Friday July 20 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 8 PERCENT

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.40 million cattle on feed on July 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 8 percent from last year.

Placements during June totaled 415,000 head, down 2 percent from 2017.

Fed cattle marketings for the month of June totaled 530,000 head, unchanged from last year. Other disappearance during June totaled 15,000 head, unchanged from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 710,000 head on July 1, 2018, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 1 percent from June 1, 2018, but up 6 percent from July 1, 2017. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 500,000 head on feed, down 6 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,210,000 head, down 3 percent from last month but up 3 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 77,000 head, down 4 percent from last month but up 7 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 46,000 head, up 70 percent from last month and up 28 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 123,000 head, up 15 percent from last month and up 14 percent from last year.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 85,000 head, down 2 percent from last month but up 6 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 74,000 head, up 48 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 159,000 head, up 16 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 4 Percent
   
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.3 million head on July 1, 2018. The inventory was 4 percent above July 1, 2017. This is the highest July 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. The inventory included 7.13 million steers and steer calves, up 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 63 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.15 million head, up 8 percent from 2017.

Cattle on Feed  (1,000 hd  -  % July 1 '17)
Colorado ......:                 930            100              
Iowa .............:                710            106               
Kansas ..........:               2,240          102          
Nebraska ......:               2,400          108         
Texas ............:               2,740          103         

Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.79 million head, 1 percent above 2017. Net placements were 1.74 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 400,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 345,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 385,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 378,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 185,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 100,000 head.

Placements by State  (1,000 hd  -  % June '17)
Colorado ......:                 145                116      
Iowa .............:                 77                 107    
Kansas ..........:                 405                103       
Nebraska ......:                 415                 98        
Texas ............:                 430                 96        
    
Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 2.01 million head, 1 percent above 2017. Other disappearance totaled 58,000 head during June, 4 percent above 2017.

Marketings by State  (1,000 hd  -  % June '17)
Colorado ......:                160                100      
Iowa .............:                 85                106      
Kansas ..........:                475                102       
Nebraska ......:                530                100     
Texas ............:                410                 98       

The on-feed, placement, and marketings totals were all exactally in line with pre-report estimates.

United States All Cattle on Feed Up 4 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.3 million head on July 1, 2018. The inventory was up 4 percent from the July 1, 2017 total of 12.8 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 84.8 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2018, up slightly from the previous year.



July 1 Cattle Inventory Up 1 Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States on July 1, 2018 totaled 103 million head, 1 percent above the 102 million head on July 1, 2017, and equal to the pre-report estimate of +1%.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 41.9 million head, were 1 percent above the 41.6 million head on July 1, 2017. Beef cows, at 32.5 million head, were up 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.40 million head, were unchanged from previous year.

All heifers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2018 totaled 16.3 million head, 1 percent above the 16.2 million head on July 1, 2017. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.60 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.20 million head, were unchanged from previous year. Other heifers, at 7.50 million head, were 3 percent above a year earlier.

Steers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2018 totaled 14.5 million head, unchanged from July 1, 2017.

Bulls 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2018 totaled 2.10 million head, up 5 percent from July 1, 2017.

Calves under 500 pounds on July 1, 2018 totaled 28.4 million head, up 2 percent from July 1, 2017.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.3 million head on July 1, 2018. The inventory is up 4 percent from the July 1, 2017 total of 12.8 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 84.8 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2018, up slightly from previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots) is 37.1 million head. This is 1 percent above the 36.9 million head on July 1, 2017. 

Calf Crop Up 2 Percent
The 2018 calf crop in the United States is expected to be 36.5 million head, up 2 percent from last year's calf crop, and slightly above the pre-report estimate of +1%. Calves born during the first half of 2018 are estimated at 26.6 million head, up 2 percent from the first half of 2017. An additional 9.90 million calves are expected to be born during the second half of 2018.



NEBRASKA MILK PRODUCTION

Milk production in Nebraska during the April-June 2018 quarter totaled 367 million pounds, up 1 percent from the April-June quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 60,000 head, unchanged from the same period last year.

U.S. April-June Milk Production up 0.8 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the April - June quarter totaled 55.8 billion pounds, up 0.8 percent from the April - June quarter last year. The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.40 million head, 3,000 head less than the January - March quarter, but 4,000 head more than the same period last year.



