NEBRASKA JANUARY 1 CATTLE INVENTORY
All cattle and calves in Nebraska as of January 1, 2023 totaled 6.50 million head, down 4% from January 1, 2022, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
All cows and heifers that had calved totaled 1.76 million head, down 5% from last year.
Beef cows totaled 1.70 million head, down 5% from last year.
Milk cows totaled 57,000 head, down 2% from January 1, 2022.
All heifers 500 pounds and over totaled 1.88 million head, down 4% from last year.
Steers weighing 500 pounds and over totaled 2.45 million head, down 4% from last year.
Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over totaled 90,000 head, down 18% from last year.
Calves under 500 pounds totaled 320,000 head, unchanged from January 1, 2022.
All cattle on feed fed for slaughter in Nebraska feedlots totaled 2.78 million head, down 1% from the previous year.
The 2022 calf crop totaled 1.64 million head, down 2% from 2021.
IOWA CATTLE INVENTORY REPORT
All cattle and calves in Iowa as of January 1, 2023, totaled 3.65 million head, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle report. This was down 210,000 head from January 1, 2022. Beef cows, at 860,000 head, were down 45,000 head from last year. Milk cow inventory was up 15,000 head at 240,000 head.
All heifers 500 pounds and over were down 9 percent at 790,000 head. Heifers for beef cow replacement were down 19 percent from 2022 at 130,000 head; heifers for milk cow replacement, at 120,000 head, were unchanged from the previous year; and all other heifers were down 8 percent at 540,000 head.
Steers weighing 500 pounds and over were down 4 percent from last year at 1.24 million head. Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over were unchanged at 60,000 head. Calves under 500 pounds on January 1, 2023, totaled 460,000 head, down 10 percent from last year.
The 2022 calf crop was estimated at 1.07 million head, down 5 percent from the 2021 calf crop. Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in all feedlots on January 1, 2023, totaled 1.15 million head, down 2 percent from one year ago.
January 1 Cattle Inventory Down 3 Percent
All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2023 totaled 89.3 million head, 3 percent below the 92.1 million head on January 1, 2022.
All cows and heifers that have calved, at 38.3 million head, were 3 percent below the 39.4 million head on January 1, 2022. Beef cows, at 28.9 million head, were down 4 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.40 million head, were up slightly from the previous year.
All heifers 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2023 totaled 19.2 million head, 4 percent below the 19.9 million head on January 1, 2022. Beef replacement heifers, at 5.16 million head, were down 6 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.34 million head, were down 2 percent from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.67 million head, were 3 percent below a year earlier.
Steers weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2023 totaled 16.1 million head, down 3 percent from January 1, 2022.
Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2023 totaled 2.03 million head, down 4 percent from January 1, 2022.
Calves under 500 pounds as of January 1, 2023 totaled 13.6 million head, down 3 percent from January 1, 2022.
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 14.2 million head on January 1, 2023. The inventory is down 4 percent from the January 1, 2022 total of 14.7 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for
82.5 percent of the total cattle on feed on January 1, 2023, up 1 percent from the previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots) at 25.3 million head, was 3 percent below January 1, 2022.
Calf Crop Down 2 Percent
The 2022 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 34.5 million head, down 2 percent from the previous year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2022 were estimated at 25.3 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2021. Calves born during the second half of 2022 were estimated at 9.16 million head, 27 percent of the total 2022 calf crop.
Revisions
All inventory and calf crop estimates for July 1, 2021, January 1, 2022, and July 1, 2022 were reviewed using calf crop, official slaughter, import and export data, and the relationship of new survey information to the prior surveys. Based on the findings of this review, January 1, 2022 all cattle and
calves increased by 0.2 percent and 2021 calf crop increased by 0.2 percent. July 1, 2022 all cattle and calves decreased by 0.2 percent and 2022 calf crop decreased by 0.4 percent.
NEBRASKA JANUARY 1 SHEEP AND GOATS
All sheep and lamb inventory in Nebraska on January 1, 2023 totaled 74,000 head, up 1,000 from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Breeding sheep inventory totaled 63,000 head, up 3,000 from last year. Ewes one year and older totaled 51,000 head, up 2,000 from the previous year. Rams one year and older totaled 3,000, unchanged from last year. Replacement lambs totaled 9,000 head, up 1,000 from last year.
Market sheep and lambs totaled 11,000 head, down 2,000 from last year. A total of 1,000 head were mature sheep (one year and older) while the remaining 10,000 were under one year. Market lamb weight groups were estimated as follows: 3,500 lambs were under 65 pounds; 1,500 were 65-84 pounds; 1,500 were 85-105 pounds; 3,500 were over 105 pounds.
The 2022 lamb crop totaled 65,000 head, up 1,000 from 2021. The 2022 lambing rate was 133 per 100 ewes one year and older, compared with 128 in 2021.
Sheep deaths totaled 3,000 head, unchanged from last year. Lamb deaths totaled 7,500 head, down 500 from last year.
Sheep and lambs slaughtered on farm totaled 1,000 head, down 500 from last year. Shorn wool production during 2022 was 410,000 pounds, up 10,000 from 2021. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 58,000 head, up 2,000 from 2021. Weight per fleece was 7.1 pounds, unchanged from 2021. The average price paid for wool sold in 2022 was $0.70 per pound, compared with $0.67 in 2021. The total value of wool produced in Nebraska was 287,000 dollars in 2022.
