Thursday December 2 Ag News

 Applications open for CASNR Change Maker competition

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has launched their 2022 quick pitch scholarship competition for students who dare to dream big and do the extraordinary to address worldwide issues.

The CASNR Change-Maker Quick Pitch Competition asks current and prospective CASNR students to submit a two-minute video explaining an original, innovative way to address global issues such a food security, sustainability, and water use.

Two current CASNR students and eight incoming freshmen and transfer students will be awarded full-tuition scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year based on their submitted videos. Winning students will be matched with a mentor to help make their big idea a reality. Additionally, eight $1,000 CASNR scholarships will be awarded to youth in 6th through 11th grades.

“We want innovators, change-makers and future leaders to get their start right here in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,” said CASNR Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss. “This competition will reward our current students who strive to tackle these big issues. At the same time, we hope to attract new students who are in search of a college experience in which they will be encouraged and expected to challenge themselves and change the world in the process.”

In Nebraska, one in four jobs is tied to agriculture and natural resources. Within CASNR, students, faculty and staff are already engaged in important work to provide food, fuel, feed and fiber to a rapidly growing world, while conserving agricultural landscapes and natural resources and maintaining quality of life for farmers and ranchers, said Mike Boehm, vice chancellor and vice president of the UNL’s Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.   

“Our state’s deep roots in agriculture, coupled with Nebraska’s abundant natural resources and our ingenuity and grit, make CASNR the ideal and natural epicenter for nurturing the world’s next generation of change-makers,” Boehm said. “We want to do everything we can to build on CASNR’s culture that allows students to think critically, dream big, and accomplish extraordinary things.”

Current and prospective students can apply online at https://casnr.unl.edu/casnr-change-maker-competition.

Videos should be no more than two minutes long and must focus on one or more of the following issues:
    Feeding the world
    Water for the future
    New energy
    Climate and the future
    Biodiversity, sustainability, and the environment
    Health
    Engaging diverse communities
    Developing tomorrow’s leaders.

The competition will open on December 1 and will close at noon on February 1. Winners will be announced in March, and winning videos will be shared on social media. The winner whose video receives the most likes will also receive a textbook scholarship.  

Complete application guidelines and more information may be found online at https://casnr.unl.edu/casnr-change-maker-competition.



Nebraska Cattlemen Advancing “Together Towards Tomorrow” at this Year’s Annual Convention

Nebraska Cattlemen members from across the state are gathering in Kearney this week to advance “together towards tomorrow.” The event’s opening general session featured keynote speaker Governor Pete Ricketts, briefing members and guests in attendance on the wins Nebraska agriculture enjoyed over the last year and provided a 2022 political outlook.
 
Also during the opening general session, Governor Ricketts announced Buffalo County was designated the 51st county in the state of Nebraska as a livestock-friendly county. “Today, we celebrated Buffalo County being added to the Livestock Friendly County Program. It is impressive to see counties stand up for agriculture and say we are open for business” noted Governor Pete Ricketts. Nebraska Cattlemen was integral in creating the Livestock Friendly Counties Program and applauds Buffalo County for working towards supporting the expansion of livestock development. “The cattle and livestock sectors of Nebraska agriculture expand both the local and state tax base, which provides support and funding for essential programs and services like schools and roads”- said William H. Rhea III-President, Nebraska Cattlemen.
 
Nebraska Cattlemen established the Top Hand Club to reward membership who excel in recruiting new members to Nebraska Cattlemen. The 2021 Top Hand Winners were announced and celebrated during opening general session.
 
This year’s Top Hand Club members are
·    Doug Smith-Curtis, NE
·    Kaylee Wheeler-Wood Lake, NE
·    Mark Goes-Odell, NE
·    Brenda Masek-Purdum, NE
·    Ethan Schroeder-Hebron, NE
·    Jim Edwards-Ord, NE
·    Jed Christensen- Norfolk, NE
·    Kat Kennedy-Purdum, NE
·    Tyler Weborg-Pender, NE
 
Nebraska Cattlemen convention will continue until Friday at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE. The convention agenda can be found at nebraskacattlemen.org.



