Wednesday June 23 Ag News

Fischer Pushes for More Cash Sales at Ag Committee Hearing on Cattle Market

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today participated in the committee’s hearing on pricing and transparency in the U.S. cattle market. At the hearing, which Fischer worked to make happen, she spoke with witnesses about ensuring that cattle producers are equipped with the market information they need:

A partial transcript of Senator Fischer’s questions is below:
Senator Fischer: Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Tonsor, I appreciate your testimonies.  In Nebraska, I represent every segment of the supply chain. Cow-calf operations, backgrounders, feedyards of every size, and packers of every size, including 3 of the Big 4 packers. I understand that every region is different, what works in one state might not work in the other.

So, I see the merit in AMAs and understand why they may be more popular in certain regions. I understand they provide greater economic returns as well as operational efficiencies both for packers and feedyards. In fact, that is why I have included a contract library in my legislation—to provide all producers who want to diversify their marketing, but who were not lucky enough to have a seat at the negotiating table Mr. Gardiner references in his testimony, can have access to examples of what already exists in the market place.

Mr. Tonsor, as the economist on the panel, I’m interested in your opinion on Mr. Gardiner’s testimony, where he states his customers on average have earned $92.71 per head in premiums above live base market price because of his use of a value based system. Later in the testimony, he states that “cash trades” can be interpreted as the base price. If there were no publicly reported cash price for Mr. Gardiner to use as his base, he would not be able to determine that his cattle are worth $92 more per head than his neighbor’s cattle. Mr. Tonsor, you highlight the value of AMAs to market participants who choose to utilize them. How do you foresee these market participants setting the base price for these agreements in the future if the pool of cash participants continues to shrink?

More information:
Senator Fischer is an advocate for increased cash sales and more transparency in the cattle market, and urged Senate Agriculture Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) to hold a hearing on this issue.

Earlier this year, Senator Fischer and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the bipartisan Cattle Market Transparency Act of 2021. The legislation will:
    Establish regional mandatory minimum thresholds of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trades to enable price discovery in cattle marketing regions. It will require the Secretary of Agriculture in consultation with the Chief Economist, to establish regionally sufficient levels of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trade, seek public comment on those levels, then implement.
    Require USDA to create and maintain a publicly available library of marketing contracts between packers and producers in a manner that ensures confidentiality.
    Prohibit the USDA from using confidentiality as a justification for not reporting and makes clear that USDA must report all LMR information, and they must do so in a manner that ensures confidentiality.
     Mandate that a packer report to USDA the number of cattle scheduled to be delivered for slaughter each day for the next 14 days and require USDA to report this information on a daily basis.

Reauthorization for Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR), the rule established in 1999 mandating price reporting for livestock including cattle, expires on September 30 of this year and is an opportunity to address these issues in the cattle industry.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding the Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing that Focused on Cattle Markets

“Today’s Senate Agriculture Committee hearing focused on cattle markets and providing more transparency for both producers and consumers again highlights the need to reform the way cattle are marketed in the United States. Nebraska’s cattle industry is the largest segment of our state’s largest industry and when cattle producers suffer economic distress so does our state. We again call on Congress to take up and pass Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer’s Cattle Market Transparency Act, which will provide needed reform to the cattle marketplace. We thank the Senate Agriculture Committee leadership for holding this important hearing and urge them to pass Senator Fischer’s bill.”



Kansas Rancher and NCBA Member Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Committee on Cattle Market Concerns

Today, Mr. Mark Gardiner, the owner-operator of Gardiner Angus Ranch and an NCBA member, testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on key market challenges that have long threatened the profitability of cattle and beef producers. He was joined by leading industry economists who NCBA has worked closely with to explore solutions to the current unsustainable market dynamics.
 
The hearing titled, “Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer” addressed a wide range of issues, including the urgent need for robust price discovery and differing industry views on how to achieve it, greater market transparency and oversight, and expanded beef processing capacity.

“As we stated in our written testimony today, the wide-ranging market challenges our producers are facing cannot be remedied with a single solution overnight,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We must address the issues preventing our members from securing their share of the beef dollar, but we must do so in a way that respects the voices of all cattle producers, regardless of how they choose to market their cattle. We thank Mr. Gardiner for his insights, and we thank Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman, and other Senators on the committee for the investment they’ve demonstrated in the issues facing America’s cattle producers. We appreciate the care taken by both the majority and minority to consult and select a witness panel that can speak to the current market dynamics from multiple angles.”

