Tuesday August 22 Ag News

Popular Ag Sack Lunch program brings ag awareness to students and their families

A program designed to increase agricultural awareness with Nebraska young people and their families is back for an eighth straight year.

The Ag Sack Lunch program provides a free lunch and an agriculture-focused learning experience to fourth-graders who come to Lincoln each year to tour the state capitol building as part of their educational curriculum.  While they eat their lunch, students hear a presentation about the crops and livestock species that are raised in Nebraska and the important role agriculture plays in Nebraska’s economy.

The sack lunches consist of Nebraska-produced food items to help students appreciate where their food comes from.  They also receive card games called “Crazy Soybean” and “Old Corn Maid,” which include ag facts, to take home to play with their families and friends.

Since the inaugural offering during the 2010-2011 school year, nearly 35,000 student have participated in the Ag Sack Lunch program. It is sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Beef Council. 

“Fewer young people are being raised on farms, and the Ag Sack Lunch program does a great job of connecting these fourth-graders to agriculture. It’s important students understand the importance of ag and where their food comes from,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Teachers like the program as well. We continue to hear from them how much their students learn while they enjoy their sack lunches.”

Pam Schrader, who teaches at Lincoln Christian, said it was a “fun treat to have a lunch provided and the information was really good. The kids played card games when we got back to the room.  Love those cards and the info on them.”

Karolyn Roby, a teacher at Adams Elementary in Omaha, said “I love this presentation every year. The kids love the lunch and it must be tasty because they always eat it all. Thank you for a wonderful program.”

Ag Sack Lunch invitations have been sent to fourth-grade teachers at 660 elementary schools in 44 eastern Nebraska counties. Reservations for the 2017-2018 school year are limited to 5,000 students on a first-come, first-served basis. These spots fill up quickly, so teachers are urged to sign up as soon as possible—even if their state capitol tour dates have not been finalized yet. Reservations can be placed online at agsacklunchprogram.com.



New joint venture FieldReveal capitalizes on proven precision ag platform to expand ag retailer offerings

Four leading agribusinesses, Wheat Growers, Landus Cooperative, Central Valley Ag and WinField United, have signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture called FieldReveal™ to provide ag retailers with a proven, easy-to-use precision ag platform by the same name that is focused on empowering local agronomists to better serve growers and keep pace with new technological advancements.

Wheat Growers, Landus Cooperative, Central Valley Ag and WinField United are each expected to hold equity positions in the new joint venture, pending final approval from each organization. The joint venture will license its FieldReveal precision ag platform to additional ag retailers across North America. The FieldReveal platform would have the ability to be incorporated as part of retailers’ existing precision ag offerings.

The FieldReveal precision platform helps agronomists work closely with growers to help optimize input costs and yields to deliver improved returns on each field. The genesis of the FieldReveal platform was the MZB precision farming system from Wheat Growers, which has proven its worth to growers since 1997.

“This tool was built by agronomists and is used by agronomists. That’s what makes it so relevant and effective,” says Brent Wiesenburger, executive advisor for FieldReveal and precision ag manager at Wheat Growers. “It was designed to enhance the partnership between ag retailers, agronomists and their customers.”

Teddy Bekele, vice president of ag technology for WinField United, says, “We have been working over the past year to ensure FieldReveal has full connectivity to WinField United’s data silo and suite of precision farming tools, including the R7® Tool by WinField. As commodity prices are stressed, growers want to spend money in the right places. We have seen an increase in the adoption of precision tools, and we want to have best-in-class solutions. That’s why we plan on investing in FieldReveal and intend to make it part of our Answer Tech program.”

The driving force behind the FieldReveal joint venture was the significant investment and advancements in precision agriculture in recent years. “By joining forces and expanding FieldReveal to more retailers and growers, the FieldReveal partners are securing a technology offering for the future, driven from the ground up by agronomists working with growers every day. It also gives FieldReveal the financial wherewithal to support innovation and keep improving our precision agriculture tools based on grower needs,” Wiesenburger explains.

