Friday June 30 Acreage, Stocks, & Ag News

2017 NEBRASKA ACREAGE

Nebraska corn growers planted 9.80 million acres, down 1 percent from last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Biotechnology varieties were used on 96 percent of the area planted, up 1 percentage point from a year ago. Growers expect to harvest 9.50 million acres for grain, down 1 percent from last year.

Soybean planted area is estimated at 5.70 million acres, up 10 percent from last year's total and a record high. Of the acres planted, 94 percent were planted with genetically modified, herbicide resistant seed, down 2 percentage points from a year ago. Acres expected to be harvested are 5.65 million, up 10 percent from a year earlier.

Winter wheat seeded in the fall of 2016 totaled 1.11 million acres, down 19 percent from last year and a record low. Harvested acreage is forecasted at 1.00 million acres, down 24 percent from a year ago.

Alfalfa hay acreage to be cut for dry hay is 770 thousand acres, up 3 percent from 2016. Other hay acreage to be cut for dry hay is 1.70 million acres, unchanged from last year.

Sorghum acreage planted and to be planted, at 140 thousand acres, is down 30 percent from a year ago. The area to be harvested for grain, at 110 thousand acres, is down 37 percent from last year.

Oats planted area is estimated at 115 thousand acres, down 15 percent from the previous year. Area to be harvested for grain, at 25 thousand acres, is unchanged from a year ago.

Dry edible bean planted acreage is estimated at 150 thousand acres, up 9 percent from last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 139 thousand acres, up 14 percent from the previous year.

Proso millet plantings of 130 thousand acres are up 37 percent from a year ago.

Sugarbeet planted acres, at 49.7 thousand, are up 4 percent from last year.

Oil sunflower acres planted are estimated at 55 thousand, up 90 percent from last year. Non-oil sunflower planted acreage is estimated at 6 thousand acres, down 52 percent from a year ago and a record low.

Dry edible pea estimated planted acres are 45 thousand acres, down 18 percent from last year. Harvested acres are estimated at 42 thousand, down 19 percent from the previous year.

Fall potato planted acres are estimated at 20.0 thousand acres, up 21 percent from the previous year. Harvested acreage is forecasted at 19.8 thousand acres, up 21 percent from a year earlier. The percent planted by type of potato is: 47 percent white, 45 percent russet, 3 percent red and 5 percent yellow.

The estimates of planted and harvested acreages in this news release are based primarily on surveys conducted during the first two weeks of June.



IOWA ACREAGE REPORT
Corn planted for all purposes in Iowa is estimated at 13.5 million acres, up 200,000 acres from the March intentions, but down 400,000 acres from 2016 according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Acreage report. Corn to be harvested for grain is forecasted at 13.1 million acres, down 400,000 acres from 2016. Producers reported planting biotechnology varieties on 93 percent of their 2017 corn acres. The percent of corn acreage planted to insect resistant (Bt) varieties is estimated at 5 percent, herbicide resistant only varieties were planted on 8 percent of the acres, and stacked gene varieties were planted on 80 percent of the acres.

Soybean acreage planted is estimated at 10.0 million acres, down 100,000 acres from the March intentions, but up 500,000 acres from the 2016 planted acreage. Soybean acreage to be harvested is forecasted at 9.95 million acres. Based on reports from producers, 94 percent of the soybean acres were planted with herbicide resistant seed varieties.

Total dry hay expected to be harvested for 2017 is estimated at 1.11 million acres, up 110,000 from the March estimate and up 200,000 acres from 2016. Of the total, 740,000 acres of alfalfa and 370,000 acres of other hay are expected to be harvested for dry hay.

Acreage seeded to oats is estimated at 120,000 acres, down 15,000 from the March intentions but unchanged from 2016. Oat acreage expected to be harvested for grain is estimated at 48,000 acres, up 5,000 acres from 2016.

Winter wheat planted acres are estimated at 20,000 acres, down 5,000 acres from 2016. Acres to be harvested for grain is forecasted at 15,000 acres, down 2,000 from 2016.


