Thursday September 16 Ag News

 Bankers Report Record Farmland Price Index: 8 of 10 Expect Negatives from Stepped-Up Basis in Biden Plan
 
For the 10th straight month, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) remained above growth neutral, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.         

Overall: For the fourth straight month, the overall index dropped. The September reading of 62.5 was down from August’s 65.3. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

Approximately, 35.7% of bank CEOs reported that their local economy expanded between August and September.  

“Solid grain prices, the Federal Reserve’s record-low interest rates, and growing exports have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy. USDA data show that 2021 year-to-date agriculture exports are more than 27.6% above that for the same period in 2020. This has been an important factor supporting the Rural Mainstreet economy,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.  

“More than eight of 10 bankers expect, if implemented, the stepped-up basis portion of President Biden’s $3.5 trillion bill before Congress to have a negative impact on the Rural Mainstreet economy,” said Goss.

Farming and ranching: The region’s farmland price index advanced above growth neutral for a 12th straight month to a record high 85.2 from August’s very strong 76.6.  

The September farm equipment-sales index climbed to 66.0 from 64.7 in August. Readings over the last several months represent the strongest consistent growth since 2012.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for September dropped to 65.3 from August’s 69.4. The state’s farmland-price index rocketed to 86.2 from last month’s 73.3. Nebraska’s new-hiring index sank 67.7 from 68.2 in August. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet nonfarm employment has expanded by 4.5% over the past 12 months.

Iowa: The September RMI for Iowa improved to a healthy 65.3 from 61.9 in August. Iowa’s farmland-price index advanced to 87.1 from August’s 71.1. Iowa’s new-hiring index for September expanded to 68.6 from 66.0 in August. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet nonfarm employment has expanded by 3.7% over the past 12 months.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005 and launched in January 2006.



Fischer Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Farmers’ Access to Precision Agriculture Equipment

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has introduced the Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act.

The bipartisan legislation would create a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide loan financing to farmers and ranchers interested in purchasing precision agriculture equipment. Precision agriculture is a wide range of new technologies in farming and ranching that can allow producers to reduce their environmental footprint, lower costs, and improve productivity.

The PAL Act is co-sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

“Farmers and ranchers take care of our land and resources, and precision agriculture equipment can help them expand on this good work. High upfront costs, however, mean many operations struggle to access these cutting-edge and climate-friendly technologies. Our bipartisan legislation will allow more producers to invest in the equipment they need to make their operations more efficient, environmentally friendly, and productive,” said Senator Fischer.

The World Economic Forum estimates that if just a quarter of the world’s farms adopted precision agricultural practices, farm yields globally could increase by 15%. Greenhouse gas emissions and water use would decrease by 10% and 20%, respectively.

More information:
The PAL Act would establish the Precision Agriculture Loan program within USDA’s Farm Service Agency. The program would offer low-cost and long-term loans to agriculture producers who want to adopt precision agriculture technologies but can’t afford to through traditional financing.

This would be the first federal loan program dedicated entirely to precision agriculture. Instead of paying upwards of 5 percent in interest, producers would be eligible for interest rates lower than 2 percent through the new program with loan terms from 3 to 12 years in length. These loans would cover any precision agriculture technology that improves efficiency or reduces inputs.

Support for the PAL Act:
“The adoption of precision technologies by farmers and ranchers will lead to a more sustainable future for our nation’s food producers both environmentally and economically. At the same time, the cost of adopting these technologies can be considerably prohibitive. Nebraska Farm Bureau truly appreciates Sen. Fischer introducing the Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act, which will provide needed assistance to help farm and ranch families purchase this vital equipment,” said Mark McHargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

“For decades, University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers have worked to develop precision technologies and tools to make crop and livestock production more efficient, sustainable and profitable. These technologies are vitally important, but they only work if producers have access to them. I applaud Sen. Fischer for introducing this legislation to help American and Nebraskan producers stay on the cutting edge of agriculture,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“At Northeast, we are educating the next generation of producers as they introduce new precision technologies on their home farms. This loan program will be a great way to help farmers access these new technologies to lower input costs and protect our agricultural land,” said Dr. Leah Barrett, President of Northeast Community College.

