Saturday November 6 Ag News

 Public can meet Stoltenow, Nebraska Extension dean and director priority candidate, during Nov. 8-17 statewide tour

Charles Stoltenow, priority candidate in the search for the next dean and director of Nebraska Extension, will visit communities across Nebraska Nov. 8-17. During the tour, the public will have a variety of opportunities to meet with Stoltenow, ask questions, and learn about his vision for Nebraska Extension.  

Stoltenow currently serves as assistant director of extension for agriculture and natural resources at North Dakota State University. Before joining NDSU Extension in 1996, he worked as a veterinarian and epidemiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He has also worked in private practice as an equine veterinarian. He has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Dakota State University and a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University.

A schedule of opportunities for the public to meet with Stoltenow are listed below. Visit ianr.unl.edu/dean-and-director-nebraska-extension for specific locations in each community.

Monday, Nov. 8
Columbus Coffee and Conversation: 8-9:30 a.m.Location: Nebraska Extension in Platte County, 2715 13th St., Columbus
West Point Community Open Forum and Reception:10:30 a.m.-noon.Location: Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point
Norfolk Community Open Forum and Reception:4:30-6 p.m. Location: Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, 609 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk

Tuesday, Nov. 9
Fremont Coffee and Conversation:9-10:30 a.m.Location: Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23 Street, Fremont
Lincoln area Community Forum and Reception:2:30-4 p.m.Location: TBD. Note: This event will take place in person and via livestream.   

Wednesday, Nov. 10
Nebraska City Community Open Forum and Lunch:10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Location: Lied Lodge – Marcotte Room, 2700 Sylvan Road, Nebraska City
Beatrice Community Open Forum and Reception:3:30-5 p.m.Location: Beatrice Public Schools – Board Room, 320 North 5th St. 68310

Saturday, Nov. 13
Scottsbluff Community Open Forum and Lunch: Noon-1:30 p.m.Location: Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff  

Monday, Nov. 15
North Platte Community Open Forum and Lunch: noon-1:30 p.m.Location: West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Road, North Platte  
McCook Community Open Forum and Reception:5-6:30 p.m.Location: Keystone Business Center Building, 402 Norris Ave., Suite 301, McCook   

Tuesday, Nov. 16
Kearney Community Open Forum and Lunch:noon-1:30 p.m.Location: TBD  
Hastings Community Open Forum and Reception: 3-4:30 p.m.Location: Hastings Museum- Abbott Room, 1330 N. Burlington Ave., Hastings

Wednesday, Nov. 17
Omaha area Community Open Forum and Reception:
10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Location: TBD  

Those who wish to attend any of the events listed above can learn more and RSVP at ianr.unl.edu/dean-and-director-nebraska-extension.  

More information on Nebraska Extension is available at extension.unl.edu.  



USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case Against Ultrasort LLC and Kenneth Bode

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) entered into a stipulation agreement with Ultrasort LLC and Kenneth Bode of Elgin, Neb., on Aug. 31, 2021, for violations of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act. Under the terms of the stipulation agreement, Ultrasort, LLC waived its rights to a hearing and paid a civil penalty of $875.

An investigation by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) revealed that between November 2019 and May 2021, in six transactions Ultrasort failed to pay timely (2 to 12 days late) for 180 head of livestock totaling $162,164.

The P&S Act requires subject entities to issue the full payment for livestock by the close of the first business day following purchase and transfer of possession. Failure to timely pay for livestock purchases and failure to issue the full payment for purchases is an unfair trade practice and a violation of the P&S Act.

The P&S Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to assess civil penalties up to $29,270 per violation against any person after the notice and opportunity for hearing on the record. USDA may offer alleged violators the option of waiving their right to a hearing and enter into a stipulation agreement to quickly resolve alleged violations.



UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA–LINCOLN TO HOST SOIL HEALTH SUMMIT ON NOV. 19

Technology — from continually evolving machinery, to hybrid crops, to the capture and use of data — has transformed agriculture over the past century. Yet all of these innovations are dependent on the same thing, which has been at the heart of agriculture since its beginnings.

