Tuesday August 1 Ag News

Nebraska Pork Producers Association Hosts Webinar August 15th at Noon on Trade and Regulations

Nebraska Pork Producers Association is hosting a one-hour online webinar on Tuesday, August 15th, beginning at noon. The webinar will focus on the changes and future of trade and regulations on a national scale under the Trump administration.

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. There is no fee to participate in the webinar.

National Pork Producers Council will discuss the many changes the Trump administration has made in areas such as trade agreements, 2018 Farm Bill, immigration and EPA regulations, with a specific focus on impact to the pork industry. Come listen how there topics could have an impact on your farm.

Nebraska Pork Producers Association will be hosting a webinar on the second Tuesday of every month from noon to one o’clock. The September 12th webinar will cover Farm-Level Crisis Planning with Cindy Cunningham of National Pork Board. For additional information on webinar topics and speakers go to www.nepork.org/producer-education.



LATE SUMMER PLANTING OF ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Is planting alfalfa in you plans yet this year?  This is a good time to plant and replace fields that have dried up or thinned out.

               Alfalfa planted in late summer establishes well when moisture is available.  Be sure to plant early enough, though, so alfalfa has six to eight weeks between emergence and freeze back to develop good cold tolerance.  In northwest Nebraska or southern South Dakota, you probably need to plant soon – in the next week or two.  But only if you also have moisture present for seeds to germinate.  Any delay is likely to cause poorer stands.  In southeast Nebraska you can plant as late as Labor Day but earlier is better.  In central Kansas alfalfa can be planted as late as mid-September.

               Proper seedbed preparation is crucial for late summer plantings.  Good seed-to-soil contact and weed control are critical, both when seeding into tilled, prepared seedbeds or into wheat stubble.  Conserve soil moisture whenever possible, and put extra effort into getting a firm, firm seedbed.  Extra packing often gives faster and more uniform emergence.

               Whenever seeding alfalfa in late summer, be especially wary of grasshoppers.  They sometimes seem to come from nowhere, and they love to eat new alfalfa seedlings.  Spray field margins with insecticides before planting if necessary.

               One important caution — never plant into dry soil.  In the Great Plains, August plantings into dry soil may lie dormant for several weeks until it rains.  Too little time then will remain for seedlings to develop good cold tolerance.  Many failures occur because fall rains come too late or not at all.

               But if you have moisture, then plant.  With some help from Mother Nature, good hay is just a spring away.



Safe, healthy agricultural workers is topic of Aug. 15 Omaha Science Café

Ellen Duysen, coordinator and outreach specialist for the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health will discuss what is needed for safe and healthy agricultural workers at the next Omaha Science Café at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.

Duysen said that raising hogs, cattle and “three rascally boys” on farms in Colorado and Iowa have provided her with an understanding of the many hazards related to farming and ranching. She has put these experiences into practice while working with farmers and ranchers in an effort to reduce agricultural injury and fatality rates.

Using a novel outreach approach, CS-CASH is partnering with Omaha photographer, Jake Rogers, using his artistry to convey safe farming practices to Nebraska farmers. Duysen and Rogers hope that these impactful images will speak to the agricultural community, leading to safer and healthier work habits and environments.

This café is part two of a two-part café partnership with the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and its current exhibition, David Brooks: Continuous Service Altered Daily.

Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a Q-and-A period.

Pizza will be provided for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe.   



President Approves Disaster Declaration For Nebraska

Today, President Donald Trump issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Nebraska. The declaration prompts the release of federal funds for Nebraska communities as they recover from the severe storms that took place from June 12-15. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who led the congressional delegation requesting the disaster declaration, issued the following statement:

“I appreciate President Trump’s prompt response to our delegation’s request. Eighteen Nebraska counties face significant damages due to the severe storms in June. This declaration will help our communities with their rebuilding and recovery efforts.”