“We are grateful to Senators Fischer and Klobuchar for introducing legislation that will provide resources for growers to adopt precision agriculture technologies.  The use of cloud-based remote telemetry and irrigation scheduling technologies will allow our nation’s producers to increase yields, while reducing inputs such as energy and water.  The Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act is common sense legislation that will enable growers to produce more while consuming less,” said Randy Wood, President and CEO of Lindsay Corporation.



Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship Available

College students enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students at a fully accredited Nebraska college, university or technical college in an agriculture related degree program are encouraged to apply for the Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship.

The deadline to apply is November 10. Applications will be reviewed, and selection notifications will be sent by December 1. Students may apply for the scholarship online by visiting www.nepork.org.

The Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded to one deserving applicant each year.

The scholarship is named for Larry E. Sitzman, who retired in 2016 as Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Sitzman learned  patriotism, service to our country, and respect for our leaders  from his parents. While  in  high school, he heard John F. Kennedy’s inaugural  address, in which he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you,  ask what you can do for your country.” This address increased his desire to serve.

Agriculture has always been his passion. Throughout his life he has provided service in various forms and from different positions of leadership. Sitzman is known for sharing his voice defending perspectives and asking challenging questions. He served on many state and national agricultural boards before being named the Director of Agriculture for Nebraska in 1991.  Today, Sitzman serves as an active volunteer leader  at the Veterans Administration in Lincoln.

Academics, agriculture, military, and other forms of public service  have all improved in some measure due to the leadership, service, and voice of Larry E. Sitzman. Upon his retirement, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association established this scholarship in his honor.

Eligibility Requirements:
Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a fully accredited Nebraska college, university, or technical college in an agriculture related degree program
Must have at least one full year of study remaining toward a degree
Must have plans to work in the agriculture industry upon graduation

Selection will be based on qualities of leadership and participation in collegiate or extracurricular activities related to the agriculture industry.

Remember, the deadline for applications is November 10. Go to www.nepork.org to apply online.



NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

During Husker Harvest Days Sept. 15, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized four individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts’ projects involve many dedicated individuals working to make the good life great,” said Jim Eschliman, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Due to the pandemic, the NARD is recognizing both the 2020 and 2021 Hall of Fame inductees this year.

2021 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
    NRD Director – Ted Hughes, Neligh, Nebraska

2020 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:
    NRD Director – W. Eugene Haarberg (deceased), Imperial, Nebraska
    NRD Employee – Leon “Butch” Koehlmoos, Ord, Nebraska
    NRD Supporter – Doug Bereuter, Alamo, California

Ted Hughes – NRD Director (2021 Inductee)
As a farmer in Antelope County, Hughes was interested in the environmental quality of his area. In 1986, he was appointed to the Upper Elkhorn NRD board to fill a vacancy, and in 1988 he was elected by his peers to the board. Hughes also served on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) board from 1998 until his retirement in December 2020.

“I’m honored to be nominated,” Hughes said. “The NRDs are entrusted with important work caring for our water quality and quantity and I think they do a great job managing that responsibility.”

Hughes is known for his ability to work with local, state and federal agencies. Some of these conservation partnerships include: enacting nitrogen studies in the Bazile Groundwater Management area, development of Atkinson State Lake and the studies of the Elkhorn-Loup Model to access water sustainability.

“Whether it is working with cooperators on land issues or water quality and quantity issues, Ted has promoted getting the most conservation rewards out of the fewest tax dollars needed,” said Upper Elkhorn General Manager Dennis Schueth.

While serving on the NARD board, Hughes played a vital role in developing the current risk pool insurance program. This has allowed the association to run a financially responsible program while providing health care to hundreds of NRD employees and keep premiums at a manageable level.

