nebraska forecast, which is updated every six months, is prepared in consultation with the Nebraska Business Forecast Council. Along with Thompson, the council is comprised of John Austin and David Rosenbaum of the Bureau of Business Research; David Dearmont of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; Phil Baker of the Nebraska Department of Labor; Ken Lemke and Scott Loseke of the Nebraska Public Power District; and Brad Lubben of the university's Department of Agricultural Economics.

The complete Business in Nebraska economic forecast, including information about a noon June 9 webinar discussing it, is available at the Bureau of Business Research, http://bbr.unl.edu.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on June 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2017 winter wheat crop is forecast at 46.5 million bushels, down 34 percent from last year's crop, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 46 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year.  Acreage to be harvested for grain is estimated at 1.01 million acres, down 300 thousand acres from last year. This would be 91 percent of the planted acres, compared with last year's 96 percent harvested.

U.S.  Winter Wheat Production Up Less Than 1 Percent from May
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.25 billion bushels, up less than 1 percent from the May 1 forecast but down 25 percent from 2016. Based on June 1 conditions, the United States yield is forecast at 48.9 bushels per acre, up 0.1 bushel from last month, but down 6.4 bushels from last year. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record for the United States, behind only 2016.

Hard Red Winter production, at 743 million bushels, is up 1 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 298 million bushels, is up 1 percent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 209 million bushels, is down 2 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 17.5 million bushels are Hard White and 191 million bushels are Soft White.



EXTENSION TO HOST WEED MANAGEMENT, COVER CROPS FIELD DAY

Growers, crop consultants and educators are encouraged to attend Nebraska Extension's Weed Management and Cover Crops Field Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 at the South Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center.

The field day will include demonstrations of of herbicides for weed control in corn, popcorn and soybean as well as a view of ongoing cover crop research. An early morning demonstration will focus on weed control in soybeans followed by a demonstration of projects for weed control in corn, popcorn and sorghum. Onsite demonstration of cover crop research will highlight the afternoon session.

"A number of projects will be demonstrated during the field day, including weed control in Xtend soybean and Balance Bean,” said extension weed management specialist Amit Jhala. “New this year for participants to learn about are research projects aimed at incorporating cover crops into corn and soybean cropping systems.”

Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units are available.  There is no cost to attend the field day, but participants are asked to register at http://agronomy.unl.edu/fieldday.  The South Central Agricultural Laboratory is 4.5 miles west of the intersection of Highways 14 and 6, or 12.4 miles east of Hastings on Highway 6. GPS coordinates of the field day site is 40.57539, -98.13776.



Siouxland Energy Makes Strides in Cellulosic Ethanol Production

Growth Energy plant member Siouxland Energy has taken a key first step in producing second generation biofuels at its plant in Sioux Center, Iowa, receiving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval on its registration to produce cellulosic ethanol. Siouxland Energy will use pathway technology from Edeniq, a Growth Energy associate member, to produce cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber as opposed to the corn kernel.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor praised Siouxland Energy’s decision.

“This is an example of the innovative initiative that Growth Energy is so proud to have in our membership,” Skor said.

“Siouxland Energy is a 60 million gallon per year plant in Iowa that was looking to expand into the cellulosic space. So, they went out, linked up with Edeniq, and made it happen. Now they’re going to be making cellulosic ethanol in addition to the cleaner burning, high-octane fuel they’re already producing. This is a shining example of the inextricable link between first and second generation biofuels. It is critically important that we have sound policies in place, like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), that provide the certainty needed for plants like Siouxland Energy to invest in cellulosic technology. Ethanol today reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent, and as technology advances, those reductions will grow. I am energized every day by what the future holds for this industry.”

Tom Miller, commodity manager at Siouxland Energy, spoke about the transformative significance of the facility’s new forward-looking program.

“We have been looking for a way to add some more value to the plant,” Miller said.

“We found Edeniq and found that they were doing cellulosic out of corn fiber, so that’s how we started the process. We applied with EPA, got approval, and it looks like it’s going to add a good amount of net income to the plant. But not only that, it makes us a greener plant, which is important to us, and could add even more value through California gallons down the road.”



USDA’S MAP & FMD FUNDING FUNDAMENTAL TO U.S. CORN EXPORTS & MUST NOT BE CUT
STATEMENT FROM IOWA CORN GROWERS ASSOC. VICE PRESIDENT MARK RECKER

The Trump Administration has unveiled their proposed budget which calls for the elimination of funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program in the federal government’s 2018 fiscal year, starting Oct. 1, 2017. These fundamental programs support the promotion of corn in all forms in international markets. Congressional support for maintaining the level of funding for MAP and FMD programs continues to be crucial as they are the muscle of what drives our export programs.

MAP and FMD cooperators, like the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), employ staff around the world, to build and defend U.S. market share of corn in all forms, including meat, DDGS and ethanol. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) each year designates Iowa corn checkoff dollars to match and support international market development programs through these partner organizations. For example, the MAP & FMD programs return $28 for every dollar invested.

