Thursday July 22 Ag News

 Ricketts Invites Nebraskans to Register for the Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit

Governor Pete Ricketts, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) are encouraging Nebraskans to register for the Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit on August 4, 2021, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

Registration for the event is now open at negovsummit.com.  Former U.S. Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, will give the keynote address.

“Nebraska has emerged from the pandemic in a strong position due to the resilience of our people and our top industries, including agriculture and manufacturing,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “This year’s summit will convene leaders from across the state to explore ways to build on that momentum and keep Nebraska growing.  We look forward to hosting former Iowa Governor and Ambassador Terry Branstad as this year’s keynote speaker.”

As the state’s premier economic development forum, the Summit this year will add an agricultural focus, with co-sponsor NDA to host a number of industry-related sessions.  Discussion tracks will include building the state’s broadband infrastructure, growing ag-related exports, supporting entrepreneurship, growing the workforce, and much more.

“The Department of Agriculture is thrilled to co-host the Ag and Economic Development Summit,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.  “We look forward to the opportunity to facilitate new discussions and partnerships.  Agriculture and economic development go hand in hand toward the success of our state and to grow our communities.”

Ambassador Branstad is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch.  A former Governor of Iowa and Iowa House member, Branstad served as Ambassador to China from 2017-2020 after being appointed by President Donald Trump.

“We are excited that Ambassador Branstad will be able to join us this year and share his expertise on topics influencing our state’s agricultural industry and economic growth,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins.  “We hope everyone who shares in our mutual vision to grow the state will join Governor Ricketts and us in Kearney this year to strategize for the way forward.”  

The Summit will officially kick off on the evening of Tuesday, August 3rd, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats.  During that event, numerous Diplomats and Nebraska businesses will be recognized for their contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.

“The Banquet is a chance to pay tribute to the community and business leaders who continue to drive progress in our state and make an impact throughout their regions,” said Nebraska Diplomats President Tim O’Brien.  “We hope many of our Summit attendees will also consider RSVP’ing for the Diplomat Banquet.”    

Registration for the Diplomat Banquet and Summit can be accessed at negovsummit.com.  A full Summit agenda is also available through the website.  For questions, contact Lori Shaal at lori.shaal@nebraska.gov or 402-471-3780.



NC hosts webinar on cybersecurity

Join Nebraska Cattlemen for a webinar to help you learn more about cybersecurity.
Thursday, July 29 - 7:30 PM CDT / 45-60 minutes

Topic to be discussed include:
    The biggest cybersecurity threats in 2021.
    What is the biggest threat now?
    What can you do to protect your networks?
    Challenges working with vendors.
    What does a good cyber policy cover and cybersecurity best practices
    What to do if you are the victim of phishing, hacking, or online fraud.

Register here to attend webinar https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jalHOTiYTmqFz9icgzRpEA.

Presenters:
Jeff Scanlan: Graduate of Peru State College with a B.A. in Business Administration and earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1986. He spent nearly twenty years with the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group. While at Berkshire Hathaway, Jeff managed various underwriting units. He later became a regional manager and had responsibility for all underwriting, pricing, loss control, and company service results. He was also a member of the company’s Product Development team where he was successful in launching programs for the Agricultural Industry, Construction, Workers’ Compensation, and Specialty Auto. Jeff is a past member and Chairman of the NE Property and Liability Guarantee Association. He was appointed to several insurance legislative boards and has testified on numerous bills. Jeff has been involved as an adjunct instructor for various insurance classes and seminars.

Nicole Limpert: Cyber Production Underwriter for Evolve MGA. From start-up ventures to publicly-traded companies, Evolves helps to identify, manage, and transfer commercial cyber risk. Nicole is responsible for underwriting new cyber risks, establishing and maintaining broker relationships throughout the Midwest, and conducting educational-style presentations to teach insurance professionals on the complex cyber landscape.

Rachel Johannsen: Director of Information Technology Compliance at First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). Rachel has ten years of experience in the financial industry, with two years working in the Legal department and eight years focused on supporting the Bank’s Information Technology and Information Security divisions.

Anita Klanderud: Sr. Director of the Communications, Support, and Incident Response Team. The CSIR team is responsible for Security Awareness Training, Incident Response, Third Party Risk Management Information Security Reviews, and Compliance with Information Security laws and regulations.  Anita is an attorney licensed in Nebraska with 26 years of financial industry experience and 15 years of Information Security experience.

