Friday May 13 Ag News

 NDA SELECTS STUDENTS TO ATTEND NAYI 2022

More than 200 high school juniors and seniors, sharing an interest in agriculture, will gather in Lincoln in July to develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities and learn more about the state’s number one industry. In its 51st year, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) is the longest-running program of its kind in the nation. Sponsored in part by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), NAYI will be held July 11-15, in Lincoln, on the University of Nebraska’s East Campus.

“NAYI provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Nebraska’s high school students to connect agriculture with people,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NAYI has introduced delegates to the diversity of options available in Nebraska’s agriculture industry for years and will provide delegates with a chance to network with current and future agricultural leaders.”

This year’s theme is ‘Cultivating Connections’ and delegates will be able to participate in agriculture policy discussions, agricultural career explorations, and group discussions during the week-long event.

Motivational speakers, a farm management program, and a media experience will help delegates develop leadership potential, strengthen their pride in Nebraska’s agricultural industry and enable them to help tell the story of agriculture.

Since its inception in 1971, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with more than 6,750 youth from across Nebraska. Delegates attend NAYI free of charge, thanks to generous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.

NAYI events and additional youth learning opportunities throughout the year are organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). The 21 college students who serve on NAYC are chosen by NDA to share their passion and knowledge about agriculture with young people across Nebraska. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.

