Wednesday August 10 Ag News

 Ricketts Hosts Ag and Economic Development Summit

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed 365 leaders to Kearney’s Younes Conference Center for the “Governor’s Summit on Ag and Economic Development,” co-hosted by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development.

“Nebraska is enjoying rapid growth and record-setting employment,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Nebraska agriculture set all-time highs for beef exports, corn production, and soybean production in 2021.  Over the past year, we also achieved our state’s highest manufacturing employment since 2008.   This growth generated State revenues $1.47 billion above forecast last fiscal year, putting our state government in a position of unprecedented financial strength.  Additionally, the historic tax cuts we passed this spring are helping Nebraska’s businesses invest in their people, expand their operations, and grow their communities.  Thank you to the leaders attending this year’s Summit for your ongoing contributions to our state’s success!”

As the state’s premier economic development forum, the annual Summit convenes leaders from across Nebraska to discuss how to grow the Good Life.  This is the second straight year the Summit has had an agricultural focus.           

“Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry.  Continuing to increase and add more value to production from Nebraska agriculture will drive greater growth for our state,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman.  “Today, stakeholders in agriculture and economic development were brought together to identify and discuss topics, trends, and action items needed to strengthen and grow Nebraska agriculture.”

“We’re proud to partner with teammates from multiple state agencies and leaders throughout Nebraska to grow our state,” said Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Anthony L. Goins.  “We all have an important role in helping Nebraska become America’s best state for business.  Coming together annually for the Governor’s Summit coordinates our efforts and enhances our effectiveness.”

The Summit kicked off yesterday evening with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats, where a number of local, business, and agricultural leaders were recognized for their contributions to the state.  Honorees included Diplomats Past-President Tim O’Brien, who was recognized for his organizational leadership, and Gov. Ricketts, who received the Ambassador Plenipotentiary award for his work to promote Nebraska.

Today’s all-day event commenced with welcome remarks from Gov. Ricketts, followed by a full slate of discussion tracks featuring issues central to the state’s growth.  Session topics included developing the state’s workforce, growing opportunities for Nebraska’s exports, managing Nebraska’s water resources, and supporting small business growth.

Over the lunch hour, Gov. Ricketts interviewed Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, for the Summit’s keynote.  Their wide-ranging conversation covered the Assistant Secretary’s upbringing in Nebraska, his experiences as former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, and his insights on developing trade relationships in Asia.



Nebraska Extension provides in-field training in August on corn and soybean production

Nebraska Extension is providing in-field training opportunities during the Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics. Training includes the Aug. 23 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic and the Aug. 24 Midwest Corn Production Clinic.

The clinics offer the following:
    Hands-on, in-field training with CCA credits.
    Learn from the unbiased expertise of university specialists.
    Up-to-date, current, research-based information.
    One-on-one attention, actual on-site plot demonstrations, and beneficial interaction with other participants. The small manageable groups promote interaction between presenters and participants.
    The training sessions consistently receive excellent reviews.
    Held at a site specifically developed for the training at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead (50 minutes from Eppley Airfield-Omaha or 35 minutes from the Lincoln Airport)
    Money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied with the training.

Participants will see a growing season in one place at the training sessions.  They will observe plots with crop growth and development at a range of vegetative/reproductive growth stages. Discount available if attending both soybean and corn sessions.

Aug. 23 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic topics include: cultural practices; insect management in soybeans; soybean plant pathology; soil fertility; IPM for successful weed management in soybean; soybean irrigation management; effects of planting decisions; and cover crops.  Eight total CCA credits have been approved (2-Crop Mgt., 1-Nutr. Mgt., 1 Soil & Water, and 4-Pest Mgt.)

Aug. 24 Midwest Corn Production Clinic topics include: agronomy cultural practices; genetics/production; insect damage in corn; plant pathology; soil fertility; IPM for successful weed management in corn; Irrigation management; effects of planting decisions; and cover crops in corn  Eigh total CCA credits have been approved (2-Crop Mgt., 1-Nutr. Mgt., 1 Soil & Water, and 4-Pest Mgt.)