USDA:  Corn Planted Acreage Down 3 Percent from 2016
Soybean Acreage Up 7 Percent
All Wheat Acreage Down 9 Percent
All Cotton Acreage Up 20 Percent

Corn planted area for all purposes in 2017 is estimated at 90.9 million acres, down 3 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acres are down or unchanged in 38 of the 48 estimating States. Area harvested for grain, at 83.5 million acres, is down 4 percent from last year.

Soybean planted area for 2017 is estimated at a record high 89.5 million acres, up 7 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage intentions are up or unchanged in 24 of the 31 estimating States.

All wheat planted area for 2017 is estimated at 45.7 million acres, down 9 percent from 2016. This represents the lowest all wheat planted area on record since records began in 1919. The 2017 winter wheat planted area, at 32.8 million acres, is down 9 percent from last year but up less than 1 percent from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 23.8 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 5.61 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.42 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2017 is estimated at 10.9 million acres, down 6 percent from 2016. Of this total, about 10.3 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2017 is estimated at 1.92 million acres, down 20 percent from the previous year.

All cotton planted area for 2017 is estimated at 12.1 million acres, 20 percent above last year. Upland area is estimated at 11.8 million acres, up 19 percent from 2016. American Pima area is estimated at 252,000 acres, up 30 percent from 2016.



NEBRASKA JUNE 1, 2017 GRAIN STOCKS

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 577 million bushels, up 7 percent from 2016, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 305 million bushels are stored on farms, up 7 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 272 million bushels, are up 7 percent from last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 71.4 million bushels, down 3 percent from last year. On-farm stocks of 19.0 million bushels are down 17 percent from a year ago but off-farm stocks, at 52.4 million bushels, are up 4 percent from 2016.

Wheat stored in all positions totaled 43.7 million bushels, up 45 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 1.05 million bushels are up 5 percent from 2016 and off-farm stocks of 42.7 million bushels are up 47 percent from last year.

Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 2.69 million bushels, down 27 percent from 2016. On-farm stocks of 150 thousand bushels are down 63 percent from a year ago and off-farm holdings of 2.54 million bushels are down 23 percent from last year.

On-farm oat stocks totaled 300 thousand bushels, down 17 percent from 2016.



IOWA GRAIN STOCKS REPORT

Iowa corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2017, totaled 1.15 billion bushels, up 13 percent from June 1, 2016, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Grain Stocks report. This is the largest amount of corn in storage on June 1 since 1988. Of the total stocks, 57 percent were stored on-farm. The March 2017-May 2017 indicated disappearance totaled 566 million bushels, 10 percent above the 516 million bushels used during the same period last year.

Iowa soybeans stored in all positions on June 1, 2017, totaled 178 million bushels, down 3 percent from the 184 million bushels on hand June 1, 2016. Of the total stocks, 35 percent were stored on-farm. Indicated disappearance for March 2017-May 2017 is 131 million bushels, 9 percent less than the 145 million bushels used during the same quarter last year.

Iowa oats stored on-farm totaled 510 thousand bushels, down 31 percent from June 1, 2016.



USDA:  Corn Stocks Up 11 Percent from June 2016
Soybean Stocks Up 11 Percent
All Wheat Stocks Up 21 Percent

Corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 5.23 billion bushels, up 11 percent from June 1, 2016. Of the total stocks, 2.84 billion bushels are stored on farms, up 15 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 2.38 billion bushels, are up 6 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2017 indicated disappearance is 3.40 billion bushels, compared with 3.11 billion bushels during the same period last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 963 million bushels, up 11 percent from June 1, 2016. On-farm stocks totaled 333 million bushels, up 18 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 631 million bushels, are up 7 percent from a year ago. Indicated disappearance for the March - May 2017 quarter totaled 775 million bushels, up 18 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Old crop all wheat stored in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 1.18 billion bushels, up 21 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 192 million bushels, down 3 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 993 million bushels, are up 28 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2017 indicated disappearance is 472 million bushels, up 19 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Old crop Durum wheat stocks in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 36.3 million bushels, up 31 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 18.4 million bushels, are up 51 percent from June 1, 2016. Off-farm stocks totaled 17.9 million bushels, up 15 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2017 indicated disappearance of 16.7 million bushels is up 13 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Old crop barley stocks in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 108 million bushels, up 6 percent from June 1, 2016. On-farm stocks are estimated at 27.1 million bushels, 2 percent below a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 81.0 million bushels, are 9 percent above June 1, 2016. The March - May 2017 indicated disappearance is 36.7 million bushels, 3 percent above the same period a year earlier.

