Thursday February 24 Ag News

NDA ANNOUNCES HIRING OF DR. ROGER DUDLEY AS STATE VETERINARIAN

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman has announced the hiring of Dr. Roger Dudley for the position of state veterinarian. Dr. Dudley has worked for NDA since 2011, serving as state epidemiologist and deputy state veterinarian. He will replace Dr. Dennis Hughes who retired in December 2021.

“Dr. Dudley has extensive experience in veterinary medicine, an excellent understanding of animal epidemiology and outstanding leadership skills,” said Director Wellman. “He already has established relationships with veterinarians throughout the state and with USDA officials. He is the best person for the job of keeping Nebraska’s livestock healthy and safe.”

Dudley attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in pre-veterinary science. He then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University. Prior to working for the state of Nebraska, Dudley worked at the Gothenburg Animal Hospital from 1996-2011. He worked his way up from associate veterinarian to owning and operating the business. In addition to working in veterinary medicine in Nebraska, Dudley has also worked in Iowa and Minnesota.

Throughout his career, Dudley has participated in leadership and management training programs including the PeopleFirst Leadership Certification Program at the State of Nebraska and the Beef Cattle Production Management Series at Great Plains Veterinary Education Center at Clay Center, Nebraska. He is an active member of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Dudley and his wife have six children and six grandchildren.

“Veterinary medicine is my career and my passion,” said Dudley. “I look forward to continuing my work with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and taking on this leadership role to help protect the livestock industry.”



Ricketts Proclaims “FFA Week” in Nebraska

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman hosted members of the Nebraska FFA Association at the State Capitol to proclaim “FFA Week.”  FFA is a youth organization that develops students into competent agricultural leaders.  FFA provides experiential learning opportunities, encourages community involvement, and promotes teamwork and communications skills.  FFA Week is celebrated nationally February 19-26, 2022.

“FFA equips students with the education and experience to grow Nebraska agriculture,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do here in Nebraska.  To be strong as a state, we must pass on our passion for agriculture to the next generation.  FFA is doing vital work to develop young leaders with the skills to build on our reputation as an agricultural powerhouse.”

The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth state group chartered by the National FFA Organization.  Nebraska currently has over 11,000 FFA members in 203 chapters.  Throughout the years, State agencies have partnered with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.

“FFA and ag education give students real opportunities to learn about agriculture and consider careers in farming, ranching, and ag-related industries that are vital to the food, feed, and fuel we produce every day.  Nebraska FFA chapters and their members represent our state’s can-do spirit.  Organizations like FFA are teaching our next generation of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.  Being involved in FFA is one of the most important things we can do to strengthen and grow Nebraska’s ag industry.”

The Nebraska State FFA Convention will be held April 6-8, 2022 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.



NEBRASKA CROP VALUES

The value of Nebraska’s 2021 field and miscellaneous crops is forecast at $16.0 billion, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is up 31% from 2020.

The value of corn production is expected to total $10.0 billion, up 26% from the previous marketing year. Nebraska’s corn price is projected to average $5.40 per bushel, up $0.93 from the last marketing year.

The value of soybean production is expected to total $4.42 billion, up 45% from the previous marketing year. Nebraska’s soybean price is projected to average $12.60 per bushel, up $2.40 from the last marketing year.

The value of winter wheat production is expected to total $272 million up 72% from the previous marketing year. Nebraska's winter wheat price is projected to average $6.60 per bushel, up $1.95 from the last marketing year.

The value of alfalfa production is expected to total $586 million, up 59% from the previous marketing year. Nebraska's alfalfa price is projected to average $157.00 per ton, up $44.00 from the last marketing year. The value of other hay production is expected to total $261 million, up slightly from the previous marketing year. Nebraska's alfalfa price is projected to average $102.00 per ton, up $18.00 from the last marketing year.

IOWA: The production of Iowa's field and miscellaneous crops was valued at $22.7 billion in 2021, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service - Crop Values 2021 Summary. This was up 36 percent from 2020.

The value of corn for grain production totaled $13.9 billion, up 31 percent from the previous year. Iowa's corn price averaged $5.45 per bushel, 81 cents above the last marketing year.

The value of soybean production was $8.08 billion, up 44 percent from 2020. The average price increased $1.90 from the previous year to $13.00 per bushel.