The hearing today comes on the heels of growing conversation about cattle markets both in Congress and across the country. Earlier this month, NCBA led a letter with the support of 37 affiliate state cattle organizations urging the leadership of the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees to address critical areas of concern in the cattle and beef industry. Multiple lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have written the U.S. Department of Justice calling for the swift conclusion of their investigation into whether or not anticompetitive practices have taken place in the meatpacking sector. NCBA was also at the forefront in 2019 of calling for an investigation after the “black swan” market event of a fire at Tyson Foods’ Finney County beef plant in Holcomb, Kansas.
 
Recent industry meetings in Phoenix, Arizona and Kansas City, Missouri have also brought together economists, associations, and market participants to discuss industry-led solutions.
 
In his opening remarks, Gardiner confirmed the importance of solutions that put producers in the driver’s seat. “Please do not create regulations and legislation that have the unintended consequence of harming value-based marketing. Doing so would undo many years of progress for producers such as my family and those of our customers,” said Gardiner. “Onerous legislation has the potential to result in a reversal of quality that is simply unacceptable to consumers.”
 
BACKGROUND
Cattle producers have long witnessed the decline of negotiated fed cattle trade, and NCBA has been the leading industry voice discussing how to increase opportunities for producer profitability in this landscape. The supply of cattle and the demand for U.S. beef are both strong, but the bottleneck in the middle caused by a lack of hook space has stifled producer profitability and created unsustainable market dynamics.
 
While the use of formulas and grids help cattle producers manage risk and capture more value for their product, these methods depend upon the price discovery that occurs in the direct, buyer-seller interactions of negotiated transactions. Current academic research has shown that more negotiated trade is needed to achieve “robust” price discovery within the industry.

NCBA's grassroots policy — formed through debate and discussion among members from every sector of the supply chain — states that, “NCBA supports a voluntary approach that 1) increases frequent and transparent negotiated trade to regionally sufficient levels… and 2) includes triggers to be determined by a working group of NCBA producer leaders.” The policy further states, “if the voluntary approach does not achieve robust price discovery…and triggers are activated, NCBA will pursue a legislative or regulatory solution determined by the membership.”



North American Meat Institute: Market Fundamentals Drive the Beef & Cattle Market

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute), the largest and oldest trade association for packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey today said market fundamentals drive the beef and cattle market and additional government intervention will have unintended consequences for livestock producers, packers and consumers.

“Long time critics of the meat and poultry industry are again proposing additional regulations and shortsighted market interventions that do not consider the basic laws of supply and demand. Many of these proposals have already failed in practice or before the courts,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “The beef market is dynamic, with recent challenges due to labor shortages and the COVID pandemic rather than problems with market structure.

“The members of the Meat Institute – and their livestock suppliers – benefit from, and depend on, a fair, transparent and competitive market. The North American Meat Institute is prepared to discuss these issues and work with the Administration and the Congress on the issues facing the industry.”

The Meat Institute made these remarks in written testimony submitted to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for a hearing entitled, “Examining Markets, Transparency, and Prices from Cattle Producer to Consumer.”

The testimony provides a comprehensive picture of the dynamic and growing beef industry and an analysis of rhetoric surrounding oversight of the market, antitrust issues and the market forces at play.

Of particular interest is a new analysis (pages 8 and 9 of the testimony), using USDA data, of the profit margins of the three sectors of the fed cattle industry: cow-calf producers, feeders and packers. The data show that over the last 25 years, while the four-firm concentration ratio in the fed cattle market has remained relatively constant, it has not ensured packer profitability at the expense of producers.

“No sector – cow-calf, feedlot, nor packer – has realized positive margins every year,” Potts said. “For example, the four-firm ratio in 2014, when cow-calf and feedlot profit margins were at record highs, was the same as in 2017 when all three sectors showed positive margins. However, over this 25-year timeline, the cow-calf sector incurred negative margins the fewest number of years of the three.”

In addressing calls for additional packer capacity as a solution to the challenges due to the COVID pandemic, the testimony demonstrates that packer capacity is already growing as a result of market forces, without government intervention.

“These new entrants or company expansions were based on decisions to build or expand based on market conditions, not because of government intervention.  Government interference into the market could well undermine this industry growth,” said Potts.