Ricketts Announces Buffalo County as Nebraska’s Newest Livestock Friendly County

Governor Pete Ricketts has designated Buffalo County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County (LFC).  Gov. Ricketts made the announcement during the opening ceremonies at the 2021 Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.  Buffalo County is the 51st county in the state to apply for, meet the requirements, and receive the LFC designation.  The Livestock Friendly County program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“I can’t think of a better place to announce Buffalo County as Nebraska’s newest Livestock Friendly County, than right here at the annual Nebraska Cattlemen Convention,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “By requesting and receiving Nebraska’s Livestock Friendly County designation, the people of Buffalo County are encouraging livestock growth.  They’re also showing strong support for Nebraska agriculture—our state’s top industry.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent census of agriculture, Buffalo County had more than $332 million in total market value of products sold for the year 2017. Livestock, poultry, and other animal product sales accounted for more than $159 million, or 48 percent of the total value.  Crop production accounted for more than $173 million, or 52 percent of the total value.

“Buffalo County is home to around 950 farms and many other businesses with direct ties to agriculture,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman.  “With the LFC designation, the people of Buffalo County are showing everyone that they are open for agri-business.  They also recognize that growth in the rural areas of the county creates opportunities in all the communities.  Congratulations to Buffalo County on being named Nebraska’s 51st Livestock Friendly County.”

More than half of the counties in Nebraska have been designated Livestock Friendly.  The complete list is on NDA’s website at: nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/livestock_friendly.

The Livestock Friendly County program was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2003 to recognize counties that support the livestock industry and new livestock developments.  A county wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing, and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation.  Additional information about Nebraska’s LFC program is available on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 531-220-9211.



Beef Quality Assurance certification offered in December across Nebraska

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance will be offering Beef Quality Assurance Certification across the state from December 13-15.  Jesse Fulton, Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), will be presenting the latest on the Nebraska BQA program and certifying producers in BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT).
 
These will be the last in-person BQA & BQAT certification trainings until the Spring of 2022. Nebraska BQA will resume In-Person BQA & BQAT Certifications meetings in March/April 2022.
 
The BQA program educates beef producers on animal health best-management practices, proper stockmanship, and proper animal welfare guidelines. Beef cattle producers, who are committed to producing a quality, wholesome and safe beef product for consumers, are encouraged to attend to stay up to date on BQA practices.
 
All producers are invited to attend. BQA certification is valid for three years. If your last BQA training occurred prior to 2018, your BQA certification could be expired. Beef producers are encouraged to attend to keep their BQA certification current. The BQA certification fee is $20/person or a flat fee of $100 for operations who bring 5+ employees.
 
Upcoming certification events (all times are local):
    O’Neill, December 13: 1 p.m., Holt County Extension Office, 128 N 6th St Suite 100
    Norfolk, December 13: 6 p.m., Madison County Extension Office, 1305 South 13th St
    Beatrice, December 14: 10 a.m.., Gauge County Extension Office, 1115 W Scott St
    Ithaca, December 14: 6 p.m., Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center, 1071 Co Rd G
    Kearney, December 15: 10 a.m.., Buffalo County Extension Building, 1400 E 34th St
    Scottsbluff, December 16: 6 p.m.., University of Nebraska Panhandle Research & Extension Center. 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (RSVP by December 13th)

Attendees must RSVP by calling 308-632-1230 or pre-register online at bqa.unl.edu before 4pm (MST) December 10th. Events where poor attendance is projected will be canceled.
 
For more information or to RSVP, visit bqa.unl.edu or call 308.632.1230.



Nebraska Beef Council December Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will meet at the NBC office in Kearney, NE located at 1319 Central Ave. on Tuesday December 14, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m. CST. The NBC Board of Directors will review evaluations for FY- 2020-2021. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.  



Nebraska Ag Expo – Largest Gathering of Ag Experts in the Midwest

Agricultural production continues to evolve. Everyone has heard about precision agriculture, biologicals, and the advancements in seed technology. However, do producers realize that the best source for gaining a competitive edge and learning more is at the Nebraska Ag Expo?!