Old crop oats stored in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 52.5 million bushels, 8 percent below the stocks on June 1, 2016. Of the total stocks on hand, 13.5 million bushels are stored on farms, 26 percent below a year ago. Off-farm stocks totaled 39.0 million bushels, 1 percent above the previous year. Indicated disappearance during March - May 2017 totaled 10.6 million bushels, 42 percent below the same period a year ago.

Grain sorghum stored in all positions on June 1, 2017 totaled 85.5 million bushels, down 5 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 8.62 million bushels, are down 11 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 76.9 million bushels, are down 5 percent from June 1, 2016. The March - May 2017 indicated disappearance from all positions is 95.0 million bushels, down 15 percent from the same period last year.



Nebraska Pork Producers Association Hosts Webinar - Effects of Heat Stress in Pigs

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association is continuing their monthly webinar by hosting a one-hour webinar on Tuesday, July 11th, beginning at noon on the causes and effects of heat stress in pigs. Pigs are much more sensitive to heat than other animals so with the hot days of summer upon us special attention must be taken to watch our pigs for signs of heat stress.

Swine specialists will discuss at what temperature (as well as humidity) contributes to heat stress, the signs of heat stress, consequences of heat stress on the performance of pigs and recommended management tools to reduce heat stress.

Registration for the webinar can be accessed by visiting www.nepork.org/producer-education. Participants are encouraged to register for the webinar, several days in advance and will receive an email with the direct link for the webinar.

Nebraska Pork Producers Association will be hosting a webinar on the second Tuesday of every month from noon to one o’clock. The August 15th webinar will cover trade and regulations from the National Pork Producers Council. For additional information on webinar topics and speakers go to www.nepork.org/producer-education.



Large Group of Producers Gathered for the 2017 Nebraska Cattlemen Farmer Stockman Tour

The Nebraska Cattlemen Farmer Stockman Council held their annual tour this past week in the Columbus and Madison area. The morning started with a tour of the Cargill facility in Schuyler. After the tour of both production floors the group enjoyed visiting with Cargill management on current issues.

The group next toured the Sidump'r and Feeding Systems facility in Columbus where they saw production lines of Sidump'r Trailer, Batch Box and Cattle Shades. The group also toured the Kent Feeds plant where mainly commercial beef feed is produced.

The tour wrapped up at Reigle Cattle Co just out side of Madison. The third generation feedyard recently expanded its operations. John, Jeanne, Andy and Alison were able to share the history and current operation. 

John Lange, chairman of the Farmer Stockman council stated "It was great to see such a large group of close to sixty producers enjoying the tour and learning more about the beef industry in northeast Nebraska. We are planning a tour for the Thayer Co area next year."

Thank you to our sponsors: Central Plains Milling, Nebraska Corn Board, Dow Chemicals, Allflex, USA, Bruning State Bank, Feedlot Fencing, Voss Seed and Voss Precision Planting.

The council once again will be collecting money for the Beef For Troup program. Money collected will be used to purchase beef certificates that will be randomly handed out to military members who visit the beef pit at the Nebraska State Fair. Donations are being accepted and can be sent to the Nebraska Cattlemen office at 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 101, Lincoln, NE 68508. For more information you can contact Bonita at 402-450-0223.



MAXIMIZING RECENT RAIN
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Many dry grasslands received enough rain recently to give pastures a much needed boost.  So, how should you manage these pastures to maximize growth from recent rain?

               Finally seeing some fresh green grass is nice.  As we all know, though, after it gets dry it takes a lot more rain to bring things back to normal.  So it’s important to make the most of this recent moisture.

               Cows sure appreciate the green grass starting to return to pastures that have been dry and stressed.  However, cows aren’t very good managers.  They’re just thinking about today’s meal and not at all about the future.