“During the pandemic, small and midsize beef slaughter and processing companies endured the same challenges large companies faced, perhaps more so. Artificially creating more, smaller regional harvest facilities will not prevent future market disruptions nor protect cattle producers from cyclical or volatile markets. The unintended outcome could be the opposite.”



$960K USDA GRANT TO ADVANCE RESEARCH ON CROP, LIVESTOCK TRAITS

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and three partner institutions have received nearly $1 million to expand the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative.

The $960,000 award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture supports phase 2 of the three-year effort, which is led by Iowa State University. The program won initial NIFA funding of $960,000 last September.

The initiative, which also includes researchers from the University of Arizona and the University of Idaho, aims to increase understanding of how genetic code affects physical and behavioral traits — or phenotypes — in crops and livestock. Additionally, the initiative aims to standardize and streamline how phenomic information is collected and shared by agronomists, researchers and others.

Ultimately, the project could lead to the speedier development of disease-, weather- and pest-resistant crops and livestock, which would directly benefit both agricultural producers and consumers.

In its first year, the initiative awarded seed grants for seven projects representing 15 institutions that included historically Black colleges and universities, land-grant universities and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The projects covered topics such as educational resources and gaps in agricultural genomics-to-phenomics data science across plant and animal agriculture genomics; the optimization of 3D canopy architecture for better crops; and ethics, diversity and inclusivity in genome-to-phenome research.

“This effort is a big tent, bringing researchers together from areas of expertise that are not always recognized as part of agriculture,” said Jennifer L. Clarke, director of the Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative at Nebraska and lead researcher directing the project seed grants. “The seed grants are one mechanism to encourage broad involvement and enable this expanding scientific community.”

The next phase for the seed grants will provide support for emerging ideas, early development of promising projects and established projects that can help sustain agricultural genome-to-phenome work. The research team is working to streamline the application process and emphasize early career investigators to encourage future leaders, as well as proposals that address USDA priorities, such as mitigating environmental impacts of agriculture.

In addition to the seed grants, the group has already convened a series of events reaching a global audience. Virtual field days, training sessions, workshops, a conference and a community survey have been conducted, and more events are being planned. Most activities are recorded and available at the initiative’s website.

“The new grant is not for internal research,” said Patrick S. Schnable, Iowa Corn Promotion Board Endowed Chair in Genetics and Baker Scholar of Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, director of the university’s Plant Sciences Institute and project director. “Instead, this renewal will enable us to fund two more rounds of competitive ‘seed’ grants, allowing us to further engage the more than 1,000 AG2PI participants from across the U.S.”

Other leaders on the grant are: Christopher K. Tuggle and Jack C.M. Dekkers, animal science faculty at Iowa State; Carolyn J. Lawrence-Dill, professor of agronomy and genetics, development and cell biology at Iowa State; Eric Lyons, associate professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona; and Brenda M. Murdoch, associate professor of animal, veterinary and food sciences at the University of Idaho.

Two requests for proposals are planned, in fall 2021 and spring 2022. Eligibility for the program’s seed grants follows USDA guidelines, which require a research leader from the United States. Complete details will be posted on the initiative’s website, where there is a form for questions and a listserv available to receive project information.



Farming workshops set in Scottsbluff and West Point

Those interested in learning about farming are invited to attend workshops in Scottsbluff and West Point. These free events are hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs.

Two sessions of “Explore Farming” will be presented in both English and Spanish.
    Scottsbluff: Saturday, July 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT, at Centennial Park - Gazebo, 400 E. 20th St.
    West Point: Sunday, July 25, from 2 to 3 p.m., at Neligh Park Log Cabin/330 Center Building, in Neligh Park.

“Starting your own agricultural business can be daunting, and these workshops offer information on where to begin the process,” said Lucia Schulz, community organizing associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “Attendees will learn how to develop skills for farming, about resources they may need, and much more.”

Registration is required one day in advance of each event; visit cfra.org/events. For more information, contact Schulz at lucias@cfra.org or 402.380.7006.

This event is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Outreach Assistance to Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program, otherwise known as the 2501 Program.



Hybrid Breeding Workshop begins August 10

A three-day workshop, Designing, Implementing and Managing a Breeding Program for Hybrid Crops, sponsored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., August 10–12, 2021. Instructors are Blaine Johnson, agronomy and horticulture adjunct professor and lecturer, and Keith Boldman, Research Scientist at Corteva AgriscienceTM.

