Monday December 19 Ag News

 CRITICAL COLD CONSIDERATIONS FOR CATTLE
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator

Livestock performance and survival is affected by wind and temperature. When this occurs, is determined by the lower critical temperature (LCT), or the threshold at which point animals need to start using energy to maintain body heat.  A cow with a body condition score of 5 with a dry coat will have a lower critical temperature of 19°F. When this happens, feed intake will need to increase to maintain a suitable body temperature and prevent a drop in body condition in the long run. This stress over time can erode animal condition and have severe impacts when it comes to breed back next year.

Moisture can have a bit more impact on LCTs. A cow with a wet coat will have a lower critical temperature of 53°F, instead of 19°F. Providing animals shelter in bad weather can help keep coats dry and limit wind chill effects, both of which will work to minimize the impact of the cold.  Shelter can also help in other ways. Calving success can increase by 2% behind a windbreak according to a Kansas study. In Montana feedlots during severe winters, cattle behind windbreaks gained 10.6 lbs. more than cattle that did not have windbreaks.

With a situation like Nebraska and surrounding states are experiencing this week, grass hay just doesn’t have enough energy to meet this uptick in demand.  High quality alfalfa hay usually has a TDN of 58-60% and should meet requirements for dry, good condition animals at windchill temperatures down to -15°F.

When we get even colder, for an extended period, we might want to look at providing some additional supplement for energy. A general rule of thumb we can use is that for every degree of cold stress a cow faces, they increase their energy requirements by 1%. Corn is a great high energy option, but we need to be careful to work it up in a diet slowly.  Pair it with free choice hay for fill and make sure not give too much at once to animals whose rumen hasn’t shifted yet.  If you have questions about adjusting animal diets to address cold weather stress, your local extension office is a great place to start.



Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation Awards $10,000 in Grants and Announces Friend of the Foundation Recipients

During the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Awards Banquet, the Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation presented the Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment, the Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment, and the Friend of the Foundation award to four trailblazers in the beef industry.

Ryan Loseke, President of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation stated, “One the best parts of my job is presenting our annual grants to professors working on cutting edge research to better the cattle community and honoring those who give endlessly of their time and talent to help the Foundation.” He continued, “Educators and researchers are fundamental to the beef industry’s success and their importance cannot be overstated. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding industry leaders.”

The 2022 Nebraska Cattlemen Research and Education Foundation Recipients are as follows....

Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment – Dr. Kacie McCarthy; Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln
The Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment was established in December 2009 and provides grants to beef industry-related research and/or teaching positions at Nebraska post-secondary educational institutions. This award honors those professors or instructors that are providing cutting edge research and/or student instruction in a beef industry related area.

As the 2022 Nebraska Beef Industry Endowment recipient, Dr. Kacie McCarthy was awarded a $5,000 grant on behalf of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.

Dr. McCarthy is an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she serves as a Beef Cow/Calf Specialist involved in extension and teaching. McCarthy is the principal investigator for a heifer development study at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and has had an integral part of the ‘Beef Watch Webinar Series which highlights management strategies in grazing, nutrition, reproduction and economics in cow/calf and stocker production efficiency and profitability.

Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment – Dr. Yijie Xiong; Assisant Professor in the Department of Animal Science and the Department Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln
The Nebraska Range & Conservation Endowment was established in December 2011 and provides grants to range management and conservation research and/or teaching positions at Nebraska post-secondary educational institutions. This award honors professors or instructors who are providing cutting edge research and/or student instruction in a range management and conservation related area.  

Dr. Yijie Xiong received this year’s Nebraska Range and Conservation Endowment and was awarded a $5,000 grant on behalf of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation.

Dr. Xiong is an assistant professor with a split appointment in the Department of Animal Science and Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she serves as a Precision Livestock Management Specialist involved in research and extension. Xiong’s overarching goals are to develop methods and evaluate innovative precision management technologies that would reduce labor requirements, predict animal disease, and enhance production efficiency and environmental sustainability for the livestock industry.

