Wednesday October 6 Ag News

 Harvest Season Reminders for Motorists, Ag Haulers

Harvest is in full swing across Nebraska and the Nebraska State Patrol encourages all motorists to be aware of agriculture equipment traveling on roads throughout the state.

“Agriculture producers across Nebraska are busy moving from field to field right now, so all motorists should stay alert for slow-moving ag implements,” said Captain Martin Denton, Commander of NSP Carrier Enforcement. “At the same time, we ask all ag producers to be safe on the roads as well.”

Motorists are reminded that combines, grain carts, tractors, and other agriculture implements typically travel at slower speeds. Due to their dimensions and loads, operator visibility is often reduced. Drivers are urged to be cautious when approaching, following, or attempting to pass farm vehicles.

Ag producers across Nebraska utilize a harvest permit to move their products to market. There are a number of benefits with this permit, including a gross overweight allowance of up to 15 percent above state law. To utilize the harvest exemption, the product owner should provide the hauler with a signed statement of origin and destination, such as this example.

Haulers should maintain the safety of their vehicle by conducting pre-trip inspections, voluntarily comply with traffic safety laws, display warning signs on machinery, use flashing yellow caution lights when traveling, and be aware of vehicles that may be attempting to pass.

“Harvest season is a busy time around Nebraska,” said Captain Denton. “We can all show our appreciation to Nebraska farmers and ranchers by keeping an eye out on the roads and helping get their valuable products to market. Let’s work together to make this a safe harvest season.”



HUSKER SCIENTIST LEADS EFFORT TO UNDERSTAND, ADAPT LEGUME NITROGEN CONVERSION

Soybeans and other legumes interact with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia that are able to convert nitrogen in the air into a form the plant can use to grow and reproduce. Corn and other crops can’t, requiring nitrogen fertilizers to maximize growth and yield — problematic because overapplication or runoff can pollute soil and water.

Researchers are trying to find alternative, sustainable sources of nitrogen to solve that problem.

“Can we transfer this capability to non-legumes?” asked Marc Libault, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln plant scientist.

Libault leads a multi-institution research team seeking to better understand how legumes strike up such a productive partnership with a group of bacteria called rhizobia, which convert atmospheric nitrogen to a chemical form that supports the host plant.

“This biological process, called nodulation, is economically important and benefits agricultural sustainability and food security,” said Libault, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture.

It begins with the infection of the plant root hair cell by rhizobia. Although this cell type is found in nearly all flowering plants, in only a subset of plants — among them legumes — is the root hair cell capable of initiating this symbiotic relationship.

“While several legume genes involved in this process have been characterized, a better understanding of the genetic programs controlling root hair infection by rhizobia is needed before considering the transfer of nodulation capacity to non-legume crop plants,” Libault said.

In addition to soybeans, researchers will study medicago, a genus of flowering plants that includes alfalfa, and common bean.

Libault’s team will characterize these genetic programs using plant single-cell technologies. In addition to its impact on scientists’ understanding of legume nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation, this project will promote the integration between research and education by supporting development of STEM educational programs for high school and undergraduate students.

Ultimately, researchers might be able to genetically modify non-legumes such as corn, rice and wheat to give them the ability to attract rhizobia and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Using less fertilizer could not only reduce pollution, but significantly decrease farmers’ input costs.

Libault said the project is built on the hypothesis that plant cell differentiation, gain of biological functions and response to external stimuli are controlled by evolutionarily conserved transcriptional modules. Working on three legume species will help reveal these modules.

The investigators will analyze the molecular mechanisms associated with the early stages of the nodulation process by studying one by one the biology of isolated legume root hair cells. Accessing changes in both gene activity and the profiles of chromatin accessibility will provide a deeper understanding of the dynamic response of a plant cell to microbial infection and the level of conservation of these responses among legume species and upon whole-genome duplication.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has prioritized research into sustainable food and water security as one of its Grand Challenges. It was named a priority because of the university’s expertise in this area, and the impact Husker research can make on more sustainable agricultural production.