               However, grazing fresh growth as soon as it develops is not your best option.  Avoid as much as possible the extreme temptation to give cows access to all this nice green feed right away.  When plants are grazed as they start to grow, it lowers their rate of growth and reduces their water use efficiency by allowing more soil moisture to escape as evaporation instead of first going through the plant to support growth.

               A better move is to restrict animal access to as little land area as possible so the maximum number of grass plants get to grow without potential grazing pressure.  Even feed a little hay to stretch the number of acres given a chance to grow.

               If prayers are answered and more rain comes, you can expect regrowth will occur after grazing later on.  But if it doesn’t rain again for a while, at least all the moisture you did receive will have been used to support growth instead of just evaporating away.

               When rain produces fresh green growth after an extended dry period, it’s hard to delay grazing.  But that is what you must do to maximize growth from limited moisture.



Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) Celebrate 45 Years of Protecting Lives, Property and Future

For 45 years, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have been protecting lives, property and future of this beautiful state. July 1, 2017, marks the 45th Anniversary of the creation of the NRD system in Nebraska.  With the local public participation, Nebraska has made monumental progress in all 23 NRDs with soil and water conservation and protection efforts.

“Nebraska’s natural resources are precious and need to be protected,” said Jim Bendfeldt, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts. “We commend the public for working with their local NRD to protect the natural resources for future generations.  They need clean water to drink, nutrient-rich soil to grow food to sustain Nebraska’s economic viability.”

The Nebraska Legislature enacted Legislative Bill (LB) 1357 in 1969 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into the Natural Resources Districts by July 1972.  The 23 NRDs were organized based on the state’s major river basins. Each District has a publicly-elected board that makes local management decisions to help conserve our valuable natural resources and groundwater. Throughout the decades, the NRDs have worked with landowners to protect natural resources, provided and protected public water supplies, assisted urban and rural areas with flood control, provided recreation opportunities and have planted more than 95 million trees throughout Nebraska.

“The Natural Resources Districts are celebrating this amazing milestone,” said Bendfeldt. “Other states are struggling with water and soil management because they do not have a local NRD system to provide opportunities for local citizens to protect natural resources.  Without the NRDs, Nebraska would be in the extremely tough situation we see so many other states dealing with right now. With the NRD system, we have clean water, good soil and wonderful, hardworking people who believe in this state’s success and future.”

Here are several facts about the Nebraska’s natural resources as we look back on the last 45 years of success:

Groundwater
-    Nebraska is #1 in irrigated acres while maintaining groundwater levels at pre-developed levels.
-    Nebraska’s center pivot manufacturers work closely with the NRDs and help lead the charge by creating and manufacturing more efficient irrigation systems.
-    Nebraska farmers and ranchers work with the NRD on water quality and quantity management to protect this valuable resource for future generations.
-    Wise management of the water resources also helps Nebraska agriculture lead the nation in several categories.  We are #1 in cattle on feed and commercial red meat production, #2 in ethanol production, #3 in corn production, #5 in soybean production and # 6 in swine production.
-    Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts work with private landowners to monitor thousands of wells across the state each year for groundwater quality and quantity.

Flood Control
-    There are hundreds of effective NRD flood control programs and activities across Nebraska directed at keeping our floodplains safer and reducing the potential for loss of life and property.
-    Districts construct and maintain watershed structures or dams to help reduce the effects of flood damage during large rain events.
-    Levee systems are also operated and maintained by the districts to protect property and lives.
-    By installing this structures, thousands of homes and businesses have been removed from the federal floodplain maps saving those millions in federal flood insurance premiums and liability.

Forestry
-    NRDs have planted more than 95 million trees since 1972.
-    Trees shade and shelter homes, reduce energy costs, protect and increase crop yields, reduce soil erosion caused by water and wind, improve water quality, control snow and preserve winter moisture, protect livestock, provide food and cover for wildlife, control noise, capture atmospheric carbon, raise property values, and add beauty to our landscape.
-    Check out http://www.nrdtrees.org for more information on tree planting and species available for purchase by each NRD.

Soil
-    NRDs assist landowners to make implement conservation practices to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health and improve surface water quality.
-    NRDs work with state and federal agencies to modify programs to fit local resources needs.
-    Best management practices, terraces, waterways, filter strips, and buffer strips all help to improve the quality of surface water in a watershed.

