Tuesday October 3 Ag News

Look Up and Look Out to Keep Your Harvest Season Safe

When the crops are ready to be harvested, farmers have only a window of time—between weather events, equipment breakdowns, and life events—to get the best quality crop out of the field. To make the most of this time, farm workers try to get as much work done as possible. Cuming County Public Power District and Safe Electricity offers safety tips for farm and ranch workers across the nation to help keep them safe during this time.

“The rush to harvest can lead to farmers working long days with little sleep,” cautions Scott Haber, CCPPD Operations Manager. “Make sure before starting, to note the location of power lines.”

One of the biggest hazards for farmers is posed by power lines. To stay safe around overhead power lines, CCPPD and Safe Electricity urges farm operators and workers to:
 ·    Use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines.
 ·    Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. 
 ·    Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.
 ·    Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
 ·    Always remember to lower extensions when moving loads.
 ·    Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
 ·    If a power line is sagging or low, call CCPPD immediately. 

“Always remember to periodically look up and be aware of your surroundings,” Haber adds. “If you can’t safely pass under a power line, choose a different path.”

If contact is made with a power line, remember, it is almost always safest to stay on the equipment. Make sure to warn others to stay away, and call CCPPD immediately. The only reason to exit is if the equipment is on fire. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, “bunny hop” away.

Additional safety tips from CCPPD and Safe Electricity include:
 ·    Do not use metal poles when breaking up bridged grain inside and around bins.
 ·    Always hire qualified electricians for any electrical issues. 
 ·    Do not use equipment with frayed cables.
 ·    Make sure outdoor outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
 ·    When operating a portable generator, make sure nothing is plugged into it when turning it on, and never operate a generator in a confined area. Generators can produce toxic and deadly gasses like carbon monoxide.
 ·    Always use caution when operating heavy machinery. 

For more farm and electrical safety information, visit SafeElectricity.org. 



Thurston County is Newest Nebraska Livestock Friendly County

On Monday, Lt. Governor Mike Foley designated Thurston County as the newest county in Nebraska to be named a Livestock Friendly County (LFC). The Livestock Friendly County program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). With the addition of Thurston County, located in northeast Nebraska, 43 of the state’s 93 counties are now designated as livestock friendly.

“By requesting and receiving the state’s Livestock Friendly County designation, Thurston County has made their commitment to grow Nebraska through agriculture even stronger,” said Lt. Governor Foley. “To keep growing Nebraska, we need to continue making Nebraska as livestock friendly as possible.”

According the U.S. Department of Agriculture, of the nearly $197 million Thurston County had in agricultural receipts for the year 2012, $104 million, or 53 percent, came from livestock sales, and $93 million, or 47 percent, came from crops.

“Agriculture has always made a tremendous impact on Thurston County’s economy,” said NDA Assistant Director Mat Habrock. “With a Livestock Friendly designation, Thurston County has great opportunities to attract new and expanding livestock production and agribusiness to the area.”

The Livestock Friendly County program was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2003 to recognize counties that support the livestock industry and new livestock developments. A county wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing, and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation. Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.



Nebraska Farmer Named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year

The National Pork Board announced today that Leslie McCuiston, a pig farmer from Columbus, Nebraska, has been named the 2017 America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM, by achieving the highest combined score from a third-party judging panel and online voting. The award recognizes a pig farmer who excels at raising pigs using the We CareSM ethical principles and who connects with today’s consumers about how pork is produced.

“We are pleased to have Leslie represent America’s pig farmers. She embodies the very best in pig farming,” said Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “It’s important that we share with today’s consumers how we raise their food in an ethical and transparent way. Leslie’s interest in sharing her farm’s story, as well as putting a face on today’s pig farming, will help us reach this goal.”

Focusing on people is McCuiston’s main goal as a senior production manager for The Maschhoffs, LLC. McCuiston believes in equipping employees with the right tools to provide the best animal care every day. She oversees 70 employees who care for more than 18,000 sows in central Nebraska and surrounding states.

“For me, pig farming isn’t just a job, it’s a career that I am passionate about,” McCuiston said. “I want to find new, innovative ways to show others what we do in pig farming, explain how much we care and help people understand where their food comes from.”

McCuiston was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year following a third-party audit of on-farm practices and after taking part in a series of written and oral interviews by subject-matter experts. She has achieved excellence in all aspects of pig farming, including animal care, environmental stewardship, employee work environment and outstanding community service.