If you have any questions about Nebraska Cattlemen's Producer Education Programs please contact Bonita Lederer at blederer@necattlemen.org or voice/text @ 402-450-0223.  



Valmont Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results and Increases 2021 Full-Year Guidance

Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI), a leading global provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure development and irrigation equipment and services for agriculture, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 26, 2021.

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights (all metrics compared to Second Quarter 2020 unless otherwise noted)
    Record Net Sales of $894.6 million, an increase of 29.9% with growth in all segments, led by significantly higher sales in Irrigation and Utility Support Structures
    Operating Income improved to $82.6 million, or 9.2% of sales ($90.9 million or 10.2% adjusted1) compared to $43.4 million or 6.3% of sales last year ($65.7 million or 9.5% adjusted1), despite continued inflationary pressures
    Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) improved to $2.89 ($3.06 adjusted1) compared to $1.06 ($2.00 adjusted1)
    Record global backlog of more than $1.34 billion, an increase of 17.5% since the end of fiscal 2020, reflecting strong market demand
    Received purchase orders and project awards totaling $72.0 million to supply Valmont Solar Solutions to the utility and agricultural markets
    Generated operating cash flow of $37.0 million; cash and cash equivalents at end of second quarter were $199.3 million
    Repurchased 42,150 shares of company stock for $10.5 million, at an average price of $248.47 per share
    Recognized a favorable tax rate of 19.0% on a GAAP basis, primarily due to a non-recurring incremental tax benefit of $2.8 million attributed to a change in the United Kingdom tax rate; adjusted tax rate was 22.5%1
    Completed two acquisitions in the Irrigation segment; purchased 100% of the shares of Prospera Technologies, Ltd. and acquired 100% of the assets of PivoTrac
    Commenced operations at a new greenfield Coatings facility in Pittsburgh, PA
    Raising full-year Net Sales growth guidance from a range of 9% to 14%, to a range of 16% to 19% and increasing GAAP diluted EPS to $9.90 to $10.60 (Adjusted diluted EPS to $10.40 to $11.10)1.

"We achieved record second-quarter sales, grew adjusted operating income nearly 40 percent year-over-year, despite persistent inflationary pressures that meaningfully impacted our Utility business, and delivered adjusted earnings per share growth of more than 50 percent," said Stephen G. Kaniewski, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These solid results reflect the strength of our businesses, our continued focus on pricing actions to help offset inflation and the outstanding execution by our teams around the world. Sales growth was led by significantly higher sales in the Irrigation segment, as strong global agricultural market fundamentals continue to drive positive farmer sentiment, and deliveries of the large Egypt project continued. Higher volumes in Utility Support Structures were driven by continued strong underlying market demand for improving grid resiliency and increasing usage of renewable energy. Record second quarter sales in Engineered Support Structures and a focus on pricing, cost optimization, and the benefits of previous restructuring actions helped improve operating profit margins to nearly 12 percent. Coatings segment sales grew more than 22 percent, led by higher volumes as general economic trends are improving globally. We generated positive free cash flow despite significant increases in working capital to support robust sales growth."

Added Kaniewski, "We completed the acquisition of Prospera Technologies during the quarter, advancing our strategy to accelerate growth and innovation through investments in recurring revenue services. Utilizing their award-winning technology and building on our successful partnership over the past two and a half years, together we have created the most global and vertically-integrated AI company in agriculture, focused on in-season crop performance. As discussed during our virtual Investor Day in May, this acquisition is a testament to our commitment to make the farm more efficient, increase productivity and dramatically improve sustainability. Together, we are expanding beyond our traditional markets, finding new ways to use less inputs in order to achieve higher crop yields. I am excited to welcome the entire Prospera team to Valmont.”



Organization for Competitive Markets thanks Senators for S2036 Sponsorship

Lincoln, Nebraska-based Organization for Competitive Markets very much supports the legislative efforts of Senator Rounds, Tester, and Grassley’s Senate Bill (S.2036) to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921.  This Act also cited as the ‘‘Meat Packing Special Investigator Act’ will establish an office of a special investigator to investigate and prosecute violations of transparent competition within the livestock industry.  OCM applauds this long-overdue legislation to establish an “Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters” serving as Department of Agriculture liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission on agricultural competition and trade matters.

