Friday January 28 Ag News

Open House Feb. 16th for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will facilitate a public Open House regarding the Maple Creek Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) on Wednesday, February 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Howells Ballroom in Howells, NE.  This open house will be focused on flood reduction projects like linear corridors (detention cells) and wetland development or enhancements.

USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so that they may work together to develop solutions for watershed issues such as erosion, floodwater and sediment damage, water quality and habitat improvements.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a plan for the Maple Creek Watershed, with the primary purpose of floodwater reduction.

“We are requesting your ideas and want to work with you to formulate this plan.  Dams are not the only option.  We can work together to get other flood reduction projects on the land, including detention cells, and wetland enhancement, among other possibilities,” said Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager.  He added, “We’ll be talking with stakeholders about the locations that work best for these types of projects at the open house.”

The Maple Creek Watershed is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

Visit the planning website to learn more:  https://fyra.mysocialpinpoint.com/maple-creek.  Written comments or requests should be submitted to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager at cbecker@lenrd.org or contact the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk for more information.



AGP Announces New Soybean Processing Facility

Ag Processing Inc a cooperative (AGP) announced today its plan to build a new state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near David City, Nebraska. The facility will have the capacity to process over 50 million bushels of soybeans per year. AGP’s Chairman of the Board, Lowell Wilson, stated, “The soybean processing industry is experiencing tremendous growth and we believe a facility in East Central Nebraska is strategically located to serve our cooperative members and their farmer-owners. Maintaining a strong cooperative system is vital to agricultural producers and our rural communities.”

“We have carefully evaluated this opportunity and are confident this investment will generate solid returns for our membership and benefit producers throughout the region,” stated Chris Schaffer, AGP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Domestic and global demand for soybean meal and soybean oil continues to grow. The David City location will also improve the Company’s ability to market soybean meal to the Pacific Rim through AGP’s export terminal in Aberdeen, Washington. AGP is currently considering investments that will significantly increase our export capabilities to meet the expected growth in domestic protein supply.”

Chief Marketing Officer Mark Sandeen added, “The availability and quality of soybeans in the area and access to major rail lines make David City an excellent location for the plant. When completed, the David City facility will provide a significant market opportunity for soybean growers in the region through AGP’s cooperative owners. The project is expected to create over 60 well-paying jobs. AGP continues to invest in areas that enhance our integrated business platform and we are confident the David City facility will strengthen our market position and ability to compete well into the future.”

AGP expects operations to begin in 2025. Company officials noted that final construction decisions and timeline are contingent on negotiations with state and local officials regarding economic development incentives, required infrastructure improvements, utility services, and regulatory considerations. “We are committed to working with local and state officials to develop and invest in sustainable projects to better serve our customers while also benefiting our members, their farmer owners, and the surrounding communities,” said Schaffer.



Nebraska Cattlemen Select Priority Bills for the 2022 Legislative Session

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors met this week in Lincoln for their annual legislative committee meeting. Nebraska Cattlemen’s six policy committees researched, discussed, and prioritized bills, resolutions, and constitutional amendments introduced by the Nebraska Legislature.

In accordance with Nebraska Cattlemen Policy, the Board of Directors considered and took positions on 105 measures and identified four bills as priorities for the second half of the 107th Nebraska legislative session.
 
The Nebraska Cattlemen Natural Resources and Environment committee prioritized LB 953, introduced by Senator J. Cavanaugh. This bill amends Nebraska’s open burning statute to provide a limitation on liability for land management burns which are conducted according to a burn permit issued by a local fire department. This committee also prioritized LB 1160, introduced by Senator Wishart. This bill would appropriate $10 million to the Department of Environment and Energy to provide grants for small and rural communities to install reverse osmosis systems where drinking water test levels that are above ten parts per million with nitrates.
 
The Taxation committee took a supportive stance and prioritized LB 723, brought forth by Senator Briese. With unprecedented levels of state revenue since the adoption of LB 1107, the Nebraska Property Tax Incentive fund has grown to $548 million. LB 723 would place a floor under current the current fund level, preventing the fund from decreasing to $375 million in 2024.
 
Lastly, the Marketing and Commerce committee supports, with prioritization, LB 783 by Senator Groene. This bill would appropriate $75 million to the Department of Economic Development for the beef processing industry. Nebraska Cattlemen continues to support expanding Nebraska’s beef cattle processing sector to enhance supply chain resiliency and increase market competition.
 
“The Nebraska Cattlemen legislative committee had a robust, in-depth conversation while reviewing over one hundred legislative measures,” said Steve Hanson, Chairman - Nebraska Cattlemen Legislative Committee. “This conversation and debate led to positions on bills that were in line with Nebraska Cattlemen policy.”