Milk goats and kids inventory in Nebraska totaled 3,300 head, down 400 from last year.
IOWA SHEEP & GOAT REPORT
All sheep and lambs inventory in Iowa as of January 1, 2023, totaled 162,000 head, up 2,000 head from 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Sheep and Goats report. Total breeding stock, at 117,000 head, was 3 percent above one year ago. Market sheep and lambs decreased 2 percent from a year ago and totaled 45,000 head. The 2022 lamb crop was estimated at 120,000 head, up 4 percent from the 2021 lamb crop. Wool production for 2022 was 800,000 pounds, up 8 percent from 2021, with fleece weights averaging 5.7 pounds.
Milk goat inventory in Iowa as of January 1, 2023, was 26,000 head, 7 percent below January 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Sheep and Goats report. Total meat and other goat inventory was 46,000 head, 12 percent above the previous year.
January 1 Sheep and Lambs Inventory Down 1 Percent
All sheep and lambs inventory in the United States on January 1, 2023 totaled 5.02 million head, down 1 percent from 2022. Breeding sheep inventory at 3.67 million head on January 1, 2023, decreased 1 percent from 3.71 million head on January 1, 2022. Ewes one year old and older, at 2.87 million head, were 1 percent below last year. Market sheep and lambs on January 1, 2023 totaled 1.36 million head, unchanged from January 1, 2022. Market lambs comprised 94 percent of the total market inventory. Market sheep comprised the remaining 6 percent of total market inventory.
The 2022 lamb crop of 3.11 million head was down 2 percent from 2021. The 2022 lambing rate was 107 lambs per 100 ewes one year old and older on January 1, 2022, unchanged from 2021.
Shorn wool production in the United States during 2022 was 22.2 million pounds, down 1 percent from 2021. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 3.17 million head, down 1 percent from 2021. The average price paid for wool sold in 2022 was $1.53 per pound for a total value of 33.9 million dollars, down
11 percent from 38.2 million dollars in 2021.
Sheep death loss during 2022 totaled 205,000 head, up 3 percent from 2021. Lamb death loss increased 3 percent from 365,000 head to 375,000 head in 2022.
January 1 All Goats and Kids Inventory Down 2 Percent
All goats and kids inventory in the United States on January 1, 2023 totaled 2.51 million head, down 2 percent from 2022. Breeding goat inventory totaled 2.06 million head, down 2 percent from 2022. Does one year old and older, at 1.52 million head, were 2 percent below last year's number. Market goats and kids totaled 451,000 head, down 1 percent from a year ago.
Kid crop for 2022 totaled 1.58 million head for all goats, down 1 percent from 2021.
Meat and all other goats totaled 2.00 million head on January 1, 2023, down 1 percent from 2022. Milk goat inventory was 400,000 head, down 2 percent from January 1, 2022, while Angora goats were down 3 percent, totaling 107,000 head.
Mohair production in the United States during 2022 was 520,000 pounds. Goats and kids clipped totaled 99,000 head. Average weight per clip was 5.3 pounds. Mohair price was $6.35 per pound with a value of 3.30 million dollars.
Feed loss during storage eats away at profits
Alfredo DiCostanzo, NE Extension Beef Systems Educator
Farmers and ranchers understand that net margins in the cattle business are narrow. Long-term datasets indicate that, on average, cow-calf or feedlot operations rarely net double digit profits.
Furthermore, farmers and ranchers understand that the main drivers of profit are cattle prices (sale or purchase), and that feed cost is dictated by corn grain and hay price, which are affected by weather events and oil prices. This leaves two main areas of focus to manage cost: health and feed management. Health and feed are managed to prevent loss: one is related to loss of health and subsequent loss of cattle and the other one is related to loss of feed resources and subsequent effect on feed costs.
As weather patterns improve, effects of drought on feed and forage supply should improve crop and forage production in 2023. However, we are still dealing with the effects of the drought of 2022 on forage and grain prices. Corn grain is trading at $7/bushel and hay, if available, is still selling for over $180/ton. Yet, as winter gives way to spring and summer, cattle producers considering investing in improvements on the farm should focus on preventing feed loss where feed is stored, prepared or fed.
Investments in building structures to preserve grain or forage are fixed costs (interest, maintenance, insurance, and taxes) while losses resulting from poorly preserving grain or forage are variable costs, which are extremely difficult to quantify. Because of this, investments in storage structures tend to be put off (until a “good year” comes around). This promise to self is seldom followed through.
What is intriguing about this attitude towards investing in preserving feed resources is that even some large cattle feeding operations feel this way. A national survey of cattle feedlots conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture National Animal Health Monitoring System reported that out of 403 feedlots with capacities above 1,000 head 61% (8,000 head or more) or 64% (1,000 to 7,999 head) did not have storage structures for hay. Similarly, 31% (8,000 head or more) and 35% (1,000 to 7,999 head) of feedlots surveyed did not cover silage piles. Interestingly, 13.6% of feedlots under 7,999 head and 8.5% of feedlots over 8,000 head did not protect corn grain. A total of 403 feedlots were included in this survey (237 with capacity under 8,000 head and 166 with capacity over 8,000 head). There were no regional differences observed in attitude toward storage of corn grain, hay or silage. Although one might conclude that inventory and use of these commodities at cattle feedlots is large and it turns over fast, exposing feed to environmental conditions, even for a short time, can lead to substantial losses.
