Friday December 17 Ag News

USDA Announces Additional Farm Service Agency and Rural Development State Directors

Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint four U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and five Rural Development (RD) State Directors.

“As USDA continues to work toward improving the lives of all Americans, we welcome these talented individuals who will each play a key role in advancing that shared mission,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each of them will add to the experienced, dedicated and growing team at the Department.”

Kate Bolz, RD State Director for Nebraska
A sixth generation Nebraskan, Kate Bolz grew up on a family farm in Otoe County. Kate brings extensive economic and community development experience to Rural Development and USDA, having served as the Mayoral Aide for Economic Development for the City of Lincoln where she focused on workforce training and small business development programs. Bolz also spent time in the state legislature as a State Senator. She led efforts to invest in higher education and economic development as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Economic Development Task Force. In addition to her legislative work, Bolz served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Service Providers and as an adjunct professor at Union College. Kate received her bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.

RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.



Nebraska Farmers Union Pleased With Kate Bolz’s Appointment to Head USDA Rural Development

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) was extremely pleased with the appointment of former Nebraska State Senator Kate Bolz to head Nebraska USDA Rural Development. Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities depend on the programs administered by Rural Development.  

NeFU President John Hansen said, “We had a very positive working relationship with Kate Bolz during her eight years of service in the Nebraska Legislature. We know her well. Kate was born and raised on a farm and understands agriculture and rural communities and how important USDA Rural Development programs are to agriculture and rural communities. Senator Bolz did an outstanding job as a member of the Nebraska Legislature Appropriations. She asks good questions and does her homework. We believe she has a passion for rural development. Kate Bolz has the background and skills to head up Nebraska’s USDA Rural Development.”

Hansen said the two federal agricultural and rural appointments made by the Biden Administration so far, Roy Stoltenberg of Cairo on the Nebraska State FSA Committee and Kate Bolz of Lincoln to head USDA Rural Development were quality appointments. “We are hopeful that the rest of the Biden federal ag appointments will be made soon.”  



2022 Crop Production Clinics Begin Jan. 5

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 5, the 2022 Nebraska Crop Production Clinics will feature live presentations and present research updates and information tailored to regional crop issues and grower interests. Sponsored by Nebraska Extension, the programs will be held in-person on nine days throughout January, with the final clinic offered via zoom on Friday, Jan. 28.

Session topics will include crop production, insect management, pesticide safety, disease management, soil fertility, water management, weed management, and agribusiness management and marketing.

Pesticide applicator recertification training will also be available.

Clinic dates and locations are as follows:
    Jan. 5 — Gering Civic Center, Gering
    Jan. 6 — Mid-Plains Community College – South Campus, North Platte
    Jan. 11 — Northeast Community College, Norfolk
    Jan. 13 — Holiday Inn Express, Beatrice
    Jan. 19 — C3 Hotel & Convention Center, Hastings
    Jan. 21 — Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC), Ithaca
    Jan. 25 — Younes Conference Center, Kearney
    Jan. 26 — Holthus Convention Center, York
    Jan. 28 — Virtual via Zoom

Individual clinics will be customized to address topics specific to that area of the state, allowing growers to get research-based information on the issues they face locally.

Visit the Crop Production Clinics 2022 website for the most up-to-date information http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.

Registration is available online for each location. Pre-registration is required and costs $80.

Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available in these areas: crop production, nutrient management, integrated pest management, water management and professional development.

Pesticide Applicator Recertification: The clinics will offer commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicators a venue to renew their licenses in the General Standards, Ag Plant and Demonstration/Research categories.

The crop production clinics also will serve as a venue for private pesticide applicators to renew their licenses.



Center for Ag Profitability Webinars

Finding A Trusted Tax Advisor
Date: Jan. 6, 2022 Time: 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
With: Tina Barrett, Director, Nebraska Farm Business, Inc.

With the rapidly changing tax laws and ever-increasing complexity, it’s more important than ever that to find the right tax professional that understands the special rules that apply to farmers and ranchers to help you and your business stay in compliance and minimize your overall tax obligations. Tina Barrett will discuss what to look for in a tax advisor to help you navigate this part of your business.


Farm Program Details, Decisions, and Directions
Date: Jan. 20, 2022 Time: 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
With: Cathy Anderson, Production and Compliance Programs Chief for the USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency; and Brad Lubben, Extension Policy Specialist from UNL.

