Wednesday June 08 Ag News

 Soybean Gall Midge Emergence in East-Central Nebraska
Justin McMechon, NE Extension

On June 7th soybean gall midge adult emergence was observed in east-central Nebraska near Davey. For many soybean farmers, planting conditions were not favorable this spring, resulting in delayed soybean planting across a significant area of the Midwest. This is an important consideration for the management of soybean gall midge as many of these later planted fields are not at the V2 stage.

A planting date study being conducted by Natasha Umezu, an M.S. student at the University of Nebraska showed that as of June 7th, soybeans planted on April 22nd, May 1st, and May 12th had reached or passed the V2 stage. Soybean planted on May 22nd and June 1st were only at the VC or VE stage, respectively. Based on two years of data, soybean plants prior to the V2 stage lack the presence of cracks or fissures at the base of the stem. Plants without fissures are not considered to be susceptible to soybean gall midge infestation.

Management of soybean gall midge has been difficult. Foliar sprays have shown some response but are inconsistent between locations and years. No specific product tested to date has provided consistent control of SGM. Research to date suggests that growers can consider using a combination product that contains a pyrethroid. If an application is being considered, it should only be made in soybean fields where a history of issues with soybean gall midge injury has occurred. Since soybean gall midge is a field edge infesting pest, growers may only need to treat the first 60 to 120 feet of a field edge that is directly adjacent to a field that was injured the previous year. Do not treat any soybean fields prior to V2 as they are not susceptible to infestation due to the lack of fissures or cracks at the base of the stem.

Hilling or covering the base of soybean stems with soil has also been found to be a very effective strategy with almost complete control of soybean gall midge. This is a difficult practice to implement when soybean plants are small as they can easily be completely covered by soil. Studies are being conducted to evaluate the timing of hilling relative to the plant development stage. More information on hilling is available through the soybeangallmidge.org website. Little is known about the impact this management strategy could have on soybean gall midge movement in a field. Although no field studies have been conducted, it is possible that adults may continue to move into the field until they find a susceptible plant.

Soybean Gall Midge: Should I Spray Checklist
❏    Soybean gall midge adults have emerged in my area
❏    My soybean field is at the V2 stage or greater
❏    I observed soybean gall midge injury in the adjacent field last year

With no detection of soybean gall midge in other parts of the network, it would be advisable to wait for emergence to occur in those areas. You can continue to follow adult emergence at all locations through soybeangallmidge.org.



Reminds Producers Considering Double Crop Soybeans of their Crop Insurance Options

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds agricultural producers that for the 2022 crop year there may be options for insuring double crop soybeans as well as grain sorghum and other crops in counties where the Following Another Crop (FAC) practice is not available. Producers intending to plant soybeans or other crops after wheat in counties where double crop insurance coverage is not available, may have the option to request coverage through their crop insurance agent. Producers in selected counties in Kansas and Missouri may be eligible to request coverage. In addition, producers in some areas of the country also have the option to request coverage for soybeans planted into wheat using a relay cropping practice. Producers may request a written agreement through their crop insurance company to insure the crop. Producers requesting coverage for these practices for the first time, have until the acreage reporting date of July 15 to submit a request to their agent.

Collin Olsen, USDA’s Risk Management Agency Topeka Regional Office Director (Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado) said, “It’s important that producers know they have options to insure double crops even in counties where coverage is not available. If you’re looking at relay cropping or double cropping in counties without coverage, please contact your crop insurance agent for details on requesting a written agreement to provide coverage.”

In addition to these 2022 crop year options, RMA is actively working with stakeholders to identify areas to expand double cropping coverage for the 2023 crop year. This initiative may include expanding where FAC is allowed permanently or by considering other flexibilities and expanding where written agreements are allowed.



Corn Rootworm Demonstrations Planned Across Iowa

An increase in corn rootworm populations has farmers looking for answers. In an effort to provide research-based education about their options, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is teaming up with field agronomists to offer seven field days across the state, beginning June 29.

Last year, entomologists and field specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach received numerous questions about effective management for corn rootworm as populations have increased the past two years and farmers have experienced enhanced root injury during drought conditions.