Recreation
-    There are over 80 recreation areas across the state run by the NRDs.  These areas include public access lakes, trails, and wildlife areas.  There’s something for every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy!
-    Please visit http://www.nrdrec.org for more information on the amenities and recreation opportunities in your area!

Education
-    The NRDs work closely with the University of Nebraska Research and Extension to help improve farming and ranching practices that save soil, protect grass lands and protect water resources.
-    The NRDs work with local schools, 4-H, FFA and local natural resources science clubs to provide additional natural resources education and information programs. 

Visit https://www.nrdnet.org/nrds for more information about local NRDs and programs to protect natural resources.  Visit http://www.nrdstories.org for more information on important individuals critical to the history and formation of the NRDs.



ICGA Invites Farmers to Discuss Key Policy Issues at Roundtables

Policy development at the Iowa Corn Growers Association is a grassroots process. Each year Iowa Corn hosts roundtable meetings in local communities across the state to gather input and feedback from growers. The meetings, which will be held on July 6, July 12 and July 13 this year, allow ICGA members to come together, share a meal, and discuss key issues impacting corn farmers. Policies brought forward and approved at Roundtable meetings go on to the Annual ICGA Grassroots Summit on August 26 for the ICGA delegates to debate. This process enables the organization to take-action in lobbying for and supporting sound policy development and pro-farmer legislation.  See the below listing for locations and times.

July 6
-    Fairfield -  Heartland Co-op Board Room 2081 Nutmeg Ave, Fairfield, IA 52556 (11:30am - 2 pm)
-    Algona - Kossuth Museum 800 E Fair St, Algona, IA 50511 (11:30am - 2 pm)
-    Osage- VFW 3693 US-218, Osage, IA 50461 (5:30pm - 8:30pm)
-    Carroll - Santa Maria Winery 218 W 6th St., Carroll, IA 51041 (5:30pm- 8:30pm)
-    Radcliffe - Radcliffe Town Hall 310 Isabella St. Radcliffe, IA 52302 (5:30pm - 8:30 pm)

July 12
-    Storm Lake - Knights of Columbus Hall 1507 E Lakeshore Dr., Storm Lake, IA 50588 (11:30am - 2 pm)
-    Creston - Supertel Inn 800 Laurel St., Creston, IA 50801 (5:30pm - 8:30 pm)
-    Fayette - Upper Iowa University 605 Washington St, Fayette, IA 52142 (5:30pm - 8:30 pm)

July 13
-    Sheldon - Northwest Iowa Comm. College 603 West Park St., Sheldon, IA 51201 (11:30am - 2 pm)
-    Avoca- Legion Hall 112 N Elm St, Avoca, IA 51521 (5:30pm - 8:30pm)
-    Iowa City- Clarion Highlander Hotel 2525 N Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245 (5:30pm- 8:30pm)
-    Indianola- Country Inn & Suites 501 E. Trail Ridge Ave., Indianola, IA 50125 (5:30pm- 8:30pm)

Roundtables are FREE for ICGA members, but registration is encouraged. Meals (lunch or dinner) will be included at each session. If you can't attend a roundtable but wish to bring forth a policy resolution for consideration, please contact your local ICGA Board member. Go to iowacorn.org/roundtables for more information.



Farmers Encouraged to Attend Soil Health Field Days Across the Iowa

When it comes to caring for farmland and adopting the next generation of farming practices, there cannot be enough sharing. That’s the philosophy of the Soil Health Partnership, hosting its fourth year of field days this summer and fall within its network of more than 100 farms.

At the field days, Midwestern farmers can learn how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can make farmland more productive, efficient and sustainable. Field days planned

The organization plans about 70 field days throughout the summer and fall, with more events yet to be scheduled. Several field days are now open for registration including the following in Iowa:
    July 12: Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Soil Health Field Day, Donahue, IA 
    July 12: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Gaesser Soil Health Field Day 2507 Quince Ave. Corning, IA 50841
    July 13: Carter Soil Health Round Table 1578 Hwy 71, Audubon, IA 50025
    July 19: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bertness Soil Health Field Day 601 US Hwy 71, Sioux Rapids, IA
    July 26: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dial Soil Health Round Table Lake City, IA 
    Aug. 22: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bartman Soil Health Field Day Rock Valley, IA 
    Aug. 30: Mueller Soil Health Field Day Waverly, IA 

“Whether you are brand new to the topics covered during a field walk, field day or round table discussion, or you are a seasoned soil health veteran, you can learn valuable information that will help your business,” said Nick Goeser, director of the Soil Health Partnership and National Corn Growers Association director of soil health and sustainability. “We know local information is most relevant to agronomists and other farmers, and this is a unique chance to learn from neighbors and other experts about what has worked in your area.”

