Happy National Ag Day!!!
Now, the news......
Agriculture Drives Nebraska’s Economic Engine and Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Raises Agriculture Awareness During National Ag Week
Agriculture connects people. Farms and ranches are everywhere in our state. Agricultural businesses are in towns, cities, and communities across the state. Agriculture provides thousands of jobs. This fuels the economy. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation celebrates agriculture and the contributions it provides at a news conference on National Agriculture Day March 22.
“The relationship between agriculture and a thriving economy touches every one of us in the state,” said Mark McHargue who serves as president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and its Foundation. “Nebraska’s economy heavily relies on agriculture to do well. Without agriculture we wouldn’t be able to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. The bottom line: agriculture is an important industry for all of us,” said McHargue.
Whether you live in a big city, small town, or farm or ranch, agriculture is a part of your everyday life. In Nebraska, one out of four jobs are related to agriculture. Agriculture begins with farming and ranching.
Dave Nielsen, a farmer near Lincoln is one of the many farmers and ranchers in the state of Nebraska dedicated to agriculture. “I believe it is important to take care of the land and its resources so that it can be handed down to the next generation,” Nielsen said. “I purchase all of the necessary supplies to raise my crops from local businesses. These investments bring much value to the state and the local communities we live in.”
Farmers, like Dave Nielsen, deliver grain to the local cooperative who then sells it, creating value for farmers and ranchers and adding economic impact in their community. Frontier Cooperative embraces growing Nebraska’s economy with 60 locations across the state and selling products.
“We sell part of our grain to local processing plants and part of it goes to the west coast and overseas, we then use that income to pay our 425 employees with a $25 million payroll and to pay property taxes of more than $2 million annually, which helps our local school districts,” said Jeremy Wilhelm, chief executive officer of Frontier Cooperative.
Agriculture contributes more than $21.4 billion to Nebraska’s economy. This contribution is an investment in the environment, local infrastructure, public schools, and through improved access to markets.
“Think about everything you have done today. The food you eat, clothes you wear, and the fuel that transports you are all a part of your life because of agriculture. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation strives to help people understand agriculture by providing information empowering them to make informed decisions for their families and their communities,” McHargue said.
AGP Announces Expansion of Port Facility
The Board of Directors of Ag Processing Inc a cooperative (AGP) recently approved a major expansion and upgrade of its export facilities at the Port of Grays Harbor (POGH) in Aberdeen, Washington. The plans include upgrades to its current facilities at Terminal 2, including the construction of additional storage, and the addition of a new state-of-the-art ship loader at POGH’s Terminal 4. Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 are both deep-water berths with quick access to the open ocean. The planned expansion will enable AGP to load multiple ships up to and including Panamax-sized vessels.
AGP’s Chairman of the Board Lowell Wilson stated, “AGP has developed a very strong relationship with the Port of Grays Harbor leadership team. We look forward to continuing and expanding our relationship as we move forward with this project. The project approved by the AGP Board will greatly increase railcar unloading speed, ship loading capacities, and add redundancy.”
AGP’s CEO Chris Schaffer added, “With the expansion in U.S. soybean crush capacity driven by the demand for renewable diesel feedstock, soybean meal production in the United States will outpace historical increases in domestic usage. AGP’s western U.S. processing locations fit well to supply additional protein to the growing Southeast Asian and Asian markets. The U.S. currently provides less than 20% of overall Southeast Asian soymeal demand. Through the years, AGP has developed a very strong relationship with protein buyers in this region. This project will significantly improve speed, capacity, and product availability for the benefit of current and future international customers.”
“Today, time is more valuable than ever,” stated Craig Pietig, AGP’s Vice President of Ag Products. “The upgrades and new ship loader will improve logistics for our plants, enhance production, and reduce vessel idle time. All of this will reduce costs for the end customer ensuring the Port of Grays Harbor remains a cost-effective port for soybean meal exports and other processed commodities. In the past, exports have been curtailed by U.S. soybean meal production capacities. Once the announced expansions in the domestic soybean crushing industry are in operation there will be additional soybean meal to better serve the growing international demand for protein. When this project is completed, our unloading capabilities will rival grain terminal speeds and the expanded facility will provide a needed marketing channel for the anticipated increase in supply.”