From June 12-15, 2017, 18 Nebraska counties suffered major damages from six tornadoes, strong winds, and golf-ball-to-baseball-sized hail. The inclement weather resulted in more than $13,780,024 worth of damages across Nebraska.



Ricketts Thanks President Trump for Disaster Declaration

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that President Donald J. Trump had approved a disaster declaration for Nebraska following storms in June.  The declaration releases federal funds to aid 18 Nebraska counties in their recovery efforts.  Governor Ricketts submitted a letter requesting the declaration last month.

“Thank you to President Trump and his team for approving this declaration,” said Governor Ricketts.  “Our communities are resilient, and this assistance will help Nebraskans accelerate their efforts to fully recover from the severe weather and tornadoes that impacted our state in June.”



Ricketts Applauds EPA Support for the RFS

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts, chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, testified at a public hearing held by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).  During the hearing, Governor Ricketts praised the agency’s commitment to the RFS and the biofuels market.

“The importance of creating certainty and the stability that comes with it cannot be overstated.  Releasing these volume proposals in a timely manner allows for planning and stability in the market,” said Ricketts.  “Biofuels are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing a cheaper, cleaner octane booster, and driving economic development in our states.”

In Nebraska alone, the ethanol industry provides over $5 billion of investment to the economy.  Across the nation, it has created over 300,000 jobs and added $32 billion to the overall economy.  Governor Ricketts encouraged the EPA to increase its support for ethanol and biofuels, stating that Nebraska has the potential to greatly increase its current biofuel output.



Alverson Advocates for a Strong RFS at EPA Hearing

Renewable fuels benefit our economy, our energy security, and our environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should set a strong volume for all renewable fuel types, National Corn Growers Association Board member Keith Alverson testified today at an EPA hearing on the 2018 renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“My local ethanol plant was constructed one year prior to my college graduation. That plant and the economic opportunity it created is a large part of what enabled me, as well as other young farmers, to return to the farm,” said Alverson, a sixth-generation farmer from Chester, South Dakota. “Because ethanol production is a vital market for corn farmers, we are pleased EPA proposed an implied volume of 15 billion gallons for conventional renewable fuel.”

While praising the EPA’s proposed volume for conventional renewable fuels, Alverson expressed concern that EPA proposed an overall volume of renewable fuels that is 40 million gallons below 2017 figures, and a cellulosic biofuel volume that is 73 million gallons lower.

“Corn farmers recognize the strong link between first- and second-generation biofuels and the role corn fills in producing the next generation of homegrown fuel that increases our energy security and lowers costs for consumers,” said Alverson.

“We ask the EPA to maintain the proposed conventional fuel requirement in the final rule… [but] set higher final volumes for cellulosic, advanced and total biofuels in order to draw the continued investment and innovation needed to maintain the expansion of cellulosic and advanced fuel production.

“As EPA noted in the proposed rule, many ethanol producers are investing in new technologies to produce cellulosic ethanol at existing facilities. NCGA urges EPA to work with producers to fully quantify this production and consider all 2017 cellulosic data,” Alverson testified.

EPA is currently accepting public comments on the proposed 2018 volumes. Supporters are urged to submit comments today via www.ncga.com/rfs. The deadline is August 31.



ASA’s Heisdorffer: EPA Should Raise RFS Biodiesel Volume to 2.75 Billion Gallons

American Soybean Association (ASA) Vice President and Iowa farmer John Heisdorffer called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for biomass-based diesel to at least 2.75 billion gallons for 2019 and to increase total Advanced Biofuels volumes to 5.25 billion gallons in 2018. During a hearing in Washington Tuesday morning, Heisdorffer noted that the biodiesel industry has expanded markets for farmers and livestock producers and created new jobs and economic growth, particularly in rural America. Biodiesel production creates a value-added market for the co-product soybean oil generated by the growing global demand for protein meal.

“The biodiesel industry has provided these benefits without any significant disruption or adverse impacts to consumers,” Heisdorffer testified. “Our industry has always advocated for RFS volumes that are modest and achievable and we have met or exceeded the targets each and every year that the program has been in place.”