This move will be detrimental not only to agriculture, but also to America’s economy overall. For instance, exports of U.S. corn and corn products generated $74.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2014, according to an analysis by Informa Economics. At a time when the farm economy is struggling, we should be investing more in these programs, not less.

The protection of MAP and FMD funding continues to be one of the top priority issues of the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA). We call on our farmer-members and those in agriculture to urge Congress to reject these cuts.



Ethanol Powered Racing Back at Iowa Speedway for 11th Running of the Iowa Corn 300

The Iowa Corn 300, one of the major IndyCar racing events of the year, will race into the Iowa Speedway on Sunday, July 9. This will be the 11th running of the Iowa Corn sponsored event to promote the power and performance of ethanol on the fastest short track on the planet!

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) look forward to being able to tout the many benefits of ethanol to fans at the track and around the world including its value to the U.S. economy, to reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions as well as providing a homegrown fuel source.

“IndyCars, which run at speeds over 200 miles per hour, are powered by 85 percent ethanol, so fans can see firsthand the power and performance of cleaner-burning ethanol,” said ICPB President Larry Klever, a farmer from Audubon. “We are pleased to continue to bring the premier racing event to Iowa and continue our partnership with Iowa Speedway and IndyCar.”

ICGA President Kurt Hora says the race will be one of the premier events to celebrate ICGA’s 50th anniversary. “With more than 1,500 ICGA members typically attending the race, and a full house at the track, this event is a great place to connect with people from across the state. We have an even larger audience tuning in from across the nation and world. This year is especially significant because ICGA will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary as the country’s longest-standing and most influential corn growers’ association. Promoting Iowa Corn and homegrown ethanol, celebrating 50 years of ICGA and educating consumers will be all accomplished with this one great event.”

The Iowa Corn 300 and the Iowa Speedway have one of the longest running partnership in IndyCar competition. “This is truly an event for the whole family,” shared Hora. “I enjoy seeing families at the track taking in the fan walk, seeing the speeding cars and the excitement of the fans. The Iowa Corn 300 is one of the top summer events in Iowa and I would encourage everyone to come check it out.”

If you have questions, please log on to www.iowacorn.org/300 for the race day schedule and more information on ethanol.



WEBINAR: An Exploration of the Commercial Use of Drones in Agribusiness, Infrastructure and Mining
Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

Uses for so-called unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) are abundant, particularly in the agriculture, infrastructure and mining industries. Drones can collect data crucial for precision farming and monitor herds on ranches. They can help assess the condition of transmission lines, structures, mining projects and storm damage. They can handle costly and dangerous inspections, collect topographical data and monitor stockpile inventories. But they also raise unique safety concerns and present novel privacy and intellectual property rights challenges. The Federal Aviation Administration, as well as numerous states, is active in regulating commercial drone use.

Members of Dorsey & Whitney and industry experts will discuss the current and future of drone use in agribusiness, infrastructure and mining. They will provide the tools needed to navigate the legal and regulatory hurdles presented by drones, and they will discuss the future of drone regulation under the Trump Administration.  Register here... https://sites-dorsey.vuture.net/51/354/landing-pages/rsvp--prefill.asp?forward=ebff4204-f3e8-4ce6-9546-d02411448cb8.



Beef Checkoff, State Beef Councils Join Forces to Celebrate Beef Jerky Day June 12

The Beef Checkoff Program has identified a novel way to help celebrate Beef Jerky Day June 12, with some powerful support from state beef councils. That day, state beef council staffs will deliver beef jerky bouquets created by the beef checkoff to news personalities at television outlets in many of the country’s top media and consumer markets in their states.

The bouquets, in custom “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” vases, are being delivered to 115 television stations in the top 30 U.S. markets and others. They are accompanied by beef information that includes tips on how beef jerky is the “ultimate snack hack” for consumers.

The project allows the industry to help promote a powerhouse protein snack in a unique and promotable way, according to Jerry Effertz, a beef producer from Velva, N.D. and chairman of the Federation of State Beef Councils. “Beef jerky is a popular, low fat and high-quality protein that has many benefits,” says Effertz. “We think these bouquets will provide broadcasters with something fun and interesting to talk about on air.”

The partnership between state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff Program gives the councils another opportunity to communicate with their target media outlets, says Valerie Rasmussen, director of consumer information and marketing for the Virginia Beef Industry Council. She says that because Jerky Day falls during the same week as one of VBIC’s largest promotions – BurgerFest – the collaboration makes huge sense for the producers in that state.

“The event not only allows us turn-key airtime to promote our upcoming consumer event, but also leads a discussion in the healthfulness and convenience of this portable protein snack,” says Rasmussen. “It’s a win-win for VBIC and beef as a whole.”

Rasmussen says beef jerky has been on VBIC’s radar for a few years, and is an important component of the organization’s support for its Team Beef athletes. “We’ve also built out part of our website to include how to enjoy jerky at home,” she says, “so bringing attention to Jerky Day will also bring people to additional Checkoff resources online.”