2022 Delegates
First Name     Last Name     City
Elizabeth    Wilkins    Ainsworth
Rasine    Bolek    Alliance
Dezyrae    Hausmann    Alliance
Delaney    Childers    Alliance
Wade    Sanders    Alliance
Braelyn     Shrewsbury     Alliance
Sam    Loy    Ansley
Chase    Lewandowski    Arcadia
Cooper    Slingsby    Arcadia
Lane Johannes    Johannes    Arlington
Whitley    Rut    Arthur
Jessie    Lamp    Ashland
Landyn    Mlady    Atkinson
Lana    Hooey    Atkinson
Luke    Olson    Atkinson
Hanna    Stewart    Atlanta
Emma    Snoberger    Aurora
Jenna    Knake    Avoca
Megan     Kindschuh     Axtell
Brooklyn    Buell    Bassett
Laura    Albro    Bayard
Cambree    Schmaltz    Bayard
Brevin    Damrow    Beatrice
Nicholas     Loxterkamp    Beatrice
Cierra    Dringman    Beaver City
Johanna    Ford    Bertrand
Kenzy     Drain     Bertrand
Kassi    Jones    Bladen
Eli    Bush    Blair
Lexington    Jones    Blair
Emily    Bennett    Blair
Breelyn    Willmott    Blair
Cailey    Anderson    Blair
Kara    Kubie    Blair
Maycee    Godfrey    Blair
Trinity    Back    Blair
Hilary    Kabourek    Brainard
Alex    Pierce    Brainard
Mackenzie    Liakos    Bridgeport
Bethany    Nichols    Bridgeport
Alexis    Harding    Bridgeport
Gavin    McHenry    Burchard
Jaci    Larsen    Burwell
Ethan    Joy    Burwell
Hayes    Jensen    Burwell
William    Ford    Cairo
Taylor     Ross    Callaway
Silas    Cool    Callaway
Michelle    Henkel    Campbell
Grace    Timm    Chappell
Chase    Isenbart     Chappell
Samuel    Vrana    Colon
Whitney    Klug    Columbus
Skyler    Rahn    Cozad
Krista    Spiering    Craig
Cassidy    Meinke    Crete
Aspen     Teeter     Culbertson
Brooklynn    Nelson    Davenport
Addi    Crockett     Davenport
Keetyn    Valentine    David City
Jodie    Uhri    Dawson
Gracin    Hahn    De Witt
Lacey    Schmidt    Deshler
Bryn    Kniep    Deshler
Ainsley    Strawder    Dickens
Haley    Robb    Doniphan
Elijah    Niemeier    Elwood
Casey     Underwood    Exeter
Wyatt    Scheets    Fairbury
Erin    Oldemeyer    Firth
Hunter    Wiese    Fremont
JoeSeth    McBride    Fremont
Evan    Hartman    Fremont
Jorden    Engle    Geneva
Chance    Rahmig    Gering
Noah     Summers    Gibbon
Skyler    Summers    Gibbon
Lydia    Fitzke    Glenvil
Emma    Peterson    Gothenburg
Dawson    Gulizia    Gretna
Emmaleigh    Stump    Hampton
Kylie     Lancaster    Hasting
Braydon    Binger    Hay Springs
Colter    Meeks    Hay Springs
Wesley    Wach    Hayes Center
Lily    Riibe    Herman
Kaden    Miller    Hershey
Mekenna    Fisher    Hershey
Chyenne    Tidyman    Holdrege
Ashley    Abrahams    Hooper
Kaylee    Hilbers    Hooper
Seth    Wert    Hordville
Kendall    Prior    Imperial
Collin    Konecky    Ithaca
Allison    Engelman     Jansen
Maggie    Clark    Johnson
Natalie    Clark    Johnson
Abigail    Hodges    Julian
Maci    Kalsbeck    Kearney
Carson    Mercer    Kearney
Russell    Dietz     Kearney
Cassidy     Arp     Kennard
Alaina    Schwedhelm    Kennard
Alyssa    Schumacher    Kennard
Jacie    Wolfinger    Lexington
Jordan     Lans     Lexington
Lauryn     Johnson    Lexington
Tatum    Terwilliger    Lincoln
Olivia     Vanderford    Lincoln
Micah     Fuller    Lincoln
Jenna    Muntz    Louisville
Cami    Fulton    Loup City
DeLynn    Day    Loup City
Arianne    Brokaw    Lyons
Elise    Anderson    Lyons
Cattibrie    Hysell    Madison
Jace    Grunden    Maxwell
Conner    Snyder    McCook
Charlie    Bortner    McCook
Kaitlyn    Hanson    Mead
Audrey    Reiter    Miller
Creyton    Line    Miller
Tanner    Ellis    Minden
Faith    Miller    Mullen
Evan    Svanda    Nehawka
Shilo    Shabram    Neligh
Samantha    Connell    Newport
Abbi     Zeller    North Platte
Carli    Bales    North Platte
Emily    Hansen    North Platte
Elleigh    Fisher    North Platte
Abbi     Zeller     North platte
Maddie    Johnson    North Platte
Anna Karnopp    Karnopp    Oakland
Holden    von Seggern    Oakland
Abby    Stallbaumer    Oconto
Caleb    Most    Ogallala
Thomas Perrin    Perrin    Ogallala
Kelsey    Simon    Omaha
Kiersten    Welke    O'Neill
Kelsey    Howard    O'Neill
Ashley    Pischel    O'Neill
Lizett    Marino    Orchard
Alexis    Nelson    Ord
Spencer    Walahoski    Overton
Violet     Nelms    Overton
Addison    Luther    Overton
Madison    Melcher    Page
Tucker    Stagemeyer    Page
Emily    Samuelson    Palmer
Morgan    Earl    Palmer
Evan    Eidem    Papillion
Ashlynn    Hartman    Pawnee City
Emily    Luedert    Pender
Kendra    Burns    Pender
Alyssa    Geisert    Pender
Allie    Luedert    Pender
Jaleigh    Hallsted    Pender
Brieann     Bruns    Pender
Alexsandra    Flores    Pender
Alex    Meier    Pierce
Jozlyn    Anderson    Plainview
Dakota    Salmon    Plattsmouth
Tierney    bruns    Pleasanton
Thomas    Korth    Randolph
Jaylea    Pope    Ravenna
Grady    McAlevy    Ravenna
Aleyna    Cuttlers    Raymond
Emma     Pflum    Roca
Samantha    Bonifas    Roseland
Levi    Schiller    Scribner
Grace    Schlueter    Scribner
Katie     Rainforth    Scribner
Natalie    Keller    Seward
Matthew    Flyr    Seward
Faith    Winkelmann    Seward
Emily    Willis    Shelby
Taylor    Lewis    Shelton
brianna    simmons    Shelton
Payton    Gangwish    Shelton
Gracie    Wagoner    Shelton
Lane     Schoff    Smithfield
Gage    Schram    Springfield
Hannah    Linse    Springview
Samantha    Bierbaum    St. Libory
Zoe     Wurdinger     Stanton
Marysa    Myers    Stanton
Aryana    Wurdinger    Stanton
Citori    Kramer    Stapleton
Caleb    Burnside    Stapleton
Sadie    Jarecke    Stuart
Mattison    Beattie    Sumner
Avery    Kraus    Syracuse
Lacey    Petersen    Tekamah
Kennedy    Pagels    Tekamah
Ryan    Braniff    Tekamah
Ella     Booth     Tekamah
Alexis    Bodlak    Thurston
Kirsten    Frey    Thurston
Rylie     Bonneau    Thurston
Mackenzie    Carlson    Trenton
Emma    Saathoff    Trumbull
Alex    Boudreau    Upland
Cody     Miller    Valentine
Casey    Miller    Valentine
Taylor    Battershaw    Valentine
Maggie    Ehrhorn    Wahoo
Chloe    Stehno    Wauneta
Sydnee     Acton     Wauneta
Emelia    Rourke    Waverly
Leanne    Westphal    Wayne
Ethan    Wooldrik    West Point
Keegan    Doggett    West Point
Halle    Kreikemeier    West Point
Greta    Wooldrik    West Point
Elsie    Woerner    Wilber
Macy    Jones    Wilsonville
August    Scholting    Wisner
Addisyn     Albers     Wisner
Cameryn    Bellar    Wisner
Jenna    Fuehrer    York
Anthony    White    York

