Thursday October 7 Ag News

 Update on Roundup Brand Herbicides
Amit Jhala - NE Extension Weed Management Specialist

We want to make you aware of recent developments regarding the herbicide Roundup™. While variations on the Roundup name have been used for a variety of different herbicides marketed by Bayer (formerly Monsanto), this article discusses only the Roundup formulations that contain glyphosate as their active ingredient. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), in its glyphosate interim registration review, published in January 2020, found “that there are no risks to human health from the current registered uses of glyphosate and that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

In 2021, the European Union’s (EU) Assessment Group on Glyphosate (AGG) determined that when used according to label directions, “a classification of glyphosate with regard to carcinogenicity is not justified.”

Other regulatory agencies have come to similar conclusions, indicating that when used properly and according to directions, glyphosate poses little risk to human health.

Over the past several years, however, glyphosate has been the subject of much litigation after the International Agency for Research on Cancer found it to be “probably carcinogenic to humans” in a hazard assessment that did not consider real-world exposure levels.

Bayer has recently announced steps it plans to take in an effort to put Roundup litigation behind it:
    Petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court in August to review Hardeman v. Monsanto, in which the plaintiff was awarded monetary damages after alleging Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If the Court were to grant review, it would likely render a final verdict sometime in 2022.

    Plans to replace its glyphosate products in the lawn and garden market with products containing alternative active ingredients. According to Bayer, “This move is being made exclusively to manage litigation risk and not because of any safety concerns.” The company expects this process to begin in 2023. Glyphosate formulations for the professional and agricultural sectors will remain available. This means that while Bayer will stop selling glyphosate products at the average box store, the chemistry will still be available to farmers and trained professionals.

As a crop protection tool, glyphosate is invaluable. To continue the safe and effective use of Roundup products in the market, Bayer plans to hold discussions with US EPA regarding labels to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing and applying Roundup products. The company will also set up a new website with scientific studies regarding Roundup and its safety. Bayer is exploring a Scientific advisory composed of scientific experts that are not affiliated with Bayer to review scientific information on safety regarding Roundup.

Bayer provides an announcement regarding this situation at the links listed below.
https://www.media.bayer.com/baynews/baynews.nsf/id/Bayer-Provides-Update-on-Path-to-Closure-of-Roundup-Litigation

https://www.bayer.com/en/roundup-litigation-five-point-plan



IANR Hosts Young, Beginner and Small Farmer Symposium
with the Farm Credit Administration Chairman Glen Smith and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Through a series of fast-paced panel discussions, participants will co-create innovative solutions in the following areas:
    Challenges facing young, beginning and small farming operations.
    Existing programs for financing young, beginning and small farmers.
    Innovative resource approaches for the farm of the future.

Monday, November 8, 2021 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration and beverages starting at 8:30 a.m.

Nebraska East Union, Great Plains Room
1705 Arbor Drive
Lincoln, NE

Registration will be required. Lunch is provided. No cost to attend.

On campus parking is available, but you must request a parking permit through the online registration process.  Attendees can pick up their parking permits during the check-in/registration process.  Symposium will be streamed live online.

Register Now - https://nuramp.nebraska.edu/ems/event.php?EMSEventUUID=558f1617-d2cc-4628-9a71-3ccd9f78ff1c.  



FALL PASTURE MANAGEMENT
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

While truly cold weather may still be a few weeks away, how we manage fall pastures can impact plant health through the winter and ultimately production next spring.  Are you giving your pastures proper care this fall?

As temperatures cool, plants that overwinter are working on building up reserves before they become dormant.  Cool season species like brome, wheatgrass, bluegrass and fescue will often produce a flush of fall growth if moisture is available.  Since this flush stays in a vegetative state, quality can be high.

For plants that have been stressed by high temperatures and drought this summer, grazing now can actually deplete energy reserves going into the winter.  This may result in decreased productivity and increased weed pressure next spring.  Stockpiling this growth for use after the plant is dormant this winter may be a better option.  This maximizes productivity this fall while still maintaining forage quality, albeit a bit lower than if grazed fresh.

