Monday February 21 Ag News

 Popular Ag Sack Lunch Program for the State’s Fourth-graders Kicks Off Spring with Virtual and In-person Presentations

The 12th Annual Ag Sack Lunch program, designed to increase awareness to fourth-grade students and their families of the importance of agriculture to Nebraska, heads into the spring semester offering both in-person and virtual presentations to schools across the state.

The in-person version of the program is offered to classes visiting the State Capitol Building in Lincoln as part of their curriculum.

This spring many schools have resumed their Lincoln visits, so in-person reservations are almost full, according to Karen Brokaw, program coordinator, “While a few in-person reservations are still available, many virtual presentations are open,” she said. “Teachers who do not plan to bring their students to Lincoln for a field trip are encouraged to schedule a virtual presentation.”

For fourth-grade classes that are able to make the trip to Lincoln to visit the State Capitol Building, the program provides free sack lunches to the students while they listen to a short presentation about the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. They also receive fun card games that feature Nebraska agriculture facts to take home to play with their families. The sessions are led by “Ag Ambassadors,” students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agriculture.

Students at schools opting for virtual presentations hear the same lively and interactive presentation about Nebraska agriculture, connecting the food we eat with Nebraska farmers. They also receive the card games to play with their families.

Teachers who have had their classes participate in the program, both in-person and virtual, say the presentations are very informative, and their students learned a great deal about the importance of agriculture in the state.

 “Overall, I really value the experience for my students,” says Shelly Sullivan, fourth-grade teacher at Lincoln’s St. Teresa Catholic School, whose class participated in an in-person presentation. “It is a great way to expose them to a little agriculture education.”

Chris Weiss, teacher at Emerson Elementary School in Kearney, said the virtual presentation his class participated in went over well with her students. “I hope all fourth-grade classrooms take advantage of this program,” she said. “Since we teach Nebraska history at this level, the information is very relevant. The UNL student did a fantastic job.”  

Ag Ambassadors for the spring semester include Grace McDonald, Philips; Emily Zimmer, Pleasanton; Jacque Johnson, Grand Island; Jadyn Fleischman, Herman; Karlie Gerlach, Wellfleet; Megan Vrbka, Staplehurst; Mikayla Martensen, Humphrey; Samantha Oborny, Garland; Sophia Svanda, Nehawka; and Emma Schmidt and Alexis Jansen, Gretna.

The Ag Sack Lunch Program is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board; the Nebraska Soybean Board; the Nebraska Pork Producers Association; Nebraska Beef Council; Midwest Dairy; Nebraska Poultry Industries; and Nebraska Wheat Board.



Northeast ag instructor participates in Nebraska LEAD Fellowship study/travel seminar

A member of the agriculture faculty at Northeast Community College has returned home after a ten-day national study/travel seminar earlier this month that was conducted by the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) program.

Horticulture Instructor Trentee Bush, Norfolk, who was selected as a Nebraska LEAD Fellow last year, was among those who participated in the seminar that made stops in Chicago, Kansas City and Washington D.C. During their travels, Bush and the other Nebraska LEAD Fellows met with business, industry and government leaders. Terry Hejny, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program, served as group leader for the study/travel seminar.

Several highlights included visits to NuFarm, the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, and Climate-Fieldview in Chicago; CenterPoint and Johnson County Community College to meet with representatives of the Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency and with MyAnIML, an artificial intelligence-powered early disease prediction and notification company, and others in Kansas City; and the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Embassy of Canada, and the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. Also included in the tour were briefings regarding John Deere operations in Moline, Ill.

A major objective of the study/travel seminar was to provide participants with the opportunity to meet leaders who help shape local, state, and national policy in agriculture and related areas and to create first- hand exposure to varied social and economic conditions/issues that exist in the United States. The mission of the Nebraska LEAD program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership” and is designed to speed up the leadership process.

The Nebraska LEAD Program includes men and women, currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness. It is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Program content that is essential to leadership focuses on economics, government, human relations, communications, international trade, sociology, education, the arts, social-cultural understandings as well as agriculture.

The Nebraska LEAD Program began 40 years ago to develop agricultural leaders from Nebraska's future generations. Hejny said constant changes that occur in agricultural policy, marketing, economics and technology point to the need for strong leaders to advocate for the heart of Nebraska's economy--agriculture. Now in its third decade of forming pioneering agricultural leaders, it has have evolved into one of the nation's premier agricultural leadership development programs. LEAD Fellows participate in 12 monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, including the national study/travel seminar and a 14-16-day international study/travel seminar.

Bush grew up on the family ranch near Whitman. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in Public Horticulture Administration and Leadership Studies (minor). She completed her PhD in Educational Administration in 2019.

