Thursday March 10 Ag News

 Lierman to Lead Nebraska Pork Producers

Jared Lierman of Beemer, Nebraska has been elected President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NePPA) at a director’s meeting held on February 24, 2022, at the UNL East Campus Union in Lincoln. Joining Lierman on NePPA’s leadership team are President-Elect, Mark Wright, and Connor Livingston as Vice President. Wright is the Animal Handling and Welfare Coordinator/Assistant Manager at Wiechman Pig Company located in Fremont. Livingston is Director of Sites and Mill Operations for Livingston Enterprise based in Fairbury.

Lierman is a 3rd generation farmer and owner of 3L Farms, a wean-to-finish operation. Prior to becoming a NePPA Director, he participated in the Pork Mentoring Program. For the past 23 years, the program has provided young adults an opportunity to thoroughly explore components of the pork industry, identify future career goals, and evolve into stronger agricultural advocates.
 
First elected to the NePPA board in 2018, Jared was placed into the officer’s rotation as vice president in 2020. He has traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Legislative Action Conference (LAC). LAC is a bi-annual program that features NPPC staff and pork industry representatives updating producers on pending and emerging issues facing the U.S. pork industry. Individual state delegates are urged to continue the dialogue by engaging with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation in face-to-face meetings and aggressively advocate for pork producers.

As part of an agricultural community where hog farms operate, Jared is mindful that these farmers make significant contributions to the local community, volunteer their time and energy to support community organizations, and strive to be good neighbors to those who live nearby. As NePPA President, Jared said, “he would like to expand opportunities for independent producers, develop options for interested persons to becoming pork producers, and push the conversation to update UNL’s facilities to help facilitate modern and relevant swine research”



Aquifer recharge project in Central Platte Valley, Nebraska, featured in international publication

A new book published by UNESCO includes a project from Nebraska’s Central Platte Valley as a case study in effective managed aquifer recharge (MAR). The case study was co-authored by Crystal Powers, research and extension communications specialist with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) and the Nebraska Water Center.

The book highlights 28 successful examples of collaborative MAR around the globe. MAR is a method of intentionally creating projects to increase the flow of water. According to UNESCO, the publication demonstrates “how MAR has helped communities overcome water challenges, prepare for the future, increase safety of water supplies and enhance ecosystems.”

The Central Platte Valley project involved a collaboration between the Central Platte Natural Resource District (CPNRD), the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR), and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP), as well as private irrigation districts and canal companies. The project was initiated when the river canals needed to be repaired after more than 100 years of use. MAR was identified as an innovative way to both satisfy endangered species’ habitat restoration and benefit crop irrigators in the area. MAR now contributes to the streamflow targets of each endangered bird species, with an estimated value of $43.7 million. MAR effectively accomplishes this by timing the flow of the water and managing its gravitational seep into the ground.

The CPNRD, NeDNR, and local irrigation districts worked closely together at the local level to bring about optimal outcomes. “A great advantage of this particular example in Nebraska is that it's a place where the people, the wildlife and the water system are all benefiting from this low cost, low energy method that most efficiently provides all of these benefits,” says Powers.

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences and culture. Powers hopes that the UNESCO publication will inspire water managers around the world to implement MAR in their own communities. A full link to the publication can be found at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000379962.



Naig Leads Trade Mission to Mexico

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a delegation of business leaders just returned from a trade mission to Mexico that was held February 27 – March 4. The mission, coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), was focused on increasing exports of manufactured products and agriculture goods.

“Leading trade missions such as this opens doors for Iowa agriculture, deepens important relationships and allows us to explore new market opportunities for Iowa,” said Secretary Naig. “Mexico continues to be a critically important export destination for Iowa agriculture as our farmers remain focused on delivering quality, consistent and affordable products to customers around the world.”

Iowa companies exported $3.1 billion in goods to Mexico in 2021. Mexico is Iowa’s third-largest export destination overall and the second-leading export market for corn, pork and soybeans. Iowa exported $824 million in corn, $451 million in pork and $350 million in soybeans to Mexico in 2021. In addition, Mexico is Iowa’s largest destination for animal feed and sugars. In 2021, Mexico imported $324 million in animal feed and $203 million in sugars from Iowa.

