Monday January 17 Ag News

Nebraska Farm Bureau Outlines Agricultural Trade Priorities for the Biden Administration, Updates Its Trade Report

The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) has identified three trade priorities for the Biden administration following a year with little movement on the topic. As a majority of the world’s consumers reside outside U.S. borders, international trade is vital to the economic future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. The success of international trade has led to agricultural exports consistently accounting for roughly 30 percent of each dollar going into the pockets of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.

“It’s critical the administration understands the connection. It has been a year since President Biden has taken office and we have seen next to nothing happening on trade. It’s the reason we’ve identified these trade actions the administration can take to support our farm and ranch families. Growing markets is vital to the health and profitability of our family businesses,” said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

Farm Bureau’s trade priority list includes growing new markets, reaffirming the importance of and reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO), and topping the list is working to establish a long-term trading relationship with China while at the same time holding them accountable to international trade rules.

“Given China’s importance as a trading partner to U.S. farmers and ranchers, it is vitally important the U.S. and China move beyond the Phase One agreement. NEFB urges President Biden to normalize trade relations with China and push for the complete elimination of all tariffs on U.S. agriculture products going to China. At the same time, forcing China to play by approved international trade rules is also key,” said McHargue.

Other Farm Bureau priorities for the administration include growing new markets, which include congressional reauthorization of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for the president, providing the administration flexibility to negotiate trade agreements. NEFB has long supported granting either political party TPA because of our strong support for the expansion of new markets. While members of the Biden administration have been cautious in taking this step, requesting the extension of TPA and working with Congress to obtain the authority would show the rest of the world the administration is taking trade expansion seriously and the United States is open for business.

“We’re also encouraging the Biden administration to actively work for the U.S. to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Nebraska farmers and ranchers have captured a large portion of the benefits of CPTPP participation in the way of lower tariffs on U.S. beef and pork through President Trump’s trade deal with Japan in 2020. However, there are still areas of improvement that can be made, and the rest of the economy was largely left out of President Trump’s agreement. Outside of imports and exports, the value of the U.S. joining CPTPP would be found in helping the U.S. gain an increased leadership role in the region and help push back against the influence of China. President Biden must pull the U.S. off the sidelines and sign on to the CPTPP,” McHargue said.

While the role of the WTO has diminished over the past nearly two decades, the international institution which oversees rules-based trade remains important for farmers and ranchers. Issues such as agricultural subsidies, the digital economy, government owned businesses, and intellectual property theft all must be addressed in any WTO reform efforts. However, reestablishing the appellate body which was allowed to dissolve under the Trump administration has severely limited the body’s ability to function.

“U.S. agriculture wins under a global, rules-based trading system because our farmers and ranchers have the capability to beat all global competitors when it comes to producing agricultural commodities and agricultural products. However, the WTO cannot function property without an operating appellate body. While we agree reforms are needed, President Biden must allow for the appointment of new appellate body judges so that this important body can continue their work of being the arbiter of international trade rules” said McHargue. “Our members benefit when the WTO functions correctly.”

In addition to identifying trade priorities, the Nebraska Farm Bureau issued its 2020 Nebraska Agriculture and International Trade report. The report estimates the dollars and cents value of agricultural trade to Nebraska, projecting estimates for the value of agricultural trade for each Nebraska county, as well as per-farm estimates. The report, issued annually since 2017, acts as a barometer demonstrating the importance of trade to farmers, ranchers, and Nebraska’s economy. The estimates are calculated using USDA’s final trade numbers released in October 2021.

The 2020 report denotes the value of Nebraska agricultural exports at $7.1 billion in 2020. Nebraska continued to be the fifth-largest agriculture exporting state in 2020, with Nebraska topping the nation in exports of beef, while being the second largest exporter of hides and skins, the third largest exporter of corn, feed, and processed grain products, and the fifth largest exporter of soybeans, soybean meal, and vegetable oil.

The report tabbed the per-unit value of agricultural trade for soybeans at $8.47 cents per bushel, $1.02 per bushel for corn, and $3.60 per bushel for wheat. The report projected the per-unit value of trade at $188.31 per head for beef, down from 2019, and $83.31 per head for pork.

According to the report, there was little change between 2019 and 2020 in top export commodities for Nebraska counties. Soybeans were again the top export commodity for more than half of Nebraska counties, 49 counties in all, seven more than 2019. Corn slipped as the top export commodity for 11 counties last year to 10 counties this year. Only two years ago, corn was the top export commodity in 31 counties. The number of counties with beef as the top export commodity, 30 counties, slipped as well in 2020 from 34 counties in 2019. Wheat was the top export county in four counties.

