Friday January 13th Ag News

Year in Review: USDA Reports on Higher Land Values and County-Level Cash Rent Estimates Across Nebraska in 2022

Survey findings from the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Services (USDA-NASS) estimated that Nebraska farm real estate values, including all agricultural land and buildings, in 2022 increased by 21%, to an average of $3,750 per acre (Figure 1). The year-over-year increases mark an increase of $650 for this annual period (USDA-NASS 2022a). Kansas and Iowa led the nation for the highest rates of increase in the market value of farmland, at 25.2% and 21.4% for market value averages of $9,400 and $2,630 per acre. Nebraska marked the third-highest percentage increase for rising farm real estate when ranked against the other states.

For the second year in a row, cropland values in Nebraska reported the second-highest increase in the nation at 21.0%, to an average of $6,000 per acre. Kansas led the country with a rise of 24.5% to a new average of $2,950 per acre (USDA-NASS 2021a). Many of the cropland purchases capitalized on the high commodity prices fueled by disruptions in global trade and drought conditions across the major grain-producing regions of the United States. Monetary policies gradually increased the cost of borrowing during 2022 to combat inflationary pressures. Rising interest rates and input expenses may weigh down on future cropland values unless offset by increasing farm profitability.

To read more about 2022 land values and cash rents, visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability https://cap.unl.edu/land/year-review-usda-reports-higher-land-values-and-county-level-cash-rent-estimates-across.  



PROPOSALS FOR 2023 SPECIALTY CROP PROJECTS DUE JAN. 31

Specialty crops like potatoes, dry edible beans and apples, add value and variety to Nebraska agriculture. To strengthen the specialty crop industry in the state, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is seeking proposals for innovative research, development, and marketing projects through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program is administered by NDA and funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline for submitting SCBGP proposals is Jan. 31, 2023.

“Specialty crops are a vital part of Nebraska agriculture,” said SCBGP Program Manager Casey Foster. “SCBGP projects that receive grant funding will benefit Nebraska’s specialty crop industry for years to come, so we’re encouraging people to apply by the Jan. 31st deadline.” NDA anticipates approximately $820,000 will be available to fund new projects for the 2023 SCBG program. Producers, organizations, and associations, as well as state and local agencies, educational groups and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply. Last fall, several organizations in Nebraska received more than $831,000 in USDA grants.

AmpliFund is the grant application software NDA is using. A recorded webinar training is available on NDA’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/scbgp/index.html along with proposal instructions, grant performance measures and program guidelines.

As in years past, this year’s proposals will be reviewed and scored using select criteria and the AmpliFund software. Applicants who make it through the first round will be asked to submit additional information. NDA and USDA will announce the projects receiving funding in the fall. To view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops and examples of projects funded, visit USDA’s website at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. For additional information, contact Casey Foster at 402-471-6857, or by email at casey.foster@nebraska.gov.



Naig Sworn-In for Second Full Term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Mike Naig was sworn-in for his second full term as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture today during a formal public ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen administered the oath of office to Secretary Naig.

Here is a portion of Naig's remarks, as prepared for delivery...
    I have a fantastic team at the Department of Agriculture, and I want to recognize and thank them for the passion and dedication that they bring to their work to serve every Iowan every day.  It seems like over the last four years, we’ve had to face one unprecedented or historic situation after another. I am proud to lead a team that works hard and strives to reflect the creativity and resiliency that we see in Iowa’s agriculture community. Please help me recognize our great team.

    Because of those who have gone before us, Iowa has become famous for our agriculture production. I have said many times that God made Iowa for agriculture – but we cannot take that for granted.

    We must also be famous for the stewardship of the land and our innovative approaches to addressing the needs and challenges of tomorrow.

    The first day of my second term was January 2nd. I got up that morning and started thinking about what the next four years might bring and what I wanted to accomplish. I sat down for breakfast and read my daily devotional like normal. God certainly had a message for me that morning.

    So, as we set out on the next four years and in that spirit, I’ll say this - Lord willing - and with his help, I will continue to focus on building markets, protecting our soil and water, and developing and encouraging the people that will lead the way tomorrow by putting down their own roots.