That thing is soil, and it’s the topic of an upcoming Soil Health Summit, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Nebraska East Union, 1705 Arbor Drive. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at https://ianr.unl.edu/soil-health-summit.

To understand the importance of soil health, one can look back at ancient Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq, said Ron Yoder, senior associate vice chancellor for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The region, famous for its fertile soil and advanced agricultural practices, saw much higher barley yields in ancient times than today, in large part because of nutrient loss and salinization due to poor soil management practices.

“Healthy soil should not be taken for granted,” Yoder said. “What can we do to maintain and enhance the level of soil health we have now? That will be the focus of the summit, and attendees will contribute to the discussion.”

Jerry Hatfield, retired director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, will open the summit with an overview of the science of the complex soil system and the factors that underly a healthy soil ecosystem. He will be joined by Craig Derickson, who recently retired as the Nebraska state conservationist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service; Keith Berns, chairman of the Nebraska Soil Health Task Force; and numerous Husker faculty members who will discuss biological, chemical, environmental and physical properties of soil, as well as conservation strategies and producer practices, among other topics.

The afternoon session will be a series of discussions among attendees to establish goals for research, education and outreach to contribute to healthy soil.

Capturing broad perspectives is important, Yoder said, because soil health is a complicated issue that touches many industries, individuals and fields of study. Scientists’ understanding of how to best achieve soil health continues to evolve, as do the soil management techniques that work best for producers.

“We really want anybody with any perspective on soil health to come,” he said.

Those interested in attending can learn more or register at https://ianr.unl.edu/soil-health-summit. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. The registration deadline is Nov. 12.



Northeast Community College precision technology program creates field mural on college farm

Students in the Precision Agriculture program at Northeast Community College are trained to develop technical skills and learn to interpret, analyze, and utilize data gathered from precision agriculture technologies in order to improve production. But, there’s no reason why they can’t have a little fun along the way.

In preparing Northeast’s annual field plans for the growing season earlier this year, Chance Lambrecht, precision agriculture instructor, and Rob Thomas, college farm manager, discussed utilizing a multi-hybrid planter that was built in a precision hardware course to plant a design on one of the farm’s soybean fields. It was decided that Northeast’s athletic mascot of the Hawk could showcase the planter’s technological capability and promote the spirit of Northeast Community College.

Thomas designed the logo into a planting prescription.

“Using Climate Fieldview, I was able to take the Northeast Hawk and draw it on the GIS (geographic information system) program,” Thomas said. “I then was then able input the specific varieties and plant populations needed for the field to create the logo.”

Lambrecht said the design was created by planting a long season variety for the Hawk and a short season soybean variety for the background.

“The principle behind a multi-genetic planter is to respond to variability within a field. This includes planting offensive genetics in the high-yielding environments, and conversely, planting defensive genetics in the lower-yielding environments within a field,” Lambrecht said. “The variation in this field surely doesn’t take the shape of a Northeast Hawk. However, modern equipment has the capability to respond in such a manner to address yield-limiting factors with such resolution.”

Each spring, students in the precision hardware course build the planter from the toolbar up, which means there are many calibrations that need to take place. Lambrecht said if equipment is uncalibrated, it will not perform at its optimum level.

“The students don’t just get to pull it out of the shed and plant. Every component must be calibrated before this planter is deemed ‘field-ready.’ I also knew the clutching on-and-off of seed meters were down to the inch, as we were digging behind the planter to verify. Not only that, but it was an assignment to ensure clutching was impeccable. You could say they everyone received an A+ in that department.

The planter setup was completed by students and supervised by Lambrecht. In addition, students in the precision hardware class had the opportunity to plant the field with soybean seed that was provided by the Ag program’s partnership with Norfolk Helena, in coordination with Alan Colsden, branch manager for Helena, and Keith Mach, agronomist with AGRIntelligence.

