Tuesday February 8 Ag News

Food in the Field
Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator, Cuming County

Planting season is right around the corner! Eating healthy during this season is a challenge for many reasons, including the lack of time to sit down for a meal, the issue of dining in a field and stress leading to less healthy eating patterns. Food in the Field is a FREE online nutrition education program created to help farmers and their families make healthy eating choices during planting and harvest. To register and get started, go to food.unl.edu/foodinthefield or contact Hannah Guenther at hannah.guenther@unl.edu or call 402-372-6006.



Nebraska Cattlemen Members attend NCBA Annual Convention

A delegation of Nebraska Cattlemen members had a significant influence on national policy decisions during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) annual convention in Houston, Texas last week. Nebraska Cattlemen brought forth policy for consideration in the Taxation and Credit Committee and had many members recognized for their hard work and dedication to the industry.

The week began with numerous policy committee meetings where Nebraska Cattlemen members attended, took part in the discussion, and voted in accordance with Nebraska Cattlemen’s policy book. Nebraska Cattlemen presented a policy for consideration in the Taxation and Credit Committee that would encourage investments into new processing capacity infrastructure through producer incentives that would offset new plant start-up costs.

Many Nebraska Cattlemen members were recognized for their dedication to the beef cattle industry. The 2022 BQA Educator Award went to Dr. Deb VanOverbeke. Throughout her career she has remained dedicated to the mission and focus of BQA, ensuring that all consumers have quality, safe, and wholesome beef, and beef products. The 2022 BQA Market Award was given to W&J Carpenter Inc., based in Arapahoe, Nebraska. The Carpenter team transports more than a half-million cattle per year and prides themselves on attention to detail in all aspects. Their meticulous approach to livestock transportation has enhanced the public’s perception of animal handling and quality.

NCBA also announced their inaugural group of Trailblazers. The class of ten has some familiar faces to members of Nebraska Cattlemen. Brianna Buseman of Lincoln, Shaye Koester of Lincoln, Natalie Jones of Stapleton, and Jaclyn Wilson of Lakeside was chosen to be a part of the inaugural class. This program will take advocacy for the beef industry to a new level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences.

Nebraska Cattlemen member Bill Pullen was inducted into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame. Bill started his career on his father’s farm and feedlot in Central City, Nebraska. Since his founding of the ROTO-MIX brand, he has spawned over 120 dealers in the U.S. and 35 international markets. “Bill’s leadership in the cattle feeding industry is one we should all admire and look up to. This recognition is well deserved, Congratulations Bill,” said Brenda Masek, Nebraska Cattlemen President.

President Masek added, “This year’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association annual convention was a solid reminder that we need to continue to work together as an industry to brainstorm and solve issues important to members across the country. Our members had another successful convention, and we congratulate all who were awarded for their dedication and hard work on behalf of our industry.”
 
The next National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) annual convention will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 1-3, 2023.



Senator Brandt to Prioritize Right to Repair Bill

LB543, which adopts the Agricultural Equipment Right-to-Repair Act was placed on General File today. Senator Tom Brandt has designated it as his priority bill for the 107th Legislature, Second Session. “Right to repair” is the term used by farmers and independent mechanics for having access to the tools and software they need in order to be able to repair agricultural equipment they already own such as tractors and combines.

LB543 was introduced last year by Sen. Brandt and had its hearing in front of the Judiciary Committee last February. The bill was voted out of committee last week. Nebraska becomes the first U.S. state to have right to repair legislation make it this far in the legislative process. State legislatures have introduced right to repair bills in over thirty states.

“LB543 is common sense legislation meant to address repairs that farmers can do themselves, which will save our farmers crucial time and money. Right to repair is the spirit of rural Nebraska. If it breaks, you try to fix it. LB543 allows Nebraska farmers access to what they need to fix the machinery that they own and to solve problems on the farm in a timely manner,” Senator Brandt said.

