Tuesday January 11 Ag News

Nebraska’s Brady Revels Honored with National Young Farmers & Ranchers Award

Brady Revels of Valley, Neb. has made history as the first Nebraskan to take home the national Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture award. Revels was named the winner during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention held in Atlanta, Ga. Jan. 7-11.

“I am very humbled to receive this award. It is a culmination of the 10 years of activities in agriculture and Farm Bureau. I am very grateful to Nebraska Farm Bureau for taking me in and getting me to this point. This is as much Nebraska Farm Bureau as it is me. It just means the world to me to know there are so many people in Nebraska supporting me,” said Revels.

Revels, a Douglas County Farm Bureau member, was recognized for his ongoing involvement and commitment to agriculture. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Revels competed throughout the AFBF Convention against young farmers and ranchers from around the country by demonstrating knowledge, achievement, and commitment to promoting agriculture.

“It’s been a really great opportunity to learn about agriculture in other states, but also highlight some of the cool things we are doing in Nebraska and Douglas County. I am just really grateful to share my experience with Farm Bureau and all the opportunities I’ve been able to have because of Nebraska Farm Bureau,” said Revels.

Revels grew up on his maternal grandfather’s diversified farming operation growing vegetables and raising cattle near Bushnell, Florida. His love for agriculture started at an early age. He was involved in 4-H and FFA and raised replacement dairy heifers, developing his own small herd of registered Brown Swiss dairy cattle. After college, he couldn’t go back to his family’s Florida farm, so he went to work for an animal pharmaceutical company, which led him to the Midwest where he met his wife, Katie. He then began a new career working with dairy farmers to help manage their feed portfolio. He currently is an account manager with Cargill Corn Milling.

Revels also works with an outside technology vendor who helps his customers collect, analyze, and use data in their operations. He manages the relationship between his customers and the vendor, provides support to other staff, and recently started working with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to translate the data into information that can help farmers make more meaningful decisions on their operations.

As an active Douglas County Farm Bureau member, Revels is working with Douglas County Extension and the Omaha Home for Boys on Ag Fest, a program that connects elementary students with the knowledge that their food originally starts on a farm. Douglas County Farm Bureau has sponsored this program for the past six years, and it has already reached approximately 10,000 third graders who have little to no knowledge of agriculture.  

Revels will continue to grow his leadership with Farm Bureau and wants to inspire more young people to be a part of Nebraska Farm Bureau. He will also continue to work on policy development, advocating for agriculture, and supporting agricultural education.  

In winning the award, Revels will receive a new Ford vehicle, courtesy of Ford. In addition, he will receive paid registration to the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference, which will be held Feb. 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky, also courtesy of Ford.



Bill seeks funding to help small meat processors increase capacity

Family farms and local independent meat processors stand to benefit from a bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature by state Sen. Tom Brandt.

“We applaud the introduction of Legislative Bill 755 (LB),” said Johnathan Hladik, policy director for the Center for Rural Affairs. “This bill follows through on a commitment made by lawmakers to eliminate a key supply chain bottleneck that threatens small businesses and family farms across Nebraska.”   

Passed unanimously in 2021, LB 324 established the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP), which provides a roadmap for increasing local processing capacity and expanding market access for small producers. Also introduced by Brandt, that bill did not include funding for the IPAP, as the senator and 19 cosponsors recognized it would be an ideal match for the federal relief dollars flowing to the state.

How to spend those relief dollars is a question being addressed this session. LB 755 seeks $10 million in State Recovery Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to fund the IPAP.

“The Legislature's support has already made it easier for consumers to purchase meat from local farmers,” Hladik said. “Now they have the opportunity to help local processors secure additional space and equipment to keep up with the heightened demand caused by interruptions at regional packing plants. Officials in 18 states, including those bordering Nebraska, have developed their own grant programs. Their experience shows that the Independent Processor Assistance Program can fix this problem.”



HIGH QUALITY HAY AFTER CALVING
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

Good cow nutrition is crucial following calving to get cows rebred.  Today, let's look at the reason for using our top tier hay after calves hit the ground.