FieldReveal makes it easier for agronomists to write seed, fertility and other input prescriptions based on geo-referenced, multi-layered sampling taken from grids, soil management zones or a combination of both. While the algorithms are complex, none of that complexity is felt by the agronomist or the grower. This ease of use allows the agronomist and the grower to take precision into their own hands, while creating a more scalable solution for the retailer. Retailers will appreciate the connectivity FieldReveal brings to a wide range of precision ag tools, and growers will appreciate the connectivity to most wireless controllers, as well as the ability to maximize returns on each acre.

Wiesenburger also sees the enlarged footprint of the joint venture as an excellent vehicle for other technology companies to preview or launch their new technologies.

To find out more about FieldReveal™, visit FieldReveal.com



Nebraska Delegation to Focus on Farm Bill at Upcoming Listening Session

All five members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation will take part in an upcoming farm bill listening session hosted by several Nebraska agricultural organizations. The Nebraska Agriculture Farm Bill Listening Session will be held Friday, Sept. 1 at the Bosselman Center on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island, Neb. The event, which is open to the public, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon (CDT), with remarks from members of the delegation and invited testimony preceding an audience question and answer session set to begin at 11:30 a.m. (CDT).

“Food security is national security. It’s the foundation of why we have farm bills,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president, Aug. 22. “As discussions about the 2018 Farm Bill are underway, all of our organizations are very much looking forward to the opportunity to share thoughts on what has worked in the current farm bill and where improvements can be made to ensure a strong and viable safety net for agriculture into the future.”

Nebraska’s congressional delegation also shared statements on the importance of farm bill discussions:

Sen. Deb Fischer
“Agriculture is the economic engine of Nebraska – one in four jobs is related to production agriculture. It is critically important that Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers have the necessary tools and resources available to them so that they can continue to feed and fuel the world. I am looking forward to the robust discussion with our diverse agricultural industries at the Nebraska State Fair.”

Sen. Ben Sasse
“Nebraska’s agriculture community drives our state’s economy. We need to ensure that our agriculture policies work for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers as hard as our producers work to feed the world. I’m proud to have a strong working partnership with these organizations on the most pressing agriculture issues facing our state.”

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry                                                     
“In Nebraska, we understand the essential impact that agriculture has on America’s well-being. The farm bill process gives us the opportunity to evaluate our policy construct to ensure the vitality of production agriculture, important conservation initiatives, the expansion of the ag family – especially for young farmers and ranchers as well as new food models in urban communities – and food security for the vulnerable among us.”

Rep. Don Bacon
“Agriculture affects every Nebraskan either directly or indirectly. I look forward to hearing from our farmers and ranchers about what matters most so my congressional colleagues and I can pass an effective Farm Bill.”

Rep. Adrian Smith          
“As Congress prepares to draft a new farm bill, it is important to hear directly from Nebraska producers about their priorities for agriculture policy. At my recent listening sessions across the Third District, I have received great feedback on what producers feel is or isn’t working in the current farm bill. I am eager for this opportunity for the congressional delegation to come together at our state’s celebration of agriculture and discuss these issues with Nebraskans.”

The agricultural groups sponsoring the listening session include the:
Nebraska Cattlemen
Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association
Nebraska Farm Bureau
Nebraska Pork Producers Association
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association
Nebraska Soybean Growers Association
Nebraska State Dairy Association
Nebraska Sugar Beet Growers Association
Nebraska Wheat Growers Association
Rural Radio Network



LEGAL PROBLEMS USING COVER CROPS AS FORAGE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               I have a legal dilemma today.  And it has to do with cover crops, especially cover crops that you want to graze or harvest as forage.

               What is the dilemma, you ask?  Well, the dilemma is that, from a legal standpoint, it may be illegal for you to use your cover crop as a harvested forage or for grazing.

               The problem stems from herbicides used.  With the exception of glyphosate, most herbicides commonly used with our annual crops have rotational restrictions on how soon various crops can be planted after that herbicide was used.  That includes forage and cover crops.  And if the label doesn’t specifically mention your cover crop, or all of the species in your cover crop cocktail, then the rotational restriction automatically becomes the maximum interval, which usually is 18 months.

               So – what does this mean from a practical standpoint?  For starters, if you graze or harvest a cover crop as forage that falls under a rotational restriction, technically you are breaking the law.  And potential penalties are severe.  Your livestock could be quarantined or even destroyed.  And it doesn’t matter whether the crop was seed corn, hailed out, chopped for silage, or combined normally.