Libault, who is affiliated with Nebraska’s Center for Plant Science Innovation, is working with colleagues from Cornell University, the University of Michigan, Reed College and the National Center for Genome Resources. The work is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Leaders Urge President Biden to Focus Efforts on Trade Policy

In a letter to President Joe Biden, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors expressed concern over the lack of progress on a number of key trade policy areas including ongoing concerns with China, expanding other international marketing opportunities, and preserving the integrity of the World Trade Organization (WTO), while still pushing for needed reforms. The letter follows a letter sent back in April to then newly confirmed United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai which asked her to focus on these trade policy areas as she assumed her new role at the nation’s chief trade official.

“In the five months that have passed since writing the letter to USTR Katherine Tai, and the eight months you’ve been in office, we have seen very little accomplished in the area of trade and trade policy. This lack of progress is unacceptable and undermines your pledge to ’restore U.S. global leadership’ that was included in your 2021 Trade Agenda,” wrote Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Trade remains vitally important to the economic future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, typically accounting for 30 percent of Nebraska’s total agricultural receipts. According to the latest statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, Nebraska exported agricultural commodities are worth $6.3 billion.

“Every dollar in agricultural exports generates $1.28 in economic activities such as transportation, financing, warehousing, and production. The lack of leadership you have shown in this vital arena puts the economic welfare of farmers, ranchers, businesses, and the general public at risk,” McHargue said.

As the nation’s economy continues to battle through economic turbulence and substantial supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for a sound trading relationship with the rest of the world remains vital.

“Trade is not a political issue. It’s a foundational issue that serves as the basis for our modern economy. We stand ready to work with you and your administration to better our trading relationship with China, develop new trading relationships with other countries, and reform the WTO. We stand ready to assist you in any way we can to help move forward, however, we cannot wait. We cannot wait while our world is shaped by countries who don’t have the economic wellbeing of America’s farmers, ranchers, businesses, and citizens as their primary concern,” wrote McHargue.



Fischer Supports Counter to Biden’s 30 x 30 Proposal
        
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Western Caucus, has joined several of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in releasing a blueprint of “Western Conservation Principles.” The document outlines steps for responsible and effective conservation supported by rural communities and serves as an alternative to the Biden Administration’s 30 x 30 initiative.

“Conservation is a part of the Nebraska way of life. The Biden administration’s aggressive and ambiguous 30 x 30 proposal fails to recognize the work land owners, farmers, and ranchers do every day to take care of our land and natural resources. The Western Conservation Principles promote a respect for private property and the time-tested environmental practices Nebraskans have used for generations,” said Senator Deb Fischer.

Senator Fischer is a cosponsor of a bill, which would block President Biden’s 30 x 30 executive order.

Western Conservation Principles have received endorsements from the following groups: American Exploration and Mining Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest Research Council, American Sheep Industry, Family Farm Alliance, National Association of Counties, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition, National Mining Association, National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association, Public Lands Council, Western Energy Alliance.



Nebraska CSP, EQIP application deadline set for Nov. 19

For Nebraska farmers and ranchers, the deadline to submit initial paperwork for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is Nov. 19.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP and EQIP provide financial and technical assistance for producers to address natural resource concerns on their operations. Known as working lands conservation programs, CSP and EQIP allow farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices while maintaining agricultural production.

“These programs provide a unique opportunity for farmers and ranchers who want to be good land stewards and continue to turn out a crop each year,” said Kalee Olson, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs.

CSP is designed to enhance existing conservation efforts operation-wide. To be eligible, producers must demonstrate they are currently addressing regional resource concerns with approved conservation practices. In addition, they must be willing to implement additional practices, such as cover crops, rotational grazing, and conservation crop rotation.  

EQIP is designed to help producers address a particular resource concern, such as erosion or water quality, with a single practice or project. Many practices available in EQIP are also available in CSP. However, it is unique in offering a number of structural practices to choose from as well.

“Conservation is for all producers, and these programs provide different points of entry depending on your experience,” Olson said. “Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned producer, CSP and EQIP can help you become a better steward of our natural resources.”

In 2020, more than 1,000 contracts advanced conservation across Nebraska, with 883 EQIP and 128 CSP contracts statewide.

Farmers and ranchers interested in applying are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office as soon as possible to set up an appointment. A list of local offices can be found at offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.



Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Involves Good Soil Sampling

Fall is always a good time for soil tests, and following the hot, dry summer of 2021, this is also a good time to test for soybean cyst nematode.