W. Eugene Haarberg – NRD Director (2020 Inductee)
Nominated by the Upper Republican NRD, Haarberg served on the board of directors since the District’s inception in 1972 until 2000. A lifelong Chase County farmer, Haarberg first served as representative of Class II cities working with the Nebraska Legislature to establish the framework for the NRDs including establishing the Groundwater Management and Protection Act that gives NRDs the authority to regulate groundwater.

“Gene’s NRD career is unique and noteworthy, because he was a key participant in the most substantial NRD developments,” said Jasper Fanning, Upper Republican NRD general manager. “He was adept at creating and implementing policy that helped set state and even national benchmarks for groundwater preservation.”

Under Haarberg’s leadership, the Upper Republican NRD established allocations, water metering and well-spacing requirements to conserve water. The decisions were not popular with everyone – at the time they were being implemented, the tires on Haarberg’s center pivot were slashed – but the opposition didn’t deter Haarberg or NRD staff and directors. When Haarberg left the board in 2000, the district’s groundwater allocation decreased by approximately 35 percent.

Haarberg practiced what he preached and was a state leader in the use of water-saving farming practices. Before the widespread use of center-pivot irrigation, he is believed to be the first farmer in Nebraska to use cablegation on flood-irrigated fields, which made it more efficient. In 1988, Haarberg was awarded the Omaha World-Herald Master Conservationist Award. Haarberg continued to stay apprised of NRD issues and activities and remained active in the Imperial community until his death in 2014.

Leon “Butch” Koehlmoos – NRD Employee (2020 Inductee)
Former general manager of the Lower Loup NRD, Koehlmoos retired in 2017 after 40 years with the NRD. During his tenure, Koehlmoos and his board of directors worked through many monumental water quality and quantity decisions.

“I appreciate the recognition, but it is about being part of a team and standing shoulder to shoulder to get conservation done,” said Koehlmoos. “In my 40-year career I had the support of many great board members and NRD staff that were dedicated to making Nebraska’s NRD system work.”

Under Koehlmoos’ management, Lower Loup NRD designated its first groundwater quality areas, and a study known as the Elkhorn-Loup Modeling Project sought to determine the effects on future groundwater development. This included process development for granting variances and certifying irrigated acres.

When the Lower Platte River Basin was designated as “fully appropriated,” Koehlmoos met the challenge. Thanks to solid data and testimony from a coalition of NRDs and partner agencies, the fully appropriated determination was reversed allowing for the continued use of groundwater in the district.

In 2009, Koehlmoos worked with the City of Columbus to recertify their levee. The Lower Loup NRD provided approximately $1.3 million to assist the city and protected most homes in Columbus from flooding.

“Because of Butch’s leadership, the district is able to maintain a balance between water use and water supply,” said Russ Callan, Lower Loup NRD general manager. “We are thankful for his work to protect groundwater, upgrade flood infrastructure and improve our local NRD recreation areas.”

Doug Bereuter – NRD Supporter (2020 Inductee)
Bereuter served the Nebraska Legislature from 1974-1978. He helped create a natural resources fund for special projects and make the NRDs the implementing agency for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission. He was a supporter of the legislation that created the NRDs in 1972.

“Rep. Bereuter is driven by service and a love for Nebraska,” said David Eigenberg, Upper Big Blue NRD general manager. “He has served Nebraska for decades and played a pivotal role in the inception of the NRD system.”

In the ensuing years, he helped strengthen the NRD system, which is now the envy of many other states due to its effectiveness at setting and enforcing policy. In 1978, Bereuter was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and went on to serve 26 years in Congress, the longest serving congressman in Nebraska’s history.

“My admiration for one of Nebraska’s most unique and successful governmental innovations traces back to their creation,” said Bereuter. “I must admit to taking great pride in the diverse accomplishments of the NRDs across the state — projects of all sizes, small but important ones working with local landowners or communities and some big ones, too.”

