Thursday December 15 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Surprisingly Expands Slightly: Bankers Expect 2022 to End with Farm Income Up by 10%
 
After six straight months of below growth neutral readings, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) climbed above the growth neutral threshold, 50.0, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: For the first time since May of this year, the region’s overall reading in December rose above the growth neutral threshold. The December index did increase to a tepid 50.1 from 45.7 in November. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“The Rural Mainstreet economy continues to experience slow, to no, to slightly negative economic growth. On average, bankers expect 2022 net farm income in the region to expand by 10.0% in comparison to USDA’s projected growth of 13.8% for the nation’s farmers,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

David Steffensmeier, Chairman of First Community Bank in Beemer, Neb., said, “Our area was negatively affected by the dry weather, and crop yields were lower so income will follow the yields.”

Farming and ranching: The region’s farmland price index declined to 65.4 from November’s 68.2. This was the 27th straight month that the index has climbed above 50.0.

On average, almost one-fourth, or 24.7%, of bankers expect high farmland prices to discourage investments in farm operations in 2023.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment-sales index climbed to 60.4 from 59.5 in November. The index has risen above growth neutral for 23 of the last 25 months.

This month, bankers were asked if higher interest rates are negatively affecting farmer purchases of agriculture equipment. More than one in three bankers, or 34.5%, reported that rates were not impacting sales, while approximately 19.2% reported that higher interest rates were restricting the purchase of farm equipment.

Banking: The December loan volume index rose to a very strong 72.1 from 65.8 in November. The checking-deposit index increased to 48.1 from November’s 47.7, while the index for certificates of deposit and other savings instruments expanded to 51.9 from 45.5 in November.

“Higher farm input costs, greater farm equipment sales and drought conditions in portions of the region supported strong borrowing from farmers. At the same time, higher interest rates encouraged greater CD purchases by farmers,” said Goss.

Below are the state reports:
Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI moved above growth neutral from November’s 44.7 to 50.3 for December. The state’s farmland-price index rose to 69.5 from 69.2 in November.  Nebraska’s December new-hiring index increased to 51.9 from 50.7 in November. In the period fiscal Quarter 3, 2022, compared to fiscal Quarter 3, 2021, USDA data show that the state’s top five exported agriculture products changed by: Beef (-17.1%), Corn (-16.4%), Soybeans (-37.1%), Pork (+38.4%) and Soybean Meal (-33.4%).

Iowa: Iowa’s December RMI increased to 54.2 from 47.0 in November. Iowa’s farmland-price index dipped to 69.2 from November’s 70.2. Iowa’s new-hiring index for December moved upward to 53.4 from November’s 51.9. In the period fiscal Quarter 3, 2022, compared to fiscal Quarter 3, 2021, USDA data show that the state’s top five exported agriculture products changed by: Corn (-9.0%), Pork (-10.4%), Beef (+33.8%), Soybeans (+93.2%) and Soybean Meal (-23.8%). Said James Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora: “Break-evens for crops will be 10-15% higher because of input costs but cash rents (will be) relatively stable.”

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



New ‘Nebraska Reds’ Promotion Features Beef and Nebraska Wine

The Nebraska Beef Council and the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association have teamed up to launch the Nebraska Reds holiday challenge. The promotion is an extension of the wine passport program where participants can visit Nebraska wineries during the month of December and earn points toward prizes. The holiday prizes include a Nebraska-shaped cutting board and Nebraska wine bucks!
 
Beef & wine are the perfect pair when celebrating the holidays. With 21 different Nebraska wineries, participants will get to experience a variety of flavors and learn how beef and red wine complement each other to create a truly memorable eating experience. Visit www.NebraskaReds.win to sign up for your free digital Nebraska Reds pass and start collecting points from the convenience of your phone. Participants in the promotion will also receive tips for pairing beef with wine along with recipes that incorporate red wine.



Nebraska, States Corn Growers Associations Call on Biden for Quick Action on Mexico Decree

The presidents of 23 state corn grower groups, joined by the president of the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Biden yesterday calling for him to take additional steps to address the pending decree by Mexico that would block imports of biotech corn. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association’s (NeCGA) president, Andy Jobman, was among the letter’s signatories.

