Tuesday January 17 Ag News

Colfax County Pesticide Training for Thursday -- Cancelled
Colfax County Extension Office

Colfax County Pesticide Training scheduled for Thursday, January 19th, in Leigh, has been cancelled due to impending storm. Please watch for a re-scheduled date.



Four Nebraska Cattlemen Members Named to NCBA Policy Committee Leadership

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced four Nebraska Cattlemen members were appointed to serve as policy committee leaders at the national level. Nebraska Cattlemen now has leaders in four of NCBA’s seven policy committees. The policy committee appointments are as follows.
  - Agriculture and Food Policy Committee Chair – Ken Herz; Lawrence, NE
  - International Trade Committee Chair – Jaclyn Wilson; Lakeside, NE
  - Live Cattle Marketing Committee Vice Chair – Mike Drinnin; Clarks, NE
  - Property Rights and Environmental Mgt Committee Vice Chair – Barb Cooksley; Anselmo, NE

NCBA policy committees allow cattle producers to discuss key issues facing the beef cattle industry and pass policy resolutions to direct their advocacy efforts in our nation’s capital.

The Agriculture and Food Policy Committee has jurisdiction over the Farm Bill, transportation, labor, farm programs, nutrition, disaster relief, food safety, and related issues. While discussing the opportunity, Ken Herz, who previously served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2020, said, “I feel very honored to be appointed Chairman of the NCBA Ag and Food Policy committee. I am confident that this committee will pass and promote policy that will be very beneficial to the beef industry.”

Jaclyn Wilson, who served as vice chair of Nebraska Cattlemen’s Cow/Calf Council in 2015 said, “Trade provides a great benefit to the beef industry and having the opportunity to be at the forefront of policy development that focuses on trade is exciting.” NCBA’s International Trade Committee develops policy on issues related to international trade including market access, trade laws, and trade agreements.

While discussing his new leadership position, Mike Drinnin stated, “The opportunity to serve NCBA as Vice Chair of Live Cattle Marketing is an honor. I look forward to working with Chair Troy Sander and members as we strive to enhance live cattle marketing opportunities for our industry.” The live Cattle Marketing Committee develops policy on issues related to industry structure, price discovery, futures markets, cattle and beef market price reporting, grading, and transportation. Drinnin served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2019.

Barb Cooksley, who served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2016, said, “As Vice Chair of the NCBA Property Rights and Environmental Management (PREM) Committee, we will be working with Congress and regulatory agencies regarding laws and regulations that impact private landowners and their natural resources. The work we do in committees; discussions and votes, is what directs the actions of the association. I look forward to working for you.”

NCBA policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2024.



NCBA Announces Policy Committee Leaders

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of key cattle industry leaders to serve on the association’s policy committees. The policy committees review, discuss, and vote on policy resolutions brought forward by NCBA members. These grassroots policies guide NCBA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
 
“Policy committee leaders play a crucial role in directing NCBA’s advocacy efforts and addressing the issues facing the cattle industry,” said NCBA President-Elect Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “As a grassroots organization, we rely on volunteer leaders to step up and make their voices heard. I am proud of this new group of committee leaders and know they will serve NCBA and the entire cattle industry well.”
 
The new committee leaders are:
 
Agriculture and Food Policy Committee
    Ken Herz, chair (Nebraska)
    Jeff Schafer, vice chair (North Dakota)

Cattle Health and Well Being Committee
    Dr. Tom Portillo, chair (Texas)
    Barbara Jackson, vice chair (Arizona)
 
Federal Lands Committee
    Jim Hellyer, chair (Wyoming)
    Alisa Ogden, vice chair (New Mexico)
 
International Trade Committee
    Jaclyn Wilson, chair (Nebraska)
    Tony Toso, vice chair (California)
 
Live Cattle Marketing Committee
    Troy Sander, chair (Oklahoma)
    Mike Drinnin, vice chair (Nebraska)
 
Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee
    Charlie Besher, chair (Missouri)
    Barb Cooksley, vice chair (Nebraska)
 
Tax and Credit Committee
    Dan Rorvig, chair (North Dakota)
    Jeff Magee, vice chair (Mississippi)
 
Additionally, appointments were made to the NCBA-PAC Committee—the political arm of the association—and the Resolutions Committee, which provides technical review of policy resolutions moving through other committees. The NCBA-PAC Committee leaders will take office following the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Tradeshow in New Orleans, Louisiana.
 
