Thursday July 1 Ag News

 Women in Ag series to feature West Point direct-to-consumer beef business

Hannah Klitz, owner of Oak Barn Beef near West Point, will be featured in the next episode of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture webcast, “Open for Business: A Nebraska Women in Agripreneurship Series,” July 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The monthly series highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of women in agribusiness from across the state, offering creative insights and the stories behind what it takes to build a business.

The conversations focus on surviving business shocks such as disasters, regulatory changes and shifting family dynamics. The webcasts are hosted by Brittany Fulton, extension assistant with the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program.

Oak Barn Beef utilizes DNA testing and dry-aging, and ships Nebraska beef directly to consumers across the U.S. Klitz started the business as a sophomore in college and now owns and operates it with her husband, Eric. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2020 with a degree in animal science and minors in the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Program and the Engler Entrepreneurship Program.

Klitz also works full time as the communications coordinator at The Combine, a program by Invest Nebraska that supports Nebraska agricultural technology startups.

The webcast is free to attend but registration is required on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program website, https://wia.unl.edu.



Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council elects new officers

The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council elected new officers and board members during its annual meeting on May 27, 2021. The new appointments took effect on July 1.  

Newly elected officers include Chairman of the Board: Kelly Brunkhorst of Lincoln; Vice Chair: Gerald Clausen of Lincoln; Secretary: Jerry Catlett of Bruning; and Treasurer: Jolene Messinger of McCook.  

Newly elected board members include David Englund of Omaha, Drew Jensen of Lincoln, Suzanna Klaasmeyer of Hershey, Lori Luebbe of Lincoln, and Dr. Marysz Rames of Wayne. Jolene Messinger of McCook was re-elected for a second three-year term   

Retiring board members include Tracy Olson of North Platte, Lori Pankoke of Lincoln, Patrick Rasmussen of Geneva, and Ed Woeppel of Firth.  

Board members also include Nicole Boshuslavsky of Omaha, Mary Eisenzimmer of Big Springs, Jessica Groskopf of Scottsbluff, Bobbi Kriz-Wickam of Lincoln, Scott Meradith of Lincoln, Raymond Morse of Norfolk, Jay Rempe of Lincoln, and Scott Richert of Gresham. Dr. Richard Bischoff of Lincoln serves as the IANR Liaison Representative, and Matt Dolch of Lincoln of Lincoln serves as the President of the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association. The Council’s President is Dr. Terry Hejny, who also serves as the Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women, currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Any dues-paying member of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council is eligible to be elected to its board of directors.  

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 41 which will begin in September of 2022, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 ACB, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0940.  You may also call 402-472-6810 or email leadprogram@unl.edu   Applications will be due June 15, 2022.



Nebraska Grazing Conference set for August 9-11

The 2021 Nebraska Grazing Conference is back as an in-person event after going virtual in 2020 due to the challenges of COVID-19. This year’s conference will be held Aug. 9-11 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney with a program that bridges grazing lands production and conservation.  

An Aug. 9 pre-conference tour at Larsen Land and Livestock near Lexington kicks off conference activities. Discussion topics include conservation practices, grazing management, prescribed burning, and plant identification. There is no fee to attend the tour; however, attendees are asked to indicate their participation when completing their conference registration. Arrival at the tour site between 12:30 and 1 p.m. will allow time to get to the field
site.

Aug. 10 and 11 features speakers from around the country presenting on topics related to conservation, the value of pollinators in grassland habitat, managing wet meadows, grazing systems, and risk management.  

Scheduled speakers include Ed and Leta Olson who are 2020 Leopold Conservation Award recipients; Jeff Drahota, biologist, and Brad Krohn, project leader, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Wetland Management District; and Chris Redman and Tim Goodnight, managers at Turner Ranches.

Sponsor and exhibitor booths will showcase new programs, equipment, and products to conference participants. Additional information about becoming a sponsor or exhibitor is outlined on the NGC webpage. Questions related to booth space may be directed to Brent Plugge at (308) 236-1235 or brent.plugge@unl.edu.

Two new features are included in this year’s conference. First, an evening webinar on Aug. 10 allows people unable to attend the conference in person to participate in a virtual panel discussion related to grassland carbon credits and markets. Featured speakers include Roric Paulman, a producer from Sutherland; Greg Ibach, IANR Under Secretary in Residence; and Dave Aiken, professor of agricultural economics at UNL.