Because cows experience a lot of stress after calving, they needs good feed. Not only is the cow producing milk for her calf, she is also preparing her reproductive system to rebreed.  As a result, nutrient demands are high.  Energy requirements increase about 30 percent and protein needs nearly double after calving.  Underfeeding reduces the amount of milk a cow provides her calf, and it can delay or even prevent rebreeding.  If it gets cold, wet, or icy again, nutrient demands can sky-rocket.

Winter grass, corn stalks, and other crop residues are low quality right now because these feeds are weathered and have been pretty well picked over.  It is critical that the hay or silage you feed will provide the extra nutrients your cows need.

Because of this, not just any hay or silage will do.  Your cow needs 10 to 12 percent crude protein and 60 to 65 percent TDN in her total diet.  If she is grazing poor quality feeds or eating grass hay, your other forages and supplements must make up any deficiencies.

Make sure your forage has adequate nutrients; if you haven't done so yet, get it tested now for protein and energy content.  Compare this to the nutrient requirements of your cows.  Then feed your cows a ration that will meet their requirements.  Use supplements if needed.  But don't overfeed, either.  That is wasteful and expensive.

Calving and the months after are a stressful time for cows.  If we underfeed, it can delay rebreeding and slow down calf growth.  Use your best quality forages with any needed supplements to provide adequate nutrition.  By meeting nutrient requirements, your cows will milk well, rebreed on time, and produce healthy calves year after year.



2022 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards to DANLEE Corp and Casey’s General Stores

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the winners of the 2022 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards are DANLEE Corp and Casey’s General Stores. The awards were created to recognize fuel marketers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote and sell renewable fuels.

“Renewable fuels create additional markets for agricultural products and jobs in rural communities. Consumers benefit from cleaner burning fuels and more choices at the pump,” said Secretary Naig. “I’m pleased to present the renewable fuels marketing awards to DANLEE Corp and Casey’s General Stores for their efforts to increase access to and demand for ethanol and biodiesel.”

The winners were recognized during the FUELIowa annual meeting on Jan. 11.

Secretary’s Ethanol Marketing Award – DANLEE Corp
DANLEE Corp is a family-owned and Iowa-based fuel retailer with 13 fueling stations across the state. Headquartered in Marshalltown with offices in Indianola, partners Dan Moellers and Lee Adams formed the company in 1992 by leasing a convenience store.

DANLEE Corp has made significant capital investments to make E15 available at four of its current locations, with plans to add two more this spring. In recent years, it has participated in the USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program and the Renewable Fuels Retail Recovery Program.

DANLEE Corp was nominated by FUELIowa, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

Secretary’s Biodiesel Marketing Award – Casey’s General Stores
Casey’s General Stores was founded in 1959 and has taken significant steps to add increasingly more biodiesel to its stations in Iowa. Currently, there are over 1,000 Casey’s stores offering homegrown biodiesel blends.

Casey’s General Stores is now offering B11 at all of its Iowa locations that offer diesel, with plans to pursue higher blends of biodiesel. They have also incorporated on-site blending facilities into their store portfolio and transitioned their fleet vehicles in Iowa to run on at least B5 year-round.

Casey’s was nominated by FUELIowa, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Industry
Iowa leads the nation in biofuels production with 3.7 billion gallons of ethanol produced in 2020 and 351 million gallons of biodiesel produced in 2020.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program offers cost-share grants to help fuel retailers install E85 dispensers, blender pumps, biodiesel dispensers and biodiesel storage facilities. To date, the state has invested over $42 million in the program. The grant program is managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.



Studies Find Transitioning to E15 Use would Boost Iowa’s Economy and Environment

Tonight Governor Reynolds highlighted biofuels and her commitment to expand consumer access to E15 and B20 as one of her top priorities for this legislative session. Two new studies have found if Iowans were to transition to regularly using E15 instead of E10 consumers would see several positive economic and health benefits.
 