“Nebraska farmers and ranchers want the same independent repair shop option for their farm equipment that auto, pickup, and truck owners already have and benefit from. Right to repair will provide basic fairness and competition for farmers and ranchers while also growing the number of small rural repair businesses across the state. We hope the Nebraska Legislature does right by our state’s farmers and ranchers and supports LB543,” said John Hansen, President of Nebraska Farmers Union and long-time supporter of the right to repair.   

“Today the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act takes another step forward. That's another step towards protecting Nebraska’s agricultural producers, equipment repair shops, and aftermarket parts manufacturers,” said Andrew Bish, COO of Bish Enterprises. “We are thrilled the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act is making progress again and we look forward to supporting this legislation.”



APPLY NOW TO ATTEND 2022 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE

Apply now to attend one of the biggest youth agriculture outreach events in the state—the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). NAYI brings together high school juniors and seniors to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with agriculture leaders and discover the many careers available in agriculture. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) helps sponsor and coordinate NAYI every year.

NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 11–15, 2022. Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi and must be submitted online. Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, 2022, to apply. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Connections.”

“Whether it’s connecting agriculture to people, rural Nebraska to the cities, or students to opportunities in Nebraska agriculture, connections are more important than ever,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NAYI is a creative and fun way for a new generation of people to connect with Nebraska agriculture. If you know high school juniors or seniors with an interest in agriculture, be sure to encourage them to apply to NAYI before the April 15th deadline. NAYI is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”

NAYI is in its 51st year, making it the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation. Approximately 200 students attend every year. NAYI will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet and awards presentation, and a street dance.

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture. Students attend NAYI free of charge due to generous donations from numerous agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 21 college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The Council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth.



APPLYING MANURE BEFORE SEEDING ALFALFA
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

To counter high fertilizer prices, producers may consider planting a crop with lower fertility needs or utilizing an alternative fertility treatments. One good option is combining both by spreading manure on a field about to be seeded to alfalfa.

Applying manure before seeding alfalfa may seem counterproductive since alfalfa is not likely to benefit from any nitrogen in the manure.  But manure also is rich in phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and many micronutrients that alfalfa needs in large quantities.

Research studies show that applying as much as 12,000 gallons or 50 tons of dry manure per acre before planting alfalfa can boost alfalfa yield more than commercial fertilizers at the same nutrient levels.  This yield bump is seen on both low and high fertility soils, where sometimes higher fertility soils do not respond to commercial fertilizer.  Other factors like improved soil tilth, increased soil microbial activity, micronutrients, and early nitrogen availability may be the reason manure increases alfalfa yield so well.

Do not heavily apply manure prior to alfalfa seeding if you also plant a companion crop like oats that you plan to harvest for grain.  It is likely to lodge and smother the young alfalfa plants, if not cut early for hay.  To limit ruts and deep compaction during manure application, avoid driving on wet field with heavy equipment

Before applying, soil test and a manure test to determine application rates. Mix manure well into the soil using tillage, to prepare a firm seedbed; so new alfalfa seedlings will emerge rapidly and vigorously. Plan your weed control program carefully since manure can stimulate weed seedlings.  Proper timing of seeding, firm seedbeds, and herbicides or clipping can control weed pressure.

Looking to cut fertilizer costs?  A heavy dose of manure before planting alfalfa can pay big dividend.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Endorses Adrian Smith for Re-election

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith has been endorsed by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC). Smith, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 3rd Congressional District, received the designation based on his work on several policy issues of high priority to Nebraska farmers and ranchers, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President Sherry Vinton, who chairs the NEFB-PAC.

“Serving in a leadership position on the House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Smith has given Nebraska’s farm and ranch families an influential voice in tax, trade, and health care issues, all important to our members,” said Vinton.

In that capacity, Smith played an instrumental role in helping deliver the first major revisions to the federal tax code in more than 30 years. As a part of that effort, he helped ensure Nebraska farmers and ranchers would be able to continue to fully deduct their property taxes on their federal tax return.

Vinton says Smith also received the designation based on his ongoing efforts to increase access for U.S. agricultural products into global markets including being recently named as the ranking member of the House Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Trade.