Bereuter was instrumental in helping pass federal legislation that opened the door for receiving federal funding assistance through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that helped Lower Platte North NRD with the Sand Creek Restoration Project, which included Lake Wanahoo; wetland structures; and seven upstream dams above Lake Wanahoo. In his honor, the dam at Lake Wanahoo is named for Bereuter. The legislation also provided federal assistance for Lower Platte South NRD’s Antelope Valley Project and for the Western Sarpy/Clear Creek Levy Project, which was a partnership between Lower Platte North, Lower Platte South and Papio-Missouri River NRDs.

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the annual NRD Conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 27.



UNL celebrates grasslands: Dalbey Prairie Open House set for Sept. 29

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Grassland Studies will host an open house at the Dalbey Prairie on Sept. 29, starting at 10 a.m. and ending with a noon luncheon. The open house will take place in a fully in-person format.  

The Dalbey Section, comprised of 640 acres, near Virginia, Nebraska was given to the University of Nebraska Foundation in January 1944 by Dwight Stout Dalbey. The section was native prairie and the university agreed to never plow it but to use it for livestock and grassland management research and education programs. In April of 2020, 505 acres of the Dalbey Section were sold by the University of Nebraska. The remaining 135 acres of the Dalbey Section were established as the Dalbey Prairie under the management of UNL’s Center for Grassland Studies.  

These changes for the prairie were the result of five years’ efforts to honor the intentions of the Dalbey family. A conservation easement with the Nebraska Land Trust was placed on the 505 acres of the Dalbey Section before it was sold in April 2020 to guarantee the land is never plowed, subdivided or developed. This also promises that it will remain productive, private grassland that contributes to the local economy and local tax base.  

“We’re interested in maintaining the quality of the habitat and also still showing that it’s compatible with being a working grassland that produces some grazing or hay,” said David Wedin, director of the Dalbey Prairie. “In that sense, it’s kind of a demo project for how conservation and management can go together.”  

The remaining 135-acre prairie was kept by the university because it was the property’s best quality prairie with a high diversity of native prairie plants and low numbers of invasive plants. The long-term management and research at the property has always and will continue to integrate haying, with prescribed burns interspersed, as management tools. The stewardship of the hay meadow over the last 75 years is apparent in its biodiversity.  

The celebration of the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s commitment and stewardship to protecting and maintaining grasslands will begin at the prairie, which is 5 miles south of Virginia, Nebraska and 10 miles east of Beatrice, Nebraska.  

A warm welcome and introductions will kick off the open house, followed by the history of the Dalbey-Halleck Farm and how it became the Dalbey Prairie. Next, a review of what has been done to the 135 acres of Dalbey Prairie and plans for the future in terms of conservation, education and outreach will be given. Archie Clutter, dean of the Agricultural Research Division, will speak about the ownership of the prairie and the work that has been done up to this point. Participants will then have the opportunity to walk through the prairie, viewing plant species of tallgrass prairie and discussing the challenges of managing tallgrass prairie. The open house will wrap up at the American Legion Club building at 208 4th Street, Virginia, Nebraska 68458.   

The cost to attend is free. Registration is requested by Sept. 24 at https://bit.ly/3Ee7mZ1. Attendance of the open house at the prairie is open to everyone but space for lunch is limited to the first 60 people who register.  

To view location of the Dalbey Prairie, visit https://bit.ly/3ljiRFY.   

The Dalbey Prairie is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For more information, visit https://grassland.unl.edu/dalbey-prairie.   



IDALS and USDA APHIS Test Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Distribution Plan

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to test state and federal animal health officials’ plans to respond to a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak if it were to occur in the U.S. FMD has not been detected in the U.S. since 1929.