Nearly 1,700 ag experts in their respective fields will attend the Expo on December 7-9, 2021 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, where producers come to seek out new technology and learn more about agriculture. For instance, if a producer wants to learn about biologicals or micronutrients, there are 33 companies at the Nebraska Ag Expo that they can speak on that topic.

Producers may want to learn about how to get additional revenue with carbon suppression and adopting environmentally friendly farming practices such as using cover crops, strip-tilling, or no-tilling. If so, Indigo Ag, Agoro Carbon Alliance, AGuru Machinery, Environmental Tillage, Unverferth, Vulcan Equipment and others will be at the Nebraska Ag Expo to answer questions.

Companies looking to launch their new products are exhibiting at the Nebraska Ag Expo, where producers can check out all the latest innovations in agriculture. Across the past two years, the Expo has attracted nearly 170 new exhibitors. These new exhibitors are what makes the Nebraska Ag Expo the premier event for agriculture in the Midwest.

Exhibitors attending this event come from 27 states and 6 Canadian Providences. For many, this is the only event they attend in in the Midwest. The show will have nearly 800 brands/companies exhibiting their latest products and services. Producers enjoy this event due the vast variety of ag-related products on display – from micronutrients to seed, planter attachments to combines to the latest high-tech systems.

The Nebraska Ag Expo (nebraskaagexpo.com) will be held December 7-9, 2021 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Show hours run 8:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30am to 3:00pm Thursday. Register online for FREE admission at NebraskaAgExpo.com. Regular admission is $5 at the door.

The Nebraska Ag Expo is produced by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association in conjunction with local Nebraska and Iowa farm equipment dealerships. The show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsor – Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Platinum Sponsors – Nebraska Farm Bureau and Bayer CropScience; Gold Sponsors – Stine Seed Company and Sukup Manufacturing; Silver Sponsor and Official Truck of the 2021 Nebraska Ag Expo – Midwest Ford Dealers; and Media Sponsors – Midwest Messenger and Rural Radio Network.



Senator Lindstrom Launches Agriculture Plan for Nebraska

Today, Nebraska State Senator and Gubernatorial Candidate, Brett Lindstrom announced his formal plan forward for the agriculture industry in Nebraska while highlighting his success and dedication to Nebraska farmers during his time in the legislature.

"Since announcing our campaign in mid-July, we've been talking with supporters from all across the state and building up a campaign that will have the resources necessary to win in 2022. I'm confident in the plan we have outlined for Nebraska's core agriculture industry, and look forward to listening, strategizing, and sharing that plan with Nebraskans while out on the campaign trail." -- Sen. Brett Lindstrom announced.

The plan highlights the need for up-to-speed rural broadband, an outline to combat fake meat in the state -- as well as promoting manufacturing in Nebraska and his commitment to promoting precision agriculture across the state.

Also noted in the plan were highlights from Senator Lindstrom's legislative career where he has been a consistent champion for Nebraska farmers - citing LB176 which would provide income tax credits to certain agriculture producers.

Senator Lindstrom continued: "Through this plan, our farmers will always have a seat at the table. One of my priorities is to ensure Nebraska remains one of the top-producing, competitive states in the nation. As Governor, I will continue to listen, learn and advocate on behalf of the members of our ag community -- and I hope Nebraskans everywhere will join our growing conservative movement." he concluded.

Senator Lindstrom is a lifelong Nebraskan - graduating from Millard West High School. Brett followed in the footsteps of his father and two uncles to play football for the Huskers. As a State Senator, Brett has passed legislation to repeal the social security tax. Brett is a committed fiscal conservative. He has been at the forefront of tax reform, economic development, and family issues. Brett is confronted every day with the challenges of our nation's current financial state and is running for Governor as the New Generation of Conservative Leadership for Nebraska. Brett enjoys spending his free time in Omaha with his wife, Leigh, and three young children, Colette, Barron and Olivia.



Electronic Inspections on the horizon for Nebraska Beef Producers

The E-Inspection Subcommittee begins assignment to gather information pertinent to implementing voluntary Electronic Inspection authorized by legislative changes to the Livestock Brand Act earlier this spring.