“Congressman Smith not only understands the importance of trade but has taken an active role in advancing trade agreements which have benefited farmers, ranchers, and businesses across our great nation. Given the Biden administration’s lack of action on this important issue, it is good to know Congressman Smith is there to push the president to find new markets for agricultural products and hold nations like China accountable for breaking international trade rules,” Vinton said.

Smith has also announced his intention to seek the lead Republican spot on the House Ways and Means Committee, giving the nation’s number one agricultural Congressional District an even more powerful voice in Washington, D.C.

“Nebraska’s farm and ranch families are already very well served by Congressman Smith given his expertise on trade and tax policy as well as his push to limit their regulatory burdens. At the same time, placing the Ways and Means Committee Chairman’s gavel into Congressman Smith’s hands would provide an even greater platform to ensure future success of agriculture within our great country. It is for all of these reasons and more that we are proud to again endorse Nebraska’s 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith,” Vinton said.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Endorses Don Bacon for Re-election

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon has been endorsed by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC). Bacon, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, received the designation based on a long-track record of support for Nebraska farm and ranch families, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President Sherry Vinton, who chairs the NEFB-PAC.

“Congressman Bacon clearly understands the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy and has demonstrated that time and again. Despite having a largely urban district, he’s made every effort to serve all his constituents, including farm families,” said Vinton. “Whether in Washington, D.C. or here at home, he consistently goes out of his way to meet with our members to keep on top of the issues that matter to them.”

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Bacon continues to champion Nebraska Farm Bureau priorities such as preserving a strong crop insurance system, growing international markets for Nebraska agricultural products, and working to develop a commonsense regulatory system to allow farmers and ranchers to earn additional income by selling climate credits.

“We are fortunate to have Congressman Bacon working in Washington, D.C. and we thank him not only for supporting farm and ranch families, but for helping give them a voice on key issues. We are pleased to again endorse him as he seeks re-election to represent the 2nd District,” said Vinton.



Nebraska soybean farmers encouraged to apply for candidacy

This year, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) will be seeking soybean farmers to represent fellow soybean farmers and the industry in Districts 2, 4 and 8. The candidacy petition period began on December 1 and concludes on April 15.

The following districts are up for election this year:
District 2: Counties of Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Stanton, Thurston and Wayne

District 4: Counties of Boone, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk and York

District 8: Counties of Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Howard, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Scottsbluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler

“Being on the Board is a great way for you to represent soybean farmers in your district and help make their voice heard,” said Doug Saathoff, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “The future of the soybean industry is really exciting and I would encourage soybean farmers in an open district to run and continue to make that future even brighter.”

Qualified candidates include those who are a resident of Nebraska, are at least 21 years old, reside in the district where election is being held, have been a soybean farmer in Nebraska for at least the previous five years and have submitted a NSB candidacy petition. The election is conducted by mail-in ballot in July for District 2, 4 and 8. Soybean farmers who reside in counties that are up for election will receive ballots and candidate information regarding NSB’s election process via direct mail.

To apply for candidacy in District 2, 4 or 8 you must:
    Obtain a NSB candidacy petition by contacting NSB’s executive director, Scott Ritzman, at 402-432-5720 or scott@nebraskasoybeans.org
    Complete the petition and collect the signatures of 50 soybean farmers in their district
    Return such petition to the NSB office on or before April 15, 2022

Roles and responsibilities for soybean board member representative:
    Attend every NSB meeting – 8-day fiscal year commitment
    Attend/participate in other educational events sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board
    Reimbursed for the expenses incurred carrying out board business
    Serve a three-year term that would begin October 1, 2022

About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Nebraska Welcomes Robert Lawson as State Conservationist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is pleased to announce Robert Lawson as the Nebraska State Conservationist. He will began serving in this position on Feb. 13.

Lawson follows Craig Derickson, who served as Nebraska State Conservationist for 10 years. Derickson retired on Dec. 31, 2020, after 35 years of federal service.

Upon Derickson’s retirement, Jeff Vander Wilt, Britt Weiser, John Wilson, and Stacy Riley acted as Nebraska’s State Conservationist over the past 13 months.