Mission participants included members of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, protein industry representatives and IEDA staff. Delegates participated in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs.

The IEDA’s International Trade Office connects Iowa companies with markets for their products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting, and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa. To learn more about these services or other trade missions the IEDA is planning, visit iowaeda.com/missions.



Dierks Inducted into Pork Industry Hall of Fame

For his 40 years serving U.S. pork producers, including 20 years as CEO of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and his dedication and countless contributions to the pork industry, Neil Dierks today was inducted into the National Pork Industry Hall of Fame at NPPC’s annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum — held here.

Dierks, who retired in December 2021 after 31 years with NPPC, helped develop the organization that was born after the separation agreement that created the National Pork Board. He became the first CEO of the reconstituted NPPC.

Dierks started his career in the pork industry when he joined the Iowa Pork Producers Association in 1981 to manage the Iowa Pork Congress. He went on to head legislative state outreach for the organization. After leading field services and state legislative outreach for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Dierks joined NPPC in 1990 to manage World Pork Expo. Prior to becoming CEO, he also served as the organization’s director of operations, vice president of research and education, and senior vice president of programs.

Six months after NPPC and the industry’s checkoff were split into independent organizations, Dierks was recruited from the National Pork Board in 2001 to be CEO of NPPC, which had five employees, and World Pork Expo was its single source of revenue. He guided NPPC’s steady growth for the next two decades, expanding sources of revenue and establishing it as a highly effective and influential national advocacy organization critical to the profitable growth of U.S. pork producers.

“Neil is a giant in the pork industry. He was there at the beginning — after the separation agreement with the Pork Board — and he guided NPPC through good and not-so-good times over the past 20 years,” said outgoing NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “Neil has made countless lasting contributions to the U.S. pork industry and established NPPC as a top-tier advocacy organization and the global voice of the U.S. pork industry. If anyone deserves to be in the industry Hall of Fame, it’s Neil Dierks.”



Bill Introduced in Congress Would Provide Relief on Fertilizer Tariffs

Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., and Rep. Tracey Mann introduced the Emergency Relief from Duties Act today. The bill would create emergency waivers for duties levied on fertilizers by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
 
“Fertilizers and other inputs have been at an all-time high, and the war in Ukraine promises to drive up the price of products even more,” said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “Fertilizers have become increasingly hard to secure and pay for because of tariffs or the threat tariffs on imports. That’s why passage of this legislation would come as a welcome relief to farmers across the country.”

The bill comes as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) levied tariffs against imports of phosphate fertilizer at the behest of a U.S. fertilizer company. A petition for additional tariffs on urea ammonium nitrate is also being considered by ITC.

This bill would introduce a pathway to establish a waiver of countervailing duties or anti-dumping duties for a year if there is an emergency situation including natural disasters, war, epidemics, labor disputes or major accidents.  

Edgington, state corn growers and NCGA have worked to educate members of Congress about the effects the tariffs are having on farmers and rural America.



Prevent Avian Influenza by Promoting Good Biosecurity

In a recent episode of the Small Farm Sustainability Podcast, Yuko Sato, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach poultry veterinarian and associate professor in Iowa State's College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses avian influenza and how good biosecurity practices can help prevent outbreaks in poultry.

Avian influenza, explains Sato, is a viral disease of poultry and other birds caused by type A influenza virus. There are two primary types of the virus, distinguished by their capacity to cause disease. The first, Low-Pathogenic Avian Influenza, results in mild respiratory symptoms. The second, and more concerning, is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which spreads rapidly through chicken and turkey populations and has a high fatality rate.

According to Sato, HPAI can have a variety of symptoms. Many birds experience respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge and swollen sinuses. Other symptoms include diarrhea, flock huddling, decreased food and water consumption and neurological symptoms such as lethargy and depression. The biggest red flag, however, is sudden and unexplained death within the flock.

