Friday February 03 Ag News

 Lean Beef Recipes Spread Across State for Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, a call for individuals to focus on their cardiovascular health. Director of Nutrition Mitch Rippe says that by connecting the growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that lean beef can be part of healthy eating patterns to improve cardiovascular health, health professionals and patients are finding that eating for a healthy heart and enjoying one of their favorite foods don’t have to be odds with one another.  

“February’s Heart Month adds some spark to the winter doldrums by hosting classes and interacting with folks from across the state,” says Rippe. “With our core messaging focused on making small dietary and lifestyle changes, we also build this anticipation towards spring and all the growth it brings.”

All seventy-four active cardiac rehab facilities across Nebraska received heart health toolkits featuring 12 American Heart Association certified lean beef recipe videos from the Nebraska Beef Council to utilize with patients in their facilities. NBC is also actively conducting cooking classes and seminars with these partners to show how beef can be utilized in a heart healthy dietary pattern to drive increased fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption, as recommended by the health professional community.  

“We’ve had great feedback from these cardiac rehab facilities,” Rippe said. “They’re excited to be providing these opportunities to their patients and the patients are excited to enjoy beef as part of a heart healthy diet.”

 Rippe added that American Heart Month is an awareness campaign that encourages individuals to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health.  In addition, February 3 is National Wear Red Day, a signature initiative designed to help end heart disease and stroke in women through education, research fundraising, and healthy lifestyle changes.

“Physical activity can suffer when the temperatures drop and the snow piles up.  That’s where I encourage creative and strategic opportunities for activity—whether it’s a quick outdoor walk, shoveling snow, or an indoor circuit, finding consistency in those activities sets us up for continued success as we move toward the spring and summer months,” says Rippe. “While it sounds simple, we often fall short on eating enough fruits and veggies, I also like to encourage the 1-2-3 approach to eating all five servings of fruits and vegetables every day: one serving at breakfast, two with lunch, and three with dinner and snacks.”

For more information on lean beef recipes visit heart.org and nebeef.org. 



Scoular’s ‘FARM’ team gives producers voice on ag tech, sustainability, and other topics

A diverse group of forward-thinking farmers is collaborating with Scoular to identify solutions to emerging farm management challenges and to influence the company’s future producer strategies.

The group – called the Farm Advisory Roundtable Members, or FARM – consists of 15 producers from across the Scoular origination network. The producers will meet twice a year and partner with company leaders to capture opportunities within the evolving agricultural supply chain. Scoular selected producers who are innovative, influential thinkers within their local farming communities and beyond.

Last week, the producers joined Scoular leaders at the inaugural FARM meeting at Scoular’s global headquarters in Omaha. The event was hosted by Scoular’s new enterprise producer origination team, led by Melissa Norem. Topics included farming economics, technology and innovation, sustainability, regenerative agriculture and community outreach.

“FARM was created to bring the voice of the producer into dialogue with Scoular to build upon the 130-year history we have of serving our customers,” said Norem. “As the agriculture industry evolves at a pace not seen before, our FARM advisors will help Scoular define the opportunities for us to continue adding value to the unique position we hold in the supply chain.”

“FARM was a great next step for Scoular,” said Ron Bingham, Scoular Senior Vice President who leads the Grain Division. “With this group of farmer leadership, we not only validate our past investments but also bring their voices and influence into our future growth.”

FARM members are: Kyle Campbell of Asbury, Missouri; Ashley Colglazier of Grant, Nebraska; Hazen Deeds of Goodland, Kansas; Jerry Deweese of Pratt, Kansas; Frank Groeneweg of Three Forks, Montana; Michael Jeffries of Brule, Nebraska; Kyle Miller of Waverly, Illinois; Jeff O’Connor of Kankakee, Illinois; Kendal Peterson of Assaria, Kansas; Bill Rhea of Arlington, Nebraska; Troy Rieger of Forrest, Illinois; Chad Simmelink of Esbon, Kansas; Chris Soehner of Goodland, Kansas; Todd Tobin of Iuka, Kansas; and Johnnie Witt, of Underwood, Iowa.



Register now for the Midwest Soybean Gall Midge Research Update
Live Webinar: Monday, February 27th, 2023 from 1 - 4 pm CST

Join several Extension entomologists from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota to get the latest updates on soybean gall midge, a new soybean pest. Join our live webinar on February 27th, 2023 from 1 - 4 pm CST to hear updates from the experts. This virtual program will feature several short presentations with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Registration is required to attend.

Click "here" to register or go to soybeangallmidge.org and follow the link.



I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course Scheduled For March 28 In Sioux Falls

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2023 as part of the pre-educational events for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, SD in rooms 8, 9, & 10.