Platte County still holds on to the top spot in terms of value of agricultural exports in 2020. Custer, Cuming, Antelope, and Boone Counties round out the top five top export counties in 2020. Platte County experienced an estimated $191 million in value from agriculture trade in 2020. Phelps County again scored as the most reliant on trade on a per-farm basis, with an export value per-farm of $343,000.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Trade Agenda 2022 policy priorities guide and Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2020 Nebraska Agriculture and International Trade report are available online at www.nefb.org.



Applying Manure Management Concepts On-farm Programs in February, March
Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

The Animal Manure Management team is hosting “Applying Manure Management Concepts On-Farm” programs across the state this winter. They begin on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Norfolk and continue throughout February and into March.

While these events have traditionally been targeted at livestock operations that are required to attend as part of their permit, the team has made huge progress the last several years in making the information in those programs very interactive and applied for anyone who uses manure. I encourage all crop farmers who use or are considering using manure to plan on attending. At the programs, you’ll discover how to determine which fields are the most economical for manure use and which fields can benefit the most from manure’s ability to improve soil health and water quality.

There are essentially two programs — an in-depth one and an applied session. The in-depth program will last much of the day and includes the applied session. It gets into the nitty gritty of what a permitted animal feeding operation needs to know about manure management and maintaining their permit, as well as meets the requirements for initial land application training.

If you’re interested in just learning more about using manure more economically or for soil and water quality benefits, the applied session in the afternoons or evenings is probably your best bet. The applied session is very interactive and most often the highlight for those who attend our manure events. Additionally, it meets recertification needs for those who are required to maintain land application certification.

While I enjoy teaching at many of these programs across the state each year, I think I’m most excited about the special session that is being piloted in West Point on Thursday, March 10. In that session, we’ll offer private pesticide training in addition to the applied manure program. The plan is to be nearly all interactive for that session and we’ll talk about where pesticide safety and manure application overlap. For those who need both manure training and pesticide training, you get both in one day — and we’ll have a sponsored lunch, too.

Dates are as follows (times are in central time unless otherwise noted):
    Norfolk — Feb. 2 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)
    Lexington — Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)
    Bridgeport — Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. mountain (in-depth) and 1 p.m. mountain (applied)
    Columbus — Feb. 10 at 3 pm (in-depth) and 6:30 p.m. (applied)
    North Platte — Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)
    Geneva, Feb — Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)
    West Point — Feb. 16 at 2 pm and 6 p.m. (applied)
    Atkinson — Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)
    West Point — March 9 at 9 a.m. (special applied session in combination with Private Pesticide)
    Concord — March 10 at 9 a.m. (in-depth) and 1 p.m. (applied)

All manure programs require pre-registration. More information can be found on our Land Application Training page https://water.unl.edu/lat.



Soils School to Feature Soil, Water, Nutrient Management Concepts

The 2022 Soils School will be held in-person at Grand Island, Nebraska on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 7 and 8.

Co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Nebraska Agri-Business Association, this course has been designed for all employees for the application of basic principles of soils, water and nutrient management. Leading experts from the University of Nebraska, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be presenting the latest up-to-date information.

The course provides continuing education units (CEUs) for certified crop advisors. A total of six soil and water (SW) and six nutrient management (NM) CEUs are being made available through this course.

Interested individuals can now view the 2022 Soils School Agenda https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022-CW-News/2022-Soils-School-Brochure.pdf for a list of session topics and presenters.

There is a $315 registration fee for members of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association and a $430 registration fee for non-members. Register online through the Nebraska Agri-Business Association’s calendar page https://na-ba.com/member-resources/calendar/.



Pillen Pledges Support To Rural Nebraska, Hits 93-County Milestone

Conservative Republican Jim Pillen announced today that he has completed his campaign tour of all 93 Nebraska counties. On Sunday, Jim made Thayer County the 93rd in which he's held or participated in campaign events (including meet-and-greets, local Republican functions, business tours, Team Pillen receptions, townhall meetings, parades, and business and community roundtables) since announcing his candidacy for governor in April of 2021.

"This is a major milestone for our campaign," said Pillen. "I am committed to being a governor for all Nebraskans, and that’s why I’ve made listening to voters in every county a priority. It's been a privilege to answer their questions, hear their concerns and ideas, and share my conservative vision for our great state. Every voter and every community matters, and we cannot allow any of our communities to fall behind."