The second feature is a session for high school and college students to learn about UNL’s Grasslands Systems degree in either grazing livestock systems or grassland ecology and management.

To learn more about the conference, or to register, go to https://grassland.unl.edu/nebraska-grazing-conference-registration. Questions about the conference may be directed to Daren Redfearn, chair, Nebraska Grazing Conference at dredfearn2@unl.edu.



UNL CAP webinar: Business & Financial IQ – The Difference Maker
with: Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech
July 15 - Noon-1 p.m. CDT     
Register here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars

On a cold snowy day in Nebraska, a long-time producer was enjoying lunch with a group of FFA students. His pearl of wisdom defined the decade of the 2020s: in the previous century, production was the difference maker, but in the 2020s, your business and financial IQ will define your levels of profitability.

Economic volatility in extremes has resulted from weather, trade, supply and market chain issues, consumer trends, geopolitics, and even black swans, which will be a fact of life for the 2020s. Managing the controllables and managing around the uncontrollables, while thinking globally and bringing it down to the business level, will be imperative.

With more zeros and commas on the financial statements, a good, bad, or ugly decision can compound over time. Understanding what it takes to have a high business IQ, knowing key performance indicators (KPIs), being aware of trends, as well as peer benchmarking analysis will be best management practices in the agriculture industry.

Dr. Kohl, with his decades of experience in navigating many economic cycles, will share his knowledge and wisdom concerning the dollars and cents of agriculture. His practical tools, tips, and takeaways will provide a proactive approach to the art and science of managing the ag businesses in the 2020s.



FORAGE FOLLOWING WHEAT
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension
 
Wheat harvest will soon be upon us and that leads us to be thinking about some forage opportunities after harvest is complete.  There is plenty of growing season left this year and there are several forage possibilities.
 
If the cropland is not irrigated, receiving some rains after wheat harvest is, of course, going to be necessary to grow that forage crop.
 
For example, with good moisture an early maturing corn is one possibility for silage if you plant it thick.  A better dryland choice might be a high grain producing forage sorghum if chinch bugs and other insects are not a problem.  Sunflowers can be a surprisingly good choice for a short-season silage.  They survive light frost and yield well under many conditions.
 
If hay is preferred, plant sorghum-sudan hybrids, teff, or pearl or foxtail millet.  A hay crop exceeding two to three tons per acre can be grown easily if planted soon after wheat harvest.  Another hay or silage alternative is solid-seeded soybeans.  A couple tons of good forage can be grown from taller, full season varieties planted after wheat.
 
Oats planted in late July to early August is another option.  Yields over two tons are common when moisture is good, fertility is high, and your hard freeze comes a little late.
Definitely consider turnips, as well as oats, for fall pasture planted into wheat stubble in late July or early August.  With a few timely rains in August and September, both oats and turnips produce much high-quality feed in a short time.  And, they are relatively inexpensive to plant.
 
Don't automatically let your wheat ground sit idle the rest of the year, especially if you could use more forage.



IANR RECEIVES FUNDING FOR WESTERN RANGELAND LIVESTOCK CENTER

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Montana State University and Oregon State University will collectively receive $3 million per year for five years from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service for the establishment of a Western Rangeland Livestock Center.            

Together with partners in Montana and Oregon, Nebraska researchers will focus on developing precision-based nutrition strategies for rangeland-based livestock, as well as technology-based livestock management strategies to optimize the health and productivity of western rangeland-based livestock and the rangeland ecosystem.

The Western Rangeland Livestock Center research will take place at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and other cooperative Nebraska ranches, including the Barta Brothers Ranch, as well as the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center and the Panhandle Research and Extension Center.

Strides in new rangeland monitoring technology have provided opportunities to enhance understanding of natural resources and livestock behavior, which is important for rangeland research and applied management of beef cattle on extensive rangelands.

The three states are focused on providing the information and tools needed to assist ranchers and land managers in optimizing land resources for beef cattle and sheep production while not only maintaining, but enhancing, the soil and plant community.

“With highly volatile commodity markets, increased drought occurrence, and other environmental and marketing challenges, the future of western livestock production is dependent upon on developing precision livestock management strategies and proactive decision-making tools that allow for economically efficient and environmentally responsive livestock production and improving rangeland health,” said Travis Mulliniks, assistant professor of animal science at Nebraska.

Nebraska is uniquely qualified to work to increase the resiliency and sustainability of livestock producers in rangeland-based production systems by providing interdisciplinary framework, infrastructure and facilities solutions to address the needs and threats facing livestock managers.