For many of our native warm season species, their annual growth is wrapping up.  While grazing these plants now won’t have as big of impact as actively growing cool season species, they too can be stressed by overgrazing in the fall.  Pastures that are grazed in the fall this year should be given a break next year during critical growing periods in early summer if possible to rejuvenate plant vigor.

In mixed pasture where cool season species are invasive, there may be opportunity to control or reduce these gasses with grazing.  Animals grazing these pastures will graze the new growth harder, with limited utilization of more mature warm season species.  Keep a close eye on grazing progress and pull animals once the cool season species have been used and animals begin selecting warm season grasses. Follow this with more targeted cool season grazing next spring to weaken the unwanted plants and open the door for warm season grasses to fill in.



IDALS Receives $8 Million in Federal Funding to Build Upon Water Quality Projects in Targeted Watersheds

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received $8 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help expand the habitat and water quality projects underway in priority watersheds, including around the North Racoon, Boone, Middle Cedar and South Skunk Rivers.

“I appreciate the continued financial support from USDA. When we leverage state, federal and private funding, we can add more conservation practices in targeted areas of the state where they have the greatest impact on habitat and water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “The Department is continuing to work alongside our public and private partners to build upon the progress and construction of wetlands and other proven water quality practices outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”

This funding is made available through the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

The Iowa Partners for Natural Infrastructure Project proposes to add 35 wetlands and 200 edge-of-field practices in priority watersheds in Iowa. Once they are installed, these practices will reduce an estimated 500,000 pounds of nitrogen per year. They also have the potential to sequester about 2 million pounds of carbon.

Key partners providing additional financial and technical support for the Iowa Partners for Natural Infrastructure Project will be provided by Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Sand County Foundation, Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition and Agri Drain Corporation.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is currently leading or participating in 13 RCPPs, including four RCPPs that received more than $40 million in federal funding in 2021. Working alongside its public and private partners, the Department has made progress towards achieving the goals outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The Department recently celebrated the completion of the 100th CREP-funded wetland in Buena Vista County. To date, there are at least 110 known, completed wetlands in the state. The Department and its partners have also helped add at least 41 saturated buffers and 15 bioreactors this year.

To learn more about the state’s ongoing soil health and water quality initiatives, visit cleanwateriowa.org.



Wetland Funding Available in Iowa

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Oct. 13 at noon will feature Jake Hansen, water resources bureau chief, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Hansen will discuss IDALS programs and projects in the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, including in-field management practices, edge-of-field practices, and wetland construction and restoration efforts.

Iowa Learning Farms is based at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

In the webinar, “Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Wetland Initiatives,” Hansen will highlight wetland initiatives and funding options available to landowners interested in building or restoring wetlands on their property.

IDALS is significantly scaling up efforts to build and restore wetlands because of their effectiveness in intercepting nutrients carried in subsurface tile drainage and improving downstream water quality. With exponential growth in annual funding received by IDALS to provide technical and financial assistance for wetland projects, there is a substantial opportunity to increase the number of wetlands in Iowa.

“IDALS has participated in the construction of more than 100 wetlands over the past 20 years, and we are striving to install the next 100 in a fraction of that time,” said Hansen. “IDALS and the state of Iowa are fully committed to accelerating wetland development as one part of our water quality improvement initiatives. In order to meet our goals, we will need to identify hundreds of sites over the next several years and we welcome inquiries from interested landowners and partners.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT Oct. 13, click this URL or type https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172 into your internet browser, or go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.

Or, join from a dial-in phone line, +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 with meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.



It’s National Pork Month – Join USDA for a Webinar Series Highlighting Market Reports and Pork Industry Data

October is National Pork Month! America’s pork producers play a major role in feeding the world, and this month we honor their hard work and dedication to providing high quality products to consumers. Collectively, they generate 13% of the world’s pork supply, making the United States the world’s third largest producer and consumer of pork products.

To celebrate National Pork Month, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is inviting pork producers, processors and anyone interested in the U.S. pork supply chain to participate in a series of educational webinars about USDA’s Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program. The free webinars will take place on October 12, 19, and 26, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time. For details and to register, visit the Fall 2021 Pork Industry Webinar Series webpage.