Heisdorffer also runs a hog operation in his hometown of Keota, and noted that the biodiesel industry presents an added benefit for the livestock industry. “The market outlet that biodiesel provides for soybean oil also benefits livestock production by improving the margins for soybean processing and lowering the cost of soy meal used for livestock feed,” he stated. “A 2015 analysis … showed that biodiesel resulted in lower feed costs for U.S. livestock producers that ranged from $21 to $42 per ton, totaling $5.9 to $11.8 billion in total value.”



NBB Has Strong Showing at RFS Public Hearing, Calls for Higher Biodiesel Volumes

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on the proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) had several witnesses testify before the EPA staff and advocate for higher volumes of advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel.

“The current numbers shortchange the progress we have made. They are a step back for the RFS, job creation, small businesses and rural economies. Let me assure you—these steps backwards are not about paper but people,” said Donnell Rehagen, chief executive officer at the National Biodiesel Board.

NBB supports increases in the volume requirements, believing the agency must be more aggressive in meeting Congress’s goals to prioritize and move this country toward advanced biofuels. This would create jobs, improve the economy and benefit public health and the environment throughout the country.

The EPA proposal would maintain the minimum required biomass-based diesel volumes at 2.1 billion gallons for 2019. The EPA also proposed to set the 2018 RFS for advanced biofuels based on a minimum applicable volume of 4.24 billion gallons, a decrease from 4.28 billion gallons for 2017. A final rule is anticipated this fall.

With a group of roughly 20 speakers, NBB flagged key data and information for EPA staff as they take comments on this proposal. Specifically, NBB discussed market realities and underutilized capacity, the impacts on small businesses and manufacturing, feedstock availability and consumer choice.

On market realities and underutilization
“The market today has shown it can be used in a variety of locations, in all temperatures and in numerous, diverse applications. This market extends across the country—in rural areas, in urban areas, on-road, off-road and even in homes, buildings and factories. That’s the flexibility of biodiesel, which can be used throughout the distillate fuel market. This market is expected to increase, and the RFS program should ensure continued growth in renewable fuels for that market,” said Scott Fenwick, technical director at the National Biodiesel Board.

“EPA’s current proposed volumes would stall biodiesel, an important Iowa manufacturing sector, at a time when it is already operating below its capacity. The U.S. can meet production demand and has substantial room for growth, which EPA’s proposal does not acknowledge,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

“Domestic production capacity is significantly underutilized, with 4.2 billion gallons of registered capacity according to EPA’s own assessment. This doesn’t even include non-registered plants or foreign production we expect will continue to reach our shores. EPA’s proposal doesn’t acknowledge the ability of the domestic industry to step up to the plate when given proper signals by EPA,” said Doug Whitehead, chief operating officer at the National Biodiesel Board.

On small businesses, investments and manufacturing
“While we have looked at expanding our biodiesel production, the continual uncertain [renewable volume obligations] RVO policy has stymied our expansion appetite,” testified Ron Marr of the Minnesota Soybean Processors.

“We, and many other small producers, have had to struggle in a difficult business environment when EPA proposes RVOs that are well below what the biodiesel industry can produce. NBB has proposed very reasonable volumes of at least 2.75 billion gallons for biomass-based diesel in 2019 and at least 5.25 billion gallons of advanced biofuels for 2018. These volumes are well within the capabilities of the biodiesel industry and should be strongly considered. Anything less certainly misses the opportunity to help meet the objectives of the RFS and perpetuates the difficult business climate in which small producers like Newport Biodiesel must operate,” said Bob Morton of Newport Biodiesel.

“If EPA were to leave the biomass-based diesel RVO at 2.1 billion gallons for 2019—or worse—reduce the RVOs based on ill-conceived and illogical arguments, EPA not only will badly damage American investment made in this industry, but will severely limit and discourage further investment and growth in this important manufacturing sector,” said Paul Teta, VP and General Counsel at Kolmar Americas, Inc.