To learn more about NAYC or NAYI 2022 - visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. On Twitter, follow @the_nayc or #NAYI22.



Regional tractor association chapter donates $2,000 to Northeast Community College agriculture club

Members of the regional chapter of the Hart-Parr/Oliver Collectors Association have presented a $2,000 check to a Northeast Community College agriculture club. The donation to the Diversified Ag Club comes from proceeds generated during the association’s winter national show held earlier this year at the College’s Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex.

The Hart-Parr/Oliver Collectors Association is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1989 and now includes nearly 4,500 members and consists of 21 chapters. Members help preserve the history of Hart-Parr/Oliver and associated companies acquired by Hart-Parr/Oliver assist collectors in the restoration and preservation of Hart-Parr and Oliver tractors, combines and implements as well as machinery, memorabilia and other related items.

The show in Norfolk was one of two the association holds each year. It was the first time one was held in Nebraska. It featured several displays of tractors and memorabilia from collectors. Attendees came from across the United States and Canada.

To learn more about the Hart-Parr/Oliver Collectors Association, visit hartparroliver.org.



May marks Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

Renewable Fuels Month recognizes the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. The month of May typically kicks off the summer driving season, making it a great time to fuel up on biofuels to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money.

Owners of vehicles 2001 and newer can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15 (15% ethanol) and will often see savings on each gallon. Owners of flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings. Consumers can find ethanol locations at the website fueledbynebraska.com. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends up to B20 with locations being found at biodieselne.com.

“With gasoline prices continuing to rise, this is a great time to use more ethanol to save money at the pump,” said Jay Reiners, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Juniata. “But especially this year, we encourage FFV owners to realize the benefits of E85 at deep discounts to regular gasoline.”

FFVs typically have a yellow gas cap or a decal indicating the vehicle is flex fuel. Drivers can also check their owner’s manual.

As environmental issues continue to spark national discussions, both ethanol and biodiesel are well-suited to combat global warming and promote cleaner air. Ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 46% compared to regular gasoline, and biodiesel can reduce lifecycle emissions by 86% compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Each year, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts declares May as Renewable Fuels Month with a proclamation. To participate in Renewable Fuels Month, please follow the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) for upcoming events, trivia and prizes.



NeCGA: Celebrating 50 Years of Growth

This summer, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is asking growers across the state to help us celebrate 50 Years of Growth! For the last half-century, the association and its members have been growing our voice, our leaders, and our future. This summer, as our members are attending events across the state, we want them to be asking their friends and neighbors to join us in helping the association impact growers for years to come!