Everyone was hoping to see the Hawk throughout the growing season, however, since the two varieties looked so similar throughout the growing season, it literally didn’t show its face until the early season variety began to turn yellow. Lambrecht said this fulfilled their reasoning behind using a short season and long season varieties.

“With the information collected at planting, I was confident the equipment executed the prescription as expected, but the “what if” scenario always sat in the back of my mind throughout the season. With such a large canvas to paint, it is very hard to see from the ground. You actually needed a ‘Hawks-eye view’ to catch this one in its all its glory.”

A drone video of the mural may be viewed on Northeast’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/watch?v=dTmeHCqyU2k.



NE Corn Board to Meet

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at The Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Nebraska Corn Board will meet to address regular board business. The meeting is open to
the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is
available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509, sending an
email to nikki.bentzinger@nebraska.gov or by calling 402/471-2676.



ICA Comments on Labeling of Cell-Cultured Protein

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association recently submitted comment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) requesting distinct labeling requirements for alternative, cell-cultured protein products.

In September, USDA FSIS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit comments from the public regarding labeling of ‘meat’ or ‘poultry’ products developed with cultured animal cells.

As producers and consumers, we recognize the importance of differentiating between products on the shelves of our grocery stores. The need for regulatory guidance pertaining to labeling is growing, as USDA and others invest in the creation of ‘cultivated meat.’ Consumers must be able to clearly identify what is lab-grown and what is beef in its most true form.

The beef we produce is often imitated, but never duplicated. USDA FSIS must establish labeling requirements for alternative products bioengineered with animal cells, without damaging the integrity of beef raised by cattle producers. Fair and accurate labeling will provide the transparency that consumers desire and deserve.



Red Meat Exports Remain on Record Pace Through Third Quarter

Both U.S. beef and U.S. pork exports are on a record pace through September, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports posted one of the best months on record in September, with value climbing nearly 60% above last year. Pork export volume was slightly below last September, but value still increased 8%.

Beef exports continued to soar in September at 123,628 metric tons (mt), up 20% from a year ago and the fourth largest volume of the post-BSE era. Export value jumped 59% to $954.1 million – the second highest month on record, trailing only August 2021. For the first three quarters of 2021, beef exports increased 18% from a year ago to 1.08 million mt, valued at $7.58 billion – up more than $2 billion (36%) from the same period last year. Compared to the record year of 2018, January-September exports were 7% higher in volume and up 24% in value.

Japan, South Korea and China/Hong Kong are all on track to be $2 billion destinations for U.S. beef in 2021, with strong growth in chilled beef exports to Japan and Korea. Beef exports to most Western Hemisphere markets are also trending significantly higher than a year ago.

Pork exports totaled 219,687 mt in September, down 1% from a year ago, but value was 8% higher at $608.3 million. For January through September, exports were 1% above last year's record pace at 2.24 million mt, while value climbed 9% to $6.23 billion.

September pork exports to Mexico were the third largest on record at nearly 80,000 mt, pushing January-September exports to Mexico to a record pace. Pork exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic are also reaching new heights and exports to Colombia have rebounded significantly from a year ago.

While September exports of U.S. lamb were up only slightly from a year ago at 948 mt, value climbed 39% to $1.6 million. Through September, lamb exports were up 5% to 9,945 mt, valued at just under $14 million (up 11%). Shipments increased to leading market Mexico and trended higher to the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Guatemala and Honduras.

"Facing significant logistical headwinds and higher costs, these outstanding results are really a testament to the loyalty and strong demand from our international customers and to the innovation and determination of the U.S. industry," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.

Variety meat exports a bright spot in 2021
Halstrom explained that a rebound in pork and beef variety meat exports, which took a step back last year amid COVID-related production obstacles, has been a strong source of momentum in 2021, reflecting exceptional global demand for high-value protein.

"The increase in the variety meat capture rate, and the resulting increase in exports, is especially encouraging because the labor and transportation challenges certainly have not gone away," Halstrom explained. "But these items are commanding a strong premium overseas, making it more feasible to get them into international commerce. Variety meat exports are a great complement to our strong domestic and international demand for muscle cuts, helping maximize carcass value."