Friend of the Foundation Award – Bill and Kathy Rhea; Arlington, Nebraska
The Friend of the Foundation award is presented to a person or business that has shared endless amounts of time, talent, and treasure with the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation. The Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of the Friend of the Foundation award are Bill and Kathy Rhea.  

The Rhea family settled in the Arlington area in 1871 and found their niche in the beef industry when Bill returned to the operation after graduating from UNL with an Ag Econ Degree and serving in the US Army Reserve.  

Service to the industry is important and has been a priority for Bill and Kathy. In the 80’s Bill was the president of the American Dehydrators Association and served on the Papio NRD, including a term as treasurer. Bill has served on the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors as the Marketing and Commerce Committee Chairman and on the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Board of Directors, including as President from 1996 through 1999. Bill was instrumental in encouraging the Board to support project campaigns and programs that played a large role in the growth of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation to where it is today.  

Kathy has been an active member of the political community, lobbying on behalf of the cattle and agricultural industries. She has worked diligently to promote the University of Nebraska’s College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Kathy has also been very active in her local community volunteering for the Fremont Area Medical Center, serving as president of the Hospital Foundation, and serving as president of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce.



Promoting Nebraska Agriculture in Vietnam

Nebraska agriculture was well represented at the 2022 Food & Hotel Trade Show in Vietnam. Trade team members Cicely Wardyn, NE Dept. of Ag Assistant Director; Jon Kerrigan, NDA International Trade Representative; Rusty Kemp, cattle producer/Sustainable Beef representative; and Katie Sinclair, international sales representative with Wholestone Farms of Fremont, traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, last week to represent Nebraska at the 2022 Food & Hotel trade show.
 
NDA promoted Nebraska pork and beef at the trade show by utilizing remaining funds from a USDA Emerging Market Program grant to host a booth in the U.S. Pavilion. NDA also worked closely with the USDA Foreign Ag Service in Vietnam to coordinate trade show activities.



NDA REPORTS ADDITIONAL CASE OF HPAI IN NEBRASKA

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing another confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This brings the total number of cases of HPAI in Nebraska this year to 15. The 15th farm is a backyard flock in Knox County.

According to NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley, the affected flock has been depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner. Poultry producers should know the signs and symptoms of HPAI and notify NDA immediately of sick or dying birds.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick.

Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

NDA is encouraging bird owners to prevent contact between their birds and wildlife and to practice strict biosecurity measures. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should report it to NDA immediately at 402-471-2351. More information for producers can be found at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html or http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.



Lindsay Corporation Announces Partnership with Ceres Imaging

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced a strategic partnership with Ceres Imaging, an Oakland, Calif., provider of high-resolution imagery analytics with support for precision agriculture.

The Ceres Imaging technology will populate high-resolution images in Lindsay's industry-leading FieldNET® platform, which enhances growers' ability to remotely monitor, control, analyze and apply irrigation recommendations. The addition of Ceres' imagery and access to its analytics platform will allow growers to monitor and adjust operations based on key indicators of crop performance such as emergence, canopy density, soil composition, water stress and nitrogen content. These indicators will provide valuable insights into crop health in alignment with Lindsay's smart pivot innovation roadmap and enhance the ability of growers to choose solutions uniquely tailored to their needs.

The data connection between the FieldNET and Ceres Imaging platforms will be two-way, with Ceres imagery provided and shown in the FieldNET platform. In-depth analytics and recommendations, powered by FieldNET data, will also be accessible within the Ceres Imaging platform. Sharing encrypted data with permission of the grower allows the two platforms to work more efficiently and provide custom recommendations for optimal yield while supporting growers' sustainable farming practices.