Each farm has planted a demonstration showcasing three hybrids (no Bt for corn rootworm, SmartStax, and SmartStax Pro) with and without a soil-applied insecticide.

In addition to ways to prevent corn rootworm, the event will feature scouting tips and advice. Erin Hodgson, professor in entomology and extension specialist in entomology at Iowa State, recommends corn growers dig a few corn roots up in July and August, even if they don’t suspect they have a problem with corn rootworm.

“In most growing conditions in Iowa, you’re not going to see above-ground signs of stress, because we have such good soils,” said Hodgson. “But that doesn’t mean corn rootworm isn’t present or that it won’t be a problem later in the season.”

Hodgson said she’s looking forward to showcasing a diverse approach to corn rootworm management, including crop rotation, transgenics and the SmartStax products. The best way to control rootworm is through prevention. There will also be a novel management tactic, RNAi, planted at each location.

The demos are open to farmers, crop consultants, agronomists and anyone with an interest in rootworm.

The field days are free to attend, but participants are asked to contact the field agronomist hosting each event to RSVP for food and handouts.

Demonstration schedule includes:

June 29
Iowa State Armstrong Research Farm; 53020 Hitchcock Ave, Lewis
Time: 10-11 a.m., part of regular field day that goes until 3 p.m.
Lunch provided at noon, pre-registration requested
CCA credits offered
Contact: Ruth Blomquist. Office: 712-254-4346; cell: 319-541-2969; email: Ruth.Blomquist@usda.gov
         
July 13
ISU Northwest Research Farm; 6320 500th St., Sutherland
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Lunch provided at noon
CCA credits offered
Contact: Joel DeJong at jldejong@iastate.edu
         
For more information, contact Ashley Dean at 515-447-3766 or adean@iastate.edu; Erin Hodgson at 515-294-2847 or ewh@iastate.edu; or your local field agronomist.



Improving Soil Health: What to Measure and Why

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place June 15 at noon CDT will feature Matt Ruark, professor and extension state specialist in soil biology and fertility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Abigail Augarten, research assistant in the Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ruark’s research program focuses on nitrogen, manure and cover crop management. Augarten is currently conducting on-farm research connecting pasture management to soil health.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Soil Health Management and Measurement across Agricultural Systems in the Midwest,” Ruark and Augarten will discuss the current state of soil health assessments, why they are important to agriculture and what more could be done. They will also highlight recent developments related to soil health management and measurement across different production systems in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Drawing on these new approaches, the team will provide insights into how soil assessments should be approached in the future.

“Every farmer knows that soil health is an important component of success, but they are often unsure which practices will have the biggest impacts and what exactly should be measured,” said Ruark. “While we do not have answers in hand for all these questions, we do have a much better grasp of what a modern soil health measurement system looks like and how collected data can instill confidence in soil health practice decision making. Farmers, consultants, retailers and agency staff attending this webinar will take away a great understanding of what exactly to measure for their soil — and why.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar access instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CDT June 15:
    Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172. Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.
    Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 with meeting ID 364 284 172.
    The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time.
    A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming webinars in the series
    June 22: Chad J. Penn, USDA-ARS
    June 29: Vince Sitzmann, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
    July 6: Jane Frankenberger, Purdue University
    July 13: Mike Castellano, Iowa State University



June is Invasive Species Awareness Month Across Iowa

In an effort to increase awareness of invasive species and the impact they have on Iowa's ecosystems and economy, Governor Kim Reynolds recently proclaimed June as Invasive Species Awareness Month in Iowa.

Each year, public and private organizations spend millions of dollars in an effort to control invasive plants, insects, diseases and animal species in Iowa's woodlands and urban areas.

Invasive species, such as emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, spongy moth and oriental bittersweet threaten Iowa's ecosystem by competing with and destroying native trees and disrupting the natural complex habitat system.

Iowa woodlands, wildlands and waterways draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users each year. Raising awareness of invasive species and their impacts is an important step towards behavior change, which can prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Invasive Species Awareness Month provides an opportunity for government agencies, businesses, industries, conservation and recreation groups, and community organizations to join forces, and take action against the introduction and spread of invasive species in Iowa.