               Does this mean these cover crops aren’t safe?  Well, the correct answer often is ‘we don’t know for sure’.  Sufficient herbicide residue tests may not have been conducted to determine a tolerance level for the herbicide on that specific cover crop.  That’s why it’s illegal.  Even if you or other farmers have used this cover crop as forage with no ill effects in the past, it is still illegal.

               Now – will you get caught if you use it anyway?  Well, that’s another story and a risk, similar to speeding down the highway, that you must decide for yourself.  The risk of harm or of getting caught may be small, but penalties severe.



“Pivoting the GMO Conversation” Food Dialogues Hosted by Nebraska Soybean Board and U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance

American shoppers have access to more information than ever before. As a result, they have more opportunities to share their opinions about how food is grown and raised. In many instances, these concerns have resulted in a response by major food companies to market food under a myriad of labels from “sustainable” and “natural” to “GMO-free” and “locally-grown.” But, what do these terms really mean, and what impact do they have on farm production practices. For farmers who have been focused on farming sustainably for generations – the marketing-speak can result in changes on the farm that may have negative environmental impacts. For consumers, these phrases cause confusion and concern as food companies may unknowingly be contradicting the actual practices that make farming sustainable.

Join Nebraska Soybean Board and U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance on September 6 for an engaging panel discussion about “Pivoting the GMO Conversation,” which will include diverse viewpoints from thoughtful speakers. 

This panel will aim to clarify modern farming practices, and how different farming methods strive to achieve similar goal. Click here to learn more and register. The discussion will be livestreamed on FoodDialogues.com.

Panelists include:
·         Scott Hamilton Kennedy (moderator) – Film Writer, Director, Producer, and Editor
·         Danielle Nierenberg – American Activist, Author and Journalist, co-founder of FoodTank
·         Amber Pankonin, MS, RD, LMNT, Immediate Past President Nebraska Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Blogger at Stirlist.com
·         Hilary Maricle – Nebraska cattle, corn, pig and soybean farmer, CommonGround volunteer
·         Jeremy Brown – Texas organic cotton farmer, USFRA Face of Farming & Ranching
·         Dr. Mary Matlock - Executive Director Office for Sustainability and Professor of Ecological Engineering, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

University of Nebraska at Lincoln (Nebraska Innovation Campus) | 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, NE 68508
12:30 - 1:00 p.m. – Registration
1:00 p.m. “Pivoting the GMO Conversation” Panel Discussion
2:00 p.m. Q&A session



GRASSLAND STUDIES FALL SEMINAR SERIES BEGINS AUG. 28

The 23rd annual fall seminar series offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Grassland Studies will include 12 lectures on topics related to grasslands, including what drives profits, fitting perennial grasses to agro-ecosystems, structural heterogeneity of vegetation in the Sandhills, managing an integrated cow/calf system, and ecology and management of rangeland.

The seminars are 3 to 4 p.m. most Mondays during the fall semester at the Nebraska East Union, 1705 Arbor Drive. The first lecture is scheduled for Aug. 28 and the last is Dec. 4. There will be no lectures Sept. 4, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. The seminars are free and open to the public and can be taken for academic credit.

The series features David Briske, this year's Frank and Margaret Leu Distinguished Lecturer, on Nov. 6. Briske is a professor at Texas A&M, researcher and editor of the journal Rangeland Ecology and Management. 

"David Briske is a world-renowned range plant physiologist who has seminal publications on managing defoliation of range and pasture plants, comparisons of grazing strategies/systems and rangeland evaluation," said Walt Schacht, professor of agronomy and horticulture at Nebraska. "We are privileged to have someone of his background and expertise to visit with us about managing range and pasture for livestock production at a time when the Center for Grassland Studies and IANR are growing our programs in integrated beef production systems."

The seminar schedule can be found at http://grassland.unl.edu/upcoming-seminars. The schedule is subject to revision; any changes will be noted on the website.

Each seminar is recorded and uploaded to the website above a few days after the presentation. Contact the Center for Grassland Studies for more information at (402) 472-4101 or email grassland@unl.edu.



NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during July 2017 totaled 7.81 million, down from 9.23 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Nebraska egg production during July totaled 207 million eggs, down from 230 million in 2016. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,651 eggs, compared to 2,489 eggs in 2016.

Iowa
Iowa egg production during July 2017 was 1.35 billion eggs, up 3 percent from last month, and up 9 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The average number of all layers on hand during July 2017 was 54.9 million, up slightly from last month and up 5 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for July were 2,465, up 3 percent from both last month and last year.

US July Egg Production Up 3 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.91 billion during July 2017, up 3 percent from last year. Production included 7.74 billion table eggs, and 1.17 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.09 billion were broiler-type and 74.9 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during July 2017 averaged 371 million, up 2 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,401 eggs, up 1 percent from July 2016.
                                   
All layers in the United States on August 1, 2017 totaled 371 million, up 2 percent from last year. The 371 million layers consisted of 311 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 56.9 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.12 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2017, averaged 77.6 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from August 1, 2016.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down Slightly
Egg-type chicks hatched during July 2017 totaled 41.6 million, down slightly from July 2016. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.0 million on August 1, 2017, up 6 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 316 thousand during July 2017, up 10 percent from July 2016.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during July 2017 totaled 826 million, up 2 percent from July 2016. Eggs in incubators totaled 680 million on August 1, 2017, up 5 percent from a year ago.

Leading breeders placed 7.09 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during July 2017, down 8 percent from July 2016.



Understand Safety When Dealing with Hydrogen Sulfide

The risks of hydrogen sulfide in swine operations have been known for years, but beef operators also need to be aware of the dangers this gas can pose. Increasing this awareness led Dan Andersen, assistant professor and agricultural engineering specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, to create a series of four publications that provide information and resources to help farmers stay safe when working with manure.

"One breath of hydrogen sulfide at 500 parts per million is enough to render someone unconscious almost immediately," Andersen said. "Once you realize the gas is a problem it's usually too late. Hydrogen sulfide gas smells at 1-2 ppm, but levels above that knocks out your ability to smell, so our natural detection system goes away."

Information about the importance of monitoring for hydrogen sulfide and the types of monitors available for purchase is available in publication AE 3603, "Hydrogen Sulfide Safety -- Monitoring." Monitors are available from ISU Extension and Outreach agricultural engineering specialists who have several models for farmers to test.

"Personal protection meters are a low cost investment, usually around $200, that will notify you if gas is present," he said. "These instruments can be taken anywhere and are always monitoring the air."

The second publication in the series, "Hydrogen Sulfide Safety -- Manure Agitation" (AE 3604), discusses how to stay safe when agitating manure.

"Manure that is stagnant and sitting around has minimal loss of hydrogen sulfide," said Andersen. "These levels of hydrogen sulfide are typically not hazardous. But when the manure is agitated and the crust is disrupted, hydrogen sulfide levels can elevate quickly."

The final two publications in the series focus on barn ventilation for both cattle and swine facilities. "Hydrogen Sulfide Safety -- Barn Ventilation at Cattle Facilities" (AE 3605) and "Hydrogen Sulfide Safety -- Swine Barn Ventilation" (AE 3606) discuss how to set up a ventilation strategy when working with manure.

"The most important thing to do is to try to maximize airflow," Andersen said. "When agitating there should be at least a 10 mile per hour breeze and fans can be set up to bring in additional air."

Proper positioning can also help minimize risks of exposure to gas.



SHIC Funds Near Real-Time Global Swine Disease Monitoring System

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has funded a near real-time monitoring system for swine diseases around the world. Reviewed by SHIC’s Monitoring and Analysis Working Group, the system will include identification of potential hazards due to new diseases or changes in current diseases’ status, screening steps to evaluate the information collected, and informing the U.S. pork industry through regular, timely reporting.

This project, being developed at the University of Minnesota, will use a private-public-academic partnership to develop the system. The University of Minnesota and USDA/APHIS Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health will be collaborating on the project.

The U.S. swine industry is free of several swine diseases existing in other countries while having other diseases in common. “Having a systematic way to monitor new or emerging diseases around the globe will help keep the U.S. pork industry informed of risks. Knowing the changes in risks will spur thinking about how to mitigate them,” remarked Dr. Paul Sundberg, SHIC Executive Director. 