The panel of expert judges met in early September with the four finalists. Members of the five-member panel included Brittni Furrow, Walmart’s senior director of sustainability; Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane; Kari Underly, a third-generation Chicago butcher, author and principal of Range®, Inc., a meat marketing and education firm;  J. Scott Vernon, professor, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Cal Poly; and Brad Greenway, the 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year and chairman of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

 “As an animal lover and the leader of the country’s first national humane organization, I am honored to be a judge for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year,” Ganzert said. “American Humane celebrates all those, including our nation’s farmers, who care for animals and work hard to ensure they are treated humanely. Today, more than ever, it is important not only to point out where progress is needed, but to recognize when we get it right.”

To learn more about McCuiston and the America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award, visit americaspigfarmer.com.



Cuming County 4-H Members Participated at AKSARBEN

Cuming County 4-H members had another successful year at the 90th Annual AKSARBEN Stock show that was held in Grand Island, NE at Fonner Park/Nebraska State Fairgrounds.  According to Larry Howard, Nebraska Extension Educator in Cuming County, thirty six Cuming County 4-H members had 65 animals entered at the livestock shows this year.

In the Beef Show, Megan Schroeder, Wisner was named Grand Champion in the Calf Challenge project and received a plaque. She also received the plaque for top Record Book score and was Reserve in Calf Challenge Showmanship and received a red in the live show.  Cuming County leads all counties at AKSARBEN by having 51 participants receive calves in this program 26 of the 38 years they have had this special project.  The next closest county is Monona County, IA with 37 participants in 24 of the 38 years.  Cassidee Stratman, West Point received the 4th place plaque in the Feeder Calf Showmanship contest.

The Cuming County Beef Fitting Challenges team of Ross Klitz, West Point, Evie Schlickbernd, West Point and Meagan Schroeder, Wisner placed 4th.




Chrisp Focuses on the Future, Provides Insight as FY18 NCGA First Vice President

When the National Corn Growers Association entered a new fiscal year Sunday, Nebraska farmer Lynn Chrisp assumed the role of first vice president.  Chrisp began by giving an overview of his priorities this year.

"NCGA Is focusing on three primary areas: ethanol, farm bill and regulation, particularly as it pertains to the EPA," he explained. "For me, I know these three areas only represent a small start into looking at everything we are working on.

"Under the farm bill alone, we are working on the commodity title, conservation programs, crop insurance, trade and research. All of these areas are very important. I am hoping that the work we try to accomplish over the next year will show some fruit in each of these areas."

Chrisp enjoys his work in NCGA leadership, but he also remains deeply rooted in his appreciation for his career in farming.

"The challenge of the work that is in front of us. It is one thing as a farm operator to be going about the day-to-day activities on the farm required to get a crop in the field, harvested and appropriately marketed. I still find this to be an enjoyable facet of life for me as my career.

"For the last couple of decades, away from the farm, I have focused on work and activities with NCGA. The respect and involvement that NCGA has in the country and in our nation's capital is pretty mind-boggling once you are immersed into the activities. I really enjoy being involved, deeply immersed and, now growing into a leadership position."

In the coming fiscal year, Chrisp stresses that members should be aware of and involved in NCGA's efforts pertaining to both the farm bill and demand-building areas such as trade and ethanol.

"Without a doubt, all of our members of corn growers are thinking about what is going to come out of the next farm bill. We are focusing our attention on the commodity title. We have polled our membership on a number of different occasions in the past year, and we have found over and over again that our membership believes that crop insurance is the most important aspect of a farm safety net. Personally, I agree."

Explaining that the issues go on and on, Chrisp also prioritizes trade and ethanol work.



Iowa Learning Farms Webinar to Discuss Management-Intensive Grazing and Grasslands

Pasture and forage acres are critical to soil conservation and the profitability of beef cattle operations. Joe Sellers, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will discuss which practices make grazing more effective and how management-intensive grazing can work on Iowa farms. He will also discuss where opportunities exist to expand grasslands in Iowa during the Iowa Learning Farms webinar, set for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

“I work with producers on all types of management practices, but I am very passionate about getting more perennial forages into diversified livestock systems in Iowa,” Sellers said. “It’s important for producers to learn how to improve the productivity and protection of their land.”