LMR began 20 years ago for hogs—and in 2013 for wholesale pork—to meet the industry’s need for expanded, publicly accessible, and easy to use data that enhances market transparency and aids in price discovery across the supply chain. With representatives and industry experts from USDA Market News, USDA Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, CME Group, and the National Pork Producers Council, along with industry economists and pork producers, the upcoming webinars will introduce participants to the concepts and components of LMR, how to access LMR and other pork industry data available from USDA, and seeks to empower pork producers and other interested stakeholders to use these valuable resources to their fullest potential.

AMS also has user’s guides available for the LMR Hog Price Reports and LMR Pork Reports, along with one for the Pork Carcass Cutout, to help support the industry’s understanding of the marketplace and the roles that producers, processors and USDA play in bringing high quality American pork to market.



ASA Applauds Reps. Plaskett, Baird for Leadership on Animal Biotechnology Regulation

Lawmakers in a letter citing genetic improvements as a “hallmark of agriculture” call on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and FDA Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock to make improvements that would modernize the regulatory system for animal genetics and assure timely adoption of biotechnology innovations.

Kevin Scott, a soy grower from Valley Springs, South Dakota, and ASA president made the following statement regarding today’s strong bipartisan letter from the House Agriculture Committee calling for animal biotechnology regulatory modernization: “With devastating animal diseases at our nation’s doorstep, the need for genetic innovations to protect our flocks and herds has never been greater. Representatives Plaskett and Baird should be commended for leading the House Agriculture Committee in this impressive bipartisan appeal for much-needed biotechnology regulatory modernization to protect our nation’s livestock. We urge our country’s regulators to heed their call.”

ASA agrees that the existing regulatory process for review of animals using biotechnology innovations needs to be streamlined for more timely adoption and applauds the legislators’ letter.



NCBA Vice President Urges Congress to Listen to Producers on Cattle Markets

Today, NCBA vice president and South Dakota rancher Todd Wilkinson testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Wilkinson addressed the need to avoid one-size-fits-all policy prescriptions, and the importance of considering nuanced policies that properly address transparency, processing capacity, price discovery and oversight in the cattle markets.

“As producers struggle to get by, large meatpackers have realized record-breaking windfall profits. These profits have not been shared equitability with cattle producers,” Wilkinson said. “Because the challenges facing our industry are so diverse, it is imperative that policy makers at all levels of government remain focused on viable and tenable solutions with vast industry buy-in.”

Wilkinson urged Congress to resist one-size-fits-all policy prescriptions which may have disastrous unintended consequences and instead adopt a multi-pronged approach to bring relief to cattle producers, transparency to the markets and resiliency to the beef supply chain.

Transparency
NCBA has long supported Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR), which provides market information to cattle producers. Thanks to NCBA’s engagement on this issue, Congress passed a temporary LMR extension during the most recent continuing resolution. NCBA has also advocated for the creation of a cattle contract library, which would provide information on the formula contracts in use between producers and processors. This information may help cattle producers capture more value for their livestock and better plan their business strategy.

Processing Capacity
Adequate processing capacity is essential for maintaining profitability in the cattle industry and providing a steady supply of beef from pasture to plate. Currently, there is a serious lack of processing capacity or “hook space” in the production system, leading to a chokepoint at the meatpacking segment. A recent study by Rabobank found that the industry could accommodate an additional 5,700 hooks per day of processing capacity, or about 1.5 million additional head per year. Unfortunately, access to capital is a major barrier to starting new processing facilities. The average start-up costs are roughly $100,000 per hook, meaning that someone trying to open a modest 25-head-per-day facility must secure $2.5 million in financing just to turn on the lights. NCBA is working with USDA to secure federally-guaranteed, low-interest loans and grants for small, independent, or regional meat processing facilities. In July, USDA announced that it would invest $500 million in federal funds to support expanded processing capacity and in October USDA pledged an additional $100 million investment. NCBA is continuing to push for additional processing capacity that returns leverage to producers and meets consumer demand.