Nebraska Corn Board to Meet Jan. 31 in Grand Island

The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, at Raising Nebraska in Fonner Park (501 East Fonner Park Road, Grand Island). The Board will address regular board business. The meeting is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for public discussion. A copy of the agenda is available by writing to the Nebraska Corn Board, P.O. Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509, sending an email to nikki.bentzinger@nebraska.gov or by calling (402) 471-CORN.



NA-BA Holds 64th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition
2021 Industry Awards, CCA Awards Announced

The 64th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition was held January 25-26, 2022 at the Embassy Suites La Vista Conference Center in La Vista, Nebraska. This day and a half event consisted of educational training on Agricultural Budgeting, Carbon Markets and Nitrogen Stabilizers and a show of vendor exhibits. The association also welcomed Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska’s Second District to the Directors’ and Industry Awards Reception.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA) honored industry leaders at its annual convention in La Vista on Monday, January 24. Jenny Rees, a Nebraska Extension Educator in York and Seward Counties was awarded the 2021 Association Industry Partner Award. This award highlights individuals outside the association’s membership, who have contributed to agriculture in a significant way through their profession. Jenny has a passion to continue learning, teaching and building relationships with farmers and ag industry professionals. “She has been an important advisor to the York County Corn Growers Association and active in the On-farm Research Network. It’s amazing how many quality meetings and activities she packed into her schedule during her 18 year career,” said Dan Stork, Chairman of NeABA.

Karl Hensley was recognized with the “Award of Industry Distinction.” This special honor is not given annually and is reserved for individuals who have been dedicated to the mission of the Association during his lifetime. Karl lives in Elgin and served the agricultural industry for over 40 years, including 34 years with Central Valley Ag Coop, headquartered in York. He is currently a consultant for the Farrell Growth Group. Karl was honored for his many contributions to the ag retail profession, education, agronomy and community. He was association chairman in 2013 and received awards from FFA, Northeast Community College and was Nebraska Agri-Business Association’s Person of the year in 2008.

These awards were presented by Dan Stork, Chairman of the Association and a York resident. Dan just completed a 42 year career with Syngenta.

Presented by Vice Chairman, Brock Emery, the “Robert L. Anderson Industry Person of the Year” award recipient was Mark Kimball. Mark owns and operates Progressive Fertilizer in Callaway, serving as manager for 40 years. He was certified under Nebraska’s original NCCPA Program, known as the CCA Program today. In addition to serving as Chairman of the association in 2014, Mark was elected and served two terms on the board of directors. Mark volunteers in his community as well, serving on the Callaway District Hospital Board and the Village of Callaway Board. This award honors a member of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association for their exemplary service to the industry.

Charles Starostka was also honored for the time he has devoted over the years to visiting DC and working on issues that affect fertilizer and chemical dealers and their customers. On those DC Trips, Charles is dedicated to mentoring and teaching other members the importance of engaging with elected officials and agencies. Charles was presented a flag flown over the nation’s capital at the request of Congressman Adrian Smith, in recognition of his many years of service to Nebraska and agribusiness communities.

Three years ago, the Nebraska Certified Crop Adviser (NeCCA) program began honoring those Certified Crop Advisers with longevity in the program with specially designed lapel pins. This year was no different with thirteen Nebraska CCAs becoming 25-year veterans in the program. They are Brian Barelmann, Gary Baumert, Orvin Bontrager, Chad Deines, Mark Hinze, Robert Hrnchir, Mary Johnson, Brian Koehler, John Mick, Roger Overleese, Richard Russell, Neil Timmerman, and Alan Vybiral.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association represents ag retailers, major manufacturers and distributors of fertilizer, crop protection, seed, equipment and other ag inputs. Nebraska Agri-Business Association provides unified leadership and influence creating tangible economic and educational value for Nebraska’s crop production industry professionals.



British Consul General visits Nebraska to discuss trade

International trade is vital to Nebraska’s economic future and a priority for farm and ranch families. Gov. Ricketts, Nebraska ag organizations, the Dept. of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture recently met with British Consul General Alan Gogbashian (Chicago) to talk about trade and to highlight Nebraska agriculture. The Consul General represents the UK government and is typically responsible for regional consular, visa and trade activities.
 
While in Nebraska, CG Gogbashian: visited Siouxland Ethanol, Weborg Feeding Co. (cattle) and various Lincoln-based businesses; participated in an agriculture roundtable; attended the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Soybean Board annual meetings; and personally met with Gov. Ricketts. Jennifer Groover with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. accompanied CG Gogbashian.