AGP expects operations to begin in 2025. Company officials noted that final construction decisions and timeline are contingent on negotiations with federal, state, local and POGH officials regarding economic development incentives, lease terms, infrastructure improvements and regulatory considerations. “We are committed to working with the port and government officials to develop and complete this important project in order to better serve our customers and also provide benefits to our cooperative members, their farmer owners, and the surrounding community,” said Schaffer.
AGP is a leading agribusiness with primary operations as a major U.S. soybean processor/refiner producing and marketing soybean meal, refined soybean oil, and biodiesel. AGP businesses also include agricultural product trading in domestic and international markets and numerous U.S. grain elevator operations. AGP is owned by local and regional cooperatives representing farmer-producers across the United States. Corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska.
Extension financial record-keeping course for farmers and ranchers begins April 18
The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course for farmers and ranchers, will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. Central time on April 18, 20, 25 and 27.
Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshop dates. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.
This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watching pre-recorded videos, completing assignments and participating in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners and lenders.
The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Register online at https://wia.unl.edu/know. Registration closes April 11.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.
NeCGA Requests Imput for Farm Bill Survey
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association requests that you take this short Farm Bill survey. With a Congressional hearing already complete on a 2023 Farm Bill, the survey results will assist leadership and staff in guiding priorities over the next 18 months of discussions. NeCGA is well positions with grower leadership on national action teams and the National Corn Growers Association’s board of directors. Your grassroots action in completing the survey will assist these leaders in relaying Nebraska’s priorities. Thank you in advance for your time!
Access the survey link here... https://fs16.formsite.com/3TACFM/prwtqf3dew/index.html.
FERTILIZING COOL SEASON GRASS PASTURES
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator
Fertilizing cool season grass is something many producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs.
Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should occur late March through April. If the nitrogen is a single application, usually between 80 to 100 lbs. of actual N per acre is suggested for eastern Nebraska. The recommended application rate declines westward across the state with about 30 to 40 lbs. N per acre suggested for the Panhandle.
If doing split applications, usually it's 2/3 in the spring and 1/3 in the fall when growth resumes on the cool season grasses. With fertilized pasture, be sure to include a rotational grazing plan that will effectively harvest the extra forage and provide the greatest return on the fertilizer investment.
Something to consider when deciding to fertilize cool season grass pastures, or any pasture for that matter, is that during drought years the forage quality might still be very high even though yield might be reduced.
Research conducted in Eastern Nebraska has shown a 30% increase in forage yield with fertilization; and the economic optimum rate is between 80 to 120 lbs. per acre of actual N. A crude protein increase from 16 to 20% was seen with fertilizer applications up to 160 lbs. That is a lot of fertilizer, but it did increase crude protein and organic matter digestibility while decreasing NDF or neutral detergent fiber. Always use best management practices when applying fertilizer especially in pastures and fields near water sources such as ponds. Assure phosphorous and potassium levels are adequate for forage as well.
Brome pastures are hardy and we can and do graze them hard in Nebraska. Haying or grazing operations can benefit if managed correctly with fertilizer.
Iowa Central Teams Top Finishers at Student Chef Competition
Culinary students had one main rule: Prepare an entrée using ground pork. For the next two hours, the 11 teams from five Iowa colleges and universities showed off their creative juices as they hustled around the kitchen during the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Student Taste competition this month.
The annual event took place at the Iowa Culinary Institute on the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Ankeny.
“What I love about ground pork is how versatile and cost-effective it is when compared to other proteins,” said Kelsey Sutter, IPPA’s marketing and programs director. “Pork is adaptable to fit in so many recipe styles, and this rang true as we saw entrees featuring completely different flavor profiles and associated with various ethnicities.”