The studies conducted by national experts looked specifically at what the economic and environmental impacts would be from E15 replacing E10 as the most commonly purchased fuel in Iowa. Over 95% of vehicles on the road today are approved by the EPA to use E15. Key findings included saving consumers nearly $134 million at the pump each year, supporting almost 4,000 jobs, and reducing 258,894 tons of CO2 annually.
 
“Tonight, Governor Reynolds reminded Iowans of the substantial impact biofuels have on our entire state, and we thank her for her leadership and support,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “These studies underline the positive impact if E15 were to replace E10 in the marketplace. Millions in savings at the pump. Greater demand for farm products. Massive reductions in tailpipe emissions and CO2 benefiting our health and environment. The legislature should act quickly to create a nation-leading biofuels policy. Then Iowa can export not just our biofuels, but our biofuels policy as well.”
 
Economic Impact: John Urbanchuk, ABF Economics
     Consumers would realize nearly $134 million in savings at the pump
    Increase annual ethanol demand by 61 million gallons
    Add another $95.4 million to Iowa’s GDP
    Generate an additional $73 million in yearly household income
    Support almost 4,000 jobs in all sectors of the state’s economy

 Health & Environmental Benefits: Dr. Steffen Mueller, Univ. of Illinois – Chicago
     Annually reduction in CO2 emissions by 258,894 tons
    CO2 emission reduction equates to over $11 million in annual avoided damages
    Saving Iowa lives by diluting poisonous carcinogens currently used in regular gasoline
    Total health savings at $117.5 million with potential for additional savings due to reduced particulate matter in tailpipe emissions.




Leading Expert on China’s Dominance in Rare Earth Metals for EVs to speak at the 2022 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

The view that electric vehicles should dominate America’s transportation and low-carbon future is gaining steam among DC policymakers, but Jim Kennedy, 2022 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit keynote speaker, will discuss why China’s dominance over rare earth metals should give us pause.
 
Jim Kennedy, President of ThREE Consulting, is an internationally recognized expert on the economic, national security and geopolitical ramifications of China’s monopoly on rare earth metals used to make electric vehicle batteries. Kennedy will discuss the factors America must consider with the increasing focus on electric vehicles.
 
“Electric vehicles are sometimes referred to as ‘zero-emission vehicles,’ but the reality is every form of transportation has an impact, not only on our environment, but also on trade and national security,” said Lisa Coffelt, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Marketing Director. “Kennedy will raise some very important questions the country needs to consider as we work to reduce transportation emissions.”
 
The Summit will also feature a roundtable of experts discussing the steps farmers and biofuel producers are taking to lower carbon emissions and the various environmental benefits biofuels have to offer from lowering emissions to protecting human health. The roundtable will feature Jessica Hoffman, Regulatory and Compliance Manager at RPMG; Steffen Muller, Principal Economist at University of Illinois Chicago; Dave Slade, Executive Director of Biofuels Technology & Services at Renewable Energy Group; and Marshall McDaniel, Assistant Professor in the agronomy department at Iowa State University.
 
“Iowa farmers and biofuel producers are working hard to implement new practices and technologies that lower their carbon footprints,” Coffelt said. “We are excited to shine a light on this at the Summit and discuss how biofuels have a long-term role to play in protecting our environment.”
 
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is taking place on January 25 at the Community Choice Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register to attend and learn more, visit IowaRenewablFuelsSummit.org.



Chocolaty Soyfoods Recipes You and Your Heart will Love for Valentine’s Day

          For heart-healthy foods for Valentine’s Day and beyond, consider pairing soyfoods with dark chocolate. Chocolate is a natural choice for romantic sweets to celebrate the day, thanks to its reputation as an aphrodisiac food and a good mood food. Like soyfoods, chocolate and cocoa also can contribute to heart health. The Soyfoods Council offers the following recipe suggestions that pair two anti- inflammatory foods—soy and dark chocolate—to result in luxurious and better-for-you Valentine’s Day desserts you’ll love.