China's demand for U.S. pork variety meat has remained strong even as muscle cut exports to China have eased, helping push total January-September pork variety meat exports 17% above last year to 405,744 mt, valued at $949.1 million (up 26%). Beef variety meat exports, led by strong increases in Japan, Mexico, Central and South America and the ASEAN region, were 10% above last year at 226,755 mt, with value up 19% to $762.2 million.



 NPPC’S ‘GIVE-A-HAM’ CHALLENGE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED KICKED OFF

The National Pork Producers Council Monday kicked off its fourth annual national “Give-A-Ham” challenge to benefit food banks and pantries around the country. In a press conference held at the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, NPPC President Jen Sorenson presented pork to food bank President and CEO Michelle Book, who then challenged National Pork Board CEO Bill Even and Bill Legate, vice president of Nationwide Insurance in Iowa to “Give-A-Ham.”

Sorenson challenged Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Pork Board President Gene Noem, Iowa Pork Producers Association President Dennis Liljedahl and Terry Wolters, NPPC’s president-elect.

The campaign, which runs through the end of the year, in 2020 saw more than 15 million pounds of pork donated to help those in need. “This challenge is a holiday tradition and one that is my favorite,” said Sorenson. “It reflects how this country’s 60,000 pork producers – who work so hard to raise safe and nutritious protein – are also practicing one of our ‘We Care’ principles: giving back to our communities and being good neighbors.”



2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Under Way

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. To be counted, producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or be postmarked by Dec. 6, 2021. 

“Now is your opportunity to elect fellow farmers and ranchers in your community to serve on the local county committee,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “These committees are a critical piece to the work we do by providing knowledge and judgment as decisions are made about the services we provide. Your voice and vote matters.”  

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation but may not have applied or received FSA program benefits. Also, for County Committee elections, producers who are not of legal voting age, but supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, are eligible to vote. 

Producers can find out if their LAA is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office. To find your local USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information. 

Each committee has from three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office, and at least one seat representing an LAA is up for election each year. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2022.  



Infrastructure, at Last! Soy So Pleased with House Passage

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 3684, the bipartisan infrastructure package the Senate passed in mid-August and that soybean growers have supported to assure a modern, efficient transportation structure for American agriculture. This bill makes historic investments in U.S. infrastructure and will greatly impact the competitiveness of soy and other agricultural products for years to come.

Kevin Scott, soybean farmer from Valley Springs, South Dakota, and American Soybean Association president said, “Good things can indeed come to those who wait, and passage of this long-considered bill is a win for everyone in our country. Infrastructure is critical to the long-term success of not only the ag industry, but also the general health of American commerce and global competitiveness. We are very appreciative that our congressional leaders stayed the course on this important package that will bolster the U.S. economy, and which encompasses so many priorities for soy, ranging from surface transportation and waterways funding to investments in rural broadband and new opportunities for soy-based products.”

The package increases much-needed funding for roads and bridges, including targeted funding for rural areas; accounts for freight rail and inland waterways funding; has provisions to address truck driver shortages, including hours-of-service changes; supports a new pilot program to highlight the benefits of biobased construction materials, like soy-based concrete sealant; and, addresses critical rural broadband issues.

Soybeans and other agriculture commodities rely on a multimodal network including truck, rail and waterways. The current supply chain challenges underscore the importance of reliable infrastructure, which impacts competitiveness at both the farm level and on the global stage.

ASA thanks members of both chambers for working across the aisle to pass this bipartisan package, which will make historic investments in farm country infrastructure.



NCGA Praises Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation Important to Farmers,
Rural Communities

The House of Representatives voted last night 228 to 206 to approve the bipartisan infrastructure package, which the Senate passed in August by a vote of 69 to 30, clearing the way for legislation to become law.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding important to corn growers, including $17.3 billion for the nation’s ports and inland waterways and $2 billion specifically for rural broadband access. New spending in the bill is paid for through unused COVID relief funds, bonds and extensions of various government fees, and the bill does not include tax increases for individuals or farms.