Teams consisted of two to four students, and their dishes were judged on taste, appearance, complementing side dishes, and design.
The first-place team included Trevor Schueneman, Sac City; Lucas Alstott, Fort Dodge; Eliazer Lozano, Eldora; and Gavin Plagman, Lake City, all first-year students attending Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. They prepared sous vide porchetta stuffed with ground pork and served with pea puree, roasted fingerling potatoes, crispy parsnips, and herb salad.
Each member of the team was awarded $100 from IPPA. In addition, the Iowa Central culinary program received $750 for scholarships or educational supplies.
Another team from Iowa Central placed second. The group’s pork kebab with peppers and onions was served on a garlic flatbread with pickled vegetable salad and cilantro-lime yogurt sauce. First-year student Avery Bardole, Jefferson, along with second-year students Kristine Frideres, Lu Verne; Viatris Scott, Pilot Mound; and Sarah Sundene, Aurelia, each won $50 from IPPA. Their school received an additional $500.
Third place went to The “Bao Bun Babes,” made up of first-year students Sam Monroe, Roseville, Ill., and Emma Conlon, Clarion, as well as second-year student Hunter Johnson, Marion, from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Their Asian-inspired Duroc pork burger on a steamed bun was served with pickled daikon slaw, gochujang aioli, tempura vegetables, and wheat noodle salad with sesame-ginger vinaigrette. They received $25 each and $250 for Kirkwood.
“Beautiful, beautiful plates,” said Chef Aaron Holt of Doolittle Farm in Story City, one of three judges who provided immediate feedback. “I would have no problem putting all of them on my menus.”
Other judges included Bryce Duling, from Mistress Brewing Company in Ankeny, and Chelsey Van Genderen, program manager at the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence in Des Moines.
Also participating in this year’s contest were teams from DMACC; Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa; and Iowa State University in Ames.
IPPA’s Student Taste event is open to any Iowa college or university with a culinary arts program. IPPA provides each school with $500 for food and contest expenses, and also reimburses them for mileage.
IRFA Applauds Brazil for Embracing Biofuels to Reduce Fuel Prices
Today the nation of Brazil announced it will lift the 18% tariff on U.S. ethanol through the end of 2022 to ease the pain of fuel price inflation. In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw applauded Brazil’s decision and called on President Joe Biden’s Administration to also take steps to clear a path for U.S. biofuels to save Americans money at the pump.
“If American-made biofuels can lower prices at the pump for drivers across the world, it would be an absolute shame to not do all we can to ensure biofuels are saving drivers money right here at home. President Biden has an opportunity to lead the way to lower fuel prices by unleashing the power of higher biofuel blends like E15. Iowa biofuel producers are excited for this new market opportunity in Brazil but would also love to see more of our fuel used here in the U.S. Given the current fuel crisis, President Biden should immediately direct the EPA to use their emergency power to ensure E15 can continue to be sold throughout the summer months. Without action before May 1, Iowans and Americans across the country will lose the ability to purchase E15, which often sells for 10 to 30 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded."
Brazil’s Suspension of Ethanol Tariff Welcomed as Opportunity
Brazil has temporarily lifted its 18 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol as of Wednesday, March 23 and running through the end of the year as a means of decreasing inflationary pressures.
The following is a joint statement from Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO, U.S. Grains Council; Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy; and Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association:
“We are pleased to see the temporary elimination of the 18 percent tariff, which should improve access for Brazil’s ethanol consumers as well as help meet its own decarbonization goals. This is an issue we have been working on for a number of years in meetings and correspondence with officials from Washington to Brasilia.
“We welcome this decision and see it as an opportunity to continue discussions with Brazil to expand the global use of low-carbon ethanol, reduce barriers to trade and elevate its prominence in energy discussions. Our hope is that with this action, Brazil and the U.S. will share with third parties the vision of free and open global ethanol markets.