IOWA MILK PRODUCTION

Milk production in Iowa during June 2018 totaled 430 million pounds, up slightly from the previous June according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during June, at 220,000 head, was unchanged from last month but 3,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,955 pounds, down 20 pounds from last June.

U.S. June Milk Production up 1.3 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during June totaled 17.2 billion pounds, up 1.3 percent from June 2017. May revised production at 18.0 billion pounds, was up 1.1 percent from May 2017. The May revision represented an increase of 40 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,964 pounds for June, 23 pounds above June 2017.    This is the highest production per cow for the month of June since the 23 State series began in 2003.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.75 million head, 12,000 head more than June 2017, but unchanged from May 2018.



Nebraska Teachers Focus on Agriculture at National Conference

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation sent two Nebraska K-12 teachers to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, June 26-29 in Portland, Maine. Three additional teachers from Nebraska also attended the four-day conference.

The annual conference uses workshops, awards ceremonies, and tours of agricultural operations to show K-12 education teachers how agriculture can be used effectively in formal classroom instruction.

Stephanie Wolf, a special education teacher at Brady Public Schools in Brady, and Jennifer Johnson, a third-grade teacher at Sutton Public Schools in Sutton, were awarded the all-expense paid trip to the conference by winning the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s 2018 Teachers of the Year designation for incorporating agriculture into their classrooms through innovative ideas and lessons.

“Being able to attend this conference means new opportunities for my students,” Wolf said. “I was able to learn about many new resources that I can not only implement in my classroom but also offer to the other teachers in my school.”

With the conference held in Portland, Maine, teachers from across the nation had the opportunity to participate in traveling workshops of nearby agribusinesses and research facilities to learn about aquaculture, artisan cheese, and the beef and dairy industries, among other stops.

“Having the opportunity to learn about aquaponics and hydroponics got me excited to start a school garden at our school,” Wolf said.

The conference also provided the teachers with ideas and resources on how to use agriculture to teach core subjects in their classrooms.

“The National Agriculture in the Classroom website is amazing, and I look forward to using it for new lessons as well as to supplement my existing lessons,” Johnson said.

Three other Nebraska teachers who attended the conference were past Teachers of the Year Bev Grueber from North Bend and Patty Romshek and Kathy Bohac from East Butler in Brainard.

Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, says supporting teachers is a smart investment. “We are thrilled to partner with teachers who recognize the benefits of incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. The impact of attending this conference will multiply as they share the knowledge and resources gained with their students and fellow teachers,” she said.



20th Annual Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 7-10 at 4 Sites

For 20 years, Soybean Management Field Days have helped growers stay competitive in the global marketplace and increase profits while meeting the world's growing food and energy needs right here in Nebraska. The field days scheduled for Aug. 7-10 will offer producers research-based information to improve their soybean profitability.

The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and are funded through soybean checkoff dollars. The efforts of the checkoff are directed by the United Soybean Board promoting progress powered by U.S. farmers.

“Our goal remains the same as the first field day – to help soybean growers maximize productivity and profitability through smart decisions and efficient use of resources. Meeting the world's growing food and energy needs starts right here in Nebraska – at the 2018 Soybean Management Field Days,” says Victor Bohuslavsky, Nebraska Soybean Board Executive Director. “The Nebraska Soybean Board has been a proud sponsor since day one!”

According to Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen, Soybean Management Field Days provides an opportunity to learn about research-based information.  “Producers will see their checkoff dollars at work as they learn about leading technology and ideas.”

The event consists of four stops across the state, each with replicated research, demonstration plots, lunch, and time for questions. Producers can obtain ideas and insight about the challenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today's global economy.

Presenters include university specialists, educators and industry consultants. Topics include:
-    Marketing, Risk Management and Farm Policy
-    Weed Management: Cover Crops and Weed Control, Conventional vs. Traited, Soybean Variety Production
-    Cover Crops: Managing Soybean Insects and Pathogens
-    Cover Crops and Soybean Production Irrigation Management, Soil Fertility, and Cover Crop Research

Agronomists, plant disease and insect specialists will be available to address production-related questions. Participants can bring unknown crop problems for complimentary identification.

The field days begin with 9 a.m. registration and conclude at 2:30 p.m. Free registration is available the day of the event.