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. If registering for one clinic, cost is $115 by Aug. 20 and $140 after.  A two-day discount is provided for those registering for both corn and soybean clinics; cost is $170 by Aug. 20 and $220 after.

Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska. Time frames for each clinic are:  Soybean Production Clinic 8:25 a.m. - 5:10 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m. and Corn Production Clinic is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with 7:30 a.m. registration.

Visit enrec.unl.edu/crop for additional information or to register. Or contact Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, 800-529-8030, e-mail cchromy2@unl.edu or fax 402-624-8010.

Nebraska Extension is in the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



Terminating a Verbal Farmland Lease
Allan Vyhnalek, NE Extension Educator

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal — or "handshake" — agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For both year-to-year leases and holdover leases, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. However, the lease date (the date from which the six months is counted) may be different. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease.

Terminating verbal leases
For year-to-year verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake year-to-year lease (legally referred to as a "notice to quit") must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than Sept. 1. This rule applies regardless of the crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2023, and ending Feb. 29, 2024, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be given to (and received by) the tenant no later than Sept. 1, 2022. The lease would then expire Feb. 28, 2023, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease March 1, 2023. If, however, the notice to quit were given (or received) after Sept. 1, 2022, the existing tenant would have the lease until Feb. 29, 2024.

It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™. This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received.
Pasture Lease Terminations

Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season. However, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect.

Importance of Good Communication
Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal or even multi-year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before Sept. 1, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases
In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation. The site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region.



‘Backyard Farmer’ Visits Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Aug. 22

“Backyard Farmer” – a perennial favorite on Nebraska Public Media celebrating its 70th season – is going on the road to record a special program Monday, Aug. 22, at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 12102 S. 180th St., near Gretna.

The public is invited to be part of this free, outdoor event near the Cider Silo with a question-and-answer panel from 5:15-5:45 p.m. and live recording from 6-7 p.m. Vala’s will provide hay rack rides to the “Backyard Farmer” site from 4:45-5:45 p.m.

Host Kim Todd, Nebraska Extension landscape horticulture specialist, and a panel of Nebraska Extension experts will answer lawn and garden questions. Experts include Jody Green, urban entomologist; Dennis Ferraro, wildlife biologist, and herpetologist; Kyle Broderick, plant and pest diagnostics extension educator and Kelly Feehan, extension educator in Platte County.

A program segment with agronomist Vaughn Hammond will feature the growth and management of a variety of produce and flowers on Vala’s property.

In case of inclement weather, the taping will move indoors to the Pie Barn. This program will air on television at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25 on Nebraska Public Media.

The longest-running, locally produced television series in the nation, “Backyard Farmer” airs Thursdays at 7 p.m. through September. It repeats at 10 a.m., on Saturdays on Nebraska Public Media and at 4 p.m. Sundays and 5 p.m. Mondays on Create.

Produced by Nebraska Public Media and Nebraska Extension, Backyard Farmer is supported in part by Campbell’s Nurseries & Garden Centers Inc. and Todd Valley Farms.



ADDING GRASS TO THINNING ALFALFA
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator

Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding?  These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture.

Most alfalfa fields start to lose stand and production potential after cutting hay for several years.  Orchardgrass is the grass most commonly interseeded into alfalfa, but other grasses like endophyte-free tall fescue, smooth or meadow brome, festulolium, and wheatgrasses also can be used.  If the field will be used as pasture, a mixture of several grasses may be best since it adds diversity to your animals' diet.

Whether irrigated or dryland, interseeding after an August hay harvest can be excellent timing.  It may be a little risky this year for dryland fields because several rains will be needed to start the new grass seedlings.  The seeding should be done as sone as that August harvest Is complete. If your alfalfa is relatively thick, you probably will need to take another cutting in about four weeks, or as soon as the alfalfa starts to form a full canopy.  This allows sunlight to continue to reach new grass seedlings below the alfalfa.

The seeding rate of the grasses will vary depending on the species that is used and how thick the existing alfalfa is.  With orchardgrass for example, as little as 3 lb/acre might be adequate in a relatively thick alfalfa stand or up to 6 lb/acre in a very thin alfalfa stand.

Next spring you will need to judge how well established the new grasses have become.  If they seem a little weak, cut hay early to open the canopy for better light penetration.   