Protecting and improving soil is one of the best opportunities for increased yield potential and water quality, erosion control and carbon mitigation, Goeser said.

The Soil Health Partnership is a data-driven program working to quantify the benefits of practices that support soil health, from an economic as well as environmental standpoint. An initiative of NCGA, the SHP works closely with diverse organizations including commodity groups, industry, foundations, federal agencies, universities and well-known environmental groups toward common goals.

For a list of field days, and to register, visit soilhealthpartnership.org. More dates will be added throughout the summer.



Events Showcase U.S. Beef's Long-awaited Return to China

On June 30 in Beijing, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) participated in a media reception marking the return of U.S. beef to China. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad addressed attendees, along with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Craig Uden, a cattle feeder and rancher from Elwood, Nebraska. Other U.S. guests included Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and NCBA President-elect Kevin Kester, a rancher from Parkfield, California. The reception was funded through support from the Nebraska Beef Council.

Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, emceed the event. He thanked Secretary Perdue and his USDA team for negotiating the final agreement that restored access for U.S. beef, which had been absent from the Chinese market since the December 2003 BSE case. The market officially reopened June 12.

Perdue said it was a great source of pride to be on hand for the official reintroduction of U.S. beef into China, and expressed his commitment to providing consumers with a high-quality product.

“On behalf of President Trump and the people of America, we want to say thank you to our great customers here in China,” Perdue said. “We want to respect your market and assure you that these products coming in are safe, wholesome and very delicious.”

Perdue also paid tribute to U.S. cattle producers, who are excited to finally be able to supply the Chinese market.

“To those men and women who go out in the cold and birth those calves, we want to thank you for what you do to make this day possible. I am convinced that when our Chinese friends taste this tasty, wholesome, healthy and safe U.S. beef, they’re going to want more of it. So you all better get some more cows,” he said.

Branstad, who was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China on May 22, said the return of U.S. beef to China is an important step forward in expanding U.S. agricultural exports.

“This is an exciting day – we’ve been waiting nearly 14 years for this,” Branstad said. “I want to express my excitement that one of my first official duties as ambassador from the United States to the People’s Republic of China is to be here with my friend, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, to welcome American beef back to China. I want to reiterate our commitment to expanding trade and increasing American exports, and we believe beef is a great beginning for this process.”

Uden echoed these sentiments, noting the excellent potential China holds for U.S. beef exports.

“I’m honored to be here today to celebrate this important milestone in the relationship between the United States and China,” Uden said. “This is a great day for U.S. beef producers, and we look forward to supplying U.S. beef to many Chinese consumers in the years to come.”

Perdue and Uden were joined by importer Luan Richeng, vice president of COFCO Group, for a ceremonial carving of U.S. prime rib – part of the first shipment of U.S. beef to arrive in China.

On July 1 in Shanghai, Perdue will help launch U.S. beef’s return to China’s commercial channels with a U.S. beef promotion at a City Super supermarket. He will be joined by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service representatives, Ibach (representing the state of Nebraska), USMEF staff and U.S. beef exporters. The group will distribute samples of U.S. steak cuts and chuck eye roll to City Super customers and speak to the unique attributes of U.S. beef. Funding support for this event was also provided by the Nebraska Beef Council.

“It has been a long road back for U.S. beef in China, and USMEF is extremely pleased to see such great enthusiasm for its return,” Haggard said. “Buyer interest is very strong, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with U.S. exporters and future customers in China to build a solid foundation for U.S. beef in this dynamic market.”