“Soybean cyst nematode, unfortunately, loves hot, dry soil so I am expecting higher than ever numbers from fall samples,” said Greg Tylka, professor in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University.

SCN is a small, unsegmented plant-parasitic roundworm that attacks the roots of soybeans.

The nematode is the most economically significant pest of soybeans in Iowa and has been found in all 99 Iowa counties, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Infested soybean plants often show no symptoms other than reduced yield.

In a recently updated publication called “Interpreting SCN Soil Sample Results,” Tylka covers the basics of testing soil for soybean cyst nematode and how to interpret the results.

Soil samples can be collected from fields in which soybeans were grown this season to relate SCN numbers to 2021 bean yields. Samples should be collected from harvested corn fields in which soybeans will be grown in 2022 to determine what the nematode population will be for next year’s soybean crop.

The soil sample results may cause farmers to alter their plans for the 2022 crop, according to Tylka. The publication explains how to compare results across different years and from different labs, why SCN soil sample results can be so variable and provides advice on how to deal with variability.

Usefulness of the sample results is dependent on the quality of the soil samples, and finding low numbers of SCN does not necessarily mean that an infestation doesn’t exist.

“Thinking you have a little bit of soybean cyst nematode is just fooling yourself,” said Tylka. “Any level of SCN is worthy of management.”

The Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic processes soil samples for SCN, as well as several private soil laboratories throughout the state.

Learn more about SCN and its impact across soybean-producing states on the Soybean Coalition website https://www.thescncoalition.com/.



Pork Youth Leadership Applications Due Nov. 30

Young Iowans with a passion for the pork industry are invited to apply for the 2022 Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Youth Leadership Team.

Applications are due Nov. 30 for interested high school seniors and college students (up to age 21, as of Jan. 1, 2022). Those who meet the requirements will then compete for three positions—Iowa Pork Queen and two Premier Pork Youth Ambassadors—during Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines in January.

Candidates will be judged on their knowledge of pork and pig production, as shown in a speech presentation, interviews, and a written test about the topics. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered.

The female contestant with the highest score will be crowned queen, while the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named ambassadors. They each receive a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award.

Throughout 2022, the IPPA Youth Leadership Team will assist with pork promotional and educational activities, from county events around Iowa to the Iowa State Fair and World Pork Expo.

The online application and details about the program can be found at https://www.iowapork.org/iowa-pork-youth-team/iowa-premier-pork-youth-ambassador-contest/.

Current members of the Youth Leadership Team are Leah Marek, Riverside; Paige Dagel, Sanborn; and Reagan Gibson, Panora.



ISA members recognized in Corteva Agriscience Climate Positive Leaders Program

Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) members have been recognized for implementing and sharing climate positive practices.

Bill Couser, a grain and livestock farmer in Nevada, is one of only nine global leaders to be awarded the Corteva Agriscience 2021 Climate Positive Leaders Program recognition. Ray and Chris Gaesser, a father-son duo of Corning, were named runners up.

The distinction is a nomination-based farmer and rancher award showcasing farmers who are successfully implementing and bringing awareness to climate-positive agriculture practices that improve land and environmental health.

“We’ve been trying different conservation practices for years due to our livestock. In the last 10 years, the push for farmers to try these practices has increased significantly,” says Couser. “We’re taking advantage of practices including no-till farming, cover crops, saturated buffers, bioreactors and more to retain nutrients in our fields.”

Couser is the owner of Modern Ag Farm, a showcase of farming practices to educate producers on the benefits and applications of sustainable agriculture. The techniques demonstrated at the farm reduce the need for synthetic inputs, directly improving soil and water health.

“Agriculture is my livelihood, which is why I feel we must share the good things we do each and every day as farmers and ranchers to improve soil health and water quality,” says Couser.  

Farmer leaders from five countries were awarded a lifetime membership to the Global Farm Network to improve engagement and communication training opportunities. Each winner was also given soil sampling, carbon sequestration measurement and guidance from Dr. Rattan Lal at the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (CMSAC).

Seven runners-up were also named, including the Gaessers.

“It’s all about preserving resources for the future and improving profitability,” said Chris. “Improving soil health will not only produce better crops, it protects the land for years to come”.

His father Ray is a past president of both the Iowa Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association.