From now until July, members of the association can recruit 3-year members (new or renewals) and win great prizes. As growers progress up the cornstalk, they can increase their prize package.

1st Leaf (minimum 3 recruits) – Nebraska Corn pullover
2nd Leaf (minimum 5 recruits) – Nebraska Corn tumbler
3rd Leaf (minimum 10 recruits) – Nebraska Corn whiskey glasses
4th Leaf (minimum 20 recruits) – Hotel room for NeCGA’s 50th-anniversary event

All members recruited during this summer membership drive will also count towards the overall top recruiter prizes awarded at the NeCGA Annual Meeting. The overall top recruiter for the year wins an expense-paid trip to the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando!



HAL Science & Ag Family Field Day - August 3rd

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Haskell Agricultural Laboratory (HAL) will be holding a Science & Ag Family Field Day on Wednesday, August 3. This is a free and open to the public event. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be a variety of activities and programs. Registration will begin at 8:30 AM at the farm site with booths and activities scheduled from 9 AM to 2:30 PM.

A walking tour of the Northeast Arboretum will be offered at 9 AM and 1 PM. Trolleys will be available to transport individuals from the farm site to the Arboretum. A presentation, “2022 Nebraska Land Values and Cash Rental Rates” by Jim Jansen, Extension Educator, is scheduled for 9:30 AM.  An opening ceremony will be held at 10 AM with cookies, coffee, and ice tea. During this time, Dr. Charles Stoltenow, Dean and Director of Nebraska Extension will be introduced. Al Dutcher, UNL Climatologist with Market Journal will follow with a presentation.

A pollinator program will be offered at 11 AM by Kelly Feehan, Extension Educator. Also at 11 AM a research farm tour will be offered. This will feature several UNL faculty conducting research trials at HAL.

Backyard Farmer will hold a live question and answer panel at 2 PM. Please bring your questions and plant samples if you would like them to identify an issue.

Food trucks will be on site and tickets to use at the food trucks will be given out when you sign in the day of the event.

Several activities and booths will be available all day including Heartland Docs DVM (Drs. Ben & Erin Schroeder) to answer animal related questions, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Mobile Beef Lab, Science Literacy Trailer, various learning child activities, self-defense demonstrations, health checks, geothermal greenhouse information, food demonstrations, ag budget calculator, farm safety for kids, drone demonstrations, and DIY waterwise landscaping by Nebraska Statewide Arboretum staff. Northeast Power will also be doing safety demonstrations, and several other vendors will be present.

For more information, call the Haskell Ag Lab at 402-584-2261 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HALenrec/ or the HAL Field Day website at: https://hal.unl.edu/halfieldday2022. The Haskell Ag Lab is located at 57905 866 Road (about one-and-a-half miles east) of Concord, NE

Save the Date - 2022 UNL/SDSU Forage Field Day
A Forage Field Day wil be held at the Haskell Ag Lab Farm on Thursday, August 4th. There will be presentations and demonstrations focused on forage production and utilization for livestock.  More details will be coming.



Jones Named Beef Trailblazer

Natalie Jones of Stapleton has been selected to the new Trailblazers program, developed by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.  It takes advocacy to an unprecedented level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths. These Trailblazers will receive training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef related practices when talking to consumers. Throughout the year, Trailblazers will receive advanced training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media, and enhance public speaking skills. Jones, along with nine others have been selected to participate in this program.  NBC will highlight two more Trailblazers from NE in coming e-newsletters.   

“I'm honored to have been selected as part of the inaugural Trailblazers program. As the fifth generation on my family's commercial Angus operation in the Sandhills, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to hone my communications skills to engage consumers on social media platforms. My goal is to interact with the media to build confidence in our product and in beef production practices when talking to consumers.”



Pork Industry Education Specialist Ready to Help Producers

Matie George is looking forward to working with producers and others in Iowa’s pork industry, and her recent experience provided a solid background for her new role with the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University.

As an education specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, she will be responsible for creating educational content from a variety of programming and research efforts for producers.

