Friday March 11 Ag News

 Saunders Co. Livestock Ass'n membership meeting

Another meeting this month for the Saunders County Livestock Ass'n on Tuesday March 22nd, at the 4-H building, Saunders County Fairgrounds, Wahoo. The evening starts at 6:30 P.M. with a social time, then a 7:00 P.M. Dinner, with the Business Meeting to Follow.  All are welcome!  



Fischer: Expand American Biofuels to Address Biden’s Energy Crisis
        
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) is supporting a series of bipartisan initiatives to unleash clean, American biofuels to address the ongoing energy prices crisis.

“We should be using every tool at our disposal to restore American energy independence. Increasing the use and production of homegrown biofuels is good for rural America and it will help to lower costs for hardworking families across the country. I will continue to push for Congress and the Biden administration to leverage all forms of domestic energy production to tackle this inflation crisis head on,” said Senator Fischer.

Senator Fischer has cosponsored the Home Front Energy Independence Act, which would put into law a ban on Russian oil imports. The bill couples that ban with increasing the use and production of biofuel from America’s heartland. Specifically, the new legislation contains Senator Fischer’s Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act that would make E15 available year-round. Other provisions in the bill would establish an E15 and Biodiesel Tax Credit, direct EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule, and provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility for fuel retailers.

Senator Fischer has also joined a bipartisan letter urging President Biden to take additional actions to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel in order to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign sources of energy. In the letter, the senators reiterate that American biofuels are a clean and reliable energy solution that will help drive down fuel costs for consumers who are facing record-high prices at the pump.



This Week's Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

Several storm systems from the northern Rocky Mountains to the Midwest brought with them rain, snow, and even some severe weather this past week. Temperatures for the week were cooler than normal over the northern Plains and into the West. The coldest readings were in the northern Plains and upper Midwest, with departures of up to 9 degrees below normal. Temperatures were warmer than normal over much of the eastern U.S., with the greatest departures (12-15 degrees above normal) over Tennessee and Kentucky. Areas of the Midwest, central Plains and into the West did see above-normal precipitation this week with areas of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio receiving over 2 inches of precipitation during the period. The southern Plains and South continue to dry out. As spring approaches and dormancy is broken, impacts are already showing in these areas and drought intensification is widespread with quickly expanding extreme and exceptional drought areas.

Midwest
Temperatures in the region were warmer than normal in the south, with departures of 9-12 degrees above normal, and cooler than normal in the north, with departures of 3-6 degrees below normal. Widespread precipitation over the region was recorded with many areas over 200% of normal for the week. With widespread precipitation, it was possible to show some improvements to drought conditions this week. Abnormally dry conditions were improved in south central and northeast Iowa, southwest Missouri, central Wisconsin and central Minnesota. Moderate drought was also eased in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but both states have some concerns with long-term drought.

High Plains
Precipitation was mixed in the region as portions of Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas recorded rain and snow during the week, with the winter season being quite dry overall. Temperatures were cooler than normal over the Dakotas and into western Nebraska and Wyoming with temperatures 2-4 degrees below normal. Eastern Nebraska and most of Kansas were warmer than normal with departures of 5-7 degrees above normal. Most of the region did not have any changes this week due to the lingering dryness. Kansas did have some drought intensification with severe drought expanded over the north central part of the state and along the Oklahoma border. With long-term dryness over southwest Kansas, exceptional drought was expanded out of the southern Plains and into southwest Kansas. Extreme southeast Kansas did record enough precipitation for improvement to abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions.

Looking Ahead
Over the next 5-7 days, it is anticipated that cooler than normal temperatures will dominate the country, with departures of 9-12 degrees below normal over the Rocky Mountains and 3-6 degrees below normal over the Southeast. It is anticipated that the greatest precipitation will take place over the East coast, with local maximum amounts over southern Georgia and north Florida. Most areas are expected to record precipitation, with the northern Plains and California anticipated to be the driest.

The 6-10 day outlooks show that the likelihood of above-normal temperatures is greatest over the eastern half of the U.S., with the best chances over the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. Above-normal chances of below-normal temperatures are expected over Alaska. The best chances of above-normal precipitation are over the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains and eastern U.S. Above-normal chances of below-normal precipitation are anticipated in the Southwest and northern Plains.



IDALS & USDA APHIS Confirm Case of HPAI in Taylor County, Iowa
 
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Taylor County, Iowa. The virus was found in a flock of commercial layer chickens.

“While this additional case of HPAI is not unexpected, we have prepared for this and are working closely with USDA and livestock producers to control and eradicate this disease from our state,” said Secretary Naig. “This is a difficult time for poultry producers. We will continue to support them and emphasize the need for strict biosecurity on farms and around poultry to help prevent the spread of this disease.”   

Flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual deaths to state/federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases should also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture at (515) 281-5305.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. '



Forum Delegates Adjust Pork Checkoff Rate

Today at Pork Forum, delegates approved a change in the mandatory Pork Checkoff rate. The current rate of $0.40/$100 value per live animal will change to $0.35/$100 effective Jan.1, 2023. This represents a 12.5% reduction in the Checkoff rate.