“We will continue to pursue a long-term, open and mutually beneficial ethanol trading relationship with Brazil as we work to make this temporary reduction permanent. We look forward to continuing to work closely with USDA and USTR to return to a fair and reciprocal trading relationship with Brazil regarding ethanol."
Farm Life Comes to the Nation’s Capital on National Ag Day
The nation’s capital looked a lot like rural America this week as farmers, organizations, and companies representing and serving farmers took to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to celebrate National Ag Day.
“National Ag Day provides farmers with an opportunity to raise some of our key issues with policymakers and their staff in a fun and engaging way,” said Iowa farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “The event attracts everyone from people strolling the Mall to senators and leaders at USDA.”
Staff standing at the NCGA booth stayed busy talking with visitors. At one point, NCGA staff spoke with Robert Bonnie, USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation, while curious tourists looked on and joggers breezed by. Congressional staff also walked over to the booth as U.S. senators spoke at various events and moved quickly to greet people at various places on the mall.
Farm equipment was placed strategically across the mall with people gathering around a John Deere combine with a backdrop of the Washington Monument, a tribute to a man who was no stranger to farm life.
“We meet with officials all the time here in Washington,” said Edgington. “But this event allows us to really share our story in a way that brings our issues to life with these folks.”
National Ag Day, sponsored by the Ag Council of America, has been held in the nation’s capital for 49 years.
NFU Recognizes Family Farmers, Ranchers on National Ag Day
National Farmers Union (NFU) is joining the American agriculture community today to celebrate National Ag Day.
"Family farmers and ranchers work hard to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation and world," said NFU President Rob Larew. "We honor the commitment they bring to their farms, families, and communities."
"Today – and every day – Farmers Union members are working to ensure future generations of family farmers and ranchers will be able to thrive. Too often farmers and ranchers face inflated costs of seed and fertilizer or low prices for their products because the market is dominated by monopolies. This is unfair for farmers and ranchers but also consumers who end up paying more for food. We must do better," Larew added.
National Farmers Union’s Fairness for Farmers campaign directly supports the hard work of family farmers and ranchers by working to reverse the devastating impact monopolies have had on family farm agriculture and rural communities. Launched in 2021, the campaign calls for specific actions including reforming the Packers and Stockyards Act, improving price discovery, diversifying marketing opportunities, and enforcement of antitrust laws.
Commodity Partnership Aims to Establish 30 Million Acres of Cover Crops by 2030
More and more customers of U.S. ag products want to source food and ingredients that are environmentally sustainable, requiring manufacturers to reevaluate supply chains. Sustainability and continuous improvement on today’s farms is the foundation for meeting those needs.
To strengthen conservation at the farm level, farmer-leaders from the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association and National Pork Board signed a document in support of their partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service leading to a $1 million grant to the new Farmers for Soil Health (FSH) initiative. The signing ceremony took place during the 2022 Commodity Classic.
The FSH initiative is a farmer-led, farmer-funded effort to advance the use of soil health practices — especially cover crops — for corn and soybeans to improve soil health, reduce erosion, sequester carbon and improve water quality. FSH will work to provide farmers the tools and resources they need to implement cover crops on 30 million acres of soybeans and corn by 2030.
“As front-line environmental stewards, this effort will only further sustainability advancements that farmers have implemented for generations, while increasing carbon storage in soils sequestered by cover crops,” said Ralph Lott, United Soybean Board Chair and farmer from Seneca Falls, New York. “The benefits and value that cover crops bring to production agriculture continue to be recognized by farmers across this country, and the FSH initiative will encourage adoption and help improve our industrywide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.”