Lawson has worked with NRCS for 18 years. He has served in several NRCS field offices in Iowa and Illinois, and in leadership positions with NRCS in Indiana and Wisconsin.

Lawson grew up on a family farm in southeast Iowa. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Administration at Iowa State University.

Lawson said, “I have a life-long passion for land conservation. It has been a pleasure to serve farmers and ranchers throughout the Midwest. I look forward to helping Nebraska NRCS continue its mission of  “Helping People Help the Land.”

NRCS provides farmers and ranchers with financial and technical assistance to voluntarily put conservation on the ground, helping improve agricultural operations and the environment. For more information about NRCS and the programs and services it provides, visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



American Agricultural Exports Shattered Records in 2021

The American agricultural industry posted its highest annual export levels ever recorded in 2021, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today. The final 2021 trade data published by the Department of Commerce this morning shows that exports of U.S. farm and food products to the world totaled $177 billion, topping the 2020 total by 18 percent and eclipsing the previous record, set in 2014, by 14.6 percent.

“These record-breaking trade numbers demonstrate that U.S. agriculture is incredibly resilient as it continues to provide high-quality, cost-competitive farm and food products to customers around the globe and that the Biden-Harris Administration’s agenda is working for American farmers and producers,” Vilsack said. “This is a major boost for the economy as a whole, and particularly for our rural communities, with agricultural exports stimulating local economic activity, helping maintain our competitive edge globally, supporting producers’ bottom lines, and supporting more than 1.3 million jobs on the farm and in related industries such as food processing and transportation.”

The United States’ top 10 export markets all saw gains in 2021, with six of the 10 – China, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, the Philippines and Colombia – setting new records. Worldwide exports of many U.S. products, including soybeans, corn, beef, pork, dairy, distillers grains and pet food, also reached all-time highs. China remained the top export destination, with a record $33 billion in purchases, up 25 percent from 2020, while Mexico inched ahead of Canada to capture the number two position with a record $25.5 billion, up 39 percent from last year.

“It’s clear that our international trading partners are responding favorably to a return to certainty from the United States,” Vilsack said. “We owe our thanks to America’s agricultural producers who always work hard to be reliable global suppliers and the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are fighting hard on their behalf to keep our home-grown products moving around the world. We’re strengthening relationships with our trading partners and holding those partners accountable for their commitments. We’re addressing transportation and infrastructure challenges through the work of the Administration’s Supply Chain Task Force and calling out ocean carriers that are putting profits above their responsibility to serve both importers and exporters. And we’re expanding opportunities for agricultural exports by knocking down trade barriers and partnering with industry on marketing and promotion efforts worldwide.”



RFA Thanks House Members for RFS Support

The Renewable Fuels Association thanked six members of the House of Representatives who stood up Monday for the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard, urging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to move forward on four agency proposals to bolster the RFS, while expressing concerns about two other proposals from the EPA that would undermine demand for low-carbon renewable fuels.

“The benefits of renewable biofuels are clear,” the six House members wrote. “They play a key role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, generate economic growth and markets for family farmers across rural America, and reduce the cost of fuel at the pump for hardworking Americans.”

Specifically, the six members—Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), David Scott (D-GA), and Ron Kind (D-WI)—expressed support for EPA’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligation (RVO) and its proposed restoration of 500 million gallons of illegally waived volume from the 2016 RVO. In addition, the legislators supported EPA’s proposed update to its small refinery exemption (SRE) policy and proposed denial of 65 pending SRE petitions. The group did, however, express their opposition to proposals to roll back the already-established 2020 RVO and to reduce the 2021 volume to below that required by statute.

“We applaud these House members for standing with American farmers and renewable fuel producers,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “They understand the impacts these EPA proposals could have on their districts and across America’s heartland at a time when we need to focus on rebuilding the economy and reducing carbon emissions. We appreciate their support and hope EPA will listen and respond.”

Earlier, 14 senators from both parties struck a similar tone in a letter to Regan as the comment deadlines on the agency’s proposals came near an end. Click here for RFA’s comments to EPA on the proposal related to renewable volume obligations, and here for RFA’s comments on the small refinery exemption proposal.