With a new year, agricultural producers and professionals face new farm program decisions and directions under the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) programs through USDA Farm Service Agency. This webinar will provide an update on farm programs and other relevant programs and assistance for producers. The webinar will highlight the details and decisions ahead for 2022 and also discuss the path ahead for farm programs as initial ideas and plans begin to surface for the next farm bill due in 2023. Cathy Anderson, Production and Compliance Programs Chief for the USDA Nebraska Farm Service Agency and Brad Lubben, Extension Policy Specialist from UNL Department of Agricultural Economics will present the webinar and share information relevant for producers, ag professionals, and ag stakeholders.


Developing Your Business Plan With AgPlan
Date: Jan. 27, 2022 Time: 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
With: Curtis Mahnken, Extension Economist, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota.

You have likely had someone tell you that you NEED a business plan. For good reason - a business plan helps you tell your business story to others. People understand how you operate, who does the operation, how you market your business, your financial picture, and perhaps most importantly - WHY you are in that business to begin with. In “Developing Your Business Plan With AgPlan,” we will de-mystify the business plan writing process by discussing why it is important, how to write your plan, and then show you how easily it can be done in AgPlan.

More information at https://cap.unl.edu.  



Iowa Pork Congress is Back, January 26-27, 2022
    
The 2022 Iowa Pork Congress will be held Jan. 26 and 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. This event, organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), is North America’s largest winter swine trade show and conference.
 
A keynote presentation is scheduled for each day. On Wednesday, Jan. 26, communications consultant Vance Crowe will offer new ways for pork producers to tell their stories effectively, as well as find ways to build rapport with critics and stakeholders. Crowe has worked at the World Bank, National Public Radio, the U.S. Peace Corps, and Monsanto. He’ll remind producers of the past. “Most Americans have forgotten why we have a Wall Street, where Razorbacks came from, and the fact that many of our nation’s first roads were created by the hooves of pigs going to market.”
 
On Thursday, Jan. 27, economist Dr. Jayson Lusk of Purdue University will talk about his research on consumer willingness to pay, and his view about redesigning the American food system.
 
There will be seven other educational seminars, and training sessions on transportation and pork quality assurance, as well as the announcements of recipients of the Master Pork Producer awards, the Environmental Stewardship Award, and those selected for the 2022 Iowa Youth Leadership Team.
 
“The seminars and presenters that are lined up will provide producers with practical information that can be put in place immediately, as well as outlooks and ideas that can help guide future decision-making for both pig farmers and pork stakeholders,” said IPPA President Dennis Liljedahl, a pig farmer from Essex.
 
The trade show that will be held both days includes about 275 exhibitors. “This is always a major draw and one of the best educational opportunities for many,” Liljedahl said. “Every year, attendees can visit with representatives from companies that serve the pork industry. These companies come from Iowa, the U.S. and around the world to offer solutions that help our pork producers provide better care for their animals, become more efficient, and successful.”
 
The other educational seminars include a strong line-up. They include a look at economics for prices and supplies of both pigs and crops presented by Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns of Partners for Production Ag; pig health issues and updates on African swine fever and PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome); new information about effective manure application; and discussions about state and national lawsuits impacting pork producers.
 
Other activities and events will be held in association with the Iowa Pork Congress. The association’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, followed by a reception and Dollars for Scholars auction for the Iowa Pork Foundation. The Pork Congress Banquet where Master Pork Producers are announced is on Wednesday evening.
 
“Last January, we had to modify Pork Congress as mostly online with just a few in-person events. This year’s Pork Congress will offer the positive social interactions we missed last year. The IPPA Board and staff have worked hard over the last several months to produce the Iowa Pork Congress show we are well-known for, and will give pork producers many opportunities to improve their businesses,” said Liljedahl.
 
Registration
Pre-registration to attend the Iowa Pork Congress is available online. IPPA members can attend the tradeshow and conference at no cost by by using their registration code which has been emailed to them.
 
Non-IPPA members pay just $5 for online registration up until the day of the show.
 
Early online registration is highly encouraged to provide a quick and easy check-in on the days of the show.
 
For more information about events and registration, contact IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.