WINTER HAY WORRIES – Ben Beckman
 
Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning are issues that we typically associate with animals grazing.  However, both issues can be a problem in winter when animal diets are limited by what they are fed.  Is your herd safe from possible hay worries?
 
Tetany occurs when an animal’s diet doesn’t have enough magnesium to meet nutritional needs.  Complications with milk production and increased magnesium demand can make this imbalance even worse during lactation.
 
Grass, alfalfa, and cereal grains harvested for hay can all be low in magnesium.  Getting a hay test with mineral analysis can easily show if this is an issue we need to worry about.  If tests come back showing less than 0.15% magnesium, the hay is deficient.  Other mineral interactions that can worsen tetany are low calcium (<0.40%) and high in potassium (>2.5%).
 
If your test comes back with issues, consider switching over to a high calcium and magnesium mineral.  Most options use magnesium oxide, which is bitter tasting and can reduce animal consumption.  Consider mixing with a protein or energy supplement or mixing with distillers grain or soybean meal to improve consumption if it’s not at target levels (for a 10-13% Magnesium mix, this is 4 oz. per head).
 
Another concern to keep an eye on is nitrates.  Forages high in nitrate that were harvested for hay will not see a significant reduction in nitrate levels after curing.  Any hay that we suspect being high in nitrate should be tested and if high, fed as a reduced portion of the diet to prevent an issue with toxicity.
 
Tetany and nitrates in the winter aren’t problems that often jumps right to a producer’s mind, but they can be a serious issue, especially when an animal’s diet is limited to what they are fed.  Properly testing hay and adjusting mineral and diets to minimize risk can keep your winter hay worries at bay.



NDA’S 2022 POSTER CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE

With abundant natural resources and a diverse landscape, Nebraska’s good life is home to some of the nation’s best agriculture. To highlight the state’s number one industry, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is asking students to enter its annual poster contest. The contest is open to all Nebraska students (public, private and home school) in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme is “Nebraska Agriculture Makes the Good Life Great.”

“Nebraska agriculture makes the good life great in so many ways,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Nebraska has an abundant water supply, excellent soil and a favorable climate to support a wide variety of crops and livestock. Nebraskans are the best people, too, working hard to keep the state growing.”

NDA’s poster contest is divided into three age categories: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students, in any Nebraska public, private or home school. Entries must be received at NDA’s office by March 1, 2022.

NDA will announce the winners of this year’s poster contest during National Ag Week, March 20-26, 2022. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, feed and fuel that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries from this year’s contest on its website and in promotional materials and publications.

The poster contest gives parents and teachers an opportunity to talk with students about Nebraska agriculture and the many ways we depend on it. Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at 402-471-6856 or by email at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.

“We look forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they show their versions of how Nebraska agriculture makes the good life great,” said Wellman.



Counties Can Signup to Evaluate CAFO sites

Counties interested in evaluating construction permits for proposed animal feeding facilities must adopt and submit a construction evaluation resolution by the end of January.

"County boards can pass a resolution to participate in the master matrix at any time, but they must submit the resolution to DNR between Jan. 1 and 31," said Kelli Book, DNR attorney.

On average, 88 counties pass a resolution each year, allowing them to review construction permit applications required for larger, totally roofed animal feeding operations (confinements).

Producers in counties that file the resolutions must meet additional standards in their construction permits than sites in other counties. They must earn points on a master matrix by choosing a site and using practices that reduce effects on the environment and the community.

The master matrix development, submittal and approval process allows applicants and county supervisors to discuss options for site selection, facility type and management. The county submits a recommendation to the DNR on the permit application after reviewing the matrix items the applicant selected.

Counties that participate in the master matrix process may accompany DNR on site visits to proposed locations. The county board of supervisors may also appeal the DNR's preliminary approval of a permit to the Environmental Protection Commission.

Counties should send resolutions to Kelli Book at DNR, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 or email Kelli.Book@dnr.iowa.gov. Sign-ups in January apply to permit applications DNR receives from February through January 2023.

For historical information on counties that adopted resolutions, check for Master Matrix information on the DNR construction permit webpage.

More information is also available from the Iowa State Association of Counties.