“This is one of several foreign animal disease planning and response exercises that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA APHIS have conducted over the past several years. This exercise involved state, federal and international players. It was a great way to test our current disease response and vaccine distribution strategies so we are better equipped to respond if a real outbreak occurs,” said Secretary Naig. “I want to thank Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature for continuing to provide funding to support these types of training exercises.”

During this training exercise, state and federal animal health officials discussed their FMD vaccine distribution strategy, deliberated important decisions and practiced actions that would need to be taken at the beginning of a real foreign animal disease outbreak. The training exercise included detecting a hypothetical case in a susceptible animal, identifying the strain of the FMD virus, activating the North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank (NAFMDVB), shipping the placebo vaccine from a European manufacturer to the U.S., and distributing the placebo vaccine to participating livestock producers and veterinary clinics in multiple states. It was essential to demonstrate that the placebo vaccine could be held within a specific temperature range during shipping and that chain of control could be maintained during the entire distribution process.

Previous Foreign Animal Disease Training Exercises
In June 2021, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship hosted a tabletop exercise with USDA APHIS and industry stakeholders to discuss how to prevent and prepare for a potential foreign animal disease outbreak at a livestock show or exhibition.

Last year, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship worked with USDA APHIS to draft a FMD vaccination plan. In December 2020, the Department co-hosted a foreign animal disease planning and preparation workshop with USDA APHIS, with support provided by the Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health. The two-day tabletop exercise brought state and federal animal health officials, Iowa livestock producers and industry representatives together to test the state’s FMD vaccination plans. This placebo vaccine distribution exercise was an extension of that workshop.



NBB Renews Request for Meeting with EPA Administrator Regan

Today, the National Biodiesel Board delivered a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, renewing a request made in May 2021 to meet and discuss the findings of a new study, "Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel." The study from Trinity Consultants quantifies at a community level the public health benefits and resulting economic savings of using higher blends of biodiesel. The findings complement those of a new EPA report, "Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States," that details the unequal impacts of carbon and associated emissions on socially disadvantaged communities.

"We believe that our industry's goals are consistent with your agency's plans to address carbon and focus on environmental health," writes Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. "Replacing petroleum with drop-in alternatives like biodiesel and renewable diesel immediately reduces carbon. Additionally, biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions that contribute to cancer, lung, and heart disease rates."

The Trinity Consultants study provides insight on one potential solution to the challenge EPA identifies in its new report. EPA's report first identifies U.S. areas projected to experience the highest impacts of climate change, including air quality impacts on asthma rates and premature deaths. It then estimates the likelihood that socially vulnerable populations live in these areas.

The Trinity Consultants study shows that switching from petroleum to 100% biodiesel in transportation could annually bring the communities studied fewer asthma attacks and other lung problems, lost workdays and premature deaths as well as reductions in cancer risks.

"EPA's new report highlights an important issue but does not go further to discuss solutions," Kovarik adds. "We would like an opportunity to show Administrator Regan how biodiesel and renewable diesel can support EPA's goals to address climate change and environmental justice issues."



USDA Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

“Livestock and poultry producers were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance. The October 12 deadline also aligns with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 deadline.”

PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Payments are based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.

PLIP Program Details
PLIP payments are calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible livestock or poultry by the payment rate per head, and then subtracting the amount of any payments the eligible livestock or poultry owner has received for disposal of the livestock or poultry under the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or a state program. The payments will also be reduced by any Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 1 and 2) payments paid on the same inventory of swine that were depopulated.

Eligible livestock and poultry producers can apply for PLIP through the Oct. 12, 2021 deadline by completing the FSA-620, Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application, and submitting it to any FSA county office. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/plip for more information on how to apply.

Additional Pandemic Assistance
Other programs within the Pandemic Assistance for Producer initiative with upcoming deadlines include:
    Oct. 12 - Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, which provides critical support to agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions.
    Oct. 15 – Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers, which provides financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19.

To learn more about USDA’s commitment to deliver financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers and businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions, visit farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance.