On feedstock availability and impacts to the farming economy
“The U.S. soybean harvest last year was a record 4.3 billion bushels—380 million bushels larger than the previous year. Those additional bushels represent an extra half a billion gallons of vegetable oil that the global market has had to absorb resulting in lower prices for agricultural producers and lower profit potential. USDA forecasts a similar crop of 4.25 billion bushels in 2017. I note these examples of excess supplies as our modeling results indicate RVOs could be increased to levels supported by the National Biodiesel Board and feedstock prices would still be less than their five-year average,” testified J. Alan Weber, partner at MARC-IV.

“Biodiesel also makes farming more profitable. It contributes about 63 cents per bushel of soybeans, while lowering the price of meal for livestock producers and the food supply. … Biodiesel has revitalized many rural areas of Iowa, and reversing course would harm those communities,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

On consumer choice
“Consumers choose biodiesel. They choose it because of the lower costs at the pump, because it provides better lubricity than petroleum diesel and because of the air quality benefits for their communities,” said NBB’s Scott Fenwick.

On the law’s requirements
The RFS—a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush—requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel stream.

“The RFS was designed to drive investment and innovation by providing stability and incentives for the development of clean alternative fuels. This proposal falls short of that goal. This proposal only perpetuates the status quo that Congress decisively sought to change in passing the RFS—the lack of real, sustainable alternatives to petroleum, particularly diesel fuel,” said NBB’s Anne Steckel.

“The biomass-based diesel industry has responded to Congress’ directives under the RFS program. It has made investments, it has diversified its feedstocks and it has become more efficient—all the while, promoting the goals of the program: creating a better environment, improving the economy, and strengthening this country’s energy independence and security,” said NBB’s Doug Whitehead.

The law is divided into two broad categories: conventional biofuels, which must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent, and advanced biofuels, which must have a 50 percent reduction. Biodiesel is the first advanced biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide and has made up the vast majority of advanced biofuel production under the RFS to date.



Hormel to Expand Kansas Bacon Plant

Hormel Foods Corp. plans to add a new 156,000-square-foot processing facility to its Dold Foods facility in Wichita at a cost of about $50 million.

In addition to the construction project, Hormel plans to invest $82 million in new machinery and equipment over the next five years, bringing the total capital expenditure of the project to $132 million.

The company has asked the Wichita City Council for an economic development tax exemption to support the expansion. The expansion is expected to add 384 jobs to the area. Hormel currently employs 275 at the Dold Foods facility, which Hormel acquired in 1984. The plant produces sliced bacon for national retail and food service customers. The plant produces sliced bacon for national retail and foodservice customers.

City government documents state that Hormel qualifies for a 100 percent, five-plus-five year tax exemption -- with the exception of any capital outlay levy assessed by the local school district -- based on the company's capital investment and job creation.



Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 4.62 million tons (154 million bushels) in June 2017, compared to 4.74 million tons (158 million bushels) in May 2017 and 4.62 million tons (154 million bushels) in June 2016, according to USDA-NASS. Crude oil produced was 1.81 billion pounds down 2 percent from May 2017 but up 1 percent from June 2016. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.35 billion pounds during June 2017 decreased 7 percent from May 2017 and decreased 2 percent from June 2016.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 167 thousand tons in June 2017, compared to 114 thousand tons in May 2017 and 202 thousand tons in June 2016. Canola crude oil produced was 138 million pounds up 48 percent from May 2017 but down 21 percent from June 2016. Canola once refined oil production at 124 million pounds during June 2017 was up 24 percent from May 2017 but down 22 percent from June 2016. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 46.4 million pounds during June 2017 was up 33 percent from May 2017 and up 24 percent from June 2016.