At the September 8th public meeting of the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC) a subcommittee comprised of producers and other stakeholders was approved to solicit experiential knowledge and technical information about non-visual identifiers. The intent of the E-Inspection Subcommittee is to bring ideas and recommendations to the NBC for future consideration. The NBC will receive the subcommittee’s recommendations in public meetings for discussion and input before final action. Then the process of Rules and Regulations will begin where public meetings will ensure consensus prior to implementation.

Nebraska has a long history of producers voluntarily using brands as proof of ownership for livestock. As technology advances there are a multitude of new methods available to identify livestock which were not lawful prior to the changes to the Livestock Brand Act contained in LB 572. The Legislature approved changes to authorize the Brand Committee to offer electronic inspection utilizing non-visual identifiers as an alternative to physical inspection to satisfy brand inspection requirements. E-inspection is not mandated but offered as an option for brand inspection compliance.

Current subcommittee participants and their segments include:
• Cory Banzhaf, JKS Farms, Pleasanton, feeder/cow-calf
• Art Brownlee, JHL Ranch, Ashby, commercial with retained ownership to harvest
• Jed Connealy, Connealy Cattle, Whitman, seedstock
• Chris Finney, Ainsworth Vet Clinic, Ainsworth, veterinarian & backgrounder
• Kim Ford, Cross Diamond Cattle Co, Bertrand, seedstock
• Jill Krajewski, Oshkosh Heifer Development, Oshkosh, cow-calf/backgrounder
• Gabriel Monasterio, Wolf Cattle Company, Ainsworth, seedstock/feeder
• Jay Nordausen, Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, Ogallala, livestock market
• Sherry Vinton, Vinton Ranch, Whitman, commercial cow-calf
• Steve Wolf, Wolfden Farms, Kearney, NE Holstein Association & dairy producers
• Duane Gangwish, Nebraska Brand Committee Member, Lexington, Darr Feedlot, feeder

The focus of the E-Inspection Subcommittee is to provide insight to the NBC staff as to how an electronic inspection program could work for each of the different producer types while maintaining the integrity of the Brand Laws. This information will serve as the foundation for a system that will create greater efficiencies; minimize field staff travel and time; decrease producer expenses; reduce scheduling impediments for producers; improve access to documentation; be able to add value on existing EID usage at operations; and streamline the inspection process for non-change of ownership movements.



Governor Reynolds signs Harvest Proclamation

Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain. The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through January 1, 2022. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage and stover to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in section 321.463 (6)(b) of the Iowa Code by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.




Farmers Who Planted Fall Cover Crops Can Apply Now for a Discount on Spring Crop Insurance

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages farmers and landowners who planted cover crops this fall to apply for the state’s cover crop insurance discount program by Jan. 14, 2022. Eligible farmers and landowners can receive a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums. Farmers can sign up now for the cover crop insurance premium reduction program at apply.cleanwateriowa.org. To qualify, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs.

“Farmers and landowners are investing in conservation practices, like cover crops, to enrich soil health and water quality,” said Secretary Naig. “The cover crop insurance discount program is an effective way to get even more cover crops planted across the state. I encourage more Iowa farmers and landowners to incorporate cover crops into their operations and take advantage of this program next fall.”

Cover crops help improve soil health, prevent soil erosion and lock in nutrients, especially during extreme weather events. Cover crops are proven to reduce nitrogen loads by 28-31 percent and phosphorous loads by 29 percent, which helps improve water quality. They also offer weed control and livestock grazing benefits for producers.

This is the fifth year the crop insurance discount program is being administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). Interest in the program continues to grow and new farmers and fields join each year. To date, about 1,700 farmers have enrolled nearly 700,000 acres of cover crops in the program. Other states have started offering similar programs modeled after the one in Iowa, including Illinois and Indiana.

Some insurance policies may be excluded, like Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, or those covered through written agreements. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.

Farmers should visit their local USDA service center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices.



