Thursday November 11 Ag News

 Risk Management Workshops for Cattle Producers Scheduled

Nebraska Extension will host risk management workshops for cattle producers Nov. 17, 18 and Dec. 1, in Arthur, Stapleton and Wahoo. The meetings will highlight strategies designed to reduce risk exposure to achieve a profitable outcome during uncertain times.

Current issues facing the cattle industry will be discussed to help producers to make more informed decisions facing the industry.

Topics will include managing drought risk with PRF insurance, managing price risk and strategies to achieve better profitability. Specific marketing tools covered during the workshop to manage price risk will include futures and options as well as Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance. Participants will be guided through a case study to better understand strategies discussed during the workshop.  

The workshop is free and a meal will be provided, but registration is required one day prior to start of each workshop to ensure an accurate meal count. Dates and locations are:
    Nov. 17, 5-8:30 p.m. in Arthur at the Bunkhouse Bar and Grill, 306 Fir St. (Register by calling 308-532-2683).
    Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Stapleton at the Logan County Fairgrounds, 24 Ave. 70 (Register by calling 308-532-2683).
    Dec. 1, 5-8:30 p.m. in Wahoo at the Saunders County Fairgrounds, 635 E. 1st St. (Register by calling 402-624-8030.

Funding for this project is provided in partnership with the USDA-NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.



NeFU Pleased to Support the 2021 Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) congratulated the 2021 Nebraska Wind & Solar Conference held in Lincoln November 8th and 9th on their successful event. The Conference had over 300 participants, 50 speakers, 27 exhibitors, and 25 sponsors.  There was a bumper crop of good information shared on timely topics.

NeFU President John Hansen serves as the Chair of this annual conference. The conference covers a wide range of topics that impact wind and solar development.   

NeFU distributed their “Growing the Rural Economy with Wind” handout at their exhibitor booth.  The latest data shows that wind development in Nebraska has produced compelling rural economic benefits:
·         $13.3 million of new annual income for farmers, ranchers, and landowners
·         $17.67 million of new annual local tax revenues
·         400 estimated new direct good paying jobs with benefits, and 7,640 new construction phase jobs
·         $4.66 billion of new capital investment and new tax base

“Every one of the 1,140 wind turbines spread around rural Nebraska represents an $11,000 or more part-time job that that farmer, rancher, or landowner does not have to go to leave their operation to earn. Not one of those 1,140 wind turbines was put on land without the voluntary and willing consent of the landowner. Private property rights allow landowners to say either yes or no to wind development. We need to remember that door swings both ways” said NeFU President John Hansen.

Hansen said he was pleased with the forward looking content of this year’s conference. Topics discussed included different ways to produce and utilize hydrogen, the impact of electrical vehicles on the grid, battery storage, how changing weather and climate patterns impact might impact future wind and solar generation, and is already impacting the electrical grid from extreme weather events. Hansen participated in the “It all begins with landowners” and the “Planning and Zoning Regulations for Solar” workshops.

NeFU believes renewable energy including wind and solar energy represent new “valued added” economic opportunities for Nebraska agriculture because landowners make the decision on whether or not to develop and benefit from the renewable energy resources from the wind and sunshine on their lands. We should add additional value to ag commodities or natural resources we own or control when we can.

Hansen urged people who want to know more about the opportunities and issues impacting renewable energy development to go to the Nebraska Wind and Solar website: https://www.nebraskawsc.com/ Past presentations are videotaped and organized by both year and issue area.



Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Optimizing Nitrogen Application Rates for Corn

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Nov. 17 at noon CST will feature Sotirios Archontoulis, associate professor of agronomy at Iowa State University. Archontoulis conducts research to identify practices that increase both crop productivity and environmental sustainability. The research has produced data pointing toward practices that balance nitrogen fertilizer application and system utilization in corn crops.

In the webinar, “Past, Present and Future Optimum N Rates for Corn,” Archontoulis will draw on the results of field experiments and simulation models to describe future sustainable and profitable cropping systems that could be widely deployed. He will also discuss how N fertilizer affects soil-root-plant processes from a systems perspective, and how this model provides guidance in the determination of optimum N application rates for corn crops.

“Nitrogen is critically important to productivity in agricultural crops, but it is also a critical contributor to water quality degradation when unused N is transported to waterways,” said Archontoulis. “Striking a balance in N application rates that provide the needed nourishment without contributing to leaching of N into waterways is the goal of much of our research. The ability to predict optimum N rates is probably five times more difficult than predicting crop yields, but we are making solid progress and are eager to see field results across greater scales.”