    As I travel our state, visiting every county every year, I am inspired by the people I meet. These Iowans work hard, take risks, and innovate to grow their farms, families, businesses and communities.

    Because of our people, I believe that in Iowa, our brightest days are ahead.

    Thank you all for being here today. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Secretary of Agriculture and for opportunity to continue working to build a stronger future for Iowa agriculture.



Tools for the Future Crop Fair

In the tradition of providing farmers with the latest industry insights, the Harrison and Crawford County Corn Growers along with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will host a crop fair in Missouri Valley, Iowa at the Rand Center, 100 S 4th Street, on Friday, January 27th, starting at 9 a.m.

“The crop fairs give Iowa corn farmers access to information they might not get elsewhere,” explained Larry Buss, ICPB President and farmer from Logan. “Crop fairs are customized to include topics that fit each region of the state, with opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning and a chance to interact with subject area experts on a variety of topics including legislative policy, water quality, market development and risk management.”

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be provided at noon to attendees.

9 a.m. Carbon Sequestration, Matt Herman
Senior Director Renewable Products Marketing, Iowa Soybean Association

10 a.m. Iowa Corn Government Relations & Policy Update, Mindy Larsen Poldberg
Vice President of Government Relations, Iowa Corn Growers Association

11 a.m. Iowa Agriculture Update, Mike Naig
Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

RSVPs are appreciated by January 20 to Janelle Kracht by calling 515-229-9980 or emailing jkracht@iowacorn.org.

“Through the power of your membership, we are able to advocate at both the state and federal level for issues that directly impact your bottom line. If you are not an ICGA member, I encourage you to join us today to have your seat at the table and get engaged on issues impacting your farm,” said Grassroots Network and Membership Committee Vice Chair Logan Lyon, an ICGA director and a farmer from Blue Grass, Iowa. You may join ICGA as a member at the crop fair or at iowacorn.org/join.



IFBF sets 2023 legislative priorities

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, will address key priorities of protecting landowners and property taxpayers, addressing measures to combat Iowa’s veterinary care workforce shortage, wildlife management, and other important policies to Iowa’s farmers during the 2023 legislative session.

Throughout the past year, Farm Bureau members from every county provided input on policy important to Iowa agriculture. Critical issues were voted on and prioritized to shape the organization's efforts for the 2023 legislative session.

“Property taxes will reach $6.67 billion in Iowa for fiscal year 2023 and have more than doubled over the past 18 years,” IFBF President and Calhoun County farmer Brent Johnson said. “That’s why our members clearly identified property taxpayer protections as a key focus during the 2023 legislative session. It’s important that state obligations are not shifted to property taxpayers and that legislators continue to look for ways to ease the burden on property taxpayers, especially considering Iowa’s strong fiscal position.”

Farm Bureau members have also prioritized landowner protections as a 2023 legislative priority. Iowa law lays out the process for companies to build large infrastructure projects, such as underground pipelines and electric transmission lines, but currently there is no voluntary easement threshold before projects may be granted eminent domain authority. “Our members have shaped policy to ensure when constructing large infrastructure projects, Iowa law should adequately protect landowner rights prior to approval and after construction is complete,” Johnson said.  

Farm Bureau will also work toward solutions to workforce shortages among food animal veterinarians. The organization’s efforts will focus on allowing registered veterinary technicians to engage in more hands-on practices to increase the availability of veterinary care which supports livestock farmers, protects food safety and increases disease prevention.

Wildlife management to curb crop damage and disease risk to livestock is another issue important to Iowa farmers that will be a legislative focus in the coming session. Farm Bureau members support the adoption of year-round nuisance control.   



'Transitioning to Organic' Course Starts Jan. 17

Those interested in transitioning to organic production can register for a "Transitioning to Organic Agriculture" course, offered by Kathleen Delate, organic specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The course will be offered on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m., beginning Jan. 17 and lasting through May 2.

The class is offered in-person (for three Iowa State credits) or can be taken online through Zoom. The class will address the increased demand for organic food and feed grains, which presents a viable economic opportunity for Iowa farmers.