“We are pleased to see the House act on this legislation which was developed in a bipartisan manner and allocates funding for initiatives that are extremely important to corn growers and rural America,” said NCGA President Chris Edgington. “This is a once in a generation infrastructure investment that will help farmers for years to come.”

As 60% of corn exports move on the inland waterways system, the maintenance of that system is vital for the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers. The funds dedicated to providing broadband access specifically for rural areas will be meaningful for corn growers who rely on this access for marketing crops, using precision technologies and running their business.

The bipartisan infrastructure plan, which has already passed the Senate, will head to the president to be signed into law.



Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is a Win for the Cattle Industry

Late last evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is pleased to see the passage of this bill, as infrastructure investments are fundamental to the success of the U.S. cattle industry. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera issued the following statement in response:

“The infrastructure package includes several key provisions that NCBA has long advocated for, including funding for the modernization of roads and bridges, funding for high-speed rural broadband, congressional commitment to the improvement of the federal permitting process for critical water-related investments and an additional 150 air-mile exemption for livestock haulers on the destination of hauls, providing much needed flexibility under current hours-of-service regulations.

“Investing in critical infrastructure is consistent with NCBA’s mission to increase producer profitability. The ability for cattle producers to efficiently raise cattle, haul them safely and compete in a fast-paced global marketplace has a direct link to the economic stability of rural communities and a resilient food supply chain. We look forward to the president signing the bill and stand ready to ensure proper implementation.”



NGFA thanks Congress for passing bipartisan infrastructure deal    

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today thanked House lawmakers for passing by a  228-206 vote the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which provides much-needed investments to modernize the U.S. transportation system.

“A comprehensive transportation infrastructure bill, while popular, has long been elusive. By sending the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the president’s desk, Congress has seized an exceptional opportunity to boost the competitiveness of American agriculture. We commend the Senate and president for negotiating this legislation last summer and urge enactment as soon as possible,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert.

The bipartisan legislation would increase infrastructure spending by $550 billion over five years, including an additional $110 billion in U.S. roads and bridges, $65 billion for broadband, and approximately $17 billion for ports and waterways. The latter includes $2.5 billion specifically for inland waterways construction projects. The bill also includes a number of provisions designed to boost the resiliency of the agricultural supply chain, including $10 billion in grants to upgrade and strengthen the electric grid, an apprenticeship pilot program to address the nationwide truck driver shortage, as well as authorizing further investments in cybersecurity.

“NGFA members rely on a robust and competitive transportation system, including U.S. highways, bridges, inland waterways, ports and railways, to efficiently and competitively serve domestic and global markets,” Seyfert noted. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will enhance the efficient and cost-effective transport of agricultural and food products resulting in substantial contributions and opportunities for U.S. economic growth and trade.”

NGFA members sent letters to their House representatives urging them to support the infrastructure deal. The Senate passed the legislation on Aug. 10.



Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement following passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill will now go to President Biden for his signature.   

“This is a transformative, historic investment for America as President Biden delivers on his promise to rebuild the physical infrastructure of our country, grow the economy for decades to come, create good-paying, union jobs, and better position us to compete in a global economy.  

“As we make significant progress in closing the digital divide and delivering 21st century broadband, farmers will have access to real-time information and new technologies needed to maintain their competitive edge, small businesses will be able to develop their markets, and rural communities can become better connected to jobs, telemedicine, and distance learning.

“As we repair crumbling roads and bridges and make much-needed investments in our ports, waterways, and rail transit, we will connect agriculture and rural communities to more markets and more economic opportunity. Upgraded power infrastructure, environmental remediation, and clean and safe drinking water will power and revitalize communities historically left behind.