"Lindsay is committed to providing the latest technology to growers to help scale their organization and maximize yields," said Gustavo Oberto, President of Global Irrigation at Lindsay. "The Ceres Imaging offering is a natural addition to the toolkit we provide growers. We are excited about the work Ceres Imaging is doing with high-resolution thermal imaging and analytics today, especially as it pertains to precision irrigation, and the value this partnership will continue to create for our mutual customers. We know that no two fields, no two operations, no two crops are the same, so we are excited to provide our customers this choice among a suite of imaging options compatible with current and future irrigation innovations"

Ashwin Madgavkar, founder of Ceres Imaging, agreed. "Our passion for agriculture and helping growers maximize their potential is at the root of what we do at Ceres. We see that same passion and drive to create innovative solutions and analytics in Lindsay's product lineup. We're excited to partner with them and look forward to continued innovation."

Current FieldNET customers ready to act on this limited time offer should visit www.ceresimaging.net/fieldnet to learn more or to activate their Ceres account.



Farm Service Agency Encourages Producers to Submit Applications for 2022 Grazing Loss Assistance by Jan. 30
LFP, ELAP available in over 60 Nebraska counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds ranchers and livestock producers if they are interested in accessing financial assistance available due to qualifying drought or fire impacts in 2022, now is the time to contact the county FSA office to learn more about the programs and apply.

The deadline to apply for 2022 assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 30, 2023.  

“Severe to extreme drought conditions in Nebraska, as well as a number of significant fires, have resulted in economic hardships for our agricultural producers, and livestock producers are no exception,” said John Berge, state executive director for the Farm Service Agency in Nebraska. “If you suffered grazing impacts, you should contact FSA as soon as possible so we can help you through all the steps to file your application or applications for payment.”

For the 2022 program year, 69 counties in Nebraska have met drought severity levels that trigger LFP for native pasture. The program may also have triggered for other grazed forages in certain counties. For LFP, qualifying drought triggers are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor classifications within the grazing season. ELAP also uses the U.S. Drought Monitor as a triggering mechanism, but also has other program triggers, depending on whether a producer is applying for assistance due to drought or due to losses related to wildfire.

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers and contract growers who also have risk in eligible grazing land or produce forage crops for grazing and who suffered losses due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the county. Producers must have risk in both the livestock and the grazing land. 

ELAP provides eligible producers with compensation for certain feed losses not covered by LFP, including feed and grazing losses associated with wildfire, as well as assistance with transporting water to grazing livestock, transporting feed to grazing livestock and transporting livestock to new grazing locations. Producers must have risk in both the livestock and the grazing land.

In addition to cattle, eligible livestock for both programs can include alpacas, buffalo/bison, goats, sheep, and others that have been or would have been grazing the eligible grazing land or pastureland during the normal grazing period.

To expedite the application process, producers are encouraged to gather records important to the application, such as grazing leases and contract grower agreements for LFP and ELAP assistance and information associated with the transportation of livestock feed (number of loads and mileage) or water (number of loads and gallons), if applying for ELAP assistance.

“Producers should not wait to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for additional information about program eligibility and necessary documentation for the application process,” Berge said.

LFP and ELAP are part of a broader suite of disaster assistance available through USDA. Additional disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including the Farmers.gov Drought Webpage, Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool.

To find the nearest FSA office, go online to fsa.usda.gov/ne and click on “County Offices” in the toolbar.



UNL plans workshop for Ag Budget Calculator program at Haskell Ag Lab on January 9

The University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability has scheduled a hands-on workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Haskell Ag Lab, 57905 866 Road, near Concord, for ag producers, farm managers, bankers and anyone interested in learning more about utilizing the free online Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) for enterprise budgeting.

The Agricultural Budget Calculator is a free enterprise budgeting and decision-making tool that is designed to assist agricultural producers in determining their cost of production and projected cash and economic returns for various farm or ranch enterprises.

As base or foundational budgets are prepared, producers and ag managers can utilize additional program features to help in their risk management and decision-making while using ABC, according to Glennis McClure, an extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. “With the changing cost of inputs and our capital investment in farming, now more than ever, figuring your true cost of production as you budget for the new production season is important,” she said.