Cover crops planted in the U.S. totaled nearly 15.4 million acres, as reported in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Calculated estimates by the Soil Health Institute indicate that if cover crop acres are increased by 1.7 million acres per year by 2030, the impact could:
Increase carbon sequestered in soils by approximately 7 million metric tons.1
Reduce erosion by 105 million metric tons.2
Reduce nitrogen leaching by 272 million pounds.3
FSH will support farmers as they scale up the use of cover crops and other conservation practices to create a sustainable energy and protein system that meets the needs of customers. The sustainability of soybeans, corn and pork production are all linked because pigs consume about 7.5 million tons of soybean meal each year.4 And in 2020, nearly 39% of corn bushels harvested were used as a component in animal feed — the No. 1 customer of U.S. soybean and corn farmers.5
“Nearly one-half of pork’s environmental footprint comes from the corn and soybeans that are fed to pigs6,” said Steve Rommereim, past president of the National Pork Board. “Sustainable pork production begins with sustainably grown feed. The FSH initiative will support the environmental stewardship on row crop acres, ultimately helping pork producers meet their sustainability goals.”
Maintaining vegetative cover whenever possible supports soil health and prevents soil movement, allowing cover crops to provide many benefits to farmers and the environment. A 2019/2020 National Cover Crop Survey showed more than one-third of responding farmers reported reduced fertilizer costs substituted by nutrients provided by cover crops.
“U.S. corn farmers understand the important role innovation plays in environmental sustainability. This is why they personally invest in farming technologies like nitrogen-fixating corn hybrids and seed treatments. Economic sustainability is also important, and farmers must understand the value of any new technology or production practice before applying it to their operation,” said John Linder, National Corn Growers Association chairman. “Going forward may require looking back at the original innovations of nature — the biological life activities in the soil itself. We are eager to partner in farmer-directed outreach through this initiative, and we hope to encourage adoption by alleviating concerns some farmers may have about cover crops.”
Beef Advocates Share Their Stories in Celebration of National Agriculture Day
Consumers are farther away from how their food is produced than ever before with farm and ranch families comprising less than 2% of the U.S. population.1 Now, more than ever, there’s a need and opportunity for the agriculture community to tell our story. In honor of National Ag Day, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, is sharing the stories of two advocates who play different roles in the industry, but both understand the importance of inspiring the next generation to get involved.
Third-generation cattle producer Blake Poole says his main passion has always been to raise cattle and continue the legacy of his family farm in Haralson County, Georgia. “When I was in college I worked my way through animal science classes, going on farms, learning as much as I could about cattle because that was my heart and goal,” said Poole.
So, in addition to being a walk-on football star at Auburn University, Poole majored in both political science and agriculture literacy. He also completed the Beef Checkoff-funded Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) Program, which provides members the tools and resources needed to become a strong advocate and answer questions about beef and raising cattle.
“I enjoy educating anyone who wants to learn about the industry through my firsthand experience in being a cattleman,” said Poole. “I think it’s important to talk to people about the daily experiences I go through being a young farmer. My advice is to go to a farm in-person rather than learning about it on TV or the internet.”
Poole has been involved in agriculture most of his life but recognizes that it’s new for many and how important it is that the youth of today know where their food comes from. Because of that, he encourages people to learn about beef production and get involved, no matter their background.
“You may not come from a farm. You might have been born and raised in the city,” said Poole. “But there are opportunities for almost everyone in agriculture and it’s exciting to watch newcomers fall in love with raising cattle.”
While it’s important to know how everything works from the gate it’s also important to understand how beef gets to your plate, and meat scientist Brianna Buseman has dedicated her life to always learning more. Even though her family raised cattle and sheep, Buseman wanted to take her knowledge of the industry to the next level by attending South Dakota State University where she majored in ag business and animal science, then later earning her master’s degree in animal/meat science from the University of Idaho.
Along with completing the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) Program, Brianna has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of NCBA’s Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program. The new program is the next level in beef industry advocacy, identifying top level advocates and helping them grow their audiences and more effectively tell their story.
“I realized that not everyone has had the opportunity to see where their food comes from, but most people have eaten a cheeseburger,” said Buseman. “I feel fortunate to be able to bridge that gap, as a producer and a meat scientist, when I engage with consumers.”