“I was interested in this role because of the opportunity to generate materials that can impact efficiencies and outcomes of producers' operations,” she said. “I feel this role can advance the accessibility of educational resources for the pork industry.”

While her route to this position began with a different agriculture industry, she will use her determination and knowledge to help producers in her new role.

George earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Iowa State, and began her career working in the poultry industry. She was a poultry specialist and then poultry sales manager with Ridley Feed Ingredients, focusing on feed formulation and on-farm support. Most recently she worked in feed formulation and ingredient procurement with the Versova Management Co.

“My time in private industry has given me a unique perspective on the challenges and obstacles producers face on a daily basis,” she said. “This perspective will help with the way I shape educational content. It is important the information be meaningful and easily implementable.”

George said she hopes her work at Iowa State helps provide easier and greater access to information pork producers need and want.

“I hope the educational materials I generate will be valuable tools producers can implement in their day to day operations,” she said. “And these tools will further the education of their employees and ultimately the efficiency and profitability of their operations.”

George can be reached at mgeorge@iastate.edu or 515-294-8963.



New swine management certificate for Iowa State students

Iowa State University students majoring in animal science and interested in learning more about swine have a new option. The ISU animal science department now offers a swine management certificate option and students can enroll at no cost.

“The idea behind this certification was to position students for a productive transition to become swine industry professionals,” said Justin Chapman, student services specialist in the animal science department.

Previously, students were unsure how to develop class schedules for their animal science degree because there are so many classes. The new certificate solves this problem by giving students the opportunity to focus on swine management while choosing courses. In addition, the certificate won’t add any extra time for students obtaining a bachelor's degree in animal science.

While the swine management certification may be new, there has always been a need for this certificate. Chapman said companies and organizations in the pork industry have talked about ways for students to show potential employers the strength of their educational program. Earning this certificate will be beneficial to students when it comes to finding employment.

“When faculty talked with industry professionals like Decision Innovation Solutions and the Iowa Pork Producers Association, they felt that when students have an interest in swine, they should be able to get something with it," He said. "The formation of the swine management certification is a key component in making this happen."

Students in the certification program are required to earn 24 credits from a specific list of courses, and one of the most important course requirements is ANS 399 Swine Internship Experience, Chapman said.

“The internship is very beneficial because it allows you to gain experience from Industry professionals," he said. "The time spent from the internship will be one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have and will help students in the long haul while continuing their Iowa State journey."

Students and others interested in learning more about the swine management certificate, can contact Chapman at jjchap@iastate.edu.

In addition to this swine certificate, the animal science department also offers similar programs for beef, poultry and equine.



Distinguished Professor Named to National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Qijing Zhang, a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor in Veterinary Medicine, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

Zhang, who also serves as the associate dean of research and graduate studies, is among 120 new members and 30 international members named to the prestigious academy.

"Dr. Zhang's election to the National Academy of Sciences is a testament to his international impact, leadership and outstanding achievements in antimicrobial resistance and food safety," said President Wendy Wintersteen, "We are delighted that Dr. Zhang is being recognized with this prestigious honor. I am very proud of how our faculty at Iowa State University continually demonstrate their exceptional talent."

"I am extremely honored to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences," Zhang said. "It is an honor not just for me, but also for my team and my beloved college and university. I am very proud to be a member of Iowa State and feel incredibly fortunate for having had my career at this fine institution."

Zhang's research has had regional, national and global impact on the control of antibiotic-resistance pathogens in animals and humans. As a renowned microbiologist, Zhang built a world-class research program on antimicrobial resistance and food safety.

His expertise in antibiotic resistance has earned him international acclaim. He is an expert in areas related to antibiotic resistance development, persistence, transmission from animal reservoirs to humans, and mitigation strategies. He is a pioneer in the effort to understand mechanisms involved in the emergence, persistence and fitness of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter, a major zoonotic pathogen worldwide.

Zhang's research group at Iowa State was among the first to document the impact of antibiotic resistance on bacterial fitness. His work is often used as a resource for science-based policy making by regulatory agencies on the use of antimicrobials in animal production. His work also identified emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens and their intervention strategies, contributing to improvement of animal health and public health.

