Wednesday October 5 Ag News

Fuel Retailers and Consumers Fuel Up for Cancer Research

Everyone is at risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, known as aromatics, used for octane in gasoline. These carcinogens make up 25% of a gallon of gas. Drivers face exposure at the pump, from vehicle exhaust, and when aromatics are released as greenhouse gases. Ethanol is a natural, plant-based octane booster used to displace some of these chemicals that have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies these chemicals as toxic air pollutants known to cause health issues. According to the EPA, ethanol’s high-octane value allows oil refiners to reduce aromatic content by at least 5%. That percentage would significantly improve with the use of higher blends of ethanol, like E15 and E30.
 
Throughout October, Fuel the Cure educates Nebraskans about healthier fuel options while supporting cancer research and services. Here’s how to get involved:
 
At the Pump
Raise money for breast cancer research by filling up with higher blends of ethanol – E15 to flex fuel E85 – at participating locations. Nearly 50 Nebraska gas stations will donate 3 cents for every gallon of higher ethanol blends sold between Oct. 1­‑31 to support cancer research and services at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. Since 2018, Nebraska’s Fuel the Cure campaigns have raised nearly $30,000 for cancer research. Find a list of participants at www.fueledbynebraska.com/pink. Drivers will be able to identify which retailers are supporting this important cause by looking for pink signage at the pump, on the windows and at the counter.

Participating Locations include:
Stop N Go - 605 North Robinson, Hartington, NE 68739 - E15
Oakland Express - 909 Hwy 32, Oakland, NE 68045 - E15, E85
Anderson Convenience Market - 2630 South 140th Street, Omaha, NE 68144 - E85
Osmond Mini Mart - 202 East Highway 20, Osmond, NE 68765 - E15, E30, E85
Tom’s Service - 332 East Main, Pierce, NE 68767 - E15, E30, E85
Pilger Pride - 405 West 1st Street, Pilger, NE 68768 - E30, E85
Cardinal Express - 518 W Broadway, Randolph, NE 68771 - E15, E85
Pony Express - 1501 Stable Drive, South Sioux City, NE 68776 - E15, E85
Pony Express - 137 Highway 77, Winnebago, NE 68071 - E15, E20, E30, E85

In the Community
Fuel the Cure is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society for its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Oct. 16 at Holmes Lake Park. As a platinum sponsor, Fuel the Cure will have a booth to educate cancer survivors, thrivers, friends, and family about healthier fuel options. Fuel the Cure will also participate in the walk. Join our team! Already attending? Be sure to stop by the sponsor booth for giveaways, coupons, and drawings for ethanol gift cards. The American Cancer Society is fighting cancer in many ways. From funding breakthrough research for new cures, treatments, and ways to prevent cancer, to providing patient programs and services, to advocating for policy change.

Cancer treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all
“Cancer touches the lives of nearly everyone in some way,” said Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, director and physician-in-chief at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “We appreciate that Nebraska fuel retailers are joining forces to empower drivers to support cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which provides lifesaving care to people throughout our state. Through generous contributions, such as the Fuel the Cure campaign, we are able to fund researchers working on new treatments each and every day.”

Jenn Klein of Lincoln was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. Her cancer cells were growing and dividing very rapidly - at a rate of about 80%. Lifesaving treatment was needed right away. She completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy, received multiple blood and platelets transfusions, underwent a four-hour procedure that included a port removal, sentinel node biopsy, double mastectomy, and immediate one-step reconstruction, and endured 33 sessions of radiation. By the end of 2015, Klein was finally cancer free. If it wasn't for a chemotherapy treatment that was discovered by a funded researcher, Klein might not be alive.
 
What ethanol blend is right for my vehicle?
E15 (15% ethanol and 85% gasoline), also called Unleaded88, is approved for use in all passenger vehicles 2001 and newer. Ethanol blends higher than 15% are approved for use in flex fuel vehicles. One in seven Nebraskans drive a flex fuel vehicle, which can run on any blend of ethanol up to E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). Drivers can check their owners’ manuals to see if they’re driving flex fuel vehicles. The vehicles may also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or a yellow gas cap. If you are unsure, visit fueledbynebraska.com for even more information about the benefits of using ethanol.
 
The Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Ethanol Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska sponsor Fuel the Cure in conjunction with retail stations.



Extension record-keeping course for farmers and ranchers set for November

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course, will be held virtually from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Central time on Nov. 1, 3, 8 and 10.

Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshop dates. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watching pre-recorded videos, completing assignments and participating in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners and lenders.

The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Register online at https://wia.unl.edu/know. Registration closes Oct. 25.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.



USDA Announces Its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement with Nebraska

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has signed a cooperative agreement with Nebraska under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Through LFPA, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced, and processed food from underserved producers.