“As we continue to bring this issue to Ambassador Katherine Tai, NeCGA’s membership is baffled by the lack of action on this issue and that an enforcement case has not been brought forward,” states Jobman. “Nebraska, U.S. farmers and the agricultural industry are backed by decades of research to prove that genetically modified (GM) corn is safe for human consumption.”

The letter encouraged the President to raise the issue during upcoming trade talks and to file a dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) if Mexico doesn’t act expeditiously to withdraw the decree.

“Corn farmers are right now in the process of making planting and purchasing decisions for next spring, and any additional uncertainty in the market affects their ability to appropriately respond to multiple market signals,” the corn grower leaders said. “If the decree is not completely withdrawn by the established deadline, we ask that your administration initiate a case under USMCA.”

The letter is in response to a promise by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) to end imports of biotech corn beginning in early 2024. Ninety percent of corn grown in the U.S. is biotech, often called GM corn.

Mexico’s Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard plans to visit Washington D.C. this week to discuss the issue ahead of a planned meeting on trade between President Biden, President AMLO and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early January.

“Because the stakes for farmers and rural America are so high, we are calling on you to make this issue a critical part of your January 9th meeting with President López Obrador and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,” the letter says.

With the clear violation of the USMCA trade pact, the Biden Administration needs to take immediate action to protect U.S. trade efforts and the livelihoods of farmers across the country. This decree affects time sensitive planting decisions that must be made soon. The Nebraska Corn Growers Association, once again, implores the Biden Administration and the office of the United States Trade Representative to stand on the agreement of USMCA.



Fischer Leads Letter Against Mexico’s Proposed Ban on Genetically Engineered Corn

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a bipartisan letter with 25 of her Senate colleagues to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing concern over Mexico’s efforts to ban U.S. genetically engineered corn.

In 2020, Mexican President Lopez Obrador issued a presidential decree that Mexico would phase out the use of genetically modified corn by 2024. Such an action is unsupported by science and would run afoul of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).

“These actions are unsupported by science and a breach of USMCA. It would be detrimental to food security in Mexico, hurt U.S. agricultural sustainability, and stifle future agricultural technology innovations that would benefit both nations. While we appreciate the efforts of USTR and USDA to resolve this issue by engaging with Mexican officials, we also encourage the administration to consider all options available in an effort to hold Mexico to their trade commitments including pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA,” the senators wrote in their letter.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) co-lead the letter. Additional cosigners of the letter include U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Rounds (R-S.D.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

BACKGROUND:
Over 90% of all corn acreage in the United States is planted with genetically engineered seeds.

Nebraska is the top state in the country for white corn, which is used in many food products. Nebraska exported over $348 million of corn to Mexico in 2020, making it the state’s largest export market for the product.



NEBRASKA ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has released the results of its 2021 Certified Organic Survey. Certified organic operations in Nebraska sold a total of $193 million in organic products in 2021, up 5% compared to 2019. The number of certified organic operations in Nebraska totaled 220, down 7% from 2019.

IOWA: In 2021, Iowa ranked sixth in the nation for the total number of certified organic farms with 799 farms, 5 percent of the nation's total according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – 2021 Organic Survey. There were 169,361 acres of certified organic farmland in Iowa. In 2021, the average organic farm in Iowa was 212 acres, compared to 281 acres for the U.S. Corn for grain had the highest total value of sales for organic commodities in Iowa at $88.0 million in sales.

Iowa produced more certified organic corn for grain and soybeans than any other state, and comprised 20 and 18 percent of national production, respectively. The area harvested for organic corn for grain was 62,811 acres.

Organic soybeans had the second highest value of sales for the state with $48.2 million. Eggs had the third highest value of sales for organic commodities in the state with $34.8 million in sales. Broiler chickens had the fourth highest value of sales for organic commodities in the state with $18.1 million in sales. Iowa ranked number one with 43 percent of the Nation's organic oats. Sales totaled $9.14 million in 2021. On December 31, Iowa producers had 5,424 certified organic hogs on hand, and comprised 35 percent of the national inventory. Iowa's organic hog inventory ranked number one among all other states.

The 2021 Certified Organic Survey is a special study conducted by NASS in conjunction with USDA’s Risk Management Agency. It provides value of sales information at the commodity level along with acreage, production, and practices data for a variety of certified organic crop and livestock operations. Information was also collected on marketing and agricultural practices, crop insurance usage, select production expenses, and acres transitioning into organic production.