Growth Energy Applauds EPA Proposal to End SRE Abuse

Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) requests. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement applauding the proposed denials:

“A full sweep denial of the 65 SREs pending before EPA would provide the biofuels industry with certainty in the marketplace and encouragement that the loss of over 4 billion gallons of biofuel blending during years of SRE abuse will soon become a practice of the past,” said Skor. “We are glad to see this EPA recognize that SREs can be granted in a narrow set of circumstances caused only by the RFS. Finalizing this proposal would help get the RFS back on track and ensure greater compliance by refiners so more cleaner-burning biofuels are blended, just as Congress intended.”

Background
In the proposal, EPA presents a statutory interpretation of the SRE provisions of the Clean Air Act that would, upon application to 65 pending SRE petitions, lead EPA to deny all 65 petitions. The interpretation would lead EPA to conclude that none of the 65 pending SRE petitions meet the “disproportionate economic hardship” standard for SREs, for three reasons: (1) no refiner bears RFS compliance costs that are disproportionate relative to others’ costs; (2) obligated parties recover RFS compliance costs and thus they do not suffer economic hardship; and (3) because of (1) and (2), none of the 65 SRE petitioners bear disproportionate economic hardship.

EPA supported its proposal by interpreting the RFS to require refineries to show that any hardship must be caused by compliance with the RFS itself, and not by other factors external to the RFS. In addition, EPA proposed further to find (which it has consistently found since at least 2015) that refiners recover the costs of acquiring RINs to achieve RFS compliance and, therefore, that small refineries do not suffer from economic hardship, let alone disproportionate economic hardship, from compliance with the program.   

Growth Energy has been a leader in the charge to end the abuse of small refinery exemptions, repeatedly urging EPA to faithfully implement rigorous standards for SRE eligibility, as it is required to do so under the RFS. For example, Growth Energy challenged EPA’s improper, blanket grant of 31 SREs for the 2018 compliance year in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals; those SREs are now under review by EPA upon remand from the court, and Growth has urged EPA to deny them on the same grounds as contained in this proposed SRE exemption denial decision. In addition, Growth Energy submitted comments on Friday in response to the proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), urging EPA to ensure that any future SREs are accounted for during the RVO rulemaking process, and to ensure that past SREs issued retroactively, after RVOs were finalized, be made up in future RVO years.



Global U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Export Pace Slows at Year End
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
    
The official numbers are in and they confirm that the U.S. ethanol industry exported 1.24 billion gallons in 2021—the fifth-largest volume on record. Exports in December slowed from November’s uptick, down 21% to 117.9 million gallons (mg). Canada remained the top destination for U.S. ethanol for the ninth consecutive month with imports of 36.3 mg, down 3%. India imported 15.9 mg, down 20%, while South Korea boosted its imports of U.S. ethanol by 37% to 14.3 mg. Brazil imported 12.9 mg, or less than half the volume landing in November. Outside of those four countries, which represented two-thirds of U.S. ethanol exports in December, significant volumes landed in Nigeria (8.6 mg, +59%), the Netherlands (8.0 mg, +17%), Mexico (6.6 mg, +6%), the United Kingdom (4.0 mg, -72%), and Germany (2.1 mg, up from zero and a record high). Notably, China has been essentially absent from the U.S. export market for the last seven months.

The U.S. did not log any meaningful volumes of foreign ethanol imports in December (27,770 gallons shipped from Brazil and 6,247 gallons shipped from Canada). This marks the smallest volume of total fourth quarter imports in five years. U.S. ethanol imports in 2021 totaled 58.4 mg.
 
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—declined 8% to 933,882 metric tons (mt) as shipments to our largest customer waned. Mexico imported 166,756 mt, or nearly half the record-high volume received in November. However, U.S. DDGS exports strengthened among the bulk of our largest customers, including South Korea (130,754 mt, +28%), Vietnam (103,518 mt, +14%), Canada (92,968 mt, +13%), Indonesia (83,219 mt, +15%), and China (68,585 mt, +17%). Total DDGS exports in 2021 were 11.60 million mt, marking the third-largest annual volume on record.