          For outside the box recipe ideas—outside the chocolate candy box, that is—try combining dark chocolate with high-quality plant protein. One cup of frozen prepared edamame or one serving of tempeh offers 18 grams of cholesterol-free, complete plant protein; one half-cup serving of canned soybeans provides approximately 11 grams of protein. Silken tofu offers 8.5 grams of protein per serving.

          Chocolate-Covered Dried Edamame or Soynuts: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the desired amount of high-quality dark chocolate and then stir soynuts or dried edamame into the mixture. Spread on wax-paper and allow to cool before transferring to a container.

          Chocolate Cardamom Tempeh: For this sweetly satisfying recipe, you’ll need two 8-ounce packages of tempeh, sliced to ½ inch thickness, one-half pound of dark chocolate morsels and 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom. To make the dessert, fry tempeh triangles in an air fryer sprayed with nonstick cooking spray until they just begin to crisp. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then stir in the cardamom. Add fried tempeh triangles and toss to coat evenly. Spread chocolate-dipped tempeh on wax paper or parchment paper and allow chocolate coating to harden before storing.

          Tofu Chocolate Mousse: In the bowl of a food processor, process one 12.3-ounce box of firm soft silken tofu until it resembles pudding. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt one 10-ounce package of high quality dark chocolate morsels. Using a spatula, gradually add melted chocolate to the food processor with the tofu.  Process until the chocolate is well incorporated and the mousse mixture is a uniform color.  If desired, add a splash of your favorite liqueur.  Spoon into bowls and chill the mousse before serving. The mixture can also be used to fill ready-made, individual-sized graham cracker pie crusts.

          Guilt-Free Brownies: This update on the classic recipe features canned black soybeans, soy flour, eggs, sugar, soybean oil (vegetable oil), cocoa powder and brewed coffee. Both canned black soybeans and soy flour can be purchased online and shipped right to your door.

          Visit The Soyfoods Council website at www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com  to download the free digital cookbooks, Really Fast, Really Easy, Really Good and Easy Snackable Soy featuring these recipes and other Valentine’s Day ideas like Wonderful Sour Cream Cookies. You’ll also find the latest information about soyfoods and health.

          About the Soyfoods Council: The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers and the retail and foodservice markets about the many benefits of Soyfoods.



CattleFax Cow-Calf Survey Released

CattleFax has introduced its annual Cow-Calf Survey. Information requested in the survey provides participants and the rest of the industry with valuable data regarding industry benchmarks and trends.

Survey participants will receive a results summary packet, with useful benchmarking information that will allow managers and owners to evaluate their own operations. Items such as cow-calf profitability, tendencies of high and low return producers, regional data, and other valuable material are included. To receive the summary packet, a valid email address must be submitted. All individual results will be confidential and remain anonymous.

By completing the survey and submitting a valid email address, participants will also be entered in a drawing to win a $700 CattleFax voucher. The credit can be used for any CattleFax memberships, registration fees for education seminars (Corporate College and Risk Management Seminar), and/or registration fees for the annual Outlook and Strategies Session.

The survey can be accessed by visiting CattleFax.com, selecting the About tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on 2021 Cow-Calf Survey on the sidebar. The deadline to complete the survey is Feb. 21, 2022.



American Farm Bureau Establishes 2022 Policies; New Grassroots Leaders Also Elected
 
Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 103rd Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2022. Key topics ranged from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture.

“Delegates from all 50 state Farm Bureaus and Puerto Rico came together today to demonstrate the power of grassroots leadership,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The policies set forth will guide Farm Bureau in its mission to advocate for farmers and ranchers and build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our entire nation and world.”

Delegates also re-elected AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal for their fourth terms.

Long-standing frustration over imbalances in the meat industry led to calls for greater transparency in livestock markets.

As farmers’ labor struggles continue, delegates approved additional policies that build on existing AFBF policies regarding the need for employee stabilization and reforms to the guestworker program.

Delegates voted to bring more transparency to the federal milk pricing system. Several changes to policy include support for more a more consistent format for milk checks and a review and audit of the producer price differential on milk. Delegates also called for USDA to publish resources that show how each Federal Milk Marketing Order operates and differs by region.