Cattle producers discuss state priorities during Cattlemen at the Capitol

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) creates influence by placing the right leaders, in the right place, at the right time. Yesterday, we saw great participation from our grassroots membership, as board members, county leaders, cattle producers from all sectors and students showed their loyalty and commitment to Iowa’s cattle industry by attending Cattlemen at the Capitol.

Thousands of Iowa cattlemen and women have found camaraderie through shared values and ICA’s mission: “To grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” During Cattlemen at the Capitol, elected officials heard about the need to protect and promote Iowa’s beef business, while limiting government involvement.  

“Cattlemen at the Capitol gives the most foundational component of Iowa’s beef business - the producer sector - an additional opportunity to send home priority action regarding the future of our business,” Matt Deppe, ICA CEO said.

While the pull of beef on the menu brought state legislators to the Capitol Rotunda, the open dialogue with our members captured their attention and created meaningful discussions regarding our state priorities. Amongst those priorities were ICA’s commitment to:  
    Protecting our legacy from foreign animal disease;
    Growing Iowa’s beef business through processing capacity; and
    Preventing additional government ownership of land.

The ICA annually hosts Cattlemen at the Capitol and many other engagements to ensure we have the right leader, in the right place, at the right time. This specific event provides cattle producers the opportunity to take local relationships and build impact through one-on-one interactions that will ultimately make a difference for the industry.

While ICA represents the interests of 8,000 beef-producing families and associated businesses at the state level through staff and leaders, we find it important for state legislators to hear directly from their constituents.



Registration Now Open for World Pork Expo 2022

Registration is now open for the 2022 World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). World Pork Expo is the world’s largest pork-specific event, and will take place June 8-10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Attendees, media and exhibitors can learn more about the Expo and register at the World Pork Expo website https://www.worldpork.org/.

“Attendees can look forward to another exceptional event,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “This year’s Expo includes hundreds of vendors and a dynamic track of programming that is second to none. There’s sure to be something for everyone connected to the pork industry.”

Start Planning Your Expo Experience
The 2022 Expo is packed with three days of education, networking opportunities and activities. Included with the cost of admission are valuable educational seminars which feature topical discussions on issues of interest to the pork industry. These seminars also showcase the latest products, process enhancements and more.

Other activities you won’t want to miss include:
Trade Show — Explore hundreds of vendor booths hosted by organizations throughout North America.

NPPC Hospitality Tent — Visit one-on-one with NPPC board members and staff to learn more about legislation, regulation and public policy issues that directly impact pork production.

Big Grill — Enjoy a free pork lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. all three days of the Expo. We anticipate preparing more than 10,000 lunches!

Additional Registration Information
Registration is now available online until June 2. Registration includes entry to the Expo for all three days. Discounted rates are available during pre-registration, including $10 per adult (ages 12 and up) and $1 for children (6 to 11 years old), while children under 5 are free. Registration on-site will be $20 per adult. There is an on-site Friday-only option for $10.

Save the date for June 8-10 to visit Des Moines. Three days of education, fun, networking and delicious pork awaits you!



USDA Extends Deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program

Hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until April 15, 2022, to submit their applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). SMHPP, which is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, originally had a deadline to submit applications by Feb. 25, 2022.   

SMHPP assists hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020, the period during which these producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the pandemic. USDA is offering SMHPP in response to a reduction in packer production and supply chain issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in fewer negotiated hogs being procured and subsequent lower market prices. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting applications for SMHPP on Dec. 15, 2021.

“In response to stakeholder feedback and our analysis of the program to date, we will be making adjustments to clarify the definition of a spot market sale and to hog eligibility, while including documentation requirements to prevent erroneous payments,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We’ll be announcing those updates soon and want to assure hog producers that there will be ample time to submit their applications for assistance.”  

Applying for Assistance  
Eligible hog producers can apply for SMHPP by completing the FSA-940, Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program application. Visit farmers.gov/smhpp to learn more.  

Applications can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. To find their local FSA office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Hog producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.  Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Contact your Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.    



Commercial Red Meat Production Down 5 Percent

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.56 billion pounds in January, down 5 percent from the 4.80 billion pounds produced in January 2021.