Webinar participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions
Shortly before noon CST Nov. 17:
    Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.
    Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.
    Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923; 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.
    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.



Online Crop Marketing Course Now Open

Want to improve your understanding of crop marketing at your own pace with an online course? The Online Crop Marketing Course is a non-credit professional certificate course offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and registration is now open.

The course provides learning opportunities for various crop marketing strategies and tools to develop your crop marketing plans. You can explore futures and options contracts, futures carry, futures price movements, and basis and cost of grain ownership trends. The interactive online course format consists of video presentations and 13 modules with crop marketing information and quizzes.

What was once exclusively a face-to-face workshop is now available online. This course uses active learning tools to give you crop marketing expertise courtesy of Patrick Hatting, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, and Ed Kordick, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager.

This is a non-credit professional course, and the anticipated completion will take approximately four weeks. The Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship Rebate: The Online Crop Marketing Course has a fee of $200. The Iowa Farm Bureau will rebate $50 to an Iowa Farm Bureau farm member who completes the course and sends the completion certificate to Ed Kordick (ekordick@ifbf.org).

Available: Nov. 10, 2021, through Mar. 15, 2022.

Registration closes Feb. 11, 2022. Register online to participate https://www.agonline.iastate.edu/noncredit/crop-marketing.



USMEF Conference Focuses on Booming Demand, Supply-Side Challenges

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference and Board of Directors Meeting got underway Nov. 10 in Carlsbad, Calif. USMEF Chair Pat Binger, who heads international sales for Cargill Protein North America, welcomed members from across the nation – including farmers, ranchers, processors, exporters and traders – to the organization's first in-person meeting since 2019.

Binger previewed the conference agenda by noting that attendees will learn exciting details about booming demand for U.S. red meat in both established and emerging markets, but cautioned that the U.S. industry faces significant production and delivery hurdles.

"I see an agenda filled with excellent speakers and very timely topics – many of which are supply-side obstacles and challenges we would rather not be featuring, but that's the world in which we live today," Binger said. "Let us never lose sight of the fact that USMEF is first and foremost a demand-building organization. But with limited opportunities to meet in-person, it is important that we also share as much information and expertise as possible on our current transportation challenges, tight labor supplies and growing regulatory concerns."

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom expanded on these themes in his address to USMEF members, explaining that demand for U.S. red meat may be at the most robust level he has ever seen. He noted that U.S. beef exports to Japan, South Korea and China/Hong Kong are all on track to exceed $2 billion this year, and pork exports are up slightly in volume and significantly in value over last year's record pace. Halstrom explained that total red meat export value will reach about $18 billion this year, including more than $2 billion in variety meat. This represents a rebound for variety meat exports, which took a step back in 2020 but have recovered this year due to strong demand in a wide range of markets.

Halstrom tempered his optimism, however, due to West Coast port congestion and other transportation obstacles, as well as a persistent labor shortage and heightening regulatory burdens. He noted that international customers, especially those in Asia who purchase chilled U.S. red meat, are increasingly concerned about timely delivery of these products. Halstrom noted that this situation threatens the U.S. industry's longstanding reputation as a reliable supplier.

Mark Swanson, USMEF chair-elect and CEO of Colorado-based Birko Corporation, presented members with the new USMEF Strategic Plan that will help guide the federation's activities and priorities over the next five years. Swanson complimented all the industry sector representatives who participated in the strategic planning process and asked members to carefully review the plan before considering it for final approval at the closing business session on Nov. 12.

Wednesday's general session concluded with a keynote address from author and nationally syndicated columnist John Manzella, who called the COVID-19 pandemic a black swan event that changed the way American businesses view and evaluate risk. Manzella described how the pandemic, a growing trend toward protectionism and other challenges such as U.S.-China trade tensions have caused risk mitigation to play an increasingly important role in guiding the production and supply of U.S. products.

Manzella explained that diversification in sourcing, manufacturing and exporting is the way to mitigate risk. While he called on U.S. companies to implement new strategies for attracting and retaining workers, Manzella emphasized that automation is the most likely key to achieving sustained gains in productivity.