Access the National publication for this release at: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/zg64tk92g.



Registration Open for SowBridge Educational Series

SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, will begin its next program year in early February, and registration is now underway. The series will be provided online through Zoom, although participants will be able to use a call-in option instead if they prefer.

Sherry Hoyer, communication specialist with Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, said suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the live interaction with session speakers will not change.

"SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions,” she said.

Sessions generally are held on the first Wednesday of the month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. Central Time. One exception this year: The fifth session is moved up one week to May 31 to avoid conflicts with World Pork Expo.

During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection per session and all program materials provided by presenters.

The cost is $200 ($US) for the first registration, and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity.

Registration is due Jan. 20, 2023, to ensure participants have access to materials for the first session on Feb. 1. A flyer with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/2023SBbrochureIPIC.pdf.

The 2023-2024 program session dates and topics are as follows.
    Feb. 1. Why the concern with feral pigs?
    March 1. Identifying ASF at barn level.               
    April 5. FAD frontline response battles.              
    May 3. Managing heat check boars. 
    May 31. Antimicrobial use and resistance.  
    July 5. Scours management and mitigation.
    Aug. 2. Managing fevers post farrowing.    
    Sept. 6. Farm security - How to keep your barn secure.
    Oct. 4. Identifying sick sows early, individual sow care.
    Nov. 1. Farrowing assistance practices.    
    Dec. 6. Importance of record keeping.
    Jan. 3. 2024. Sow mortality considerations.

For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Hoyer at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu. SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states.



Naig Encourages Ag Census Participation

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today encouraged Iowa farmers and producers to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, which is underway across the nation through Feb. 6, 2023.

The Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every five years by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is the nation’s most comprehensive count of America’s farms and ranches, the people who operate them, and the crops and livestock they raise.

“The Census of Agriculture provides valuable information to both the public and private sector that will guide decisions, shaping programs and policies for many years to come,” said Secretary Naig. “I encourage all Iowa farmers and producers to respond to the census, which will continue to demonstrate the value of Iowa agriculture and our significant role in providing food and ag products to consumers here and around the world.”

The Census, which began in 1840, now covers 3,000 U.S. counties and 30,0000 zip codes. It is completed in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Island.

Iowa producers may complete the census by mail, phone or online at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. For more information, call 888-424-7828 or visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. All responses are due Feb. 6, 2023.



CHS Releases 2022 Sustainability Report

CHS, the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative, has released the 2022 CHS Sustainability Report, describing the company's approach to sustainability and highlights of some of its sustainability initiatives.

"CHS is integrating sustainability into our core businesses and creating opportunities for owners and customers," said President and CEO Jay Debertin. "In 2022, we added dedicated leaders and support resources and formalized our sustainability business function. We also focused on developing the internal governance and processes needed to execute long-term success related to environmental and social factors."

The actions taken by CHS will help the company reduce impact on the planet, respond to opportunities related to enhanced sustainability and continue to build a better future for the farmers and ranchers who own the cooperative system.

In 2022, CHS added Megan Rock as vice president, sustainability and innovation and chief sustainability officer (CSO). "As we formalize our sustainability function, we will continue to develop our efforts in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) programs through a dedicated climate director and by expanding our innovation team, as technology advancements will play a key role in long-term success for CHS and our owners," said Rock.

CHS will place an emphasis on helping owners and other stakeholders understand the company's approach to ESG reporting, including providing definitions and interpretations in the 2022 CHS Sustainability Report. The company is also exploring technologies that impact supply chain automation, real-time soil sensing and traceability in row crops as part of its sustainability efforts.

Rock added, "CHS is committed to working closely with cooperative owners, customers and other stakeholders on developing an outcome-based approach to sustainability that leads to a stronger cooperative system, one that is able to feed the world through sustainable business practices that protect and preserve our limited resources."

For an in-depth look into the 2022 CHS Sustainability Report, visit chsinc.com/sustainability.



Soy Transportation Coalition Elects Officers During Annual Meeting

The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) elected its officers during the organization’s annual meeting in Savannah, Georgia, on December 12, 2022.   

During the annual meeting, Chris Brossart of Wolford, North Dakota, was elected chairman.  Brossart previously served as the STC vice chairman from 2021-2022.  He and his wife, Jennie, have three children.  Brossart also currently serves as chairman of the North Dakota Soybean Council.        