By State     (million pounds - % of Jan '21)
Nebraska ........:               650.6             96       
Iowa ...............:               743.5             96       
Kansas ............:               485.0             97       

Beef production, at 2.27 billion pounds, was 2 percent below the previous year.  Cattle slaughter totaled 2.70 million head, down 2 percent from January 2021.  The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 1,398 pounds.

Veal production totaled 4.6 million pounds, slightly below January a year ago.  Calf slaughter totaled 32,300 head, slightly below January 2021.  The average live weight was unchanged from last year, at 247 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.28 billion pounds, 8 percent below the previous year.  Hog slaughter totaled 10.4 million head, 7 percent below January 2021.  The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 294 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 9.8 million pounds, was 6 percent below January 2021.  Sheep slaughter totaled 154,100 head, 5 percent below last year.  The average live weight was 127 pounds, down 2 pounds from January a year ago.



Survey Says: Consumers Want Food Made with U.S. Crops

The United Soybean Board (USB) released results of a new survey, highlighting consumer perceptions of U.S. soybeans, soybean farmers and the U.S. food supply chain. According to the survey, consumer support of domestic agriculture has only grown stronger, with 78% of consumers – an 8% increase since the last survey in December 2020 – saying it’s important to purchase U.S.-grown food, including soybeans.

“It’s encouraging to see support of U.S. agriculture increase over the past year, a true testament to the work of soybean farmers through their checkoff to strengthen consumer perceptions of U.S.-grown soybeans,” said Belinda Burrier, Chair of USB’s Communication and Education Committee and a soybean farmer from Maryland. “Understanding our customers’ attitudes is a critical component as our investments aim to demonstrate the nutritional value of soybeans, ultimately increasing demand and bringing value back to the farm.”

Other key takeaways from the study include:
    U.S. farmers continue to be the most trusted source when it comes to food safety, with 83% of consumers ranking them No. 1 among members of the supply chain, an increase of 5% since the last survey in December 2020.
    The vast majority of consumers, 82%, have a very/somewhat positive view of U.S. farmers who grow crops, including soybeans. This is a 3% increase since the December 2020 survey.
    Soy is seen as healthy by more than half of consumers, with 60% saying that soy-based food is somewhat/very healthy and 26% having a neutral view of soy. However, only 39% are aware that the soybeans used in popular foods are grown sustainably.

With promotion and education being key pillars of the checkoff, the survey validated that informing consumers is an effective tool, with 72% of respondents feeling more positive about soy as a food ingredient after learning about the sustainability of soybeans. Likewise, communicating about soy as a high-quality “complete” protein proved to be the most impactful statement on consumers’ perception of soy, highlighting an essential opportunity to demonstrate its excellent protein profile to health-conscious consumers.

“Driving home soy as a complete protein, coupled with awareness that this product is sustainably grown, poses a real opportunity for our industry to raise the profile of soyfoods,” said Mace Thornton, vice president of communications and marketing strategy for USB. “Insights from this survey will inform investment decisions of the checkoff’s farmer-led Communication and Education Committee and ultimately help deliver sustainable soy solutions to every life, every day.”

New to USB’s strategic plan, the Communication and Education Committee oversees checkoff investments in strategies that build trust in and elevate the reputation of U.S. Soy to drive new and increased value back to farmers.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 2/18/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending February 18, ethanol production expanded by 15,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 1.5%, to 1.024 million b/d, equivalent to 43.01 million gallons daily. Production was 55.6% more than the same week last year, which was affected by the pandemic and especially weather-induced infrastructure issues, but 2.8% less than the same week two years ago. The four-week average ethanol production volume decreased 0.3% to 1.017 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.59 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.1% to 25.5 million barrels. Stocks were 11.9% higher than a year ago and 3.2% more than the same week two years ago. Inventories built in the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5) but scaled back across the remaining regions.
                                                                                                              
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 1.0% to 8.66 million b/d (132.71 bg annualized). Gasoline demand registered 20.1% higher than a year ago but 4.2% less than the same week two years ago.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol perked up by 4.3% to 871,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.35 bg annualized and an eight-week high. Net inputs were 20.1% more than a year ago but 3.4% less than the same week two years ago.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the fourth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of December 2021.)