McClure, who works closely with the ABC tool and has been involved in its development, will facilitate the workshop. During the first part of the workshop, participants will learn how to use the ABC program to create and/or update crop budgets for their farms or fields on their owned and/or rented ground and create their own cost of production and anticipated return reports. Part two will provide details and hands-on demonstrations of combining enterprise budgets using the “whole farm” component of the program and more on using other features, including breakeven, crop comparison and risk analysis. Visit cap.unl.edu/abc for more information on the ABC program.  

There is no fee to attend the workshop, however pre-registration is required by Jan. 6. Click here to register online: cap.unl.edu/abc/training or call the Haskell Ag Lab office at 402.584.2261. Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop or mobile device to get started working on their own budgets with the program. Mobile lab computers will be available as needed for the in-person workshops.



Farm Business Management Courses for Women Begin Jan. 4

Annie’s Project and Annie’s-inspired farm business management courses will be offered in several locations across the state this winter. The Women in Ag Program at Iowa State University, part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, is offering nine Annie’s Project courses beginning Jan. 10, and five other Annie’s-inspired courses beginning Jan. 4. Courses are three to six sessions long, and include a $75 registration fee, which covers meals and learning materials.

Annie’s Project is offered in Ames, Atlantic, Creston, Edgewood, Fort Dodge, Harlan, Ottumwa, Toledo and Washington. Course participants will learn effective decision-making strategies in five key management areas, including financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. To learn more about the courses and to register, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag.

Woman in ag.Advanced Grain Marketing will be offered in Red Oak. Understanding price risk management can help women improve the financial conditions of their grain or livestock farms. Women will learn terminology and the differences between a hedge and an option. A grain marketing simulation tool will give participants realistic practice with options. This course was designed with interactive, fun and hands-on learning opportunities.

Women Managing Farm Finances will be offered in Cherokee. Course participants will discover their attitudes toward money and compare farm record keeping systems. Women will explore the concepts of managerial accounting and practice using financial statements to analyze the farm business. Women Managing Farm Finances will incorporate interactive learning with case studies, quizzes and activities while allowing time for discussion and questions.

Women Managing Farmland will be offered in Charles City and Oskaloosa. This is a new multi-session course for 2023 and gives women the knowledge and confidence to improve farmland leasing and access practices, adopt new conservation systems and design more efficient land transitions to next generation farmers. Women will gain insights on how to improve communication with family members, partners and tenants.

Finally, Women Managing Crops will be offered in Newton. This course is designed for women of all ages and experience levels who want to know more about the key financial and agronomic decisions for corn and soybean production. The sessions take a seasonal approach and cover decision making for pre-planting, growing and harvest.

Annie’s Project is a national program reaching 38 states. The mission of Annie’s Project is to empower women in agriculture to be successful though education, networks and resources. Annie’s Project will celebrate 20 years of inspiring women in agriculture in 2023. The Annie for whom the program is named would have been 100 years old this month. The program was developed to help women like Annie achieve their agricultural goals.

In Iowa, 2,137 women have benefited from 124 Annie’s Project courses and 1,317 women have benefited from 97 Annie’s Inspired courses. Annie’s Inspired courses grew out of the requests for additional information from women participating in Annie’s Project. The extension farm management team, county extension professionals and others in the state work together to host local multi-session programs focused on agricultural risk management.

Farm Credit Services of America and USDA are major sponsors for these programs, which reduces the cost for all participants. Registration scholarships may be requested by contacting Madeline Schultz, Farm Management Team Women in Ag Program Manager at schultz@iastate.edu, or 515-294-0588.



Naig Names Grant Menke as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that Julie Kenney will leave the Department for a new opportunity shortly after the new year, after nearly five years of exceptional leadership in the role.

