Bank CEOs Project Decline in Corn and Soybean Prices over the Next Six Months
The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed in February and remained above growth neutral for the 15th straight month, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.
Overall: The region’s overall reading for February rose to 61.5 from January’s 61.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.
“Strong grain prices, the Federal Reserve’s record-low short-term interest rates, and growing agricultural exports have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.
Farming and ranching: The region’s farmland price index decreased to a very strong 78.8 from January’s 88.5 and December’s record high of 90.0. February’s reading represented the 17th straight month the index has moved above growth neutral.
This month, bankers were asked to project corn and soybean prices out six months. On average, bank CEOs expect corn prices per bushel to fall by 2.6% and soybean prices per bushel to drop by 2.3% over the next six months.
The February farm equipment-sales index slipped to a very healthy 72.0 from 72.4 in January. This is the 15th straight month that the index has advanced above growth neutral. Readings over the past several months are the strongest string of monthly readings recorded since Spring 2011.
On average, bank CEOs expect the Federal Reserve to raise short-term interest rates in 2022 by one percentage point which is up from 0.70% (70 basis points) recorded last month. Approximately one in five bankers, or 19.2%, project more than four rate hikes of one-quarter percentage point in 2022.
Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for February dropped to 62.6 from January’s 64.6. The state’s farmland-price index slumped to 80.0 from last month’s 89.8. Nebraska’s new-hiring index slumped to 62.9 from 72.3 in January. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that Nebraska’s Rural Mainstreet economy has experienced a solid 2.2% gain in its nonfarm employment (non-seasonally adjusted).
Iowa: The February RMI for Iowa fell to 62.0 from 71.8 in January. Iowa’s farmland-price index declined to 79.8 from January’s 89.4. Iowa’s new-hiring index for February slipped to 62.7 from 62.8 in January. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that over the past 12 months, Iowa’s Rural Mainstreet has experienced a healthy 2.7% gain in nonfarm employment (non-seasonally adjusted).
The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005 and launched it in January 2006.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Asks the Department of Justice to Provide Update on Investigation into the Meatpacking Industry
Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) sent a follow up letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide an update on its investigation into potential price fixing or market manipulation activity to ensure the cattle meatpacking industry is in compliance with the goals of federal antitrust laws in maintaining a competitive marketplace. Nebraska’s cattle producers deserve answers and have sought an update on this ongoing investigation for more than two years.
“The fire at the Tyson beef processing facility in Holcomb, KS combined with the COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial volatility within the cattle and beef marketplace. While we understand both unexpected events caused significant market disruption, the unprecedented spread between the prices cattle producers received compared to box beef prices led many beef producers, who saw the market price for their animals shrink, question the substantial profits being made by the meat processing sector,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president. “The recently announced $52.5 million settlement by JBS concerning a case focused on alleged price-fixing during the pandemic leads to even further questions. As we wrote back in 2020, a full DOJ investigation would help ensure laws are being followed and help restore confidence in marketing institutions.”
For more than two years, Nebraska’s cattle producers have seen two significant market disruptions which have impacted the nation’s slaughter capacity as well as market prices. The subsequent spread between retail beef prices and the money received by cattle producers has led to significant conversations over the laws governing our nation’s meat supply.
“The DOJ began its investigation after excessive volatility in the live and fed cattle markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Providing an update on the department’s investigation into this matter is vital to ensuring that confidence. We look forward to hearing from the DOJ regarding their investigation, so we can update Farm Bureau members and assure them that adequate government oversight is being conducted in the nation’s cattle markets, and that the markets remain fair for businesses and farm and ranch families,” McHargue said.
Zeleny honored with Citizenship Award
The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Anna Zeleny, of Oakland, to receive its 2021 Citizenship Award.
The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the civic process for creating public policy, and who work closely with the Center to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches, and rural communities.
Zeleny, an employee of the Oakland Processing Plant, was a strong advocate for Legislative Bill (LB) 324, testifying in support of it before the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture Committee. She also wrote a Midlands Voices article for the Omaha World-Herald, and was interviewed by Public News Service. The bill was unanimously approved by the Legislature.
“The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the Oakland Processing Plant and other processors across the country,” said Johnathan Hladik, policy director for the Center. “Having Anna step up to testify and share her story allowed lawmakers to hear firsthand what those challenges are and how LB 324 would assist them.”