Registration open for IFBF’s ‘Together Again’ Young Farmer Conference

Registration is open for Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) 2022 Young Farmer Conference. This conference for farmers and agribusiness professionals, ages 18-35, will be held on Jan. 28-29 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

“After last year’s virtual conference, we’re excited to bring young farmers from across the state together for networking and learning—hence this year’s theme ‘Together Again’,” said Randy Francois, IFBF Young Farmer chair and pig farmer in Buchanan County. “My wife, Megan, and I have attended this event for eight years, and each year we walk away with new farm insights, connections and friendships.”

The conference commences with a selection of ag industry tours, including the Market to Market studio, the state Capitol and Historical Building, Iowa State University Meats Lab, Kemin and Nichols Cryo Genetics. A social and evening entertainment by comedian Greg Warren, who will share about using humor to overcome failure, will conclude the first day.

On Jan. 29, attendees can choose breakout sessions on carbon markets, direct to consumer marketing, soil fertility, livestock building regulations, farm safety, succession planning, meat science to enhance grilling techniques, electric pressure cooking, young farmer financial programs, conservation planning, cover crops, landlord relationships, cattle herd management, small grain production and stress coping techniques. Motivational speaker, Dr. David Griffin, will top off the night with a talk on overcoming the “That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It” mindset.

During the conference, the three finalists for IFBF’s Grow Your Future Award will pitch their ag-related business to a panel of judges for a chance to win a $7,500 grand prize. Attendees can also participate in the IFBF Discussion Meet, a “cooperative” style discussion on challenges impacting agriculture and rural America. Winners of this preliminary round will compete at the 2022 IFBF annual meeting in December for a chance to represent IFBF during the American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet at their annual convention.

Register by Jan. 14 for this members-only event by contacting your local county Farm Bureau office. To view the full conference agenda or become an IFBF member, visit the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference website https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Farmer-Resources/Farm-Bureau-Leaders/Young-Farmer-Program/Young-Farmer-Conference.



USDEC and NMPF Applaud USDA, DOT Strong Message of Support for Agricultural Exporters

On behalf of dairy farmers and manufacturers across the country, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) praised yesterday’s strong message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) urging the world’s leading ocean carriers to reform their practices to provide better service to U.S. agricultural exporters. The letter specifically referenced the need to expand use of available West Coast terminal capacity and to “restore reciprocal treatment of imports and exports [which] is inherent in trade.”

USDEC and NMPF repeatedly met with USDA and DOT officials as well as the White House over the past several months to urge a greater Administration focus on the shipping supply chain crisis’s impact on agricultural exporters. The dairy organizations have urged the Administration to call out profiteering by foreign-owned carriers at the expense of dairy exporters and take steps to address the supply chain crisis that’s cost the dairy industry $1.3 billion over just the first three quarters of 2021.

Yesterday’s letter was a key step in the right direction and builds on last week’s successful passage of House legislation designed to curb some of the bad-faith practices by ocean carriers. USDA and DOT noted that, “This imbalance is not sustainable and contributes to the logjam of empty containers clogging ports. The poor service and refusal to serve customers when the empty containers are clearly available are unacceptable and, if not resolved quickly, may require further examination and action by the Federal Maritime Commission.”

“Dairy exporters are enduring tremendous challenges in getting their high-quality products to customers in overseas markets, which puts our industry’s reputation as a reliable supplier at risk. Our competitors in the European Union and Oceania are eager to swoop in and scoop up those sales,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “USDEC commends the Administration’s recognition that the current situation facing our dairy exporters cannot continue and strongly supports further steps by the Federal Maritime Commission and other Administration entities to drive change swiftly.”

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives have invested significantly in painstakingly cultivating export markets to help meet the growing global demand for dairy. This year’s shipping supply chain crisis has created enormous upheaval in maintaining those sales, which are so critical to the overall demand for American milk,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farmers strongly support USDA and DOT’s castigation of ocean shippers’ abusive practices and urge the Administration to take the steps necessary to bring about meaningful reforms in export access for our dairy industry.”

Both organizations formed an Export Supply Chain Working Group earlier this year and have worked on a range of initiatives to address the shipping crisis including the passage of HR 4996 and work to drive further Congressional advancement of this legislation. Steps by the Administration to fully use all existing authorities are a crucial complement to that ongoing legislative reform effort.  