Today, Buseman is a Youth Meat Animal Extension Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she educates 4H, FFA students and adults on meat science and career opportunities in the field.
“Almost any interest can tie back to the ag industry,” said Buseman. “If you’re interested in art or music, advertising for various meat products is a career path. If it’s engineering or technology, that’s growing all the time in the ag industry. Find what you’re interested in and know there are no limits.”
The agriculture industry is one that echoes the demands of today, all while sustaining a life for tomorrow. Whether your part of the future generation of farmers and ranchers or a consumer, these two beef advocates demonstrate that all you need to get involved is effort and the drive to learn more.
For those interested in learning about advocacy or becoming an advocate for the beef industry, visit mba.beeflearningcenter.org.
For beef advocates interested in taking their training up a notch through the Trailblazers program, contact Chandler Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef.org. Applications for the next class of the annual Trailblazers program will open November 2022.
New Study Shows 29% of American Jobs Tied to Food and Agriculture
Today, 30 food and agriculture groups released the sixth annual Feeding the Economy report, a historic farm-to-fork economic analysis revealing how these sectors influence the local and broader United States economies. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s study highlights how the industries remained resilient to provide Americans with jobs, economic opportunity and safe food.
The report’s findings show that 7% of the nation’s economy and 29% of American jobs are linked to the food and agriculture sectors, either directly or indirectly. Amidst the global supply chain and inflation crises, these sectors also exported $182.91 billion worth of goods, helping the U.S. maintain its position as a leading player in global agriculture. In 2021 these sectors contributed a total of $3.01 trillion to the U.S. economy.
In addition to providing insights on nationwide impact, the report breaks down the sectors’ impact by state and congressional districts. Key findings include:
Total Jobs: 43,464,211
Total Wages:$2.30 trillion
Total Taxes: $718.15 billion
Exports: $182.91 billion
Total Food and Industry Economic Impact: $7.43 trillion
To measure the total economic impact of the sectors, the analysis also includes the direct and indirect economic activity surrounding these industries, capturing both upstream and downstream activity. For example, when a farm equipment retailer hires new employees because farmers are buying more tractors, experts consider the new salaries an indirect impact. Similarly, when a retail associate spends her paycheck, an induced economic impact occurs. Together, these have a multiplier effect on the already formidable direct impact of food and agriculture.
“American agriculture is really the foundation of our lives and our economy," said American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Roger Cryan. "This study reveals the numbers, and maybe some of the spirit, of this one indispensable sector.”
“Feeding the Economy, in concert with National Ag Day, celebrates the collective impact that everyone who grows, raises, harvests and processes U.S. agricultural products have on our economy. As they work to promote their states’ agricultural products for export around the globe, state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture recognize that a thriving U.S. agricultural industry not only feeds our economy, but also nourishes the world,” said Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
“Restaurants and the agricultural community are inextricably linked. Together, we support the communities we call home with fresh ingredients and nutritious meals. America’s farmers and ranchers provide safe and abundant food options to more than one million restaurant locations, and we’re looking forward to continuing our strong partnership as the restaurant and foodservice industry continues its recovery,” said Marvin Irby, Interim President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association.
This year’s report, along with additional quotes from sponsoring organizations, can be found at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com.
Sponsoring Organizations include: American Bakers Association, American Beverage Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Feed Industry Association, American Soybean Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, BIO, Corn Refiners Association, CropLife America, FMI – The Food Industry Association, Global Cold Chain Alliance, Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, International Dairy Foods Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), National Corn Growers Association, National Grain and Feed Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Restaurant Association, NCA – The National Confectioners Association, North American Meat Institute, Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA), SNAC International, The Fertilizer Institute, The Sugar Association Inc., U.S. Dairy Export Council, and U.S. Grains Council.