Sellers has worked for extension over 30 years, specializing in grazing management, beef cattle nutrition, cattle management systems, beef cattle leases and cattle share agreements. He has also led the Greenhorn Grazing and Iowa Certified Graziers courses in Iowa for the past 8 years and assists with a Lucas County farm that was settled by his family in 1856.

The Iowa Learning Farms monthly webinar series will take place on the third Wednesday of each month at noon. To log in, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ at noon and log in through the “guest” option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for viewing at any time at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.



USDA Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservation Payments

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and $1.6 billion under CRP for 2017.

“Many of these payments will be made to landowners and producers in rural communities that have recently been ravaged by drought, wildfires, and deadly hurricanes,” Perdue said.  “I am hopeful this financial assistance will help those experiencing losses with immediate cash flow needs as we head toward the end of the year.”            

The ARC and PLC programs were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and offer a safety net to agricultural producers when there is a substantial drop in revenue or prices for covered commodities. Over half a million producers will receive ARC payments and over a quarter million producers will receive PLC payments for 2016 crops, starting this week and continuing over the next several months. 

Payments are being made to producers who enrolled base acres of barley, corn, grain sorghum, lentils, oats, peanuts, dry peas, soybeans, wheat and canola. In the upcoming months, payments will be announced after marketing year average prices are published by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the remaining covered commodities. Those include long and medium grain rice (except for temperate Japonica rice), which will be announced in November; remaining oilseeds and chickpeas, which will be announced in December; and temperate Japonica rice, which will be announced in early February 2017.  The estimated payments are before application of sequestration and other reductions and limits, including adjusted gross income limits and payment limitations.

Also, as part of an ongoing effort to protect sensitive lands and improve water quality and wildlife habitat, USDA will begin issuing 2017 CRP payments this week to over 375,000 Americans.

“American farmers and ranchers are among our most committed conservationists,” said Perdue. “We all share a responsibility to leave the land in better shape than we found it for the benefit of the next generation of farmers. This program helps landowners provide responsible stewardship on land that should be taken out of production.”

Signed into law by President Reagan in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation program in the United States. Thanks to voluntary participation by farmers and landowners, CRP has improved water quality, reduced soil erosion and increased habitat for endangered and threatened species. In return for enrolling in CRP, USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Participants enter into contracts that last between 10 and 15 years. CRP payments are made to participants who remove sensitive lands from production and plant certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat.

For more details regarding ARC and PLC programs, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc. For more information about CRP, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.



New Results Released on Market Cow and Bull Audit

Newly released audit data about market cows and bulls suggests the industy has made significant improvements in several areas, including: herd management techniques, animal welfare and handling, hide damage, injection-site location and bruises.

Read more information in the 2016 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) – Market Cow and Bull Results.

In all cattle types surveyed, the vast majority of cattle walked normally into the packing facility with no apparent lameness. There has been a trend toward increased body condition scores in beef and dairy cows since 2007, the research showed, while body condition has stayed relatively constant for the bull population. Meanwhile, about 98 percent of cattle surveyed had no visible swellings resulting from an injection of animal health products, and incidence of injection-site lesions in the round have dropped considerably since 1998.

While identification of bruising in the 1999 National Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit helped lead to significant industry improvements in bruise reduction from 1999 to 2007, there is still an opportunity to decrease the prevalence of carcass bruising. In addition, greater attention to the size and location of brands could reduce lost opportunities in hide value.

The research relative to market cows and bulls was last conducted in 2007. The 2016 data is the second part of the National Beef Quality Audit. NBQA Steer and Heifer results were released in July this year. Both studies are funded by the Beef Checkoff Program.

“Cows and bulls are the foundation of our cattle herds. They also are significant sources of beef that are well worth understanding,” said Dan Kniffen, Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Board chairman. “Well-being is of critical importance to the animals and to us as beef producers who are stewards of their care. The NBQA helps us find ways to improve our production practices of cows and bulls.”

The following four directives were identified for industry improvement:
-    Recognize and optimize the value of market cows and bulls;
-    Proactively ensure the safety and integrity of the product;
-    Use appropriate management and handling practices to prevent quality defects; and
-    Closely monitor herd health and market cattle appropriately and in a timely fashion.

“Additional emphasis on education contained in the Dairy FARM and Beef Quality Assurance programs can further propel the momentum of the cow and bull industry,” said Kniffen.

For more information about the National Beef Quality Audit, visit BQA.org. For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.