Deadline Extended to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage

USDA has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2022. The deadline to apply for 2022 coverage is now March 25, 2022. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to support dairy farmers and rural communities, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities.

“Over the past two years, American dairy farmers have faced unprecedented uncertainty, from the ongoing pandemic to protracted natural disasters. As producers continue to manage these interconnected challenges, FSA has tools at the ready to provide critical support,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We are encouraging dairy operations to take advantage of the extended deadline and join the 8,969 operations that have already enrolled for 2022 coverage. At 15 cents per hundredweight at the $9.50 level of coverage, DMC is a very cost-effective risk management tool for dairy producers.”

Enrollment for 2022 DMC is currently at 55% of the 2021 program year enrollment. Producers who enrolled in DMC for 2021 received margin payments each month, January through November for a total of $1.2 billion, with an average payment of $60,275 per operation.

The DMC program, created by the 2018 Farm Bill, offers reasonably priced protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Supplemental DMC will provide $580 million to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that have increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Now, they will be able to retroactively receive payments for that supplemental production. Additionally, FSA updated how feed costs are calculated, which will make the program more reflective of dairy producers’ actual expenses.  

Supplemental DMC Enrollment
Eligible dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of established production history may enroll supplemental pounds based upon a formula using 2019 actual milk marketings, which will result in additional payments. Producers will be required to provide FSA with their 2019 Milk Marketing Statement.

Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Participating dairy operations with supplemental production may receive retroactive supplemental payments for 2021 in addition to payments based on their established production history.  

Supplemental DMC will require a revision to a producer’s 2021 DMC contract and must occur before enrollment in DMC for the 2022 program year. Producers will be able to revise 2021 DMC contracts, apply for 2022 DMC, and enroll in other FSA programs by contacting their local USDA Service Center.  
DMC 2022 Enrollment
After making any revisions to 2021 DMC contracts for Supplemental DMC, producers can sign up for 2022 coverage. DMC provides eligible dairy producers with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference between the price of milk and the cost of feed falls below a certain level. In 2021, based on data to date, DMC payments have triggered for January through November for more than $1 billion.  

For DMC enrollment, producers must certify with FSA that the operation is commercially marketing milk, sign all required forms and pay the $100 administrative fee. The fee is waived for farmers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

Updates to Feed Costs  
USDA has also changed the DMC feed cost formula via final rule published on December 13, 2021, to better reflect the actual cost dairy farmers pay for high-quality alfalfa hay.  FSA now calculates payments using 100% premium alfalfa hay rather than 50%. In December 2021, following publication of the new feed cost policy, $102 million was paid to producers as a result of the revised high quality alfalfa feed cost formula.

The amended feed cost formula will make DMC payments more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.



U.S. Custom Harvesters Hosts Record-Breaking Annual Convention
 
U.S. Custom Harvesters (USCHI) hosted the 38th annual convention January 27-29 at the Amarillo Civic Center. This year’s annual convention saw record-breaking auction and attendance. USCHI members donated over $45,000 for a fallen member’s widow and children, and raised more than $16,000 for cancer research at the Mayo Clinic.
 
The member-only annual convention hosts a trade show, speakers, live auction, entertainment, meals, and an awards banquet. Reckless Kelly was the featured entertainer Thursday night providing a private concert for USCHI members. Friday night showcased the generosity of the members and trade show sponsors with the highest-grossing auction in the history of the convention. The highlight of the auction was a custom Commander in Chief AR15 with all proceeds going to the family of Brad Heil (#augersoutforbrad). The awards banquet honored scholarship recipients, Hall of Fame inductees and new Board of Directors members.
 