“USDA is excited to partner with Nebraska to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy, and nutritious food in underserved communities,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement Program will improve food and agricultural supply-chain resiliency and increase local food consumption around the country.”

Through the LFPA program, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will purchase food from local, small, and underserved farmers and producers and distribute it to underserved communities.

The LFPA program is authorized by the American Rescue Plan to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. Through this program, USDA will award up to $400 million through non-competitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments to support local, regional, and underserved producers through the purchase of food produced within the state or within 400 miles of delivery destination.

AMS looks forward to continuing to sign agreements under this innovative program that allows state and tribal governments to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, and unique to their geographic area.



Deadline to Apply for Natural Resource Conservation Funds Approaching

Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Those interested in receiving funding should sign up before Nov. 18, 2022.

According to NRCS Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson, there are several options available to producers.

“NRCS has a whole suite of conservation programs available to farmers and ranchers looking for assistance in improving and protecting the natural resources on their ag land. These programs provide funding on cropland and rangeland, as well as for establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat and wetlands. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators identify their options that best suit their operation’s needs,” Lawson said.

The most widely applied conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The goal of these conservation programs is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil, and more wildlife habitat.

“Participation in our conservation programs is totally voluntary. We offer assistance that can help make farming and ranching operations more sustainable while conserving the natural resources like soil and water on which all Nebraskans depend, “ Lawson said.

Individuals interested in applying for these conservation programs may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 18 to be considered for this year’s funding.

For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, call your local NRCS field office or visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Nebraska wineries gather to host the 2022 TOAST Nebraska Holiday Wine Festival.
 
The Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA) is excited to launch ticket sales for their second wine festival of the year. The TOAST Nebraska: Holiday Wine Festival is the second largest gathering of wineries in the state, succeeding their spring festival hosted last May in Omaha.

With 17 participating wineries for the 2022 holiday festival, the event is unique in that the wineries host the event through the statewide association (NWGGA). The festival is a great opportunity to experience a wide variety of offerings from wineries across the state, conveniently in one location at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

The inaugural holiday event in November of 2021 served over 1,000 attendees from 145 cities across Nebraska and nine surrounding states. The wineries expect even more merriment for the 2022 event. Along with the participating wineries, attendees can expect products and offerings from over 21 Nebraskan artisan and food vendors, live music, educational wine classes, and the crowd-favorite wine bingo.

The event is an excellent opportunity to stock up on Nebraska wine favorites for holiday gatherings and gifts. Attendees can purchase multiple bottles of wine to replenish - or start - their very own Nebraska wine cellar at home. The event staff even hosts a wine check, similar to a coat check, so purchasers needn't worry about bearing the weight of all their new purchases. Attendees can also purchase bottles for consumption on-site, with many sharing a bottle with their group while enjoying a friendly game of wine bingo in the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center's Quilt Room.

The event is hosted from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Grand Island's Fonner Park.

Tickets are $45 for general admission and include a wine tasting glass, unlimited wine tastings at all participating wineries, a wine tote, access to artisans and vendors, live music, and free activities such as educational classes and wine bingo. Designated driver tickets are also available for $25, including a bottle of water, a wine tote, and a $5 food voucher. Tickets increase to $65 on November 1 until tickets sell out or the event ends. All attendees must be 21 years or older to attend - no infants, children, or pets at any time.

To purchase tickets and find more event information about the 2022 TOAST Nebraska: Holiday Wine Festival, visit www.toastwinefest.com and www.facebook.com/toastwinefest. Tickets are limited, and on-site ticket availability is not guaranteed.



Fertilizer Prices Remain Mixed with No Major Changes in Four Weeks

Retail fertilizer prices continued mixed the fourth week of September 2022, according to retailers tracked by DTN. Five of the eight major fertilizers are slightly lower in price compared to a month ago, while the remaining three are a bit higher. For the fourth week in a row, no fertilizers were significantly lower or higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Five of the eight major fertilizers were just slightly lower. DAP had an average price of $947/ton, MAP $1,005/ton, potash $874/ton, 10-34-0 $861/ton, and UAN32 $670/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly more expensive looking back to last month. Urea had an average price of $812/ton, anhydrous $1,380/ton and UAN28 $581/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.88/lb.N, anhydrous $0.84/lb.N, UAN28 $1.04/lb.N and UAN32 $1.05/lb.N.

Despite lower prices in recent months, all fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in price than one year earlier. MAP is 26% higher, both DAP and 10-34-0 are 31% more expensive, both potash and 10-34-0 are 35% more expensive, UAN28 is 50% higher, UAN32 is 51% higher and anhydrous is 76% more expensive compared to last year.



RFA Seeks to Intervene in Environmental Group’s Legal Attack on RFS

Stressing the importance of upholding a strong Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association late last week filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a suit brought against the agency by the Center for Biological Diversity.