Price Discovery
Cattle producers have long witnessed the decline of negotiated fed cattle trade in favor of Alternative Marketing Arrangements (AMAs), including formulas and grids. While these AMAs may help cattle producers manage risk and capture more value for their product, these methods depend on price discovery that occurs in the direct buyer-seller interactions of negotiated trade. Current research has shown that more negotiated trade is needed to achieve “robust” price discovery within the industry. NCBA’s producer-led working group developed a framework of triggers to monitor the levels of negotiated cash trade in different regions of the country. If robust price discovery is not achieved and the triggers are “tripped,” NCBA will pursue a legislative or regulatory solution determined by the membership.

Oversight
NCBA is the leading voice for oversight of the meatpacking sector. In June, NCBA supported a bipartisan group of lawmakers pushing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to complete their investigation into possible anticompetitive practices by big meatpackers. NCBA also urged the swift conclusion of this investigation in a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on areas of concern in the cattle industry.  

Wilkinson’s testimony follows months of NCBA engagement with members of Congress on complex cattle market conditions and ensure that policy solutions address the correct issues without harming producers or their profitability.



Oklahoma Farmers Union President Testifies Before the House Agriculture Committee

Representing National Farmers Union in a hearing today before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee on the “State of the Livestock Industry,” Scott Blubaugh detailed the negative impact consolidation has on family farmers and consumers.

“Promoting competition has been and continues to be a top priority for NFU because of the detrimental effects of consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers,” testified Blubaugh. “Today, most sectors in America’s farm and food system are heavily consolidated and dominated by a small handful of multinational corporations, but even more so in the livestock industry. As a result, farmers and ranchers have been deprived choices, innovation, fair prices, and fair treatment.”

Blubaugh called for strong action by the Committee, other lawmakers, and the Administration to address these serious problems. Specifically, Blubaugh called for specific changes to address:
·     Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA)
·     Price-fixing in the livestock and poultry industries
·     Supply chain disruptions
·     Competition and diverse market opportunities
·     Reliable, accurate, and robust market information
·     Truth-in-labeling

“There are several ways to ensure a more resilient food supply for consumers and a competitive marketplace for family farmers and ranchers,” Blubaugh testified. “Across the economy, there must be more scrutiny of buyer power, and regulators must consider the need for robust competition at all links of the supply chain. Furthermore, federal and state governments should invest in supporting more market competition in marketing and processing to build a more resilient livestock sector and to ensure greater value accrues to local and regional food systems,” he concluded.

Other panel witnesses included: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and representatives of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, North American Meat Institute, National Pork Producers Council and the American Sheep Industry Association.

Last month, NFU launched the “Fairness for Farmers” campaign, an endeavor with clear goals: to promote competitive markets and address rampant corporate consolidation in the food and agriculture sectors and in rural economies. To learn more, visit https://nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers/.



NAMI Witness to House Ag Committee: Beef & Cattle Markets Driven by Supply & Demand

Following warnings about government intervention in beef and cattle markets from leading agricultural economists from around the country, François Léger, Owner and CEO of FPL Food, on behalf of the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) offered his perspective on the market as a beef packer and processor during the House Agriculture Committee’s hearing to “Review the State of the Livestock Industry.”

“The cattle and beef industry are driven by the supply and demand fundamentals of the free market, and the cattle industry is cyclical,” Léger said. “Not that long ago the cattle market was the reverse of today – in 2013, 2014 and 2015, the herd was small, and producers were making record profits while packers were losing money.

“During the pandemic, with packing capacity operationally reduced and the cattle herd large, cattle prices dropped. FPL worked with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association to help support the cattle industry: we need cattle producers. And cattle producers need packers.”

During the hearing, House Agriculture Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) submitted for the record an analysis of beef and cattle markets originally requested by the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee during the previous Congress. The analysis is a 180 page book called “The U.S. Beef Supply Chain: Issues and Challenges,” and is the result of a collaboration with Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center, national experts and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

One of the most significant findings of the report was that U.S. Senator Charles Grassley’s (R-Iowa) proposal to have the government mandate for a minimum of negotiated cash market purchases, called the 50/14 bill, would cost cattle producers $16 billion over 10 years.