Tuesday, Aug. 7, Dean Jacobitz Farm, Kenesaw
From Hastings, from Hwy. 281/Hwy. 34, go west 13 miles on Hwy. 34.  Turn south and go 0.7 mile onto S. Holstein Ave.  From Minden, go 17 miles northeast on Hwy. 34. Turn south and go 0.7 mile onto S. Holstein Ave. The field site is on the west side of the road. GPS:  40.556985°, -98.648740°

Wednesday, Aug. 8, John and Mike Frey Farm, Albion
From Albion, from the four-way stop sign at the intersection of Hwy. 14 and Hwy. 91 in Albion, go west on Hwy. 91 for 6 miles. Turn south and go 0.2 mile onto 190th Ave. The field day is on the west side of the road. GPS: 41.679754°, -98.1193197°

Thursday, Aug. 9, Ed Lammers Farm, Hartington
From Hartington, from Hwy. 81/Hwy. 84:  Go 1 mile north on Hwy. 81.  Turn east and go 0.7 mile on 883 Rd. The field site is on the south side of the road. GPS: 42.627032°, -97.411983 °

Friday, Aug. 10, Ray Jr. and Kevin Kucera, Cedar Bluffs
From Cedar Bluffs, go 3 miles south on Hwy. 109.  Go 1 mile west on County Rd. U.  Go 0.3 mile south on County Rd. 17.  From Wahoo, on north end of town, from Hwy. 77/Hwy. 109 intersection, go 8 miles north on Hwy. 109. Go 1 mile west on County Rd. U.  Go 0.3 mile south on Co. Rd. 17. The field day is on the west side of the road. GPS: 41.346498°, -96.621973°

Details and Site Maps
For more information about the field days and maps to sites, visit enre.unl.edu/soydays or contact the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff at (800)852-BEAN or Nebraska Extension at 1-800-529-8030.




Nebraska corn farmers shape ag policy during Corn Congress in Washington, D.C.

Corn leaders from across the country met in Washington, D.C. this week for the biannual Corn Congress hosted by the National Corn Growers Association. During Corn Congress, more than 100 farmer-delegates gathered in the nation’s capital to discuss policy for U.S. corn production. Due to the downturn in the ag economy, much of the discussions focused on international trade, ethanol expansion and the need to pass a new Farm Bill.

“Corn Congress is a time for all U.S. corn farmers to come together to address the heavy hitting issues related to corn production,” said Dave Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from St. Edward. “By coming together, we’re able to focus and refine our policies, which strengthens our individual voices as farmers. What we’ve discussed over the last couple of days may have implications on corn farming for years to come, so we took the time to get it right.”

This year’s Corn Congress began Wednesday, July 18 and concluded on Thursday, July 19. Throughout the two days, delegates participated in policy discussions and also visited with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. Prior to the beginning of Corn Congress, farmers engaged in action team meetings on Monday, July 16 through Tuesday, July 17 to discuss a variety of issues impacting the U.S. corn industry.

“By taking the time to address key issues, such as consumer engagement, freedom to operate, or corn productivity, we’re able to be more effective in enhancing our country’s corn sector,” said Dan Wesely, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and farmer from Morse Bluff. “As part of Corn Congress, we have the unique opportunity to share our ideas and our concerns with Nebraska’s congressional leaders. We’re also able to meet with congressional leaders who aren’t representing corn states. We’re hopefully bettering Nebraska and the U.S. corn industry in the long-term by providing these national representatives with accurate information to help them make decisions and shape policy.”

While in Washington, D.C., Nebraska participants (which consisted of 16 corn farmers, nine young leaders and five Nebraska Corn staff members) visited with national agribusinesses, such as Farmers for Free Trade, Growth Energy, Corn Refiners Association, U.S. Grains Council, Farm Bureau and Fuels America. Nebraska’s participants attended on behalf of the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.



Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics in August 

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. The clinics offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, August 2
    Fairbury - Thursday, August 2
    North Platte — Thursday, August 9
    Lexington — Thursday, August 16
    Norfolk — Wednesday, August 22
    Valentine — Thursday, August 23

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Nebraska corn farmers shape ag policy during Corn Congress in Washington, D.C.

Corn leaders from across the country met in Washington, D.C. this week for the biannual Corn Congress hosted by the National Corn Growers Association. During Corn Congress, more than 100 farmer-delegates gathered in the nation’s capital to discuss policy for U.S. corn production. Due to the downturn in the ag economy, much of the discussions focused on international trade, ethanol expansion and the need to pass a new Farm Bill.