Good biosecurity practices are the first line of defense against this destructive disease, explains Sato. Avian Influenza is spread through both direct and indirect contact, meaning that the infection can come from contaminated birds coming into contact with each other or through contaminated equipment. HPAI in birds does not present an immediate public health concern and poultry products are safe to eat.

Good biosecurity is not a cookie cutter concept and will not look the same for everyone, warns Sato. However, there are some general guidelines to follow. As Sato explains, good biosecurity means keeping the outside out and the inside in. Poultry farmers should be mindful of wearing contaminated clothing or boots around birds and should set aside a pair of boots to be worn in the barn as well as keeping coveralls clean. Another preventative measure that farmers can take is to be mindful of borrowed equipment by sanitizing this equipment before it comes into contact with poultry and by using their own equipment when possible. According to Sato, a good trick to remember is T-I-P-S: Traffic control, Isolation, Pest control and Sanitation.

If farmers suspect an outbreak within their poultry, the first step is to contact the state veterinarian or USDA. Early detection is key to controlling outbreaks, so farmers should not hesitate to reach out. The second step is to isolate to prevent further infection.

ISU Extension and Outreach has a variety of resources available to poultry farmers regarding Avian Influenza and Biosecurity, including a guide to movement risks and biosecurity https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Assets/step1-movement-risks-biosecurity.pdf and a visual guide regarding bird protection https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Assets/info-protect-birds.pdf. Farmers are also encouraged to visit the HPAI toolkit as well as the APHIS website for further information https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/defend-the-flock-hpai.



Growth Energy Submits Supplemental Comments to EPA on Proposal to End SRE Abuse

Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) further supporting EPA’s proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemptions (SREs) before the agency and pushing back on erroneous comments challenging EPA’s interpretation of its authority for the denials.

In its supplemental submission, Growth Energy reinforces EPA’s analysis of the economics of RFS compliance and supports the agency’s standard for showing disproportionate economic hardship under the RFS, which would require denial of the 65 pending SREs.

“In February, EPA proposed a full sweep denial of 65 pending SREs before EPA, a move that would provide the biofuels industry with certainty in the marketplace and the encouragement that the years of SRE abuse are over,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “EPA should be steadfast in its findings that SREs can only be granted in a narrow set of circumstances of disproportionate economic hardship caused solely by compliance with the RFS. It should ignore continued erroneous claims from oil industry commenters seeking to avoid blending more homegrown, low-carbon biofuels into their fuel. With historically high gas prices amid the war in Ukraine, we need more American biofuels available at the pump - not less.”

Background
In its 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. In addition to submitting comments to EPA’s SRE denial proposal, 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.



Clean Fuels Urges President to Support RFS and Rely on Biomass-Based Diesel to Replace Russian Oil

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to President Biden pledging readiness to maintain homegrown fuel supplies, mitigate consumers' economic pain, and speed the nation's clean energy future in support of the administration's ban on imports of Russian petroleum. The letter urges the administration to get the Renewable Fuel Standard back on track as a key policy driver of American energy independence.

"America's biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel producers are working hard to provide better, cleaner fuels that provide consumers value and extend the diesel fuel supply," the letter states.

"Reducing availability of biodiesel and renewable diesel right now would impose higher costs on American consumers -- both in the price of fuel and other goods today and in terms of health tomorrow. We urge your administration to have confidence in the potential of America's biomass-based diesel producers to replace Russian oil with homegrown, renewable, low-carbon fuel," the letter concludes.

The letter notes that in 2020, during the pandemic and associated shortfalls in fuel refining, the clean fuels industry contributed more than 3 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable to maintain fuel supplies and keep essential goods moving. According to data from the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services (WAEES), the additional supply of clean fuel that year kept diesel fuel prices $0.24 per gallon lower than they would have been otherwise.

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels' Vice President of Federal Affairs, adds, "The Renewable Fuel Standard was established as a cornerstone of America's energy independence. Since homegrown biodiesel and renewable diesel are direct replacements for foreign oil, a strong RFS is more important today than ever for America's national security."

