Friday June 24 Cattle on Feed + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP 4%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.53 million cattle on feed on June 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 4% from last year. Placements during May totaled 395,000 head, up 1% from 2021. Fed cattle marketings for the month of May totaled 495,000 head, up 6% from last year. Other disappearance during May totaled 20,000 head, up 5,000 head from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 590,000 head on June 1, 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service -- Cattle on Feed report. This was unchanged from May but down 5 percent from June 1, 2021. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 545,000 head on feed, down 4 percent from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,135,000 head, down 2 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during May 2022 totaled 74,000 head, down 13 percent from April but up 10 percent from May 2021. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 46,000 head, down 4 percent from April and down 8 percent from May 2021. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 120,000 head, down 10 percent from April but up 3 percent from May 2021.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during May 2022 totaled 71,000 head, down 24 percent from April and down 4 percent from May 2021. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 62,000 head, up 13 percent from April and up 9 percent from May 2021. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 133,000 head, down 10 percent from April but up 2 percent from May 2021. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 7,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on June 1, 2022. The inventory was 1 percent above June 1, 2021. This is the highest June 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

On Feed, by State  (1,000 hd  -  % June 1 '21)
Colorado .......:                 1,090          101                   
Iowa .............:                    590           95                   
Kansas ..........:                  2,490           99                   
Nebraska ......:                  2,530          104              
Texas ............:                  2,940          103                   

Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.87 million head, 2 percent below 2021. Net placements were 1.79 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 370,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 270,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 465,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 469,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 220,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 75,000 head.

Placements by State    (1,000 hd  -  % of May '21)
Colorado .......:                 165            87             
Iowa .............:                   74           110            
Kansas ..........:                  480            95            
Nebraska ......:                  395           101          
Texas ............:                  465            99           

Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.91 million head, 2 percent above 2021. Other disappearance totaled 76,000 head during May, 13 percent above 2021.

Marketings by State    (1,000 hd  -  % of May '21)
Colorado .......:                 155           111               
Iowa .............:                    71            96                
Kansas ..........:                  460           103              
Nebraska ......:                  495           106             
Texas ............:                  415            97               



Northeast Community College named Ag Business of the Year by Norfolk, Madison chambers

Northeast Community College has been recognized for its work in agriculture during an event that celebrates the number one industry in the region. The Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the College with its 2022 Agriculture Business of the Year Award at its 7th Annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Banquet at the Madison County Fairgrounds.

The banquet recognizes area producers and ag businesses in Antelope, Boone, Madison, Pierce, northern Platte, Stanton, and Wayne counties for their contributions to the economic well-being of area communities.

As part of the ceremonies, the chambers honor an area agriculture business and an area farm family/producer for their contributions to the industry. The Ag Business Awards comes after Northeast dedicated its new Veterinary Technology building and nearby combination Farm Operations building and Large Animal Handling facility at the Acklie Family College Farm this spring. The site is located near Northeast’s Chuck M. Pohlman Agriculture Complex, 2301 E. Benjamin Ave., in Norfolk.

The buildings, which replace 100-year-old farm facilities, have allowed Northeast to make plans to double the number of veterinary technology students being admitted into the program. The College will also be able to offer more hands-on applied learning opportunities for both credit and non-credit students and provide continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field.  

“Northeast Community College has been a leader in the agriculture industry since 1973, when we began our first agriculture program with three students. Since that time we have grown to more than 300 students in 13 agriculture programs,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, vice president of development & external affairs. “It is wonderful to be recognized for the partnerships and graduates we provide to the industry that is so critical to our regional economy.”

Accepting the Ag Business Award were Kruse; Tara Smydra, dean of science, technology, agriculture, and math; Jill Heemstra, director of agriculture programs; Jason Hansen, college farm manager; Cori Lamm, director of corporate and foundation relations; and Jim McCarville, workforce development coordinator.

Bruce and Karen Grant, of Meadow Grove, were named 2022 Farm Family of the Year Award recipients during the event. Karen Grant was honored as the AG-ceptional Woman of the Year at Northeast’s 7th Annual Ag-Ceptional Women’s Conference in 2015 for her contributions to agriculture.

Also during the ag banquet, four area students were awarded scholarships to continue their post-secondary education in an agriculture field. Two students of the students, Jacob Cleveland, of Meadow Grove, and Lane Kudera of Clarkson, both currently attend Northeast. The other two recipients are Ritter Oestreich and Amanda Sellin, both of Norfolk.

Scholarships totaling $22,750 have been awarded to 27 area high school seniors and college students over the past six years at the banquet.



Rob-See-Co Purchases Big Cob Hybrids

Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. acquired Big Cob Hybrids (B&M Seeds, LLC), an independent seed company based in Seward, NE. The acquisition enables Rob-See-Co to expand its footprint and product offerings to Dealers and growers in Kansas and Nebraska. The company will operate out of Rob-See-Co’s headquarters.