The workshop will be available for either in-person or online participation via Zoom. For those attending in-person, the workshop will be held in 280 Plant Sciences Hall on the university’s East Campus.

Centered around designing and managing a hybrid breeding program, the workshop will focus on the decisions that must be made when managing a breeding pipeline that results in the release or commercialization of a hybrid cultivar. Strategies for managing an effective and efficient hybrid breeding program under the restrictions of resource limitations will be the focus but will always consider the underlying genetic principles. The workshop will reflect a strong influence of applied hybrid breeding from an industry perspective.

“While essential concepts and terminology of hybrid breeding will be presented, the workshop will not be a series of formal presentations, but rather will focus on active learning with a high level of instructor and participant interaction,” Johnson said.

As cornerstone to the learning process, participants will use background information and templates provided by the instructors to develop their own examples of a hybrid breeding pipeline, beginning with parental line development and evaluation, through hybrid development and evaluation, and ending with an explicit strategy for identifying hybrids deemed worthy of release or commercialization.

Johnson retired from DuPont/Pioneer as a plant breeder in 2016 having worked with adapting many of the hybrid breeding processes, tools and methodologies used in hybrid corn product development to breeding and commercialization of hybrid spring and winter wheat. He spent 10 years as a faculty member in Nebraska’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture before moving to private industry at Monsanto and Dupont/Pioneer.

Workshop is limited to 30 people and costs $75. For details and registration, see https://agronomy.unl.edu/hybrid-breeding-workshop.



Nebraska Farmers Union Opposes Longer Mail Delivery Times

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) sent written remarks to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) yesterday opposing their proposal to permanently slow down First-Class Mail delivery. The letter also supported National Farmers Union’s (NFU) well documented in depth comments that also opposed the permanent slow down.

NeFU ‘s written remarks pointed out that most of Nebraska is a very large sparsely populated state with very erratic high speed internet broadband connectivity that heavily relies on prompt and reliable mail delivery service to keep farm, ranch, and rural communities for business and prescriptions.

NeFU President John Hansen stated in the comments, “We reject the notion that we ought to settle for second rate slow mail service. When we get slow and erratic mail service, we don’t just passively accept it. Instead, we look for prompt and sustainable solutions. The proposed USPS proposal is a blueprint for an unacceptable future for Nebraska, and on we vigorously oppose it.”

NeFU President John Hansen explained the reasons NeFU felt so strongly about the need to offer official comments about the USPS proposal, “Rural Nebraska has already seen a substantial deterioration of mail service. Rural post offices have already reduced the hours they are open, mail is already much slower, and less dependable, and the proposed USPS plan accepts and expands the slowness of the service instead of developing a plan to improve rural services. In addition to business, personal correspondence, prescriptions, sometimes baby chicks and other delivery items, rural communities oftentimes also depend on the a prompt and dependable mail service for voting. At the end of the day, if we really want remedy in USPS services, there needs to be new leadership at USPS.”

The written remarks concluded, “Our organization’s policy has consistently championed the benefits and need for USPS for many decades.  While times change, the need for a prompt, accessible, affordable, and dependable USPS does not.”



USDA FUNDING AVAILABLE TO HELP CONTROL SOIL EROSION ON CROPLAND

Farmers know when they lose soil, they lose profits. Preventing soil erosion is good for the environment and for producers’ bottom line.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available to help Nebraska’s farmers control erosion on their cropland. This funding is available through the Highly Erodible Land Treatment Initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Eligible producers have until July 2, 2021, to apply.

Controlling erosion is especially important for recipients of USDA program benefits – like federal crop insurance subsidies and conservation program payments. USDA program participants are required to control erosion on all cropland determined to be highly erodible. The funding available through this special initiative can help farmers meet that requirement.

Nebraska Acting State Conservationist Britt Weiser said, “Conservation practices such as cover crops and grassed waterways are good solutions for controlling ephemeral gullies, which is required by conservation compliance provisions.”

According to NRCS, over the last couple decades, there have been a continual decrease in grassed waterways and terraces being used. On some fields, this has led to increased erosion and ephemeral gullies.