Public and Private Partners Launch Project to Increase Cover Crop Acres in Des Moines River and Raccoon River Watersheds

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has entered into a cooperative agreement with Polk County, the City of Des Moines and Des Moines Water Works to help increase and expedite the amount of cover crops planted in the Des Moines and Raccoon River watersheds.

“Our public and private partners are critical to the success of every conservation project underway in Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “We’re pleased to continue working alongside our current partners and welcome new ones to help implement more soil health and water quality practices in priority watersheds around the state.”

“What happens upstream impacts the safety of our drinking water and the recreation in our rivers and lakes for everyone in Polk County. We know the utilization of cover crops can have a tremendous impact on reducing nutrient load from agricultural operations in our surface water and groundwater, and improve soil health,” said Angela Connolly, Chair of Polk County Board of Supervisors. “Investing some of Polk County’s American Recovery Act Program funds in the Cover Crop Seeder Project to assist farmers in planting cover crops is a critical step in restoring water quality for Polk County and all of Iowa.”

“Cover crops are an excellent way to help build healthier soils and a more resilient landscape, and they’re an important part of our flood risk reduction toolkit. Sometimes opportunities present themselves that require thinking outside of the box and beyond our city limits. Projects like this require a great partnership to turn an idea to reality, and we are thankful to be able to help with this project,” said Jonathan Gano, City of Des Moines Public Works Director.

As part of the Central Iowa Cover Crop Seeder Project, Polk County, with support from the City of Des Moines and Des Moines Water Works, will purchase equipment used to seed cover crops into fields. The high-clearance equipment will allow cover crop seeds to be applied to fields into standing crops. This gives the cover crops time to emerge before the cash crops are harvested, providing continuous cover for the fields.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will use funding from the Water Quality Initiative to reimburse the County up to $350,000, based on the number of cover crop acres applied by their equipment. Ag retailer Heartland Co-op will use the seeder to apply cover crop seed for farmers and landowners in central Iowa. The project is modeled after a similar program in the state of Kansas.

“Improving surface water quality and protecting our natural resources is critical to our mission of providing safe, affordable drinking water to 600,000 customers in urban, suburban, and rural areas of central Iowa,” said Ted Corrigan, Des Moines Water Works CEO. “We are happy to support this innovative project and work with these valued partners toward a shared goal.”

“Heartland Co-op’s conservation agronomists help farmers manage the numerous challenges which accompany the adoption of cover crops. The addition of this seeding equipment will allow our conservation team to increase cover crop adoption and provide farmers with a streamlined process of seeding and managing their cover crops,” said Thomas Fawcett, Heartland Co-op Director of Environmental Resources. “Heartland Co-op is excited to be a part of this partnership and we look forward to working towards our common goals of improved water quality and soil health.”

Cover crops help improve soil health, prevent soil erosion and lock in nutrients to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads, which provides water quality benefits to local streams, lakes and rivers and communities downstream.

Increasing the number of cover crop acres planted in priority watersheds is an important part of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The goal of this project is to seed up to 40,000 acres of cover crops over the next four years in the Des Moines and Raccoon River watersheds. Iowa farmers and landowners have planted more than 2 million acres of cover crops in recent years.



High-Profile Speakers to Participate in 2022 Cattle Industry Convention

The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is a few short days away in Houston, and the impressive agenda includes speakers ranging from sports heroes to global leaders. Among those speakers, NCBA is proud to welcome Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack virtually, and in person both Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conversation Robert Bonnie as well as Dame Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States.
 
Hosted by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane, this new-high profile session, the morning of Thursday, Feb. 3, will provide updates on the business climate of the U.S. cattle and beef industry, conservation, and trade.  
 
“We are thrilled to have Secretary Vilsack and Under Secretary Bonnie join us at convention. We take pride in our robust working relationship with USDA as it is essential to ensure the U.S. cattle and beef industry is well-represented in policy decisions made in Washington, D.C.,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “We are also pleased to welcome the British Ambassador to the U.S., Dame Karen Pierce. Increased access to global markets is a key tool in increasing opportunity and profitability for cattle producers across the country. We are thankful for the ambassador’s interest in expanding market access for U.S. beef, and we look forward to discussing the path forward during our conversation at convention.”
 
Vilsack was nominated by President Joe Biden to return as Secretary of Agriculture after previously serving for eight years under President Barack Obama. Robert Bonnie was appointed to serve as Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, previously he served as Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment under the Obama administration. Ambassador Pierce is responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.



Soy Growers Want Off EPA’s Deadline Merry-Go-Round

EPA has finalized a rule that pushes the deadline for oil refiners to comply with 2020 and 2021 blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which the agency previously extended in April.