“Transitioning to successful organic production requires rapid acquisition of production, marketing and financial management skills, which will be taught in the class,” said Delate. “Classes include lessons on weed management, nutrient management, pest management and markets for organic grain, vegetable and fruit crops.”

Specialists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, along with Iowa State professors, will educate participants on programs and policies from the United States Department of Agriculture and the state of Iowa to assist in the transition to organic.

Practicing organic farmers will also provide real-life experiences in the field and in the marketplace.

“It’s a win-win situation. Students learn from our farming experiences and we learn from their questions too,” said Ron Rosmann, one of the guest lecturers, from Harlan, Iowa.

For more information, or to sign up for the course, contact the Organic Agriculture Program at Iowa State at 515-294-5116 or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu.



Webinar: Iowa's Great Soil Is an Asset Worth Preserving

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Jan. 18 at noon CST will feature C. Lee Burras, Morill Professor, Iowa State University. Burras’ research examines natural soil formation and soil change in response to long term agricultural use.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “How Did We Get Such Great Land?,” Burras will overview the natural and human histories of Iowa and how they have contributed to the highly productive soil found throughout the state. He will also challenge the audience to learn more about soil and what effects agriculture and human activity have on maintaining soil health.

“Iowa’s soils are incredible, but the two relevant questions for all Iowans are why are they so incredible, and how much longer will they stay this way? I hope that participants in this webinar will gain a better understanding about our fascinating and important soil and be energized to learn more about Iowa’s soils,” Burras said.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar access instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Jan. 18:
    Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.
    Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.
    Or, join from a dial-in phone line: dial +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923, meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the Learning Farms website, so that they can be watched at any time.

Learning Farms has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

The following week’s webinar will feature Maria Lemke from The Nature Conservancy.



Iowa Beef Industry Council Names New Executive Director

The Iowa Beef Industry Council board of directors selected Mike Anderson, of Ames, to lead as executive director of the Iowa Beef Checkoff organization.

Anderson comes to the beef council after 17 years with Iowa State Extension & Outreach where he served as program manager of 4-H Agriculture & Natural Resources. Anderson is experienced in personnel and program management through his background in coordinating 4-H livestock superintendents and shows at the Iowa State Fair, implementing Iowa 4-H online enrollment and identification programs and hosting several state 4-H events and activities.

“My previous experiences working with youth and adults has been really rewarding and eye-opening. I have seen first-hand how 4-H and FFA youth are more removed from the farm than ever before and would like to use this role as an opportunity to share the importance of agriculture with consumers and tying that back to beef production. I am a firm believer in building a strong team and I look forward to working with staff, board members and stakeholders to execute programs that help share the story of Iowa’s beef industry,” said Anderson.

"We are excited for Mike Anderson to come on as our new executive director,” says Dan Hanrahan, a beef producer from Cumming, Iowa, and IBIC chair. “We feel his emphasis of a team approach will mesh well with our group of volunteer leaders and professional staff working to support our mission of expanding consumer demand for beef, strengthening beef's position in the global marketplace and improving producer profitability. We represent more than 25,000 operations here in the state and contribute to it over $6 billion in economic activity. As a team we can continue to produce the most desired protein anywhere, and do so as excellent stewards of the land and animals entrusted to us, ensuring sustainability for our operations, our land, and our communities.”

Anderson is a graduate of Iowa State University with a master's degree in Animal Science. He has been an advocate for agriculture his entire life, having played an active role on his family’s farming operation in Garner, Iowa. Anderson has 3 children; Delaney, Avery and Colin.

Mike Anderson can be reached by phone at 515-296-2305 or via email at mike@iabeef.org.



Calf Care and Quality Assurance Webinar Slated for Feb. 6

Dairy producers and the industry will get an update on the Calf Care and Quality Assurance program during the I-29 Moo University webinar Feb. 6., from noon to 1 p.m. Central time.

The Calf Care and Quality Assurance program was formed by a collaboration of multiple sectors within the cattle industry to provide best management guidelines to calf raisers.