Hay loss (dry matter) from round bales stored outside with the flat side of the bales facing north-to-south was 14%. Facing bales east to west reduced losses to 10%, covering bales stored on pallets with a tarp reduced losses to nearly the same proportion as that observed when storing bales in a barn (3%).
Similarly, leaving silage piles uncovered led to 34% in dry matter losses. Even when using 6-mil plastic cover, silage dry matter losses reached 12%.
For a 100-cow operation that must meet a hay feeding requirement of 6,000 lb of dry matter in a year with hay price at $150/ton of dry matter ($176/ton), reducing hay loss from 14% to 3% (11%) would save that operation $4,950 a year. A hay barn (100’ x 60’) with an initial cost to build of $65,000 financing $50,000 for 20 years, including 3% in annual maintenance, and 1% in annual insurance and tax would cost this cow-calf operation $5,193 ($2,593 interest, $1,950 maintenance, and $650 insurance and tax). This is really a break-even proposition considering that this barn will likely last over 20 years providing additional years of hay preservation.
The case for covering silage piles is a bit different. A reduction of 20% in dry matter losses from corn silage put up using $7/bushel corn grain ($70/ton as is or $200/ton of dry matter) easily pays for the plastic, labor to cover, and cost to remove and dispose of plastic ($40/ton of dry matter). Applying this reduction in losses to a feedlot using corn silage to feed 100 head space of cattle for a year at a rate of 10 lb dry matter daily (182 ton of dry matter) would save 36 ton of corn silage dry matter ($1,460). The cost of 6-mil plastic sheeting to cover 182 ton of silage would be well under $1,000.
In the case of preserving silage, the loss of dry matter resulting from not covering the material is sufficiently high to justify using plastic covers. Based on other research results, use of limestone, other feeds or soil instead of plastic is not justified.
In the case of preserving hay, one might be inclined to consider use of gravel beds or pallets (depending on cattle inventory) and tarps as a step before considering building a barn to store hay. In many cases, sheer cattle inventory might make building sufficient hay storage space impossible.
In the weeks to come, I will review the economics of preserving feed where the diet is prepared or delivered. Considerations of feed loss during mixing and delivery have implications beyond the loss of dry matter itself: mixing and delivery losses also affect performance.
Chvatal Named as Executive Director of the Nebraska Soybean Board
The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is pleased to announce that Andy Chvatal has been named as executive director of NSB, effective Monday, January 30, 2023.
In his position, Chvatal will work on behalf of the state’s soybean farmers and contribute to the mission of NSB, which is to grow value for Nebraska farmers by maximizing their checkoff investments. Chvatal will work to meet NSB's goals through the leadership of strategic programming in the areas of farmer support, production research, community engagement and demand. He will direct program development, maintain and establish partnerships, and oversee fiscal and contract management.
Prior to joining NSB, Andy spent eight years as an ag advisor for Frontier Cooperative, overseeing other advisors and assisting farmers with agronomic inputs and new technology. Previous to his career with Frontier Cooperative, Andy spent four years working in industry relations with NSB. In addition to agribusiness experience, Chvatal also farms with his family near Malmo, Nebraska.
“I am excited to welcome Andy Chvatal as our new executive director,” said Doug Saathoff, NSB chairman and farmer from Trumbull. “Andy brings great talent, knowledge and a true passion for Nebraska farmers and the entire agricultural industry. He will be a major asset to our organization and will effectively lead the board and staff, ensuring that the Nebraska Soybean Board remains at the forefront of innovation and industry advancements.”
Chvatal grew up on a diversified farm near Malmo where his family continues to raise corn and soybeans and manages a breeding heifer operation. He attended Bishop Neumann Catholic High School in Wahoo followed by Nebraska Wesleyan University where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“I am very honored to be back and working on behalf of Nebraska soybean farmers,” said Andy Chvatal, new NSB executive director. “We will make sure the checkoff remains a great investment by continuing to maintain relevance for today’s progressive farmers, while also balancing the needs of the evolving consumer. The staff and board of directors share a strong passion for agriculture, and I’m excited to bring my experiences and ideas to this team.”
Chvatal started his role on January 30. He can be contacted and welcomed at andy@nebraskasoybeans.org.
Flood Control Plan Approved for Saunders County
Recently, the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) approved the Upper Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan to protect the lives, property, and the future of Nebraskans.
“NRCS is happy to partner with local sponsors like the Lower Platte North NRD to provide funding to address flood control needs,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “This watershed plan will help prevent the flooding seen in the watershed for years.”
The Upper Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan focuses on constructing 10 floodwater-reduction dams within a 100-square-mile-area in the Wahoo Creek Watershed, generally located west of Wahoo, in Saunders County. This is the first Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan approved in Nebraska since funding for watershed operations was reestablished by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2017.
Lower Platte North NRD directors considered several potential methods to control flooding in the watershed, including levees, wetland storage, conversion of cropland, raising roads and bridges, building small or large structures, and wet and dry dams. The $19.7 million project includes 10 wet dams on sites south of Prague, west of Weston and west of Wahoo.