Scholarship recipients:
    Katrina Quick, Borup, MN
    Bryce Oliphant, Ellinwood, KS
    Ashton Schiltz, Selden, KS
    Whitney Befort, Hays, KS

Hall of Fame inductees:
    Kelly Kravig, Combine and Platform Marketing Manager, Case IH
    Steve Shepherd, Shepherd Harvesting, Onida, SD
    Mike and Wendy Kraft, Kraft Harvesting, Munich, ND
    Max and Ray Keller, Keller Brothers Harvesting, Hunter, KS

New Board of Directors appointments:
    David Misener, Vice President, Elk City, OK
    John Dyck, Director, Seagraves, TX
    Adam Johnson, Director, Texhoma, TX

Vendor of the Year:
    Scherer, Inc.

“The board and I want to thank our members for a successful convention,” said Mandi Sieren, Operations Manager for USCHI. “Besides harvest season, Annual Convention is always the pinnacle of our year. We’re already looking forward to the 2023 convention!”

Next year’s annual convention will be February 2-4, 2023 in Omaha, NE. To become a member or to learn more about U.S. Custom Harvesters, contact Mandi Sieren at (620) 200-1381 or office@uschi.com.



NFU WOTUS Comments Urge Inclusive Rulemaking Process

This week, National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted comments on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army’s (“the agencies”) proposed rule to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

“Farmers and ranchers understand the importance of clean water on their own farms and ranches and as a shared resource. They know that protecting water quality is a key component of achieving sustainable agricultural production,” wrote Rob Larew, NFU President.

NFU also stressed that ambiguity around the definition of WOTUS has presented “ongoing challenges for farmers and ranchers,” and urged the agencies to develop rules that offer more certainty and clarity to farmers as soon as possible.

While the rules are in development, NFU urged the agencies to “consult farmers and ranchers regularly, extensively, and equitably” and consider the legitimate concerns of family farmers and ranchers and others who will be regulated under updated and new CWA rules.

“We urge the agencies to ensure they are conducting extensive outreach and consulting a diverse array of farmers and ranchers regarding the challenges and conditions they face on their land,” stated Larew. “We believe the agencies must do more to ensure everyone who would like to be heard can have a voice in the development of these regulations.”



Zoetis, CowManager and Select Sires Form Global Collaboration

Zoetis, CowManager® and Select Sires Inc. today announced the launch of a strategic collaboration to integrate genomic tools and predictive sensor systems. The goal of this collaboration is to create value for cattle producers in farm management through better advice supported by more accurate, intelligent cow data. When producers can make efficient, more informed decisions on-farm, they may ultimately achieve better cow health outcomes and business results.

Combining DNA Predictions, Real-time Analytics and Mating in One Convenient Space
Through traits and indexes developed by Zoetis — including the Dairy Wellness Profit Index® (DWP$®) — and CowManager’s ear sensor technology, farmers will have access to accurate information on health, fertility, nutritional insights and location.

“Many cattle producers are already on the cutting edge of leveraging precision agriculture to sustain and improve their herd,” said Jason Osterstock, Vice President, Precision Animal Health, Zoetis. “The combination of our DNA tools with CowManager’s sensor technology can afford producers the ability to make quicker actionable decisions in real time.”

As part of the collaboration, the team at CowManager will initially work to integrate DNA tool data from Zoetis into the CowManager dashboard to provide access to critical animal information, such as health and fertility events.

“We are beyond proud and look forward to combining forces with these two other industry captains,” said Guus Oostveen, CEO, CowManager. “Together, we strive to conduct in-depth research and tackle agricultural challenges to provide farmers with more in-depth cow data. This can not only help farmers worldwide prepare for the future and increase their herd health — it can also help them to run their businesses more successfully.”

The three-way collaboration also brings industry-leading support and expertise to help producers integrate management solutions to achieve desired outcomes. By combining on-farm analytics and increased reliability in genetic selection, improved herd management can be achieved.

“Our history with both CowManager and Zoetis has been a positive combination for producers, as they use monitoring technology from CowManager as well as genomic testing and the resulting Dairy Wellness traits from Zoetis,” said Todd Kranz, chief development officer, Select Sires Inc. “We look forward to continued cooperation and the resulting benefits for our dairy and beef customers.”