As the largest segment of Nebraska’s agricultural industry, beef production in Nebraska consistently leads nationally and internationally in volume of cattle and calves, cattle on feed, commercial cattle slaughter and commercial red meat production. Rangelands — or natural plant communities made of grasses, forbs and shrubs where cattle graze — make up nearly half of Nebraska’s total land at nearly 23 million acres.

At the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, Mulliniks and his team are already utilizing a new type of solar-powered agricultural technology called the SuperSmart Feeder. This digital technology allows them to precisely monitor and control individual animal feed diets and intake in extensive rangelands via electronic identification tags in cattle.

The use of the SuperSmart Feeder is allowing Nebraska to develop more precise and targeted supplementation strategies that increase productivity and production goals while decreasing feed inputs and costs.

To learn more about beef and rangeland research at the West Central Research, Extension and Education center, visit https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/westcentral.



NPPC Calls for Labor Reform; Launches Campaign Showcasing Vital Contributions of Foreign-Born Workers

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today introduced a campaign, “Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers,” highlighting the vital role of foreign-born workers across the U.S. pork industry and the critical need for comprehensive labor reform to address a labor shortage.

“The U.S. pork industry is highly dependent on foreign-born workers who make tremendous contributions in their jobs and communities,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “Unfortunately, current visa programs don’t provide access to enough workers to meet our labor needs on farms and in plants.”

The “Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers” campaign features the stories of four foreign-born workers and their employers, highlighting the essential contributions of these workers and the opportunities created by a position in the U.S. pork industry NPPC is urging Congress to address labor reform that both opens the H-2A visa program to year-round labor, without a cap, and provides legal status for agricultural workers already in the country.

“There are not enough people that want to work in agriculture to fill the jobs that we have. If we're not able to provide people to raise these animals, we're going to have to raise less of them and that means that you're going to pay more for that protein source,” said Michael Springer, a hog farmer from Independence, Kan. “People want to eat 365 days a year. Our current seasonal visa program does not work for livestock production because it does not put people on our farm 365 days a year to take care of the animals,” he added.

Pork producers offer jobs with good pay and benefits, but most Americans do not live near hog farms or harvest facilities and rural populations continue to decline, causing the U.S. pork industry to be largely dependent on foreign-born workers.

To learn more about NPPC’s campaign, visit https://nppc.org/issues/issue/year-round-pork-needs-year-round-workers/.



USDA Announces Efforts to Promote Transparency in Product of the USA Labeling

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today following the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) vote to strengthen its enforcement of the Made in USA standard:

“Today, the Federal Trade Commission took important steps to enhance its ability to enforce the Made in USA standard. I congratulate the FTC on strengthening this important protection for American consumers. USDA will complement the FTC’s efforts with our own initiative on labeling for products regulated by FSIS, an area of consumer labeling where USDA has a long tradition of protecting consumers from false and misleading labels.

American consumers depend upon accurate, transparent labels to obtain important information about the food they consume. American farmers and ranchers depend upon those same labels to convey information about their products that consumers value and demand. We have taken note of the many comments submitted to USDA and the FTC regarding meat labeling and understand that the current “Product of USA” label on meat products may no longer effectively serve either of those purposes, to the detriment of consumers, producers, and fair and competitive markets.

USDA announced last year our intention to conduct our own rulemaking to address the concern that the voluntary “Product of USA” label may confuse consumers about the origin of FSIS regulated products. After considering the many comments received by the FTC and USDA on this issue, we are initiating a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of USA” label that will, among other things, help us to determine what that label means to consumers. We believe this review will enable our upcoming rulemaking on the topic, announced in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Spring Regulatory Agenda, to be comprehensive, effective, and lasting.

I am committed to ensuring that the Product of USA label reflects what a plain understanding of those terms means to U.S. consumers. Throughout the rulemaking process, we will be asking questions, collecting data, and requesting comments. And we will be considering all ideas suggested by the whole range of stakeholders, including our trading partners with whom we will engage to ensure that this labeling initiative is implemented in a way that fulfills our commitment to working cooperatively with our trade partners and meeting our international trade obligations.”



NCBA Commends USDA for Prompt Action on "Product of the USA" Label Concerns

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a top-to-bottom review of the "Product of the USA" (POTUSA) label, which will inform a forthcoming rulemaking on this topic. NCBA has long-advocated for voluntary labels that meet consumer demand and allow producers to distinguish their products in the marketplace, and recently filed a petition with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to eliminate the use of POTUSA and other broad U.S. origin labeling claims for beef products. NCBA commends USDA for the prompt action to address industry concerns regarding the misleading nature of this generic label.