The duo has implemented a series of practices on their farm including the addition of buffer strips, terraces and cover crops to improve soil health.

To learn more about the recipients of the 2021 Climate Positive Leaders Program by Corteva Agriscience, www.corteva.com/sustainability.

Iowa soybean farmers have invested more than $40 million in research and conservation efforts since the Iowa Soybean Association was founded in 1964. Learn more about their efforts at our website: www.iasoybeans.com.



August Beef Exports Top $1 Billion; Pork Exports Remain on Record Pace

U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record in August, topping the $1 billion mark for the first time, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports posted another strong month in August, remaining ahead of the record pace established in 2020.

Led by record shipments to China and the largest exports of the year to Japan, August beef exports totaled 132,577 metric tons (mt). Export volume was up 21% from a year ago and the second largest of 2021, while export value climbed 55% to $1.04 billion. For January through August, beef exports increased 18% from a year ago to 955,407 mt, with value up 34% to $6.62 billion. Exports were also 6% higher in volume and up 20% in value compared to the record pace established in 2018. In addition to setting new records in China, beef exports are also on a record pace to South Korea and Central America and have rebounded significantly to Mexico.

Pork exports totaled 225,822 mt in August, up 4% from a year ago, and value increased 20% to $633.9 million as record shipments to Mexico and strong growth in several other markets helped offset the expected slowdown in muscle cut exports to China. For January through August, exports were 1.5% above last year at just over 2 million mt, while value climbed 10% to $5.62 billion. Pork exports are on a record pace to Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, and chilled pork exports to Japan and South Korea are above last year. While China's demand for pork muscle cuts is trending lower, variety meat exports to China continue to expand.

"The August export results would be impressive under any circumstances, but achieving these totals despite all the COVID-related obstacles at home and overseas is truly remarkable," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "Our transportation and labor situation is challenging, and customers continue to face an uncertain business climate due to foodservice restrictions and other economic headwinds. Yet international buyers remain committed to the quality and consistency delivered by U.S. red meat, and the U.S. industry has gone to tremendous lengths to keep shipments moving."

Halstrom emphasized the broad-based growth achieved in 2021, noting that it bodes well for both near and long-term exports.

"Obviously breaking the $1 billion mark in a single month is a huge milestone for U.S. beef, and that's not possible unless a wide range of markets are hitting on all cylinders," he said. "But the trendlines for U.S. pork are also very encouraging. Just a few years ago, it was an achievement to reach $6 billion in pork export value in a full year. In 2021, exports will exceed that total with an entire quarter to spare."

August exports of U.S. lamb were below last year but muscle cut exports increased significantly from last year's low total, led by growth in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Through August, lamb exports remained 5% above last year's pace at 8,997 mt, with value up 8% to $12.4 million. Muscle cut exports were 10% higher in both volume (855 mt) and value ($5.1 million).



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/1/2021

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 1, ethanol production vaulted by 64,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 7.0%, to an eight-week high of 978,000 b/d, equivalent to 41.08 million gallons daily. Production was 6.0% above the same week last year, which was affected by the pandemic, and 1.6% above the same week in 2019. The four-week average ethanol production volume increased 1.4% to 938,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.38 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks retreated 1.4% to a 19.9 million barrels, the lowest weekly reserves since May. Stocks were 1.3% above the year-ago level but 6.1% below the same week in 2019. Inventories declined across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, edged 0.3% higher to 9.43 million b/d (144.52 bg annualized). Gasoline demand was 6.0% above a year ago but 0.3% less than the same week in 2019.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked up 0.1% to a five-week high of 911,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.97 bg annualized. Net inputs were 10.7% above a year ago but 0.7% less than the same week in 2019.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the second consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of August 2021.)



Retail Fertilizer Prices Spike

Retail fertilizer prices are pushing considerably higher once again, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of September 2021.

Five of the eight major fertilizers saw significant price increases, which DTN designates as 5% or higher, compared to last month.  Leading the way was potash, which was 13% higher compared to last month. The fertilizer had an average price of $647/ton.  Urea was 11% more expensive than the prior month. The nitrogen fertilizer had average price of $620/ton. It is the first time urea crossed the $600/ton threshold in nine years. The last time it was this expensive was the second week of September 2012 when the nutrient was $605/ton.