Bush taught horticulture, math, and a variety of other courses at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis from 2010 to 2019. In 2019, she transitioned to Northeast Community College to teach horticulture and agriculture courses.

For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 41, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program, 104 AgCom Bldg., P.O. Box 830940, Lincoln, Neb. 68583-0940, or call (402) 472-6810.

For more information about the selection process or to request an application, go online to lead.unl.edu Application deadline is June 15, 2022.



Drought Planning for the Grazing Season
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Range & Forage Specialist

The start of the growing season is just a couple of months away and last year’s drought conditions across parts of Nebraska should inspire us to complete grazing and forage plans for the coming year.  Depending on the local drought severity in 2021, it is not uncommon that there would be some carry-over effects on grass production in 2022.

Within these plans, options for a possible drought are essential.  A drought plan can have varying levels of detail and complexity and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your operation.  Key considerations should include projected cattle numbers (or stocking rates), turnout dates, the possibility of an extended period of hay feeding, the level of utilization on pastures last year, possible culling and weaning strategies, and a pasture use sequence for multiple pasture rotations.  In addition, some farmer and ranchers have the opportunity to use planted annual forages to increase grazing capacity or to provide extra hay.  Sourcing seed for this possibility should begin soon.

Some plans place an emphasis on critical or trigger dates.  These are dates where one evaluates their total local precipitation up to that date.  On May 1, for example, one could determine their total spring precipitation and compare that to long-term averages for their area.  If precipitation totals are significantly below the averages, that could trigger a choice of several possible management actions such as an extended period of feeding hay or culling of some livestock.  Remember that no two drought plans are exactly alike and should consider an individual ranch’s resources and local conditions.

While we always hope for the perfect amount of rain for the growing season, being prepared for droughty conditions can reduce the impact.  



Beef Farmers & Ranchers Congratulate the Winner of the 2022 Beef. It's What's For Dinner.® 300 at Daytona International Speedway

Austin Hill was first to the checkered flag, and the beef, as he won the 41st season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series – the Beef. It's What's For Dinner.® 300. For the second year the Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the race one day ahead of the legendary DAYTONA 500.

"From the shared emphasis on family values and legacies in both racing and cattle farming and ranching, to the love of beef on the grill, beef and NASCAR just make sense," said Brad Hastings, 2022 National Cattlemen's Beef Association Federation Division Chair. "The partnership also provided an opportunity for the Beef. It's What's For Dinner. brand to be back on TV, reaching younger and increasingly diverse NASCAR fans across the nation."

Days before drivers took to the track, beef was in the spotlight on local TV and radio stations across the country as seven-time burger bash champion and celebrity chef Josh Capon shared race day recipes. Whether tailgating or homegating, Capon's Southwestern Sliders, Bacon and Onion Jam Sliders, and Shaved Filet Mignon Lettuce Cups are sure to get fans to victory lane this season.

The race wasn't the only competition that got fans excited about beef. Chefs Lamar Moore, Jennifer Carroll, and Ryan Clark battled it out on the grill during the Checkoff-funded Beef. It's What's For Dinner.® 300 cookoff judged by Chef Josh Capon and World Champion Pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen. While Chef Lamar Moore with their Beef Tenderloin with Cheesy Grits and Chimichurri and Chef Ryan Clark with their Flank Steak 'Street Corn' Skewers made for delicious competitors, Chef Jennifer Carroll came out in front with their Berbere Beef Kebabs.

Throughout the week, the Beef. It's What's For Dinner. midway tent was a fan favorite. Free race day sliders, fans testing their skills on roping dummies, and an interactive social media photo booth provided the ultimate beef experience. Additionally, campers and tailgaters sported signs showing they were grilling beef and in return, were surprised with beef merchandise such as hats, shirts, and bags.

Finally, the Beef. It's What's For Dinner. brand was also showcased in advertising during the race on Fox Sports 1, on the racetrack big screen and on signage throughout the Daytona International Speedway property.



Bunk Space Not a Big Concern When Limit-Feeding Cattle

Kansas State University beef cattle nutritionist Dale Blasi said a recent study indicates that the amount of bunk space provided to cattle during limit feeding has little effect on their growth.

Limit feeding is the practice of feeding cattle less dry matter than they would normally consume if given unlimited access to such forages as hay or silage. It is thought that giving cattle more room in the bunk lines or aprons during limit feeding will provide all calves an equal opportunity to consume their intended amount.

Blasi said 18 inches is a common recommendation for bunk space when limit feeding beef cattle. In a recent study, graduate student Zach Duncan evaluated bunk spacing at 10, 15, 20 or 25 inches per calf. Cattle were on limit-fed diets for 58 days and then placed on a native grass, double-stock grazing system for an additional 90 days.