“Senators Grassley and Fischer’s proposed legislation will reduce the use of alternative marketing arrangements, hurting producers by limiting the ways in which they can market cattle, and damaging the entire industry by reducing the economic incentives to meet consumer demand for beef,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “But this pales in comparison to the unintended consequences: an estimated $16 billion negative impact over 10 years, which will largely be borne by cattle producers. In a rush to pick winners in the beef and cattle market, Members of Congress may harm those they are trying to protect.”

François Léger’s FPL Food employs 1300 workers and slaughters cull cows and bulls, sourcing cattle through auction barn purchases across the Southeast from more than a dozen states, from east Texas to the Carolinas, from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia to Florida, and Georgia. FPL’s fed cattle operation, Chatel Farms has a herd totaling more than 8,000 head including Angus and Akaushi (Wagyu), pure-bred seed-stock animals, and feeder cattle to support the FPL Food beef brands.

Léger told the Committee that production in meat packing and processing plants is tied to the number of employees working the line, and the pandemic has only exacerbated labor shortages.

“Currently, we see on average 20 percent daily absenteeism in our plant,” Léger said. “I come to work every day and the first decision I face is which line to run and how to staff it. We have increased our starting salary to $15 an hour, which also means we must increase all salaries up the chain. Our average salary is now $20 an hour for plant workers, and yet we still cannot run at full capacity because of absenteeism. Our costs in salary alone have increased by $7 million a year.”

Léger concluded his remarks with a warning of his own, “We cannot achieve these goals in a restricted market that does not allow companies like mine to produce products that meet consumer expectations. USDA has announced plans to propose new Packers and Stockyards Act rules to regulate the interactions between packers and producers, and bills have been introduced in Congress that would place certain purchasing requirements on packers. Government intervention could jeopardize packers’ ability to provide products customers and consumers desire. The industry needs to be customer oriented; we must provide the products customers want. Thirty years ago, I saw first-hand in France the result of direct government intervention into the meat industry, and it was a failure. I hope we avoid the same mistake here.”

Léger’s testimony also reminded the Committee that the Meat Institute recently unveiled the Protein PACT for the People, Animals, and Climate of Tomorrow, the first joint initiative of its kind designed to verify progress toward global sustainable development goals across all animal protein sectors to ensure customers and consumers trust that meat aligns with their sustainability expectations.

“Through the Protein PACT, Meat Institute members have developed robust metrics for continuous improvement and publicly committed to sustain healthy animals, thriving workers and communities, safe food, balanced diets, and the environment, and align with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” Léger said.



USDA Announces Plan to Integrate Climate Adaptation Into its Missions and Programs

Today, as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to confronting the climate crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its climate adaptation and resilience plan (PDF, 813 KB) describing how USDA will prepare for current and future impacts of climate change.

The plan is part of USDA’s response to Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, which tasked all federal agencies with preparing action plans for integrating climate adaptation into their missions, programs, operations, and management. It’s one of twenty action plans that address leveraging procurement to drive innovation and increase resilience against supply chain disruptions and are in line with the President’s commitment to implementing his Justice40 Initiative. The climate adaptation and resilience plans were previously submitted to and reviewed by the National Climate Task Force, White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.

“Integrating climate change into USDA’s planning and decision making is critical to ensuring that America’s producers, who are on the front lines of climate change, are positioned to be successful in the long term,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “This Adaptation Plan lays out the framework for USDA to carry out sustained climate adaptation that addresses current and emerging climate risks and challenges.”

The Adaptation Plan is aligned with a renewed and broad effort across USDA to prioritize climate action and increase resilience to climate impacts among American producers, landowners, and communities. The plan builds on USDA’s earlier Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy: 90-Day Progress Report, which focused on opportunities in the agriculture and forestry sectors for climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration.

The plan follows the announcement on September 29 of a new initiative to finance the deployment of climate-smart farming and forestry practices to aid in the marketing of climate-smart agricultural commodities. Guided by science, USDA will support a set of pilot projects that provide incentives to implement climate smart conservation practices on working lands and to quantify and monitor the carbon and greenhouse gas benefits associated with those practices.