Registration Now Open for 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show

Registration for the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz., opened Oct. 2, and participants are encouraged to register early! This year’s event will be held Jan 31-Feb 2, with a schedule packed full of business meetings, educational opportunities and world-class entertainment.
 
The annual Cattle Industry Convention provides an opportunity for members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, CattleFax, the American National CattleWomen and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation to meet and set policy for the year ahead, while also experiencing the best the cattle business has to offer. This year, the NCBA Trade Show, which is always a highlight, includes more than 300 exhibitors on more than six acres of floor space and a newly expanded outdoor exhibit space.

 NCBA President Craig Uden said it’s paramount for cattlemen and women to make plans for Phoenix, as these important organizations plan for the future of the industry.
“The Cattle Industry Convention is our opportunity to determine the future of our business. Today, we’re playing offense and times are good, but the challenges facing our industry have never been greater,” Uden said. “This is an opportunity to make your voice heard and participate as a beef industry leader. I’m confident that your investment and participation in this great event will pay dividend in your operation. This year’s convention features so many great events, speakers and business opportunities, you won’t want to miss it. On top of that, this year’s host city, Phoenix, will be an outstanding destination at the end of January for those of us who will benefit from a winter getaway.”

All 2018 convention registrants who book before Jan. 5, 2018, receive an early-bird discount, so register today! This year’s participants are also eligible for travel discounts provided by Southwest Airlines, including a 15 percent discount off Anytime & Business Select® fares and a 5 percent  discount off select Wanna Get Away® fares for travel to and from the conference. Book your travel between 10/1/17 - 1/5/18 to take advantage of the discounted rates. Enterprise and National are the official rental car partners of the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, providing this year’s participants with a 5 percent discount off rental car rates by utilizing the contract ID/Promo Code “L12GF94.”

For additional information about the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, or to register, please visit http://convention.beefusa.org/.



Biofuels Advocates Together Urge President to Prevent EPA's Actions That Harm American Workers

Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) joined other leading biofuels advocates to send a letter to President Donald Trump, urging the White House to “act quickly to prevent actions” at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that threaten jobs in rural America, freeze innovation in advanced biofuels and undermine the energy security goals of America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“The proposed changes are inconsistent with the law and threaten the growth and prosperity of the U.S. biofuels industry. EPA’s changes are also inconsistent with Administrator Pruitt’s assurances to uphold the law and your long-standing support of ethanol and the RFS. If the proposed changes are finalized, EPA’s actions would cause severe harm to our industry, undermining your efforts to drive economic growth and secure America’s status as the global leader in biofuel production.”

In the letter, industry leaders called on the White House to halt EPA consideration of “drastic, unprecedented changes” designed to benefit the same petroleum refiners that have repeatedly sought to curtail the growth of homegrown fuels. Specifically, the EPA issued a proposal that slashed EPA staff recommendations for higher cellulosic targets, published a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) aimed at cutting total biofuel volumes including advanced and biodiesel, and may be considering Valero’s scheme to flood the market with export-subsidy credits, a move that would immediately devalue biofuel blends.

NBB’s Doug Whitehead has previously called for higher volumes of advanced biofuels and for withdrawing the recent NODA: “EPA’s proposal earlier this summer was inadequate, underestimating the power of domestic biodiesel production and ignoring the intent of the law. This request for comment is even more disappointing. NBB will be working with EPA to demonstrate the industry’s proven success record, continued growth and impacts to American workers who were promised that this administration had their back.”

Along with NBB, other organizations that signed the letter include the Advanced Biofuels Business Council (ABBC), the American Biogas Council (ABC), the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Growth Energy, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).



Growth Energy, Leading Biofuels Advocates Urge President to Keep EPA on Course with RFS

Growth Energy today joined other industry leaders in sending a letter to the White House calling on President Trump to quickly address recent actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could unravel progress achieved under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“The biofuels industry stands united against drastic changes to the RFS that would freeze innovation and halt investments in the production of homegrown biofuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

“The changes being considered by the EPA run counter to the law and threaten the growth and prosperity of the U.S. biofuels industry, including farmers and communities across the heartland. We’re calling on the White House to put the EPA back on course before the agency does irreversible harm to the President’s agenda and goes back on his promises to rural voters.”

In the letter, industry leaders called on the White House to protect cellulosic and starch-based ethanol targets from EPA cuts, to withdraw the agency’s latest notice aimed at total biofuel volumes (including biodiesel), and to reject oil industry proposals for an export-subsidy credit designed to strip the value from higher biofuel blends.