OCM appreciates Senators Rounds, Tester, and Grassley’s desire to initiate proper enforcement of both antitrust laws and the 100-year-old Packers and Stockyards Act.  S.2036 also compliments President Biden’s Executive Order which directs USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, for strengthening producer marketing rights.

“Recently there have been a host of aggressive by-partisan actions to bring about competition to address the pervasive and long-existing inequities in cattle markets, states founding OCM board director Fred Stokes. "But perhaps most significant is Senate Bill 2036.  The establishment of an “Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters” will facilitate the much-needed proper enforcement of both antitrust laws and the 100-year-old Packers and Stockyards Act."

Over the last 50 years, cattle producers have seen dramatic consolidation in the agriculture industry, especially within the packing industry where four major corporations control over 85% of the meat processing.  Oppressive corporate monopolization has propagated the decline of 43% of cattle operations and 75% of small family feeding operations in the past 50 years.  Cattle and beef prices are moving in opposite directions with producers receiving 37% of the retail dollar and consumers being held ransom at the meat counter.

Executive director Mike Eby said, "OCM would very much like to assist in helping move this legislation to become law as this mirrors our organization's mission of Competitive Markets".

OCM thanks the sponsors of S2036 for their foresight and diligence to bring fairness and transparency to America’s livestock industry.  OCM stands ready to support Senators Rounds, Tester, and Grassley’s S2036 legislation as America’s current monopolized food system is a threat to our national security as well as family farmers and ranchers.



ADDITIONAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR 2021 SPECIALTY CROP GRANTS, PROPOSALS DUE JULY 31

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is again seeking grant proposals for projects under the Special Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Additional SCBGP funds in the amount of approximately $660,000 are being made available through H.R. 133, a government funding bill which includes economic stimulus provisions due to COVID-19 impacts to the food system. NDA will award grants to projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Nebraska (i.e. fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey) through a competitive solicitation and selection process. SCBGP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by NDA. The deadline for submitting grant proposals to NDA is July 31, 2021.

“The coronavirus pandemic taught us many things including the importance of a stable and diversified food chain, and specialty crops are a vital part of that process,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Specialty crops add value and variety to Nebraska agriculture. These extra funds will support projects to help producers and consumers alike.”

The 2021 proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria. Producers, organizations and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. With this new round of funding, grant funds cannot be expended before Sept. 30, 2021, or after Sept. 29, 2024. NDA and USDA will announce the projects that will receive funding later this year.

Instructions for submitting a proposal, proposal applications, performance measures and program guidelines are available on NDA’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html. All proposals should be saved as a Microsoft Word.docx file and sent electronically to casey.foster@nebraska.gov by July 31. For additional information, contact SCBG Program Manager Casey Foster at 402-471-4876, or by the email listed above.

To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded under the SCBGP, visit USDA’s website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.



NEBRASKA CHICKENS AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during June 2021 totaled 8.06 million, down from 8.47 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during June totaled 192 million eggs, up from 170 million in 2020. June egg production per 100 layers was 2,377 eggs, compared to 2,003 eggs in 2020.

IOWA: Iowa egg production during June 2021 was 1.21 billion eggs, down 4% from last month but up 4% from a year ago, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of all layers on hand during June 2021 was 48.5 million, down 1% from last month but up slightly from the same month last year. Eggs per 100 layers for June were 2,498, down 4% from last month but up 4% from last June.

US June Egg Production Up 2 Percent
United States egg production totaled 9.04 billion during June 2021, up 2 percent from last year. Production included 7.77 billion table eggs, and 1.27 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.20 billion were broiler-type and 76.6 million were egg-type. The average number of layers during June 2021 totaled 384 million, up slightly from last year. June egg production per 100 layers was 2,356 eggs, up 2 percent from June 2020.
                                    
Total layers in the United States on July 1, 2021 totaled 384 million, up 1 percent from last year. The 384 million layers consisted of 317 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 63.7 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.84 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on July 1, 2021, averaged 78.7 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from July 1, 2020.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down 4 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during June 2021 totaled 53.4 million, down 4 percent from June 2020. Eggs in incubators totaled 50.9 million on July 1, 2021, up 10 percent from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 288 thousand during June 2021, down 23 percent from June 2020.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during June 2021 totaled 824 million, down 1 percent from June 2020. Eggs in incubators totaled 715 million on July 1, 2021, up 2 percent from a year ago. Leading breeders placed 9.55 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during June 2021, up 18 percent from June 2020.