Nebraska Corn Fertilizer Price Concerns Elevated Following Release of New Report

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) – collectively known as “Nebraska Corn” – are crying foul after researchers at Texas A&M University released an economic analysis suggesting pending tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will create shortages resulting in increased prices for farmers. Nebraska corn farmers have been concerned for several months as fertilizer prices have risen more than 80% for the upcoming growing season compared to 2021. The Texas A&M report validates farmers’ fears that fertilizer companies are artificially manipulating prices to the detriment of U.S. agriculture.

“As part of this study, we conducted an historical analysis going back to 1980 and found that fertilizer costs tend to go up when corn revenues increase,” said Dr. Joe Outlaw, lead researcher of the study. “Notably, these prices tend to go up exponentially even after accounting for natural gas prices and higher demand.”

The study noted the price of anhydrous ammonia, one type of nitrogen fertilizer, increased by $688 per ton – $86,000 for a 1,000-acre farm – from the end of 2020 through the end of October 2021.

The economic analysis has farmers worried about a petition by CF Industries with U.S. International Trade Commission to impose tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers imported from Trinidad and Tobago and Russia. CF Industries is one of the country’s leading nitrogen producers. Despite a widespread condemnation from ag groups, the U.S. Department of Commerce released a preliminary finding recommending tariffs.

“Costs of fertilizers are sky high and will continue to climb with the addition of the proposed tariffs,” said Andy Jobman, president of NeCGA and farmer from Gothenburg. “Nebraska’s farmers have been experiencing financial difficulties for the past several years due to low prices. High input prices are going to cause great financial harm to many operations after we finally thought we caught a break. High nitrogen prices are eliminating profitability for family farms.”

“I think the solution is simple,” said Jay Reiners, chairman of NCB and farmer from Juniata. “Fertilizer companies need to remove us from their trade spats, while maintaining a reliable and affordable supply of their products in the market. Only then can our farmers have a chance at success as we approach the 2022 growing season.”

The Texas A&M economic analysis was conducted by 21 state corn organizations including: Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.



UNL webinar to cover farm, ranch business planning

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability will present a webinar offering strategies and insight on developing business plans for farm and ranch businesses at noon on Jan. 27.

The webinar will explain how a business plan helps others understand how a business operates, who does the operation, how it’s marketed, finances and more. It seeks to de-mystify the business plan writing process by discussing why it is important and offering strategies on how to write a plan.

It will be presented by Curtis Mahnken, an extension economist with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Farm Financial Management. He will showcase the free, web-based AgPlan program, which was developed at the University of Minnesota to help rural businesses write their business plans.

The webinar is presented as part of the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s weekly series. Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.

 

PROPOSALS FOR 2022 SPECIALTY CROP PROJECTS DUE JAN. 31

Nebraska agriculture is known for its traditional crops like corn and soybeans, but the state’s diverse landscape also supports specialty crops like dry edible beans, potatoes and wine grapes. To strengthen the specialty crop industry in the state, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking proposals for innovative research, development and marketing projects through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program is administered by NDA and funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline for submitting SCBGP proposals is Jan. 31, 2022.

“Specialty crops add value and variety to Nebraska agriculture, keeping our ag industry strong,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “New this year to our Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is an online application process designed to streamline grant applications, save time, and more effectively manage the entire grant cycle. This process will help people in the specialty crop industry focus on innovative ways to grow Nebraska through agriculture.”

For the 2022 SCBG program, NDA anticipates approximately $820,000 will be available to fund new projects. Producers, organizations and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply. Last fall, several organizations in Nebraska received more than $1.9 million in USDA grants including pandemic relief funds.

AmpliFund is the new grant application software that NDA is using. A recorded webinar training is available on NDA’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html along with proposal instructions, grant performance measures and program guidelines.

As in years past, this year’s proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria and the AmpliFund software. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the fall. To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded, visit USDA’s website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. For additional information, contact SCBG Program Manager Casey Foster at 402-471-4876, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.



Workshop series to feature ‘A Year in the Life of Pork Producer’

Military veterans interested in agriculture are invited to attend a series of workshops intended to navigate a year in the life of a veteran local farmer.

Hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, “A Year in the Life of a Pork Producer” will run from Feb. 7, to Oct. 1. The workshops will rotate between online classroom sessions and on-farm sessions with an online option.