ACE partners on EPA Smart Sectors program 

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announces its participation in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Sectors program launched today to provide a platform for collaboration with regulated sectors to help the agency develop forward-thinking ways to improve environmental outcomes.

Smart Sectors is partnering with trade associations from 13 industry sectors selected for the breadth of their environmental and economic impacts. ACE represents biofuels under the oil and gas sector as the only ethanol industry association representative invited to partner in the launch.  

“We’re grateful Administrator Pruitt invited ACE to participate in this Smart Sectors program given the timely and critical ethanol issues currently under consideration at EPA,” said Brian Jennings, ACE Executive Vice President. “We will take advantage of this opportunity to work with EPA to ensure that RFS implementation grows demand for biofuels, to continue pushing for RVP relief for E15 and higher ethanol blends, and to position high-octane fuel as a solution to fuel economy and emissions standards.”

EPA Administrator Pruitt announced the launch of the voluntary partnership program to CEOs and leadership from over 30 trade associations and their member companies at a launch event held today at EPA headquarters. Jonathon Lehman, ACE’s Legislative Counsel in Washington, D.C., attended the launch event.

“Issues of critical importance to the continued growth of U.S. produced biofuels are centered within EPA’s jurisdiction and being considered as we speak,” Lehman said. “We greatly appreciate Administrator Pruitt’s commitment to collaboration within the Smart Sectors program as we seek to ensure EPA's regulation of biofuels does not hinder continued growth, economic opportunities and domestic energy security."

According to EPA, through the collaborative partnership, Smart Sectors will demonstrate measurable results for the environment and the economy by building relationships and improving customer service to each sector; developing additional expertise in each industry’s operations and environmental performance; and informing the planning of future policies, regulations and agency processes.



Perdue Statement on Confirmation of Censky & McKinney for Key USDA Posts

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Senate’s confirmation of two key nominees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Senate confirmed Steve Censky, nominated by President Donald J. Trump as Deputy Secretary, and Ted McKinney, selected by the president to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

Perdue issued the following statement:
“I commend the Senate for confirming these two experienced, prepared, and capable nominees, who will provide the steady leadership we need at USDA. Steve Censky will help us be responsive to producers reeling from the effects of multiple hurricanes and also offer prudent counsel as Congress continues work on the 2018 Farm Bill. Ted McKinney will take charge of the newly-created mission area focused on trade, and wake up every morning seeking to sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets. We eagerly await their arrival at USDA, and urge the Senate to continue to act on other nominees who are awaiting confirmation.”



Senate Confirms Stephen Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released the following statement on the confirmation of Stephen Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture:

“Congratulations to Steve on his confirmation to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Steve’s decades of experience in soybeans and biodiesel will serve the agency well. He’s a proven, successful executive, known for providing a clear vision for the agricultural industry and being a tireless advocate for America’s farmers. We wish him the best in this new endeavor,” said Donnell Rehagen, chief executive officer at the National Biodiesel Board.

Stephen L. Censky is the chief executive officer of the American Soybean Association, which is a member of the National Biodiesel Board. As ASA’s top executive, Censky is in charge of managing ASA’s legislative, trade policy, international market development, communications and leadership development programs.

The National Biodiesel Board is the U.S. trade association representing the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors.



Growth Energy Statement on Wehrum Hearing

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement regarding the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing on the nomination of Bill Wehrum to serve as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR):

"In recent weeks, the biofuels industry has rallied against a series of concerning actions by the EPA that signal a backpedaling on the agency’s support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which will impact our industry. We need assurance that the EPA remains in sync with the president and his commitment to renewable fuels.

“EPA fuel policies need to better reflect our modern-day marketplace, which included the wide availability and proven environmental and engine performance advantages of ethanol-blended fuels. The Assistant Administrator for OAR plays an essential role in administering those policies, and we are eager to learn more about how Mr. Wehrum would approach this office in tomorrow’s hearing.

“The RFS is lowering our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, keeping our air clean, revitalizing rural America, and providing consumers with more affordable fuel options at the pump. We urge the Senate to ensure Mr. Wehrum would carry out the duties of this position in a manner that moves our nation forward on the progress we have made since the RFS was passed by Congress and signed into law by the Bush Administration more than a decade ago. The RFS is specifically designed to blend more renewable biofuel into our fuel mix every year, and EPA’s role is to administer this law and continue building on its success.”