NCBA Pleased to See Next Steps in Processing Capacity Funding

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of up to $215 million in grants and resources as part of a continued effort to strengthen the meat and poultry processing sector and create a more resilient food supply chain. NCBA appreciates the Administration’s efforts to expand and diversify processing capacity and looks forward to working with USDA to ensure proper implementation of the funds.

“Investing in packing capacity is critically important for the cattle industry,” said NCBA Director of Government Affairs and Market Regulatory Policy Tanner Beymer. “The expansion of regional processing facilities will bolster resiliency within the beef supply chain and help return marketing leverage to cattle producers."

As part of previously announced federal investments totaling $1 billion, these funds will be allocated to three main areas: the newly created Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), workforce development, and technical assistance.

Background:
USDA Rural Development will make $150 million available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). Under this program, grants of up to $25 million will be available to offset costs of construction, expansion, and acquisition of equipment.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will allocate $40 million dollars to existing workforce development programs to assist new and expanding processors with recruiting, training, and retraining adequate labor.

USDA is also making $25 million available through the MPPEP for technical assistance. These funds will be used to establish partnerships between organizations who specialize in meat and poultry processing and MPPEP applicants, recipients, and future applicants of Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grants.



February 2022 Dairy Market Report Now Available

The stage is being set for 2022 to be a considerably better year than most of the last several for U.S. dairy farmers. Record exports, flat milk production, just over half a percent milk solids production growth, and over 2 percent consumption growth made a winning combination during the fourth quarter of 2021, sending some key prices to long-time high levels at the start of this year. Meanwhile, as foreign and domestic demand increase, domestic stock levels are not burdensome, by several metrics, for most major dairy product categories.

Read the full report here.... https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-market-report-february-2022/.  



Propane Flame Weeding Provides Optimal Solution to Herbicide Shortages, Weed Resistance Issues

As producers face new challenges like complying with environmental regulations and reduced herbicide effectiveness or availability, many are discovering the unique benefits offered by propane-powered weeding systems. New propane flame weeding technology uses heat to rupture the internal cells of plants for a clean, highly effective solution for weed control that reduces reliance on herbicides and combats increasing weed resistance issues.

According to research supported by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), flame weeding technology is up to 90 percent effective against weeds when applied twice in a growing season to row crops. Flame weed control can be used on a variety of crops, in a variety of weather conditions and growth stages, and allows farmers to return to the field immediately after treatment for reduced downtime.

Because propane is an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act and is certified for organic practices, propane flame weeding has replaced tedious manual labor practices for many organic producers.

“In recent years, many organic farmers have found propane flame weeding to be a cost- and time-efficient solution for weed control, but an increasing number of traditional farmers are now recognizing the many benefits of this new technology as well,” said Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “While conventional farmers have been able to rely on herbicides for effective weed control in the past, weed resistance continues to be more of a problem, and limited availability or higher costs can make securing the chemicals needed for sufficient weed management more difficult. Propane flame weeding provides a time- and cost-efficient option that both organic and traditional producers nationwide should consider.”

To combat weed resistance, some producers must purchase additional chemical treatments — many of which come with higher risks to the crops and environment — and varying restrictions across the nation means these chemicals may not be a viable option either. With propane-powered flame weeding, producers can avoid these risks all together because propane is naturally cleaner and avoids the disruption of essential soil nutrients that commonly occurs with cultivation and tillage weed control methods.

To learn more about propane-powered flame weeding systems and view case studies, visit Propane.com/Propane-Products/Flame-Weed-Control. For more information about propane’s versatility and propane farm equipment, visit Propane.com/Agriculture.



 LeGrand, Miller Lead Corn Harvest Quality Rollout In Spain

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) leaders and staff are in Spain this week to conduct a Corn Harvest Quality rollout with Spanish importers. Josh Miller, vice chairman of the Council's Board of Directors, provided an overview of the 2021 growing season in Indiana where he is a grower.

U.S. Grains Council leaders and staff visited Spain this week to offer Spanish grain buyers a look at the organization’s 2021/2022 Corn Harvest Quality Report. Council Vice Chairman Josh Miller, a farmer from Indiana; President and CEO Ryan LeGrand; and Middle East/Africa/Europe Manager of Global Trade Reece Cannady participated in the rollout event.