Edible tallow production was 69.9 million pounds during June 2017, down 5 percent from May 2017 and down 6 percent from June 2016. Inedible tallow production was 268 million pounds during June 2017, down 17 percent from May 2017 and down 8 percent from June 2016. Technical tallow production was 78.5 million pounds during June 2017, down 27 percent from May 2017 and down 20 percent from June 2016. Choice white grease production at 118 million pounds during June 2017 increased 8 percent from May 2017 and increased 2 percent from June 2016.



USDA-NASS Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 490 million bushels in June 2017. Total corn consumption was down 4 percent from May 2017 but up 2 percent from June 2016. June 2017 usage included 91.0 percent for alcohol and 9.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.77 million bushels, down 10 percent from May 2017 but up 7 percent from June 2016. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 437 million bushels, was down 3 percent from May 2017 but up 2 percent from June 2016. Corn consumed in June 2017 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.5 percent and 10.5 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.82 million tons during June 2017, down 5 percent from May 2017 and down 4 percent from June 2016. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.25 million tons in June 2017, down 8 percent from May 2017 but up 2 percent from June 2016.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 341 thousand tons during June 2017 and up 3 percent from June 2016. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 298 thousand tons in June 2017, down 5 percent from May 2017 and down 5 percent from June 2016.



Flour Milling Products Production Highlights

All wheat ground for flour during the second quarter 2017 was 224 million bushels, up slightly from the first quarter 2017 grind of 224 million bushels but down slightly from the second quarter 2016 grind of 224 million bushels, according to USDA-NASS. Second quarter 2017 total flour production was 104 million hundredweight, down slightly from the first quarter 2017 but up 1 percent from the second quarter 2016. Whole wheat flour production at 5.33 million hundredweight during the second quarter 2017 accounted for 5 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the second quarter 2017 was 1.57 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the second quarter 2017 was 1.62 million hundredweight.

Durum wheat ground for flour and semolina production during the second quarter of 2017 totaled 15.7 million bushels, down 6 percent from the first quarter 2017 but up 2 percent from the second quarter 2016. Second quarter 2017 durum flour and semolina production was 7.53 million hundredweight, down 6 percent from the first quarter 2017 but up 3 percent from the second quarter 2016. Whole wheat durum flour and semolina production was 108 thousand hundredweight, down 35 percent from 166 thousand hundredweight in the first quarter 2017 and down 33 percent from 162 thousand hundredweight from the second quarter 2016. Second quarter durum wheat millfeed production was 109 thousand tons and the daily 24-hour milling capacity for durum and semolina production was 127 thousand hundredweight.

Rye ground for flour during the second quarter of 2017 was 445 thousand bushels, down 3 percent from the first quarter 2017 and down 29 percent from the second quarter 2016. Rye flour production during the second quarter of 2017 was 215 thousand hundredweight, compared to 222 thousand hundredweight in the previous quarter and 303 thousand hundredweight in the same quarter for the previous year. The daily 24-hour milling capacity for rye milling was 9.39 thousand hundredweight for the second quarter 2017.



Advisory Teams, Delegates Deliberate USGC Strategy In Vancouver

Members and delegates of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) deliberated priorities and activities during meetings Tuesday of the organization’s Advisory Teams, commonly known as A-teams, as well as at a general session of the USGC Board of Delegates.

The plenary conversations explored how the Council can capture new demand, including that for ethanol in Mexico, as well as the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Access Program (MAP) in helping the Council drive export growth. Delegates also heard details of the Council’s newly-released demand model, which seeks to understand long-term growth potential in global markets and inform USGC strategy.

“By its very nature, the Council’s work must look at today and far into tomorrow, managing the need to be responsive to market conditions now with seeking and developing robust markets for future years and future generations,” Deb Keller, USGC vice chairman, told delegates in the general session.

“The work our team in Washington has been doing to look at where demand will be over the next several decades is revealing - and offers important context for our discussions about trade policy, programs and how we manage this organization.”

USGC’s A-teams, comprised of subject matter experts, provide critical insight and guidance for the organization as well further encourage member participation in USGC export market development efforts.