Learn more about forest invasive species on the DNR website at https://www.iowadnr.gov/invasives.



NPPC ANNOUNCES NEW ORGANIZATIONAL PATHWAY FOR CHANGE
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today announced the culmination of a strategic planning and repositioning effort that will drive momentum in shaping the future for the next generation of pork producers and their businesses.

Under the direction of new leadership and guided by a long-range strategic plan and additional financial resources, NPPC unveiled a new brand identity to symbolize the organization’s transformation and energized focus on driving growth for the U.S pork industry. NPPC will work to ensure that the producers’ common goals become reality — to operate to the high standards producers set, to advance sustainability and animal health, and expand global markets.

“It’s never been more important to plan for our future. NPPC is taking important steps today to propel groundbreaking work that lies ahead,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC chief executive officer. “We are committed to moving the industry forward: aligned, energized and strategically driven for producers.”

With the food production landscape changing and the increasing complexity of issues facing U.S. pork producers, a task force of industry leaders spanning the pork supply chain developed a five-year strategic plan to ensure focus on NPPC investors’ top priorities. The task force identified trade, foreign animal disease, labor and preserving producers’ freedom to operate as priority advocacy issues for NPPC.

With a new CEO and newly elected officers, NPPC is creating a pathway for change, positioning the organization to adapt to new dynamics and address challenges in modern ways. Collaboration — across the pork industry, the agriculture sector and entire food chain — will be imperative to influence change on critical issues.

NPPC’s new branding sets the tone for the organization moving forward. The new logo reinforces NPPC’s mission as the unified global voice for the U.S. pork industry by advocating and taking action in Washington, D.C., across the country and in the global marketplace. In addition, the strategic decision to increase funding through NPPC’s Strategic Investment Program will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023, and aid in strengthening NPPC’s programming and communications priorities with members.

“We are excited at the opportunities that lie ahead and know that success also relies on participation of stakeholders with a shared vision to support an industry bigger than themselves,” said Terry Wolters, NPPC president. “NPPC staff and all our investors and stakeholders are committed to working proactively to protect the interests of pork producers like me who know what it means to raise pigs and produce high-quality, affordable products for consumers here and around the world.”




KEY POLICY ISSUES LEAD NPPC STRATEGIC AGENDA AT WORLD PORK EXPO

A panel led by National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) experts today at World Pork Expo discussed the pork industry’s current policy priorities that are vital to producers’ livelihoods and the future success of the industry. As part of the pork industry’s long-range strategic planning process, the Pork Industry Visioning Task Force prioritized international trade, foreign animal disease and labor as key policy issues to address that will move the industry forward.

“Reasonable public policy that preserves producers’ ‘freedom to operate,’ ensures our animals are healthy and have access to a reliable pipeline of workers, and expands markets for our products is essential to building a sustainable future,” said panelist Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota. “We need to lead on these issues, activating producers to tell their stories, collaborating with agricultural partners to amplify our voices, and working with policymakers and regulators to implement meaningful change.”

Protecting pig health from emerging threats
With the threat of African swine fever detected in the Western Hemisphere for the first time in more than 40 years, calls to protect U.S. borders have never been more urgent.

“We are asking lawmakers for additional funding in key government programs to prevent and prepare for an outbreak,” said panelist Dr. Liz Wagstrom, NPPC chief veterinarian. “Fully staffing our CBP agricultural inspection program and hiring additional APHIS-VS field staff are among the investments NPPC has requested.”

Advocating for a reliable workforce
An ongoing labor shortage continues to impact producers and pork processors. NPPC supports visa reform that opens the H-2A visa program to year-round labor, without an annual cap on the number of visas, and provides a path to legal status for agricultural workers already in the country.

“The lack of workers undermines a critical economic sector that in recent years has driven employment and wage growth faster than the overall economy,” said panelist Jack Detiveaux, NPPC manager of competition, labor and tax. “Hog farming is vital to the prosperity of rural America and to maintaining an abundant supply of safe, nutritious pork for consumers here and around the globe.”