He has published more than 170 peer-viewed papers and 14 books or book chapters. His publications are cited more than 12,000 and he has made more than 140 presentations at conferences and institutions globally. During his career, Zhang has received competitive grants totaling over $25 million from various funding agencies including NIH, USDA, NSF and FDA.

A faculty member in Iowa State's Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine since 2003, Zhang has also served on the faculty at The Ohio State University. He earned a Ph.D. in immunobiology from Iowa State in 1994. He served as the College of Veterinary Medicine's Frank K. Ramsey Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine from 2003-2012 and again from 2017-2019. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Microbiology as well as an Honorary Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.

Election to the National Academy of Sciences is among the most prestigious honors given to U.S. scientists and engineers. Zhang is the twelfth Iowa State faculty member to receive the honor, and the first faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine to be elected since Dr. Harley Moon's election in 1991.

Those elected this year bring the total number of active members to 2,512 and the total number of international members to 517. International members are nonvoting members of the Academy, with citizenship outside the United States.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that was established under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and -- with the National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council -- provides science, technology, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.



Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Alexis Taylor to Serve as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

“Alexis Taylor has dedicated her life to public service. She has not only spent her career serving the American people through her work in U.S. agricultural and trade policy, but also as a Veteran of the U.S. Army. Her nomination builds upon USDA’s commitment to link U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities for American farmers and producers and increase global food security. Alexis currently serves as the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, a position she was appointed to in December 2016 by Governor Kate Brown, where she oversees policy directives for Oregon’s 38 programs and its 500 employees. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minor in Communications from Iowa State University.


Alexis is a collaborative leader with a track record of working towards large-scale solutions in partnership with the communities she serves. This spirit and approach position her uniquely for this role and will ensure cohesiveness between USDA and the Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs team. I am confident Alexis is the right person to lead as we continue to address global food security, promote American exports across the globe and strengthen trade relationships with our global partners.”



Statement from ICGA President Lance Lillibridge

Iowa native Alexis Taylor has been nominated as the USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

Alexis Taylor grew up on her family’s farm in Iowa and is a graduate of Iowa State University and an Army Veteran. She is currently the Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.  Since leaving Iowa, she has also held positions focused on agriculture with members of Congress including Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell, and in USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services to open markets and promote exports.

The following is a statement from the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Lance Lillibridge:

“ICGA congratulates Alexis on her nomination to serve as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs. We are thrilled to see an Iowa native nominated who understands the importance of trade policy and promoting agriculture, corn, and biofuels in a global market. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Alexis in her new role.”

ICGA will encourage the U.S. Senate to confirm Taylor in a timely manner in her new role.



Iowa Farm Bureau congratulates Alexis Taylor on nomination as USDA Under Secretary

Iowa Farm Bureau is pleased to hear that Alexis Taylor will be named the USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs.  This position plays an important role for agriculture, and we are excited that a native Iowan was selected.  Iowa Farm Bureau congratulates Alexis Taylor on this appointment and looks forward to working together on issues that can have positive impact for Iowa agriculture.   '



IRFA Urges Support for Iowa Native Nominated to be USDA Under Secretary of Trade

Today President Biden nominated Iowa native Alexis Taylor for the role of Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA. Her nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Currently the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Taylor previously worked on trade issues at USDA and on agricultural issues for former Iowa Congressman Leonard Boswell.
 
In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
 
“While this post has been left open longer than we would have liked, IRFA is very excited to see Alexis Taylor put forward for this important position. First off, she’ll be able to hit the ground running. We enjoyed working with Taylor during her time as a staffer for former Congressman Leonard Boswell and in her role at USDA during President Obama’s administration. Taylor understands ag and the importance of trade. She brings a ton of experience to the position, and there’s no doubt she’ll be a great advocate for expanding ag and biofuels exports. IRFA strongly urges the U.S Senate to support Taylor as the next USDA Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.”