Political Action Committee  
    Will Mayfield, chair (Tennessee)
    Donnie Lawson, vice chair (Indiana)
 
Resolutions Committee
    Linda Barnes, chair (Tennessee)
    Margaret Ann Smith, vice chair (Virginia)

“Here in Washington, D.C., we take our marching orders from our grassroots members through the policy resolutions passed by these committees. Our grassroots policy process ensures that cattle producers of all size and in every region are represented in the halls of Congress, the White House, and federal agencies,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Our team is excited to work with this next group of grassroots leaders as we tackle the issues in D.C. that impact cattle producers outside the beltway.”  
 
Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2024. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit ncba.org/policy.



Bacon Named to House Ag Committee for Fourth Term

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) was named a Member of the House Agriculture Committee by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15). The Farm Bill is expected to dominate the committee’s agenda this year.

“We have a lot of work to do on commonsense solutions for our agriculture community,” said Bacon. “Many people do not realize that ag is Nebraska’s number one industry and even affects the people in our urban areas. Whether it’s packing houses, meat processors, banks and transportation, the success of Nebraska agriculture is paramount to our state’s financial security.”

“The House Committee on Agriculture will hit the ground running in the 118th Congress to address the many headwinds facing farm families and rural America. Representative Bacon is a dear friend and fierce advocate for our rural communities, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him on the Agriculture Committee this Congress," said Thompson.



REDUCING FED HAY LOSSES
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator
 
Making, transporting, and feeding hay is a large investment in time, equipment, and money. How can you reduce loss of hay during feeding to make that investment go further?
 
There are many ways to feed hay, with each method impacting waste differently. If hay is fed unrestricted, cattle can waste 45 percent of the hay they are provided. Limit feeding hay so only what is required is fed, will significantly reduce waste right away. Studies show that cattle fed daily versus fed every four days, needed 25% less hay. That’s a huge amount, but labor and equipment cost slightly increased.
 
A common and usually labor efficient method of feeding is to feed hay directly onto the ground by unrolling bales, distributing ground hay or loose hay, and bale pod grazing. With any of these methods, there should only be enough feed distributed or available for one day.
 
Bale pod grazing is when bales are spread out across a field or pasture and temporary fence is used to confine animal access to one or several bales. When it’s time for more hay, the producer moves a fence instead of moving a bale. The losses will depend on herd size, however, because this relates to limiting feeding or limiting access.
 
Limiting access by physical barriers is another way to decrease hay loss. Bale rings, racks, fences, feed bunks, bale pod grazing, or another form of limited access can all decrease waste. These methods work by reducing trampling and animal ability to lay down on the hay. The most effective physical barriers have solid side bottoms. This prevents the hay from being pulled out onto the ground. While these methods are effective, they require the purchase of additional equipment which for large herds or changing feeding location can add significant time and money.
           
No matter the improved method, reducing fed hay losses will improve the return on the hay investment.



Youth Explore Beef Industry Career Opportunities at 18th Annual Symposium  

Youth from three states visited the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus to participate in the 18th annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) on Dec. 2-4.

The event introduces participating high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to career opportunities and current issues in the beef industry, in addition to offering education and practice in leadership skills. Speakers from the University and representatives from the Nebraska Beef Council, Nebraska Cattlemen, and producers educated attendees about all aspects of the industry from farm to fork. Students from Nebraska, Kansas, and Kentucky made up the group of 45 participants in this year's event, increasing the total attendance to 725 since the event began in 2004.