Registration details
A registration fee of $40/adult will include the short course, lunch, with proceedings available digitally.  College students may register for only $20. Pre-registration is requested by March 21 and limited to 130 attendees on a first come, first serve basis.  To register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/OFSVS8. 

You can also register by mailing the registration fee to Fred Hall at 400 Central Ave., NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041.  Please include your contact information and any dietary restrictions when mailing in your registration information.  For questions please contact, fredhall@iastate.edu or call (712.737.4230).  If attendees also plan on going to the Central Plains Dairy Expo | Welcome Reception you are also encouraged to register for that ahead of time at https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration/ .

Agenda - I-29 Moo University – 2023 Dairy Beef Short Course
9:00-9:30 am - Registration
9:30—10:15 - National attitudes by dairy producers about crossbreeding beef on dairy; Dr. Tara Felix, Penn State University
10:15– 11:00 - Carcasses and cattle biotypes: Dr. Dale Woerner, Texas Tech University
11:00—11:45 - Implant strategies for dairy sourced cattle: Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
11:45 – 12:30 - Lunch
12:30—1:15 - Perspectives and experiences on feeding dairy and dairy cross cattle; Dr. Jeremy Schefers, Milk Specialties
1:15—1:30 Liver abscess summary: Dr. Nathan Pyatt, Elanco
1:30—3:00 Panel - Roughage concentration for finishing diets: Dr. Jeremy Schefers; Dr. Nathan Pyatt; and Dr. Sheri Bierman, Cattle Nutrition Services

For more information, visit www.i-29moou.com.



University of Nebraska Board of Regents to meet Feb. 10

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will meet Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege St. in Lincoln. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be live-streamed at www.nebraska.edu.

The meeting will lead off with a presentation from Sen. John Arch of La Vista, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature.

University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter and Chris Kabourek, senior vice president and chief financial officer for the NU System, will give an update on the university’s budget planning.

The morning will also include presentations on:
·        The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Feedlot Innovation Center, which celebrated its groundbreaking in November. The presentation will be given by Mike Boehm, vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Tom Burkey, interim head of the Department of Animal Science; and Galen Erickson, Cattle Industry Professor of Animal Science.
·        Workforce and education demographics in Nebraska. The presentation will be given by Josie Schafer, director of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research.

The Board will elect a vice chair for 2023. Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who served as vice chair in 2022, will assume the chairmanship for 2023.

Items for the Board’s consideration include:
·        The awarding of the title of Regent Emeritus to Jim Pillen, who resigned his District 3 seat on the Board last month to become Governor of Nebraska. (Addendum XII-A-2)
·        Amendments to the collective bargaining agreement between the Board and the University of Nebraska at Kearney Education Association for the 2023-25 biennium. Under the agreement, eligible UNK faculty will receive 3 percent salary increases each year of the biennium. (Addendum XII-B-3)

 

IPPA announces new Program Encouraging Pork to Food Pantries

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has announced that it will support county pork producer organizations in Iowa in their efforts to make pork donations to local food pantries.

The Pork in the Pantry program will reimburse county pork groups that make pork product donations to food pantries in the same county.

“Our local communities are important to all of us,” says IPPA President Trish Cook. “Our industry creates local jobs and supports local businesses. But, there are other people in our communities that are facing economic challenges, and we want to support them with the great food that we produce.”

IPPA’s Pork in the Pantry program, developed with input from its promotions committee, will reimburse up to $1000 for each county pork group that buys and delivers pork products to their county food pantries. This can be either through one large donation, or several smaller donations during the eligibility timeframe. This year, that runs through April 8.

Guidelines and requirements for the program can be found at www.iowapork.org/pork-in-the-pantry-program/.  



Iowans Choose Beef Over Meat Substitutes

Beef continues to lead with strong demand and a competitive advantage over beef substitutes, accounting for more than 99.03% of the consumer preference. When evaluating the protein market as a whole, animal proteins take an even larger slice of the meat demand pie accounting for 99.33% of the protein market share. This data is derived from NielsenIQ, Answers in Demand. The story doesn't end there. Continue reading to learn more about what Iowan's preferences towards beef.

Every year, the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) conducts a state survey to see what Iowans' attitudes are toward beef and beef production. It also shows what Iowa beef trends are compared to trends on a national level. The results help IBIC make informed decisions on how to best influence consumers in Iowa.

 Important statistics from the survey:
    79% of consumers in Iowa eat beef weekly
    39% of Iowans claim to have knowledge of the beef industry versus 27% nationally
    85% of consumers in Iowa have a positive perception of beef compared to 71% nationally
    91% of Iowans believe beef is great tasting and is good for many types of meals
    73% of consumers in Iowa believe beef is safe to eat versus 62% nationally
    71% of Iowans recognize the Iowa Beef Checkoff brand or logo

This year’s key findings: Your checkoff is working Weekly beef consumption is strong in Iowa. Iowa consumers have positive views of beef and production. Consumer trust levels in the Iowa beef industry are strong.