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition,” said Brossart.  “This past year we have experienced a number of supply chain challenges and concerns – especially the low water conditions along the Mississippi River and the potential for a nationwide railroad strike.  Throughout this time, I have been proud of how the Soy Transportation Coalition has been an effective resource and advocate on behalf of the U.S. soybean farmer.  The work of this organization has never been more relevant.  I look forward to continuing to serve my fellow soybean farmers through this important organization.”    

Tim Gottman, a soybean and corn farmer from Monroe City, Missouri, was elected vice chairman.  Gottman and his wife, Lenora, have three daughters.  He previously served as the STC secretary-treasurer from 2021-2022.  Gottman is also a director on the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

“Farmers understand more and more how transportation impacts their bottom line,” says Gottman.  “Whether it’s roads and bridges, freight railroads, inland waterways, or ports, the STC continues to be a leader in promoting a transportation infrastructure that helps farmers be successful.”

Mike Koehne, a soybean and corn farmer from Greensburg, Indiana, was elected secretary-treasurer.  He and his wife, Jill, have four children.  Koehne also serves as a director on the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the American Soybean Association.

“The Soy Transportation Coalition has become a true leader on ways to improve the infrastructure farmers rely upon,” says Koehne.  “I have a passion for these issues and look forward to the STC continuing to achieve real benefits for my fellow soybean farmers.  I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a leader in this effective organization.”

During the meeting, the STC board discussed and emphasized the various strategies and initiatives the organization seeks to continue to advance in 2023.  These initiatives include:
    Continuing to monitor and be responsive to the challenges of the low water conditions along the Mississippi River and the inland waterway system
    Advocating for and promoting greater reliability of our freight rail system
    Continuing to support and encourage the project underway to deepen the lower Mississippi River
    Continuing the implementation of innovative and economical methods for repairing and replacing rural bridges
    Promoting the greater use of soy-based concrete and asphalt sealants and enhancers throughout the soybean supply chain
    Continuing to explore and promote new infrastructure investments to accommodate the increased production of soybean meal
    Continuing to promote the greater utilization of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway for soybean and soy product exports

Jonathan Miller of Island, Kentucky, concluded his two-year term limit as chairman.  Miller will continue serving as a director on the STC board.  Mike Bellar of Howard, Kansas, and Jerry Jeschke of Robinson, Kansas, both reached their nine-year limit for total service on the STC board.  Bellar served as chairman of the STC from 2019-2020.

“One of the key reasons the Soy Transportation Coalition is such a successful organization is due to the dedication, thoughtfulness, and professionalism of our farmer leaders,” explains Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the STC.  “I look forward to working with Chairman Brossart, Vice Chairman Gottman, and Secretary-Treasurer Koehne in continuing to promote a transportation system that enables farmers to be successful.  I sincerely appreciate the nine years of service by Mike Bellar and Jerry Jeschke.  We are a better organization because of them.”      



ASA, Other Ag Groups Engage in Oral Arguments in Chlorpyrifos Lawsuit

The American Soybean Association and 19 other agricultural groups argued before the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 15 in Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, et al. v. Michael Regan, et al. (Eighth Cir. 22-1422). The groups urged the court to reinstate chlorpyrifos tolerances that the Environmental Protection Agency has found safe. EPA arbitrarily revoked those safe tolerances for chlorpyrifos, which effectively ended agricultural uses of the important pesticide. The decision has inflicted enormous costs on thousands of farmers across the country and undermined their ability to protect their crops from devastating insect pests.

At the heart of the lawsuit is EPA’s arbitrary and capricious rule revoking all chlorpyrifos tolerances despite finding on multiple occasions that at least 11 high-benefit crop uses, including for soybeans, could be maintained safely. To attempt to justify this unscientific, unlawful rule, EPA has attempted to contort its statutory obligations under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Daryl Cates, ASA president and a soybean grower from Columbia, Illinois, said, “Farmers rely on federal regulators to follow the law. Congress wrote pesticide laws the way they did to provide growers access to the tools they need to be successful and to ensure those tools can be used safely and effectively. When EPA violates the law and refuses to follow its own science to inappropriately deny access to safe, important tools, there needs to be accountability to protect the nation’s farmers and our operations.”