ACE Elects Board of Directors During Annual Business Meeting

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announced the re-election of several board members and the election of two new members to the organization’s board of directors during its annual business meeting prior to ACE’s 35th annual conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Re-elected to the board of directors for three-year terms:
    Redfield Energy, LLC – Represented by Troy Knecht
    KAAPA Ethanol, LLC – Represented by Scott McPheeters
    Absolute Energy, LLC – Represented by Rick Schwarck
    Golden Grain Energy, LLC– Represented by Dave Sovereign
    East River Electric Power Cooperative – Represented by Chris Studer

Randy Gard, representing Bosselman Enterprises Corporation, owner of the Nebraska-based Pump & Pantry convenience store chain, was elected as a new member to the board of directors for a three-year term.

“ACE was the first organization we contacted as we started on our quest to become Nebraska’s largest blender of renewable fuels,” Gard said. “As a retailer and wholesaler, ACE’s mix of leadership, information, talent and overall support has helped us make huge strides toward our goals. I am honored to be selected for the board and look forward to adding as much value as I can.”

Wayne Garrett, General Manager with Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc., was newly elected to represent the company on the board of directors for a three-year term. He fills the seat of Duane Kristensen who retired from Chief Ethanol in 2021.

“ACE is a true showcase of what it means to build mutually beneficial partnerships throughout the ethanol industry that brings value to our farmers, suppliers, and end consumers,” Garrett said. “The outcomes that ACE provides to the ethanol industry are paramount for the industry to continue to progress. I look forward to immersing myself into the ACE board and being an active participant in moving the mission forward.”



Iowa Beef Center to Host Fencing and Grazing Clinics

Continued land competition, higher feed costs and drought-stressed forages are signaling Iowa cattlemen that it’s time to improve and fine-tune their grazing programs. The Iowa Beef Center’s Fencing and Grazing Clinic has expanded to three Iowa locations this year to help meet that need with information and hands-on experience. Event partners are Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms.

Beth Reynolds, extension program specialist with the Iowa Beef Industry Center and ISU Extension and Outreach, and Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, are planning the daylong events, two of which will be held at Iowa State research farms. All run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include the noon meal.

Lundy-Woolfolk said attendees will learn tips and tricks for enhancing their grazing programs.

“In the morning, our hands-on learning includes a permanent and temporary fencing demonstration led by Gallagher, and a group activity on designing paddocks within your pasture, led by NRCS,” she said. “We’ve also planned classroom sessions on grazing leases and contracts, water quality and building a grazing calendar.”

Topics and confirmed speakers are:
    New Tools in Fencing – Brad Cochran, Gallagher.
    Building your Paddocks – Jeff Matthias, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
    Grazing Leases and Contracts – Kitt Tovar Jensen, Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation.
    Planning a Grazing Calendar – Beth Reynolds and Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Water Quality: Testing, Interpreting, and Impact on Performance.
    Optional farm tour.

Preregistration is required to attend and requested two days prior to the session you wish to attend.
-    Sept. 7, Wallace Learning Center, Armstrong Research Farm, 53020 Hitchcock Ave, Lewis.
-    Sept. 12, McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Ave, Chariton.
-    Sept. 14, Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, 2508 Mortensen Road, Ames.
To register, contact Reynolds at bethr@iastate.edu or 307-761-3353, or Lundy-Woolfolk, ellundy@iastate.edu or 641-745-5902, and note which location you will attend.

There is no cost to attend, thanks to sponsors: Gallagher, Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, Theisen’s, Millborn Seeds, Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program, Practical Farmers of Iowa and Dairyland Laboratories Inc.



Lt. Kernel Travels to the Governor’s Charity Steer Show

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) is proud to sponsor Lt. Kernel, the corn-fed steer, at this year’s 40th Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. This year’s steer will be accompanied by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board® (ICPB) President Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a corn and pork producer from O'Brien County, and Kourtney Dekker, daughter of Kirk and Tina Dekker and Senior at Sheldon Community High School.

"I am most excited to see people from across Iowa come together to raise money for the families in need at the Ronald McDonald House. I know this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am so grateful for this opportunity!" said Dekker. As an eight-year member of the Western Workers 4-H Club and an active member of the Sheldon FFA Chapter, she has seen the value raising livestock can have.