The environmental organization’s suit seeks a court review of EPA’s renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance years 2020 through 2022, and RFA is seeking to intervene on behalf of EPA, “to protect its substantial interest in the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard program and the investments RFA’s members have made in renewable fuels to support the program,” the motion states.

“After years of mismanagement and setbacks by previous administrations, the Biden administration’s EPA has been moving in the right direction on the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “But now, an extreme environmental activist group is trying to derail that progress and success. We are seeking to intervene in this case to ensure EPA can continue its work to put the RFS back on track and restore integrity to the program. We will do all we can to make sure the law and Congress’s intent are upheld.”



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/30/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 30, ethanol production expanded 4.0% to 889,000 b/d, equivalent to 37.34 million gallons daily. However, production was 9.1% less than the same week last year and 8.7% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume declined 2.7% to 902,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.83 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 4.4% to 21.7 million barrels, a low for the year. Still, stocks were 8.8% higher than a year ago and 1.9% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, hiked up 7.3% to a 40-week high of 9.47 million b/d (145.10 bg annualized). Demand was 0.4% more than a year ago and 2.1% above the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 1.6% to 896,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.74 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.6% less than a year ago and 0.5% below the five-year average.

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



Global Sales of U.S. Ethanol and DDGS Lose Momentum in August
 Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Assoc.

August U.S. ethanol exports slumped 28% to 77.0 million gallons (mg), the lowest volume in over a year. However, a record 52.9 mg crossed the border into Canada, up 27% from July, with nearly 50 mg shipped as denatured fuel ethanol. This marks the seventeenth month that Canada has been our largest importer, securing an unprecedented 69% of the U.S. ethanol export market. Exports to South Korea pared back 29% to 6.6 mg (the lowest volume in a year) and shipments to Mexico eased 4% to 5.1 mg. Other larger importers included Saudi Arabia (2.6 mg, +1%), the Netherlands (2.4 mg, -79%), and Finland (2.2 mg, up from zero). China and Brazil again were not key market players in August. Total year-to-date exports topped 1.01 billion gallons, or 27% ahead of last year’s pace at this time.

The U.S. imported 12.8 mg of undenatured ethanol from Brazil, along with minimal volumes of denatured ethanol from Canada and China. Total year-to-date imports stand at 53.0 mg, or 52% more than last year at this time.

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, tapered 7% in August to a 3-month low of 981,020 metric tons (mt). Exports to Mexico, our top customer for the second consecutive month, declined 12% to 194,795 mt (representing a fifth of all U.S. DDGS shipments). However, Vietnam boosted imports by 29% to 133,303 mt and exports of U.S. DDGS to South Korea expanded 7% to 91,838 mt. Other larger markets included Canada (69,269 mt, -21% to a 14-month low), Indonesia (68,293 mt, -27%), Spain (53,834 mt, +389%), Colombia (53,383 mt, +295% to a record high), and New Zealand (48,204 mt, +107% to the largest volume in a year). The remaining U.S. DDGS were dispersed among another two dozen countries. Total exports for the first eight months of 2022 totaled 7.72 million mt, on par with the same period last year.



Nearly 500 International Customers Converge In Minneapolis Next Week For Export Exchange ‘22

Close to 500 attendees – more than 200 international customers and nearly 300 domestic suppliers of U.S. coarse grains and co-products, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) – are set to arrive in Minneapolis Oct. 12-14 for Export Exchange 2022.

Co-sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Growth Energy, Export Exchange, the bi-annual event – interrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic - offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to meet and build relationships with domestic suppliers of corn, DDGS, sorghum, barley and other commodities.

This year’s anticipated attendees represent a diverse cross-section of customers for U.S. grains.

“At a time when international trade should be championed by our country’s leaders, Export Exchange is critical for our industry,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO. “It is essential for us to strengthen the bonds between suppliers and partner countries, and the connections made next week will not only help propel our industry this year, but for years to come.”

Export Exchange will host business-to-business meetings between the international buyers and suppliers from the U.S. grain supply chain, so prospective customers can ask questions about this year’s U.S. corn crop and suppliers can explain the benefits of the world’s greatest agricultural supply chain.

"Our industry, and the U.S. rural economy, has so much to offer other countries around the globe, including the 11 million tons of DDGS we export to more than 50 countries annually,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This year’s Export Exchange offers a unique opportunity to showcase these products we provide and the experts we have in our field. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Minnesota for the first Export Exchange since 2018.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the conference will feature engaging speakers addressing critical issues facing U.S. agricultural exports, offering customers and sellers in attendance an increased awareness of the benefits of U.S. coarse grains and co-products.