"The 'Product of the USA' label is not subject to source verification, is not tied to any kind of food safety standard, and is applied by packers and retailers in a manner that does not deliver value back to the cattle producer. This label not only misleads consumers, it is yet another barrier to producers gaining leverage and distinguishing their product in the marketplace," said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. "NCBA members have voiced concerns about the potentially misleading use of the label and we thank USDA for responding to those concerns and recognizing that non-source verified labels are a disservice to producers and consumers alike. We look forward to working with USDA to find labeling solutions that represent investments made by producers to continually improve their product and meet consumer demand."

USDA's announcement came after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public hearing on FTC-2020-0056, Made in USA Rulemaking, Matter No. P074204. The Commission voted 3-2 in favor of the final rule, to take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The new rule will strengthen FTC’s authority to enforce “Made in USA” labels. NCBA submitted comments on the proposed rule in 2020. NCBA's comments reminded the FTC that USDA has primary jurisdiction over all meat food product oversight activities, including the approval and verification of geographic and origin labeling claims.

While the FTC and USDA announcements may have similarities, NCBA believes that USDA is the best-equipped agency to properly oversee beef labeling and we support USDA's continued jurisdiction over labeling of meat food products.

NCBA's grassroots policy supports a more appropriate generic label, such as “Processed in the USA." In addition, NCBA stands ready to work with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to proactively educate cattle producers, processors, and retailers about the various opportunities that exist to develop voluntary, verifiable origin marketing claims that deliver tangible benefits to cattle producers without violating rules of trade.



USDA's Reassessment of Deceptive "Product of USA" Label is Encouraging, Farmers Union Says

To complement the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) efforts to strengthen the enforcement of “Made in the USA” standard, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it would conduct a “top-to-bottom review” of the voluntary “Product of the USA” label.

National Farmers Union (NFU) has long been concerned about the label, which has been legally been applied to beef and pork that was born, raised, and slaughtered in another country but processed in the United States. Most recently, the organization urged FTC and USDA to strengthen voluntary U.S. origin claims on labels and penalize those who incorrectly label products. In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew said he was encouraged by today's announcement and urged USDA to limit "Product of the USA" labels strictly to meat products that have never spent time outside the country.

“American consumers deserve to know where their meat comes from. Whether they want to keep their food dollar in their community, limit their food miles, or avoid unsustainable or unethical practices, there are many reasons why someone would want to know what country their meat was raised in. But as things stand, there’s no way to determine the origin of beef and pork since the wildly deceptive 'Product of the USA' label can appear on meat that spent its entire life in another country.

“This isn’t just a problem for consumers – it hurts farmers and ranchers, who can’t differentiate their product or earn a premium for offering a local option.

“Given its deep flaws, it is encouraging that the USDA is reassessing the “Product of the USA” label. We sincerely hope the agency will limit the claim exclusively to meat born, raised, slaughtered, and processed domestically, offering greater transparency to consumers and financial opportunities to American farmers and ranchers."



Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 503 million bushels in May 2021. Total corn consumption was up 9 percent from April 2021 and up 42 percent from May 2020. May 2021 usage included 91.2 percent for alcohol and 8.8 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 3.85 million bushels, up 5 percent from April 2021 but down 4 percent from May 2020. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 448 million bushels, was up 10 percent from April 2021 and up 49 percent from May 2020. Corn consumed in May 2021 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.7 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.94 million tons during May 2021, up 10 percent from April 2021 and up 56 percent from May 2020. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.08 million tons in May 2021, up slightly from April 2021 and up 47 percent from May 2020.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 299,123 tons during May 2021, up 3 percent from April 2021 and up 3 percent from May 2020. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 208,575 tons in May 2021, up 3 percent from April 2021 but down 1 percent from May 2020.



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

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.21 million tons (174 million bushels) in May 2021, compared with 5.10 million tons (170 million bushels) in April 2021 and 5.39 million tons (180 million bushels) in May 2020. Crude oil produced was 2.04 billion pounds up 3 percent from April 2021 but down 1 percent from May 2020. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.71 billion pounds during May 2021 increased 4 percent from April 2021 and increased 12 percent from May 2020.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 159,799 tons in May 2021, compared with 193,146 tons in April 2021 and 194,813 tons in May 2020. Canola crude oil produced was 134 million pounds, down 16 percent from April 2021 and down 17 percent from May 2020. Canola once refined oil production, at 150 million pounds during May 2021, was up 4 percent from April 2021 and up 22 percent from May 2020.