“Our district selected sites that have the greatest potential to reduce flood damages to agriculture, county roads and bridges, urban land, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife and aquatic habitats,” said Eric Gottschalk, Lower Platte North NRD general manager.
In addition to the Nebraska NRCS WFPO funding, the Lower Platte North NRD received funding for the Wahoo Creek Watershed from the Nebraska Legislature in 2022.
“This project provides a critical link in reducing flood damages in the Wahoo Creek Watershed,” Gottschalk said. “After many years of planning, it is satisfying to see all components come together for completion by the end of 2026.”
New Leadership for NE Pork Producers
Mark Wright of Fremont, Nebraska has been elected President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) at a director’s meeting held on January 19, 2023. Connor Livingston, Director of Sites and Mill Operations for Livingston Enterprise based in Fairbury was elected at President-Elect and Ryan Priester, a producer from Humphrey was elected as Vice President. Jared Lierman of Beemer will continue to serve as Past President.
Wright is the Assistant Manager of the Nebraska division for the Wiechman Pig Company and the Animal Handling and Welfare Coordinator. Mark along with his wife Jennifer and daughter Olivia reside in Fremont. With over 30 years in the pork industry, Wright brings a comprehensive background to the leadership role. First elected to the NPPA board in 2020, Mark was placed into the officer’s rotation as vice president in 2021. He was part of the 2020 National Pork Leadership Institute, has represented producers in Washington, D.C. as a participant in the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Legislative Action Conference (LAC), served as a delegate to the National Pork Forum. Represented Nebraska pork producers on a trade mission to Columbia with then Lt. Governor Mike Foley in 2022.
Mark will be traveling to Monterrey Mexico in late February on a trade mission with the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Mexico is the largest destination for U.S. pork exports. During the 4-day trade mission, Mark will gain an understanding of Mexico’s market dynamics, have market briefings, tour retail outlets to view USMEF activities and merchandising techniques. and take part in promoting U.S. pork at Expo Carnes, the largest meat industry trade show in Mexico.
As NPPA President, Mark, “stated that his goals are, to promote the pork industry at the local, state, national, and international levels and to ensure that NPPA is a resource to help Nebraska pork producers be successful now and in the future. I also want to extend my appreciation to NPPA’s Past Presidents for advancing our mission and continually telling our story. Their service to the industry has been invaluable. I am honored to serve the pork industry in Nebraska as President in 2023.”
United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains Form Joint Venture to Develop New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Technology Using Ethanol
United Airlines, Tallgrass, and Green Plains Inc. today announced a new joint venture – Blue Blade Energy – to develop and then commercialize a novel Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology that uses ethanol as its feedstock. If the technology is successful, Blue Blade is expected to proceed with the construction of a pilot facility in 2024, followed by a full-scale facility that could begin commercial operations by 2028. The offtake agreement could provide for enough SAF to fly more than 50,000 flights annually between United's hub airports in Chicago and Denver.
Blue Blade's new SAF technology was developed by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a leading center for technological innovation in sustainable energy. SAF, which uses non-petroleum feedstock, is a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel that offers up to 85% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
"The production and use of SAF is the most effective and scalable tool the airline industry has to reduce carbon emissions and United continues to lead the way," said United Airlines Ventures President Michael Leskinen. "This new joint venture includes two expert collaborators that have the experience to construct and operate large-scale infrastructure, as well as the feedstock supply necessary for success. Once operational, Blue Blade Energy has the potential to create United's largest source of SAF providing up to 135 million gallons of fuel annually."
United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains will each provide their unique industry expertise to help develop the joint venture. Under this collaborative approach:
Tallgrass will manage research and development of the technology, including pilot plant development, and will manage the construction of the production facility.
Green Plains will supply the low-carbon ethanol feedstock, and use its ethanol industry expertise to manage operations once the pilot facility is constructed.
United Airlines will assist with SAF development, fuel certification and into-wing logistics, and has also agreed to purchase up to 2.7 billion gallons of SAF produced from the joint venture.
"At Tallgrass, we are striving to innovate how we deliver the energy that powers our nation and enables our quality of life," said Alison Nelson, Vice President, Business Development at Tallgrass. "Air travel uniquely connects people and improves lives, and the advancement of this novel SAF technology presents a meaningful opportunity to reduce emissions from aviation. We are excited to partner with industry leaders United Airlines and Green Plains on this initiative."
If the technology is commercialized, the location of Blue Blade's initial plant would allow easy access to low-carbon feedstock from Green Plains' Midwest ethanol production facilities. While the initial SAF facility intends to use ethanol, the technology has the capability to work with any alcohol-based feedstock as its fuel source.
"Our transformation to a true decarbonized biorefinery model has positioned Green Plains to help our customers and partners reduce the carbon intensity of their products by producing low-carbon proteins, oils, sugars and now decarbonized ethanol to be used in SAF," said Todd Becker, President and CEO of Green Plains. "This partnership with world class organizations like United Airlines and Tallgrass, shows the value creation that is possible with our low-carbon platform. The potential impact of this project is a gamechanger for US agriculture, aligning a strong farm economy and a robust aviation transport industry focused on decarbonizing our skies."
Blue Blade Energy marks one of the largest direct investments from United Airlines Ventures (UAV), United's corporate venture arm, into SAF. Launched in 2021, UAV targets startups, upcoming technologies, and sustainability concepts that will complement United's goal of net zero emissions by 2050 without relying on traditional carbon offsets. United has aggressively pursued strategic investments in SAF producers and revolutionary technologies including carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis.