“Iowa Corn is excited to provide this opportunity for Kourtney while promoting and supporting our livestock customers,” shared Nieuwenhuis.

LT. Kernel will be sold at auction concluding the show. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association has a goal of raising $400,000 for the 40th anniversary of the show, and beating last year’s record of over $375,000. All proceeds of the show go directly to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa and the families in need at the facility. To donate on behalf of Kourtney and Iowa Corn visit https://donorbox.org/gcss2022 and mention Kourtney in the notes.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/5/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 5, ethanol production eased by 2.0% to 1.022 million b/d, equivalent to 42.92 million gallons daily. Production was 3.7% more than the same week last year and 0.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume increased 0.4% to 1.030 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.79 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks dipped 0.6% to 23.3 million barrels. However, stocks were 4.4% higher than a year ago and 5.0% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded by 6.8% to 9.12 million b/d (139.86 bg annualized). Demand was 3.3% less than a year ago and 3.5% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked up 0.1% to a 10-week high of 909,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.93 bg annualized. Still, net inputs were 2.3% less than a year ago and the five-year average.

Imports of ethanol arriving into the West Coast were 36,000 b/d, or 10.58 million gallons for the week. This marks the first imports in twelve weeks and only the third week this year that ethanol was imported. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of June 2022.)



Urea, Anhydrous Lead Fertilizers Lower

Retail fertilizer prices continue to push lower, according to locations tracked by DTN for the first week of August 2022.

For the first time during the current price shift lower, all eight major fertilizers are lower in price compared to last month, and multiple fertilizers are down a substantial amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Urea was 6% lower compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $812/ton. Anhydrous was down 5% from last month and had an average price of $1,387/ton.

The remaining six fertilizers were slightly lower. DAP had an average price of $1,003/ton, MAP $1,036/ton, potash $883/ton, 10-34-0 $892/ton, UAN28 $592/ton and UAN32 $679/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.88/lb.N, anhydrous $0.85/lb.N, UAN28 $1.06/lb.N and UAN32 $1.06/lb.N.

Despite lower prices in recent months, all fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in price than one year earlier. MAP is 37% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 41% higher, DAP is 44% more expensive, urea is 46% higher, potash is 59% more expensive, UAN28 is 61% higher, UAN32 is 62% more expensive and anhydrous is 88% higher compared to last year.



CHS Foundation to award $75,000 in grants to teachers for agriculture projects

For 75 years, the CHS Foundation has helped develop the next generation of ag leaders for lifelong success. In honor of this milestone, the foundation is awarding $75,000 in grants for K-12 teachers to implement a project at their school that will engage students in experiential agricultural education.

"Throughout the years, it's the people who have transformed our contributions into life-changing impact for young leaders in agriculture, and teachers have played a major role," says Nanci Lilja, president of the CHS Foundation. "We are proud of the teachers who put many of these contributions to work, and we're thrilled that these grants will continue to support their efforts."

Funds will be awarded for projects that have a strong tie to agriculture and clearly demonstrate how they will engage students in agricultural topics. Teachers are encouraged to dream big, but ideas include implementing a new ag class or pathway or purchasing agriculture equipment for hands-on learning.

Written and video submissions will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2022. First place will be awarded $20,000, second place will receive $15,000 and third place will receive $10,000. An additional 12 finalists will be selected and each receive $2,500. The top three teacher finalists will travel all expenses paid to the CHS Annual Meeting, held in Minneapolis from Dec. 1-2, 2022, to present their idea to a live audience. First, second and third place winners will be decided during live voting by the annual meeting's attendees.

Additional details:
    The initiative is open to any K-12 educators in a CHS trade territory (Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
    Applications must be submitted by a teacher, and applicants must have school administration approval for the project.

"Over the span of 75 years, the CHS Foundation has contributed nearly $84 million to help build a strong agriculture talent pipeline for the future," says Lilja. "The last 75 years of giving would be nothing without strong educators and students involved in agriculture, and together the next 75 years will be just as bright."

For more information about the program, visit https://www.chsfoundation.org/teacher-grants.