Beef Marketshare Soars Over Meat Substitutes
The Consumer Beef Tracker, a continuous online survey conducted by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor of the Beef Checkoff, indicated over two-thirds of consumers are non-restrictive eaters, or non-vegetarian, and almost a fifth are semi-vegetarian or flexitarian, which means they mostly follow a vegetarian diet but still enjoy meat sometimes. The small remainder of consumers are vegetarian or vegan-vegetarian and remains steady over time.
beef-industry-trust.png

Meat alternatives appear to be added to their diets for variety. Most consumers aren’t directly replacing meat with substitutes either. When they are intentionally ordering or making a meal without meat, it is usually a meal that doesn’t need to contain meat. Over half of consumers are eating bean, lentil, rice, grain-based dishes or salads while thirty percent are eating plant-based protein patties or “meat-like” crumbles instead of meat.

Customer Buying Considerations
Iowa consumers are considering taste and source of protein most. When asked what are the top 3 factors considered most when deciding to have a meal with beef, chicken, pork, fish, meat alternatives or some other source of protein, 46% of consumers selected taste. This is followed closely by respondents prioritizing great sources of protein, safety and value for the money.

This is predicated on the fact that consumers show a strong level of trust towards Iowans and beef production. Consumers acknowledge that cattle health is a top priority for producers, that producers care about the environment and the idea that cattle are given room to roam.

IBIC will continue to support producers by communicating on the topics consumers have questions about. By communicating the care, integrity and pride producers take in raising beef, we can continue to build upon consumer’s positive perceptions of beef producers and beef production in Iowa. To learn more visit iabeef.org.  



2023 Beef Quality Assurance Award Winners Announced

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor of the Beef Checkoff, announced the winners of the 2023 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards, sponsored by Cargill. The National BQA Awards, funded in part by the Beef Checkoff, annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators.

“The 2023 winners exemplify high-quality animal care and handling principles as part of their day-to-day operations and are continually improving through BQA,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “As good stewards of the cattle industry, they also encourage others to implement BQA principles.”

The 2023 BQA Award winners are:

2023 BQA Cow-Calf Award
Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch, Nebraska
Located on the western edge of the Nebraska Sandhills since 1888, the family behind the Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch has passed down its forward-thinking mindset for generations. The ranch is now owned and operated by the family’s fourth and fifth generations, Blaine Wilson and his daughter Jaclyn. The Wilson family has transformed its operation of more than 800 head of Red Angus and composite cattle into a quintessential example of proper conservation and environmental management. The ranch adheres to strict stewardship principles focused on pasture rotation, facilitated by computer programming and mapping. The ranch also uses year-round grazing management to ensure they are continuing to improve the land in the fragile Sandhills.

2023 BQA – Dairy FARM Award
Temme Agribusiness, Nebraska
The Temme family dairy operation started in 1956 with its first milking parlor and 65 cows. Through multiple upgrades and barn additions focused on enhancing cow comfort, the herd has grown to 850 today. Since its inception, the operation has also fed cattle, bought feeders to raise for beef and raised Holsteins as herd replacements. Throughout the years, continuous improvement has driven the business to seek more ways to utilize and develop the workforce's talent, which has helped provide the best possible animal care. As they hired more employees, Temme Agribusiness established a system of training them in BQA and FARM Animal Care guidelines to produce quality milk and beef.

2023 BQA Feedyard Award
Darr Feedlot, Nebraska
Founded in 1982 as a 2,500-head custom feedlot by local beef producers, Darr Feedlot has grown extensively over the years, now operating two main yards with a current feeding capacity of 48,000 head. The team at Darr Feedlot recognizes its responsibility to protect and promote the integrity of the beef industry and meets that challenge head-on by advocating for the adoption and implementation of the BQA program. From the basics of training employees on the significance of health management to developing facility designs, BQA principles are at the core of daily operations. Darr Feedlot not only executes BQA practices in their operation but also encourages their customer cattle suppliers to do the same.

2023 BQA Marketer Award
Fresno Livestock Commission, California
Owned and operated by father-daughter pair Phil and Cindy Tews since 1990, Fresno Livestock caters to the small, everyday grower selling ten or fewer calves per year. With a passion for advocacy, Cindy takes a hands-on approach to implement BQA at Fresno Livestock. Located within a county that has one million people, Fresno Livestock Commission also has the notable opportunity to educate and engage with a diverse population. Cindy and her staff spend untold hours visiting with buyers and sellers alike. They help facilitate relationships with veterinarians, haulers and even provide a BQA-certified crew for hire during branding, vaccinating, shipping and other activities.