Since passage, Zeleny remains a key partner as programs created under the bill are being implemented.
UNL offering training workshops for new Ag Budget Calculator tool
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability has scheduled a series of training workshops for its new online Agricultural Budget Calculator tool. They will be held in partnership with Nebraska Extension offices across the state.
The Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) is a free enterprise-budgeting and decision-making tool that is designed to assist agricultural producers in determining their cost of production and projected cash and economic returns for various farm or ranch enterprises.
“Knowing the cost of production for our agricultural enterprises is even more critical now, with a larger investment due to higher input and operation costs,” said Glennis McClure, an extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. “Estimating your cost of production can assist in making important management decisions now and throughout the production and marketing year.”
McClure, who works closely with the ABC tool and university commodity budgets, will facilitate the workshops. She will demonstrate the program’s features and teach participants how to get started and use the program. A hands-on practice session will offer users the opportunity to begin creating their own enterprise budgets. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop computer to use during the workshop. If needed, mobile lab computers will be available for use. Workshop topics will include: downloading and using university crop budgets as a guide; how to create customized crop budgets for owned and rented farms; how to enter field operations and material inputs and determine costs on a per-field basis; how to generate enterprise reports that include cash costs, economic costs and anticipated returns; the use of analysis features, including the risk module; and more.
Schedule:
Feb. 23: North Platte, 1-4 p.m., Lincoln County Extension Office, 348 W. State Farm Road
Feb. 28: Beatrice, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W Scott St.
March 3: O’Neill, 1-4 p.m., Holt County Courthouse Annex, 128 N. 6th St.
March 7: Sidney, 1-4 p.m., Cheyenne County Community Center, 627 Toledo St.
March 15: Auburn, 9 a.m.-noon, Nemaha County 4-H Building, 816 I St.
March 16: Holdrege, 1-4 p.m., Phelps County Ag Center, 1308 2nd St.
March 22: David City, 1-4 p.m., Hruska Public Library meeting room, 399 N. 5th St.
March 23: Tekamah, 1-4 p.m., Burt County Extension Office, 111 N 13th St., Suite 6
The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required. For more about the Agricultural Budget Calculator, and to register for an in-person or online training, visit https://cap.unl.edu/abc.
Finalists for UNL Ag Econ Department Head to interview on campus week of Feb. 21
The finalists for the position of Agricultural Economics Department Head at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will visit campus as part of the interview process the week of Feb. 21. Each candidate will give a seminar and will have time to meet with faculty, staff and students during the course of the visit.
Joseph Santos will visit UNL Feb. 21 and 22. Santos is currently the Dykhouse Scholar in Money, Banking and Regulation, professor of economics and coordinator of graduate studies in the Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University. Santos received his bachelor of science degree from the College of New Jersey in Trenton, New Jersey, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Rutgers University. Santos’ seminar will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 22 in the Great Plains Room in the Nebraska East Union.
Timothy A. Park will visit UNL Feb. 24-25. Park is currently the Associate Director, Food Economics Division of the USDA’s Economic Research Service in Kansas City, Missouri. Park has a bachelor of science in foreign service in international economics from Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis. Park’s seminar will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 25 in the Great Plains Room in the Nebraska East Union.
NEBRASKA HEMP ACREAGE
Industrial hemp grown in open areas in Nebraska totaled 260 acres, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Industrial hemp harvested in open areas totaled 250 acres. This is the first time USDA’s NASS has published estimates on industrial hemp.
USDA National Hemp Report
All industrial hemp: In 2021, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the United States totaled $824 million.
Industrial hemp in the open: Planted area for the Nation in 2021 for all utilizations totaled 54.2 thousand acres. The value of hemp production in the open for the United States totaled $712 million. Area harvested for all purposes in the open totaled 33.5 thousand acres.
Floral hemp in the open: United States floral hemp production grown in the open for 2021 was estimated at 19.7 million pounds. Area harvested for floral hemp in the open in the United States was estimated at 16.0 thousand acres. The average yield for 2021 floral hemp in the open was estimated at 1,235 pounds per acre. The value of floral hemp grown in the open totaled $623 million.