Growth Energy Applauds House Introduction of Low Carbon Biofuel Credit Act

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, applauded the House introduction of the H.R. 4254, the Low Carbon Biofuel Credit Act, by U.S Representatives Cindy Axne (R-Iowa) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), that would fast-track consumer access to lower-cost, lower-carbon vehicle fuel blends.  
 
“Higher ethanol blends continue to grow in popularity among drivers looking to save money while protecting our climate,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This legislative push offers further incentives for retailers to place higher biofuel blends within reach of drivers faster than ever, which gives retailers a competitive advantage while making a greater difference for the climate today. In fact, a nationwide transition to E15 could slash emissions by 17.62 million tons per year – equal to removing approximately 3.85 million vehicles from the road.

“We applaud Representatives Axne and Smith for making access to biofuels a top priority, and we urge lawmakers to take advantage of this bipartisan opportunity to support America’s farm communities, save drivers money, and reduce carbon emissions.”

The Low Carbon Biofuel Credit Act would provide retailers and fuel blenders a direct incentive to offer higher ethanol blends, including a 5-cent tax credit for each gallon of E15 sold, and 10 cents for each gallon containing more than 15 percent of lower-carbon ethanol. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Senate companion bill, S. 2262, on June 30.

E15, known to consumers at the pump as Unleaded 88, is approved for all cars model year 2001 and later, which includes 95% of cars on the road. Americans have driven over 22 billion miles on E15 to date, and the higher-ethanol fuel blend is available at over 2,460 retail stations nationwide. A new study from Growth Energy also shows that a move to nationwide E15 would add $17.8 billion to the U.S. GDP, support an additional 182,600 jobs, generate $10.5 billion in new household income, and save consumers $12.2 billion in fuel costs.



ICBA Supports Senate Bill Offering Tax Relief for Rural Lending

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed its strong support for the Senate introduction of the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America (ECORA) Act to support farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners.

The ECORA Act (S. 2202/H.R. 1977) would exempt from taxation interest income on farm real estate and rural mortgage loans, allowing community banks to lower loan rates and more efficiently serve these borrowers. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced the bill in the Senate following House introduction earlier this year by Reps. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).

“With community banks making 80 percent of banking industry agricultural loans, ICBA strongly supports the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act to help them offer lower rates in rural communities," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. "This important legislation will help sustain and revive rural economies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic while providing community bank lenders with benefits they can pass on to customers, similar to other rural credit providers."

With rural America and the agricultural sector facing continued challenges, ECORA will:
    Exempt from taxation loans secured by agricultural real estate.
    Provide similar relief to interest on loans secured by rural single-family homes that are the borrower's principal residence in towns with populations under 2,500.
    Assist those seeking to remain on the farm or acquire a home loan in rural communities by providing borrowers with better rates and loan terms.
    Offer community banks greater flexibility to work with farmers who may have trouble servicing their debt.
    Give lenders a strong incentive to remain in the rural farming and housing markets, thereby boosting local economic activity.

ICBA looks forward to working with Congress to advance this critical legislation.



FARM Excellence Awards to Recognize Farms and Evaluators

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today launched a new awards program to recognize farms and FARM evaluators who demonstrate excellence in their engagement with the FARM Program.

“We want to identify and congratulate those who go above and beyond with implementing FARM Program principles and values in their businesses,” said Emily Yeiser Stepp, Vice President of the FARM Program. “The awards will allow us to highlight the best dairies and evaluators who uphold on-farm social responsibility principles every day on their farms and in their daily work.”   

Award categories include Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development, and FARM Evaluators. Nominations are open from July 1 – Sept. 1. Farms or evaluators can be nominated by fellow dairy farmers; members of their communities; extension, cooperative or processor staff; veterinarians; themselves or others.

Nominated farms must have a current FARM Program evaluation in the respective category area and must be in good standing with the program. Evaluators who are nominated must be FARM Program certified in any of the program areas as of Aug. 31.

Winners in each category will receive a hotel room and travel for two individuals to attend the Dairy Joint Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nov. 15 –17. Visit the FARM Excellence Awards page https://nationaldairyfarm.com/farm-excellence-awards/ for more details.