The conference continues Thursday with a panel discussion focused on ocean transportation obstacles for U.S. exporters, featuring Port of Long Beach executive Noel Hacegaba and longtime transportation journalist Bill Mongelluzzo of Journal of Commerce. A second panel will examine regulatory challenges for American and European agriculture, featuring Christine McCracken of RaboResearch and Rupert Claxton of global consulting firm Gira.

Activities will conclude on Friday with the election of USMEF officers and an update from USMEF Korea Director Jihae Yang. With USMEF marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of its Seoul office, Yang will recap the rebuilding of consumer confidence in the safety of U.S. beef, benefits achieved in the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and other factors that have helped make Korea a leading destination for U.S. red meat.



EPA Fines Pesticide Applicator for Alleged Violations of Federal Pesticide Law on Kansas Farms

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penalized Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. for allegedly applying pesticides that were cancelled by the federal government and applying them in a manner inconsistent with the products’ labeling. The Colorado-based company, which sells, distributes, and applies pesticides mainly for farming operations, will pay $668,100.

“It’s critical that pesticide applicators follow labeling requirements to prevent off-site movement of pesticides that can damage non-target crops,” said Acting EPA Region 7 Administrator Edward H. Chu. “This enforcement action demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to ensuring the safe use and distribution of pesticide products.”

In 2020, EPA cancelled the use of certain pesticides containing the active ingredient dicamba, in response to a Ninth Circuit Court order vacating the registration of those pesticides. The Court cited, among other things, evidence that dicamba could drift onto neighboring crops and damage them during high winds. In its cancellation order, EPA said that farmers could use their existing stocks of three pesticides containing dicamba until July 31, 2020, but that applicators must adhere to all product labeling requirements.

According to EPA, Nutrien Ag Solutions violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act when it allegedly used two dicamba products in a manner inconsistent with the approved label on at least 27 occasions, in violation of the Agency’s cancellation order. Further, EPA alleged that the company violated the law on 33 occasions when it applied other dicamba products on multiple Kansas farms during periods of high wind speeds in violation of pesticide label requirements.

Nutrien Ag Solutions has taken steps to address the alleged violations, including conducting trainings on pesticide applications, working with pesticide applicators to comply with label and other requirements, and improving its recordkeeping practices.



NAFA Releases 2022 Alfalfa Variety Ratings

The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) released the 2022 edition of its popular “Alfalfa Variety Ratings - Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistant Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties” - a useful tool for hay and livestock farmers, extension specialists, agri-business personnel or anyone involved in the production of alfalfa.     

     NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings is a publication unlike any other in providing an extensive listing of alfalfa varieties and their corresponding ratings for fall dormancy, winter survival, bacterial wilt, aphanomyces, leafhopper, and a host of other pests. The publication also includes other ratings such as grazing tolerance and standability to provide you the information you need to make educated decisions about the alfalfa varieties which will perform best in a given environment. All varieties listed in the Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication can be purchased in the United States for the 2022 production year.

     The 2022 edition of NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings features 178 alfalfa varieties from 16 marketers and has been verified with the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board (NAVRB).

     If you’d prefer an electronic option, try NAFA’s searchable, online Alfalfa Variety Ratings database where you can make the process of narrowing alfalfa varietal choices even easier. Available at alfalfa.org/varietyratings.php, NAFA’s searchable database allows you to search for varieties using up to 23 different parameters like variety name, marketer, fall dormancy, winter survival, disease resistance, and insect resistance. NAFA has made finding the perfect variety as effortless as possible.

NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication is available in the November issue of Hay & Forage Grower magazine or by visiting NAFA’s website at alfalfa.org.



New Study Demonstrates Ethanol Blend Compatibility Of Vehicles Around The World
USGC Newsletter

A new study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is out now that shows all vehicles in the study countries are highly likely to be compatible with E10. Motorcycles and scooters similarly analyzed in India and Indonesia have full compatibility with E10, and many are also compatible with E15.

The study looks at the impact of ethanol-blended fuel at various levels on “in-operation” vehicles built to differing emissions and manufacturing standards around the world. Vehicles in Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Mexico were the primary focus. And, because motorcycles and scooters dominate the markets for India and Indonesia, motorcycle fleets for these countries are also assessed.

“As countries around the world create their ethanol policies and implement transportation fuel oxygenate requirements to help reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and fuel production costs, the global demand for ethanol will expand, as does the need to understand the compatibility and use of ethanol in global markets,” said Stella Qian, USGC manager of global ethanol market development and project lead.