USDA Announces United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of four members to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program’s Board of Directors. All four appointees will serve three-year terms starting December 2021 and ending December 2024.

Newly appointed members are:
    Adam K. Schindler, Reliance, S.D., At-Large Member
    Macey A. Mueller, Halstead, Kan., Kansas Member
    Kimberly (Kim) A. Baldwin, McPherson, Kan., Kansas Member
    Kevin D. Pshigada, Perryton, Texas, Texas Member

The 13-member United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board is composed of nine sorghum farmers who represent the three states with the largest sorghum production – Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas – and four at-large national representatives. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and on the board’s website, sorghumcheckoff.com.



USDA Announces Appointments to the American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of four members to each serve three-year terms on the American Lamb Board. The terms begin January 2022 and end January 2025.

Newly appointed members are:
    Jimmy N. Parker, Vinemont, Ala. - Producer (101 – 500 head)
    Stephen J. Schreier, Tracy, Minn. - Feeder (Greater than 5,000 head)
    David A. Fisher, Sonora, Texas – Producer (Greater than 500 head)
    Andrew R. Allman, Gill, Colo. – First Handler

The 13-member American Lamb Board is composed of six producers, three feeders, three first handlers and one seedstock producer. Two producers appointed to the board must own 100 or less head of lambs annually; one producer must own 101 to 500 head of lambs annually; and three producers must own more than 500 head of lambs annually. At least one feeder must feed less than 5,000 head of lambs annually and at least one must feed more than 5,000 head of lambs annually.

More information about the board and a list of board members is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) American Lamb Board webpage and on the board’s website, lambresourcecenter.com.



U.S. Dairy Industry Advances Three Game-Changing Solutions to Deliver a More Sustainable and Secure Food System

As society wrestles with threats to the global food supply and leaders prepare to convene for the United Nations' first-ever Food Systems Summit, the U.S. dairy community is reaffirming its commitment to be part of the solution, pledging to address its total greenhouse gas footprint and setting goals to achieve carbon neutrality, optimize water use and improve water quality by 2050. In addition, U.S. dairy is strengthening equitable access to nutritious dairy foods around the world while ensuring animal and employee welfare through a transparent production system.

Through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and the support of key stakeholders like Nestlé and The Nature Conservancy, the community is accelerating adoption of new practices and technologies that use fewer resources and emit fewer greenhouse gases, including methane, while producing innovative and affordable products that sustainably nourish a growing global population.

"The past 18 months have challenged us in ways we never thought possible, reinforcing the essentiality of a strong, resilient supply chain," said Mike Haddad, chairman, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.  "As food systems transformation takes center stage, the U.S. dairy sector is undergoing a transformation of its own – not only as an affordable and sustainable food enjoyed by people around the world but also as a future source of bio-based energy and products contributing to a circular economy and a cleaner planet."

U.S. Dairy's Game-Changing Solutions
Ahead of the Food Systems Summit, the UN solicited "game-changing" ideas, initiatives and innovations that have the potential to bring about positive change. Fueled by the ingenuity of thousands of visionary dairy farmers and underpinned by the industry's Stewardship Commitment and 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals, the U.S. dairy industry responded with three game-changing solutions:
    The U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative, a five-year, industry-wide effort to accelerate progress toward the 2050 Goals. Through foundational research, on-farm pilots and development of new product markets, NZI aims to make sustainable practices and technologies more accessible and affordable for U.S. dairy farms of all sizes and geographies.
    The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, an internationally-certified industry initiative to ensure transparent production practices and provide assurances that U.S. dairy farmers are global leaders in animal care, antibiotic stewardship, biosecurity, environmental stewardship and workforce development.
    School Nutrition and Food Bank Partnerships, allowing the U.S. dairy community to draw on decades-long relationships to quickly adapt in crisis situations; provide nutrition to people experiencing food insecurity, especially children; support farmer livelihoods through market access; and promote resource conservation through strengthened supply chains.