Grain hemp in the open: National production of hemp grown in the open for grain in 2021 totaled 4.37 million pounds. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for grain in the United States was estimated at 8,255 acres. The average yield for 2021 hemp grown in the open for grain was estimated at 530 pounds per acre. The value of hemp grown in the open for grain totaled $5.99 million.
Fiber hemp in the open: In 2021, production of hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 33.2 million pounds. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for fiber in the United States was estimated at 12.7 thousand acres. The average yield for 2021 hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 2,620 pounds per acre. The value of hemp grown in the open for fiber totaled $41.4 million.
Seed hemp in the open: Production of hemp grown in the open for seed in 2021 was estimated at 1.86 million pounds. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for seed in the United States was estimated at 3,515 acres. The average yield for 2021 hemp grown in the open for seed was estimated at 530 pounds per acre. The value of hemp grown in the open for seed totaled $41.5 million.
Hemp under protection: In 2021, hemp growers used 15.6 million square feet under protection for production. The 2021 value of hemp production under protection in the United States totaled $112 million.
Hemp clones and transplants grown under protection in the Nation for 2021 totaled 20.2 million plants. The value of hemp clones and transplants grown under protection totaled $23.8 million. United States production of floral hemp grown under protection was estimated at 310 thousand pounds. The value of floral hemp grown under protection totaled $64.4 million. Hemp grown under protection for seed totaled 4,059 pounds. The value of hemp grown under protection for seed totaled $23.7 million.
Three Grower Leaders Recognized For Five Years Of Service
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently recognized three farmer members for five years serving as delegates to the organization at its 19th International Marketing Conference and 62nd Annual Membership Meeting: Tom Gillis, John Greer and Robert Hanson.
In Nebraska, John Greer is a member of the Nebraska Corn Board. In his first year on the Nebraska Corn Board, Greer dove headfirst into Council involvement.
“I was kind of overwhelmed when I attended my first Council meeting. I knew a few people on the Nebraska Corn Board, but I didn’t know everybody,” Greer said. “I sat in on the meetings and it really got me interested in the U.S. Grains Council and the work that the organization does. It really piqued my interest in exports at the time.”
Greer has been active on the Asia A-Team and the Western Hemisphere A-Team during his time with the Council.
While he did not have a single favorite moment, the interactions Greer has had with people through the Council stood out in his mind.
“I have been so impressed with the Council staff as I have gotten to know some of them. The staff members are so dedicated to what they do, and that is the thing that has impressed me the most about the U.S. Grains Council,” Greer said. “That in itself is the highlight of my being on the Council, seeing the dedication.”
Others recognized include:
Tom Gillis, president of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board
Robert Hanson, president of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association
IDALS Encourages Online Pesticide Certifications
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging pesticide applicators to apply for or renew certifications online using the self-service portal to avoid delays this spring.
Once applicators complete training or pass the online or in-person exam, they should use their certification number to log-in to the Department’s pesticide self-service portal to submit their application, test results and payment. Once the application, payment, training or testing information are received and processed by the Pesticide Bureau, the licenses and certifications will be sent directly to the applicants.
Certification Requirements for Restricted and General Use Pesticides
Restricted Use Pesticides are not available for purchase or use without a current applicator certification. The “Restricted Use” classification restricts a product, or its use, to that of a certified applicator or someone under the certified applicator’s direct supervision. General Use Pesticides (GUPs) are available for purchase by the general public and do not require certification if applied on the property owned or rented by the individual/applicator. For example, there are a number of glyphosate products labeled for homeowner and agricultural use that are GUPs and can be purchased and applied by individuals without an applicator certification.
Retail dealers and applicators can verify up-to-date certification status using the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s search page – https://iowapestapplicators.secure.force.com/lookup.
For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Pesticide Bureau at 515-281-8591 or pesticides@iowaagriculture.gov.
Soybean Farmers Emphasize Commitment to Homegrown Energy with Iowa Capitol Visit
Iowa soybean farmers, biodiesel producers and other supporters met with state legislators on Feb. 15, urging them to vote for a bill that would improve access to and incentivize the production of homegrown biodiesel in Iowa.
Earlier this month, soy growers celebrated the House passage of the Governor’s Biofuel Access Bill, where it received strong, bipartisan support (82-10). The bills are currently numbered House File 2128 and SBB 3084.