“As we invest in green infrastructure, we will preserve our lands and natural resources and the outdoor recreation opportunities they provide for so many Americans. At the same time, we will respond to the climate crisis by increasing community resiliency and conducting critical work on our farms and in our forests to mitigate wildfires, support farmers and ranchers grappling with drought, and improve watersheds and water supply in the West.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to build up rural America with wealth that stays in rural communities, jobs you can raise a middle-class family on, and the ability to compete around the world. I’m thankful to those in Congress who drove this bipartisan legislation over the finish line, and to President Biden for his leadership for America’s working families. Now, let’s get to work and see to it that the benefits of modern infrastructure reach every corner of country.”  



Farmers Union Hails House Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), which is a key part of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda. This historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill finally addresses the critical infrastructure needs of family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued the following statement:

“The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a momentous achievement in boosting our rural communities and the economy as a whole. The bill strengthens our food supply chain as it makes tremendous, much-needed investments in the roads, bridges, dams, and waterways that family farmers and ranchers depend on. The bill also updates hours-of-service regulations for agriculture and livestock haulers, which will keep our crops, inputs, and livestock moving.

“Rural America, like the rest of the country, needs access to high-speed internet, and this bill will make affordable broadband available to the 19 million Americans who have lived offline.

“Provisions in the bill will also help us respond to the climate crisis by increasing the resiliency of watersheds, improving water infrastructure in the west to address more frequent droughts, and by investing in wildfire mitigation.

“This bill, as part of the greater Build Back Better Agenda, recognizes that rural American vitality is key to ensuring the prosperity of our country. We thank President Biden for keeping with his promise and his leadership, and urge Congress to take action on passing the rest of the President’s plan.”



Infrastructure Plan to Spur Growth in Rural America

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the bipartisan infrastructure package.

“While AFBF was disappointed with the unnecessary delays in the House of Representatives, we appreciate Congress finally passing crucial bipartisan infrastructure legislation. We cannot afford to ignore the millions of miles of roadways, waterways and railways rural America relies on to keep our country fed, especially as we see widespread supply chain challenges.

“Extending broadband to rural communities is just as much a priority. A quarter of America’s farm families have no high-speed internet access while working to meet the needs of a growing world. Investments in physical infrastructure like broadband will be critical to bridging the digital divide.

“Bipartisan efforts such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provide commonsense solutions to our nation’s infrastructure challenges, and we look forward to seeing the bill signed into law.”



USDA Underscores Commitment to Climate Action at COP26

At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) this week, United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack underscored the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s support for President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to combating climate change and creating good-paying jobs and economic growth in the United States. At meetings and events throughout the conference, Secretary Vilsack highlighted USDA partnerships and initiatives that put agriculture, forestry and rural communities at the center of global solutions to the climate crisis.

“Climate change is happening, and it threatens to disrupt our food systems, worsen food insecurity and negatively impact the livelihoods of our agricultural producers,” Vilsack said. “Now is the time for global action to address climate change. Together, we can lead the way with investments in climate-smart solutions that improve the profitability and resilience of agricultural producers, and improve forest health, while creating new income opportunities and building wealth that stays in rural communities.”

Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate
After President Biden joined leaders from the United Arab Emirates in officially launching the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) on Nov. 2, Secretary Vilsack participated in numerous events to coalesce support for the landmark initiative.

“USDA is proud to be one of the U.S. government agencies spearheading this global effort to accelerate investment in innovative, science-based solutions to increase food security and help agriculture and food systems mitigate and adapt to climate change. By catalyzing greater public and private investment and cross-sectoral partnerships, AIM for Climate will lead to rapid and transformative climate action across the world,” he said.

Already, nearly 80 countries and non-government partners have joined in support and AIM for Climate has garnered $4 billion in increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation, with the U.S. mobilizing $1 billion over the next five years.

USDA Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative
Secretary Vilsack highlighted USDA’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Partnership Initiative, which he first announced during U.N. Climate Week in September. The initiative will connect agricultural producers who are implementing climate-smart practices with retailers, companies and consumers who are demanding low-carbon agricultural commodities.

“We’re positioning U.S. farmers, ranchers and forest landowners as leaders in addressing climate change, while at the same time creating new market opportunities for them through pilot projects that invest in science, monitoring and verification to measure the benefits of climate-smart production practices,” Vilsack said. “Unlocking these markets will be key to tapping into the incentives needed to adopt climate-smart practices on the ground.”

