Wednesday October 26 Ag News

 FEEDLOT INNOVATION CENTER GROUNDBREAKING EVENT IS NOV. 4

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will officially mark construction of the Feedlot Innovation Center at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead during a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 4.

In concurrence with the groundbreaking, Greater Omaha Packing Co., a supplier of premium beef, has announced a $700,000 pledged gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the construction of the state-of-the-art facility. In recognition of its philanthropic support, the university will name the new center’s animal handling and instructional classroom building for the company. The naming is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

The center will provide new capacity to develop and evaluate emerging technology used in managing animals in feedlot settings. Featuring the latest innovations, a commercial-scale feedlot and an animal handling facility will be used in teaching, research and extension efforts by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The project was approved by the Board of Regents on June 23. With an estimated cost of $7.5 million, it is being funded through a combination of private giving, grants and IANR program funds.

Henry Davis, CEO of Greater Omaha Packing Co., said its support of the Feedlot Innovation Center symbolizes the company’s 100-plus-year commitment to the continuous improvement of the American cattle industry and the communities in which it operates. It also reflects the long-standing relationship between Greater Omaha Packing and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

“We all have a stake in the long-term success of the beef industry,” Davis said. “In partnership with the University of Nebraska and other contributors, Greater Omaha Packing is confident that our support of the Feedlot Innovation Center will lead to groundbreaking research, technology and insights that will help advance the industry, strengthen and expand the entire supply chain and ultimately drive value back to family farms.”

Mike Boehm, Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR and University of Nebraska vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said the center will offer many opportunities for collaboration.

“The Feedlot Innovation Center presents an incredible opportunity to bring together industry partners, cattle producers, and UNL researchers and students to advance sustainable beef production,” Boehm said. “IANR has a long-standing and productive partnership with Greater Omaha Packing, and we are thrilled with their support of this project and that of others and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Fundraising is ongoing for the project. Other lead contributors who have announced gifts for the center include John and Beth Klosterman, JBS USA and Farm Credit Services of America. For information about supporting the center, contact Marcia White at the University of Nebraska Foundation at 402-458-1249 or give online at https://nufoundation.org/fund/01154350.

Pending approval by the NU Board of Regents, the center will be named the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center in recognition of the Klostermans, who are longtime supporters of the university and its ag programs.

The center will include a complex with cattle comfort and research buildings, a feed technology facility, innovative open lots and an animal handling facility that contains instructional classrooms. It will create real-world facilities to test new precision technology, solve environmental challenges facing the feeding industry, and improve cattle performance and welfare while comparing different environments and housing systems. The project will also allow for innovation in manure collection and management that will innovate both new and possible modifications for existing operations.

The center will allow students to gain hands-on experiences while being exposed to the newest research and technology and is a key component of the university’s Beef Innovation hub, which aims to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement of beef production, economic vitality and natural resources stewardship through innovative research, education and extension.

IANR strives to innovate new ways to produce food, fuel, feed and fiber for a growing world in a way that promotes resilience of natural resources and a high quality of life for people engaged in agriculture.



NC - Cuming Co Feeders Host Meeting Nov 2 in West Point

The Nebraska Cattlemen Market Reporting Service would like to extend you an invitation to a Market Outlook meeting on Wednesday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Please join other area cattle feeders and us for a night of food, fellowship, and information. Jeff Stolle, Nebraska Cattlemen Vice President of Marketing will present a market outlook as well provide information on our Market Reporting Service. This meeting will also include a Nebraska Cattlemen update.

When: Wednesday, November 2 - Social at 6:30 p.m. - Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Nielsen Community Center (200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point)
Why: Market Update by Jeff Stolle, Nebraska Cattlemen VP of Marketing

RSVP to Bonita (402) 450-0223 (voice or text) blederer@necattlemen.org.  



Research Backs Lean Beef as a Heart Healthy Option at NCVPRN Conference
 
The Nebraska Beef Council recently participated in the Nebraska Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network’s (NCVPRN) annual conference.  2022 marked the 40th anniversary of NCVPRN and the Nebraska Chapter was recognized as the program of the year by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.  At the conference, NBC hosted a lecture session featuring Registered Dietitian Megan Hovendick of Ogallala combined with outreach by Director of Nutrition and Education, Mitch Rippe.

Hovendick gave a presentation titled, “From the Clinic to the Kitchen: Practical Applications of Heart Health.” She gave a history of clinical research and how it has influenced nutrition recommendations from the 1940s to today. Hovendick says she focused on what consumers should be eating to have a heart healthy diet, instead of what to stay away from as she said people often do.