“Passage of the bill by the Iowa House means continued investment in reliable, low-carbon biodiesel production and access is even closer to becoming a reality,” said ISA President Robb Ewoldt, a soybean farmer near Davenport who uses biodiesel to grow crops and transport freight. "Ensuring Iowa soybean farmers and state can reap the benefits is critical,” Ewoldt says.
The legislation seeks to address biofuel tax and infrastructure provisions by:
Updating and expanding both the Biodiesel Production Tax Credit and Biodiesel Fuel Tax Differential.
Shifting current fuel retailer tax credit for blends of 11% biodiesel (B11) to encourage higher blends.
Introducing new credits for blends like B20 and B30.
Expanding the state’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP).
By increasing soybean oil value, biodiesel supports 13% of the price per bushel of soybeans. This equated to $1.78 per bushel in 2021. It also lowers the price of soybean meal, a key ingredient for livestock producers and the food supply.
“We’ve gone to great lengths over the past year to help the state revise its approach to expanding biofuels. We encourage Iowa soybean farmers to contact their senators and express support for this legislation today.”
Webinars on Value of Dairy Beef Cross Cattle Set for March
Many dairy farms have adopted the practice of breeding a portion of their herd to beef bulls to produce calves for beef production. This has allowed dairy farms to better manage replacement heifer inventories, and in some cases receive market premiums over straight bred baby bull calves. As this practice has become more common, some dairy farms are interested in determining the practicality and profitability of retaining their beef x dairy calves to market as feeder or fed cattle versus marketing as baby calves.
Jennifer Bentley, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said the approach can help dairy farmers better utilize the potential of their herd.
“As dairy farmers fine-tune their heifer replacement inventories, a way to add value to animals being sold off the farm is to breed a portion of their herd to beef," she said. "As a result, best management practices have been hot topics with producers in helping to determine profitability and optimize the value of these efforts.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension will host a two-part webinar series in March focusing on practices that can help optimize the value of dairy-beef cross animals. Optimizing Value of Dairy Beef Cross Cattle from Birth to Harvest will be held on Tuesdays, March 8 and March 22, with one topic session from 11 a.m. to noon, and a second topic session from 12:30-1:30 p.m. both days. Each session will be a moderated panel format with opportunities for participants to submit questions to the panelists. There is no charge to participate in the webinar series, but registration is necessary. Register for both sessions at https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-usrD8pGtHo3trM9iTv9r-Px....
On March 8, the first discussion will address selecting beef bulls to best complement dairy cows to consistently produce cattle with desirable carcass and feedlot performance traits. The second discussion (which will also be translated in Spanish) will address how the quality of postpartum and early age calf care impact their health, growth and performance for their entire lives. Presenters include Denise Schwab, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, and several UW-Madison Extension educators. Wisconsin BQA certified participants attending the calf care session can receive one Wisconsin BQA continuing education credit.
On March 22, the first discussion will address feeding and managing dairy beef cross cattle from 400 lb. to finish. The second discussion will present information on marketing options for dairy beef cross cattle. Presenters include Jerad Jeborak, Michigan State feedlot specialist; Dan Schaefer, UW-Madison professor emeritus in beef nutrition; Brenda Boetel, extension and UW-River Falls livestock economist; and Bill Halfman, UW-Madison Extension agriculture agent. Wisconsin BQA certified participants attending the feeding and management session can receive one Wisconsin BQA continuing education credit.
Bentley also reminds dairy-beef producers of the I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course scheduled for March 29 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This year's program, Surviving Today – Opportunities to Evaluate, features two Iowa State presenters: Lee Schulz, associate professor in economics and livestock economist; and Dan Thomson, animal science professor. Cost is $35 for adults and $20 for college students. Preregistration is requested by March 21. See more information on the short course website https://i-29moou.com/dairy-beef-short-course.
Wallace Foundation to Hold Annual Meeting at Armstrong Research Farm
Farmers and agribusiness personnel are invited to attend the Wallace Foundation’s 30th annual meeting, which will be held at the Armstrong Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm near Lewis, IA on Thursday, March 3, beginning at 9 a.m. with registration.