The Council operates seven advisory teams focused on key regions - Asia, Western Hemisphere and the Middle East and Africa - and topics - ethanol, trade policy, value-added products and innovation and sustainability.

USGC delegates also met Tuesday in sector-specific groups, including for corn, barley and sorghum producers as well as agribusinesses and general farm organizations.

The Council will utilize the input gathered from these meetings to guide development of the Council’s operational blueprint and strategic planning.

“Our program today focused on the changing environment of trade that affects the Council’s daily work,” Keller said. “Our speakers updated our delegates on issues that affect the cornerstones of our work and, in turn, our teams discussed how to more effectively carry out programs and support our offices overseas.”

Meetings in Vancouver will continue on Wednesday with business meetings of the full USGC Board of Delegates and Board of Directors as well as election of new Council Board of Directors members.



Agriculture Secretary Perdue to Kick Off “Back to Our Roots” RV Tour

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that he will embark on a five-state RV tour, titled the “Back to Our Roots” Tour, to gather input on the 2018 Farm Bill and increasing rural prosperity.  Along the way, Perdue will meet with farmers, ranchers, foresters, producers, students, governors, Members of Congress, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees, and other stakeholders.  This is the first of two RV tours the secretary will undertake this summer.  In making the announcement, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“The ‘Back to our Roots’ Farm Bill and rural prosperity RV listening tour will allow us to hear directly from people in agriculture across the country, as well as our consumers – they are the ones on the front lines of American agriculture and they know best what the current issues are,” Perdue said.  “USDA will be intimately involved as Congress deliberates and formulates the 2018 Farm Bill.  We are committed to making the resources and the research available so that Congress can make good facts-based, data-driven decisions.  It’s important to look at past practices to see what has worked and what has not worked, so that we create a farm bill for the future that will be embraced by American agriculture in 2018.”

This first RV Tour will feature stops in five states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.  For social media purposes, Secretary Perdue’s Twitter account (@SecretarySonny) will be using the hashtag #BackToOurRoots.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for August 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for August 2017. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for August is 1.250 percent, up from 1.125 percent in July.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during August is 2.250 percent, up from 2.125 percent in July.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for August are as follows, 1.500 percent with three-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.500 percent in July; 1.875 percent with five-year loan terms, up from 1.750 percent in July; 2.125 percent with seven-year loan terms, up from 2.000 percent in July; 2.250 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in July and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, up from 2.250 percent in July.



Farmers Reach out to Thank Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook
   
Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) joined in the effort to thank Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who recently visited the Norman family on their 2,500 acre cattle ranch in South Dakota.  Zuckerberg has also previously visited the Grant family in Wisconsin on their beef and dairy cattle operation, then shared their stories on his social media accounts. In reflecting on both visits, Zuckerberg spoke positively about the farm families and their hard work. Mark has embarked on a personal challenge to visit every state in the U.S. that he has not visited before.

Mark Zuckerberg has more than 93 million followers on Facebook and his posts have been far-reaching. Both farm posts earned more than 270,000 reactions and thousands of comments - mostly positive, but some very negative.

This thank-you letter was sent to Mark Zuckerberg for recognizing the hard working efforts of our industry. We also encourage you to take the time today to personally thank Mark for the support he has given the agricultural community. In doing so, please use the social media hashtag #farmersthankmarkz on your post.



Farm Bureau Decries D.C. Circuit’s “Endangered” Wolf Ruling, calls for reform
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Today, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a thriving population of 4,000 Gray Wolves that threatens farmers and ranchers in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin was somehow endangered. This ruling defies common sense.

“The court handed down this opinion despite an abundance of scientific and commercial data showing no material threat to the wolf population. Neither the goals outlined in various recovery plans nor the aggressive and successful leadership to save the wolves in affected states moved the court to do the right thing.

“Congress needs to take action to reform the broken and outdated Endangered Species Act. There’s no question the wolf packs have recovered. We only wish we could say the same of farms and ranches within their reach.”