Pathways to Dairy Net Zero
Secretary Vilsack announced USDA’s support of the newly launched Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, an initiative to help accelerate climate action in the global dairy sector, bringing together organizations throughout the dairy supply chain and dairy farms of every size and type around the world to collectively achieve net zero emissions in the next 30 years.

“Livestock, including dairy, can provide critical climate solutions. Sustainably managed livestock systems play an important role globally in food and nutrition security, livelihoods and nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Increasing the rate of adoption of feed management, manure management and digesters will be key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions including methane,” he said.



National Farmers Union President Rob Larew Speaks on Panel at COP26

Friday, NFU President Rob Larew joined a panel discussion at COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, to discuss the future of climate-smart agriculture. The panel, moderated by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, included farm and ranch, environmental, and private industry representation. During the discussion, President Larew highlighted the important role farmers and ranchers play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while building resilience on their farms.

“It is essential that family farmers and ranchers have a strong voice in discussions about climate solutions,” said President Larew. “Climate change threatens farmer livelihoods, rural communities, and the entire food system. Agriculture is also uniquely positioned to combat climate change while building resilience to weather extremes if armed with the right tools and resources.”

In support of the central goal of COP26—to tackle the climate crisis—NFU submitted comments earlier this week on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forthcoming Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (CSAF) Partnership Program. The program is expected to create new market opportunities for climate smart agricultural products, improving the profitability and resilience of farmers and ranchers.

“We are hopeful that USDA’s new program will play a pivotal role in helping farmers adapt to evolving conditions, while also incentivizing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon in the soil,” said President Larew. “This program must build upon the important work farmers and ranchers are already doing to address climate change on their farms, while also promoting fair and competitive climate-smart agricultural markets.”



EPA Rejects SRE Request

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied one of the 30 small refinery exemptions (SRE) pending for the 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Compliance year and of 65 total pending. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in response:

“As our industry awaits three years' of Renewable Volume Obligations from EPA, we hope today’s SRE denial is an indication that they are working toward getting the RFS back on track,” said Skor. “For too long, refiners have misused SREs as a way avoid their statutory requirements to blend more clean, renewable fuels, and we’re encouraged that today’s SRE denial means that this SRE abuse will be a practice of the past. If our country wants to achieve the climate goals being discussed this week at COP26, we need to blend more cleaner-burning biofuels, not less, and EPA should take this into consideration when issuing the upcoming RVOs.”



RFA ‘Greatly Encouraged’ by EPA Rejection of Small Refinery Exemption

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today denied one small refinery exemption petition that had been filed by a refiner looking to escape its renewable fuel blending obligations under the Clean Air Act for the 2019 compliance year. Today’s action marks the first SRE denial decision by EPA under the Biden administration. The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper:
 
“We are greatly encouraged by EPA’s decision to deny this bailout request from an oil refinery that has continually attempted to dodge its legal obligations to blend low-carbon renewable fuels. It appears EPA and DOE are indeed following the criteria for deciding SRE petitions established by the Tenth Circuit Court decision in the RFA et al. v. EPA case. Our industry lost more than 4 billion gallons of demand due to the previous administration’s rampant abuse of the SRE program, and we are pleased to see that the days of EPA-induced demand destruction appear to be behind us. EPA’s new leadership appears to be making good on its promises to rein in the SRE program, and today’s decision is consistent with the new policy direction announced by EPA earlier this year and President Biden’s position that the last administration’s SRE abuse was a ‘gigantic mistake.’ However, 65 exemption petitions are still pending and we urge the Agency to swiftly deny any and all remaining applications that fail to pass the common-sense test established by the Tenth Circuit.”
 
After updating its dashboard today, EPA reports that 65 small refinery exemption petitions remain pending. In addition to today’s denial, EPA under the Biden administration has reversed three exemptions granted by the previous administration, and 15 pending SRE petitions have been withdrawn.