“While nearly 50 countries have Paris Agreement commitments to use biofuels like ethanol to reduce their transport sector emissions, biofuels account for only three percent of the global transportation fuel demand. Understanding how ethanol can be used successfully in all vehicles currently in service is paramount.”

The study assessed the ethanol blend compatibility of vehicles in the target countries by evaluating the emissions standards that have been in place there while correlating those standards with similar ones in the U.S. The Experian Vehicles in Operation database was then used to profile the fleets of vehicles in the countries by model year and emissions standard technology level.

“We did not identify any specific engine or vehicle designs, or engineering practices, that could cause issues when operating on ethanol,” said NREL’s Senior Research Fellow Robert McCormick. McCormick leads the fuels and combustion science group.

“Based on the experiences of the United States and Brazil introducing E10 during the 1970s, it is highly likely that all vehicles globally are compatible with E10.”

Additionally, there is a compelling case that all vehicles at the U.S. Tier 1 (or equivalent) emissions-control technology level or higher are fully compatible with E15. Strong evidence and real-world experience also support that U.S. Tier 2 technology level vehicles have materials of construction and engine control authority for compatibility with E20.

Beginning with a virtual webinar in India in late November, the Council will present the study to policymakers and ethanol stakeholders through its global offices. The study's rollout will continue throughout 2022, aiming to provide additional evidence and clarification on how ethanol can be used successfully in all vehicles currently in service.



 Kansas auctioneer wins World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Midwestern qualifier     
 
Andrew Sylvester of Wamego, Kan. was named champion at the 2022 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) Midwestern Region qualifying event. Cherokee Sales Co., located in Cherokee, Okla., hosted the second of three WLAC qualifying events on Wednesday, October 10. A total of 30 contestants competed for a top ten placing, which would grant them a spot in the 2022 WLAC semifinals at Shipshewana Auction, Inc. in Shipshewana, Ind.
 
“It’s truly humbling,” Sylvester said. “I honestly wasn’t expecting this. My goal was to come here and not embarrass my family, my livestock market or myself. I just tried my best to come in genuine, and get up there and do my job.”

This was Sylvester’s first appearance in a WLAC qualifying event, where he also walked away with the title of High Score Rookie.

“Am I a rookie?” Sylvester said. “Yes – I've never been to the contest before, but I’ve been selling cattle for a few years and I’ve been involved in the industry during that time.”

Sylvester originally started auctioneering with the interest of selling purebred cattle, but realized he was more interested in all facets of the livestock and livestock marketing industries. He currently serves as the auctioneer for Manhattan Commission Company in Manhattan, Kan. and Crossroads Real Estate & Auction.
 
A live cattle sale took place, with the market’s regular buyers and sellers in the seats. Auctioneer contestants were judged on the clarity and quality of their chant, presentation, ability to catch bids/conduct the sale and how likely the judge would be to hire the auctioneer. Judges for the qualifying event were livestock market owners, managers, dealers and/or allied industry members from across the nation.
 
Individuals advancing to the semifinals with Sylvester are Zach Ballard, Presho, S.D.; Reserve Champion Justin Dodson, Welch, Okla.; Runner-Up Will Epperly, Dunlap, Iowa; Brandon Hamel, Natoma, Kan.; Lynn Langvardt, Chapman, Kan.; Kyle Layman, North Platte, Neb.; Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.; Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan.; Dustin Smith, Jay, Okla.
 
Other contestants who competed were Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Mo.; Spencer Cline, Kingston, Ark.; Keelan Dunn, Bowie, Texas; Quest Flesner, Hannibal, Mo.; Jacob Hills, Ridgeway, Wis.; Calvin Hollis, Mannford, Okla.; Michael Imbrogno, Turlock, Calif.; John Kisner, Hays, Kan.; Josh Larson, Haxtun, Colo.; Lane Marbach, Victoria, Texas; Tilon Mast, Auburn, Neb.; Clayton Neumann, Ringwood, Okla.; Lander Nicodemus, Cheyenne, Wyo.; Ross Parks, New Concord, Ohio; Kade Rogge, Rupert, Idaho; Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kan.; Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Va.; Lonnie Stripe, Humeston, Iowa; Andrew Sylvester, Wamego, Kan.; Scott Twardowski, Swanville, Minn.; Corbitt Wall, Canyon, Texas.



USDA Invests $20.2 Million in Grants for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $20.2 million in the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives. DBI awarded $18.4 million to three current Initiatives at University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency for Food and Marketing and University of Wisconsin, and $1.8 million to the California State University Fresno.