“We are pleased to welcome Big Cob Hybrids as the newest member of our Rob-See-Co family,” said Rob Robinson, Rob-See-Co CEO. “Rob-See-Co and Big Cob Hybrids are family-owned companies with similar cultures and values. Both companies offer a similar business model and place the highest priority on customer relationships. We believe this relationship will benefit our customers as well as the employees of both organizations.”

There is minimal, yet complimentary overlap with existing dealers, and because of this, Rob-See-Co anticipates the company will work with 100% of Big Cob Hybrids’ Dealers. The former Big Cob Dealers will continue to sell Big Cob brand corn and soybean products through the 2022 growing season. In 2023, they will transition to Rob-See-Co and Innotech brand corn and soybeans, Masters Choice specialty silage, and Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs.

The expanded product line will provide additional benefits to customers over time. The efficiencies of Rob-See-Co’s operations, broad germplasm and trait access, as well as improved testing, corn breeding, and characterization will now be available to dealers across the company.

“Improved dealer development and broader access to world-class genetics and traits will provide further opportunities for our customers and dealers. It’s very exciting,” says Ben Benson, Big Cob Hybrids President and CEO. “Big Cob Hybrids has created a strong legacy over the years and is a trusted partner for dealers and growers in Kansas and Nebraska. This next chapter with Rob-See-Co will simply expand that in the future.”

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to enhance our offerings,” said Jim Robinson, Chief Technology Officer at Rob-See-Co. “By combining the strengths and expertise of our organizations, we expand Rob-See-Co’s capabilities and are able to share those benefits with our customers.”



Lower Elkhorn NRD partners with Nebraska Game and Parks to repair flood damages at Willow Creek

Even though the dam at the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA), southwest of Pierce, did everything it was designed to do during the flood of 2019, damage to some areas of the recreation area were unavoidable.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) owns the recreation area and partners with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) to manage the area as a State Park.

Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager, said, “This long-standing partnership is important to the district, and we want to work with Game and Parks to repair the area and keep access to quality recreation areas available for the public.”

At their June meeting, the LENRD board members approved the interlocal agreement with the NGPC and the invoice to repair the flood damages at the Willow Creek SRA in the amount of $19,550.

The board also discussed the drilling of 2 relief wells to relieve the pressure at the dam site.  After 2 failed attempts with a local driller, the board authorized the general manager to negotiate with another driller to complete the work.

Sousek, said, “We will work as efficiently as possible with our tax dollars to get this project completed as quickly as we can.  During the irrigation season is the optimal time when the pressure is low.”

In other action, 3 motions recommended by the Logan East Rural Water System Advisory Board were passed.  The board approved the water rate increase of 5% starting on the January 2023 billing cards; approved the well #3 rehab to replace the casing liner, screens, and pumping parts; and agreed to draw up a purchase agreement for a one-acre site of land for a new pumping well, contingent on test well water samples and satisfactory aquifer formations.

The board also accepted the resolution and participation agreement for the employee retirement plans and approved the recommendation from the executive committee for the salary adjustments and step and grade changes for fiscal year 2023.

The next LENRD committee of the whole meeting will be held Thursday, July 14th at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting to follow on Thursday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at lenrd.org.

~STOP BY THE LENRD OFFICE IN NORFOLK ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 13TH FOR AN OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEBRASKA’S NRDs ~PROTECTING LIVES, PROTECTING PROPERTY, PROTECTING THE FUTURE~



Ute Community Building Receives Support from NEW Cooperative

The Ute Town and Country Club recently received a contribution from the NEW Cooperative Foundation totaling $3,000. The funds will be used to upgrade the heating system in the community building.

“We really appreciate NEW Cooperative for helping out with our renovation project,” said Lonnie Carlson, Ute Town and Country Club board president. “When this project is completed, we will replace six electric hanging heaters in the building with two propane furnaces. This will make the community building more efficient to operate, provide a more stable temperature and make the building more appealing to rent in the future.”

NEW Cooperative Communications Director, Gary Moritz, said the cooperative was happy to support the project. “Finding the money for necessary upgrades to community projects in small towns can be a challenge,” he said. “Supporting our communities is important to NEW and we look forward to seeing the results of this much needed upgrade to the community building.”

NEW Cooperative, Inc. is a farmer-owned grain, agronomy, energy and feed cooperative headquartered in Fort Dodge, Iowa. As a leading agriculture retailer, NEW Cooperative is focused on being an innovative and efficient provider of today’s agriculture markets and services to 8,000 members throughout their 60 locations in Iowa.

The NEW Cooperative Foundation is the charitable giving entity of NEW Cooperative, Inc. The Foundation is committed to investing in organizations that are dedicated to youth and education, human services, and civic purposes that further enhance the quality of life in our member’s local communities.



Cattle bills advance in House and Senate

Today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry advanced the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act (S. 4030) and the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act (S. 3870). This follows activity in the House last week, which resulted in the passage of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. The omnibus bill, supported by Reps. Cindy Axne (IA-03), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), included the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act.