Weiser said, “Ephemeral gullies are those rough spots where water concentrates and causes soil to wash away, creating small ditches. While the damage to cropland appears to be small, if not controlled, the negative impacts like loss of inputs, decreased soil health and yields can be significant. Plus, it can cause farmers to be out of compliance with USDA’s Food Security Act requirements.”

For more information, and to apply for funding through this special initiative, contact your local NRCS Service Center before July 2. Due to the on-going COVID-19 public health situation, producers are encouraged to call local offices to set up an appointment with NRCS staff over the phone.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding the Colorado Supreme Court Blocking Ballot Measure to Criminalize Common Animal Care Practices

“Farmers and ranchers take great pride in caring for their livestock and are proud to play a major role in supporting our nation’s food supply. That’s why we are pleased to see the Colorado Supreme Court reject a ballot measure (Initiative 16) that would have effectively ended livestock production and processing in Colorado, and in the process criminalize veterinarians and pet and livestock owners for using commonly accepted animal care practices. The Court’s finding that Initiative 16 violates the state’s single-subject requirement is a win not just for the people of Colorado, but for farmers, ranchers, and pet owners across the country.”

“This proposal reflected a new level of opposition from animal rights activists. This proposal was not about animal welfare, but about erasing the livestock industry, as well as animal byproducts industries, entirely. Nebraska Farm Bureau has actively supported Colorado livestock interests in their fight against this proposal.”

“While the proponents still have time to file a new initiative with a narrower title, we must continue to fight these kinds of proposals and protect our nation’s ability to produce food. It’s important that people know and understand where their food comes from, but equally important they know that extreme animal activists are working against them.”

Background:
Initiative 16 would have gone on the 2022 ballot in Colorado. Its goal was to add livestock and fish to the state’s animal cruelty law and redefine what constitutes a “sexual act with an animal,” including practices often used in breeding and animal husbandry. Initiative 16 would also have required livestock to be processed only after an animal lived a quarter of its natural lifespan — estimated at 20 years for cattle or eight years for a chicken — which would vastly change current practices, considering cattle are often processed for their meat at a younger age.



Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board to Meet in Kearney

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board has scheduled a meeting for Monday, July 26, 2021 at the Kearney Public Library located at 2020 1st Ave, Kearney, NE 68847. The meeting will convene at 9:00 AM.

In addition to regular business, the Board will hear program updates and elect officers for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The meeting is open to the public. Time will be allowed at the start of the meeting to receive public comment to offer input to Board programs. A copy of the agenda is available by emailing sorghum.board@nebraska.gov or by calling the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board at 402/471-4276. A virtual option will be available.

The seven sorghum farmers serving on the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board administer the check-off assessed on all grain sorghum sold in the state. The board’s annual budget is allocated to the areas of research, market development, and education.



Join us for the 2021 ICGA roundtables

Roundtable meetings are key for Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) policy development. The meetings allow ICGA members to come together, share a meal and discuss key issues impacting corn farmers. Policies brought forward and approved at roundtable meetings go on to the Annual Grassroots Summit in August for the ICGA delegates to debate.

Iowa Corn is offering in-person and virtual roundtable options this year. Although registration is open until the day of the event we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible. Below, pick a day that works best for your schedule and join the discussion!    

DISTRICT 7, Red Oak. . . . . . . . . . .
AgriVision
2405 N. 4th St.
Red Oak, IA 51566
June 24, 6:00 p.m.

Virtual Roundtable - June 29 at Noon https://iowacorn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuc-ygqT4rH9A0ylAO7w7AGVbAWOFf6qiq

DISTRICT 1, Marcus
Little Sioux Corn Processors
4808 F Ave.
Marcus, IA 51035
June 30, 5:30 p.m. plant tour,
6:30 p.m. dinner.

DISTRICT 4, Woodbine
The Crew Center
601 Snyder Rd.
Woodbine, IA 51579
July 1, 5:00 p.m.

These meetings are free for ICGA members, but registration is requested at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/roundtables21.  If you can't attend a roundtable but wish to bring forth a policy resolution for consideration, please contact your local ICGA Board member.



Executive Order Creates Carbon Sequestration Task Force

Tuesday, in fulfillment of a recommendation of the Governor's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, Governor Reynolds signed Executive Order 9 launching a task force to explore carbon sequestration and the opportunities it presents for further economic development in the state of Iowa. The Carbon Sequestration Task Force will be chaired by Reynolds. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will serve as vice chair. The Executive Order can be found online here.