PIZZA HUT PARTNERS WITH DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA ON INNOVATIVE FARM-LEVEL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT THROUGH 2024

Pizza Hut, known for cheese-centric innovations, and its parent company Yum! Brands are partnering with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a farmer-owned cooperative with more than 11,500 farm families, and dairy suppliers to provide participating farmers with the technology and data needed to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Pizza Hut has begun working alongside DFA and dairy suppliers to enroll interested dairy farm families within their supply chain in the joint dairy project, where they’ll participate in annual farm-level greenhouse gas and energy foot-printing through the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management and Environmental Stewardship (FARM ES) evaluation over a three-year period. By 2025, the end of the three-year period, Pizza Hut aims to source 50% of the dairy used to make its pizza cheese from dairy farms enrolled in the FARM ES program.

Once enrolled, farms will receive a SCiO cup, the world’s fastest lab-grade dry matter analyzer, allowing farmers to access instant dry matter analysis of their cows’ feed, helping deliver precise nutrition and – in turn – produce milk more efficiently, create less waste and reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions. The farms will also be eligible to apply for funds to implement sustainability projects while continuing to actively recruit DFA members throughout the partnership. In addition to using SCiO cups, farmers participating in the program will have the chance to adopt other practices and technologies such as feed management enhancements and energy-efficient lighting.

“Pizza Hut has a long history of implementing industry-leading innovation,” said Penny Shaheen, Head of Food Innovation and Technology at Pizza Hut. “With this sustainability initiative, we’re able to utilize technology along with our dairy partners in a way that helps the environment while still delivering the iconic taste that pizza lovers have come to expect from our offerings.”

Since Pizza Hut’s inception in 1958, it has worked with the same family-owned business to supply 100% real cheese made with whole milk to top its pizza and that commitment to the highest-quality cheese will remain unchanged. With this announcement, Pizza Hut will leverage its national scale by partnering with DFA and dairy suppliers to help make its supply chain more environmentally friendly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“In 2020, Dairy Farmers of America became the first U.S. dairy cooperative to set a science-based target to reduce both direct and value chain greenhouse gas emissions, and this partnership with Pizza Hut and Dairy Farmers of America is an important piece in those continued efforts,” said Hansel New, director of sustainability programs at DFA. “We appreciate partners supporting our dairy farm families by investing in meaningful, innovative technologies and practices that advance environmental stewardship, while reducing farm-level greenhouse gas emissions.”

The project is also part of a broader strategy that will help all parties reach additional long-term sustainability goals:
    Yum! and Pizza Hut: decrease GHG emissions 46% by 2030 with a focus on restaurants and supply chain and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
    Dairy Farmers of America: 30% GHG emissions reduction across supply chain by 2030. DFA is also part of an industry-wide collaboration through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to be greenhouse neutral or better by 2050.

This farm-level project builds on existing industry collaborations and partnerships. Since 2019, Yum! Brands has been a member of the Innovation Center’s Dairy Sustainability Alliance®, a multi-stakeholder group consisting of companies and organizations from across the dairy community and others who want to contribute to dairy’s social responsibility journey. DFA is also an active member, having joined in 2010.  

“We are proud to work with Dairy Farmers of America in this innovative project,” said Jon Hixson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Yum! Brands. “U.S. dairy producers have set leading aspirations in sustainability and we are excited to partner with them in support of practices that improve the sustainability of the dairy supply chain.”

For more information on Yum!, Pizza Hut, and Dairy Farmers of America, visit yum.com, pizzahut.com, and dfamilk.com respectively.



College Students Encouraged to Apply for Convention Internship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is offering college students a unique behind-the-scenes experience through its annual convention internship program. The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the largest annual meeting of the U.S. beef cattle industry, will take place Feb. 1-3, 2023, in New Orleans.

Up to 18 interns will be selected and will be responsible for setting up the demonstration arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College, participating in the NCBA booth, and posting on social media. NCBA will strive to provide students time to maximize industry networking.

Student interns must be able to work Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2023, provide their own transportation to New Orleans, and be at least a junior-level college student at an accredited university at the time of the event. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, preferably have a background in, or working knowledge of, the cattle and/or beef industry, and have experience with social media.