Delegates updated policy on biofuels to include renewable diesel. The addition recognizes the innovation and potential that sustainable biofuels play in providing environmental benefits while creating opportunities for America’s farmers.

As farmers and ranchers continue to increase their reliance on digital technologies, delegates voted to support raising the standard for federal broadband projects to be at least 100 Mbps for both uploads and downloads.

Recognizing the growth of urban agriculture and importance of ensuring the success of all forms of agriculture, delegates voted to create new policy to support its continuation and acknowledge its economic contributions.

Beyond policy changes, delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF board of directors and national program committees.

Dan Glessing, president of Minnesota Farm Bureau (Midwest Region); Brent Johnson, president of Iowa Farm Bureau (Midwest Region); and Eric Mayberry, president of Tennessee Farm Bureau (Southern Region), were elected to fill one-year terms on the AFBF board of directors. Jeb Smith, president of Florida Farm Bureau (Southern Region), was elected to a two-year term.

Twelve other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to two-year terms to represent their regions on the board.

Midwest Region
Mark McHargue, Nebraska
Kevin Krentz, Wisconsin
Carl Bednarski, Michigan

Northeast Region
Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania
Ryck Suydam, New Jersey

Southern Region
Mark Haney, Kentucky
Harry Ott, South Carolina
Rich Hillman, Arkansas
Jimmy Parnell, Alabama
Wayne Pryor, Virginia

Western Region
Ron Gibson, Utah
Bryan Searle, Idaho

National Program Committees
Vickie Bryant of Kentucky (Southern Region), Jennifer Cross of Maryland (Northeast Region), Margaret Gladden of Indiana (Midwest Region) and Dotty Jensen of Utah (Western Region) were re-elected to two-year terms on the Women’s Leadership Committee.

Alisha Schwertner of Texas was elected chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, taking over the position in February at the end of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference for a one-year term. Tanner Clark of Missouri was elected vice chair and Jessica Wade of Idaho was elected secretary. They will each serve one-year terms.

AFBF thanks the more than 50 speakers and more than 4,000 registered attendees who helped make the 2022 Convention such a success. Registered attendees may view selected workshops and sessions on-demand on the convention website for the next 90 days.

Planning for the American Farm Bureau’s 2023 Convention has already begun. Mark your calendar to meet us Jan. 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.



EPA Renews Enlist Product Registrations with New Control Measures, Providing Growers with Certainty for the 2022 Growing Season

Today, EPA is issuing seven-year registrations for two herbicide products, Enlist Duo and Enlist One, to ensure growers have access to effective pesticide tools for the 2022 growing season. The new product labels, which incorporate robust control measures to protect non-target plants and animals, meet Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) standards and comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Enlist Duo and Enlist One are herbicides used to control weeds in conventional and genetically-modified corn, cotton, and soybean crops. Both products, registered in 2014 and 2017, respectively, were set to expire in January 2022 if the Agency did not renew their product registrations. Based on EPA’s thorough analysis of scientific data, evaluation of cost-benefit information, and discussions with industry stakeholders, the Agency has determined that Enlist products, with the new protective measures in place, should remain available to most American farmers.

To evaluate the proposed uses of the Enlist products, EPA evaluated the potential effects of these products on federally threatened or endangered (listed) species, and their designated critical habitats, and initiated ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

EPA determined that the use of Enlist Duo and Enlist One are likely to adversely affect listed species but will not lead to jeopardy of listed species or to the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitats. EPA also anticipates that the new protective measures will reduce the potential for "take."

In addition to EPA’s effects determination, EPA also completed a comprehensive ecological risk assessment that assessed the risks of 2,4-D choline salt (2,4-D), an active ingredient in both Enlist products, and glyphosate dimethylammonium salt (glyphosate), an active ingredient in Enlist Duo.

EPA's ecological assessment found direct risks to non-listed and listed plants from pesticide runoff (i.e., pesticide carried off the application site following rainfall or irrigation) and risks to animals that rely on these affected plants for diet or habitat, including non-listed and listed animals and some designated critical habitats. EPA’s ecological assessment also found direct effects to bees and listed species that use corn, cotton, and soybean fields for diet and/or habitat.