Rachel Chou, senior manager of consumer communications for the Texas Beef Council, thinks this will help the beef industry generate significant exposure. “With the constant demand for content, and the increased noise in the media, it’s always helpful and refreshing to have innovative, creative pitches that increase the visibility for beef,” she says.

“Furthermore, promoting a fun, thoughtful snacking idea is right in line with our Beef Loving Texans brand strategy to connect with Texans about something they already love,” she says. “It also provides another point of contact with TV stations across the state.”

The national beef jerky letter to media representatives includes five reasons beef jerky is the ideal snack hack, including:
-    It helps fuel kids through the final bell, keeping them attentive and ready to learn;
-    It helps you avoid the workday slump, as a healthier salty snack option;
-    It gives unexpected post-workout benefits as “nature’s protein bar”;
-    It’s a fun way to help kids celebrate a win or rebound from a loss, stamping out “hangry”; and
-    It lets you stay lively on the hiking trail.
   
    For more information on the benefits of beef jerky, go to www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. For more information on how the Beef Checkoff Program is using this and other programs to help build beef demand, go to www.mybeefcheckoff.org.



AG GROUPS SEEK REHEARING ON EMISSIONS REPORTING CASE

The National Pork Producers Council this week joined the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association in requesting a rehearing of a case related to air emissions reporting, following a ruling issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The court’s decision rejected an exemption for farms from reporting emissions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA).

CERCLA and EPCRA work together to notify local first responders of emergency hazards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had provided farms an exemption from CERCLA reporting of low-level emissions of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide generated from the natural breakdown of animal manure after an agency evaluation determined that any emergency response was “unnecessary, impractical and unlikely.”

Environmental activist groups sued EPA over the exemption; NPPC intervened in the lawsuit to defend the agency’s common-sense exemption. NPPC’s and U.S. Poultry’s rehearing petition is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation and the United Egg Producers.

NPPC JOINS PORTS COALITION ON CONTRACT EXTENSION LETTER
NPPC this week signed onto a letter from the Ports Coalition, of which it is a member, applauding the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) for agreeing to early discussions on a contract extension that will allow ports on the West Coast to operate without interruption. PMA provided ILWU with a three-year contract extension offer April 28. ILWU voted to send the contract extension proposal to members for a vote, scheduled for later this summer.

“Agreeing to early contract discussions was clearly a difficult and unprecedented step,” the coalition wrote. “However, we believe it is a step that should serve as a model for future negotiations. We strongly believe that early and continuous dialog can strengthen the U.S. economy and the competitive position of West Coast international gateways.”

The Ports Coalition, which represents the interests of manufacturers, agribusinesses, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and transportation and logistics providers, had urged the ILWU, which represents dock workers, and the PMA, which represents port owners and operators, to begin negotiations on their next contract early to avoid another work slowdown such as the one the affected 29 West Coast ports in late 2014-early 2015. That labor dispute cost the U.S. meat industry millions of dollars in lost export sales.



Growth Energy Announces Ad Launch for E15 Fix
Growth Energy today announced a seven-figure campaign aimed at promoting legislation that will allow U.S. retailers to offer more biofuel choices to customers year-round. The bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517) is now awaiting action in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol (E15), creating a level playing field for E15. A hearing is scheduled for June 14.

“This legislation is essential to America’s continued leadership in low-carbon biofuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “It will lift a needless burden on retailers and let drivers pick their own fuel – saving money and improving air quality. For too long, outdated rules have forced drivers to switch to less environmentally-friendly options at the pump during the summer driving season, when fuel prices reach their peak. After three years of hard work, we finally have a chance to enact a fix. Growth Energy is committed to ensuring that lawmakers and their constituents know exactly why this is so important, especially when it comes to lifting market barriers for biofuels. This campaign will highlight how red tape is limiting consumer choice at the pump, denying drivers access to cleaner, more affordable fuel options.”

The Growth Energy campaign will feature TV and digital ads (examples here and here) in Washington, D.C., and in key markets across the country. The ads also encourage voters to lend their support to members of Congress who are fighting for a fix.

“From a retail perspective, this minor fix would be a major relief to those offering E15 today and remove one of the biggest barriers for those wanting to offer E15,” wrote Mike Lorenz, Executive Vice President for Sheetz, in a recent column on the topic. “This fix doesn’t change anything about renewable fuel targets, but it does give consumers who want a cleaner, higher-octane and more affordable option the ability to choose for themselves. Not to forget, it also supports a homegrown industry responsible for supporting hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs.”

The legislation has broad, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It would update laws that currently limit the sale of E15 from June 1 to September 15, often discouraging retailers from offering higher biofuel blends altogether. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), E15 can help to “reduce harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, displace cancer causing emissions, and reduce smog forming potential, as well as cutting greenhouse gases … E15 is also typically two to 10 cents cheaper per gallon than E10.”

Earlier this year, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt also expressed his hope for a fix but acknowledged the need for greater certainty in the laws governing RVP.

The bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act was introduced in March and has 18 bipartisan sponsors, including Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Senate champions have sought to bring the bill to a vote in the next few weeks.