Striving for continued success of U.S. pork exports
Negotiating new and expanding existing free trade agreements is important to the industry’s growth. Joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, is a key priority to create American jobs and boost pork exports to an estimated 500 million consumers served in the 11-member pact.

“It’s vital for the U.S. pork industry to strengthen relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. CPTPP would put us on a level playing field with other pork trading countries, such as the EU,” said Maria Zieba, NPPC assistant vice president of international affairs. “We are also encouraging the Biden administration to address market disparities as part of ongoing Indo-Pacific Economic Framework negotiations.”

Actions taken on these vital issues today will impact producers for years to come.

“We are committed to building momentum for groundbreaking advocacy work on behalf of pork producers,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “That means strengthening advocacy outreach by showing up in new ways; working more collaboratively across agriculture; and taking action in D.C., in states and in the global marketplace.”



Another $1 Billion Month for Beef Exports; Pork Exports Remain Below Year-Ago

U.S. beef exports maintained a remarkable pace in April, topping $1 billion for the third time this year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). April pork exports were well below the large totals posted a year ago, while lamb exports continued to trend higher.

Record exports to Taiwan highlight huge month for beef exports
Beef exports totaled 124,408 metric tons (mt) in April, up 3% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record, while export value soared 33% to $1.05 billion – second only to the record $1.07 billion posted in March. April exports to Taiwan and the Philippines were record-large and exports increased to Japan, China/Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Middle East and the Caribbean. For January through April, beef exports increased 5% from a year ago to 478,260 mt, valued at $4.05 billion (up 38%). For South Korea, the leading value destination for U.S. beef, export value already topped $1 billion, increasing nearly 50% from a year ago.

"Global demand for U.S. beef continues to overcome enormous obstacles, from inflationary pressure to logistical challenges to the recent lockdowns in some of China’s major metropolitan areas,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "Most encouraging is that even as beef exports climb to unprecedented levels in our largest Asian markets, demand is strengthening in other regions as well, fueled by a strong rebound in the foodservice sector."

Halstrom cautioned that April results did not capture the full impact of recent COVID-19 lockdowns in China, some of which continued through May and into early June. The pressure inflation imposes on consumers’ discretionary income and the rising strength of the U.S. dollar versus some key trading partner currencies are also growing headwinds for U.S. red meat exports.

Pork exports regain momentum in Japan, set new record to Dominican Republic
April pork exports were 212,876 mt, down 21% from the large volume reported a year ago. Export value was $600.6 million, down 20%. Exports to leading market Mexico remained strong in April and are running well ahead of last year’s record pace. April exports also increased to Japan, Honduras and Colombia and exports to the Dominican Republic reached a new record. Through April, pork exports fell 20% from a year ago to 842,804 mt, valued at $2.31 billion (down 18%).

"The sharp decline in China’s demand for imported pork continues to weigh heavily on the year-over-year results for U.S. exports, and the COVID lockdowns dampened demand even further by limiting consumer spending and slowing activity in the wholesale market and the meat processing sector,” Halstrom explained. "We do expect exports to China to regain some momentum in the fourth quarter of this year – certainly not back to the peak volumes of 2020, but improving over current levels. Meanwhile shipments to Mexico remain on a record pace and exports to Japan and several Latin American markets trended higher in April."

Rebound in Caribbean demand fuels strong April lamb exports
April exports of U.S. lamb increased 37% from a year ago to 1,493 mt, while export value soared 90% to $2.56 million. Growth continues to be driven by large variety meat exports to top market Mexico and revitalized muscle cut demand from the Caribbean foodservice sector. January-April lamb exports increased 49% from a year ago to 6,512 mt, while value climbed 76% to just under $10 million. Muscle cut exports increased 87% from a year ago to 668 mt, while export value more than doubled to $4.3 million (up 105%).



NCBA Congratulates Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on Confirmation as USDA Under Secretary

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President for Government Affairs Ethan Lane released a statement on the confirmation of Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young as Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
 
“NCBA congratulates Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young on her confirmation as Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. The Research, Education, and Economics arm of USDA provides data and analysis that is crucial to cattle producers around the country as they make business decisions, assess economic conditions, and monitor new scientific developments. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Jacobs-Young and her team.”