The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. The day will feature a morning welcome by Mark Bentley, president of the Wallace Foundation; Recent Cropping Systems in Southwest Iowa, by Mark Licht, assistant professor in agronomy and cropping systems specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; and 2022 Cost of Production Increases and Iowa Land Value Survey, by Tim Christensen, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist.
Aaron Saeugling, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said producers have a lot on their minds following recent changes in the marketplace.
“With land values at all-time record highs is now the time to add farmland to your operation or considering selling?” said Saeugling, “Production costs have risen in recent years, so are you marketing your grain to account for higher breakeven values? Cropping systems changes may be a way to increase your soil health.”
Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and be included and sponsored by the Wallace Foundation. There is no cost to attend. Following the conclusion of the meeting, the Wallace Foundation board of directors will meet at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, contact RaeLyn Barkley, office manager with ISU Extension and Outreach, at 712-769-2650 or raelynb@iastate.edu
Annual Iowa DNR Meetings Recapping Seasons, Rules Begin Feb. 21
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) annual town hall-style meetings recapping the recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, and discussing possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations begin across the state next week.
"We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff," said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR's Wildlife Bureau. "Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process."
The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.
Meeting date, time and location
- Creston, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Southern Prairie YMCA, 1201 West Townline St.
- Algona, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Waters Edge Nature Center, 1010 250th St.
- Des Moines, Feb. 22, 6:45 p.m., Des Moines Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Pkwy.
- Dubuque, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., EB Lyons Nature Center at Mines of Spain, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd,
- Jefferson, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., The Depot, Raccoon River Valley Trailhead, 507 E Lincoln Way
- Okoboji, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Maser Monarch Lodge, 22785 Nature Center Rd.
- Sac City, Feb 22, 6:30 p.m., Sac County Conservation Center, Hagge Park, 2970 280th St.
- Ventura, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Iowa DNR Wildlife Office, 15326 Balsam Ave.
- Waverly, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Waverly Public Library, 1500 W Bremer Ave.
- Burlington, Feb. 23, 5 p.m., Starr's Cave Nature Center, 11627 Starr's Cave Roadd.
- Calmar, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation (Dairy Center), Room 115, 1527 Hwy. 150 South
- Iowa City, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Johnson County ISU Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy. 218 South
- Onawa, Feb. 23, 6 p.m., Lewis and Clark State Park visitor center banquet room, 21914 Park Loop
- Bloomfield, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., Wapello County Conservation Board Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, 1339 Hwy. 63
- Chariton, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Pin Oak Lodge, 45996 State Hwy. 14
- Council Bluffs, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Council Bluffs Fish & Game Club, 531 Comanche St.
- DeWitt, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., DeWitt Community Library, 917 Fifth Av.
- Toledo, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Tama County Nature Center, 2283 Park Rd,
Any person attending the public meeting that has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.
Iowa’s Economy Benefited as Biofuel Production Rebounded in 2021
A new study released today finds rebounding biofuels production in 2021 provided a strong boost to Iowa’s economy.
The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics and commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), found the production of ethanol and biodiesel accounts for over $5 billion in state GDP, supports nearly 46,000 jobs throughout the economy, and boosts Iowa household income by more than $2.6 billion. All three metrics are up since 2020’s COVID downturn.
“Rebounding biofuels production combined with higher commodity values really boosted Iowa’s economy in 2021, especially in rural communities,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “And what’s really exciting is that so much more is ahead of us. This is why increasing consumer access to higher blends through the Governor’s Biofuels Access Bill is so vital. When Iowans have access to biofuels, they choose biofuels. They save money and support Iowa’s economy. It’s a win-win for all.”
In 2021 Iowa ethanol production hit an all-time record high of 4.4 billion gallons while biodiesel production decreased only slightly to 340 million gallons in response to market and supply-chain challenges.
“Continued growth and expansion of the renewable fuels industry through new technologies and feedstocks will enhance the industry’s position as the original creator of green jobs and will ensure America’s ability to maintain and expand energy independence,” the study concluded. “Further, policy and regulatory actions taken by Iowa, and other Midwestern states, to boost the use of biofuels locally, particularly statewide use of E15, will provide a buffer from the uncertainty of federal policy and export demand.”
2022 World Pork Expo Showcases Pork Industry Innovations and Education
The World Pork Expo returns for its 34th year to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, June 8-10. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), World Pork Expo is expected to draw thousands of producers and industry professionals for three days of networking, education, innovation - and free pork, too.