USDA Invests $20.2 Million in Grants for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $20.2 million in grant funding for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives. This program supports USDA’s efforts to develop higher value uses for dairy products, diversify farmer income through processing and marketing innovation, and encourage the use of regional milk production.

“This program has already shown success in helping dairy farmers develop new business models and value-added products,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The additional funding provided will allow USDA to reach more farmers by increasing the capacity of current initiatives and expanding the program to new areas.”

DBI Initiatives provide direct technical assistance and make grants to dairy businesses. The three current DBI initiatives at University of Tennessee, The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the University of Wisconsin are eligible for additional grant funding (up to $18.4 million) to continue their work.

In addition, $1.8 million will be competitively awarded to at least one new Initiative. USDA will give priority to applications that serve a geographic area not covered by an existing initiative and that cover multiple states. Initiatives must be able to draw upon existing dairy resources. Initiatives may serve a certain product niche, such as specialty cheese, or serve dairy businesses with dairy products derived from the milk of a specific type of dairy animal, including dairy products made from cow milk, sheep milk, and goat milk.

Application and Grant Eligibility
Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, August 30, 2021.

To receive funding, the current initiatives will undergo an administrative review to ensure the proposed activities fulfill the purpose of DBI. To be considered as a new DBI initiative, applications will undergo external expert peer review as well as an administrative review. The selection process for new initiatives is expected to be highly competitive.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service encourages applications for initiatives that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications.

For more information about grant eligibility and previously funded projects, visit the DBI webpage, or contact us at IPPGrants@usda.gov.

Technical Assistance
AMS offers technical assistance for new applicants to help walk them through the process and provide tips on writing a successful application. Contact IPPGrants@usda.gov for additional assistance from grants management specialists.



Dairy Farmers Nationwide Lead Fundraising for Veterinarians’ Mental Health

Dairy communities nationwide rallied in June to support the veterinarians they depend on, helping lead an effort by Zoetis that donated $10,000 for mental health and wellness in the veterinary profession.

The grassroots effort aims to help reverse an alarming rise in veterinarian suicides among those who work difficult, tiring hours while protecting and caring for cattle. Through the website HonorDairyVets.com, Zoetis solicited nominations from communities to celebrate dairy veterinarians, donating $5 for each person honored and randomly selecting three veterinarians every week in June to receive a personalized all-weather work jacket.
 
The money raised will be donated to Not One More Vet® (NOMV), a 32,000-member-strong nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding the mental health and well-being of veterinarian professionals and students.

“Research shows that veterinarians and their staff have a far higher suicide rate than that of the general public. Not One More Vet seeks to transform the status of mental wellness within the profession, but we need the support of everyone to fulfill that mission. We can all be part of the solution by creating awareness and treating every veterinary professional with kindness and understanding,” said Darlene Bos, executive director, NOMV. “Every donation to NOMV helps a veterinary professional in crisis. Our programs offer grants to those struggling financially, peer support to everyone who seeks it, education about wellness, and research to get to the root of these issues and find solutions.”

Zoetis supports NOMV’s mission and additionally sponsors its largest fundraiser, Race Around the World, helping raise more than $140,000 in 2020. Veterinary mental health and well-being is a global issue that touches everyone working in the profession. As a global company, Zoetis is committed to supporting organizations and efforts that will help veterinary professionals care for their mental health and well-being.

Dairy communities lead the way
“We were humbled to see the outpouring of nominations celebrating dairy and cattle-mixed practicing veterinarians across the country and are so grateful for the work they do in their communities,” said Jared Shriver, senior vice president, U.S. Cattle at Zoetis. “One more veterinarian lost to suicide is one too many, and we hope others will follow the lead of the dairy families that spoke up to support the crucial contributions of their community’s veterinarian.”

Discover more about Not One More Vet and how you can help support the tireless work of veterinarians in your community at nomv.org.



USDA Announces July 2021 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2021, which are effective July 1. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures, or meet cash flow needs.

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for historically underserved producers, including beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2021 are as follows:
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 1.875%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 3.250%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 2.500%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 2.875%

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.
    Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 1.125%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 0.375%
        Five-year loan terms: 0. 750%
        Seven-year loan terms: 1.250%
        Ten-year loan terms: 1.500%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 1.750%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 1.875%

Disaster Support
FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster assistance options.