In January 2022 the European Union (EU) removed 25 percent import duties on U.S. corn that were imposed in June 2018. This action opened an export opportunity for up to 2 million metric tons (MMT), or 80 million bushels, of U.S. corn. The Council’s engagement this week is vital in promoting U.S. corn exports to its Spanish counterparts.

The Corn Harvest Quality Report provides the Council an opportunity to showcase the outstanding quality of the 2021 crop to Spanish importers, especially with regard to bulk shipments, and to remind customers that the U.S. agricultural sector is committed to being a reliable supplier of agricultural exports.

"Spain is a valued customer and a stronghold for U.S. agricultural exports to Europe," Miller said. "The market is a consistent customer for U.S. distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and Spain looking at buying U.S. corn is a product of our logistical certainty."

LeGrand provided opening remarks at the event in Madrid before Cannady presented the findings of the report. Miller provided attendees with a firsthand account of the 2021 growing season in the United States, sharing his personal experiences and answering questions about his crop.

To wrap up the program, Sergio Dettmer, senior risk management consultant at StoneX, an institutional-grade financial services network, offered a virtual presentation on U.S. corn and DDGS production, supply and distribution.

The Council hopes that by presenting the findings of the 2021/2022 report, the Spanish market will have increased confidence when purchasing U.S. corn.

The 2021/2022 Corn Harvest Quality Report provides information about the quality of the current U.S. crop at harvest as it enters international merchandising channels. A second Council report, the 2021/2022 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report will be released soon, measuring corn quality at the point of loading for export.



Bushel Builds Connection to the CIBO Carbon Bridge Program, Helping Incentivize Regenerative Agriculture Practices

CIBO, the science-based technology company that supports growers and enterprises on their journey to regenerative agriculture, has announced its first CIBO Carbon Bridge partnership with Bushel to bring visibility to sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Bushel, a Fargo, ND, software company focused on building the digital infrastructure for the grain industry, has committed to collaborating with companies that provide new market opportunities for growers.

Carbon Bridge provides significant pay-for-practice financial incentives that help farmers meet the early-year financial investments required to transition to regenerative farming. Using Carbon Bridge, growers can access the best per-acre payments available starting year one, based on real-world cost estimates. The program also gives agronomic support for qualifying growers interested in adopting new practices.

"The new partnership with Bushel is helping to increase the pace and penetration of regenerative adoption and setting the stage for more collaboration across the ag value chain," said Nitzan Haklai, VP, Business Development at CIBO Technologies. "But just as importantly, we're focused on helping farms make the transition, and meeting those early-stage investment costs that can truly become very real roadblocks to a better future for farmers and consumers."

Regenerative agricultural practices like cover-cropping and no-till are effective at reducing greenhouse gasses (GHGs) while building climate-resilient soils. But for growers, the early-year costs of implementing new practices slow adoption for individual farms and at scale across the country. Traditional carbon marketplaces pay growers for carbon sequestration via regenerative practices, but many of these marketplaces come with costs that outpace the costs of early-year implementation, and it can take farms years to realize financial rewards. Carbon Bridge was launched to change this dynamic.

"We believe that bringing visibility to these new programs is a critical piece of helping US growers, and hopefully the rest of the value chain, realize the operational and financial benefits of climate-smart agriculture," says Bushel's Director of Sustainability, Allison Nepveux. "We believe that creating reductions in carbon emissions will be one of the first true monetizable business opportunities for food and agriculture supply chains. That starts with making sure switching to regenerative practices is economically viable for growers. The CIBO program is a great example of testing and enabling that. We hope this collaboration is just the beginning of a much bigger vision for our grain facilities and their growers."

Bushel provides software technology solutions for the agricultural industry with its flagship mobile application used at nearly 2,000 grain facilities. Last year, Bushel acquired FarmLogs, a leading provider of technology farm management systems for row crop farms. This creates a digital infrastructure to connect the farm gate to the grain facility onto downstream customers with permission from all parties. This expands sustainability opportunities for both growers and grain facilities through verified on-farm practices from field to CPGs, and eventually the end consumer.

Individuals and farms can pre-qualify for CIBO Carbon Bridge and sign up to see when the program is available in their area.