“Corn Congress is a time for all U.S. corn farmers to come together to address the heavy hitting issues related to corn production,” said Dave Merrell, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from St. Edward. “By coming together, we’re able to focus and refine our policies, which strengthens our individual voices as farmers. What we’ve discussed over the last couple of days may have implications on corn farming for years to come, so we took the time to get it right.”

This year’s Corn Congress began Wednesday, July 18 and concluded on Thursday, July 19. Throughout the two days, delegates participated in policy discussions and also visited with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. Prior to the beginning of Corn Congress, farmers engaged in action team meetings on Monday, July 16 through Tuesday, July 17 to discuss a variety of issues impacting the U.S. corn industry.

“By taking the time to address key issues, such as consumer engagement, freedom to operate, or corn productivity, we’re able to be more effective in enhancing our country’s corn sector,” said Dan Wesely, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and farmer from Morse Bluff. “As part of Corn Congress, we have the unique opportunity to share our ideas and our concerns with Nebraska’s congressional leaders. We’re also able to meet with congressional leaders who aren’t representing corn states. We’re hopefully bettering Nebraska and the U.S. corn industry in the long-term by providing these national representatives with accurate information to help them make decisions and shape policy.”

While in Washington, D.C., Nebraska participants (which consisted of 16 corn farmers, nine young leaders and five Nebraska Corn staff members) visited with national agribusinesses, such as Farmers for Free Trade, Growth Energy, Corn Refiners Association, U.S. Grains Council, Farm Bureau and Fuels America. Nebraska’s participants attended on behalf of the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.



Iowa Farmer-Leaders Elected to National Corn Growers Association Board

Delegates attending the 2018 National Corn Congress re-elected Bruce Rohwer from O’Brien County to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board for a three-year term. Rohwer will join NCGA Directors Chris Edgington of Mitchell County and Kevin Ross of Pottawatomie County on the Corn Board. Ross will serve as first vice president-elect for Fiscal Year 2019.

"NCGA is unique in that it brings together corn farmers from across the country to create a cohesive, unified voice in dealing with their shared issues," said Rohwer. "I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the Corn Board to offer my views but, more importantly, to assist the board in its efforts to guide NCGA as a positive force for our nation's corn farmers."

Rohwer, of Paullina, Iowa is past chair and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and is Corn Board liaison to the Risk Management Action Team. Rohwer operates a corn and soybean farm, along with his son and daughter, in addition to owning a drainage tillage business. Along with a neighbor, he also owns a sow farrow farrow-to-finish operation.

Bruce places a high priority on maintaining NCGA's role as the leading advocate for the corn industry and bringing stakeholders together to find a strong voice advocating for issues such as trade, ethanol, and livestock exports as well as addressing consumer concerns. Rohwer said that corn farmers have several opportunities to be farmer-advocates:
·         before government regulators with a new crop insurance program to help protect farmers;
·         for the Farm Bill before Congressional Committees;
·         as ambassadors for our crop with international buyers;
·         as partners with our fellow farmers in other associations such as the US Grains Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation

“These “opportunities” to affect things from policy to economics, come to us as members of NCGA and it is incumbent upon each of us to do that advocacy for agriculture,” stated Rohwer.

 The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.



Pork Tent Adds New Product for Iowa State Fair 

Iowa's pork producers are bringing a new option to the table - or more accurately to your taste buds - when the Iowa State Fair opens its gates on August 9th. At the building fondly known as the Iowa Pork Tent, Iowa pork producers will be serving a sweet and savory treat made from a quarter-pound of honey-cured pork belly that has been rubbed in brown sugar and cooked to perfection. Its name, quite simply, is Brown Sugar Pork Belly on a Stick.

The Brown Sugar Pork Belly on a Stick was submitted to the Iowa State Fair for its Best New Fair Foods for 2018, and after being compared to more than 50 other new food products, qualified for the semi-final round of the competition. With a final push from consumers voting on the state fair app, this new product was added to the finalist list of 2018 Best New Foods at the fair. In fact, two of the three finalists are pork products.

Pork producers and supporters who serve on the Iowa Pork Producers Association Pork Tent Committee were inspired to introduce a new product at the 2018 Iowa State Fair because they want to continue to introduce fair goers to new pork products. "The Brow Sugar Pork Belly is a great product for us to do that," said committee member Dave Moody of Nevada.

Kelsey Sutter, IPPA Marketing and Programs Director said, "Consumers have proven that bacon is king, and they're now willing to branch outside the bacon craze and give pork belly its time in the lime light. Last year pork belly was one of the top three trending foods in the U.S. food industry."