ASA Congratulates & Welcomes Taylor to Ag Trade Role

The American Soybean Association (ASA) applauds President Biden’s nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as the USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

Stephen Censky, CEO of ASA, said of Taylor, "Alexis has a depth of knowledge about agricultural trade and public policy, and her background, experience, and network will serve her well in this post. U.S. soy growers look forward to welcoming her back to USDA and working with her on issues facing soybean exports."

ASA congratulates Ms. Taylor and urges the Senate to move swiftly toward confirmation to fill this critical role for U.S. agriculture.




NCGA on Ag Undersecretary Nominee Taylor: No Better Person for Position

President Biden announced today that he is appointing Alexis Taylor as undersecretary for trade and U.S. agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Taylor, currently the director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has extensive experience working on agricultural issues.

“I have known Alexis in a professional capacity for well over a decade, and she is someone with a deep understanding of agriculture, particularly as it relates to foreign markets, and she is widely respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “I cannot think of a better person to represent the Biden administration on this issue.”

Taylor has served as a policy expert on ag issues for several members of Congress on Capitol Hill and managed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. An Iraq veteran, Taylor grew up in Iowa on her family’s 160-year-old farm.

Taylor’s nomination will now go before the Senate for final confirmation.



USGC Reacts To Undersecretary Of Trade Announcement

Alexis Taylor, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has been nominated today by President Biden to the position of undersecretary for trade and U.S. agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand congratulated Taylor on her appointment:

“Alexis Taylor is a highly qualified candidate to be the USDA Undersecretary for Trade. She has a strong background in agriculture from growing up on a farm in Iowa, and also has a deep knowledge of trade issues. We look forward to working with her to promote American agriculture.”

Taylor has extensive experience working on agricultural issues for both the USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services as well as serving as an agriculture and trade policy advisor to senior members of Congress.

The Senate will now take up her nomination.



USMEF Statement on USDA Undersecretary for Trade Nominee

Today the White House announced the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination:

USMEF is very anxious to see this important position filled, and Alexis Taylor is an outstanding nominee. USMEF and our member companies had many opportunities to work with Ms. Taylor in her previous roles at USDA and we are confident she will be a strong and effective advocate for U.S. exporters and all of U.S. agriculture.



Dairy Groups Endorse Alexis Taylor Nomination as USDA’s Top Trade Official

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) today praised the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA’s Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

“This position is essential to the health and well-being of American agriculture, and especially the nation’s dairy farmers, who last year exported over 17% of the milk they produced,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We are extremely pleased that the Biden Administration has selected such a well-qualified nominee as Ms. Taylor. She has done an excellent job in her prior government service roles and we know will be a strong advocate for U.S. dairy and agriculture as Under Secretary of Trade. We look forward to supporting her throughout the nomination process and working closely with her in her new role once confirmed by the Senate.”

“Consumers around the world seek out American dairy products when making their food decisions,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Unfortunately, ensuring our products reach international store shelves is an unending struggle, working to overcome barriers to trade while also striving to create new market access opportunities. With her wealth of leadership experience at both USDA and at the state level, Ms. Taylor is perfectly positioned to serve American farmers, the broader agricultural industry, and American workers throughout the agricultural supply chain in this indispensable role. The Senate should act quickly to confirm this outstanding nominee.”



Wheat Industry Applauds Administration’s Nomination of Alexis Taylor

Today. President Biden announced the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs. The Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs mission area plays a key role in developing and implementing USDA’s trade policy, oversees and facilitates foreign market access, and promotion opportunities for U.S. agriculture. The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates applaud the nomination of Alexis Taylor.

“NAWG welcomes President Biden nominating Alexis Taylor to this key role and encourage the Senate Agriculture Committee to work diligently and expeditiously in considering this nomination, said NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule. “I have worked with Alexis for over fifteen years and know the industry appreciates her experience and understanding of the agriculture community and trade issues. We are eager to see this key leadership role be filled quickly and encourage timely Senate consideration so she may begin important work at the USDA to advocate for U.S. wheat farmers and be an advocate for American agriculture around the world.”

“Ms. Taylor has worked to open new markets for American agriculture in her previous position at FAS and as director of Oregon’s Department of Agriculture,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “Looking ahead to the next Farm Bill negotiations, we know she will be an experienced advocate who can help explain to policy makers how important export market development programs are to our country’s farmers and ranchers.”