NEBRASKA MILK PRODUCTION

Milk production in Nebraska during the April-June 2021 quarter totaled 361 million pounds, down 1% from the April-June quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 59,000 head, unchanged from the same period last year.

April-June US Milk Production up 3.7 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the April - June quarter totaled 58.1 billion pounds, up 3.7 percent from the April - June quarter last year.  The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.51 million head, 47,000 head more than the January - March quarter, and 141,000 head more than the same period last year.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during June 2021 totaled 458 million pounds, up 4% from the previous June according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during June, at 228,000 head, was the same as last month but 11,000 more than June 2020. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,010 pounds, down 20 pounds from last June.

US June Milk Production up 3.2 Percent
Milk production in the 24 major States during June totaled 18.1 billion pounds, up 3.2 percent from June 2020. May revised production, at 19.0 billion pounds, was up 4.9 percent from May 2020. The May revision represented an increase of 12 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,011 pounds for June, 27 pounds above June 2020. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 9.00 million head, 161,000 head more than June 2020, but 1,000 head less than May 2021.



Total Red Meat Production Down 3 Percent from Last June

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.67 billion pounds in June, down 3 percent from the 4.79 billion pounds produced in June 2020.

Beef production, at 2.40 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.95 million head, up 3 percent from June 2020. The average live weight was down 19 pounds from the previous year, at 1,346 pounds.

Veal production totaled 4.1 million pounds, 27 percent below June a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 31,800 head, down 15 percent from June 2020. The average live weight was down 37 pounds from last year, at 223 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.25 billion pounds, down 6 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.6 million head, down 5 percent from June 2020. The average live weight was down 4 pounds from the previous year, at 284 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 11.3 million pounds, was down 9 percent from June 2020. Sheep slaughter totaled 188,300 head, 2 percent below last year. The average live weight was 120 pounds, down 9 pounds from June a year ago.

By State  (million lbs - % June '20)
Nebraska ......:     665.5             95       
Iowa .............:     700.2             92       
Kansas ..........:      537.9           101       

January to June 2021 commercial red meat production was 27.9 billion pounds, up 4 percent from 2020. Accumulated beef production was up 7 percent from last year, veal was down 20 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down slightly.



USDA Cold Storage June 2021 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 30, 2021 were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 8 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up slightly from last month but down 32 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on June 30, 2021 were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 15 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 15 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 4 percent from last month but down 14 percent from June 30, 2020.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on June 30, 2021 were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 1 percent from June 30, 2020. Butter stocks were up 1 percent from last month and up 14 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on June 30, 2021 were up 9 percent from last month but down 16 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 1 percent from last month and down 3 percent from a year ago.



U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) Hits 100 Million Metric Tons Exports Milestone

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) are pleased to announce that over 100 million metric tons of U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) verified soy has been exported internationally over the seven years since the protocol was launched in 2014.

In 2014, only 6,845 metric tons were shipped with a SSAP certificate. However, the adoption of the SSAP has grown exponentially since its inception with 65 U.S. exporters issuing SSAP certificates for 25.8 million metric tons of U.S. Soy in the 2021 marketing year, and cumulatively 100 million metric tons from 2014-21. USSEC’s reporting found that the North Asia and Europe regions request a SSAP verified certificate for nearly 100% of their purchases.

With the growing demand for sustainable soy globally, the SSAP has been recognized as compliant with the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee’s sustainable sourcing code for agricultural products, the Consumer Goods Forum, and the Global Seafood Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As consumer consciousness about health, the environment, and the need to meet global nutrition and food security continue to drive demand for nutritious and sustainable protein, the U.S. SSAP enables our global food, feed, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and retail sector customers with verified sustainable U.S. Soy.” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). “A reliable supply of high-quality, sustainably-produced U.S. Soy plays a vitally important role in enabling families and the food-feed industry around the world to feed our growing planet sustainably, and U.S. Soy farmers are up to the challenge.”

"Our SSAP certified soybean oil imported from the U.S. has been used as a concrete release agent for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic main stadium and relevant facilities,” said Saitama Ryokoku Company, a grain and feed wholesaler in Japan. “Interest toward environmentally-friendly initiatives and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasing in Japan, and we will continue to supply SSAP certified soybean oil and soybeans in our sales activities to add value to our customers."