Pandemic Support   
Through September 1, 2021, FSA’s Disaster Set-Aside provision is available to direct loan borrowers who have been impacted by the pandemic. This enables an upcoming annual installment to be set aside for the year and added to the final installment. For annual operating loans, the loan maturity date may be extended up to twelve months in order to set aside the installment.  This provision is normally used in the wake of natural disasters, and a second Disaster Set-Aside may be available for direct loan borrowers who already have a DSA in place on a loan due to another designated natural disaster.

More Information
Producers can explore available options on all FSA loan options at fsa.usda.gov or by contacting your local USDA Service Center.



Celebrating legendary progress with passion, innovation and achievement.

Passion, innovation and achievement represent the Angus breed. Angus breeders, beef cattle enthusiasts and feeders of the world are all passionate about the work they do day in and day out. In celebration of the past and to continue legendary progress, the American Angus Association invites Angus members, commercial producers and beef industry professionals to the 2021 Angus Convention and Trade Show hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6-8.

The 2021 Angus Convention will be three days of making connections, finding solutions and being inspired to foster operational growth and personal leadership. Being innovative is second nature to cattlemen as the industry strives to raise the highest quality product in the most efficient and effective manner. When passion and innovation are coupled, achievement is bound to take place.

After a year of virtual events, the power of in-person events will be a highlight of this year’s Angus Convention. Cattleman can network with old and new friends throughout the trade show, educational sessions and the convention tours. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with others during several of the receptions featuring Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand meals.

When attendees aren’t participating in hallway conversations, there will be several educational sessions taking place throughout the three-day event. From cattle handling to the latest in genomics, no topic is left uncovered. Take advantage of learning from industry professionals during Angus University-sponsored breakout sessions and watch hands-on education by attending a session in the cattle demonstration area. Providing tangible information is a goal for the Association; however, listening to keynote sessions will inspire passion in cattlemen to achieve more and innovate their business.   

"Regardless of whether you are a member or a not, there is value for everyone," says Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. "I invite you to enjoy the company of great friends while listening and learning from the most respected industry professionals."

The Association also invites commercial producers to attend Angus Convention. Participants will gain perspective from commercial industry leaders on the future of the feeder cattle marketplace by attending the Capturing Value session. The first-of-its-kind panel will provide insight from video auction representatives, feedyard operators, seedstock producers and industry professionals alike.

"The AngusLink team was excited to offer this opportunity to commercial producers for the first time ever," says Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations for the Association. "We invite producers to attend all educational sessions, but we created the Capturing Value panel to help directly benefit those in the feeder calf business."

The 138th Annual Convention of Delegates for the American Angus Association will also convene this year, where representatives from each state will elect new members and officers to the Board of Directors and look to the future for the Angus breed.

Registration for the 2021 Angus Convention and Trade Show is now open. Learn more about the convention sessions, speakers, tours and more on www.angusconvention.com.     



New Research Reveals Ralco’s Comfort™ Reduces Heat Stress in Ruminants and Improves Meat Quality Grade

A recent research study determined that feeding Comfort™ in the late finishing phase to Akaushi crossbred cattle under intense heat stress in Texas improved average daily gain, feed intake and intramuscular fat accrual. Comfort is Ralco’s natural everyday feed additive containing a custom blend of Microfused® essential oils and capsicum for targeted support and animal comfort during times of environmental challenge.

“Performance losses in the summer are often contributed to reduced feed intake in cattle but that’s really only half the story,” said Dr. Bill Holloway, Senior Beef Nutritionist for Ralco. “The internal, physiological stress ruminants experience during heat stress can account for 50% or more of production losses. These non-intake related losses include leaky gut, oxidative stress, glucose and insulin irregularities, inflammation, metabolic changes and immune system activation.”

Heat stress is estimated to cost the United States beef industry an average of $370 million each year and the dairy industry $897 million.

“Ruminants do not effectively dissipate their heat load,” said Dr. Hebbie Purvis, Senior Beef Nutritionist for Ralco. “Even with good management practices like shade, misters, ventilation, etc., sometimes it’s not enough. We formulated Comfort to help beef and dairy producers maintain feed intake and overcome the internal physiological responses that impact profits.”

“What better place to test a heat stress product than West Texas in the summer?” said Dr. Holloway. To validate Comfort in a commercial setting in high heat conditions, Ralco partnered with the Texas A&M University.

The study was conducted at the West Texas A&M University Research Feedlot (WTAMU) facility near Canyon, Texas. The average high temperature at the feed yard was 90°F, with highs of 105°F and night lows of 55°F. The average finished weight for the cattle was 1,392 lbs.