Alexis Taylor currently serves as the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Director, where she oversees the state’s efforts on food safety and consumer protection, natural resource protection and the promotion of Oregon products. Prior to this, Taylor oversaw the USDA’s Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, where she worked to improve market access and improve the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products around the world. Before joining USDA, Alexis worked on Capitol Hill in both the Senate and House of Representatives.



Ukraine Grain Exports Off by Half From 2021

Ukraine's grain exports have more than halved so far in May from the same period a year ago, although at just under 300,000 tonnes they are similar to the whole of March, the first full month of Russia's invasion, agriculture ministry data shows.

Reuters reports that the country exported 667,000 tonnes in the same period of May 2021. The country exported up to 6 million tonnes of grain a month before Russia invaded the country in February.

The ministry data showed on Thursday Ukraine has exported 46.17 million tonnes so far in the 2021/22 July-June season, versus 39.65 million a season earlier.

The ministry said May's volume included 284,000 tonnes of corn, 8,000 tonnes of barley and 6,000 tonnes of wheat. It did not say how grain was delivered.

Senior agriculture officials have said Ukraine exported up to 300,000 tonnes of grain in March and 1.09 million tonnes in April.

The ministry said 2021/22 export volumes included 18.53 million tonnes of wheat, 21.50 million tonnes of corn and 5.68 million tonnes of barley.

Ukraine, a major agricultural producer, used to export most of its goods through seaports but has been forced by Russia's invasion to export by train via its western border or via its small Danube River ports.



Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Stacy Dean to Serve as Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

“Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, Stacy Dean has been dedicated to advancing food and nutrition security for all Americans as the Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS). Her commitment during her time at USDA and throughout her career proves she is exceptionally well suited to serve as Under Secretary for FNCS. Since taking on the role of Deputy Under Secretary, Stacy has sought to increase nutrition assistance for struggling Americans and tackle barriers that have been long engrained into assistance programs. Prior to joining USDA, she served as Vice President for Food Assistance Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), where her team reported on the impacts of federal nutrition programs and developed policies to improve them. Before her role with CBPP, she was a budget analyst with the Office of Management and Budget where she worked on policy development, regulatory and legislative review, and budgetary process and execution for a variety of income support programs. Stacy has an incredible depth of knowledge and experience in the field of food and nutrition, and I am thrilled at the prospect of her continuing to shape the nation's food and nutrition policy as the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services.”



USDA Extends Deadline for Public Input to Identify Competition Challenges in Seed, Fertilizer, Other Agricultural Inputs, and Retail Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces a 30-day extension to the public comment period to identify the impacts of concentration and competition challenges in seed, fertilizer, other agricultural inputs, and retail markets. The new deadline is June 15, 2022.

Three RFIs (requests for information) were published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2022, each with a 60-day comment period ending May 16, 2022.

USDA seeks information about competition matters as they relate to: (1) fertilizer; (2) seed and agricultural inputs, particularly as they relate to the intellectual property system; (3) food retail, including access to retail for agricultural producers and small and medium-sized food processors through wholesale and distribution markets.

The RFIs are intended to provide USDA with data on competition and market access for farmers and ranchers, new and growing market competitors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, and the context of these markets for farmers. Additional information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/fair-competitive/rfi.

All written comments should be posted online at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments should reference the docket number of the RFI, the date of submission, and the page number of this issue of the Federal Register. Comments may also be sent to Jaina Nian, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2055-S, STOP 0201, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.  20250-0201. Comments will be made available for public inspection at the above address during regular business hours or online.

To enhance fair and competitive markets, this initiative from the Biden-Harris administration supports additional fertilizer production for American farmers and spurs competition to address rising costs, including price hikes from the war in Ukraine, and recent supply chain disruptions.

Sustainable and independent choices for fertilizer supplies demonstrates the administration’s ongoing investment in American goods and services to rebuild a more resilient, secure, and sustainable economy. Additionally, a reliable supply of domestic fertilizer addresses climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, while fostering more sustainable production and precise application.