NGFA, NAEGA outline trade priorities for Trump administration

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) submitted a joint statement to the Trump administration this week regarding the performance of free trade agreements.

In response to a solicitation for comments from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) regarding the administration's assessment of free trade agreements and the nation's trade relations with other members of the World Trade Organization, the NGFA and NAEGA identified opportunities to update and modernize U.S. free trade agreements and highlighted the urgency in initiating trade negotiations with key Asia-Pacific markets.

Withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement "has created a void that foreign export competitors are aggressively exploiting to the detriment of U.S. agricultural exports and our nation's economy," stated the NGFA and NAEGA.

The two groups said key areas that would preserve and enhance U.S. agricultural competitiveness and facilitate trade include not only expanded market access and tariff concessions, but also:
-    improved regulatory consistency and cooperation;
-    removal of non-tariff barriers that lack scientific merit;
-    enabling innovation of information technologies;
-    recognizing comparable regulatory systems for assessing the safety of plant breeding technologies;
-    developing a consistent approach for managing low-level presence (LLP) of biotechnology-enhanced products that have undergone a safety assessment and are approved for use in a third country, but not yet approved for import by a U.S. free trade agreement-member country; and
-    ensuring safe and orderly passage for rail and truck freight transportation.

 The organizations also noted their concern about the trading relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU), given the "many unscientifically based and unjustified barriers" erected by the EU to block U.S. grain and other agricultural products from entering its market. "NGFA and NAEGA urge the administration to work with the European Union to remove the barriers and promote a better trading relationship," the comments stated.

The NGFA and NAEGA concluded by noting they are eager "to work actively, constructively and expeditiously with President Trump and the administration's trade team" to develop strategies that will "preserve, improve and build upon existing and new trade relationships to benefit U.S. and world consumers."




ADM Reports Second Quarter Earnings

Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM) today reported financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

“We continued to deliver on our strategic plan and capitalize on improving conditions in some markets to achieve strong 39 percent year-over-year earnings growth,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano.

“Our actions in the first half of the year reflect ADM’s continuous efforts to create shareholder value. We are diversifying our capabilities and geographic reach through acquisitions and organic expansions. We are aggressively managing costs and capital, and taking additional portfolio actions; and we are ahead of pace to meet our 2017 target of $225 million in run-rate savings.

“With these collective actions, we expect to deliver solid year-over-year earnings growth and returns in 2017, and we are poised to be an even stronger company in 2018.”

Ag Services delivered its fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year increases in operating profits.

In Merchandising and Handling, North America Grain results increased significantly over the prior year with strong carries in wheat, corn and soybeans. Global Trade generated solid results and was up over the year-ago quarter, benefiting from improved margins, favorable timing effects and actions to improve performance.

Transportation decreased from the prior-year period, primarily due to river conditions and lower freight rates.

Milling and Other delivered solid results on steady margins and favorable merchandising.

Corn Processing results were up from the year-ago quarter. Higher volumes and improved margins in North America Sweeteners and Starches contributed to another strong performance. Bioproducts results increased over a weak prior year, with an improvement in ethanol margins.

Oilseeds Processing benefited from the diversity of its feedstocks, products and geographies; however, overall results were down compared to the second quarter of 2016. Weak margins in both global soybean crush and South American origination impacted Crushing and Origination results. Softseeds earnings were higher as a result of leveraging the business’s global flex capacity to capitalize on margin opportunities.

Refining, Packaging, Biodiesel and Other had solid results in all regions, with South America refined and packaged oils and the global peanut business contributing to strong performance in the quarter. North America Biodiesel results also improved over the prior-year quarter, which was impacted by unfavorable timing effects.

Asia experienced another good quarter, growing significantly over the prior-year period due both to ADM’s increased ownership stake in, and strong results from, Wilmar.

WFSI was in line with the prior-year quarter. WILD Flavors delivered double-digit operating profit growth with strong sales globally. Specialty Ingredients was down for the quarter.