UNL students participate in Nebraska Beef Leadership Experience
Six University of Nebraska-Lincoln students participated in the Nebraska Beef Leadership Experience January 16 through 19. This is the first time the Nebraska Beef Council has held this event, which offered many different opportunities to the students involved to help them better understand and promote the beef industry.
Kylie Dierks of Hastings, TaraLee Hudson of Belvidere, Laura Reiling of Lincoln, Amber Staab of Ord, Chaylee Tonniges of Gresham, and Abigayle Warm of Staplehurst spent the week in and around Kearney experiencing new sectors of the beef industry they had, for the most part, not been exposed to before. Through the experience, the students earned a digital badge from UNL which will be applied to their school transcripts.
“The students were delightful to get to know and work with throughout the week. I feel very confident in the future of our industry because they all care deeply about beef from the ranch to the plate,” said Ann Marie Bosshammer, executive director of the Nebraska Beef Council. “I believe the experience gave them an excellent perspective of the Beef Checkoff, its programs, and how vast the beef industry really reaches around the globe.”
During the week-long event, the students participated in a grocery store tour and visited the US Meat Animal Research Center. The students also met with the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors, sat in on a board meeting, and listened to a multitude of speakers address current issues facing the beef industry. During a hands-on activity, the group shopped for ingredients and then spent time in the kitchen learning how to prepare beef as part of a healthy diet.
Amber Staab, a Junior studying agribusiness, has her own direct to consumer beef business. Staab says she enjoyed learning more about what the Nebraska Beef Council does.
“I've always been super passionate about the beef industry, I grew up on a cow calf operation, and in the beef industry is where I want to end up after college,” said Staab. “So, I thought that this would be a great opportunity to network and learn more about the Beef Council, and that it would really help me in my future.”
Chaylee Tonniges, a Junior majoring in animal science, says she has a newfound respect for the board of directors after seeing what they do. Tonniges plans to work as a business intern at Merck this summer and has started her own herd of Red Angus cattle.
“I knew that this was going to be a great learning opportunity and a way to expand my knowledge of the industry,” said Tonniges. “It’s been really neat to see how an actual board meeting operates and that it's driven by volunteer producers.”
For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.
Iowa Pork Regional Conferences are Feb. 20-23
There will be four one-day educational conferences for pig farmers that will be held across the state, Feb. 20-23. The conferences are planned and supported by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC). Pig farmers are invited to register and attend one of the four events.
The conference locations are:
Monday, Feb. 20 – Orange City at the Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700
Tuesday, Feb. 21 – Webster City at the Briggs Woods Conference Center, 2501 Briggs Woods Trail
Wednesday, Feb. 22 – Nashua at the Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.
Thursday, Feb. 23 – Washington at the Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St.
In addition to the regional conference program that runs from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. each day, a separate morning session from 9 a.m. to noon will provide Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus® training. The PQA Plus training is sponsored by IPPA and provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Producers can attend one or both sessions.
There are four topics for the afternoon sessions.
European ASF Report – Producers and veterinarians will talk about African swine fever (ASF) herd management in different European countries. The information is the result of a trip was organized by the National Pork Board last fall.
Economic Issues Update – ISU Extension Livestock Economist Dr. Lee Schulz will give an overview of economic activity that will impact pig farmers.
Heat Stress Research & Strategies to Mitigate It – Dr. Brett Ramirez of ISU’s Ag & Biosystems Engineering, will talk about studies for improving barn ventilation, as well as strategies to reduce heat stress.
The Value of Manure – the Extension Ag Engineer for the area will discuss ISU’s manure research and the information that can help you determine it’s value.
“Topics for the conferences were determined by the farmer members of the IPPA producer education committee. They partnered with IPIC to identify relevant speakers on the topics,” says Cory Van Gilst, IPPA producer outreach director.
Check-in starts 30 minutes before the start of each part of the day. Pre-register for the conference and/or PQA Plus certification training to ensure adequate materials are available to all. To pre-register:
Go online to IowaPork.org/IPPA-Regional-Conferences; or
Call IPPA at (800) 372-7675; or
Email croepke@iowapork.org.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to Receive RFA’s 2023 Industry Award
The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will visit the upcoming National Ethanol Conference to receive the RFA’s annual Industry Award, the ethanol industry’s highest honor. Each year, the award is presented to an individual or entity who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the renewable fuels industry and the value-added agriculture sector. Gov. Reynolds’ accomplishments and determined leadership on renewable fuel and farm policy issues made her the obvious choice for this year’s award, according to RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
“Gov. Reynolds has always been a leading voice and champion for renewable fuels and farmers, but her remarkable efforts in 2022 went above and beyond,” Cooper said. “She led a bipartisan group of Midwest governors in a groundbreaking effort to secure air quality improvements and year-round E15 in their states. Last year, she also charted the course for passage of the ‘Biofuels Bill,’ which established the first statewide E15 standard in the country. Under Gov. Reynolds leadership, Iowa continues to set an excellent example for other states to follow on lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol. We are honored to welcome Gov. Reynolds to the National Ethanol Conference so we can personally present her with this well-deserved award.”