Multiple sources of information may contribute to the development of a near real-time global monitoring system for swine diseases. Sources of information may be classified as soft or unofficial (rumors or data that may or may not have been corroborated) and hard or official (confirmed by national or international agencies).

On a regular basis, data will be evaluated by a group of swine health experts, including collaboration with the USDA/APHIS Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, and a report generated. The summary will include interpretation from the experts that add their impression about the event; does it sound accurate, should I care about this, why or why not. Follow-ups with local contacts will also be done, when possible. The information will be graded to reflect a consensus of risk to the U.S. pork industry and the report will be released. The system is expected to be operational early in 2018.

Funded by America’s pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, the Swine Health Information Center focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.



USDA Cold Storage July 2017 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on July 31, 2017 were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 8 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 21 percent from last month and down 65 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on July 31, 2017 were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 4 percent from last month and up 11 percent from July 31, 2016.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on July 31, 2017 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 8 percent from July 31, 2016.  Butter stocks were down 1 percent from last month and down 8 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on July 31, 2017 were up 20 percent from last month but down 6 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 6 percent from last month but down 5 percent from a year ago.



United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Up 4 Percent from 2015

All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 116 million head on July 1, 2017, up 4 percent from the 111 million head on July 1, 2015. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 46.6 million head, were up 5 percent from 2015.
                       
All cattle and calves in the United States as of July 1, 2017, totaled 103 million head, 4 percent above the 98.2 million head on July 1, 2015. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 41.9 million head, were up 5 percent from 2015.

All cattle and calves in Canada as of July 1, 2017, totaled 13.0 million head, up slightly from the 12.9 million head on July 1, 2016. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 4.74 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the number of cattle and calves by class and calf crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the U.S. cattle industry to provide producers additional information about potential beef supplies.Published twice a year in late winter and summer. The late winter edition also contains information on sheep and lambs.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Up 3 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2017 was 85.8 million head. This was up 3 percent from June 2016, and up 7 percent from June 2015. The breeding inventory, at 7.34 million head, was up 1 percent from a year ago and up 2 percent from 2015. Market hog inventory, at 78.4 million head, was up 3 percent from last year and up 7 percent from 2015. The semi-annual pig crop, at 78.5 million head, was up 4 percent from 2016 and up 7 percent from 2015. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.34 million head, up 3 percent from last year and up 5 percent from 2015.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2017 was 71.7 million head. This was up 3 percent from June 1, 2016 and up 1 percent from March 1, 2017. The breeding inventory, at 6.07 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 65.6 million head, was up 4 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 32.3 million head, was up 4 percent from 2016 and up 9 percent from 2015. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 3.06 million head, up 3 percent from 2016 and up 7 percent from 2015. 

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on July 1, 2017 was 14.1 million head. This was up 2 percent from July 1, 2016 and up 6 percent from July 1, 2015. The breeding inventory, at 1.28 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up 2 percent from 2015. Market hog inventory, at 12.9 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 6 percent from 2015. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.9 million head, was up 3 percent from 2016 and up 5 percent from 2015. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.27 million head, up 1 percent from last year and up 2 percent from 2015.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the U.S. hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential hog supplies.



SDSU to Break Ground on New Animal Research Lab

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Brookings will be held August 31. Officials say the facility will both serve as the front line of defense in protecting South Dakota's $7.3 billion livestock industry against diseases and provide important diagnostic information for the state's wildlife and companion animals.

"I'm very excited to see this project moving forward," South Dakota State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven said. "The expansion and renovation of the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory is critical to animal health, public health, and food safety. This facility will protect the dedicated and talented people who work in the laboratory, and will give them the tools to do the best work possible. Expert veterinary laboratory diagnostic and research capacity is important for the timely identification of emerging and zoonotic diseases, and for the continuity of business when animal health events occur."

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on the south lawn of the South Dakota State University Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences/SD ADRDL Building. The new facility will include an attached addition to the north of the current building along with renovation on the existing building on the SDSU campus.

Dr. Jane Christopher-Hennings, the head of the SDSU Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and director of the South Dakota ADRDL explains the importance of the lab to the people of South Dakota and the country.