Since its inception in 2019, DBI initiatives have provided valuable technical assistance and sub-grants to dairy farmers and businesses across their regions, assisting them with business plan development, marketing and branding, as well as, increasing access to innovative production and processing techniques to support the development of value-added products.

“These awards will expand the scope of the Dairy Business Innovation program and provide much-needed support to small dairy farms and businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “In addition to initiatives in the Southeast, Northeast and Midwest, a new initiative for the Pacific Coast is funded, led by California State University Fresno. These DBI initiatives provide the dairy industry with additional capacity and expertise that will go beyond immediate assistance and set the stage for a more secure future.”

University of Tennessee – The University of Tennessee’s Center for Profitable Agriculture provides educational opportunities to help producers starting or expanding a dairy business in the Southeast (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) to manage financial risk by evaluating opportunities to develop and market value-added dairy products.

University of Wisconsin – The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, a partnership between the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, works with regional collaborators across five Midwest states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Illinois) to provide expertise, resources and insights to support dairy business innovation.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets – The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative focuses on three strategic development areas: direct assistance to farmers, consumer engagement and value-added production and processing to states in the Northeast - Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

California State University Fresno (NEW) – California State University Fresno will lead a collaborative effort leveraging existing dairy industry resources, including institutions of higher education; state dairy promotion programs; research organizations; and industry stakeholders to spur regional dairy innovation by assisting dairy businesses in developing higher value uses for their milk, diversifying their markets and income, and realizing increased returns. The Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative will support dairy businesses in California, Washington, and Oregon.

AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural products market opportunities, while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services, and Congressionally funded grants.

To learn more about AMS’s investments in enhancing and strengthening agricultural systems, visit www.ams.usda.gov/grants.



CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS FOCUSED ON AG-TECH AND DAIRY FOODS

Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 DFA CoLAB Accelerator program, which will begin in April and run through June 2022. The program, now in its sixth year, is designed to foster relationships with startup companies and help advance innovative solutions in the areas of ag-tech and dairy food products.

“At DFA, our mission is to deliver value to our family farm-owners. This program is one way that we’re investing in new opportunities for the industry and helping drive innovation on the farm and in the dairy case,” says Doug Dresslaer, director of innovation at DFA. “What’s particularly exciting with our program is that we continue to work with many of our past participants, which is the end goal to really develop long-term relationships.”

Key Criteria for Applicants
For the 2022 program, DFA’s CoLAB Accelerator is looking for ag-tech companies with applications or technologies related to any portion of the dairy value chain, including but not limited to animal health, farm data management, herd health and management, supply chain optimization, farm labor and sustainability. Some ag-tech categories of particular interest to DFA include antibiotic alternatives, renewable or alternative energy methods, farm labor solutions, food waste technologies, automation and robotics, on-farm connectivity, animal identification and monitoring and animal transport technologies to name a few.

On the food front, the farmer-owned Cooperative is seeking early-stage food product companies that are dairy-focused or dairy-based, including products using milk, cheese, butter, whey or other dairy-based ingredients. Companies developing innovative processing or manufacturing technologies for dairy products, including sustainable packaging, will also be considered.

DFA’s CoLAB Accelerator includes:
    90-day immersive program, with both in-person and virtual training from April to June 2022
    Access to top executives at DFA, with each startup having a senior-level DFA contact relevant to their business area
    Educational sessions on a variety of topics important for startup growth, including finance, business development, distribution and supply chain, product development, brand building, sales and marketing, packaging and pricing
    Additional workshops that focus on areas such as leadership development, team building and creating company culture

The 2022 DFA CoLAB Accelerator will begin in early April 2022 and the program application is available here. For additional information about DFA’s CoLAB Accelerator program, visit colab.dfamilk.com.



R-CALF USA Issues Statement on Compromise of 50/14 Bill

Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) jointly announced what they called a compromise Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Bill. The final language of the compromise is not yet publicly available.

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement in response to the compromise’s announcement:

“For nearly seven years, the cattle market has remained structurally and systemically broken. Billions of dollars in equity continues to be extracted from independent cattle producers and the rural communities they support, and that equity continues to be transferred to the coffers of both domestic-based and foreign-based multinational companies.

“We continue losing untold numbers of independent cow/calf producers, backgrounders and farmer-feeders.