"Because of our existing supply chain and emphasis on renewable fuel infrastructure, Iowa is in a strong position to capitalize on the growing nationwide demand for a more carbon free economy," said Reynolds. "Iowa is a recognized leader in renewable fuel and food production, and this is another opportunity to lead and be innovative, invest in Iowa agriculture, and facilitate new sources of revenue for our agriculture and energy sectors. I am proud to bring together an impressive team of stakeholders that will help formulate smart, commonsense policy recommendations on this issue ahead of the 2022 legislative session."

"Iowa is a leader in both food production and conservation so we must also lead agriculture's sustainability efforts," said Naig. "The agriculture community is continuously seeking new technologies and solutions that allow us to balance food production, environmental stewardship and longevity. We've already proved that we can deliver science-based nutrient-reduction practices and low carbon solutions, like renewable fuels and cover crops, so we have a foundation to build on. I'm excited to work alongside some of Iowa's leaders to identify strategies producers can use to build upon our current conservation efforts, create revenue streams, improve financial sustainability and grow our state's economy."

Joining Reynolds and Naig on the task force are key stakeholders representing industries and interests integral to the carbon sequestration supply chain in the state of Iowa:
- Debi Durham, Executive Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority
- Kayla Lyon, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- Scott Marler, Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation
- Geri Huser, Chair of the Iowa Utilities Board
- John Crespi, Director of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Iowa State University
- Adam Kiel, Managing Director, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
- William Fehrman, President and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Energy
- John Larsen, Chair, President and CEO, Alliant Energy
- Jill Sanchez, Manager of Sustainability and Investor Relations, John Deere
- Sam Funk, Director of Agriculture Analytics and Research, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
- Bryan Sievers, Manager of AgriReNew, Sievers Family Farms
- Kellie Blair, Farmer
- Justin Kirchhoff, President, Summit Ag Investors
- Sam Eathington, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Corteva Agriscience
- Alison Taylor, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, ADM
- Jill Zullo, Vice President of Bioindustrials, Cargill
- Cynthia 'CJ' Warner, President and CEO, Renewable Energy Group
- Nick Bowdish, President and CEO, Elite Octane
- Craig Struve, CEO, SoilView
- Steve Bruere, President, Peoples Company

The Iowa Economic Development Authority will also issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant team to support the work of the Task Force. In addition, individuals interested in serving on an Agriculture or Energy Work Group to support the Task Force can find more information www.iowaeda.com/carbon-sequestration/.



IRFA Thanks Gov. Reynolds for Leadership on Carbon Sequestration Efforts

Yesterday Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 9 creating a task force to explore carbon sequestration and the opportunities for Iowa to utilize and benefit from these projects.

In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“IRFA and our members greatly appreciate Governor Reynolds for her leadership and continued support of Iowa’s biofuels industry. Carbon sequestration will be key to achieving carbon negative biofuels. Therefore, we look forward to working with the Governor and Secretary Naig as the task force studies ways to remove barriers and promote carbon sequestration projects in Iowa.”



Are We Making Progress with Weed Management in Iowa?

A retired weed management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and professor emeritus at Iowa State will discuss the past four decades of herbicide use during an Iowa Learning Farms webinar June 30 at noon.

Bob Hartzler, in his presentation “Weed Management in Iowa: 40 Years of Progress?” will discuss the herbicidal-based approach to weed management that has been used over the past 40 years.

Hartzler has been recognized for his research, which focused on identifying traits of agronomic weeds that contribute to their success, and developing management programs based on weaknesses of the weeds.

He will discuss the changes in weeds and the tools used to control them over the course of his career. He noted that since the mid-1970s, weed management has relied on the continuous introduction of new chemicals to account for weed adaptation.

“The pace of weed evolution is greater than that of herbicide discovery,” said Hartzler. “We cannot continue down the same path currently used to manage weeds.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon on June 30, click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172. Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923; meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the learning farms website, so that it can be watched at any time.



Beef Feedlot Short Course Returns in August

The fifth annual Beef Feedlot Short Course, organized and hosted by the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University, is set for Aug. 3-5 at the Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center in Ames.

Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the goal of the event is to optimize participant learning through exposure to new technology, research and best management practices.

"From our initial planning for the first event in 2017, we've focused on providing content in a small group setting with a mix of hands-on and classroom instruction," she said. "The short course is designed for feedlot managers, employees and consultants, and past attendees have appreciated that focus."