“We’re proud of the line-up of topics and speakers for this event,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This event is important not only for its networking and sales opportunities, but also as an educational opportunity for participants to learn more about the high quality and value of U.S. farm and biorefinery products—as is clearly shown by the reach of our exports. American-made distiller’s grains were exported to more than 50 countries on six continents in 2021.”

Scheduled sessions include:
    “Global View” – Thom Petersen, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture
    "Policy Opportunities and Challenges” – Jason Hafemeister, U.S. Department of Agriculture
    "World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate Report Overview” – Reece Cannady, U.S. Grains Council
    "Inflation, Monetary Policy and Commodities” – Arlan Suderman, StoneX
    "Shipping and Logistics Overview” – Jay O’Neil, HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting
    "DDGS Global PS&D” – Matt Fitzhum, CHS
    "Pet Food Outlook” – Lisa Schole, Evolve Consulting
    "Aquafeed Demand” – Ronnie Tan, U.S. Grains Council
    "Poultry, Pork and Beef Meat Economic Outlook” – Brett Stuart, Global AgriTrends
    “Sorghum – The Right Choice” – Norman Ritz-Johnson, United Sorghum Checkoff Program
    “The Advantages of Buying U.S. Corn” – Dr. Alvaro Garcia, South Dakota State University; Shane Mueller, North Dakota State University; Dr. Vijay Singh, University of Illinois
    “High Protein DDGS and Corn Fermented Protein Nutritional Overview” – Jerry Shurson, University of Minnesota

The conference will also feature a domestic suppliers exposition featuring more than 30 exhibitors.
Registration is available on site for those making last-minute plans to attend the Export Exchange event.

More than 20 pre- and post-Export Exchange trade teams from around the world will also take advantage of being in the U.S. by visiting various corn-growing states to get a firsthand look at corn harvest, stopping by ethanol plants to see DDGS production, exploring port facilities and more arranged by the U.S. Grains Council and in cooperation with a myriad of U.S.-based corn and coarse grain industries.



National Institute for Animal Agriculture Partners with CDC

In August, The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) hosted a group of ten farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians on a tour and engagement visit with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Each year the Cattlemen’s Beef Board designates Beef Checkoff funding to programming that includes research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety. NIAA’s project was approved in 2021 with a plan to connect farmers and ranchers and industry professionals to CDC and other public health professionals to learn and engage on the importance of responsible antibiotic use in animal agriculture.

“The responsible use of antibiotics in animal agriculture is one of the most misunderstood topics in today’s food system,” said J.J. Jones, executive director of NIAA. “Farmers, ranchers and veterinarians face an ever-changing landscape of consumer demands without much needed constructive discussion or feedback.”

NIAA believes the future of animal antibiotic use will be shaped by consistent, effective communication and collaboration between the animal agriculture sector and its allies to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a One Health approach.

Megin Nichols, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, CDC Deputy Division Director, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases and co-chair of the NIAA antibiotics council, sees the mutual benefits to be gained from collaborative in-person sessions “The opportunity to meet in-person and share ideas through the NIAA engagement with livestock producers regarding the intersection of human health and animal health was invaluable to our team. It opened the door to dialogue and innovation on topics of mutual interest,” said Nichols. Dr. Nichols is a veterinarian employed by CDC and understands the lapse in knowledge with her public health colleagues.

Andy Bishop, a rancher from Kentucky, appreciated the opportunity to connect with leaders outside of the industry. “The CDC visit was a great opportunity to bring a multi-faceted group of individuals together in a collaborative effort to protect animal agriculture and the American population,” said Bishop. NIAA’s animal agriculture guests included:
    Allison Phibbs, Public Policy & Government Relations, Merck Animal Health
    Andy Bishop, Board Member, Cattlemen’s Beef Board
    Brandon Burks, Education Lead, Kentucky Beef Council
    Joe Lowe, Farmer and Rancher, Member, Kentucky Beef Council
    Josh Barnett, Farmer and Rancher, Member, Kentucky Beef Council
    Heather Fowler, DVM, MPH, PhD., Director for Producer and Public Health, National Pork Board
    Dave Moody, Farmer and Rancher, Iowa Select Farms
    Bruce Stewart-Brown, DVM, Sr VP of Technical Services and Innovation, Perdue Foods
    Taylor Spronk, DVM, Pipestone Veterinary
    J.J. Jones, Executive Director, NIAA

As an addition to the great collaboration in Atlanta, NIAA will be hosting a webinar for members and Qualified State Beef Council staff and members featuring Dr. Heather Fowler, Dr. Megin Nichols, and Andy Bishop on October 20 at 2 p.m. central. The webinar will share experiences from farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians, allow for a question-and-answer session and will discuss how we keep the conversation around antibiotic stewardship alive. To register, visit animalagriculture.org.