“When we are incorporating all the things we need, naturally our diets start to work away from all the items that we don’t need,” said Hovendick.

Rippe’s part of the presentation focused on lean beef’s impact as a positive food for heart health, and how it can be used as a source of protein as part of a heart healthy lifestyle.
“Understandably a lot of people fall short in fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption, but we enjoy and eat beef in Nebraska,” said Rippe. “We can now utilize lean beef as a vehicle in a heart healthy diet with the right portion sizes, eating 3 to 6 ounces of lean beef.”

Both Hovendick and Rippe said the audience of healthcare professionals were actively engaged in the conversation and found a lot of benefit in how they could apply this information both professionally and personally.

“As healthcare professionals, it’s our job to care for others but we can’t forget to take care of ourselves!” said Hovendick. “On a professional level, I hope that this presentation may change how they talk about nutrition with their patients with a more positive spin. It should be an exciting and interesting conversation.”

Over 100 nurses from across Nebraska attended the conference. Rippe says the Nebraska Beef Council has an established and positive working relationship with NCVPRN.



NCTA-UNK launch 2+2 pathway

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis and the University of Nebraska at Kearney are partnering to expand statewide career opportunities for agribusiness students and professionals.

The NCTA-UNK 2+2 Agribusiness / Business Pathway is set to launch next fall.

The Pathway will make it easier for students who start their agribusiness education at NCTA in Curtis to then earn a bachelor’s degree online or at the university campus in Kearney, NCTA Dean Larry Gossen said this week.

“We are seeing more of our Aggie students who want to earn a 4-year degree in agribusiness, particularly while they are working in their new careers,” Gossen said. “This new NCTA-UNK Pathway is an ideal opportunity for our NCTA graduates to earn a living here in rural Nebraska and take classes through UNK at the same time.”

The first two years (60 credit hours) are taken at NCTA, which offers an Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Science degree in Agribusiness Management Systems, said Professor Mary Rittenhouse, agribusiness academic lead.

Students can follow a semester-by-semester course plan or take classes at a pace that better fits their schedule.

Through UNK, pathway options for the bachelor’s degree in Business Administration are accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain management, or a minor in marketing/management.

It is not uncommon for college students to revise their college plans as they make decisions for life choices and career goals, said Rittenhouse.

“How do we figure out what we want to do?” asks Bree Dority, associate dean of the UNK College of Business and Technology. “We try things, and as we invest in ourselves we often realize we need more knowledge and understanding. Start with your associate degree but know there are options to seamless transition to UNK and earn your business degree.”

A Nebraska education, flexibility and increased career opportunities were foremost as the NCTA-UNK discussions began several years ago.

Faculty discussions rapidly progressed during the summer. Rittenhouse and Dority finalized the pathway with administrators in October.

NCTA agribusiness graduates are in high demand by employers throughout the state, particularly regionally by agricultural cooperatives, banks, sales, farm and ranch production enterprises, and livestock companies.

“Students are comfortable at our small, rural campus in Curtis. They look forward to their careers and making a living that meshes with their life choices, their interests and perhaps continuing to live in a rural atmosphere,” Rittenhouse said.

“If they decide to pursue a four-year degree they have an excellent opportunity nearby, at Kearney,” she added. “The program is ideal for geographic location, size of campus, and excellent academic opportunities.”

Dean Gossen said more pathway partnerships may be in store between NCTA and UNK.

“It’s a win-win, overall,” said Gossen. “The transition is seamless, and the student can remain in a familiar environment, within the University of Nebraska system.”

For more information on the agribusiness / business pathway program, contact NCTA Agribusiness Professor Mary Rittenhouse at mrittenhouse2@unl.edu or 308-367-5275 or Bree Dority, associate dean of UNK College of Business and Technology, at doritybl@unl.edu or 308-865-8343.



Lindsay Corporation to Ring NYSE Closing Bell Oct. 27

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, will ring the Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday, Oct. 27, commemorating the company's 25th anniversary of being listed on the exchange. Lindsay President & CEO Randy Wood will ring the Closing Bell, accompanied by members of Lindsay's leadership and board of directors.

"We are proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary of being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We thank our shareholders and investors for their continued support," said Wood. "Today and moving forward, we're focused on providing innovative solutions that conserve natural resources, expand our world's potential and improve the quality of life for people around the world."

A live feed of the NYSE Closing Bell (3:59 p.m. ET) can be found at https://www.nyse.com/bell.



Deputy Secretary Bronaugh To Lead East Africa Agribusiness Trade Mission

Representatives from 32 agribusiness and farm organizations will join Deputy Agriculture Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh for an agribusiness trade mission to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4.