"We try to introduce participants to a wide range of topics in the beef industry," said Alli Raymond, Animal Science Recruitment Coordinator. "No matter what your interests are, there is a career for you in the industry."

Day one of the event featured an overview of the beef industry by Jim MacDonald, professor of ruminant nutrition, followed by a demonstration on the breakdown of a carcass by Michaella Fevold, professor of practice in meat science. The demonstration was followed by sessions about beef palatability and flavor by Chris Calkins, emeritus professor of meat science, and Gary Sullivan, associate professor of meat science. Mitch Rippe of the Nebraska Beef Council also spoke about the role of beef in a healthy diet. Ruth Woiwode, assistant professor and Extension animal behavior and well-being specialist, finished the afternoon with a session about animal care and welfare. Following a networking dinner with beef industry representatives and a keynote by Tom Field. Jacy Schafer of Nebraska Cattlemen spoke to the group to close out day one.

Adam Wegner of the Nebraska Beef Council kicked off day two with a session about beef marketing, followed by a session about food safety and a session with professional chef John Kennedy. Group project development led to lunch, which was followed by information from Sue Ellen Pegg of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) and a campus scavenger hunt. Day two was closed with an introductory session on careers in the industry by Blaine French, assistant professor of practice of livestock evaluation and youth programs, and Ashley Benes, Nebraska 4-H youth development coordinator, presented, followed by rotating sessions about marketing, product development, and bridging research to the education of consumers.

The final day focused on the products developed by the groups. Each group presented its product and marketing plan and received feedback from the panel of judges.

Eight participants were also awarded $500 CASNR scholarships, including Whitley Rut (Arthur), Alexa Carter (Rising City), Jacie Wolfinger (Lexington) Mollie Webb (Glasgow), Austin Black (Blair), Lilee Chevalier (Bennet), Spencer Walahowski (Overton), and Bethany Nichols (Bridgeport).

"Nebraska is known as the beef state, and there are a lot of passionate people about the industry in this state," said Raymond. "The future of the beef industry is in good hands with the youth that we've seen come through this program over the years."

The NYBLS Planning Committee team members consisted of Ashley Benes, Blaine French, Alli Raymond, Bryan Reiling and Gary Sullivan.



USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to Conduct Hemp Survey

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will send the 2022 Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry to Nebraska producers on January 19. This follows a similar timeline used by NASS for the 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey. Like the 2021 questionnaire, this year’s survey will collect information on the total planted and harvested area, yield, production, and value of hemp in the United States in 2022.

“The Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry will provide critical data about the hemp industry to assist producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors, and other key industry entities,” said Nicholas Streff, Director of the NASS Northern Plains Field Office.

NASS estimated the total value of hemp production nationally at $824 million in 2021. Planted area for industrial hemp grown in the open for all utilizations in the United States totaled 54,152 acres. Area harvested for all utilizations totaled 33,480 acres. These and other statistics can be found in the 2021 National Hemp Report.

Survey recipients are asked to respond securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail or fax. Those who do not respond by January 30 may be contacted to arrange an interview to complete the survey.

As defined in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), the term “hemp” means the plant species Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant such as the seeds, all derivatives, and extracts with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The Domestic Hemp Production Program established in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) allows for the cultivation of hemp under certain conditions.

All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. NASS will publish the survey data April 19, 2023, on the NASS website at nass.usda.gov and in the NASS Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov. For more information about the 2022 Hemp Production and Disposition Inquiry, visit the hemp survey web page at www.nass.usda.gov/go/hemp.

For assistance with the survey, producers are encouraged to call the NASS Nebraska field office at (800) 582-6443.



NDA’S ANNUAL POSTER CONTEST CELEBRATES NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE

From the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, agriculture positively impacts all of us. To highlight and celebrate agriculture’s many contributions, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is sponsoring a student poster contest.

NDA’s annual poster contest is in its 20th year and is open to all Nebraska students in first through sixth grades. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Nebraska Agriculture.”