Producers can learn how they can incorporate this educational certification tool into their operation through areas like calf health, animal handling and stockmanship, transportation and emergency preparedness. The program will be presented by Beverly Hampton Phifer and Julia Herman.

“Listeners will learn about the best management practices for calf care in this new program and can begin enrolling their employees in the online training,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Beverly Hampton Phifer currently manages the day-to-day operations of the National Dairy FARM Animal Care program. She joined the National Milk Producers Federation in 2016. Her responsibilities include overseeing the Animal Care evaluator certification process, program participant relations, farmer resource development and outreach with the internal dairy industry.

Prior to joining National Milk, her professional resume includes providing technical support and project management for animal care, environmental and worker safety matters for a variety of animal agriculture trade associations. These include the Animal Agriculture Alliance, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the Wild Alaska Pollock Association among others.

Julia Herman serves as the beef cattle specialist veterinarian at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She leads education development and veterinary outreach for the Producer Education team and Beef Quality Assurance program. Her interests in animal behavior and welfare, biosecurity and producer/employee education provide opportunities to improve food animal production systems that contribute to a safe food supply.

Previously, she worked in a beef cattle practice on the Central Plains before joining the livestock faculty with Colorado State University’s veterinary school. She represents NCBA on cattle health and welfare advisory committees for national veterinary organizations and agricultural groups.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, preregistration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Preregister online at https://go.iastate.edu/A1QH3T.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Heidi Carroll, 605-688-6623.



CHS Inc. and Cargill to expand TEMCO operations to include the Texas Gulf

CHS Inc. and Cargill, two of the nation's leading agribusinesses, announced today the intent to expand the scope of their joint venture, TEMCO LLC, by adding the Cargill-owned export grain terminal in Houston, Texas. The addition of the Houston terminal will expand the joint venture's export capabilities, providing shipping access for grains, oilseeds and byproducts through the port of Houston.

TEMCO currently operates three facilities in the Pacific Northwest: Portland, Ore.; Kalama, Wash.; and Tacoma, Wash. These three facilities distribute grain to global markets, primarily located in the Asia-Pacific region. Through TEMCO, both companies look forward to building on 24 years of successful partnership to expand global grain market access for U.S. farmers to help meet the increasing global need for food.

"We're pleased to continue to build upon our successful relationship with Cargill to expand the reach of TEMCO," says John Griffith, executive vice president of ag business for CHS. "In keeping with our purpose of creating connections to empower agriculture, access to the Houston terminal provides additional options for area cooperatives and farmers to participate in the global marketplace, helping to advance CHS growth strategy for the region and open new opportunities for U.S. farmers."

The Houston terminal is located approximately 40 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico via Galveston Bay. With six million bushels of storage and capacity for 350 rail cars, the facility handles up to 250 million bushels annually. The terminal receives both trucks and railcars with a variety of commodities for global export.

"We look forward to expanding our joint venture by integrating the Houston terminal and leveraging the successful operating model that's in place today with TEMCO," said Sheryl Wallace, president of North America Grain for Cargill. "We are excited to provide additional market access and opportunities for our farmer customers and to better serve our global demand customers."

"The TEMCO team is excited to integrate the Houston terminal into our operations," says Brian Kubik, general manager for TEMCO. "This expansion will create efficiencies and opportunities for TEMCO and its employees."



RMA Workshop on Crop Insurance for Specialty Crop, Organic Producers

Do you farm in Iowa? Want to learn more about crop insurance options, including those designed for agricultural producers who grow specialty and organic crops?

Join USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) for free in-person workshops on Tuesday, Jan. 24th in Davenport, Iowa. The first session begins at 9 a.m. CST and is geared toward insurance agents and the second session begins at 1 p.m. CST and is dedicated to agricultural producers. Both sessions also have virtual options.

The workshops will cover the ins and outs of the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm programs, which are great insurance options for specialty crop, organic, urban, and other producers with diverse operations. RMA subject matter experts will provide an in-depth look at these policies.

Click the link below for additional information and links to attend the sessions virtually.

Learn More https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/rma-roadshow.