“I am excited to lead this delegation to foster stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the United States and Kenya and Tanzania as both of these countries present a growing opportunity for U.S. agricultural exports,” Bronaugh said. “This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about U.S. agricultural and food products in the region.”

Both Nairobi, Kenya and Zanzibar, Tanzania, serve as strategic ports in East Africa, attracting many U.S. exporters and investors. Last year, the United States exported more than $60 million worth of agriculture, fish, and forestry products to Kenya, and $6.9 million worth of agricultural products to Tanzania.

During the week-long trade mission, U.S. participants will meet with potential importers, processors, and distributors from Kenya and Tanzania, as well as other East African nations, to establish trade relationships and expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports. In addition, U.S. federal and state officials will engage with government counterparts on trade-related policies that will advance U.S. interests and strengthen bilateral relations in the region.

Officials from the Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oregon, and Nebraska agriculture departments, as well as representatives from the following companies will join Deputy Secretary Bronaugh on this trade mission:
    805 Wines, Paso Robles, Calif.
    Ag World International Corp., Bloomington, Ill.
    Arkansas River Rice, Pine Bluff, Ark.
    Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, Calif.
    Exim Promotion, Inc., Dover, Del.
    Food Export Association – Northeast and Midwest, Chicago, Ill.
    Global Export Marketing Co. (Gemco), New York, N.Y.
    Health Enhanced Foods, Inc., Rockaway, NJ.
    Intertribal Agriculture Council, Billings, Mont.
    Jacaranda Bloom LLC, Hampton, Ga.
    JM Grain, Garrison, N.D.
    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Arlington, Va.
    Nebraska Corn Board, Lincoln, Neb.
    Raw Human LLC, Sacramento, Calif.
    Red Lake Nation Foods, Billings, Mont.
    SUSTA, New Orleans, La.
    URUS, Madison, Wis.
    United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Lubbock, Texas
    U.S. Grains Council, Washington, D.C.
    U.S. International Foods LLC, St. Louis, Mo.
    U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., Mount Horeb, Wis.
    U.S. Meat Export Federation, Denver, Colo.
    U.S. Soybean Export Council, Chesterfield, Mo.
    World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program, Washington, D.C.
    WUSATA, Vancouver, Wash.
    Yellowstone River Beef, Williston, N.D.
    Zafi Beverages, Bensenville, Ill.

For additional information about the East Africa trade mission visit: fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/kenya-october-2022.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/21/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 21, ethanol production expanded 1.7% to 1.033 million b/d, equivalent to 43.39 million gallons daily and the largest weekly output since July. However, production was 6.6% less than the same week last year and even with the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume lifted 4.8% to 967,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.82 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks climbed 2.0% to 22.3 million barrels. Stocks were 11.9% higher than a year ago and 6.3% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 2.9% to 8.93 million b/d (136.90 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.2% less than a year ago and 3.7% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.8% to 915,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.03 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.2% higher than a year ago as well as the five-year average.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded after 28,000 b/d hit the books the prior week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of August 2022.)



RFD-TV Cattlemen to Cattlemen Episode Focuses on the Importance of Beef and Corn Exports

Viewers of Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV will get a firsthand look at the value of corn and beef exports at the Port of New Orleans. The episode will re-air on Tuesday, November 1 at 7:30 PM CT. National Corn Growers Association's (NCGA) Market Development Action Team (MDAT) funded this initiative. In 2021, beef and pork exports accounted for 537 million bushels of corn usage.

“The U.S. is the world’s leading exporter of corn and when you pair that with the success of exports of the beef industry, it is an important demand driver for corn farmers,” said National Corn Growers Association President and Minnesota farmer Tom Haag. “Being at the Port of New Orleans for this episode was a great backdrop because of the amount of agricultural goods and product that goes out of this port.”

Panel participants include Tom Haag, NCGA President and Minnesota farmer; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President and Minnesota farmer Don Schiefelbein; NCGA Market Development Action Team Chair and Colorado corn and beef producer Troy Schneider; and Kyla Hamilton, a Texas corn and beef producer who also serves on MDAT. Special interview segments are also a part of the show this year, with Janine Mansour who is head of business development for the Port of New Orleans and Dean Meyer, Chair-Elect of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen is a television show for cattlemen created by cattlemen. Colorado cattle producer Kevin Ochsner hosts the show.



Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $2.2M from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program for Nebraska, Iowa School Districts

Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced the fiscal year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding nearly $2.2 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to six school districts in Nebraska. The grants will help school districts purchase six clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders and community members in Seattle, Washington, later today to make the announcement and highlight how it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating our nation’s transition to electric and low-emission school buses while ensuring a brighter, healthier future for our children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “As many as 25 million children rely on the bus to get to school each day. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, we are making an unprecedented investment in our children’s health, especially those in communities overburdened by air pollution. This is just the beginning of our work to build a healthier future, reduce climate pollution, and ensure the clean, breathable air that all our children deserve.”

“The announcement of nearly $2.2 million for Nebraska school districts to purchase six clean school buses could not come at a better time,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “As EPA wraps up Children’s Health Month, this investment in electric school buses represents the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to the health of our children and to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases in our communities.”

Nebraska school districts receiving clean school bus funding through today’s announcement include:
    Hay Springs Public Schools – One school bus for $305,000
    Hershey Public Schools – One school bus for $395,000
    McCool Junction Public Schools – One school bus for $395,000
    Raymond Central Public Schools – One school bus for $395,000
    Southern School District 1 – One school bus for $395,000
    Summerland Public Schools – One school bus for $395,000

Iowa school districts receiving clean school bus funding through today’s announcement include:
    Albert City-Truesdale Community School District – One school bus for $395,000
    Andrew Community School District – Two school buses for $790,000
    BCLUW Community School District – Two school buses for $790,000
    IKM-Manning Community School District – One school bus for $395,000
    Central Lee Community School District – Two school buses for $790,000
    Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District – One school bus for $395,000
    Delwood Community School District – Two school buses for $790,000
    Easton Valley Community School District – Three school buses for $1,185,000
    Logan-Magnolia Community School District – Five school buses for $1,975,000
    North Iowa Community School District – Two school buses for $60,000
    Sidney Community School District – Three school buses for $1,185,000
    Twin Cedars Community School District – Four school buses for $1,580,000
    West Sioux Community School District – Two school buses for $790,000

In May, EPA announced the availability of $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program. Given overwhelming demand from school districts across the country, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded to $965 million. The rebate application period closed in August with an outstanding response from school districts seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses across the country.

At this time, the agency has selected 389 applications totaling $913 million to support the purchase of 2,463 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states, Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks.

Those school districts who received an award can now proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.

These awards are the first $1 billion of a five-year, $5 billion program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA is also designing the next rounds of program funding to launch in the coming months, which will include an ambitious grant competition. Through future rounds of funding, EPA will make available another $1 billion for clean school buses in Fiscal Year 2023. EPA encourages school districts not selected in the first round of rebates – and those that did not apply this funding cycle – to participate in future rounds.

About the Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will also save school districts money as they upgrade school bus fleets, replacing older, heavily polluting buses with brand new clean school buses, while freeing up needed resources for schools.

The 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates prioritize low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. The vast majority of applicants met the priority definition under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates criteria, resulting in access to more funds for buses and electric vehicle infrastructure for schools in areas that need them the most. The program also delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and  overburdened by pollution.



USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.  

“USDA recognizes more must be done to ensure all customers have equal access to our programs and services,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Loan Assistance Tool is another example of USDA taking accountability and ensuring we update our existing systems, processes, and policies to make them equitable for all customers. The tool will help loan applicants better understand the application process and gather the needed documents before the process even begins.”  

USDA experiences a high rate of incomplete or withdrawn applications, particularly among underserved customers, due in part to a challenging and lengthy paper-based application process. The Loan Assistance Tool is available 24/7 and gives customers an online step-by-step guide that supplements the support they receive when working in person with a USDA employee, providing materials that may help an applicant prepare their loan application in one tool.

Farmers can access the Loan Assistance Tool by visiting farmers.gov/farm-loan-assistance-tool  and clicking the ‘Get Started’ button. From here they can follow the prompts to complete the Eligibility Self-Assessment and start the farm loan journey. The tool is built to run on any modern browser like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or the Safari browser, and is fully functional on mobile devices. It does not work in Internet Explorer. 

The Loan Assistance Tool is the first of multiple farm loan process improvements that will be available to USDA customers on farmers.gov in the future. Other improvements and tools that are anticipated to launch in 2023 include:
    A streamlined and simplified direct loan application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
    An interactive online direct loan application that gives customers a paperless and electronic signature option, along with the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns.  
    An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.

Background
USDA provides access to credit to approximately 115,000 producers who cannot obtain sufficient commercial credit through direct and guaranteed farm loans. With the funds and direction Congress provided in Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA is taking action to immediately provide relief to qualifying distressed borrowers whose operations are at financial risk while working on making transformational changes to loan servicing so that borrowers are provided the flexibility and opportunities needed to address the inherent risks and unpredictability associated with agricultural operations.