 APPROPORIATIONS COMMITTEEE ROLLS OUT FISCAL 2018 AGRICULTURE FUNDING BILL

The House Appropriations Committee this week released the fiscal 2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill. The legislation funds agricultural and food programs and services. With $20 billion in discretionary funding, $876 million less than fiscal 2017 funding, the legislation focuses on rural development, food and drug safety maintenance and advancement, nutrition accessibility for those in need and regulatory rollback.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., says, “The safety and accessibility of our nation’s food and drug supply is of utmost importance to our economy, our quality of life, and – given the great benefit of producing necessities here at home – our national security.”

Also this week, the bill advanced through the committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, as lawmakers found reassurance that USDA budget cuts were not as steep as President Trump proposed.



U.S. Soy Works With Global Partners to Access Innovations and Markets

Farmers face pressures to reduce input costs, fight herbicide and fungicide resistance, and continuously improve the sustainability of their crop. Globally, oilseed-producing nations face similar challenges. Biotechnology acceptance, while currently a challenge itself, can help farmers across the globe deliver on demands efficiently and sustainably. Access to new technologies enables farmers to meet the evolving demands of agriculture.

Oilseed producers, including delegates from the U.S. soybean industry, met in Sydney, Australia, from June 25–29 as part of the 20th International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD). Participating countries included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Paraguay, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The goal was for each participating country to share perspectives on key issues, including international trade and the global regulatory environment for new breeding technologies. Through robust dialogue to address common challenges, these countries are working together to meet the needs of the future.

U.S. soybean farmers engaged with other oilseed farmers and delegates on key issues for the U.S. soy industry – innovation, international market expansion and market access for trade.

“The future demands innovation from U.S. soy,” says United Soybean Board Chair and Ohio soybean farmer John Motter. “IOPD provided a chance for the soy checkoff to discuss its research and marketing efforts to advance the technologies available to U.S. soybean farmers, including high oleic soybeans. These efforts help to continuously improve the meal, oil and sustainability of U.S. soy, which builds preference for our crop and increases our profit opportunities.”

International Trade and Market Expansion
Creating and marketing new technologies are the first steps in bringing innovation to the table. While U.S. soybean farmers take advantage of innovations in the field, their checkoff works to maintain and grow international markets overseas. International markets for U.S. soy are critical due to the high percentage of U.S. soy exported each year.

“Roughly 60 percent of the soy grown in the U.S. today is exported, and demand for U.S. soy is increasing globally alongside population growth,” says U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Chairman and Nebraska soybean farmer Jim Miller. “By creating a dialogue and bringing together our international partners, USSEC expands its global network to identify allies to help ensure U.S. soy enjoys market access without trade barriers and, most importantly, ensure long-term demand keeps growing for U.S. soy.”

In addition to building international markets, U.S. soy needs market access for trade. IOPD provided a chance for U.S. soy delegates to discuss international trade dynamics and build relationships with like-minded organizations from around the world.

“Coordinating with fellow oilseed producer groups around the world can really pay dividends, especially on international trade and market access issues,” says American Soybean Association President and Illinois soybean farmer Ron Moore. “Our work at this meeting to discuss shared goals and plans regarding how new plant breeding technologies such as gene editing might be regulated around the world, as well as how market access can be expanded, is very timely.”



AGRO-TERRORISM BILL EXPECTED TO BE SIGNED BY PRESIDENT

Congress sent H.R. 1238, “Securing our Agriculture and Food Act,” to the White House this week for President Trump’s signature. The legislation calls for coordinating federal efforts to defend the U.S. agriculture and veterinary systems from terrorism, including the intentional introduction of a foreign animal disease such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The bill was originally proposed by Rep. David Young, R-Iowa, after the 2015 outbreak of avian influenza that decimated Iowa’s bird population; he reintroduced the measure earlier this year.



House Approves Technical Ag Education Bill

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), recently passed by the House, gives a boost to the high school career and technical agriculture education programs that are so vital to developing the talent and leadership needed in the farming and agricultural services industries, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The measure reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.

Rural America needs a skilled workforce as much as urban and suburban communities, AFBF President Zippy Duvall noted in a letter urging House lawmakers to support the bill.