The resolution – offered initially by Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, but joined in support by Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Montana and South Dakota – passed the delegate body with 94% of shares voting in favor.

The resolution is reflective of a recommendation of the Pork Industry Vision Task Force – a group of 19 industry leaders from the National Pork Board, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and various states that had met to discuss the current structure and resource needs of the U.S. pork industry to ensure its long-term success.

The Task Force offered several recommendations to the Pork Act Delegate Body, which came before and were approved by the Pork Act Delegate Body through an advisement offered by Iowa, Ohio and Illinois. These recommendations include:
-    Create a joint Producer-Led working group of state leaders (NPB and NPPC) that conducts annual industry planning, prioritizes issues, identifies risks and develops action plans.
-    Invest in shared resources (within the criteria of the separation agreement) to develop and implement a more fully coordinated marketing strategy and communications plan for the industry overall.
-    Form a new joint industry task force in 2022 to ensure the industry is equipped to address issues and opportunities at the state, regional and grassroots level. The task force shall report annually to the voting delegates at Pork Forum.
-    Establish a culture and operational framework that ensures the most efficient and effective use of producer funding.

NPB will provide a report on implementation progress of recommendations 1 – 4 to the delegate body no less than annually.

“Producers have told industry leadership they expect us to be efficient, strategic with their dollars,” said Gene Noem, a producer from Iowa and president of the National Pork Board.

“These resolutions reflect a desire to be more responsive to industry needs and challenges, and to present a more unified and consistent voice across the industry. Despite the reduction in the mandatory Checkoff rate, the Pork Board will continue its critical work of research, promotion and education.”



NPPC Elects New Officers, Board Members

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today installed new officers and elected members to its board of directors at its annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum — held here.

Terry Wolters of Pipestone, Minnesota, was elevated to president of the organization for 2022-2023. Wolters owns Stoney Creek Farms, which consists of several sow farms, and is a partner in the Pipestone System. He also is a member of Wholestone Farms and is active in the Pipestone County Pork Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, South Dakota Pork Producers Council and the Minnesota Farm Bureau. He is chairman of NPPC’s Animal Health Food Security Policy Committee.

Wolters takes over from Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa, who becomes NPPC immediate past president and chairman of the council’s trade and nominating committees.

Scott Hays of Monroe City, Missouri, became NPPC president-elect. He is a fifth-generation pork producer and the CEO of Two Mile Pork, LLC. He is chairman of NPPC’s Competitive Markets Committee and active on the Missouri Pork Association board and committees, Missouri Corn Growers, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow, Monroe City FFA and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives.

The NPPC board of directors elected Lori Stevermer as vice president. Lori is co-owner of Trail’s End Farm in Easton, Minnesota, where she served on the executive board of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. Stevermer has a history of advocating for the pork industry at the local, state and national levels.

Pat Hord of Ohio and Dwight Mogler of Iowa were elected as new members of the board, and Lori Stevermer of Minnesota and Russ Vering of Nebraska were each reelected to another three-year term. Steve Malakowsky of Wells, Minnesota, with Compeer Financial, was elected to a two-year term as the allied industry representative. They join current directors Craig Andersen of Centerville, South Dakota; Iowa; Rob Brenneman of Washington, Iowa; Jason Brestler of Sioux City, Iowa; Bob Ivey of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Dr. Jeremy Pittman of Waverly, Virginia; Jeb Stevens of Osgood, Indiana; and Duane Stateler of McComb, Ohio.  

For NPPC’s nominating committee, Curt Zehr of Illinois was reelected, and Bill Knapke of Ohio was elected to the panel. Both will serve two-year terms.

“We have great leadership in Terry, Scott and Lori,” said NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys. “Along with the board, including our new members, they will represent the interests of pork producers and the organization very well.”

Additionally, delegates at the meeting approved resolutions affirming the recommendations of the Pork Industry Taskforce.



Cattle Producers Welcome Contract Library Pilot Program

Last evening, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package. In addition to providing funding for a number of programs of importance to U.S. beef cattle producers, the bill also maintained key provisions the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has long advocated for, such as the Electronic Logging Device exemption for livestock haulers, important EPA regulatory relief, and an extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program. Also included in the package is a Cattle Contract Library pilot program, a critical tool as NCBA works to increase market transparency for cattle producers.

The pilot program marks a win for the U.S. cattle industry as it equips producers with the market data they need to make informed business decisions and work to capture more value for producing the highest quality beef in the world.

“We are grateful to Ranking Member Hoeven and Chairwoman Baldwin for spearheading this effort, as well as the many members of Congress who worked behind the scenes to advance this important transparency tool for cattle producers," said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. "This pilot program will allow USDA to work on the model for a contract library that works for everyone in the supply chain while Congress and industry continue to work out the details of a permanent library in subsequent legislation like the Cattle Contract Library Act.”

NCBA stands ready to ensure proper implementation of this program and looks forward to working with members of Congress to establish permanent solutions to ensure a viable business climate for cattle producers.