“In our classroom sessions, participants will hear from experts and learn business and financial skills and resources applicable to any type of agricultural operation,” said Kirstin Bailey, senior project associate for the Center. “In the on-farm sessions, an experienced farmer will go through the ins and outs of pork production and demonstrate knowledge of a particular enterprise on his farm. We will also take videos of on-farm sessions and post them online for our out of state participants, and those who cannot attend”

Each month, topics covered will range from obtaining the proper equipment and maintaining adequate facilities to setting up grazing systems to working with a butcher

This year’s focus farmer, who will help lead these sessions and where in-person sessions will be taking place, is a pork producer specializing in KuneKune pigs, which hail from New Zealand. Farmers/leaders with experience in various types of agriculture, such as poultry, pork, beef, and beekeeping, will also be available to help participants throughout the course’s online platform.

For more information or to register, contact Bailey at 402.870.2390 or kirstinb@cfra.org or Mariel Barreras at 402.906.9766 or marielbarreras4505@gmail.com.

Find a full, detailed schedule at cfra.org/events.



Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Webinar Series

Since its discovery as a new species in 2019, soybean gall midge continues to be found in new counties across five states in the Midwest. For some growers, the presence of soybean gall midge had a significant impact on soybean yield. The persistence of this new pest in existing areas and its presence in new counties highlight the need to stay up-to-date on the latest research-based information.

Researchers from four midwestern states have developed a two-part webinar series consisting of several short talks with time for discussion. Growers, consultants, educators, and industry representatives are encouraged to join these free webinars. Registration is required and two CCA credits will be available.

On Feb. 15th, you can get the latest multi-state update on the distribution of soybean gall midge, important scouting tips, and information on the ecology of soybean gall midge. Learn about data collected in 2021 on its distribution in a field as well as the challenges with insecticide applications.

On Feb 22nd, you can get first-hand knowledge on the ongoing and upcoming potential strategies for soybean gall midge. Knowing and understanding these strategies will be critical for the development of successful, long-term pest management for soybean gall midge.

Webinars will start at 10 a.m. CT. Go to soybeangallmidge.org and follow the link to register.



Northeast Nebraska Shows Ranch Group Generous Support

A recent calf sale fundraiser, hosted by Creighton Livestock Market, raised a generous amount of proceeds for R-CALF USA. Matt Paulsen, an R-CALF USA member from Niobrara, donated a steer calf that was auctioned off.

A group of engaged cattle producers and members of the surrounding business community demonstrated their support of R-CALF USA’s various cattle market reforms by raising over $9,000. The funds will be used to help pass legislation promoting mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and the 50/14 Cattle Market Protection bill (50/14) that would require large packers to purchase at least 50% of their cattle in the cash market and to harvest those cattle within 14 days.

“I want to help make a difference for my family’s legacy and livelihood,” Paulsen said as he explained why he donated a calf for the fundraiser. “I want to see my children and grandchildren continue to have the opportunity to do what we have loved for five generations.”

“From the time that Matt (Paulsen) reached out to me and set the fundraiser in motion, the support was clear,” R-CALF USA Field Director Karina Jones said. “I had almost daily communication with the Creighton Livestock barn owners and field reps leading up to the event.” Jones complimented all that were involved.

“I felt like cattle producers in northeast Nebraska needed to learn more about R-CALF and everything they are doing and stand for, so hosting this fundraiser was an easy decision,” commented Joel Kumm, co-owner of Creighton Livestock Market.

“It was a successful day, and a lot of producers learned a lot and we have had great response and conversations with a lot of them since the fundraiser,” Kumm said. “I support R-CALF because it is the best organization standing up for the independent cattle producer, I am a firm believer that we need to reinstate MCOOL on our beef!”

Multimin provided cookies for the fundraiser, with their Nebraska territory manager, Hannah Garrett, on hand to speak with cattle producers. Vitalix Inc. also provided whip flags to donors and Radar Feed and Supply offered hats and gloves to all those supporting the fundraiser.

“We would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who supported this fundraiser,” said Jones. “Calf sale fundraisers are a vital part of the success of our organization as R-CALF USA does not accept any Beef Checkoff funds. We are funded solely by our members and producers who believe in the policy goals that we are working toward.”

Jones explained calf sale fundraisers are also a membership building tool that R-CALF USA relies on to maintain a strong and growing membership base, and R-CALF USA is now scheduling their 2022 calf sale fundraisers.



Naig Comments on Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Wild Bird in South Carolina

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a wild bird in South Carolina. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to the general public from HPAI H5 infections to be low. However, it has the potential to spread among commercial, backyard and wild bird populations, posing a risk to animal health.