2021 Crop and Input Prices Are Already Shaping 2022 Organic Soybean Acreage

The Big Question: With increased organic soybean prices and climbing fertilizer costs, what will happen to the number of organic soybean acres in the coming year? The answer - suggests Mercaris - involves a blend of organic corn prices and fertilizer availability.

While there is a potential decrease in net-revenue per acre thanks to higher fertilizer prices, there may be incentive enough for some producers to reduce organic corn acreage. Lack of supply when it comes time to apply could be a limiting factor as well.

“Based on five-year (2016-2020) average input costs calculated from FINBIN data, doubling fertilizer costs could reduce organic corn’s net-revenue per acre by 35 percent, assuming organic corn prices remain at $9.54/bu.,” says Henry Wilson, Economist with Mercaris. “Although definitive market data isn’t readily available for fertilizer supply, multiple sources have told Mercaris that manure has already become harder to source this year.”

Given the economic incentive to expand organic soybean acres, the question becomes whether there are physical limitations to expansion? There is also the question of organic soybean seed availability. In conversations with organic seed suppliers, it has been indicated to Mercaris that interest in organic soybean seeds for 2022 has been very strong thus tightening available supplies. However, it appears if producers are willing to pay higher prices or find alternative options – such as substituting non-GMO soybean seed – they should be able to find seed to plant.

So what is Mercaris’ opinion on potential growth in organic soybean acres over the next year?

“Going into 2022, there is likely to be a strong economic incentive to increase organic soybean acres,” says Wilson. “While there will probably be a significant increase in organic soybean acres, it is possible that agronomy and seed supplies could put a limit on that growth.”



Corn Growers to Mosaic: Stop Engaging in Irresponsible Corporate Behavior and End Fertilizer Tariffs

One of the nation’s leading fertilizer companies has erected an insurmountable tariff barrier to keep its top competitors out of the U.S. market at the expense of America’s farmers, according to a letter released this week by the National Corn Growers Association.

Leaders from NCGA and its state affiliates signed the letter, which was sent to executives at Mosaic Co., one of the nation’s largest fertilizer producers. The letter takes Mosaic to task for the tariffs that were imposed in March by the U.S. International Trade Commission at the fertilizer company’s behest. Fertilizer prices have since skyrocketed.

“Mosaic’s posture to date has been a masterpiece of irresponsible corporate social responsibility,” the letter says.  

The letter highlighted the stranglehold Mosaic has placed on its customers and suggested the company’s monopoly is creating serious problems for farmers.

“…only 15% of phosphorous imports now come into the U.S. without tariffs,” the letter notes. “And experts say that using Commerce and ITC to manipulate the supply curve does indeed dictate price to farmers.”

To illustrate their point, the signatories said estimates show that tariffs between 30% and 70% on phosphate imports would equate to roughly $480 to $640 million in added fertilizer bills on U.S. farmers.

The corn growers said that now is a good time for Mosaic to reverse course.

“We ask that you voluntarily withdraw your countervailing duties and allow critical supply back into the U.S. at a time of inadequate supplies and soaring phosphate prices,” they said.

In recent months, NCGA and state corn growers have sounded the alarm about the effects fertilizer tariffs are having on farmers. NCGA, along with other ag groups, submitted an amicus brief in November in a case filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade seeking to overturn the tariffs. A ruling in that case is not expected any earlier than summer of 2022.



USDA to test 2022 Census of Agriculture online questionnaire in new Respondent Portal

Starting in January, approximately 15,000 agricultural producers across the nation and the various segments of U.S. agriculture will receive an invitation to assist in the online 2022 Census of Agriculture Content Test. The Content Test, which will run through spring, is a critical part of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS’s) preparation for the once-every-five-year Census of Agriculture.  Participants in the test will be asked to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture online questionnaire via a new Respondent Portal aimed to improve the reporting experience for all producers.

“NASS would not be able to supply valuable agricultural data without producer participation. We recognize that time is valuable, and our goal is to improve producers’ experience when responding to our surveys,” said Census and Survey Division Director Barbara Rater. “That’s why NASS has been gathering feedback from producers over the last year to assist in modernizing areas of our data collection, which includes the development of our new Respondent Portal. We are grateful to the participants in this Content Test. Their support will assist us in analyzing the portal’s capabilities and help ensure that future census data remain as accurate as possible.”