Content-specific portions of the short course will be held at the Iowa State Beef Nutrition Farm near Ames and Couser Cattle Company in Nevada, Iowa.

The program runs from 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 through noon on Thursday, Aug. 5. For questions on the content, contact Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu or Iowa Beef Center Director Dan Loy at dloy@iastate.edu.

Topics include:
    Bunk management and the basics of starting cattle on feed.
    Feed mixing demonstration and evaluation.
    Feedlot nutrition.
    Managing and identifying cattle health issues in the feedlot.
    Facility design and cattle handling.
    Data management.

Presenters include:
    Bill Couser, Couser Cattle Company, Nevada, Iowa.
    Garland Dahlke, associate scientist, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University.
    Grant Dewell, beef veterinarian, ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Terry Engelken, associate professor, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University.
    Shane Jurgensen, Couser Cattle Company, Nevada, Iowa.
    Dan Loy, director of the Iowa Beef Center and extension beef specialist, Iowa State University
    Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Robbi Pritchard, feedlot consultant, Aurora, South Dakota.
    Lee Schulz, extension livestock economist and associate professor, economics, Iowa State University.
    Dan Thomson, professor and animal science department chair, Iowa State University.

The $350 per person registration fee includes program materials and meals listed on the agenda. The registration deadline is midnight, July 27, or when the course limit of 30 is reached. All registrations must be made online.

See the short course website for registration information, requirements and links at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feedlot.

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, if needed. A block of rooms is available at Comfort Inn & Suites ISU, 603 S 16th St., Ames. Book by phone at 515-663-9555 or book online.



DeLong to Lead Iowa State's Water Quality Program

The newest manager of the Water Quality Program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach knows the issues and concerns that are on Iowans’ minds.

Catherine DeLong, who began her new position June 14, had previously worked as a water quality specialist with the Conservation Districts of Iowa and as a special projects and policy director for the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

DeLong will now lead the initiatives of the Water Quality Program, which continues to educate Iowans about the science of water quality and how individual and collective actions can help to build resilient water sources in Iowa.

“My goal is to help Iowans have a stronger connection to water quality and feel like it is something they all have the power to do something about,” said DeLong, who earned her master’s degree in soil and environmental science from Iowa State in 2014.

According to DeLong, water is a resource that all Iowans depend on, whether for drinking, recreation, agriculture or industry.

She looks forward to connecting researchers to practitioners and to the general public, as they work together to translate the work of the university into concepts that are accessible and interesting to the general public.

“Having a stronger connection to water quality is one of the things that we can all work on,” she said.

Iowa has many water quality concerns including bacteria, which can be sourced from improperly constructed septic systems, manure spills and stormwater runoff. Another concern, given that most of Iowa’s land is agricultural, is runoff and leaching from farm fields.

“We are delighted to have Catherine join the team as water quality program manager,” said Jamie Benning, assistant director for Agriculture and Natural Resources with ISU Extension and Outreach. “She brings great experience in partnership building, developing innovative approaches for reaching agriculture and conservation stakeholders, and we look forward to continued growth and impact of the program under her leadership.”

Benning is the past manager of Iowa State’s Water Quality Program and has worked directly with DeLong on conservation projects when Benning held the position.

DeLong said she’s especially excited about getting more Iowans to see water quality as the result of a systems-based approach – the idea of using multiple approaches and practices together, for multiple benefits. This approach can lead to improved water quality, as well as improved wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration and improved economic value of property.

DeLong is working on a number of grant-based projects to improve water quality in Iowa, and said she is looking forward to working with other specialists within Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“I’m really excited to have Catherine join the Agriculture and Natural Resources team,” said Adam Janke, assistant professor in natural resources ecology and management and extension wildlife specialist at Iowa State. “Her unique training and experiences are really going to advance our efforts toward helping Iowans improve our water quality and enjoy all the socioeconomic benefits clean water provides.”