“NDA’s poster contest highlights Nebraska’s number one industry and reminds all Nebraskans that agriculture is a big part of all of our lives,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The contest also gives parents and teachers an opportunity to talk with students about agriculture and the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.”

NDA’s poster contest is divided into three age categories: first and second grade students; third and fourth grade students; and fifth and sixth grade students, in any Nebraska public, private or home school. Entries must be received at NDA’s office by March 1, 2023.

NDA will announce the winners of this year’s poster contest during National Ag Week, March 19-25, 2023. National Ag Week highlights the diversity of agriculture and celebrates the food, fuel, and fiber that farmers and ranchers provide every day. NDA will feature winning entries from this year’s contest on its website and in promotional materials and publications.

Poster contest rules and official entry forms are available online at the newly updated “Kids Page” on the NDA website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids. For more information, contact Christin Kamm at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.

“Agriculture gives us a lot to be grateful for and a lot to celebrate,” said Vinton. “I look forward to seeing the students’ creativity as they share their ideas of what Nebraska agriculture looks like to them.”



Nebraska scientist looking for gardeners, and urban farmers for research project

Nebraska's Sam Wortman, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture, is searching for gardeners and urban farmers to participate in a science project to collect plant and soil data in their own gardens. The purpose is to learn more about the benefits of soil health management practices firsthand and provide the University of Nebraska—Lincon with data to evaluate changes in soil health overtime.

The Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative, funded through a Conservation Collaboration Agreement with the USDA National Resources Conservation Service in Nebraska, is a citizen science project for gardeners and urban farmers throughout the state.

The soil health and regenerative agriculture movement is gaining momentum on corn, soybeans, and wheat acres across the state, but soil health management practices like cover crops and no-till areas are less common in urban gardens.

There are more than 30 million households in the United States engaged in vegetable production, and the goal of the Nebraska Urban Soil Health Initiative is to increase awareness among these backyard farmers about soil health and the related resources and programs available through the USDA-NRCS. To achieve this goal, the university is recruiting at least 200 gardeners and urban farmers in Nebraska to implement new soil health management practices including cover crops, no-till and soil amendment with conpost and biochar.

Participating gardners and urban farmers will recieve a free annual soil health test and supplies to implekment a new soil health manageemtn practice - up to a $200 value. They will also recieve priority access to online education materials, study results and publications, and outreach events hosted by the USDA-NRCS.

Participants will need to have access to at least 100 square feet of private garden space for two consecutive years and participate in 2023 and 2024. Participants wil to to garden the 100-square foot garden space and implement an assigned soil health management practice that includes cover crops, no-till, compost and/or biocchar; collect soil samples and mail them to the university; and collect daata and observations about how garden plants, soil and insects are responding to soil health management practices and submitting the data through the project webpage.

Anyone interested and eligible should complete this application form https://agronomy.unl.edu/nebraska-urban-soil-health-initiative-registration.



Livestock Groups Applaud Governor's Designation of Funds for Phase 2 of the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Iowa Pork Producers Association President Kevin Rasmussen from Goldfield
Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Bob Noble of Riceville

“Pig farmers and cattle producers across Iowa are extremely grateful Governor Kim Reynolds is providing significant financial support to upgrade Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and we hope the Iowa legislature will join her in providing additional funding, as she has proposed.

“The new state-of-the-art facility will keep Iowa State at the forefront in helping recognize foreign animal diseases that threaten the nation’s food supply well into the future. We sincerely appreciate her efforts and willingness to keep animal and human health as top priorities.”



Net Returns to Carbon Farming Tool Allows Producers to Evaluate Contracts

Producers looking to calculate financial returns from carbon farming contracts can use a newly updated resource from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The Carbon Farming Decision Tool allows farmers across various Midwest states to input data surrounding various farm attributes in order to calculate net returns on carbon credits generated. The decision-making tool uses Microsoft Excel software and is free to download and use.

Carbon credits are typically purchased from voluntary carbon programs working with agricultural producers by large corporations or other entities looking to offset their own carbon emissions. Voluntary carbon programs allow for producers to be compensated for implementing farming practices that help to sequester carbon, decreasing carbon emissions.