"Supporting and enabling farmers through game-changing programs like the Net Zero Initiative has the potential to transform the dairy industry," said Emily Johannes, senior manager of sustainable sourcing at Nestlé. "Scaling up climate-smart agriculture initiatives is key to Nestle's ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and will help reduce the carbon footprint of many of our brands. We are excited to be the first corporate partner to collaborate with the U.S. dairy industry and our suppliers to contribute to an even more sustainable supply chain."

A First for U.S. Dairy – Transparent Reporting of Processor Data
The U.S. dairy industry recently released its biennial Sustainability Report reflecting contributions to and progress against social responsibility priorities including environmental impact, animal care, food safety and community contributions. The Report also details strategies for achieving U.S. dairy's stated goals and the industry's future reporting commitments.

Marking a significant milestone in U.S. dairy's sustainability journey, this year's Report incorporates nationally-aggregated processor data, a first for U.S. dairy. Dairy processors representing 75 percent of U.S. milk production developed and provide ongoing support for a reporting tool to serve as a credible and consistent way to calculate and track processor sustainability progress. Aggregations on GHG and water intensity, as well as other sustainability metrics, will serve as a baseline for future reporting.

A sampling of the industry's collective achievements during the reporting period include:
    By making use of the water present in milk, U.S. dairy processors were net positive for water, returning more than they withdrew from municipal and other sources.
    More than 95 percent of waste from reporting processors was recovered, redirected and put to beneficial use (vs. sent to landfill).
    The U.S. dairy community provided 1.538 billion servings of fresh milk and dairy foods in 2020 to food banks in the Feeding America network, a 33 percent increase over 2019.
    The U.S. dairy industry supported 3.3 million jobs in the U.S. and contributed $752.93B in total economic impact1.

Partnerships Fueling Continued Improvement
In addition to investments farmers are making on their own farms, strategic collaborations across agriculture and with global corporations bring added value through expertise, leadership and financial support to drive sustainability-focused innovations.

Last year, Nestlé committed up to $10MM in a multi-year partnership with U.S. Dairy's Net Zero Initiative to support scaling access to environmental practices and resources on farms across the country. In the partnership's first major milestone, Nestlé and its CARNATION® brand recently announced that Trinkler Dairy Farm, a CARNATION® supplier, is the first partner farm of the NZI Dairy Scale for Good pilot, seeking to implement sustainable farming practices and technologies to demonstrate the economic viability and scalability of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions. These learnings will help document the value of farm-powered solutions and make innovative technologies more accessible and affordable for all dairy farms.

Other partnerships include Starbucks, which also announced a $10MM, multi-year commitment to dairy sustainability via U.S. Dairy's Net Zero Initiative, as well as The Nature Conservancy, serving as a strategic advisor and providing access to TNC scientists, conservationists and experts to help advance work in biodiversity, soil health and regenerative agriculture practices, water quality and practical solutions to reach the industry's 2050 Goals.  

"These investments reinforce the meaningful role dairy plays in sustainable diets, both now and in the future," added Haddad. "These and other partnerships across the value chain help accelerate our collective impact, all in the name of forming a more regenerative, equitable and nutritious food system."



Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s Remarks at the G-20 Open Forum on Sustainable Agriculture Environmental Sustainability Panel

The world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic repercussions. The current global situation underscores the need for us to come together and act urgently and comprehensively to end hunger and poverty, face the challenges of climate change head on, and build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems.

I’m reminded of a saying that goes: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our grandchildren.”

How do we rise to the challenge of simultaneously sustaining our planet, sustaining our people, and sustaining the lives and livelihoods of our agricultural producers? It’s time to take a fundamental look at how we grow, distribute, and trade food, fiber, feed, and fuel.

To successfully feed a growing world population, it’s clear that we need to scale up production while minimizing impacts on our natural resource base. If we are going to produce more, while using and polluting less, we must commit to developing and deploying new ways of doing things in agriculture.