In 2018, Gov. Reynolds was the first woman elected to her state’s highest office, and she was re-elected to a second term last November by an overwhelming margin. Iowa is the leading producer of ethanol in the United States and recently broke its annual production record, with 4.5 billion gallons produced in 2022. Last year, Reynolds signed HF2128, the Biofuels Bill, making Iowa the first state in the nation to adopt an E15 standard and expanding access to higher blends of ethanol. She also rallied a bipartisan group of governors together to notify EPA of their intent to allow the E15 blend to be sold year-round.
The National Ethanol Conference is the nation’s most widely attended executive-level conference for the ethanol industry, taking place February 28 to March 2 at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.
Since 2010, winners of the RFA Industry Award include ethanol industry pioneers Ron Fagen, Dave VanderGriend, and Ron Miller; the first E15 retailer in the country, Scott Zaremba; technology innovators Gerson Santos-Leon and Quad County Corn Processors; outstanding industry advocates Ron Alverson, Neil Koehler, East Kansas Agri-Energy, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association; and political champions former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and former Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson.
USDA Continues Laying Foundation for More and Better Markets with Launch of Pilot Cattle Contracts Library
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its pilot Cattle Contracts Library today at Noon Eastern Time on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattle Contract Library webpage. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA to create a pilot library to increase market transparency for cattle producers. This pilot library will provide new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions, and volumes under which cattle are contracted, bringing sunshine to practices in what is now the largest part of the cattle market. This will empower cattle producers to negotiate better terms, more carefully monitor risks relating to marketing preferences and pricing practices, and ultimately take better advantage of market opportunities to produce cattle that the market demands.
“USDA is committed to creating a more level playing field for cattle producers and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program supports this commitment by providing producers with the market information they need to make informed production, marketing, and business decisions.”
“With this Cattle Contract Library pilot, America’s ranchers will enjoy an exciting new window into market opportunities and trends in cattle contracts, one of the most critical parts of the cattle marketplace,” said USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Transparency is the foundation of fair and competitive markets and critical for producers seeking to grow economic opportunities. As we continue to lay the groundwork for more and better markets, USDA looks forward to working with all stakeholders and Congress to enable this pilot library to deliver meaningful and lasting value to producers.”
The library will have the same look and feel as the working library model developed and shared with stakeholders last year but will now be populated with information from active contracts. Packers that slaughtered an average of not less than five percent of the number of fed cattle slaughtered nationally during the immediately preceding five calendar years were required to submit this information to AMS, as outlined in a final rule published Dec. 7, 2022, and that became effective on Jan. 6, 2023.
The initial release of the library will allow users to browse a range of terms and information contained in active contracts used for the purchase of fed cattle. In addition to active contracts in use, the library will provide information on terms most commonly used in cattle contracts, such as base price determination, base price adjustments and selling basis options; contract specifications for such things as quality, yield, breed, weight, delivery, financing, profit/risk-sharing, and more (where present in a contract); and the full range of premiums and discounts used in final price determination.
Upcoming enhancements to the library will display information on the number of head of cattle moving through current contracts defined by contract base price source, including the actual numbers for the prior month and estimates for the current month. Additionally, volume information by contract specification for quality, breed, weight, source-verified and others will provide users with information about how often each specification is used. During the term of the pilot, AMS expects to further enhance transparency through additional reports and features as they are developed, subject to confidentiality.
With the library, producers will be able to see a much more complete picture of marketing practices and trends, including upcoming volumes. This transparency will empower producers to take advantage of new economic opportunities, improve their marketing strategies, and manage risks relating to contractual terms including pricing references on which they rely. AMS will conduct a series of meetings and webinars in the coming weeks and months to help stakeholders understand how to use the pilot library. The first webinar is scheduled for February 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Details on that webinar, and all other information related to the pilot, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain/cattle-contracts-library.
NCBA Statement on Launch of the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program
Today, NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer released the following statement on the launch of the Cattle Contract Library pilot program:
"We have been looking forward to the launch of the Cattle Contract Library pilot program and will review the product to determine if its current format provides value to cattle producers. We will continue engaging with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and providing feedback on this resource.”
United States Establishes Second USMCA Dispute Panel on Canadian Dairy Tariff-Rate Quota Policies
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States is establishing a dispute settlement panel under the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding Canada’s dairy tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation measures. In this new panel proceeding, the United States is challenging Canada’s revised dairy TRQ allocation measures that use a market-share approach for determining TRQ allocations, and impose new conditions effectively prohibiting retailers, food service operators, and other types of importers from utilizing TRQ allocations. Through these measures, Canada undermines the market access it agreed to provide in the USMCA.
“Although the United States won a previous USMCA dispute on Canada’s dairy TRQ allocation policies, the Canadian government’s revised measures have not fixed the problem,” Ambassador Katherine Tai said. “With this panel request, we are utilizing our available tools to enforce our trade agreements and ensure that U.S. workers, farmers, processors, and exporters receive the full benefits of the USMCA. Canada made commitments to the United States in the USMCA, and the Biden-Harris Administration is ensuring that they honor those commitments.”
“Canada is a valued and important trading partner, but they continue to fall short of their USMCA obligations by denying U.S. dairy producers and exporters fair access to the Canadian market,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “International trade is critical to economic growth and stability for American producers. This panel request is necessary to ensure Canada honors their commitments as they relate to dairy, and so American producers have greater export opportunities as intended.”