“This confirmation of high path avian influenza in a wild bird in South Carolina highlights the risks facing our poultry producers. We appreciate USDA testing efforts that help identify disease and serve as an early warning system.

“This is a good reminder to Iowa’s livestock producers that now is the time to evaluate and look for opportunities to strengthen your farm’s biosecurity protocols and closely monitor the health of your animals. If you observe sick animals or clinical signs that are consistent with HPAI, you should contact your veterinarian and state or federal animal health officials immediately.

“HPAI and other foreign animal diseases pose a significant risk to Iowa agriculture. Our team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will continue working with USDA, livestock producers and other stakeholders to develop, test and strengthen our foreign animal disease preparedness and response plans.”



Iowa’s Ag Leaders Endorse Chuck Grassley for Re-election

Iowa’s leading agriculture advocates today endorsed U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, for re-election.

In their endorsement, the Iowa ag leaders cited Grassley’s work for free and fair trade, price transparency in livestock marketing, pandemic assistance for farmers, infrastructure investments, farm bills good for the Midwest, renewable energy, and tax policy in growing Iowa’s ag economy and attracting business and innovation to the state. The list of endorsers includes leaders from the major Iowa commodity groups as well as numerous federal and state government officials, among others.

“Agriculture is the backbone of Iowa’s economy and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in communities across the state. Every day, I work to make sure Rural America is never forgotten at the policymaking tables in Washington,” Grassley said. “Iowa agriculture helps feed and fuel the world and is key to our economic and national security. I’m grateful to have the support of Iowa’s ag leaders and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Iowa’s farmers and biofuels producers.”

The Grassley farm in New Hartford, Iowa grows corn and soybeans. Grassley has championed Iowa agriculture at every turn, from the farm bill safety net to expanding access to and production of biofuels. Recently, Grassley led the effort to support biofuel producers who had to shut down production during the pandemic. USDA just announced it would make $800 million available to the industry.

The full endorsement statement and list of signatories can be found below.

--

As leaders across Iowa and for agriculture, we wholeheartedly endorse Senator Chuck Grassley for his re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2022.

Senator Grassley is a tireless advocate for Iowa's livestock producers, farmers, biofuel producers, and rural communities. His leadership on issues including free and fair trade, price transparency in livestock marketing, pandemic assistance for farmers, infrastructure investment, farm bills good for the Midwest, renewable energy, and taxes has been instrumental to grow our agriculture economy and attract business and innovation to our state. That includes good-paying jobs in farm equipment manufacturing and inputs all along the supply chain to keep our farm economy growing. We need to keep Senator Grassley at the table to continue championing policies that foster prosperity in the farm economy and vitality across Iowa.

Senator Grassley is also a tireless advocate for Iowa’s rural communities. The wind and biofuels industries in Iowa would not exist without the foresight of our senator, Chuck Grassley. The biofuels industry supports more than 37,000 good paying jobs and fuels prosperity in our small towns and clean energy for America.

His annual 99-county meetings show his commitment to listening to Iowans and solving problems. Holding question-and-answer sessions in every corner of the state, including the hundreds of small towns where farmers and their families call home, reflects Senator Grassley’s work ethic and passion to represent all Iowans. He has never forgotten where he came from, and his powerful voice in support of key countryside priorities such as broadband, housing, job creation, water infrastructure, and rural health care has never been more important to keep Iowa’s rural communities thriving.

As one of only two crop farmers in the U.S. Senate, Senator Grassley’s legislative expertise, leadership and life experience are unmatched to champion the needs and interests of Iowa agriculture. Senator Grassley is the right choice for agriculture and the right choice for Iowa.

The Senator we need is the Senator we've got.

Sincerely,

Mike Naig
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Cylinder, Iowa

Julie Kenney
Deputy Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Ankeny, Iowa

Bill Northey
Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation, USDA
Urbandale, Iowa

Robb Ewoldt
President of the Iowa Soybean Association
Davenport, Iowa

Dennis Liljedahl
President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association
Essex, Iowa

Bob Noble
President of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
Riceville, Iowa

Craig Hill
Former President of the Iowa Farm Bureau
Ackworth, Iowa

Curt Mether
Former President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association
Logan, Iowa

E. Thurman Gaskill
Former State Senator and President of the National Corn Growers Association
Corwith, Iowa

Kevin Ross
Former President of the National Corn Growers Association
Minden, Iowa