"Our concern was that the timid, smaller calves would not have their opportunity to eat and, thus, the larger, more aggressive calves would eat more than their designated amount of 2.2% of dry matter on a body weight basis," Blasi said.

Bunk spacing did not seem to make a difference, according to Blasi.

"We only saw an upward increase in performance (when bunk spacing was) 20 inches per animal, and it was not significant when feed to gain efficiency was considered," Blasi said.

He said there was a slight tendency for some improvement in feed efficiency for the calves that had more bunk space, "but it was not significant after following these calves into a 90-day double stock grazing system."

Blasi said the study's findings are important because they will help producers maximize the use of the bunks they already have available. New bunk lines and concrete aprons are expensive.

"We're trying to make the most of what we have and help producers better estimate the number of animals they can (feed) if they are considering the use of limit feeding as an option for their operations," Blasi said.



New Study: Corn Ethanol Can Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Well Before 2050

Following a pledge by members of the Renewable Fuels Association to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, on average, by 2050 or sooner, a new report released today shows that new and emerging technologies and practices could help the industry achieve this vision well before mid-century.

“Last summer, RFA’s member companies adopted a bold vision to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint for ethanol by 2050 or sooner. This new study shows that, with the right policy and investment signals in place, we can reach that objective sooner than 2050 and could even be producing carbon-negative ethanol by mid-century,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The ethanol industry is already halfway down the road to net-zero emissions, as today’s corn ethanol cuts GHG emissions by about 50 percent compared to gasoline. This study provides the roadmap for completing the second half our journey to carbon neutrality.”

The new report, Pathways to Net-Zero Ethanol: Scenarios for Ethanol Producers to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, was prepared by lifecycle analysis expert Isaac Emery, Ph.D., of Informed Sustainability Consulting LLC.

“By surveying over two dozen potential emissions reduction actions throughout the corn ethanol supply chain and prioritizing them by technical feasibility, scale of emissions reduction, and cost, this study presents a series of pathways to net-zero CI [carbon intensity] corn ethanol by 2050,” Emery writes. “Updated lifecycle emissions forecasts of corn ethanol from 2020 through 2050 show that the industry can achieve net-negative CI ethanol by adopting near-term technologies and expanding best practices in corn farming.”

The report identified several actions that would constitute a “core pathway” to net-zero emissions:
    Renewable energy use by corn and ethanol producers;
    Expanded adoption of corn kernel fiber fermentation at dry mills;
    ‘Better-than-business-as-usual’ industry-wide efficiency improvements and ethanol yields;
    Carbon capture and sequestration by ethanol facilities; and
    Expansion of conservation tillage and other low-carbon practices by corn growers.

Altogether, the study identifies five distinct pathways to net-zero corn ethanol by 2050, based on a set of 28 emissions reduction actions that were considered. The roadmap will be featured and discussed by Emery and others at this week’s National Ethanol Conference, taking place Feb. 21-23 in New Orleans.



Ethanol Industry Strongly Rebounded in 2021, Supported Over 400,000 Jobs

In 2021, the U.S. ethanol industry “recovered substantially” from pandemic conditions, with ethanol and gasoline use approaching pre-COVID-19 levels in the second half of the year, according to an analysis of the industry’s contribution to the United States economy, conducted by ABF Economics for the Renewable Fuels Association. Due to the combination of resurgent demand and higher values for ethanol and coproducts, the ethanol industry’s contribution to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 was the second-highest ever.

“Despite the persistence of COVID-19 and economic and regulatory challenges in 2021, the ethanol industry continued to make a significant contribution to the economy in terms of GDP, job creation, generation of tax revenue, and displacement of crude oil and petroleum products,” wrote study author John M. Urbanchuk, Managing Partner of ABF Economics. “Growth and expansion of the ethanol industry through the application of new technologies and feedstocks will enhance the industry’s position as the original creator of green jobs and will enable America to make further strides toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and positively dealing with climate change.”

In 2021, more than 73,000 U.S. jobs were directly associated with the ethanol industry, which supported an additional 334,200 indirect and induced jobs across all sectors of the economy. The industry created $28.7 billion in household income and contributed just over $52 billion to gross domestic product. Compared to 2020, this represented a 55 percent increase in income generated and a 50 percent increase in the contribution to GDP.

“In more than 200 communities across the nation, ethanol biorefineries continued to serve as crucial drivers of economic growth in 2021,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “After weathering a perfect storm in 2020, the ethanol industry saw a healthy rebound in production, demand, and product values in 2021. The industry has entered 2022 in great shape, and we are bullish about the future.”

The new report also shows that the ethanol industry spent nearly $38 billion on raw materials, other inputs, and goods and services to produce ethanol during 2021, with corn purchases alone accounting for more than $30 billion. “Reflecting this, the ethanol industry continues to be a major source of support for agricultural output and farm income,” according to the study.