Cattle producers are encouraged to reach out to local Zoetis, Select Sires, or CowManager representatives to stay included in upcoming advancements around this exciting new collaboration.



WinField United Releases UltraLock™ Adjuvant to Help Navigate Weed Resistance Issues

This season will bring a variety of challenges but fighting weed resistance and supply chain issues are top of mind in weed control. When there are shortages and increased input prices, choosing what goes in the tank becomes more important than ever to protect your crop and your bottom line.

New UltraLock™ adjuvant, an all-purpose drift and deposition aid exclusively from WinField® United, takes on herbicide resistance, enhancing herbicide drift prevention and helping growers achieve better weed control.

“Our team at WinField United can help retailers and farmers navigate through kinks in the supply chain to find the right herbicide solution with the agronomic expertise to help get the most out of their inputs,” said Andy Braunshausen, vice president of crop protection marketing for WinField United.

According to a Southern Illinois University study, for every inch of weed growth, farmers give up an average of 4.8 bushels in yield. At today’s prices, that’s $30-$60 in lost revenue per acre.

UltraLock plays a key role in managing weed outbreaks. It combines an exclusive drift reduction agent (DRA) with InterLock®, a drift reduction technology (DRT), to improve spray deposition. The result is 20% more leaf coverage than other DRAs, allowing more product to be intercepted by the plant for better weed control.

Compatible across herbicide programs, UltraLock helps enhance canopy depth by ensuring more active ingredient reaches the target for more effective applications, helping fight herbicide resistance. This includes reducing dicamba drift through its patent-pending formulation.

There are a lot of components growers need to include in their tank mixes, which can be challenging especially with supply chain issues. Choosing the right adjuvant can help alleviate some herbicide supply constraints, but it can also mean the difference between 50% and 90% weed control.

“Using full rates of herbicides with quality adjuvants improves leaf coverage, and herbicide efficacy can make constrained supplies go further,” Braunshausen stresses. “Getting an application right the first time with residual herbicides and the right adjuvants is crucial to reduce crop/weed competition, decrease the weed species present and narrow weed seed distribution to improve control and optimize yields.”

UltraLock is available to farmers now for the 2022 growing season. Contact your local WinField United retailer to purchase or visit winfieldunited.com/ultralock to learn more about UltraLock.



AGCO Reports Fourth Quarter Results

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, reported net sales of approximately $3.2 billion for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of approximately 16.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020. Reported net income was $3.75 per share for the fourth quarter of 2021, and adjusted net income, which excludes restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the Company’s deferred tax assets in Brazil, was $3.08 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $1.78 per share and adjusted net income , which excludes restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, of $1.54 per share for the fourth quarter of 2020. Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 3.2%, net sales in the fourth quarter of 2021 increased approximately 19.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

Net sales for the full year of 2021 were approximately $11.1 billion, which is an increase of approximately 21.7% compared to 2020. Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 2.2%, net sales for the full year of 2021 increased approximately 19.6% compared to 2020. For the full year of 2021, reported net income was $11.85 per share, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses and the reversal of a valuation allowance previously established against the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and Brazil, was $10.38 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $5.65 per share and adjusted net income, which excludes a non-cash impairment charge, restructuring expenses and a gain on sale of an investment, of $5.61 per share for 2020.

“AGCO delivered record results in 2021 highlighted by significantly higher sales and margins compared to 2020,” stated Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our performance was fueled by improved global industry demand and focused execution by the AGCO team, who exceeded sales targets despite considerable supply chain challenges. Adjusted operating margins reached 9.1% of net sales due to the benefits of sales growth and pricing that helped to offset substantial inflationary cost pressures. Our smart technology product lines are in strong demand and are driving productivity improvements for our customers and growth opportunities for AGCO. Looking forward to 2022, we expect supply chain pressures to persist, presenting challenges throughout the year. Our teams are working tirelessly with our suppliers to mitigate the impact of these issues to serve our customers as well as to deliver another strong year of performance. We are forecasting sales growth and margin expansion in 2022 as industry demand trends positively and our farmer-first strategy gains traction.”