Statement by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Intent to Nominate Doug McKalip to Serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator

“Doug McKalip is highly qualified and exceptionally capable of serving the American people as Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Having served as a key agriculture policy official for nearly three decades, he has worked on every aspect of farming from soil conservation, and the supply chain to dealing with sensitive trade and national security matters. Through his service, he has represented American farmers around the world and advocated for U.S. agricultural products and technology.

Doug has been a key member of my team throughout my tenure as Secretary of Agriculture and has demonstrated a consistent ability to tackle difficult issues and to develop bi-partisan solutions to challenges when opposing views exist. These skills will serve him well as Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). We will miss having Doug here at USDA, but know that American agriculture and USTR will be well served by having him in this new role. I urge the U.S. Senate to confirm him at the earliest possible opportunity.”



 McKalip To Be Nominated As Chief Ag Negotiator

President Biden has announced his intention to nominate Doug McKalip, senior advisor to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

In response to the announcement, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) congratulated McKalip:
“Doug McKalip has extensive international experience and more than 28 years of government service at the USDA. He will be able to use his strong background in farm and trade policy and his knowledge of biotechnology to advance trade priorities and open markets for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and co-products. Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with him in his pivotal role at USTR.”

In addition to his current role at USDA and his coming work at USTR, McKalip also served as a Confidential Assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture from 2009-2011 and Senior Advisor to the Secretary, where he handled all policy issues relating to agriculture biotechnology, coordinated federal policy for the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology & 21st Century Agriculture.

His nomination will now be submitted to the Senate Finance Committee where his confirmation process will begin.



ASA Congratulates McKalip on USTR Nomination

The American Soybean Association welcomes the long-awaited announcement from President Biden that he has nominated Doug McKalip as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Stephen Censky, ASA CEO, said, "U.S. agriculture faces numerous challenges on the global marketplace, and we are thrilled President Biden has nominated Doug McKalip to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at USTR. Doug understands these challenges deeply from his years of service at USDA and in the White House, and ASA is glad to have that expertise added to the team at USTR. U.S. soybean growers are excited to work with Doug in his new role."

ASA urges the Senate to swiftly confirm McKalip's nomination.



McKalip to be Nominated to Serve as Ag Negotiator with USTR

President Biden announced today that he intends to nominate USDA advisor Doug McKalip to serve as chief agricultural negotiator with the United States Trade Representative.

“This position is important to corn growers,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “We are very pleased to see this nomination in place and moving forward, and we look forward to working with Mr. McKalip on some of our key trade issues.”  

McKalip has worked on agricultural policy and trade for over 28 years. He most recently served as senior advisor to Secretary Vilsack. The position, which requires a Senate confirmation, is charged with conducting and overseeing international negotiations related to trade in agricultural products.



Dairy Supports Nomination of Doug McKalip for Chief Agricultural Negotiator

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)– representing America’s dairy farmers, exporters and manufacturers – today offered their support and praise for President Biden’s selection of Doug McKalip as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

“Expanding U.S. agricultural export opportunities requires all hands on deck,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “The position of USTR’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator plays a central role in driving trade policy and expanding overseas markets for dairy products. Doug is an excellent choice given his strong background in agriculture, earned while serving in numerous positions within the White House and USDA. He brings an informed perspective on how to best drive policy and support American agriculture and he will be ready to lead from day one. NMPF encourages the Senate to confirm him without delay, so that he may hit the ground running.”

“Doug has spent a lifetime in service to America’s farmers and rural communities, and we are grateful for his dedication,” said Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. “He has seen firsthand how opening new markets and lowering tariffs on American dairy products have been essential to the success or our farmers, manufacturers and workers. Additional market opportunities await American dairy, as global consumers reach for our high-quality, sustainably produced products when given the chance. As Chief Agricultural Negotiator, he will have the opportunity to help us continue to grow and thrive through exports, which today account for over 17% of domestic milk production.”



NGFA congratulates McKalip on nomination to serve as chief agricultural negotiator  

National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) President and CEO Mike Seyfert congratulated Doug McKalip on his nomination to be chief agricultural negotiator for the office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

McKalip currently serves as senior adviser to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and has been with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 29 years. President Joe Biden announced his nomination earlier today.