Benefits of Early Calving are Increasing due to Late Winter Warming
On rangelands of the Western U.S., calving in late winter instead of spring maximizes calf growth (weight) by supplying high-quality forage when its most needed, according to a study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
There is high value in utilizing rangelands to lower the cost of beef production. Selecting the right calving time, when calves are born, is one factor ranchers can adjust to affect the efficiency of beef production.
However, with climate conditions shifting, the costs and benefits of calving at different times are changing.
Scientists at the ARS Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, MT completed a long-term study recently published in Rangeland Ecology & Management. The researchers analyzed more than eighty years of data from over 39,000 calves to obtain an accurate reading of the effect of calving date on calf weight gain.
"The long-term data allowed us to estimate the relationship between calving date and calf weight averaged over many years. The average relationship helps producers determine the best calving date over the long term. This must be considered because the calving date of a herd is difficult to adjust once set," explained Research Rangeland Management Specialist and lead author Matthew Rinella.
The research team observed that calves born early March [late winter] averaged about 13% heavier at 180 days of age than those born early May [spring]. This is because calves born in
March are older and larger and can therefore better utilize the high-quality forage that is available in summer, whereas May calves reach 180 days of age in early November, long after forage quality has typically declined.
"When calves are born earlier, they typically experience a better match between their nutrient requirements and the timing of protein and energy supplied by forage," Rinella said.
Eighty-two years of data allowed the scientists to look at cold mortality rate of beef calves born during late winter. To avoid this risk, some ranchers prefer waiting until spring to calve. However, even after considering the risk, the researchers found early calving increases overall beef production.
In addition, since the 1940s, the risk of cold weather mortality has declined due to warming winter temperatures, and there is a good chance this trend will continue according to climate models. Moreover, the beginning of plant growth appears to be shifting earlier in the Western U.S. All provides further incentives to calve early.
Other considerations factored in determining when the right timing is for calving, including calf markets, feed costs, and the timing of ranching operations.
"This study puts numbers to calf weight and beef production resulting from different calving dates so that ranchers can factor these things into their decision-making," said Rinella.
Lawsuit Filed Against EPA to Protect Endangered Species From Cadmium Pollution
press release
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today against the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to assess harms to endangered species before nearly tripling the levels of dangerous cadmium pollution that are allowed in U.S. waters.
Cadmium is a heavy metal that bioaccumulates at all levels of the food chain and is a carcinogen that is toxic to wildlife and people at any level of exposure.
In 2016 the EPA approved a 188% increase in the allowable chronic freshwater exposure to the heavy metal, despite warnings from the National Marine Fisheries Service that it would potentially be harmful to endangered species such as sturgeon, Atlantic salmon and sea turtles.
“When the EPA nearly triples the allowable water pollution from a heavy metal it knows harms endangered fish and sea turtles, it’s announcing that Big Oil and Big Ag are calling all the shots,” said Hannah Connor, a senior attorney at the Center. “The Biden administration needs to correct this terrible decision and make the EPA do its duty to stop the pollution of our rivers, lakes and oceans.”
Cadmium can cause a range of harms, affecting growth, reproduction, immune and endocrine systems, development and behavior. It disrupts the endocrine functions of Atlantic salmon and protected salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, which, in turn, reduces prey species for Southern Resident killer whales, themselves already hovering at the brink of extinction.
Cadmium pollution is widespread in both fresh and marine waters. Fossil fuels, as well as industrial and agricultural activities, are the source of more than 90% of the cadmium found in surface waters. The combustion of fossil fuels like coal contributes approximately 40% of that pollution, while the production and use of phosphate fertilizers contributes approximately 50%.
“The purpose of the Clean Water Act is to ratchet down all water pollution to zero over time, so it’s dumbfounding that the EPA willfully ignored the risks cadmium presents to dozens of endangered species,” said Connor. “We hope this lawsuit will help bring the agency to its senses.”
Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA is required to set water-quality criteria that establish benchmarks for states to follow when they develop water-quality standards.