“This tool is intended to help agricultural producers and extension educators approach a complex decision with a solid economic methodology and carbon removal estimates from a USDA-funded carbon model, COMET-Planner,” said Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and extension economist at Iowa State University. “A total of 66 agricultural conservation practices per county can be evaluated with this tool.”

This tool is available for 10 states so far, including Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Each spreadsheet calculates the net present value of a carbon contract based on various costs associated with carbon farming contracts and payments from carbon contracts. While the tool is intended to be used with individual carbon contracts, producers may evaluate multiple contracts by downloading and completing multiple copies of the decision-making tool.

In order to educate producers, the decision-making tool evaluates carbon contracts based on county, current carbon farming practices (including tillage, cover crop use, irrigation use, compost use and manure use), cost-share payments from federal or state programs, and contract details such as length of contract, type of contract and payment per ton of CO2e, among other factors.

For more information, and to access the Carbon Farming Decision-making tool, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/crops/html/a1-78.html.

Alejandro Plastina can be reached at 515-294-6160 or plastina@iastate.edu



Panel to Explore Low Carbon Efforts at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

Businesses and policy makers across the United States and around the world are looking to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Ethanol producers are working to meet this market demand. A cross section of experts will share their thoughts on the path to low carbon ethanol at the 2023 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

The Path to Low Carbon Ethanol panel is made up of economic, safety, and environmental experts. Panelists include:
·      Ernie Goss, Chair of Economics, Creighton University, will discuss the economic opportunities for low carbon ethanol.
·      John Thompson, Technology and Markets Director, Clean Air Task Force, will review the roll carbon sequestration plays in achieving CO2 goals.
·      Laith Amin, Carbon Capture Storage Team Lead, DNV, will discuss the latest safety advancements regarding carbon capture and sequestration.
·      David Kruse, Iowa landowner and chairman of Commstock Investments, will discuss the opportunity that carbon capture and sequestration presents land owners if they ask the right questions.
·      Moderator: Mike Jerke, CEO, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy

“There is no doubt that the race to low carbon ethanol will create winners and losers among ethanol producers,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Today, Iowa ethanol has a competitive advantage, but we must keep up with market demands or we risk losing out. Carbon sequestration is coming. Iowa must be ready.”



ISA Innovation to Profit Conference Returns to Jumpstart 2023 Growing Season
 
Innovation to Profit, a highly interactive and farmer-centric conference powered by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), returns Thursday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
 
Programming will reveal keen agronomic and soil and water management insights from ISA's nationally renowned Research Center for Farming Innovation. Industry experts will also pencil out the ROI of cropping options and provide glimpses into how international affairs may impact on-farm decision-making and success in 2023.
 
“The new year brings a host of new opportunities for soybean farmers, but many challenges continue to affect farmer profitability,” says Randy Miller, ISA president and soybean farmer from Lacona. “From research opportunities and results to market discussions, producers will walk away from the conference with the knowledge and resources they need to make a game plan for a successful growing season.”
 
Producers can create a profitable game plan for success through interactive sessions including:
    Agronomic practices to increase field performance and profitability;
    Latest findings in crop protection, weed management and other production pests;
    Management options to improve yields and address water quality challenges; and
    Relay cropping tips and tricks.

Keynote speakers include Anja Manuel, a former diplomat, author and advisor on foreign policy and Seneca Wallace, a former Iowa State University quarterback, ten-year NFL veteran and business owner.
 
“The opportunity to speak to the farming community hits home for me,” says Wallace. “My wife is from Iowa and my father-in-law and brother-in-law farm. Through that, and my experience as a student-athlete at Iowa State, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role that Iowa farmers play in feeding, fueling and clothing a growing world. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, business owner or farmer, it’s important to have a game plan for success.”
 
Registration is courtesy of checkoff investments. Continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) are available through session participation.
 
To register or view complete agenda details, visit iasoybeans.com/profit33.