As we set our sights on sustainable productivity growth, we must continue to invest in agricultural research and development to promote more efficient and climate-smart use of natural resources in agriculture. By leveraging evidence-based innovation and science, including biotechnology, we can expand the toolbox for farmers, fishers, foresters, and other producers to improve sustainability and resilience throughout food systems.

But innovation is about more than just science and technology. It’s also about embracing a circular economy and market-focused approaches to sustainability. It’s about systems and solutions that are good for farmers, good for consumers, good for our communities, and good for our planet.

At USDA, we are looking at opportunities to expand the voluntary adoption of practices that put agriculture at the heart of tackling climate change and fostering sustainability. We’re taking a multi-pronged approach that covers research, outreach and education, conservation incentives for farmers and foresters through existing programs, and support of new markets for environmental benefits generated by the agricultural sector.

Part of the fundamental rethinking of our ag and food systems involves moving from a linear to a circular economy, where we are not just extracting and consuming finite resources but also regenerating them in a sustainable matter. What does that look like?

On the production side, many of our farmers, ranchers, and foresters are already paving the way and demonstrating the benefits of regenerative agricultural practices. Things like improving soil health to enhance carbon retention and reduce nutrient leaching, planting cover crops that help fix nitrogen and establish biomass, reusing and recycling water and wastewater, and converting livestock waste to energy through methane digestion.

We must support and incentivize such practices – not only because this is an environmental opportunity, but because it’s also a market opportunity. It’s what consumers want – and what farmers, and our planet, need.

USDA is working to expand domestic and international markets for commodities produced in climate-friendly, sustainable ways, as well as for bio-based products. We’re looking at markets for carbon benefits generated by the agricultural sector. We’re also working towards green rural infrastructure to scale renewable energy on and from farms, to reduce energy use and costs in rural communities, and to grow the bioeconomy.

While doing so, we are paying special attention to including access by small, disadvantaged, and beginning farmers and ranchers, in addition to those early adopters who have paved the way and demonstrated the agronomic and societal benefits of agricultural conservation.

As we discuss how to balance the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability, we’d be remiss if we didn’t also recognize the importance of open markets and trade. Well-functioning markets at the local, regional, and international levels bolster food security and sustainable food systems. They are also key to expanding income opportunities, stabilizing food supply, ensuring food affordability, minimizing food loss and waste, and improving dietary diversity and nutrition.

We look forward to the day when we have trade agreements that remove unfair barriers to trade and reign in the most distorting – and environmentally damaging – kinds of subsidies.

For right now, we recognize many countries share our goals on sustainable and climate-smart production. It is critical that we encourage the development of markets for these products and guard against trade barriers that discriminate against particular production practices even when the system is delivering positive outcomes.

As I wrap up, I want to highlight two near-term opportunities for all G20 members – and your food systems stakeholders – to demonstrate your commitment to sustainable agricultural production and climate solutions.

First, at the Food Systems Summit next week, the United States will be advancing a new coalition to help elevate sustainable productivity growth as a strategic action priority. We must get together and get behind action for productivity growth that advances social, economic, and environmental objectives – and the new Coalition of Action for Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation is one way to do that.

I also urge you to join the United States and the United Arab Emirates as part of the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate, or AIM4C, which will be advanced at the Food Systems Summit next week and launched at the COP26 in November. This is a landmark initiative to accelerate global agricultural innovation through increased investment in research and development, leading to innovative, science-based solutions to help agriculture mitigate and adapt to climate change.

In closing, I want to emphasize again that by embracing and investing in innovation in all its forms, by ensuring that all food systems stakeholders – including agricultural producers – have a say in developing solutions, by facilitating trade, and by forming coalitions to take action on key environmental and climate concerns, we can and will make a difference.

We as Agriculture Ministers have a tremendous opportunity. Let’s take it – and let’s work together to return the Earth to our children in better condition than we borrowed it.