For more information, visit the ISU Extension and Outreach Water Quality web page. DeLong can be reached at 515-294-5963 or crdelong@iastate.edu.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/18/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 18, ethanol production scaled up by 22,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 2.2%, to 1.048 million b/d, equivalent to 44.02 million gallons daily. Production was 17.4% above the same week last year, which was affected by the pandemic, but it was 2.2% below the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production volume lifted 1.0% to 1.044 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.00 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks grew to 21.1 million barrels, 2.5% above the prior week and a thirteen-week high. Stocks were 0.4% above the year-ago level but 2.1% below the same week in 2019. Inventories rose across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 0.9% to 9.44 million b/d (144.72 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 9.7% above a year ago but was 0.3% below the same week in 2019.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol increased 1.3% to 922,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.13 bg annualized. This was 11.0% above a year ago but 3.0% below the same week in 2019.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 20,000 b/d, or 5.88 million gallons for the week. This marks the first imports of 2021. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of April 2021.)



 Seeking Applicants for the 2021–22 ASA Corteva Young Leader Program

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Corteva Agriscience are seeking applicants for the 2021-22 ASA Corteva Young Leader Program.

The Young Leader Program, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and ASA, is a two-phase educational program for actively farming individuals and couples who are passionate about the future possibilities of agriculture. The women and men who participate in this program will be the leaders that shape the future of agriculture.

Phase I of the 2021-22 ASA Corteva Young Leader program will take place Nov. 30–Dec. 3, 2021, at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The program continues March 8–12, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“The ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program has made a lasting and extremely important mark on the soybean industry,” ASA President Kevin Scott said. “The Young Leader program identifies and helps develop future grower-leaders for our industry while helping participants create meaningful and lifelong relationships with growers from across the U.S. and Canada. Through my son and daughter-in-law’s participation in the program, I’ve seen firsthand how the Young Leader training provides participants with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful leaders. We are grateful to Corteva Agriscience for continuing to invest in the future of agriculture.”

Soybean-growing couples and individuals are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, the latest agricultural information, and the development of a strong peer network. Interested spouses, even if not employed full-time on the farm, are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all elements of the program.

ASA, the Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Corteva Agriscience will work with the 26 soy state affiliates to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program.

“Soybean farmers are working hard every day to provide food and agricultural products that meet the growing needs of consumers in the United States, Canada, and all over the world. It is critical that their voices be heard as governments, society and other stakeholders work to shape policies and programs that support agriculture and rural communities,” said Matt Rekeweg, U.S. Industry Affairs Leader, Corteva Agriscience. “We are proud to continue our support for the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program, which is developing the next generation of grower leaders and advocates for agriculture in North America and around the globe.”

Applications are being accepted online now. Interested applicants should click here for additional program information and to apply.



Oregon Approves E15 for Consumers

Today, Governor Kate Brown (D-Ore.) signed HB 3051, clarifying the ability of retailers to sell fifteen percent ethanol blended fuel (E15). Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement applauding Oregon for becoming the 48th state to approve E15:

“We applaud the state of Oregon and Gov. Brown on clarifying that E15 is approved for sale and giving drivers across the state access to a more affordable, better for the environment option at the pump,” said Skor. “Oregon’s approval of E15 comes just weeks after recent news from neighboring Nevada, who enacted legislation to approve E15. We look forward to working with West Coast retailers to offer drivers an engine smart, earth kind fuel.”

Currently, E15 — marketed to consumers as Unleaded 88 — is offered at over 2,440 retail sites in 30 states and 230 terminals. Consumers have driven over 21 billion miles on E15 to date. Consumers can find a station near them at GetBiofuel.com.  



Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Homer Wilkes, Ph.D. to Serve as Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

“Dr. Homer Wilkes has dedicated his career to public service; he has put his time and talents to work with USDA for more than 41 years. His nomination reflects USDA’s commitment to putting agriculture, forestry and working lands at the center of solutions to increase climate resilience, sequester carbon, protect our air and water. While with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Dr. Wilkes played a key role in directing engineering, natural resource, and watershed projects and took a keen interest in forestry and working lands. He currently serves as the Director of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Restoration Division, where he has been integral to restoring the health of the Gulf Coast ecosystem after the BP Oil Spill of 2010. Dr. Wilkes holds his Bachelors, Master of Business Administration, and Ph.D. in Urban Conservation Planning and Higher Education from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Homer Wilkes is a collaborative leader with a track record of working towards large-scale solutions in partnership with communities. This spirit and approach position Dr. Wilkes to ensure that even with different leadership within the USDA subcabinet there is connectivity between NRCS and the Forest Service; I am confident that Dr. Wilkes is the right person to ensure landscape-scale solutions are aligned with community priorities, assets and needs.”