This one-of-a-kind opportunity offers college students the ability to network with industry stakeholders throughout the beef industry and gain valuable experience. Interns also receive a one-year NCBA student membership.

Interested students must complete an online Student Internship Application and submit college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume. The application deadline is Oct. 21, 2022. For more information, contact Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org.



PRODUCER OWNED BEEF LAUNCHES WITH STATE OF TEXAS FUNDING

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced today that the State of Texas, through the Texas Enterprise Fund, intends to support the creation of Producer Owned Beef's state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Amarillo –– the only such facility in the nation to be owned by cattle producers and operated by beef processing industry veterans. Abbott's office presented the award at a launch event in Amarillo today with the support of Texas Economic Development Fund representatives, Amarillo Mayor, Ginger Nelson and Amarillo Economic Development Corporation CEO, Kevin Carter.

The Governor's Enterprise Fund $12.232 million announcement complements the Amarillo City Council's unanimous decision to authorize Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) incentives for Producer Owned Beef, LLC to build its new headquarters in Amarillo. Along with infrastructure improvements, the AEDC and City of Amarillo approved incentives of up to $11.1 million to establish the state-of-the-art facility –– a $670 million capital investment. The facility, designed to process 3,000-plus head of cattle per day, aims to employ nearly 1,600 people from the High Plains region.

"The importance of Texas Enterprise Fund along with Amarillo EDC backing for this project cannot be overstated" said Casey Cameron, CEO of Producer Owned Beef. "Public-Private Partnerships are proven to attract additional investors and create a virtuous cycle of commerce, employment and tax revenue for our communities and state. Our commitment is to build and operate a beef processing facility that stands out from the rest of the industry in animal well-being, environmental protections, team member safety and ergonomics, and the highest quality beef products."

Both Enterprise Fund and AEDC investments are performance-based having been designed for companies whose projects involve significant capital investment and the creation of jobs in Texas.
Producer Owned Beef Independent Model

Producer Owned Beef's innovative business model restores balance in the beef industry by reversing compensation disparities cattle producers currently face. As owners of the company, producers will receive a percentage of wholesale beef prices for the cattle they supply and a share of the profits from the plant.

"Many of our ranchers and feeders are third-, fourth- or even fifth-generation producers who have invested their lives in feeding Americans," said Monte Cluck, a Producer Owned Beef Board Member. "With this model, where producers are also owners, we're creating economic sustainability for small and medium-sized producers by ensuring they receive a greater share of the financial upside for the hard work they do."

Producer Owned Beef Facility Numbers
    $670 million state-of-the-art processing facility
    3,000-plus head per day processing capacity
    Expected employment of up to 1,600 at full capacity
    Expected payroll: $121 million annually
    Expected groundbreaking: Q1 2023
    Expected operating date: Q4 2025
    Locations: 1,108 acres on Jack Rabbit Road (Spur 228) between I-40 and Hwy 287

Economic Impact Report
    Please find Producer Owned Beef's economic impact study created by the Perryman Group at the company's website: www.producerownedbeef.com.



USDA Invests Nearly $8M to Improve Dietary Health and Nutrition Security

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of nearly $8 million to support the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) Produce Prescription Program. The funding is part of USDA’s American Rescue Plan efforts and will be administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

GusNIP Produce Prescription projects provide financial and non-financial incentives to income-eligible individuals and families to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to improve dietary health through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

By bringing together stakeholders from various parts of the food and health care systems, GusNIP projects foster understanding to improve the health and nutritional status of participating households and use data to identify and improve best practices on a broad scale.

“USDA continues to make strides in transforming our Nation’s food system,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and USDA Chief Scientist. “Through this investment, USDA is making more nutritious food available to more people at more affordable prices. The GusNIP Produce Prescription program demonstrates the invaluable impact that access to fresh fruits and vegetables has on communities in need.”

The awards announced today fund GusNIP Produce Prescription meritorious applications from fiscal year 2021 that were highly ranked but could not be funded at the time due to budget constraints. Seventeen projects are being funded.

NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education and Extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. In FY 2021, NIFA’s total investment was $1.96 billion. Visit NIFA’s website for more information.