“Doug McKalip is eminently qualified to serve as chief agricultural negotiator with decades of experience in public service and deep knowledge in agricultural trade and national security," Seyfert said. "NGFA has worked with him on myriad issues important to U.S. agriculture. He has the experience and expertise to secure greater market access for U.S. products and ensure enforcement of clear and fair rules with our trade partners so the U.S. food and agriculture industry may fairly compete in the global economy. NGFA urges the Senate to approve his nomination expeditiously, as it is critical to ensure the role of chief agricultural negotiator is filled so that U.S. agriculture is fully represented in trade negotiations at the highest level.”

McKalip previously served as a senior adviser at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, senior policy advisor for Rural Affairs at the White House Domestic Policy Council, and director of legislative and public affairs for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.       



Weekly Ethanol Production for 6/3/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending June 3, ethanol production declined 3.0% to 1.039 million b/d, equivalent to 43.64 million gallons daily. Production was 2.6% less than the same week last year but 2.8% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume increased 1.2% to 1.029 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.77 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 2.9% to 23.6 million barrels. Stocks were 18.4% higher than a year ago and 9.1% above the five-year average. Inventories rose across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).
                                                                                                              
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 2.5% to 9.20 million b/d (141.02 bg annualized)—the largest weekly volume this year. Demand was 2.5% higher than a year ago and 1.3% more than the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 2.7% to a five-week low of 898,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.77 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.8% less than a year ago and 0.2% below the five-year average.

There were no imports of ethanol for the third consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of April 2022.)



Most Fertilizer Prices Move Lower for First Time Since November 2020

The streak is broken.  A majority of retail fertilizer prices are lower compared to last month, according to prices tracked by DTN for the last week of May 2022. This is the first time since the third week of November 2020 that most fertilizers are lower.

Six fertilizers' prices were lower compared to last month, but as we have seen in recent weeks, none were down a substantial amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. DAP had an average price of $1,056/ton, MAP $1,079/ton, potash $880/ton, urea $979/ton, 10-34-0 $905/ton and anhydrous $1,529/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. UAN28 had an average price of $633/ton and UAN32 $731/ton (all-time high price).

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $1.06/lb.N, anhydrous $0.93/lb.N, UAN28 $1.13/lb.N and UAN32 $1.14/lb.N.

Most fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in prices than one year earlier. 10-34-0 is 46% more expensive, MAP is 52% higher, DAP is 62% more expensive, UAN28 is 75% higher, UAN32 is 77% more expensive, urea is 87% is higher, potash is 99% higher and anhydrous is 113% more expensive compared to last year.



AFBF's Duvall Talks Shipping Reform and Supply Challenges with President Biden

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall spoke with President Biden today to discuss several challenges farmers and ranchers are facing and the importance of final Congressional action on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to address the backlog at our ports.

“I had a good discussion with President Biden today about several issues, including the importance of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to America’s farmers and ranchers. He wholeheartedly agreed that we must get past the bottleneck at our ports to get America back on the move and that means breaking the logjam on Capitol Hill. The President thanked farmers and ranchers for weighing-in on the need for reform and I assured him that we will continue pressing hard for passage of a final bill now that both Houses of Congress have cleared versions of it with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Ongoing supply chain issues and record-high shipping costs have limited agricultural exports at a time when our trading partners need us more than ever. As I told the President today, estimates suggest we’ve lost out on more than $25 billion in agricultural exports over the past six months due to ocean shipping constraints. That’s unacceptable.

“America’s farmers and ranchers need the House and Senate to work together and get this bill across this finish line and make our ocean transportation system more competitive and efficient so we can continue putting dinner on the table for families in America and overseas.

“We also discussed the uncertainty farmers and ranchers are facing with limited supplies and skyrocketing prices of the fuel and fertilizer needed to grow food. President Biden assured me he knows farmers are hurting and he's interested in learning more. He invited me to bring some folks to the White House so we can roll up our sleeves and work together to address the challenges facing farmers and ranchers.”