“Agricultural education programs provide a well-rounded, practical approach to learning through classroom education in agricultural topics such as plant and animal sciences, horticulture, forestry, agri-marketing, etc., and hands-on supervised agricultural career experience, such as starting a business or working for an established company,” Duvall wrote.



Senate Ag Committee Advances CFTC Chair Nominee

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced the Committee voted to favorably report the nomination of J. Christopher Giancarlo to serve as Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Giancarlo may now be considered by the full U.S. Senate for confirmation.

"I'm pleased our Committee has given the green light to full Senate consideration of Mr. Giancarlo's nomination," Roberts said. "As evidenced by his testimony at our recent hearing about his visits to numerous farms and livestock operations, Mr. Giancarlo demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to fostering a functional marketplace for all participants, and that most certainly includes folks in rural America."

The Committee held a hearing on Giancarlo's nomination on June 22.

Giancarlo has the support of a variety of organizations representing farmers, co-ops, grain dealers and millers, food processors, feed manufacturers and others stakeholders.



NY Metro Area Set to Require 5% Biodiesel in Heating Oil

Downstate New York counties are set to join New York City by mandating a 5% biodiesel blend in home heating oil, according to the National Biodiesel Board, with the blended product called Bioheat.

This follows legislation passed last week by the New York Assembly and Senate that would require heating oil sold in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties to contain at least 5% biodiesel by July 1, 2018. The bill now awaits action by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

New York City is the largest municipal consumer of heating oil in the United States. The city instituted a citywide 2% biodiesel requirement in 2012, which will increase to 5% later this year.

The latest legislation means heating oil sold in the New York City Metropolitan area -- which represents 70% of the state's heating oil market -- would have a 5% biodiesel blending requirement.



Agreements in D.C. Forged Over Beef and BBQ — a Great Mix

Nearly 100,000 thousand barbecue-loving consumers joined the beef checkoff in our nation’s capital for an event where everyone agreed: Barbecues are fun!

Beef was represented as an official product sponsor in regional Giant stores during the weeks leading up to and including the two-day 25th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. It was held in the heart of Washington, D.C., June 24-25. Attendees were invited to visit the beef booth for recipes, samples, games, giveaways and more to learn why beef makes every cookout a summertime favorite.

The purchase of official Barbecue Battle products, such as beef, granted consumers a free entry to the event. Thanks to beef’s sponsorship of the event, Giant store owners said they saw an increase in beef moved during the promotion.

Visitors to the beef booth learned about beef’s nutrient density, versatility and flavor profile. They were encouraged to post a selfie with the loveable inflatable steer, Bubba, using #SmileandSayBeef, on social media to win the ultimate grilling prize pack, which included a portable Coleman grill, travel bag, grilling tools, a beef cookbook, beef branded swag and a Yeti cooler.

Attendees could also test their beef knowledge with cut identification trivia to win an “I Love Beef” cutting board or enter to win a $200 steakhouse gift card through an onsite survey. The survey highlighted the vast amount of food wasted in the U.S. and encouraged folks to take the Food Waste Challenge to reduce waste at home.

Consumers were also polled to gauge their opinion of beef. After engaging with checkoff staff or booth volunteers, 89 percent of those answering the survey had a positive opinion of beef.

The beef checkoff continued its longstanding partnership with Roseda Beef of Monkton, Maryland, by offering nearly 8,000 samples of the Roseda MVP beef burger patties. MVP patties are made with beef from the Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania regions. While at the Barbecue Battle, MVP burger samples were paired with Vermont Bread Company hamburger buns, creating bite-sized sliders for attendees to taste at the beef booth.

To bring some of the all-time favorite beef recipes to life, the checkoff’s Executive Chef Dave Zino held cooking demos each day on the Savory stage. Chef Dave grilled and showcased a variety of beef cuts that could be used in fresh summer salad picks, such as the Sirloin Steak and Tomato Salad, Mediterranean Beef and Salad Pita and Beef and Heirloom Tomato Salad. 

Jennifer Orr, director of public relations with the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), commented, “It is always a great opportunity to engage face-to-face with D.C. metro residents and remind them of the unique flavor profile beef offers and its nutrient density. Showcasing beef as a versatile protein gives young families an array of options to prepare beef at home.”