The United States has raised concerns under the USMCA previously about Canada’s dairy TRQ allocation measures. In December 2021, a USMCA dispute settlement panel found Canada’s dairy TRQ allocation measures to be inconsistent with Canada’s USMCA obligations. In response to the adverse findings of the panel, Canada introduced changes to its TRQ allocation measures, but these new policies are still inconsistent with Canada’s obligations under the USMCA.
In May 2022, the United States requested consultations with Canada to address its updated dairy TRQ allocation measures. In December 2022, the United States again requested consultations with Canada after identifying additional areas of deep concern with Canada’s dairy TRQ polices. The Parties held consultations on January 17, 2023, but were not able to resolve the matter. This is the second panel request that the Biden Administration has filed under Chapter 31 (Dispute Settlement) of the USMCA, specifically Article 31.6.1. Under the USMCA’s revised dispute settlement procedures, the panel is established upon delivery of the request (Article 31.6.4). Under the timeline provided in the USMCA, the panel is expected to issue a report later this year.
USTR officials have worked closely with staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on this matter, and both agencies will continue working together, in consultation with stakeholders, to obtain Canada’s full compliance with its USMCA dairy commitments.
Background
This panel request is the most recent in a series of enforcement actions the United States has taken under the USMCA.
In July 2022, the United States requested USMCA dispute settlement consultations with Mexico concerning certain measures by Mexico that undermine American companies and U.S.-produced energy in favor of Mexico’s state-owned electrical utility, CFE, and state-owned oil and gas company, PEMEX. Those consultations are ongoing.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has initiated the USMCA Facility-Specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRM) six times, seeking review by the Government of Mexico for alleged denial of rights at facilities in Mexico, including a request sent to Mexico yesterday. In addition, the U.S. Government engaged with Mexico to highlight issues at two other facilities prior to invoking the mechanism. Each of the concluded actions resulted in outcomes that are producing important, concrete results for workers, such as reinstatement and backpay for dismissed workers, increased opportunities for unions to organize and compete on equal footing, and monitoring of union representation elections, in which workers selected unions to represent them in free and fair elections.
In February 2022, the United States launched consultations with Mexico under the USMCA Environment Chapter regarding Mexico’s obligations to effectively enforce its fisheries-related laws, regulations, and other measures designed to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Upper Gulf of California, to prevent trafficking of protected species such as the totoaba fish, and to protect and conserve the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. Those consultations are ongoing.
Also, on three occasions, Ambassador Tai has requested Mexico’s cooperation under the bilateral Environment Cooperation and Customs Verification Agreement between the United States and Mexico (CVA) and Mexico agreed to work jointly with the United States on environmental enforcement matters.
These enforcement actions reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to enforce the USMCA and to ensure that U.S. trade policy works for America’s workers.
U.S. Dairy Praises USTR Move to Hold Canada Responsible for USMCA Violations
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) commended today’s announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative has formally moved to advance a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement proceeding and establish a second panel to determine whether Canada has been in violation of its market access obligations under the agreement.
Canada’s unwillingness to abide by the tariff-rate quota provisions of USMCA has been an issue since the agreement’s implementation began. The United States won its first dispute panel on the matter in Dec. 2021, which found that Canada was reserving most of its preferential dairy TRQs for Canadian processors that have little incentive to import product. Canada’s revised approach to USMCA TRQs, released in May, also provided inequitable advantages to Canadian processors.
“Canada’s TRQ allocation system is not only a violation of USMCA -- it directly harms American dairy farmers, processors, and other workers by unfairly restricting access to their market,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “USTR’s action is an important step in righting this wrong and sending a message that the U.S. will fight violations of trade deals in Canada and wherever else they may be committed.”
“The U.S. dairy community greatly appreciates the Biden Administration’s decision to prioritize steps to address Canada’s USMCA violations,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Unfortunately, Canada has shown a pattern of not living up to the dairy commitments it has made in trade agreements. As long as they continue to drag their feet, we’ll continue to work with USTR and USDA to fight back, and propose retaliatory action if necessary.”
If the panel ultimately confirms that Canada has been violating its obligations under USMCA, the U.S. would be granted the right to impose retaliatory duties should Canada fail to fix its unfair TRQ administrative practices.
Canada Must Abide by USMCA Dairy Commitments
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the latest U.S. Trade Representative investigation into Canadian dairy imports.
“We’re pleased USTR continues to put pressure on Canada to live up to its commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. America’s hardworking dairy farmers deserve the opportunity to sell their products to Canada, but they have run into persistent roadblocks.
“We appreciate Trade Representative Tai for her work to enforce the tariff-quota provisions of the trade agreement. We value Canada as a trading partner, but its leaders must honor the agreement to ensure Canada’s families have choices at the supermarket, and America’s farm families have fair access to markets.”
Commodity Classic Announces Registration Is Up 28% Over 2022 Event
Farmers across the country are getting excited for the 2023 Commodity Classic, which has just announced registration is up 28% over last year’s event in New Orleans.
The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11 in Orlando. Attendees can register for all three days of the event; single-day passes are also available.
Attendee surveys indicate that networking with other farmers is one of the top reasons producers enjoy Commodity Classic. Hallway conversations and in-person connections are an important part of the educational experience at Commodity Classic as farmers share their knowledge, passion, and insight with colleagues from across the nation.