The letter requests that the administration quickly finalize the proposed RFS volumes for 2021 and 2022 and drop the proposal to "reset" previously established 2020 volumes.



Conab Cuts Brazil Crop Estimate

Brazilian crop agency Conab cut its estimate for soybean production for the 2021-2022 growing season as a drought in the south slashed productivity.

Brazilian farmers will produce 122.8 million metric tons (mmt) of soybeans this season, the agency said Thursday. In February the agency forecast a crop of 125.5 mmt. Brazil produced a record 138.2 mmt of soybeans in the 2020-2021 season.

Unusually dry weather in many areas of Brazil's three southern states, Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Santa Catarina, slammed crop development and sent productivity plummeting 43%, Conab said. Increased precipitation in February wasn't able to make up for the lack of rain earlier in the season, the agency said.

Brazil is the world's biggest soybean producer, and early forecasts were for the country to produce another record crop in the 2021-2022 season. Even with Conab's reduction to the estimate Thursday, Brazil will still hold the first-place position. The USDA on Wednesday estimated Brazilian soybean production of 127 mmt for the current season.

If Conab's estimate is correct, it would be Brazil's fourth-biggest soybean crop on record, and if the USDA is correct, it would be the South American country's second-biggest crop ever, behind only 2020-2021, according to Conab's figures.

Brazilian farmers will produce 112.3 mmt of corn this season, Conab said Thursday, unchanged from its February forecast. Brazil produced 87.1 mmt of soybeans in 2020-2021 after the drought in the southern states cut productivity.



Year in Review Spotlights FARM Program’s Growth
    
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today released its 2021 Year in Review highlighting new initiatives and program area advancements.

“The FARM Program expanded its efforts to connect, support and recognize dairy farmers and program participants in 2021,” said Emily Yeiser Stepp, vice president of the FARM Program. “Our progress has enabled us to provide meaningful assurances of on-farm social responsibility to the entire dairy supply chain.”

The annual report chronicled the FARM Program’s many activities and accomplishments of the past year, which included adding the FARM Biosecurity program area, implementing the FARM Excellence Awards and developing a formal partnership program.

In 2021 the Animal Care program, FARM’s foundational pillar, solicited wide-ranging input from stakeholders on ideas and support for potential changes to industry animal care standards to help guide ongoing discussions about the development of Version 5. The program also unveiled the first volume of its Calf Care and Quality Assurance Animal Care Reference Manual for farmers who raise calves for dairy or beef production.

Meanwhile, FARM’s Antibiotic Stewardship program provided ongoing education for the dairy community, working with its task force to update its primary educational tool for dairy farmers on the judicious and responsible use of antibiotics.

FARM Workforce Development grew significantly in program area implementation and available resources to better equip dairy owners and managers with tools to enhance their work environments. Forty-nine second-party evaluators were trained and certified during the year to conduct voluntary on-farm evaluations, encouraging best practices in human resources and safety.

The FARM Environmental Stewardship Program in 2021 added tools that continue to help dairy farmers measure and improve their environmental footprint. Strategic planning motivated the development of a Conservation Practice Questionnaire that could become an optional component of the evaluation in 2022. The program also developed state-by-state nutrient management plan fact sheets and released a participant handbook.

The complete 2021 Year in Review is available for download here https://nationaldairyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/FARM_YIR_2021_v11_web_clickable_pages.pdf. For a printed copy, contact dairyfarm@nmpf.org.



Helena Previews New Fungicide and Insecticide Technology for Multiple Crops

Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC introduced new pest management technology today at the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exclusive Protecta™ method promises to build fungicides and insecticides differently, relying on diligent design, expert analysis and verified results. The announcement comes as disease and insect control is becoming harder for growers across the country due to challenging conditions in the field.

“The dynamics are constantly evolving,” says Tony Lourens, Manager of Fungicide, Insecticide and Seed Treatment Brands at Helena. “Several diseases are growing more resistant to foliar fungicides, and that resistance is spreading into new regions. The same is true for insects, and changing weather patterns are increasing that impact.”