“Julie is a passionate advocate for Iowa agriculture, and she has been an incredible asset to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship over the past several years,” said Secretary Naig. “I have greatly valued her friendship, tireless effort, advice, and leadership as we have tackled unprecedented challenges and advanced key initiatives in support of Iowa agriculture. I know she will continue to make a big impact as she moves into her next opportunity.”

Secretary Naig also announced the hiring of Grant Menke as the next Deputy Secretary of Agriculture for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Menke will begin as Deputy Secretary on Friday, January 6.

“Grant brings a lifelong passion for agriculture to the department and is well respected within the Iowa agricultural community through his years of leadership in both the public and private sector,” said Secretary Naig. “As we continue our efforts to scale up our statewide water quality efforts, build markets for our products at home and abroad, attract and retain talent to work in agricultural careers, protect animal health, and deliver on our food safety and consumer protection mission, Grant will be an important partner for me as we lead the talented team at the Department.”

Menke comes to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship from the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board, where he has served as Vice President of Market Development. Prior to that role, he worked as the State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. He has also worked as the Policy Director for Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and held a position on the United States Senate Finance Committee staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley. Menke, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, was raised on a corn and soybean farm near Calumet in rural O’Brien County, and lives in Ankeny with his wife, Susie, and their four boys.

“I am humbled and honored to serve alongside Secretary Naig as Deputy Secretary and to join the dedicated and distinguished team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Agriculture is the lifeblood of our state, and the important work of the Department impacts every Iowan, every day,” said Menke. “Under Secretary Naig’s leadership, I will work hard every day to carry out the vital mission of the Department in promoting the responsible use of our natural resources, ensuring consumer protection and advocating for Iowa agriculture.”



November Milk Production in the United States up 1.3 Percent

Milk production in the United States during November totaled 18.3 billion pounds, up 1.3 percent from November 2021. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,937 pounds for November,
17 pounds above November 2021. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.42 million head, 38,000 head more than November 2021, and 1,000 head more than October 2022.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during November 2022 totaled 480 million pounds, up 7 percent from the previous November according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service -- Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 239,000 head, was unchanged from last month but up 14,000 from November 2021. Monthly production per cow  averaged 2,010 pounds, up 20 pounds from last November.



Higher Cutout Values and a COF Preview
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The weekly average Choice beef cutout jumped $9.61 per cwt to $255.83 for the week ending December 16th. That marked a change from the weekly decline in value that had occurred for the last 5 weeks, since reaching $263.74 in the first week of November. All of the primal cuts increased in value except the rib. The loin, brisket, short plate, and chuck all increased by double digits, led by the loin that increased $14.89 per cwt. over the week before.

It looks like the rib hit its seasonal peak the first week of December at $515.47. The rib has declined almost $20 per cwt in the 2 weeks since. This primal normally hits a seasonal peak in the Fall as buying for the holidays occurs.  The peak price 2 weeks ago was the highest rib value since last Fall when it peaked at over $6.00 per cwt.

The primal round averaged $198 for the week compared to $190 last week. While a large weekly increase over the last week the round primal remains under $200 per cwt for the first time since April, 2021.

Only rib and loin prices are above year ago levels, up 13 and 2 percent, respectively.  Primal brisket prices are down 37 percent compared to last year. The other primals are down from 5 percent (chuck) to 14 percent (short plate). Lower prices reflect abundant beef supplies and likely shifting purchasing patterns since the pandemic and recent economy changes. Tightening beef supplies in the future will pressure prices higher. But, those pressures for higher prices may be offset by consumer demand in the face of higher interest rates and other costs.

Previewing the COF Report
The next USDA Cattle on Feed Report is scheduled to be released on Friday December 23rd. Marketings are expected to be about 1 percent larger than those of November, 2021. Early pre-report estimates have placements ranging from 94 to 98 percent of a year ago. Lower placements are driven by fewer feeder cattle available than last year and seasonal declines. The feeder cattle index, calf and feeder cattle sales data, and cattle imports from Mexico all indicate smaller placements than last year. The combination of more marketings and fewer placements has analysts on-feed estimates at about 97.5 percent of last year. That would be the fewest December on-feed numbers since 2017. Supplies for next year and beyond are tightening.