Marcus Wilhelm Appointed as CoBank’s Central Region President for Regional Agribusiness

CoBank, a cooperative bank serving agribusinesses, rural infrastructure providers and Farm Credit associations throughout the United States, today announced that Marcus Wilhelm has been appointed as the bank’s new Central Region President for its Regional Agribusiness Banking Group.

In his new role, Marcus will provide leadership and oversee the Regional Agribusiness Banking Group’s customers and markets that are served by our Minneapolis, MN; Fargo, ND; Omaha, NE; and Wichita, KS Banking Centers. Marcus will also serve as a key “in market” executive for CoBank generally in these geographies.

“We are excited to expand Marcus’ responsibilities from his leadership role as CoBank’s Regional Vice President in the Omaha office to include the Regional Agribusiness offices in Omaha, Minneapolis, Fargo, and Wichita,” said Brett Challenger, senior vice president of regional agribusiness for CoBank. “He is a proven leader who has had great success building teams, partnerships, and customer relationships and will be important as we continue to grow and support our customer’s credit and financial services needs in the Central region.”

Marcus has been with CoBank since 2005, most recently serving as the Regional Vice President of the bank’s Omaha office. Before that, Marcus served as a vice president and regional manager for CoBank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Farm Credit Leasing. Prior to joining CoBank, Marcus worked in the AgDirect trade credit program at Farm Credit Services of America and spent a year in Afghanistan as the commander of a Chinook helicopter company with the Nebraska Army National Guard.  



The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture sets its federal policy focus for 2023

NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, hand-selected seven issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2023. They include the 2023 Farm Bill, animal health, environmental regulations, food production and the supply chain, food safety, international trade and workforce development.

NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the timeliness and importance of these issues for 2023.
 
“These issues were chosen for the organization’s 2023 focus as NASDA members see specific opportunities for progress regarding each of these areas to best serve farmers, ranchers and all communities across the nation. Further, we believe these are the areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions this year,” McKinney said.

NASDA has published one-pagers offering background and insight for each policy priority.

2023 Farm Bill
The next farm bill must remain unified, securing a commitment to American agriculture and the critical food and nutritional assistance programs for those who need it most.

Environmental regulation
NASDA supports the science-based and comprehensive regulatory framework the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act provides to ensure environmental and public health protection. NASDA stands ready to assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in implementing FIFRA, ensuring our environment, including endangered species, is protected and U.S. farmers and public health officials have access to the technologies they need.

Regarding the recently published “waters of the U.S.” rule, NASDA will continue to impress the role of states in regulating non-navigable waters.

Food production and the supply chain
NASDA is committed to ensuring long-term stability and resilience in our nation’s food supply chain through supporting projects to increase U.S. meat processing, food and nutrition security and reducing food waste.

Food Safety
NASDA will continue to advocate for funding state Food Safety Modernization Act programs because state departments of agriculture are the front line of protection for consumers when it comes to food safety. State agencies, including state departments of agriculture, play a vital role in implementing and enforcing our nation’s food safety and inspection laws.
 
Animal Health
NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to animal health initiatives, especially in protecting U.S. livestock from foreign and emerging animal diseases.

International trade
To increase export opportunities for U.S. food, agriculture and forestry producers NASDA is asking Congress and the Biden Administration to leverage existing trading relationships, secure new trade agreements, fully fund trade promotion programs and engage with global trade institutions. NASDA continues to advocate for the promotion of science-and-evidence based trade standards globally.

Workforce development
NASDA is committed to working with the federal government, private industry and academia to identify and address agricultural workforce challenges.

Read more about each of the 2023 policy priories and all NASDA’s policy work at NASDA.org/policy.



2023 Commodity Classic Show Floor Approaches Sell-Out

Exhibit space at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando is rapidly reaching sell-out status with nearly 400 companies and over 2,600 booth spaces already committed. A limited number of prime visibility booths are expected to sell quickly.

The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11 at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse in Orlando, Florida.