Protecta is Helena’s plan to overcome these challenges. It begins in the Helena Products Group lab, where skilled chemists harness the potential of the best active ingredients on the market. After identifying the best ratios and concentrations and applying Helena’s unique Formulation Technology, new fungicides and insecticides come to life.

“Protecta is all about extracting more value out of every component, with the ultimate goal of providing a performance advantage,” says Patrick Ewan, Sales and Marketing Solutions Director at Helena.

The performance of new products is judged in the field. Helena’s Research and Development team spends years evaluating fungicides and insecticides in development, measuring them against top competitors in diverse geographies and climates. Third-party researchers are crucial to the process, providing unbiased feedback to ensure all products in development meet Protecta’s high standards of performance.

“That objectivity is so important to product development at Helena,” says Dr. Clay Perkins, Crop Protection Research and Development Specialist at Helena. “It gives us the honest results we need to make educated decisions, and it gives our customers more confidence in our products.”

Fungicides and insecticides built by Protecta contain balanced and consistent formulations. They combine better disease and insect control with enhanced compatibility, handling and application. Helena will launch its first Protecta brand soon with the introduction of Mogul™, a foliar fungicide pre-mix for soybeans. It will be followed by six additional fungicides and insecticides for multiple crops over the next few years.



Gold Series soybeans are back with new high-performing varieties joining the elite soybean lineup

Golden Harvest announced today the addition of eight new soybean varieties to its established Gold Series soybean line. The new varieties join a portfolio of high-performing, proven Golden Harvest® soybeans. All 19 varieties in the Gold Series line offer elite genetics and robust agronomics in high-demand trait platforms, including Enlist E3® soybeans and XtendFlex® soybeans.

New soybean varieties feature high-demand trait platforms and strong agronomics
Building on the success of the inaugural Gold Series lineup, the new Gold Series varieties continue to offer farmers high yield potential, robust agronomic defensive packages and flexibility in herbicide trait choice. With soybean varieties ranging in relative maturity from .009 to 4.3, the new Gold Series products include:
    - Three varieties in the Enlist E3 soybean trait platform, providing tolerance to 2,4-D choline,
    glyphosate and glufosinate:
        o   GH00973E3: Offers increased yield potential in late 00 relative maturity group, with
            strong tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis and Phytophthora root rot
        o   GH0933E3: Provides strong tolerance to white mold in addition to stable
            performance across environments
        o   GH2083E3S: Delivers a medium, short plant type with excellent standability
    - Five varieties in the XtendFlex soybean trait platform, offering tolerance to dicamba,
    glyphosate and glufosinate:
        o   GH1323XF: Offers a robust agronomic package and noteworthy adaptability
        o   GH2653XF: Provides high productivity, good standability and strong sudden death                 syndrome tolerance
        o   GH3023XF: Brings strong yield potential and stability across environments
        o   GH3913XF: Delivers a strong plant type that is highly adaptable
        o   GH4343XFS: Offers versatility and is adaptable across multiple environments

“In working with and listening to our farmers, we know that driving yield potential is of utmost importance," said Stephanie Porter, Golden Harvest soybean product manager. "That's why we're so excited about the newest additions to the Gold Series. No matter your geography, herbicide of choice or agronomic challenges, there are solutions in the Gold Series line to deliver strong soybean yield potential.”

Solid performance in soybean variety field trials
The eight new Gold Series varieties join a well-rounded lineup with proven performers based on 2021 product performance trial data.
    Gold Series soybeans outyielded Asgrow® brand soybeans by an average of 1.0 bu/A in 5,542 comparisons.
    Gold Series soybeans outyielded Pioneer® brand soybeans by an average of 0.9 bu/A in 3,810 comparisons.

“This high yield potential from our Gold Series soybeans is made possible by our dedication to research and development,” said Porter. “It’s how we bring forth products with elite genetics and strong agronomics that can respond to any challenge that may arise throughout the season.”