Tim Burrack
Former President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association
Arlington, Iowa

Jim Dean
Center Fresh Group
Sioux Center, Iowa

Amanda De Jong
Former State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, USDA
Rhodes, Iowa

Grant Menke
Former State Director, Rural Development, USDA
Ankeny, Iowa

Jeremy Davis
Former Farm Production and Conservation Regional Coordinator, USDA
Ames, Iowa

Bill Horan
Chairman Western Iowa Energy
Rockwell City, Iowa

April Hemmes
Hemmes Farms
Hampton, Iowa

Christina Zuiderveen
Managing Partner Black Soil Dairy LLC
Granville, Iowa

Devin Mogler
President of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
Alvord, Iowa



NCBA Backs WOTUS Recommendations from EPA Advisory Committee  

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for a report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC).
 
“The FRRCC represents a diverse group of stakeholders including academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments,” said Scott Yager, NCBA Chief Environmental Counsel. “NCBA strongly supports the committee’s recommendation to develop a clear and limited WOTUS definition and protect key exemptions for common agricultural features. With the EPA’s convoluted approach to soliciting public comments and stakeholder perspectives on WOTUS, NCBA encourages the EPA to listen to its own advisory committee’s recommendation, and the recommendation is clear: farmers and ranchers need clear rules and regulatory certainty to be successful.”
 
The FRRCC’s recommendations include:
    Ensuring EPA compliance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent limiting federal jurisdiction over bodies of water.
    Developing a clear definition of WOTUS that is easily interpreted by farmers and ranchers.
    Protecting WOTUS exemptions for common agricultural features, including farm ditches, stock ponds, prairie potholes, prior converted cropland, and other small, isolated water features.
    Reconsidering the EPA roundtable process to ensure that all stakeholders have an opportunity to voice concerns on WOTUS rulemaking.
 
The FRRCC is a Federal Advisory Committee chartered by the EPA to provide policy advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on environmental issues impacting agriculture and rural communities. The committee consists of 32 members from across the United States representing academia, agricultural producers, affiliated industries, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments. On January 12, 2022, the FRRCC released a final report containing policy recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. In addition to the recommends on WOTUS, NCBA is supportive of the FRRCC’s position on an Ecosystem Management System, pesticide management, and food loss and food waste. These recommendations focus on the need for clear, consistent policy positions from the EPA that account for the needs of farmers and ranchers on their individual operations.  
 
In November 2021, the Biden administration released a proposal to repeal the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and propose new regulations on common agricultural features, such as stock ponds, ditches, and ephemeral water features that only flow during rain. The rule is currently open for public comment and NCBA is engaging with the EPA to voice concerns on the rule. NCBA encourages the EPA to adopt the FRRCC recommendations, which align with the views of cattle producers and address shortcomings in the proposed rule.



National Biodiesel Conference to Usher in New Era of Clean Fuels

The past year has presented a dizzying array of business and policy decarbonization efforts in the transportation and home heating sectors as the United States continues to work toward a common goal of a better, cleaner future. The biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries are “All In” on this goal and will come together at the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Jan. 17-20, ready to meet the challenges ahead.

The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is the premier industry event bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to learn, do business and strategize about how to meet the growing demand for clean fuels amid rapid decarbonization efforts.

“This year, our industry celebrates its 30th anniversary, and with that, we will formally announce an organizational name change that capitalizes on the connected energies of everyone in the industry working together toward a clean fuels future,” said National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen. “The new name reflects the evolution and growth in demand for all of the products we create – biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Our membership spans North America and represents nearly all of the companies that are producing the most sustainable fuels on the planet. This new name will position us for growth in the clean energy ecosystem and continue building on our longtime role as the voice of this industry to markets, stakeholders and policymakers.”

The conference agenda features educational sessions that will help participants expand industry knowledge and prepare for success in a rapidly changing world. Sessions include:  
    Coming up Aces: Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Age of Decarbonization
    Doubling Down on Feedstock: How Will We Meet Growing Demand?
    Beyond the Road: New and Expanding Markets
    Understanding ESG in the New Corporate America

Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources, such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel and renewable diesel are better, cleaner fuels that are available now for use in existing diesel engines without modification. The National Biodiesel Board is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel and renewable diesel value chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors.