NASS has been preparing for the 2022 Census of Agriculture since 2018, when they began evaluating the content and design of the previous Census questionnaire and soliciting public input into the 2022 Census. The 2022 Census of Agriculture will mail out to all known U.S. producers next fall.

The Census of Agriculture is the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. The data are widely used to inform decisions that benefit the agricultural community and the nation – from decisions guiding essential food delivery systems, succession planning, and new and beginning farmer programs, to decisions affecting agriculture practices, land stewardship,  sustainability, and more.

In accordance with federal law, NASS keeps all responses confidential and uses them for statistical purposes only. Anyone who needs assistance completing the Content Test can call 888-424-7828. For more information about the Census of Agriculture, or if you are a producer who does not currently receive NASS surveys or censuses, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.



ASI and NCBA Awarded USDA/APHIS Grant to Develop Guidance for Livestock Grazing on Public Lands During a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is providing more than $200,000 dollars in Farm Bill funding to support the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) in developing movement decision criteria for sheep and cattle grazing public land allotments during a potential foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak. There are several agencies involved in issuing public land grazing permits in 14 states for 22,000 ranchers. These are not the same agencies responsible for FAD response. This funding will allow collaboration among the agencies, states, and industry partners, like the Public Lands Council. Guidance documents created through group discussion will be exercised. The project is expected to take two years to complete.
 
This effort will better prepare sheep and cattle producers, whose livestock graze public lands, to voluntarily prepare before an FAD outbreak. It will provide information and actions needed during an FAD outbreak to protect their flocks and herds and meet movement criteria. It will provide state and federal decision makers with a better understanding of the management practices, capabilities, and limitations of grazing sheep and cattle on public lands.
 
“The preparedness and response activities we are funding today will enhance our ability to address the animal disease issues of tomorrow. They arm us with the best science available to retain international markets and feed both our own families and the world.” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
 
The information developed from the grant will improve the guidance in the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply and Secure Beef Supply plans for sheep and cattle producers with livestock grazing on public lands. ASI and USDA provided funding to develop both plans and associated resources for producers.
 
ASI and NCBA look forward to collaborating on this project with the stakeholders and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, a consultant with Preventalytics. ASI and NCBA each provide unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to, and enhance their resiliency for an FAD event.
 
Background
The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply (SSWS) Plan and Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan for continuity of business provides opportunities to voluntarily prepare before a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The U.S. is free of the FMD virus. If FMD were found in U.S. livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try and control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. During this time, control areas will be established around infected premises and movement restrictions will be implemented. When the control areas encompass part or all of a public land allotment, in one or more states, there are unique challenges for sheep and cattle producers to mitigate disease exposure risks. FMD is not a threat to public health.



NGFA recommends improvements for measuring rail service data    

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) outlined several recommendations to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) as it considers requirements for first-mile, last-mile rail service data.

First-mile, last-mile (FMLM) service refers to the movement of railcars between a local railroad serving yard and a shipper or receiver facility. NGFA has encouraged STB to require railroads to report FMLM data, which currently is not readily shared with STB or rail customers.

The STB in September published a request for comments from the shipping community, carriers and the public concerning FMLM issues and recommendations as to specific additional data important to identify service concerns.

“The NGFA commends the Board for seeking comments on metrics to measure rail service and believes FMLM reporting will lead to better rail performance,” NGFA noted in comments submitted Dec. 17. “The absence of FMLM data from the current rail service reporting metrics significantly reduces the data’s usefulness to shipping and receiving operations.”

FMLM metrics have the potential “to significantly increase railroad service performance and efficiency, which will benefit rail carriers, rail customers, the nation’s economy, and society at-large,” NGFA stated, adding that these benefits would “far exceed any burden to the railroads in providing such information.”

Currently, inadequate FMLM rail service can result in rail customer facilities having to shut down, slow down, reformulate products, or incur higher freight and accessorial charge costs, which unfortunately happens too often, NGFA noted.

“Unpredictable and unreliable FMLM rail service also causes rail customers to incur the costs of ordering extra trains from railroads or buying or leasing additional railcars,” NGFA said. “The addition of more trains and railcars to the rail system in turn, adversely affects the efficiency of the rail system as a whole.”

NGFA recommended weekly reporting of metrics to provide timely and useful service information. The comments submitted to STB outline specific service metrics the NGFA believes would be the most useful additions to assist in resolving FMLM issues.