The results of the study showed that cattle receiving Comfort had significantly greater (0.26 lb./day) average daily gain. This 13.4% improvement in gain suggests the cattle were more efficient in feed conversion which was 12.1% greater for the Comfort supplemented cattle.

Carcass data revealed that the cattle graded well which was expected based off historic data observed in Akaushi cattle. However, there was a significant impact of Comfort on the percent prime. Because many of the cattle were on the cusp of grading USDA Prime, the 15% advantage for the cattle fed Comfort in marbling score translated to a 136% increase in percent grading USDA Prime.

“The observations in this study are consistent with other trials we’ve done that showed that the ingredients in Comfort improve the ruminant’s ability to cope with heat stress and reduce variation in feed intake,” said Holloway.

More than 20 years ago, Ralco pioneered the mainstream use of phytonutrients for animal health and nutrition. Comfort is NEXUS™ formulated with a patent-pending combination of phytonutrients including Microfused essential oils and encapsulated capsicum that are specifically chosen for their unique properties that support more efficient heat abatement in cattle.

 “Using the NEXUS formulation approach, we were able to match up the precise properties needed to alleviate the physiological responses cattle endure under high heat conditions and trigger their natural cooling mechanisms called transient receptor potential (TRP) channels,” said Dr. Purvis. “This results in cattle that stay cooler, eat smaller more frequent meals and efficiently convert more nutrients to energy for better adipose deposition in meat.”

TRP channels constitute a large and diverse family of channel proteins that can serve as sensors allowing individual cells and organisms to detect changes in their environment such as heat. These channels trigger responses in the animal to compensate for heat such as panting, decrease in intake and sweating, making TRP channels extremely involved in the heat abatement process in cattle. The phytonutrients in Comfort help bind to and trigger TRP channels for more efficient cooling processes.  

“Now beef producers can add a natural tool to their heat stress management plan that keeps cattle cooler and enhances performance in the heat,” concluded Dr. Holloway.

Comfort is compatible with micro mixers and available for direct on farm use. Learn more at https://www.ralcoagriculture.com/product-descriptions/Beef_Comfort.



Bayer opens application window for Grants4Ag sustainability-focused program

Bayer announced today the opening of its application window for the company’s annual Grants4Ag initiative. For more than five years, the agricultural leader has offered researchers both financial and scientific support to develop their ideas for novel solutions to research and development challenges in agriculture. Since its inception in 2015, over 100 grants have been awarded. This year Bayer’s Grants4Ag winning projects will focus on advancing a more sustainable food system. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2021.

“Our 2020 Grants4Ag program exceeded our expectations in attracting top proposals across a range of R&D activities,” said Phil Taylor, Open Innovation Lead for the Crop Science division at Bayer. “At Bayer, we promote the responsible use of the world’s resources so this year our Grants4Ag program will support those commitments to advance a more sustainable food system by highlighting projects in that area.”

Bayer’s Grants4Ag program does not have any reporting requirements and each applicant retains ownership of any intellectual property developed. Taylor says the company views these grants as an initial investment with the potential to become larger-scale, longer-term collaborations with Bayer.

In addition to receiving a grant (typically ranging from €5,000 to €15,000), successful applicants will partner up with a Bayer scientist who will provide guidance and feedback on the project. Previous grant recipients highlight this professional mentorship as setting the Grants4 program apart from traditional funding programs. 

“The Grants4Ag program is a great way to begin or boost a research project, “said Liz Skellam, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at North Texas University, who received a 2020 grant. “And the input from the Bayer team in arranging mentors and organizing regular updates is invaluable. Overall you get the freedom to work on a project of your choosing and develop it with the support of Bayer scientists.“

Last year’s program awarded 24 grants after receiving more than 600 submissions from 39 countries around the world. This year, during the submission process Bayer’s Grants4Ag program will again partner with Halo, a marketplace that helps companies connect with scientists through an intuitive, streamlined interface.

"We're thrilled to once again support Bayer on this year's Grants4Ag program," said Kevin Leland, CEO and Founder of Halo. "We designed Halo as a partnering platform where researchers can join forces to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, and we look forward to seeing how Bayer's collaborations with universities and startups will advance sustainable development in agriculture."

Full details on the programs’ sought-after solutions, application process and submission rules are available at halo.science/company/bayer-crop-science.