NPPC Statement on Philippines Extension of Reduced Pork Tariff Rates Through 2023
Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota
 
“The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauds Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s announcement on the extension of lower tariff rates on pork and other food items. Gaining better market access to the Philippines has been a top trade priority for U.S. pork producers. We hope that the U.S. and the Philippines will continue to work toward establishing better market access through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. This comes at the heels of NPPC working with the U.S. and Philippine governments to work on the prevention and preparedness against the spread of African swine fever throughout the country and region. This extension is an essential component of the commitment of NPPC and the United States to Food Security for the Philippines.”



Growth Energy Cheers Big Holiday Discounts from Kum & Go on E15

Growth Energy today urged drivers to take advantage of big holiday savings on higher-ethanol fuel blends, including a special discounted price on E15 of $1.99 per gallon being offered by Kum & Go.

“Ethanol blends have been America’s best shield against skyrocketing fuel prices all year long, and thanks to our retail partners at Kum & Go, those savings could make an even bigger difference this holiday season,” said Jake Comer, Growth Energy’s vice president of Market Development. “Now is a great time to take advantage of deep discounts on E15, which has already fueled more than 30 billion miles on the road for American drivers. We applaud Kum & Go’s leadership in offering consumers access to higher biofuel blends like E15, and for giving back to their guests with this incredible promotion.”

Kum & Go’s holiday special offers drivers E15 for $1.99 per gallon, a discount of more than a dollar per gallon compared to standard gasoline. The promotion is slated to run from December 23 to December 26.

“Also known as Unleaded 88, E15 is an ideal lower-cost, lower-carbon option, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for all light-duty cars and trucks model year 2001 or newer. That’s more than 96 percent of light duty vehicles, which account for 98 percent of all vehicle miles traveled,” added Comer. “We’re grateful to our friends at Kum & Go for giving holiday drivers another reason to celebrate the season, and we urge leaders in Congress to do the same by acting on legislation to ensure E15 will remain available to drivers all year long.”

Drivers can find E15 retail locations—including the nearest Kum & Go store—via the Get Biofuel fuel finder to take advantage of the holiday promotion.



Growth Energy Calls on EPA to Hold Midwest Hearing for Rural Biofuel Stakeholders

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor wrote to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan requesting the agency return to the Midwest for an in-person hearing on the agency’s 2023-2025 plan for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“Given the profound implications of this year’s ‘Set’ rulemaking, there has never been a more important time for EPA officials to hear directly from stakeholders in the Midwest who will be most directly impacted by the agency’s decisions,” wrote Skor.

In her letter, Skor notes that the agency hasn’t held a major in-person hearing on the nation’s biofuel ambitions since July 31, 2019 in Michigan.

“We hope you will agree that the time has come to restore a prized opportunity for rural communities to share their views. The teleconference now scheduled for January 10, 2023 is an expedient option, but we cannot allow a temporary alterative to become a permanent habit. Simply put, there is no substitute for the perspective EPA can gain from visiting with local innovators in communities where renewable energy goes from farm field to fuel tank every day,” added Skor.



Ukraine Grain Deal Unlikely to Include New Ports

United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Thursday it was unlikely the Black Sea grain deal would be expanded in the near term to include more Ukrainian ports or reduce inspection times.

Kyiv has called for an expansion of the deal with Moscow which was mediated by the United Nations and Turkey and allows Ukraine, a major global grain exporter, to ship food products from three of its Black Sea ports despite Russia's invasion, reports Reuters.

Officials are traving to Ukraine this week to visit the southern cities of Mykolaiv and recently liberated Kherson as Ukraine grapples with winter power outages caused by Russian air strikes on critical infrastructure.

Russian and Ukrainian representatives have discussed the possibility of linking a prisoner swap that would release a large number of prisoners on both side to the resumption of ammonia exports.