NBB Fair Trade Coalition Succeeds in Latest Stage of Biodiesel Import Cases

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition won a preliminary countervailing duty determination from the Commerce Department regarding subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. The Commerce Department found that Argentina and Indonesia provide subsidies to their biodiesel producers in violation of international trade rules. In addition, Commerce found “critical circumstances” to address the post-petition surge of imports from Argentina, paving the way for the imposition of retroactive duties, going back to May 2017.

“The Commerce Department has recognized what this industry has known all along—that foreign biodiesel producers have benefited from massive subsidies that have severely injured U.S. biodiesel producers. We’re grateful that the Commerce Department has taken preliminary steps that will allow our industry to compete on a level playing field,” said Doug Whitehead, chief operating officer of the National Biodiesel Board.

As a result of Commerce’s ruling, importers of Argentinian and Indonesian biodiesel will be required to pay cash deposits on biodiesel imported from those countries. The cash deposit rates range from 50.29 to 64.17 percent for biodiesel from Argentina, and 41.06 to 68.28 percent for biodiesel from Indonesia, depending on the particular foreign producer/exporter involved. Cash deposit requirements will be imposed when this preliminary determination is published in the Federal Register sometime next week. In addition, based on Commerce’s “critical circumstances” finding, these rates for Argentina will apply retroactively 90 days from the date of the Federal Register notice.

The NBB Fair Trade Coalition filed these petitions to address a flood of subsidized and dumped imports from Argentina and Indonesia that has resulted in market share losses and depressed prices for domestic producers. Biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia surged by 464 percent from 2014 to 2016, taking 18.3 percentage points of market share from U.S. manufacturers. Imports of biodiesel from Argentina again jumped 144.5 percent following the filing of the petitions. These surging, low-priced imports prevented producers from earning adequate returns on their substantial investments and caused U.S. producers to pull back on further investments to serve a growing market.

Between the preliminary and final determinations, the Commerce Department will audit the foreign producers and governments to confirm the accuracy of their data submissions. Parties will file briefs on issues arising from the agency’s preliminary countervailing duty determinations, and the Commerce Department will hold a hearing. Preliminary determinations in the companion antidumping investigations are due to be issued in October. Final Commerce determinations will be issued later this year, or in early 2018, with a final determination by the International Trade Commission soon thereafter. 



American Sheep Industry Adds $5.8 Billion to U.S. Economy

The American Sheep Industry Association released its 2017 Economic Impact Study, showing that the nation's 88,000 sheep producers generated a total economic impact of $5.8 billion in 2016. With over $500 million in farm gate receipts for sheep and lambs, value added from processing, wool, and retail; the American sheep industry contributes over $2 billion directly to the U.S. economy, with a multiplier impact of nearly three times the initial investment. Through the commission of this study and periodic updates, Peter Orwick, Executive Director of the American Sheep Industry Association says the industry is better able to evaluate its role as a part of the larger agricultural economy.

"The American sheep industry is a major sector of livestock production in the United States," said Orwick. "From large scale operations in the west, on private and public lands, to smaller farm flocks in the east, raising sheep and wool fosters economic growth that supports rural communities and provides food and fiber for the nation."

In addition to the monetary economic impact, the study also found that every job in sheep production supported nearly a second full time position in foodservice, retail, or fabrication.

"As small business operators, we have long understood the importance of animal agriculture to the U.S. economy," said Orwick. "Not only do sheep producers purchase feed and agricultural equipment, they are engaged in every aspect of commerce in their communities. By purchasing U.S. lamb and wool, consumers are supporting jobs and families throughout the nation."

The updated numbers demonstrate to consumers and legislators how important the sheep industry remains to American agriculture, especially as debate begins on the next farm bill.

"This study reinforces the significance of the sheep industry to the U.S. economy," said Orwick. "While disaster assistance and safety net programs remain top priorities, keeping U.S. sheep producers competitive worldwide and export promotion programs are also important in building and maintaining opportunity for greater economic growth."

While the updated study followed closely with prior findings, further market consolidation was noted, offset economically by increases in hosiery exports, lanolin and wool values contributed to increased values.