The U.S. Soy industry – including U.S. soybean farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied food and agriculture organizations working together alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs), jointly developed the independently audited SSAP to back up U.S. soybean farmers’ commitment to sustainability. Each year, U.S. farmers perform an annual internal audit, which is reviewed by third-party, independent audits conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are about 20,000 independent audits conducted each year. The SSAP outlines and measures sustainable production practices, biodiversity, public and labor health, and continuous improvement of farming practices.

“U.S. Soy farmers have pursued sustainable practices for decades for the benefit of their businesses, the planet and our society as a whole,” said Polly Ruhland, CEO of the United Soybean Board. “It’s farmers innate stewardship to grow more with less and sustain their land and soils for the next generation. The milestone of 100 million metric tons of SSAP verified shipments is proof of how our farmers are striving to be global leaders in sustainability. The Olympic Games provide an international stage to demonstrate how U.S. Soy farmers and industry embrace climate smart agriculture to further increase sustainability.”

With U.S. Soy that is verified sustainable under the SSAP, companies have a competitive advantage buying U.S. Soy compared to soy from other countries of origin. The opportunity to use a trademarked ‘Sustainable U.S. Soy' logo on product packaging is offered to companies that source this sustainable ingredient in their products (verified through the SSAP). Currently, over 30 companies use the Sustainable U.S. Soy logo on more than 550 products to inform their consumers and/or customers of their sustainability credentials and differentiate from the competition.

“America’s soybean growers are dedicated to the sustainability of our environment, society, and economy. The SSAP is a vital part of this commitment and, as a result, continues to gain global food industry and institutional recognition,” said Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association.

The United Nations adopted “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. The Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games stated a commitment to delivering events that contribute to the U.N. SDGs. To implement these goals, Tokyo 2020 formulated the Sustainable Sourcing Code as a tool to ensure sustainability throughout the supply chains of products and services the Olympics procures as well as licensed products. It also defined the individual criteria for the sourcing of timber, agricultural products, livestock products, fishery products, paper, and palm oil.

As part of U.S. Soy’s role as a leader in global sustainable food and agriculture practices, USSEC led a global stakeholder engagement process to prioritize economic, social, and environmental aspects for ensuring future global success of sustainable U.S. Soy. These priorities were then mapped to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The areas identified where U.S. Soy has the greatest impact in supporting progress toward global sustainable development are: Goal 2: Zero Hunger, Goal 6: Clean Water & Sanitation, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 15: Life on Land, and Goal 17: Partnerships.



NCGA Attends Chicken Marketing Summit

This week, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Market Development Manager Michael Granché attended the Chicken Marketing Summit, hosted by the National Chicken Council in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Participants covered a wide array of topics spanning animal protein demand to trade outlook reports and from sustainable poultry production to a panel discussion on broiler welfare; all while defining opportunities for post-pandemic success.

“As more organizations and sectors within the agriculture industry continue to set their focus on developing sustainability goals, it becomes increasingly more important to cultivate and lean into partnerships, so that together we can tackle our sustainability goals successfully while feeding an exponentially growing population. It was great to meet with industry folks again in person and to help tell corn’s story,” said Granché.

Through this partnership, NCGA is promoting poultry product exports while reminding organizations that corn is multifaceted. Not only is corn a quality and abundant feed, but DDGS products, including high-protein DDGS for poultry, are optimized feed products that the poultry industry can benefit from. The summit was also an opportunity to remind corporate attendees that corn is competitively positioned as an industrial feedstock to help advance bio-based renewable packaging solutions.

As one of the keynotes of the meeting, the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) announced that the US-RSPE Sustainability Framework is now open for public comment and discussed how it was built specifically to meet consumer needs to see sustainability reporting from end-to-end of the supply chain. The Framework and its multi-stakeholder development process were designed to specifically tackle the complexities of chicken, turkey and egg organization structures and full supply chains.

“It was great to see NCGA represented at the summit and engaging with the poultry sector,” said Ryan Bennett, US-RSPE Executive Director. “We know we must work together across the entire value chain to drive progress and continuously improve our sustainability, and that includes sourcing sustainably grown, high-quality feed for poultry. There is great opportunity for U.S. corn growers and poultry producers to work together to drive progress.”