The Adaptation Plan identifies key climate threats to agriculture and forestry and outlines five cross-cutting adaptation actions USDA can take:
 -   Build resilience across landscapes with investments in soil and forest health.
-    Increase outreach and education to promote adoption and application of climate-smart adaptation strategies.
-    Broaden access to and availability of climate data at regional and local scales for USDA Mission Areas, producers, land managers, and other stakeholders.
-    Increase support for research and development of climate-smart practices and technologies to inform USDA and help producers and land managers adapt to a changing climate.
-    Leverage the USDA Climate Hubs as a framework to support USDA Mission Areas in delivering adaptation science, technology, and tools.

The USDA Climate Hubs will continue to play an integral role in climate adaptation (see Adaptation in Action) through their regionally tailored outreach activities and work across USDA Mission Areas to connect climate adaptation science and practice. USDA agencies, staff offices, and Mission Areas are developing detailed strategies to integrate climate thinking throughout their activities, programs, and operations that will foster a culture of sustained climate risk management across USDA.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Office of Management and Budget seek public input on the agency climate adaptation plans. Members of the public may submit comments via the docket at www.regulations.gov (Docket ID: CEQ–2021–0003) until Nov. 6, 2021. CEQ also will hold a virtual convening this fall with national organizations who have expertise in climate adaptation and resilience or have expressed interest in the agency plans.

For more information on USDA climate programs and solutions, visit www.usda.gov/topics/climate-solutions.  



U.S. Ethanol Exports Record Fifth-Highest Year As COVID-19 Weighed On Global Trade
US Grains Council newsletter

The marketing year ended Aug. 31, for which numbers became available this week, recording the fifth highest overall export total for U.S. ethanol exports, 1.31 billion gallons, despite market challenges due to COVID-19.

Exports were down eight percent from the previous marketing year, reflecting the challenges pandemic restrictions have had on fuel demand and trade. The first half of the year's exports occurred before the issuance of widespread stay-at-home orders that drastically impacted demand for fuel around the globe.

While industrial exports remained strong, they sagged slightly relative to the surge of sanitizing application demand from the outset of the pandemic.

“The lingering effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were reflected in global ethanol trade in the most recent marketing year,” said Brian Healy, director of global ethanol market development for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). “Looking forward, more aggressive blend rates that have already been set, or will need to be set to meet emissions reduction goals, will support increased global ethanol demand and trade.”

In descending order, the top 10 export markets for U.S. ethanol were as follows:

Canada – Fuel ethanol demand recovered in Canada in the just-finished marketing year after being down by roughly 14 percent the prior year. Looking forward, the federal clean fuel standard, set to be implemented at the end of 2022 and geared toward reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and provincial policy expansions like 15 percent renewable content in Ontario in 2025 are expected to drive future demand for ethanol.

India – The country is in the process of implementing an ambitious 20 percent policy by 2023, which, if realized and enforced, would more than double the fuel ethanol demand in the growing market. U.S. exports to India totaled 144 million gallons and were destined for industrial applications due to the restriction on fuel ethanol imports.

South Korea – Another strong industrial-use market, South Korea is currently exploring ways for the transport sector to reduce emissions, illustrated during the recent workshop held in early September. Exports totaled 137 million gallons, a 23 percent increase, reflecting the strategic position of the South Korean market as a transshipment point for Southeast Asian destinations.

China – While China’s 10 percent nationwide mandate was delayed, imports remained strong to meet the provincial policies in place. Ethanol has the potential to contribute to meeting additional China Phase One commitments as well as to support the country's long-term emissions reduction goals set for 2060. China was the primary mover in the most recent marketing year, rising to the fourth-largest export market after having minimal exports in the two prior marketing years. Exports to China totaled nearly 132 million gallons.

European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) – Overall, exports to the EU and the UK were down from the prior year by 16 percent, as prices weighed on market access. In September, the UK began its E10 implementation with the expectation domestic capacity would be brought back online following full implementation of the policy.