Find Brown Sugar Pork Belly on a Stick at the Pork Belly Express line on the north side of the Pork Tent building, or through the main Pork Tent food line on Grand Avenue. It will not be available at the the stands that exclusively sell pork chops on a stick. The pork belly on a stick will sell for $7 each.

Voting for the top new fair food will take place during the first six days of the fair, August 9-14. Fair goers can vote on the Iowa State Fair app, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 15.



Weekly Barge Grain Shipments Decrease

Due to the high water conditions and lock and dam repairs, grain barge shipments experienced a notable drop in tonnages for the week ending July 14.

Grain barge shipments from the Mississippi River system were 741,950 tons, a 36 percent drop compared to the previous week.

The total grain shipments though Mississippi River Locks 27 (near Granite City, IL) and Ohio River Locks 52 (near Brookport, IL), were 612,000 and 94,950 tons, a 33 percent and 53 percent drop, respectively, from the previous week.

The barge industry expects further delays in operations with the on-going repair work at Ohio River Locks 52 and the scheduled closure of the main chamber at Melvin Price Locks and Dam (Upper Mississippi River, near E. Alton, IL) for the last half of July.



Farm Bureau Response to Navarro’s ‘Rounding Error’ Statement
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“White House trade advisor Peter Navarro’s recent comments that the damage this trade war is doing to certain sectors of the U.S. economy, of which we all know includes agriculture, is little more than a ‘rounding error’ are out of touch with the pain our farmers and ranchers are experiencing. Making farmers and ranchers pawns in this chess game is extremely risky for our nation’s agriculture economy and food security.

“Prices for all of our export-sensitive farm goods have tanked since May, when this tariff game started. Farm income was already off by half compared to four years ago, with debt levels rising—hardly a strong position for agriculture going into this trade war. This situation will only worsen as combines roll between now and the fall election season. The nation’s farmers and ranchers support the broader goal of strengthening our overall economy and trade balance, but not at the risk of long-term, irreparable harm to our ag exports and the jobs they create.

“Farmers and ranchers are looking for reasons to be optimistic about the current trade situation. We need a win. We must wrap up this trade war quickly, complete the negotiations with Mexico and Canada, and open more markets by negotiating deals with Japan, the UK and other trade partners around the world.”



Global Conference on Sustainable Beef Coming to Ireland

The Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) is proud to announce the Global Conference on Sustainable Beef (GCSB) will be held in Kilkenny, Ireland at the Lyrath Estate, October 9-12, 2018.

The conference, co-hosted by the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability (ERBS) and Bord Bia, will highlight sustainability in action: impacts on the ground, and more than 200 beef sustainability stakeholders from over 20 countries are expected to attend. Speakers and panelists will include leaders from Rabobank, McDonald’s, JBS, Cargill, Kepak, Ahold Delhaize, and multi-stakeholder organizations and academic institutions leading beef sustainability strategies.

GRSB President Nicole Johnson-Hoffman said “Ireland is a great location for the GCSB, as Europe has been a leader in the sustainability dialogue for years. We’re looking forward to helping to celebrate the formal launch of the European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability and providing space for real impacts on the ground to be celebrated.”

The four-day conference will include Irish Beef Sustainability tours, with three unique options, including flagship and organic cattle farms and beef processing facilities, two days of global sustainability conference events featuring notable impacts from ten regions around the globe, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Paraguay, New Zealand, Southern Africa, and the United States, and a final day featuring a special event hosted in partnership with Textile Exchange and the newly formed Responsible Leather Round Table (RLRT), a Joint Working Group on Forests Workshop, and a collaborative Sustainability Communicators Workshop.

“Since the Global Conference on Sustainable Beef was hosted in Banff two years ago, the number of regional beef sustainability focused initiatives has expanded dramatically. The energy to come together to learn and work collaboratively and innovate around sustainable beef solutions has never been higher,” said Ruaraidh Petre, GRSB Executive Director.

Conversations at the GCSB will highlight topics linked to the GRSB’s principles and criteria of sustainable beef, including natural resource management, animal health and welfare, and efficiency and innovation. Learnings and insights will be offered through the eyes of financiers, beef producers, young agriculturalists, scientists, packers, retailers and other sustainability thought-leaders who will challenge participants to measure their actions and authentically communicate commitments to continuous improvement.