Both UAN32 and MAP were 6% higher compared to last month. UAN32 had an average price of $444/ton while MAP was at $800/ton. MAP is now at $800/ton for the first time since the third week of December 2009, when the price was $802/ton. The current price of the phosphorus fertilizer is the fifth highest price in the history of the nearly 13-year-old DTN data.  

UAN28 is 5% more expensive compared to a month prior. The nitrogen fertilizer has an average price of $388/ton.  The average price of DAP and anhydrous increased 4% to $722/ton and $782/ton respectively.  10-34-0 cost $638/ton on average, only slightly higher than last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.67/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices compared to a year ago show all fertilizers have increased significantly.  10-34-0 is now 40% more expensive, DAP is 64% higher, urea is 71% more expensive, MAP is 74% higher, UAN32 is 78% more expensive, UAN28 is 83% higher, anhydrous 84% is more expensive and potash is 92% higher compared to last year.



USDA Introduces New Insurance Policy for Farmers Who Sell Locally

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) created this new policy based on research directed by the 2018 Farm Bill, and it includes feedback from producers who grow for their local communities. The policy will be available beginning with the 2022 crop year.

“We are excited to offer this new coverage for producers who work to provide their communities with fresh and healthy food,” said RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy. “USDA is focused on supporting local and regional food systems, and this new crop insurance policy is designed with this important sector of agriculture in mind.”

The new policy is offered through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and it has distinct provisions that can provide more access to the program, including:
-    No expense or individual commodity reporting needed, simplifying the recordkeeping requirements for producers
-    Revenue from post-production costs, such as washing and packaging commodities and value-added products, are considered allowable revenue

The Micro Farm policy is available to producers who have a farm operation that earns an average allowable revenue of $100,000 or less, or for carryover insureds, an average allowable revenue of $125,000 or less. RMA’s research showed that 85% of producers who sell locally reported they made less than $75,000 in gross sales. See the full report.

The Micro Farm policy builds on other RMA efforts to better serve specialty and organic crop growers. This includes WFRP, which provides coverage for producers with larger operations that may not be eligible for Micro Farm. RMA recently made improvements to WFRP as part of a broader set of new policies and expanded policies to assist specialty crop and organic producers.  

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation approved the Micro Farm policy in late September, and additional details will be provided later this fall.



Novozymes and Anuvia Plant Nutrients Join Forces To Bring Sustainable Bio-Based Nutrients to Commercial Agriculture

Novozymes, the world leader in biological solutions and Anuvia Plant Nutrients, an innovative plant nutrient company, today announced that they have joined forces to develop a range of combined biotechnologies that will reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers in commercial agriculture.

The resulting products, which could be available as early as next year, mean farmers will require less synthetic fertilizer per acre, while achieving equivalent or better crop performance, and will reduce environmental impact through lower nutrient loss and greenhouse gas emissions. There will be no incremental cost to the grower, nor will they require changes to current farming practices.

"By pairing Anuvia's sustainable products with Novozymes' advanced biotechnologies, we are changing the paradigm of plant nutrition by making bio-nutrients a standard tool in commercial agriculture," says Amy Yoder, CEO of Anuvia Plant Nutrients. "Through this partnership, we aim to double the nutritional value of Anuvia's products without adding a single unit of synthetic nutrient or increasing the volume used."

"Novozymes and Anuvia share a vision of providing innovative and sustainable solutions to farmers by using biologicals derived from naturally-occurring materials," says Thomas Stenfeldt Batchelor, Novozymes' Vice President for Agriculture Marketing & Strategy. "This partnership will allow for rapid development and deployment of advanced nutrient technology to promote sustainable and efficient commercial agriculture for the benefit of farmers, consumers and the environment."

Partnership Envisions Additional Advances in Nutrient Technology
Novozymes and Anuvia will continue to work together to innovate on future generations of bio-fertilizers:
-    The companies will work together to identify additional microbes and enzymes that could improve the nutritional efficiency of crops and are dedicated to innovations in the nutritional efficiency and health of crops.
-    As a first step, the partnership will combine Novozymes' phosphate solubilizing microbial solutions with Anuvia's sustainable bio-based fertilizer products to enhance macro-nutrient efficiency with a focus on phosphate.
-    The partnership envisions several generations of the new technology. The first generation is anticipated to add up to 10 units of phosphorous. Subsequent generations will target the replacement of additional units of macro and micronutrients, such as N, P and K.