Japan – Imports of ethanol to Japan are in the form of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), and the U.S. has market share following a change in Japan’s policy in 2018. The Council estimates U.S. ethanol totaled about 90 million gallons included in ETBE exports to the Japanese market.

Colombia – The drop in the blend rate for the Colombian market has impacted overall demand, as the use of E10 is not expected to fully resume until January 2022. Overall, exports are down by 12 percent compared to last year, totaling 58 million gallons.

Peru – Exports finished up in Peru at 50 million gallons, up by 26 percent.

Brazil – Brazil experienced a loss of more than 200 million exports this marketing year, dropping from the second-largest export market last year to now the ninth largest. Exports dropped 80 percent as the full 20 percent tariff on U.S. exports took effect in December 2020.

The Philippines – The Philippines remains a model for how policy with a role for trade supports domestic ethanol producers when the policy is enforced. Exports rounded out the year just shy of 45 million gallons.

“Looking forward to the new marketing year, three factors will impact global ethanol demand: policy enforcement, inclusion of ethanol in GHG emission reduction policies, and creating tariff equity of ethanol with other transport energy products,” Healy said.

India, the UK and Colombia are key examples of the importance of policy enforcement impacting global demand for ethanol. The U.S. industry is poised to support these countries in full implementation. Japan, Korea and Taiwan have announced net zero targets by 2050, and ethanol can have a role in meeting those goals, making collaboration with local industry and government a priority when demonstrating that feasibility. Finally, tariff parity with other energy products must be realized to ensure ethanol is able to competitively access these markets.



EPA Announces Appointment of Rod Snyder as EPA Agriculture Advisor

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to become EPA’s Agriculture Advisor.  Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA, working to advance the Biden-Harris environmental agenda for farmers and rural communities.

Snyder is nationally recognized for his leadership at the intersection of agricultural and environmental policy, and joins the Agency after serving as president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, the largest multi-stakeholder initiative working to advance the sustainability of commodity crop farming in the United States. In that role, he forged science-based consensus among stakeholders across the food and agriculture value chain on issues such as climate change, water quality, biodiversity, and pest management.

“Rod brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about how environmental issues intersect with agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “It’s going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and build a sustainable future, and Rod is well-suited to bring our partners into the Agency’s work and ensure agricultural stakeholders have a seat at the table.”

Prior to his time at Field to Market, Snyder worked for the National Corn Growers Association and CropLife America. As a longtime champion of agricultural solutions to climate change, he has previously organized farmer delegations to participate in UN Climate Summits in Paris and Copenhagen. In 2015, Snyder co-founded the Sustainable Agriculture Summit, which has grown to be the largest and most prominent annual sustainable agriculture conference in North America. Snyder holds a B.A. in Political Science from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He resides on his family farm in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia.

“I am honored to serve as EPA’s Agriculture Advisor as we forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment and ensure a vibrant and productive agricultural system,” said Rod Snyder. “America’s farmers and ranchers are vital partners in achieving clean air and clear water, all while playing the critical role of delivering a healthy and secure food supply.”



NPPC Congratulates Rod Snyder on EPA Appointment

The National Pork Producers Council today applauds the political appointment of Rod Snyder as senior adviser for agriculture to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan. Snyder, a long-time friend of agriculture and the pork industry, has worked at the intersection of agriculture and environmental issues for nearly two decades, most recently serving as president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture.

The following statement can be attributed to NPPC President Jen Sorenson:

“NPPC congratulates Rod Snyder on his appointment as Ag Adviser at the EPA. NPPC has worked with Rod over the years and commends his decades long dedication to protecting the environment and the livelihoods of America’s farmers. NPPC looks forward to engaging with him in this new role on issues of importance to U.S. pork producers as we continue to produce the highest-quality, most affordable and nutritious protein in the world.”

NPPC in June was one of 14 signatories on a letter to the EPA recommending Snyder for this appointment.



AFBF Welcomes Appointment of Rod Snyder as EPA Ag Advisor

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the appointment of Rod Snyder as EPA agriculture advisor.