“We and other cattle groups went to Washington and asked Congress to administer triage to halt the ongoing destruction of our industry as we know it today. We asked Congress to immediately force the dominant packers to begin competing for cattle and give consumers the opportunity to choose where they want their beef produced.

“Publicly available information does not indicate the compromise bill does what we asked. Nevertheless, we will carefully review the final language before passing judgement. We will determine if the bill can immediately restore lost competition to the market, if it can immediately ensure timely market access for all participants, if it treats all independent cattle producers and feeders equally, if it is compatible with our goal to write meaningful rules to implement the Packers and Stockyards Act, and if it truly rebalances the disparate market power between disaggregated cattle producers and the highly concentrated beef packers.    

“After we conduct that analysis, we will publicly disclose our findings. Meanwhile, we continue urging Congress to take this crisis seriously and to act fairly and decisively to preserve what’s left of America’s cattle industry.”



Brazil Raises 2021-22 Soybean, Total Corn Forecasts

Brazilian crop agency Conab raised its forecasts for soybean and corn production for the 2021-2022 growing season, predicting record harvests for both crops.

Brazilian farmers will produce 142 million metric tons of soybeans this season, the agency said Thursday. In October, the agency forecast a crop of 140.8 million tons. Brazil produced 137.3 million tons of soybeans in the 2020-2021 season.

Brazil is the world's biggest producer of soybeans, and farmers have boosted the area planted with the oilseeds every year for more than a decade as the country's farmers work to satisfy demand from China.

Brazilian farmers usually produce two crops per year taking advantage of the country's mild winters. They frequently plant soybeans in the southern hemisphere summer, then switch to corn in the winter.

Producers will grow a total of 116.7 million metric tons of corn this season, the agency said. In October, the agency forecast a total crop of 116.3 million tons. Brazil produced only 87 million tons of soybeans in the 2020-2021 season after a drought hit the winter crop.



American Angus Association completes a successful fiscal year
Briley Richard, Angus Communications

The American Angus Association® concluded a successful fiscal year, packed with member-wide achievements and industry-leading advances. The year marked the seventh-consecutive year of more than 300,000 registrations, with an additional 143,305 recorded transfers. The fiscal year, which concluded September 30, tallied a grand total of 27,560 regular and junior memberships combined.

Returning to normalcy after a year of cancellations and uncertainty, production sales experienced record-breaking averages with a 27.4% increase in female sale averages and a 13.6% increase in bull sale averages.

The Angus family hit new levels and historic records.

“This business has changed in such a huge way in a relatively short period of time,” says Mark McCully, CEO of the Association. “When you think about what we’re delivering to the consumer today, we’re delivering the highest quality product that our industry has ever delivered. In addition, we have more tools, better ways to describe feeder cattle and a progressive membership that has their eye on the future.”
           
Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, announced new leadership by appointing Kelli Retallick-Riley as president. AGI celebrated a milestone accomplishment of one million genotypes, only possible with the hard work of Angus breeders who are willing to invest in the technology. The use of these genotypes allows enhanced accuracy and predictability of difficult-to-measure traits. AGI continued work on tools that improve the profitability of the beef cattle industry, including collecting additional data for the hair shed research expected progeny difference (EPD) and introducing new udder scoring guidelines.

One thing that remained constant this year, as it has since its inception in 1883, is the Association’s dedication to its membership. This year Association members surpassed 20 million registrations, a feat that ensures the demand and value of registered Angus cattle industry-wide.
           
In efforts to keep focus on maternal traits and longevity, the Angus Herd Improvement Records program implemented the Inventory Reporting option. This simplified reporting method gives breeders the option to record difficult-to-reach traits while maintaining accurate herd records. Inventory reporting gives full credit to high-performing females, ensures a complete record of the herd, and provides insight on economically relevant traits.  The recorded traits then serve as decision-making tools for both commercial and seedstock producers.
           
As a cutting-edge source of information, Angus MediaSM created the “Feeder-Calf Marketing Guide,” a resource for commercial cattlemen using registered Angus bulls. The publication aided producers in their marketing decisions by providing tips, in-depth explanations of AngusLink SM and the Genetic Merit Scorecard®, commercial directories, and information on all process-verified programs offered through the Association’s Commercial Programs department. With its goal of providing cost effective and quality marketing services to Angus breeders, Angus Media produced a record 491 salebooks and 424 breeder websites.
           
The Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand affirmed its quality standard with another year of exceeding consumer expectations. Combined focus on genetics and management lead to a record-breaking 36.8% brand acceptance rate. Cattlemen earned $1.7 million per week in carcass-based premiums and CAB marked its second largest sales year on record at 1.215 billion pounds. It implemented a #RestaurantChallenge to support the struggling restaurant industry and worked with more than 19,000 licensed partners in 54 countries this year.
           
With the value of Angus cattle consistently increasing, the Association configured its new advertising campaign to emphasize the power of Angus. With the confusion of black-hided cattle in the marketplace, the campaign illustrates the confidence cattlemen can put in the power of EPD data, documented pedigrees, and marketing programs with the purchase of a registered Angus.
           
As a nod to George Grant’s arrival to North America with Angus genetics on May 17, 1873, the Angus Foundation hosted the inaugural Angus Day of Giving on May 17. The fundraising event included a series of mail, video and social media outreaches to promote the lasting effects of the Angus family. The campaign raised $14,000 of unrestricted funds, acquired more than 25 new donors and reached over 59,000 prospective donors.
           
To view the 2021 Annual Report with in-depth information about the year, visit angus.org/pub/annualreport.



ASI AWARDS NOMINATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DEC. 3

The American Sheep Industry Association has extended the deadline to nominate individuals or companies for industry awards until Dec. 3. Award winners will be recognized at the 2022 ASI Annual Convention on Jan. 19-22, 2022, in San Diego.

There are five awards open for nominations: The McClure Silver Ram Award, the Camptender Award, the Distinguished Producer Award, the Industry Innovation Award and the Shepherd’s Voice Award.

The McClure Silver Ram Award is dedicated to volunteer commitment and service and is presented to a sheep producer who has made substantial contributions to the sheep industry and its organizations in his/her state, region or nation. The award may recognize a lifetime of achievement or may recognize a noteworthy, shorter-term commitment and service to the industry.

The Camptender Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its producers above and beyond what is called for in his/her professional capacity. Nominees should be well respected in their fields by their peers and by sheep producers.

The Distinguished Producer Award was launched in 2014 to recognize the 150th anniversary of the national organization – the oldest livestock association in the country. This award is a way to recognize an individual who has had a significant long-term impact on the industry, including involvement with the National Wool Growers Association or American Sheep Producers Council, the predecessor groups to ASI.

The Industry Innovation Award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual or organization that improves the American sheep industry in a game-changing way, regardless of whether its impact is felt at the regional or national level.

The Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recognizes outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry by either print or broadcast outlets. The award excludes all publications and affiliates related solely to the sheep industry, allowing for recognition of outlets with general coverage for excellence in covering sheep industry issues.

Nominations must be submitted to ASI by Dec. 3, and past recipients of these awards are not eligible. To receive an application, call 303-771-3500 or email info@sheepusa.org.



Syngenta Donates $12,050 to Local FFA Chapters

Syngenta is donating $12,050 to local chapters of the National FFA® Organization to help support ongoing training and programming for future agriculture leaders and their communities.

“Syngenta understands the importance of innovation and community — from developing relevant and localized site trials at Grow More Experience sites across the country to donating $12,050 to local FFA chapters,” says Ann Vail, Syngenta customer event and trade show lead. “Donations like these continue to support students who are the future of American agriculture, providing them with education, resources and opportunities to further their involvement and passion for the ag industry.”

Dean Grossnickle, Syngenta agronomy service representative in Iowa, adds, “FFA played a huge role in my career. In addition to learning about different aspects of agriculture, being involved in FFA in high school helped me get out of my comfort zone and taught me to be a leader. Now that I am on the other side and get to work with FFA students, I’m able to benefit from their curiosity about the industry.”

The donation amount is determined by the number of visitors who attended field events hosted at Syngenta Grow More™ Experience and Golden Harvest® Agronomy in Action sites. Site hosts encouraged visitors to complete a digital registration form. For every form completed with a valid, personal email address, Syngenta donated $5 to that site’s designated local FFA chapter(s).

The Grow More Experience and Agronomy in Action site events continuously provide visitors with educational opportunities, including hands-on agronomic trials and product demonstrations. Supported by teams of local agronomic experts, each site exhibits the latest agricultural technology and products, showcasing how Syngenta seeks to accelerate innovation by addressing the local environmental and economic needs of growers.

For more information about the Grow More Experience and Agronomy in Action sites and how to visit a site in 2022, contact a local Syngenta representative.