Several amendments were offered during today’s markup, but only two were adopted by the committee:
-     Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced a conforming amendment to ensure the special investigator bill aligns with the already-passed House version. This change requires the special investigator to coordinate with the Office of General Counsel and the Packers and Stockyards Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Additionally, the special investigator must be a senior career employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
-     Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced an amendment to S. 4030 that requires the Secretary of Agriculture to publish a feasibility report analyzing alternative marketing arrangements with a base price tied to the price of boxed beef. The change also modifies Livestock Mandatory Reporting regions by adding Wyoming to the Colorado reporting region and Illinois and South Dakota to the Iowa/Minnesota reporting region.

 The bills are now eligible for a full vote on the Senate floor.

“The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to see both bills move out of the ag committee as a result of Sen. Grassley’s steadfast leadership,” said Bob Noble, ICA president. “The cattle industry has not received this much dedicated attention from lawmakers in a long time. It’s clear, even in Washington, that cattle market reform is needed now. We encourage the Senate to pass both pieces of legislation as soon as possible.”

What’s next? While a simple majority (51 of 100) is needed to pass legislation, getting to a vote in the Senate is more complicated than it is in the House. To prevent the delay of action on a bill (i.e. filibuster), the Senate requires 60 votes to invoke cloture. S. 4030 has support from 10 Republicans. If all 48 Democrats and two Independents align with the favorable report from the committee, the bill will have the support needed to end debate and proceed with a vote. The special investigator bill would benefit from additional Republican support. The bill currently has 13 cosponsors, which include seven Democrats and six Republicans.



ASA Now Accepting Applications for the Conservation Legacy Awards

Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable.

Are you using a reduced tillage practice on your farm? Do you grow cover crops? Have you taken steps to improve energy efficiency or water quality? These are just a few conservation practices used on some farms today that can help produce sustainable U.S. soybeans. Different regions of the country have their own unique challenges and ways to approach conservation and sustainability. We want to hear your farm’s conservation story!

All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, conservation, environmental management and sustainability.

The selection process for these awards is divided into four regions – Midwest, Upper Midwest, Northeast and South. One farmer from each of these regions will be recognized at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, FL, and one will be named the National Conservation Legacy Award recipient.

Award Winners Receive:
    An expense-paid trip for two to Commodity Classic March 9-11, 2023, in Orlando, FL.
    Recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.
    A feature story and news segment on their farm in Farm Journal magazine and on the AgDay television show.
    Video on each award winner’s farm and conservation practices.

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the American Soybean Association (ASA), BASF, Bayer, Nutrien, the United Soybean Board/Soybean Checkoff and Valent U.S.A.

More information on past winners and how to submit an application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website https://soygrowers.com/about/awards/.

All applications must be submitted by August 15, 2022.



Joby Young Named AFBF Executive Vice President

The American Farm Bureau Federation has named Joby Young the organization’s next Executive Vice President, stepping into the role in mid-July following the retirement of Dale Moore.

As Executive Vice President, Joby will serve in a chief of staff role at AFBF, managing across departments and working closely with our state Farm Bureaus to achieve organizational goals. It’s a familiar role for Young who previously served in the same capacity at USDA and in Congress.

“Joby is going to be a fantastic addition to our team at Farm Bureau,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “He has more than a decade of experience in food and agriculture policy, from the halls of Congress to the highest levels of the Executive Branch. The Farm Bureau family will be well-served by his strong leadership skills.”

Young said he looks forward to starting in the new role, adding, “I’m honored to join the talented team at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Having worked alongside the Farm Bureau community nationwide throughout my career, there is no better team to work with and no better mission than to serve America’s farm families and rural communities.”

Young is currently a partner at Horizons Global Solutions LLC, a consulting firm where he advises clients in the food and agriculture sectors.  

Young previously served as Chief of Staff in a variety of USDA offices and mission areas, including the Office of Congressional Relations and Rural Development, before becoming the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and ultimately serving in that role for the entire department under the Secretary of Agriculture. He also served as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Young holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and communications from the University of Georgia.



USDA Announces Next Steps in Biden-Harris Administration Initiative to Increase the Benefits of Federal Investments Going to Underserved Communities

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the next steps in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to ensure that as part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, Federal investments benefit communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment. The list of USDA programs announced today are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach to achieve environmental justice.

“We must ensure that the programs we support and the investments we make are available to everyone and that we take special steps to ensure that historically underserved communities fully benefit from these investments and prosper as a result of our work,” Vilsack said. “USDA is engaged in a department-wide strategy to put agriculture, forestry, and rural America in a leadership role in addressing climate change and sustainability, and tracking the benefits of those investments with a commitment to doing right by underserved communities through this initiative is an important part of our work.”  

The Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits of climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, clean water, and other investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. The initiative is a critical part of the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to advancing environmental justice and spurring economic opportunity for underserved communities.

The programs that USDA identified as covered by the Justice40 Initiative are housed in four of USDA’s eight mission areas: Farm Production and Conservation; Research, Education and Economics; Rural Development; and Natural Resources and Environment.