Exhibitors at Commodity Classic will have direct interaction with thousands of top producers, first-time attendees, and key ag media representatives. Commodity Classic attracts top farmers from across the nation who are the early adopters, thought leaders, and innovators in agriculture. Attendee data from the most recent Commodity Classic in New Orleans indicated that the average farmer at Commodity Classic farmed 3,483 acres and represented $3.5 million in total gross farm income.

Commodity Classic provides farmers with a unique combination of outstanding education, top-notch speakers, a huge trade show with the latest technology and innovation, entertainment, and the opportunity to network with thousands of farmers from across the nation.

For information on exhibiting at the 2023 Commodity Classic — including the trade show floor plan, contract documents, and booth costs — visit CommodityClassic.com. For more information, contact Kristi Burmeister, Commodity Classic Trade Show Manager, at 636.745.3008 or tradeshow@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.



Crop Nutrition Week to Help Growers Cultivate Fertilizer Management Strategies
 
Crop Nutrition Week will connect growers and agronomy experts for five days of online learning Feb. 6-10. The week, in its inaugural year, will feature a wide range of topics that answer growers’ biggest questions, from how to balance fertilizer input costs and yield goals to how to understand and act on soil test results.

Crop Nutrition Week includes two panel discussions moderated by agriculture journalist Bill Spiegel and featuring agronomists from AgroLiquid and Next Level Ag. The first, Nutrient Know-How on Tuesday, Feb. 7, will discuss the importance of soil tests and how to use results to balance nutrients for the best outcome.

“Many times I visit with a grower and they have a soil test that’s 10 or 15 years old, and that’s not necessarily a good indication of what’s in their soil,” says Stephanie Zelinko, national agronomist with AgroLiquid. “I like to see one that’s 2 to 3 years old, and this is used as a good road map to identify what nutrients you have in your soil and, probably more critically, what nutrients you might be lacking.”

The second panel discussion, The Agronomy Economy on Thursday, Feb. 9, will cover using trade-offs and data-informed decision-making to build a crop nutrition strategy. “If you look at nitrogen prices and 70% of your fertilizer budget is going to nitrogen, it’s natural to panic and pull back in other areas,” says Galynn Beer, product management lead for AgroLiquid. “In reality, supporting nutrients can help pull down the nitrogen budget by applying less without a cost to yield.”

Crop Nutrition Week will also deliver interactive content straight to growers via email and social media, with daily topics packed full of information that will make an impact in the field. Registration is open at cropnutritionweek.com. The first 200 attendees can also claim a free swag bag while supplies last and register for a chance to win a Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Premium.

Crop Nutrition Week Schedule
● Monday, Feb. 6 – Lay of the Land
Boost your decision-making power with tips on fertilizer and nutrient management from agronomy experts.
● Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Nutrient Know-How
In the first of two panel discussions, agronomists uncover the clues hiding in your soil test and share tips for putting the information into practice. Join Stephanie Zelinko and Ryan Harbison of AgroLiquid and Jason Schley of Next Level Ag for this insightful discussion. Attendees will receive a link the morning of the discussion.
● Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Growth Goals
Agronomy experts show you how data can help you find the right balance between inputs and yield.
● Thursday, Feb. 9 – The Agronomy Economy
Knowing where fertilizer fits in your budget is just the first step to managing costs in this time of high input costs. Galynn Beer and Brian Waugh of AgroLiquid discuss managing trade-offs between nutrient needs and budget in a second panel discussion. Attendees will receive a link the morning of the discussion.
● Friday, Feb. 10 – Planning Precisely
Finish Crop Nutrition Week strong with final tips for putting the week’s advice into practice with support from trusted field staff, agronomists and retail partners.

Win a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Premium!
One lucky grower will head into spring planting armed with new knowledge AND a new Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Premium, valued at over $20,000. The first 200 Crop Nutrition Week registrants can also claim a free swag bag from AgroLiquid with fun and useful items mailed to you in advance to help you start Crop Nutrition Week off right. Visit CropNutritionWeek.com to register and enter for your chance to win big!