The groups are asking the court to vacate the revocation of the tolerances for the safe uses and remand with instructions for EPA to enter the corresponding safety findings based on the available science-based evidence. They are hopeful the court will rule on this matter in the coming months.

Joining the lawsuit are: Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association; U.S. Beet Sugar Association; American Sugarbeet Growers Association; Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative; American Crystal Sugar Company; Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative; American Farm Bureau Federation; American Soybean Association; Iowa Soybean Association; Minnesota Soybean Growers Association; Missouri Soybean Association; Nebraska Soybean Association; South Dakota Soybean Association; North Dakota Soybean Growers Association; National Association of Wheat Growers; Cherry Marketing Institute; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association; Gharda Chemicals International, Inc.; National Cotton Council of America.



“Yellowstone” Creator Taylor Sheridan to Speak at Annual Cattle Industry Convention

Taylor Sheridan will speak during the Opening General Session of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans on February 1. Sheridan will join NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer, for a conversation about ranch life.
 
“My passion for the ranching lifestyle has inspired me to write stories that are rich in history, led by complex characters, and focus on family dynamics,” said Sheridan. “I’m looking forward to joining you at the cattle industry’s largest event.”
 
Sheridan is an Academy Award®-nominated writer and actor as well as a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. A Texas native himself, Sheridan excels in the Western horse performance industry as an avid supporter and competitor in reining and cutting. He also owns and operates two Texas ranches including the legendary 6666 or Four Sixes Ranch, a 2015 Environmental Stewardship Award Program regional winner, and Bosque Ranch. Sheridan recently launched Four Sixes® Ranch Brand Beef which retails beef sourced from 6666 and a network of ranches. While the Dutton family continues their personal and business struggles in Season 5 of “Yellowstone,” Sheridan has brought prequels “1883” and “1923” to life.

Whether attending for one day or participating in the entire event, a variety of registration options are available at convention.ncba.org.



 Celebrating 40 Years Of Friendship, Cooperation In China

As 2022 comes to an end, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) would like to recognize the anniversary of its office in Beijing, China, which celebrated 40 years earlier in 2022.

“Wow, 40 years,” said USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath. “That shows the commitment USGC and our members have for market development and working in key demand-building markets. Forty years of working with China’s feed and livestock industry, as well as their corn processing and food and beverage industries, over that time. The partnership between USGC and the China industry, through some unique and even trying times, has brought us to where we are today with China being a top customer of grains in all forms.”

A few years before the office’s opening, former Council President Darwin Stolte took part in a market assessment trip to China. During that time, it became clear China and the U.S. could work together to help modernize Chinese agriculture, while finding a new home for U.S. grains. The Council officially opened its Beijing office in 1982 and has since continued to conduct programs in and missions to China, one of the largest grain export partners.

“As we commemorate this milestone and reflect on the rapid growth and development witnessed in the People's Republic of China over the same period, I think of the longstanding partnerships forged along the way and the exemplary work accomplished by my predecessors and colleagues here at the Council’s Beijing office over the last 40 years,” said Manuel Sanchez, USGC director in China.

“The work of the Beijing, China office over the previous four decades serves as a testament to the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.”



NASDA awarded USDA funding to increase market access for U.S. agriculture  

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has been awarded $925,000 through the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Emerging Markets Program. The Emerging Markets Program helps organizations promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to developing countries with strong growth potential.
 
“We are excited for NASDA members to engage in critical discussions to support global market development and strengthen bilateral trade relationships,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.
 
NASDA will use this funding to conduct market research in emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa and organize outbound trade missions for state department of agriculture leaders to learn about the markets and engage in discussions with relevant parties in each country.
 
“NASDA members understand how important it is to spread the message about the value and quality of U.S. products and the benefits of innovation around the world. The first step in earning strong trading partners is establishing open communication and stewarding international relationships,” McKinney said. “We are appreciative of our partnership with USDA FAS that now enables us to embark on this mission and champion the federal government’s vision for international trade.”
 
The research will be used to develop reports on the perception of U.S. agriculture, consumer preferences, and non-tariff barriers to market access. NASDA will sponsor up to five members on outbound trade missions to the selected countries where they will have discussions with government officials, industry leaders, and agricultural producers. The goal is to identify non-tariff barriers, establish partnerships with groups in the region, and strengthen relationships that will increase market access for U.S. agriculture.