Dry Manure Applicator Certification Workshops Offered in 2022

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will offer manure applicator certification workshops for dry/solid manure operators on six different dates and locations in February 2022. These workshops meet manure applicator certification requirements for both confinement site manure applicators and commercial manure applicators who primarily apply dry or solid manure.

“The information in this workshop will benefit not only those needing certification, but anyone using dry or solid sources of manure as a nutrient resource,” said Dan Andersen, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State, and coordinator of the manure applicator certification program.

The workshops are free to attend and open to all. Applicators will be required to submit certification forms and fees to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to meet manure applicator certification requirements.

    Feb. 15, Washington County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, Washington. Call 319-653-4811 to register.
    Feb. 16, Wright County, Dows Community Center, Dows. Call 515-532-3453 to register.
    Feb. 18, Hamilton County, Kamrar Lions Community Building, Kamrar. Call 515-832-9597 to register.
    Feb. 21, Buena Vista County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, AEA Office, Storm Lake. Call 712-732-5056 to register.
    Feb. 22, Sioux County, ISU Extension and Outreach office, Orange City. Call 712-737-4230 to register.
    Feb. 23, Adair County, Wallace Cultural Center, Greenfield. Call 641-743-8412 to register.

Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed. Please register for one of the workshops by calling the number listed with the selected site. All workshops begin at 1 p.m.




U.S. Soy Achieves Record Export Volume for 20/21 Marketing Year

U.S. Soy set a new record for exporting more product in more international markets than ever before, the United Soybean Board, U.S. Soybean Export Council and American Soybean Association announced today. During the 20/21 market year, a record 61.65 MMT of whole soybeans shipped to markets across the globe, at a value of over $28B in revenue for the U.S. Soy industry. The volume boost is the result of strategic efforts to diversify international markets and distribute more U.S. Soy globally.

“This record is a result of efforts to enhance access and usage of U.S. Soy across the food, feed and livestock industries and across international markets by the U.S. Soy farmers and industry, our customers, and governments around the world,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). “Setting the new aggregate volume record demonstrates the value of the investment of U.S. Soy farmers to create positive impact for our customers around the world to contribute to improved nutrition and food security, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods globally.”
U.S. Soybean Complex Exports

The U.S. Soy industry achieved high export results across the board this year. U.S. Soy shipped 74.76M metric tonnes of total soybean complex, valued at more than $34B (based on Sep-Aug for whole beans, and Oct-Sep for soybean meal and oil). International markets purchased 12.3M metric tonnes of soybean meal and approximately 781,766 metric tonnes of soybean oil. A large part of this success is due to the resources and education in which the soy checkoff has invested over the years. One example is the U.S. Soy Dare to Compare marketing campaign, which highlighted the superior nutritional value, oil quality, and sustainability of U.S. Soy to our industry customers and enabled informed, data-driven product development and supply chain decisions. Another example is USSEC’s Soy Excellence Centers in Egypt, Honduras, Nigeria, Singapore, and Thailand, which provide world-class workforce training and capacity building within the soy value chain to enable local visions for health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability in collaboration with diverse food and agriculture stakeholders.

“The global results are an amazing accomplishment for U.S. Soy farmers, who support the checkoff, and partnerships with industry and governments around the world,” said USSEC Chairman, ASA Director and North Dakota soybean farmer Monte Peterson. “Seeing the rising demand for sustainable protein and sustainable U.S. Soy and knowing that we’re able to reliably provide high-quality, sustainable products to more people and places around the world is incredibly fulfilling. Farmers spend our lives growing these crops and care deeply about the families and communities in which we live and those around the world. I’m excited about the innovations, partnerships, and impacts we are realizing now and what comes next for U.S. Soy in 2022.”

The new aggregate volume record reflects efforts to diversify and expand markets and usage. As additional importers and companies focus on value, the demand for high-quality soybeans continues to grow, driving U.S. Soy forward as a premium, sustainable protein. This increase in demand has led to U.S. Soy acting as a primary solution for protein demand worldwide, producing growth in several markets. For the 20/21 market year, nearly half of U.S. Soy destination markets grew by at least 10% compared to the 16/17 marketing year which was the prior record year for whole soybean exports. Examples of notable growth when comparing the 20/21 and 16/17 marketing years include: 178% in Egypt, 298% in Ecuador, 91% in Vietnam, 18% in Pakistan, and 28% in Guatemala. U.S. Soy maintained a diverse market distribution balance to ensure stability and facilitate future market growth.