Based on these findings, EPA is requiring the implementation of a variety of protective measures as a condition of the product registrations. Some of the protective measures EPA is taking include:
-    Prohibiting Enlist product application when rainfall is expected to occur within 48 hours and when soil can no longer absorb water;
-    Prohibiting irrigation that would result in runoff within 48 hours of application of the Enlist herbicide products;
-    Requiring users to select from a list of runoff reduction measures to reduce 2,4-D and glyphosate concentrations in runoff, while also providing users with flexibility;
-    Minimizing Enlist product application when soybean and cotton crops are in bloom to reduce risks to insect pollinators, such as honey bees; and
-    Requiring the registrant to develop and provide mandatory education and training materials that emphasize the importance of pollinators and pollinator habitat for species including, but not exclusive to, monarch butterflies.

EPA will also be prohibiting the use of Enlist Duo and Enlist One in counties where EPA identified risks to on-field listed species that use corn, cotton or soybean fields for diet and/or habitat. EPA does not expect this measure to disrupt the use of Enlist products for most American farmers—the counties where use will be prohibited by these new measures represents approximately three percent of corn acres, eight percent of cotton acres, and two percent of soybean acres nationally.



Cattle and Beef Markets
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Cattle continue the move into the New Year with optimism. Some related markets have shown short periods of weakness but the underlying perspective of a comprehensive look at cattle and beef market is strength. The weekly 5-area weighted average fed prices fell to $138.41 in the second week of January, but this market peaked in the first week of December at $140.44, and the last time this market was in the $140s was the first week of May 2017. USDA Choice boxed beef cutout values were $262.14 for the second week of January, and this is down from the peaks in late August and early June approaching $350, but these are valuations from a market which was rarely above $250 outside of the pandemic shutdown period. Similarly, beef animal hide and offal values fall to $13.62/cwt of live animal from $16 peaks, but these valuations have spent the last five years at or below $12.

The softening of prices gives little cause of concern. Retail protein prices – beef, pork, and poultry – if they have softened then it is only from record-high or near-record high values. These high retail prices – albeit flawed as in not capturing actual purchase price discounts – combined with strong volumes of protein production clearly indicate very strong demand by domestic consumers.  We are approaching two-years into the pandemic and the overall domestic economy is clearly signaling strength.

The wholesale-to-retail margins on both beef and pork are substantial. The farm-to-whole margins for both and especially for beef are also substantial. Thus, recovery of meat supply chain functioning and any most tightening of fed cattle and hogs should translate into the potential for substantially strong farm level prices for these protein animals. The potential – but not a guarantee – is there. We will have to see the magnitude of margins that retailers and processors command. This is one wildcard impacting the market.

And the second is the strength of corn prices and other feed stuff costs. While feeding costs and drought persistence create uncertainty, the feeder cattle and calf market in Colorado did not seem to notice. Cash corn in Northeast Colorado traded 45-50 cents over March corn futures basis – this is about $6.50/bu. And prices for 500-550 medium and large #1 steers increased from $188 in the last trading week of December to $194.35 in the first full week of January. Any steer less than 400 pounds is well of $2 per pound and has been most of the fall run.



Fluid Milk Availability Continued to Decline in 2019

The supply of fluid cow's milk available for U.S. consumers to drink decreased by 42 percent from 1979 to 2019, from 28.1 gallons per person to 16.3 gallons, according to USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS) food availability data. Whole milk availability drove this decline, falling nearly 67 percent to 5.7 gallons per person in 2019 from 17.4 gallons in 1979.

The amount of low-fat, skim, and 1 percent milk available for U.S. consumption grew slightly over the last 40 years to a combined 3.3 gallons per person in 2019 from 3.0 gallons in 1979. Availability of 2 percent milk initially grew from 6.1 gallons per person in 1979 to a high of 9.2 gallons in 1989 before falling to 5.4 gallons in 2019. Whole milk was replaced by 2 percent milk as the most consumed milk type in 2005. Availability of flavored milk and buttermilk remained relatively steady over the last four decades, totaling 1.8 gallons per person in 2019.