The agency last delayed compliance deadline reporting for small refineries to Jan. 1, 2022, saying the delay was a result of not having released RVOs for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Now, the EPA final rule released Jan. 28 states small refineries have until the next quarterly reporting deadline after the 2021 quotas are established to fulfill them.

Brad Doyle, soy farmer from Weiner, Arkansas, and ASA President said, “EPA’s merry-go-round of deadline changes just keeps spinning. Rather than stopping according to its own timeline to make these decisions, EPA keeps the biofuels industry and in turn farmers on an unwitting ride that simply does not end. Delaying these compliance deadlines facilitates a cycle of uncertainty that undermines the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard and stifles growth in the biomass-based diesel industry.”

Overall, for all refineries and importers of fuel, the new compliance deadlines for 2022 targets will be the RFS quarterly reporting deadline after the 2023 standards effective date or the 2021 compliance reporting deadline—whichever date is later.

The RFS has reduced U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lowered fuel prices at the pump, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and added value by increasing demand for the soybeans and corn our farmers produce. Biodiesel and renewable diesel provide a valuable market for more than 9 billion pounds of soybean oil, adding more than $1.10 in value to every bushel of soybeans grown in the U.S.

EPA is currently undergoing a rulemaking process to update Renewable Volume Obligations for 2020, 2021, and 2022. The proposed rule would increase the 2022 RVO for biomass-based diesel—a move that ASA strongly supports.



Growth Energy Statement on EPA’s Finalized Delay of RVO Compliance

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a finalized extension to the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) compliance deadlines for 2019, 2020, 2021, and for 2022. The 2019 RVO compliance deadline for small refineries was originally set for November 30, 2021, and the 2020 RVO compliance deadline for all obligated parties was previously set for January 31, 2022. With today’s action, EPA is finalizing rolling compliance deadlines based on publication of the final RVOs for 2020-2022.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in response:
“Delaying compliance deadlines is completely contradictory to efforts to lower rising gas prices and increase the use of cleaner, lower-carbon fuels,” said Skor. “By continuing to delay compliance deadlines, EPA is creating uncertainty in the marketplace and stunting the blending of biofuel needed to decarbonize transportation as the Renewable Fuel Standard intended.

“Moving ahead, it is vital for EPA to get the RFS back on track. EPA can start by making needed changes to its proposed cuts to the 2020 RVOs and low volumes for 2021. Importantly, EPA needs to swiftly finalize the proposed volumes for 2022. Administrator Regan has emphasized time and time again the need for transparency and certainty when it comes to the RFS. Ensuring timely compliance and finalizing strong biofuel blends can help Administrator Regan follow through on these promises and provide much needed certainty for biofuel producers.”

Background
On Thursday, November 18th, EPA announced a proposal to extend the RVO compliance deadlines for 2019, 2020, 2021, and for 2022. In December 2021, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance date extension proposal.



BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO INCREASE H-2B VISAS TO FIGHT LABOR SHORTAGE

To address the country’s ongoing labor shortage, the Biden administration this week announced it will allow an additional 20,000 foreign workers into the country under the H-2B visa program. That program permits employers to temporarily hire such workers for non-agricultural labor or services, including meatpacking.

Employers requesting H-2B visas must attest to the U.S. Department of Labor that they will offer a wage that equals or exceeds the higher of the prevailing wage, applicable federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage or local minimum wage. Most of the visas will be available only to workers who received H-2B visas in the last three fiscal years, but 6,500 will go to laborers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras.  



NPPC PRESSES THAILAND FOR BETTER PORK MARKET ACCESS AS IT BATTLES ASF

Because of African swine fever (ASF), Thailand is predicting as much as a 40% decline in hog production this year, and NPPC is hoping the country finally will give the U.S. pork industry more access to the Thai market. Thailand’s pork imports are minimal, with 2021 volume at just over 26,000 metric tons, 99% of which was from the European Union.

The country has a de facto ban on U.S. pork imports through high tariffs and several non-tariffs barriers. Import duties are 30% or 40% on most products, and it imposes a license fee for imported pork equal to about $220 per metric ton compared with $7.50 per metric ton for domestically produced pork. U.S. pork exports to Thailand must be cooked and/or prepared.

Thailand maintains these obstacles to U.S. pork despite the United States being its No. 2 export market and despite receiving – until late 2020 – duty-free access to the U.S. market for many of its goods under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

In November 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative suspended more than $800 million in GSP trade preferences for Thailand for its failure to grant the United States “equitable and reasonable market access” for U.S. pork products. The decision followed a 2018 petition by the National Pork Proudcers Council, asking USTR to review Thailand’s eligibility for the GSP program. NPPC is continuing to work with USTR and the government in Bangkok to further open the Thai market to U.S. pork.