“AFBF congratulates Rod Snyder on his appointment as EPA’s agriculture advisor. There are several important issues facing agriculture that will require effective communication with EPA, including the new WOTUS rule, among other initiatives and regulations. As issues are deliberated within EPA, it is critical for the perspectives of farmers and ranchers to be represented and Rod will be that voice. Of course, it’s equally critical for EPA to engage directly with farmers and ranchers and I’m also confident Rod will be a strong advocate for such engagement and collaboration, as he has demonstrated in several roles. We look forward to continuing to work with him in this new capacity to ensure farmers and ranchers are heard at EPA.”



NAWG Welcomes EPA’s Appointment of Rod Snyder  

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to serve as the Agriculture Advisor. The National Association of Wheat Growers welcomes the EPA’s appointment of Rod Synder.

“We are pleased with the appointment of Rod to this critical role at EPA.  I have worked with Rod for many years in DC and he has extensive experience on agricultural policy issues and is known for working collaboratively across diverse interest groups,” NAWG CEO Chandler Goule said, “It has been a pleasure to work with him during his time with Field to Market, of which NAWG serves on the Board of Directors. We hope to continue to work with Rod collaboratively on environmental policies that work for wheat growers and benefit rural America.”

Snyder has served as president of Field to Market since March 2014. Prior to this role, he held positions at the National Corn Growers Association and CropLife America and has focused on the intersection of agricultural and environmental issues. Snyder has also been involved with the Conservation Technology Information Center, the Agricultural Nutrient Policy Council, and the Pesticide Policy Coalition.



NK Seeds gets more personal with customers during pandemic, hosting 400+ tailgate events during 2021 season

Syngenta Seeds announced that NK Seeds hosted 400+ customer events during the course of the 2021 season, five times the amount they normally host in a season. With restrictions and uncertainties still surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to make larger, in-person gatherings a challenge across the world, Syngenta doubled down on finding more personal ways of working with farmers and resellers that could remain beyond the pandemic.

The cornerstone of NK Seeds’ pandemic-era customer interactions has been a series of small-group educational tailgate talks. In a non-pandemic year, NK® typically would host 70-80+ field events attended by large numbers of customers. COVID-19 made it very challenging to continue hosting larger events while maintaining a safe environment for participants.

“We know that the best way to support farmers and resellers is through personal connections. You have to understand their unique fields, farms and operations to give them the help they need to maximize ROI,” said Todd McRoberts, head of agronomy at NK. “While the pandemic challenged our ability to support our customers, we stayed committed to personal connections. With the smaller-scale tailgate talks, we not only were able to connect safely with farmers and retailers, we were able to foster strong – and in some cases, even stronger – relationships than ever before.”

Each of the more than 400 outdoor, in-field tailgate talks held in 2021 hosted about 10 attendees, allowing for hyper-focused discussions on critical nearby opportunities and challenges. Topics included:

·       The Field Forged Series™: Launching for the 2022 growing season, this line-up of corn hybrids and soybean varieties combines proven performers and elite newcomers.

·       Navigating soybean trait choice: NK pairs its own exclusive genetics with leading trait technologies like Enlist E3® soybeans and XtendFlex® soybeans, all from one seed provider.

·       Managing corn rootworm (CRW): The NK® corn portfolio provides access to the Agrisure Duracade® trait, featuring novel, alternate modes of action that result in long-term field by helping to preserve trait durability and delay insect adaptation.

·       Geographic challenges: NK agronomists provided short- and long-term recommendations for managing some of the most prominent agronomic issues of 2021, including tar spot, gray leaf spot and Sudden Death Syndrome.

“I like that the tailgate talks allowed me to connect with other retailers about how they approach their customers and how they place their NK product line-up,” said Fred Wilker, certified crop specialist at AGRILAND FS in Humeston, Iowa. “They helped me to break down the products that NK has, find what fits my area and learn what the agronomic properties are that their hybrids bring to my customers.”

Even as pandemic-related restrictions lift, learnings from the tailgate talks experiment are expected to remain.

“The past 18 months have obviously brought their share of challenges, but tailgate talks offered a silver lining,” said McRoberts. “Directly seeing the impact of these smaller, tighter-knit events, we look forward to finding ways to incorporate some of these elements in the future.”