Since the EPA updated its cadmium criteria in 2016, 18 states have updated water-quality standards for cadmium for approval by the EPA. In every case the states weakened their existing standards based on the EPA’s water-quality criteria, and the EPA then approved those changes.
Deere Expanding Access to Self-Repair Resources
deere.com
For more than 180 years, John Deere has empowered customers to maintain their equipment to keep it running right and minimize downtime.
As part of that long-standing tradition, we are proud to announce that we’re enhancing the capabilities of our existing diagnostic tools and expanding their availability with the following actions.
Starting in May, the diagnostic service tool, Customer Service ADVISOR, will be made available from John Deere directly to customers and independent repair shops through JohnDeereStore.com. The tool will continue to be available through John Deere dealerships.
In 2023, we will roll out an enhanced customer solution that includes a mobile device interface, and the ability to download secure software updates directly to embedded controllers on select John Deere equipment with 4G connections.
Customer Service ADVISOR
This digital database of operator, diagnostic, and technical manuals is available today through a subscription. Users can connect to machines with an Electronic Data Link (EDL) to clear and refresh codes, take diagnostic readings, and perform limited calibrations.
Most of our customers are self-reliant using free tools, resources, and replacements parts Deere offers to maintain their equipment. Customer Service ADVISOR unlocks deeper system levels to allow those with the expertise and desire to tackle more advanced repairs themselves.
Sound Agriculture and Shell Collaborate on Nitrogen Emissions Study
Sound Agriculture and Shell New Energies US (Shell) have collaborated to launch a feasibility study to measure the economic and environmental impact of reducing agriculture-related nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. The program will be used to drive greater adoption of climate-smart practices and to identify opportunities to scale greenhouse gas (GHG) avoidance and related carbon credit potential.
Human-caused N2O emissions have increased 30% in the past 40 years, with fertilizer playing a major role. If the trend continues, it could impede the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, according to the Global Carbon Project's N2O impact assessment. While the use of cover crops and reduced tillage has increased, nitrogen reduction practices, such as reducing fertilizer use, have not been widely adopted due to the economic risk associated with yield loss and the lack of data around carbon impact. Yet, 30-40% of applied nitrogen results in volatilization in the form of N2O, which is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. At the same time, fertilizer prices have increased 100-300% over the past year, so finding viable alternatives can be beneficial to a grower's bottom line.
Growers involved in the pilot will leverage Sound Agriculture's Performance Optimizer, an online tool that uses yield targets, nitrogen application rates, and soil data to identify where SOURCE®, the company's microbiome activator, will work best in combination with nitrogen reduction. The company will remove risk by underwriting yield loss and their agronomists will provide technical assistance throughout the season. Shell will support the project through funding and technical expertise to improve N2O field sample monitoring and validation. Trimble and Viresco Solutions have joined them to support program design, data aggregation and validation to help quantify the crediting potential under different methodologies.
The program has the potential to enroll three million acres of farmland over the next several years, reducing up to 350,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2027. The initiative aligns with the growing momentum for climate-friendly practices as demonstrated by the USDA's recently announced Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, which is offering $1 billion in funding for climate-smart production practices, activities and systems.
"We are always looking to impart farming practices that support sustainability, but they need to be financially feasible or our farm may be less competitive in the marketplace," said Chase Larson, General Manager, Bestifor Farms in Kansas. "Reducing emissions is important, but until now, it's been unclear if a change, such as reducing nitrogen-based fertilizers, would allow us to break even. By removing the financial risk, I'm eager to participate in the study and hopeful of the outcome."
"This program was designed to incentivize growers to use nitrogen more efficiently in an effort to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, but also in a way that does not harm their bottom line," said Adam Litle, CEO, Sound Agriculture. "At the same time, we want to identify ways to drive greater adoption of nitrogen reduction programs moving forward. We have the right team involved to make that happen and I'm looking forward to what we learn from the 2022 season."
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