“We’re delighted to welcome everyone back to World Pork Expo,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “This year’s Expo has an exceptional lineup of programming, including educational seminars and luncheons. It’s absolutely the industry’s must-attend event.”
Registration information will soon be available online for those who plan to attend the 2022 World Pork Expo, June 8-10.
World’s Largest Pork-Specific Trade Show
The World Pork Expo venue gives attendees the opportunity to explore more than 360,000 square feet of exhibition space. In prior years, more than 700 vendor booths representing companies from North America and around the world have presented and displayed products in the trade show space. There will also be a number of companies with hospitality tents for networking and business opportunities.
“We continue to be the world’s largest pork-specific trade show,” said Doug Fricke, Expo director of trade show marketing for NPPC. “If you’re part of the pork industry, you’re part of the World Pork Expo.”
Online Registration Opens Soon
Follow us and use #WPX22 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to catch all the latest updates about this event.
Organic Acreage Sees Another Year of Growth Thanks to Soybeans, Corn and Small Grains
Organic acreage saw yet another year of substantial growth with organic acres totaling 9.1 million acres by the end of 2021. But what can all that growth be attributed to? This month we explore organic acreage, commodity pricing and the updated Mercaris Acreage Analyzer in our Monthly Market Update.
Much of the growth in organic acres is thanks to organic soybeans growing by nearly 40,000 acres from 2020 to 2021. Organic soybeans not only saw a 13 percent increase in operations harvesting soybeans, but also showed growth in the acres harvested per producer.
“This expansion in organic soybean acres follows the stark increase in prices over the last year meaning we can expect soybean acres to continue growing as producers look to take advantage of this bullish market,” says Henry Wilson, Economist with Mercaris. “In contrast, the organic corn market - which has also been holding high prices - only saw a three percent year-over-year increase in harvested acres led mostly by acreage growth in Illinois and Nebraska.”
Mercaris notes that nearly every small grain - excluding barley - saw growth in 2021 as well. Organic small grains posted a seven percent year-over-year increase in harvested acres. The expansion of small grain acres was led by a significant addition of total acres in Montana as well as substantial growth in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.
“Overall, there was a lot of growth in organic agriculture in 2021 as more organic operations popped up and existing operations continued to grow,” says Wilson. “To see more in-depth information on organic acres grown at the individual crop and state level, we encourage anyone interested to join our team and view the Mercaris Acreage Analyzer updates which include final data from the Fall 2021 harvest.”
The information above is summarized from this month’s recently released Monthly Market Update. To find more details and information on other organic and non-GMO markets, visit www.mercaris.com.
State agriculture officials say additional funding is a must to ensure animal health networks adequately prevent disease and protect public health
Wednesday at the 2022 Winter Policy Conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members amended their policy to support ample funding for animal health networks such as the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) to help sustain operational levels needed for laboratory costs and high-consequence disease surveillance and response.
“If an emerging and economically devastating animal disease, such as African swine fever, had an outbreak that overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in further complicating supply chain issues, currently available resources for these animal health laboratories would be spread incredibly thin,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “We must proactively plan for the needs of these facilities, so they have the capability to respond to the health needs of the public and protect our nation’s food system.”
COVID-19 showed the importance of the ability to respond properly to diseases. Many of the NAHLN labs, although normally for use in livestock and poultry, aided in human COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, impacting the resources needed to protect the health of animals, the public and the nation’s food supply.
Recent surveys show that the 60 state and university NAHLN laboratories desperately need funding to sustain equipment, staff and surveillance activities. In its new policy, NASDA advocates for an increase in funding as federal investment covers only one-to-five percent of NAHLN’s total laboratory costs in most states.
“The resource that NAHLN laboratories have been to public health throughout the pandemic further emphasizes the importance of fully funding these networks and the value of collaboration when responding to disease outbreaks,” McKinney said. “NASDA members serve as co-regulators with the federal government on protecting animal health and are dedicated to collaborating with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders so U.S. agriculture can properly respond to zoonotic diseases.”
NASDA members endorse a One Health approach to disease prevention and response with coordination between state departments of agriculture and state departments of health to protect the health of animals, the public and the nation’s food supply.
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