The report also provides a state-level breakdown of economic impacts and jobs supported by the ethanol industry in 2021.



ACGF Chairman Questions Study’s Acreage Data and Ethanol’s Environmental Costs

“Various agricultural news sources reference a recent study, “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard” that questions the environmental benefits and value of ethanol. A flawed premise made in the introductory paragraph of that study is that total US cropland expanded by 2.4% after and due to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) policy enactment (2008 to 2016),” says Gale Lush, a corn, soybean and wheat farmer from Wilcox, NE and Chairman of the American Corn Growers Foundation (ACGF). “According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) April 2019 Crop Production Historical Track Records (ISSN: 2157-8990) report, total acres planted to principal crops in the US contracted from 325,632,000 acres in 2008 to 318,977,000 acres in 2016, a drop of 6,655,000 acres or a 2% reduction in total cropland planted to principal crops. If the total US cropland acreage data in the period used is incorrect and reported as having increased when actual USDA data shows a decrease, then the report’s findings challenging the environmental benefits of ethanol should be questioned. Crop acreage shifts take place for many reasons. Record total principal crop acres of 358,257,000 was in 1984 before hardly any ethanol use or any RFS policy at all. Corn prices had major swings from 2008 to 2016, from $6.55 in June 2008, then $7.70 in September 2012 due to drought, and then dropped to $3.09 in September 2016, a 60% drop. Corn prices rose and fell under ethanol RFS policy,” said Lush.

 From 2008 to 2016 USDA-NASS reports the changes in total principal crop acreage and various specific crop acreage:
    Total acres planted to principal crops in 2008 of 325,632,000 dropped to 318,977,000 in 2016, a decrease of 6,655,000 acres or 2%. Record total crops acres dropped from 358,257,000 acres in 1984 to 318,977,000 in 2016, or 11% (after ethanol).
    Acreage planted to wheat dropped from 63,617,000 in 2008 to 50,116,000 in 2016, a decrease of 13,501,000 or 21%.
    Acreage planted to corn rose from 86,014,000 in 2008 to 93,601,000 in 2016, an increase of 7,587,000 acres or 8.8%.
    Acreage planted to soybeans rose from 74,793,000 in 2008 to 82,236,000 in 2016, an increase of 7,443,000 acres or 9.9%.
    Acreage planted to cotton rose from 9,471,000 in 2008 to 10,073,500 in 2016, an increase of 602,500 acres or 6.4%.

“The drop in total wheat acres of 13.5 million acres might help explain the 7.6 million corn acreage increase during the 2008-2016 period. Wheat exports at only 1.015 billion bushels in 2008-09 dropped to 778 million bushels in 2015-16 failing to meet overly optimistic free trade policy export projections from earlier years. The failure of wheat exports to materialize and competition from foreign exporting countries impacted US farmer cropping decisions,” said Lush. “This reality, combined with more efficient and environmentally friendly crop production practices and better corn economics can explain at least part of the shift from wheat to corn acres. It's important to note that soybean acres increased by 7.4 million acres from 2008-2016 at the same time corn acres increased by 7.6 million acres, and everyone knows that soybeans are not used for ethanol. However, they are exported to China. When you consider that wheat acreage dropped by 13.5 million acres while corn and soybean acres combined increased by 15 million, less wheat acreage partly explains the shift. That might have happened with or without the 2005-2007 ethanol RFS policy. What other crops were farmers likely to plant on those wheat acres? There is no doubt that growth in the ethanol industry and resulting increase in corn demand and corn prices impacted some of the shift to corn acres. However, a study using the key premise that total US crop acres rose by 2.4% from 2008-2016 is demolished when actual USDA data reports that actual total US crop acres dropped by 2% in that period. That discrepancy raises fundamental questions as to the veracity of that study’s findings.”

“The U.S. renewable energy future will wisely include more biofuels, more solar energy and more wind power. When comparing the various environmental impacts of each it is essential to include the costs of rare earths and lithium mining right here in the US for the elements essential for electric vehicles and solar panels. They require major amounts of rare earths and lithium. If the US is not going to rely on China and South American countries for those essential elements, it must face these realities. Currently, importing the rare earth and lithium components means the US is outsourcing the environmental impacts. Energy independence will require mining those rare earths and lithium here while honestly factoring in and accepting those environmental costs, which is still mostly missing from the analysis. When comparing an acre of solar panels to an acre of corn production for ethanol and the resulting BTU’s all the variables must be factored in, including the environmental costs of rare earth elements and lithium mining and the economic cost of removing crop acres from production and the resultant impact on the rural economy,” said Dan McGuire, ACGF Policy Director.