Several factors affect trends in U.S. per person milk availability, including competition from alternative beverages, an aging population, and changing consumer attitudes and preferences regarding milk fats.



Market Development Action Team Focused on Driving Demand in 2022

Exports and animal agriculture make up nearly 70% of annual corn demand. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Market Development Action Team (MDAT) portfolio includes these, as well as new uses of corn. The team’s primary goal and focus is to drive demand for America’s corn farmers.

“Last fall, we announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge III, engaged with our animal ag partners on a variety of projects, and worked with trade industry partners to promote the benefits of corn grown here in the U.S.,” said MDAT Chair and Colorado farmer Troy Schneider. “We are going to build upon our wins from 2021, and continue to make strides in this space in 2022 and beyond. I look forward to seeing what we can get accomplished over the next year.”

The team’s 2022 priorities include:
    Increase demand for U.S. Animal Agriculture domestic demand and exports
    Support research into corn and corn co-product use within animal feed
    Identify new & support existing industrial uses of corn
    Support development of trade policy that opens markets, removes trade barriers, and advances international demand for corn and corn products.

“As a corn farmer and livestock producer, being good partners with our animal ag customers is extremely important to me,” said MDAT vice chair and Ohio farmer Dennis Vennekotter. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of hosting various international trade delegations to talk about how we sustainably produce our crop. This is why working with organizations like the U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Export Meat Federation is critical to our future growth and success.”

Through the Market Development Action team, NCGA actively engages with the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S.A. Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), U.S. Pork Board, U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Egg (USRSPE), National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Certified Angus Beef, National Pork Board (NPB), MAIZALL, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), North American Meat Institute (NAMI), National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC), the Animal Agriculture Alliance, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Corn Refiners Association, Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Plant Based Products Council.

You can learn more about the recent successes and work being done in the Market Development Action Team at ncga.com and look under the Key Issues tab for animal agriculture, new uses, and trade.



Commodity Classic Excited to Return to New Orleans for America’s Largest In-Person, Farmer-Led Event

Exhibitors are booked, speakers are warming up, and Commodity Classic is letting farmers know “The Future Is in Your Hands” March 10-12 in New Orleans.

Show officials report the 2022 trade show floor is 99% sold out with very limited space still available.

“We’re excited and ready to host a live show again for all of our producers, exhibitors, and agribusinesses,” said Gary Porter, a Missouri farmer and co-chair of the 2022 Commodity Classic. “After hosting a digital event in 2021, we know it’s more important than ever to gather together in person, safely, to support each other and learn about the newest technologies in the industry we all love: agriculture.”

More than 50 sessions of industry-leading education are scheduled, while the trade show floor offers over 350 exhibitors and 200,000 square feet of exhibits, featuring the latest innovations in agriculture. The three-day event also includes a welcome reception, ASA and NCGA banquets, and Saturday night Evening of Entertainment with country music entertainer Sara Evans. The full schedule of events is available at CommodityClassic.com/2022-schedule.

Registration and housing reservations can be made online at CommodityClassic.com.

For the health and safety of all attendees, Commodity Classic is closely monitoring and will continue to follow state, local, and venue guidelines related to Covid-19. Currently, there is no mask mandate in the City of New Orleans or Orleans Parish, with the exception of K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, and public transportation.

At this time, the following City of New Orleans guidelines are required for admission into any restaurant, bar, or venue where food and beverage are served, including hotels and the convention center. Attendees ages 5 and up must have proof of EITHER a negative PCR or antigen “rapid test” within 72 hours, OR proof of vaccination of 2 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, or 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Our goal is to have a safe and positive experience for all of our attendees and guests at the Commodity Classic in New Orleans. If the above guidelines are in effect when you arrive, we will have a procedure in place to streamline the verification process so that you may participate in Classic easily and safely.