USDA To Launch Loan Guarantee Initiative to Create More and Better Market Opportunities, Promote Competition and Strengthen America’s Food Supply Chain

As part of the Administration’s efforts to address food systems challenges arising from the pandemic as well as those going back decades, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA plans for another $100 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding would leverage hundreds of millions more in lending through community and private sector lenders to expand meat and poultry processing capacity and finance other food supply chain infrastructure. These investments will help deliver more opportunities and fairer prices for farmers and address bottlenecks in the food supply chain revealed and exacerbated by the pandemic.

The Department plans to publish specific details on the new program and how to apply as part of USDA’s Build Back Better Initiative, a comprehensive plan to invest $4 billion to strengthen the resiliency of America’s food supply chain while promoting competition. This announcement follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement earlier this month of steps it is taking to address concentration in the meat-processing industry, adding a new commitment of $100 million for loan guarantees on top of the previously announced $500 million investment to expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

“Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is shifting the balance of power back to the communities and small businesses of America by investing in ways we can build more, better and fairer markets for farmers and families alike,” Vilsack said.  “COVID-19 revealed vulnerabilities in our food system. As we build back better, we must create more, better and fairer markets that enhance competition and create economic opportunity across America’s agriculture and food supply chains. This is another meaningful step in our efforts to act on lessons from COVID-19 to build a food system that is fair, competitive, distributed and resilient where a greater share of the food dollar goes to those growing, harvesting, processing and preparing our food.”



USDA Announces More Than $146M Investment in Sustainable Agricultural Research

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system.

This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable Agricultural Systems program. This innovative program focuses on a broad base of needed research solutions from addressing labor challenges and promoting land stewardship to correcting climate change impacts in agriculture and critical needs in food and nutrition.

“USDA is tackling urgent challenges facing American agriculture and communities across our nation. Critical issues like food insecurity, drought resilience and response, animal disease prevention, and market disruption requires investments to help meet these challenges. This is the time for agriculture, forestry, and rural communities to act. Together we can lead the way with investments in science and research and climate-smart solutions that feed and nourish families, improve the profitability and resilience of producers, improve forest health, while creating new income opportunities, and building wealth that stays in rural communities,” said Secretary Vilsack.

This investment is part the third installment of NIFA grants within its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems program designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. AFRI is the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. These grants are available to eligible colleges, universities and other research organizations.

“Investments in research projects likes these awarded today will result in long-term improvements in agricultural practices that will benefit consumers, farmers and the environment,” said NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille. “It takes an inclusive systems approach to tackle these major issues. We are excited to see impacts this research investment will generate for our nation to move us towards solutions that benefit all Americans.”

Examples of the 15 projects funded under the AFRI Sustainable Agriculture Systems projects include:
    University of California researchers and their partners aim to alleviate groundwater over-use and sustain irrigated agriculture in the Southwest United States. They will develop innovative education programs and novel Extension programming to support sustainable groundwater and irrigated agricultural systems, create models (geophysical, hydrology, biophysical, and socioeconomics), develop climate change adaptation management strategies, and produce decision support tools. ($10 million)

    University of Hawaii and partners will develop a Children’s Healthy Living Food Systems Model and simulations to identify and test drivers of resiliency in food supply chains for decreasing food waste and increasing food and nutrition security, healthful diets and health among children. The work aims to prevent chronic disease in households and communities across the U.S. Affiliated Pacific insular area. ($10 million)

    Central State University and its multidisciplinary team, partnering with 1890 land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a 1994 land-grant Tribal College and 1862 Land-grant Universities, will investigate using hemp as an aquaculture feed ingredient to address food safety concerns about consuming seafood raised with hemp feed additives. They will also research ways to increase economic markets and production sustainability for seafood and hemp. ($10 million)

    A Colby College partnership project will compare and optimize algae feed additives for dairy cows, and will assess the impact at the animal-, farm- and community-level. The project will include developing integrated public outreach programs to enhance milk production, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and recover nutrients. ($10 million)