“This market year was truly a triumph for sustainable, high-quality U.S. Soy,” said Mac Marshall, USB and USSEC vice president of market intelligence. “These results are reflective of the forward-thinking strategy and dedication of the U.S. Soy industry as a leader in enabling the positive impact and success of our customers around the world.”



U.S.-Japan Partnership On Trade Launched

The United States and Japan recently announced the launching of a “partnership on trade” to continue to strengthen the alliance of the two nations through regular engagement on trade-related matters.

Chaired by representatives of the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and of Japan’s Foreign Affairs and Economy, Industry and Trade ministries, the U.S.-Japan Partnership on Trade will build upon the Biden administration’s plan to pursue an economic framework for the Indo-Pacific region, while also addressing digital trade and third-country concerns.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has been working in the Japan market for 60 years, contributing to the rapid growth of the livestock and feed industries.

“The U.S. Grains Council values the relationships it has built in Japan over the years,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC President and CEO. “As this new trade partnership develops, the Council looks forward to working with the U.S. and Japan to further promote trade between the two nations.”

This past year, the Council worked hard to continue to build upon its longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Japan by providing virtual programming when in-person activities were not possible. Product developers from the largest health-oriented food barley industry in Japan learned about new opportunities in health-oriented foods – including U.S. high beta-glucan barley via webinar, while the North Asia Virtual Crop Tour gave Japanese buyers and end-users an inside look at this year’s corn crop in the U.S. without leaving their workspace. A recent Council-sponsored ethanol study also concluded that all vehicles in Japan are highly likely to be compatible with E10.

In the most recent marketing year, Japan was a top market across all commodities, ranking as the third-largest market for grains in all forms with exports of more than 14.5 million metric tons (equal to 573.5 million bushels), valued at $6.9 billion.

Japan purchased 11.2 million metric tons (442.3 million bushels) of U.S. corn; 33,700 metric tons (1.3 million bushels) of U.S. sorghum; 18,300 metric tons (841,100 bushels) of U.S. barley and barley products; 475,560 metric tons of U.S. DDGS; and an estimated total of 89.1 million gallons (31.6 million bushels) of U.S. ethanol included in ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) exports during the 2020/2021 marketing year.

The first meetings under the new partnership are expected to be held in early 2022 and will be followed by others held on a regular basis to advance the shared agenda of cooperation between the two countries.

The Council will continue to monitor the newly formed partnership on trade after the first of the year and what it could mean for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and co-products.



Oregon Finalizes E15 Rule, To Take Effect in January

Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor applauded the State of Oregon for finalizing its rule to allow the sale of a fifteen percent ethanol blend (E15) throughout the state. The rule will take effect in January 2022.

“Access to higher blends of renewable fuels is a win for Oregon drivers and the environment. By allowing for the sale of E15, Oregon is taking its commitment to addressing climate change to the next level, offering drivers an engine-smart, lower-carbon fuel,” said Skor. “E15 also provides working families the best value at the pump. As our country faces rising gas prices, Oregonians now have access to a fuel that saves drivers up to 10 cents a gallon.”  

In June, Oregon Governor Kate Brown approved HB 3051, changing Oregon’s renewable fuel blending requirement from “10%” to “at least 10%” — allowing for the sale of E15 and potentially higher blends in the future. In response, the Oregon Department of Agriculture issued a proposed rule to make the change on blends higher than 10%. On Friday, October 29, Growth Energy’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley submitted comments in support of the proposed rule:

“Growth Energy strongly commends the department for its support of E15 sales in Oregon and strongly supports this proposal to clarify the legal sale of E15 in the state,” wrote Bliley. “We appreciate this opportunity to comment on this proposed rule and other actions by the department to facilitate sales of E15 and higher biofuel blends.”