USDA Announces Plans for $250 Million Investment to Support Innovative American-made Fertilizer to give US Farmers more choices in the Marketplace

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing it will support additional fertilizer production for American farmers to address rising costs, including the impact of Putin’s price hike on farmers, and spur competition. USDA will make available $250 million through a new grant program this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Additionally, to address growing competition concerns in the agricultural supply chain, USDA will launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets.

“Recent supply chain disruptions from the global pandemic to Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine have shown just how important it is to invest in this crucial link in the agricultural supply chain here at home,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “The planned investment is one example of many Biden-Harris Administration initiatives to bring production and jobs back to the United States, promote competition, and support American goods and services. As the President said [at the State of the Union], we are working to rebuild the economy towards resilience, security, and sustainability, and this support to provide domestic, sustainable and independent choices for fertilizer supplies is part of that effort. In addition to the jobs, lower costs and more reliable supply, increased investment in the domestic fertilizer industry will help address climate change by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, while also fostering more sustainable production methods and more precise application.”

Fertilizer prices have more than doubled since last year due to many factors including Putin’s price hike, a limited supply of the relevant minerals and high energy costs, high global demand and agricultural commodity prices, reliance on fertilizer imports, and lack of competition in the fertilizer industry.

The United States is a major importer and dependent on foreign fertilizer and is the second or third top importer for each of the three major components of fertilizer. The top producers of the major components of fertilizer include China, Russia, Canada and Morocco, with Belarus also providing a significant share of potash.

USDA will use funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) set aside in September for market disruptions to develop a grant program that provides ‘gap’ financing to bring new, independent domestic production capacity on-line—similar to the recently announced meat and poultry grants that are designed to promote competition and resilience in that sector.

The new program will support fertilizer production that is:
    Independent – outside the dominant fertilizer suppliers, increasing competition in a concentrated market;
    Made in America – produced in the United States by domestic companies, creating good-paying jobs at home and reducing the reliance on potentially unstable or inconsistent foreign supplies;
    Innovative –improve upon fertilizer production methods to jump start the next generation of fertilizers;
    Sustainable – reduces the greenhouse gas impact of transportation, production, and use through renewable energy sources, feedstocks, formulations, and incentivizing greater precision in fertilizer use;
    Farmer-focused – like other Commodity Credit Corporation investments, a driving factor will be providing support and opportunities for U.S. agriculture commodity producers.

Details on the application process will be announced in the summer of 2022, with the first awards expected before the end of 2022.



NK Seeds Partners with John Force Racing for the 2022 Camping World NHRA Drag Racing Series

NK Seeds and John Force Racing announced a season-long sponsorship today that will bring NK Seeds to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) racetrack this season. The partnership begins this weekend at the prestigious Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, where the NK logo will debut on cars driven by the legendary NHRA drag racing team, John Force Racing: John Force, Brittany Force, Robert Hight and Austin Prock.

“Winning in drag racing is about the synchronized combination of speed, precision and power, and that’s what we do every day at NK Seeds,” says Jim Shertzer, Head of NK Marketing. “We develop high-performing corn hybrids and soybean varieties using the same synchronized combination of speed, precision and power to help farmers win in the fields — because success matters, on the racetrack and on the farm.”

The John Force Racing Team agrees that this partnership is a natural fit, given the common attributes needed to succeed in drag racing and in farming.

“We’re really excited to welcome NK Seeds to the John Force Racing family,” says team owner and CEO, John Force. “NK Seeds delivers the very best in cutting-edge agricultural solutions and works hard to assist their customers in achieving unmatched production every season. That same drive for a winning combination is exactly what we strive to do for our fans and partners. We are excited to work with NK Seeds and to grow together.”



Preliminary Agenda Announced For 2022 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Ethanol Producer Magazine announced this week the preliminary agenda for the 2022 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) and co-located events taking place June 13-15, 2022 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN.

This year’s agenda includes three co-located events: Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit, Ethanol 101, and the Carbon Capture & Storage Summit.

“The response to our call for abstracts this year was incredible,” said program director, Tim Portz. “The agendas for the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop, Carbon Capture & Storage Summit and the Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel include a broad and impressive array of industry expertise. Our agendas include everything from yeast health to the permitting of carbon sequestration of well sites. There will not be a more comprehensive collection of biofuels expertise available anywhere else in the world this year.”

The program includes nearly 120+ presentations across multiple consecutive tracks and events, including:
• Track 1: Production and Operations
• Track 2: Leadership and Financial Management
• Track 3: Coproducts and Product Diversification
• Track 4: Infrastructure and Market Development
• Carbon Capture & Storage Summit
• Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit
• Ethanol 101

One registration will give attendees access to the FEW and all co-located events. Production facilities of ethanol, biodiesel, advanced biofuels/biochemical, cellulosic ethanol, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel receive unlimited free registrations.

“We are extremely pleased with the number of companies who want to be a part of this year’s agenda,” said John Nelson, vice president of operations, marketing, and sales at BBI International. “It really demonstrates how people are excited to attend this in-person event and promote new technologies and services within the industry.”

The main agenda for the FEW and all co-located events can be viewed online https://few.bbiconferences.com/.