Registration details and a full conference agenda can be found at https://grsbeef.org/2018-Global-Conference.



Stine Seed Being Sued by Black Farmers

A group of black soybean farmers from the South says a company intentionally sold them defective seeds in an elaborate scheme to place them at a disadvantage because of their race. According to the Washington Post, a lawsuit filed by African American farmers from Tennessee and Mississippi accuses Stine Seed Co. of selling them seeds they were told were of good quality and would bring successful harvests. But despite fertile soil, ample rain, good equipment and adequate farming capabilities, the farmers say, their yields were significantly lower than expected. Farmers from a 2,200-acre farm in Rome, Miss., say they lost more than $1 million after an extremely poor harvest.

The lawsuit says that after the farmers complained about the poor harvest, a company employee told them that the farms were having yield problems.

"They've been farming all their lives. They're capable farmers. They had new equipment. It's not that they had antique tractors... But for the bad seeds, these farmers would've been yielding optimal yields," said Thomas Burrell, president of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, a Memphis nonprofit group that advocates for black farmers in the South.

Stine Seed has denied allegations that the company targeted black farmers and sold them subpar products. The Iowa-based company is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, filed in April in federal court in Tennessee. Calling the accusations "inflammatory," the company said the farmers were unable to present evidence proving that they were treated unfairly because of their race.

Myron Stine, president of the company, said the lawsuit "is without merit and factually unsupportable." He said Stine Seed has conducted an internal investigation and found no evidence of racial discrimination. A spokeswoman said that the company provides thousands of seeds to customers every planting season and that those products cover millions of acres across the country.

The lawsuit says the farmers bought about $100,000 worth of soybean seeds from Stine Seed in the spring of 2017 after attending an annual farm show in Memphis. At the show they met a district sales manager who told them the company had soybean varieties suitable for growing conditions in Mississippi. At some point after the purchase, the farmers allege, the company switched the certified seeds the farmers thought they were buying with inferior ones. That meant the farmers ultimately paid far more than what the inferior seeds were worth, the lawsuit alleges.



U.S. Organic Food Market Size Worth $70.4 Billion by 2025

The U.S. organic food market size is expected to reach $70.4 billion by 2025 as a result of increasing demand from consumers. Consumers in U.S. seek convenient purchasing options and organic food, which is now easily available, is gaining popularity. These food products are available in more than 20,000 natural food stores and conventional grocery stores across the country.

Over the past decade, organic food has witnessed significant growth. Sold initially only around farms, today it is available at local grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. For instance, Walmart sells organic produce from local farms in their grocery section. Thus, increasing preference for local produce among consumers is also expected to drive the organic food industry over the forecast period.

Furthermore, people are now increasingly aware of the use of chemicals and pesticides in the food industry. Various widely-used pesticides can cause chronic diseases such as cancer and birth defects. For instance, scientists found that glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide in agriculture, can lead to various diseases such as reproductive problems, cancer, and damaged DNA. Today glyphosate is increasingly being used in about 94% soya crops and more than 89% corn cultivated in U.S. As organic products are free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and toxic chemicals, they are perceived safe for consumption. Thus, rising health concerns owing to use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides is expected to drive the organic food market over the forecast period.

Increasing environmental concerns among consumers are expected to drive demand for natural food produce in U.S. Organic farming benefits the environment; these practices help maintain soil pH levels and prevent growth of super-pest strains. Organic farming helps maintain biodiversity as it supports pollinators and is free of herbicides and pesticides. People are increasingly concerned about what they eat, the origin of that produce, and the possible effect of consuming them. Hence, rising number of consumers seeking clean label products is expected to drive the U.S. organic food market over the forecast period.

The government has also developed special logos for customers to easily differentiate between organic and conventional foods. These certifications are expected to increase the sale of organic foods. Moreover, sustainability practices such as zero waste and water preservation are gaining popularity among major producers. For instance, in April 2016, Natures Path earned two zero waste certifications for two of its manufacturing facilities. Zero waste helps reduce plastic pollution, landfill, and burying waste, thus, reducing environmental impact. Manufacturers are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy sources. All these factors are anticipated to attract consumers and drive the U.S. organic food market over the forecast period.

Key players analyzed in the report include Nature's Path Foods; Amy's Kitchen, Inc.; The Whitewave Foods Company; Hain Celestial; and General Mills, Inc.