EPA Announces Endangered Species Act Protection Policy for New Pesticides

Reversing decades of practice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking meaningful action to further the Agency’s compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when evaluating and registering new pesticide active ingredients (AIs). Effective Jan. 11, 2022, before EPA registers any new conventional AI, the Agency will evaluate the potential effects of the AI on federally threatened or endangered (listed) species, and their designated critical habitats, and initiate ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services), as appropriate.
 
Before this announcement, in most cases, EPA did not consistently assess the potential effects of conventional pesticides on listed species when registering new AIs. This resulted in insufficient protections from new AIs for listed species, as well as resource-intensive litigation against EPA for registering new AIs prior to assessing potential effects on listed species. EPA’s new policy should reduce these types of cases against the Agency and improve the legal defensibility of new AIs, which often have lower human health and ecological risks than older pesticides.
 
"Protecting listed species and their habitats is essential to EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “With this policy, EPA is taking a critical step to register new pesticides in a way that prioritizes protections for listed species."
 
"Incorporating ESA assessments into the registration process for new pesticides is a key component of EPA's larger effort to meet the Agency's ESA obligations efficiently and effectively," said Ya-Wei (Jake) Li, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new approach and working on additional improvements that are both beneficial for species and fair to pesticide registrants.”
 
Under this policy, if EPA finds through its analyses that a new conventional pesticide AI is likely to adversely affect listed species or their designated critical habitats, EPA will initiate formal consultation with the Services before granting a new AI registration. As part of its analysis and under its existing authorities, EPA will consider the likelihood that the registration action may jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify their designated critical habitat and provide its findings to the Services. To determine or predict the potential effects of a pesticide on these species and habitats, EPA will use appropriate ecological assessment principles and apply what it has learned from past effects determinations and the Services’ biological opinions.
 
If EPA determines that jeopardy or adverse modification is likely, the Agency will only make a registration decision on the new AI after requiring registrants to implement mitigation measures that EPA determines would likely prevent jeopardy or adverse modification. If EPA finds that a new AI is likely to adversely affect listed species or their critical habitat, but that jeopardy/adverse modification is not likely, it may nonetheless require registrants to include mitigation measures on their registration and product labeling to minimize the effects of incidental take to listed species that could result from use of a pesticide. In both situations, formal consultation with the Services is still necessary. Further, EPA may determine that it is necessary for registrants to incorporate a link to Bulletins Live! Two—an online system that describes use limitations for EPA-registered pesticides by geographic area—into the product’s labeling.
 
When identifying necessary mitigations to prevent jeopardy/adverse modification, EPA will consider a variety of factors including how species or critical habitats are exposed to a pesticide and what the likely effects of the pesticide exposure will be. Because listed species are often exposed to pesticides on treatment sites or in off-site habitats that receive spray drift and runoff, EPA expects that mitigation measures will often include avoiding or minimizing these exposure routes. Where possible, EPA intends to provide several mitigation options to allow flexibility for growers while ensuring protections for listed species.  
 
EPA is also continuing to explore applying these new ESA approaches to new biopesticide AIs and new antimicrobial AIs. EPA is currently developing a detailed work plan to outline additional improvements to further the Agency’s compliance with the ESA, including steps to implement protections for high-risk species more efficiently, provide growers with more flexible mitigation measures, and increase stakeholder engagement.



American Farm Bureau Foundation Partners with Nationwide to Foster Ag Education

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is making agriculture education resources more accessible to classrooms across the country. Thanks to generous support from Nationwide, the Ag Foundation opened applications this week for education grants that will empower educators with more accurate information about agriculture.

Three hundred educators will be selected to receive educator packs that include one copy of the Ag Foundation’s 2022 Book of the Year, “How to Grow a Monster,” one copy of the accompanying educator guide, and a set of 30 school garden ag mags for educational use.

“The Foundation is excited to get more resources into the hands of educators across the country thanks to this partnership with Nationwide,” said Daniel Meloy, executive director of the Ag Foundation. “We hope that these accurate ag lessons blossom into a lifelong love of learning about how food is grown.”

“As a company rooted in agriculture, Nationwide recognizes that the future rests within a foundational awareness and understanding of the industry among young people,” said Nationwide and AFBFA board member Steve Hirsch. “I’m proud of our support of these teacher grants, which will further the important task of teaching young people about agriculture. The Foundation’s Book of the Year and supporting classroom curriculum are fantastic resources to aid in these efforts.”

Educators can apply for the grants through the Ag Foundation’s website. Applications are due by midnight on February 28, and all applicants will receive notification by March 4, 2022.