“We saw near-record attendance the last time the event was held in Orlando in 2019, and our registrations this year are already up 28% over last year,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “Thousands of America’s best farmers from across the nation love Commodity Classic because we share a passion for agriculture, a thirst for knowledge, and we’re all interested in how we can make our farms more profitable. Learning little improvements we can make to help save money down the line really adds to the value of attending Commodity Classic.”
“Striking up conversations with other farmers is one of the most valuable aspects of Commodity Classic,” added Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer, NCGA member, and fellow 2023 co-chair. “Everywhere you look, you’ll see other farmers who are just as serious about their operation as you are. There’s just nothing like those in-person conversations, and there’s no better place to have them than at Commodity Classic.”
The 2023 Commodity Classic includes an impressive lineup of educational sessions, inspiring speakers, a huge trade show, entertainment, and a wide range of technology, innovation, and agronomic information. Discover more and register online at CommodityClassic.com.
Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. It is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
Merck Animal Health Announces Results of Consumer Transparency Research Study
Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), announced today the results of the company’s first-ever consumer transparency research study, finding that two-thirds of consumers say transparency in animal protein is extremely or very important.
The consumer transparency study focused on consumers’ growing interest in transparency and its importance in their purchasing decisions and brand trust. The study explored consumer desire for transparency in animal protein, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, and their perceptions of industry transparency when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability. It also looked at the interplay of transparency and traceability and consumers’ willingness to pay for transparency label claims.
“The survey results tell us consumers want more information than ever in order to make informed decisions about the food they put on their dinner tables,” said Allison Flinn, DVM, Executive Director, Value Chain and Consumer Affairs, Merck Animal Health. "We work to be the industry leader in improving animal health through our biopharmaceutical and technology portfolio solutions, and we also have the technology that can provide greater transparency and allow consumers to make informed decisions. In fact, our DNA TRACEBACK® technology, which uses nature’s bar code – DNA – with data analytics, provides an evidence-based animal protein traceability solution to accurately trace meat and seafood that is verifiable from farm-to-table to help build trust in food labels.”
The DNA TRACEBACK platform is the most advanced meat traceability solution and the leading technology on the market that verifies the exact origin of meat products for the food producer, food retailer and consumer. Each animal in the program is DNA sampled so that in every stage of the production chain – from the farm gate, the processing plant and right through to the restaurant plate – the exact origin of meat or seafood is verified. A sample of each animal’s DNA code is captured at slaughter and assigned a unique barcode number. This DNA number is then linked to the animal and can be traced through the supply chain all the way to individual cuts of meat served in restaurants.
Study Methodology
The consumer transparency study surveyed more than 1,000 consumers who represent the U.S. shopper. The study defined transparency as knowing how food was grown, raised, and made. Traceability was defined as knowing where foods come from, or more specifically, being able to follow the movement of food products and ingredients through the supply chain. Highlights from the study include:
Two-thirds or 66% of consumers reported transparency in animal proteins (meat, fish, eggs and dairy) is extremely or very important and the reasons are personal – health and nutrition top the list;
86% of consumers who reported transparency is important also rank traceability as extremely/very important and 40% of those consumers also want to know where the livestock comes from;
Over 50% of consumers surveyed reported they were willing to pay a 5% premium for transparency on the label and want more information than ever about how their food is grown and raised to make informed decisions at the grocery store;
High-transparency seekers, or those who consider transparency most important to their purchasing decisions and are willing to pay for it on the label, are typically millennial, non-Caucasian, educated males who live in urban areas with their children – and they do the grocery shopping;
Environmental sustainability and animal welfare are important animal protein purchase considerations with 55% surveyed reporting environmental sustainability as very/extremely important and 66% reporting animal care/treatment as extremely important/very important.
“Sustainability, nutrition, food safety, and animal welfare are all topics consumers want to know more about, and we know greater transparency builds trust,” said Dr. Flinn. “Consumers also want to know the brands they buy from are transparent, and this research provides insights into how farmers, ranchers, food brands, and allied industry partners like Merck Animal Health can collaborate to meet their expectations.”
NEW MARKETPLACE REDUCES COST OF SELLING FARMING EQUIPMENT
Ag Silo has launched its farming equipment marketplace to help farmers buy and sell equipment without high buyer or auction fees. The service makes it easier for farmers to find equipment outside their city and state.
"From Lincoln to Lubbock, we heard about farmers’ struggles with equipment auctions and hefty fees," said CEO and Co-Founder of Ag Silo Martyn Gross. "We created Ag Silo to provide a better option for America's farmers, who are the backbone of this country."
Ag Silo's online platform features competitive pricing nationwide.
"Ag Silo is not an auction site, but instead aims to keep more money in farmers’ pockets," said Gross. "Farmers see the value in our pricing transparency and model; we already have $20 million in inventory listed on Ag Silo.”
Buyers and sellers can compare farm equipment prices across the country, which includes shipping costs.
"Farmers have needed a way to leverage the internet to market their equipment at reasonable fees for years,” said Mike Ratke, a farmer from Farwell, Texas. “Ag Silo does that. Finally, someone that cares about ag.”
Ag Silo does not charge a buyer's fee; sellers pay a 4% fee on items sold.
For more information, visit agsilo.com.