2023 BQA Educator Award
Dr. Tom Noffsinger, Nebraska
As a long-standing industry leader and one of the first “Train the Trainers” in the state of Nebraska, Dr. Tom Noffsinger, DVM, has a well-established history with BQA. Dr. Noffsinger acts as a veterinary consultant for the company he founded in 2009, Professional Animal Consultation (PAC). In his role, Dr. Noffsinger works with other employed consulting vets to push the BQA message and demonstrate how adopting BQA's best management practices help producers' bottom lines. Throughout his practicing and consulting career, Dr. Noffsinger works to explain the “whys” of veterinary medicine and how the “why” can influence beef quality.

Award winners are selected by a committee comprised of BQA certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups, who assess nominations based on their demonstrated commitment to BQA practices, their service as leaders in the beef industry and their dedication to promoting the BQA message to grow consumer confidence. For more information about each of the award winners, visit https://www.bqa.org/about/bqa-awards.



Cattlemen's Beef Board Elects New Officers at 2023 Winter Meetings

Cattle producers Jimmy Taylor, Andy Bishop and Ryan Moorhouse are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2023.

Taylor, Bishop and Moorhouse were elected by their fellow Beef Board members during their Winter Meetings, held during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Taylor, the 2022 vice chair, will now serve as the CBB’s chair, while Bishop will transition from his role as the 2022 secretary-treasurer to become the 2023 vice chair. Moorhouse is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Bishop’s former responsibilities as secretary-treasurer.

Chair Jimmy Taylor and his wife Tracy run a commercial Angus herd near Cheyenne, Oklahoma consisting of approximately 600 females on 12,000 acres. Their ranching efforts have earned them the 2011 Certified Angus Beef Commitment to Excellence Award and the 2013 Oklahoma Angus Association Commercial Breeder of the Year. The use of artificial insemination, proper nutrition, genomics and other new technologies play a large role in obtaining the operation’s goal: to create a good eating experience for the consumer. Taylor has also served on several local and state boards.

“As 2023 gets underway, demand for beef continues to be strong, both domestically and internationally,” Taylor said. “However, ongoing drought and economic uncertainty continue to challenge our industry. As the new chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated members and contractors to develop plans and initiatives designed to advance our industry and build upon the momentum generated during 2022.”

Vice Chair Andy Bishop and his wife Meagan are raising their four children on their registered Angus seed stock operation, Fairfield Farm, near Cox’s Creek, Kentucky. Bishop began his career teaching agriculture to students and eventually moved into the field of agriculture lending in 2007. Bishop is the former chair of the Kentucky Beef Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Bishop also served as a member of the Long Range Planning Task Force and as president of the NCBA Young Producers Council and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Young Producers group.

Moorhouse grew up on his family ranch, a cow/calf and stocker operation in North Central Texas. After graduating from Texas A & M University, he went to work for Continental Grain Cattle Feeding (now Five Rivers). He is currently the general manager for Hartley Feeders, a Five Rivers Cattle Feeding operation. Moorhouse also operates his own stocker operation back home on part of the family ranch. Moorhouse and his wife, Colette, have two sons and reside in Amarillo, Texas.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to have experienced producer leaders like Jimmy, Andy and Ryan to guide the CBB throughout the next year,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “These gentlemen understand the challenges and opportunities currently facing the beef industry, and each has a unique perspective to share. I’m confident their leadership will help the CBB and the Beef Checkoff achieve new levels of success in 2023.”

To learn more about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



South Dakota Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President

Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota native, cow-calf producer and cattle feeder became the new NCBA president during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, held this week in New Orleans. Wilkinson, along with his son, operates Wilkinson Livestock in De Smet, South Dakota. He has also practiced law for almost four decades and specializes in business transactions, estate planning and probate, real estate matters and agricultural law.
 
“If you run into me across the country, one thing that I will say time and again is if you’re going to be in the industry don't just talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. My philosophy going into this next year is that I'm going to put on boxing gloves and I'm going to be swinging for the industry,” Wilkinson said. “I'm going to bring the same level of passion that I bring for my own family and business to this organization. I think it’s important to fight back and protect this industry from the people who want to put us out of business. I also think this is something that will unite cattle producers in the future.”
 
The 2023 NCBA officer team, approved by the NCBA board of directors, took office at the end of this year’s convention. Mark Eisele of Wyoming was named president-elect and Buck Wehrbein of Nebraska was elected vice president. Brad Hastings of Texas was named NCBA treasurer. Virginia cattleman Gene Copenhaver was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division. Tim Schwab of Indiana was elected policy vice chair. Clark Price of North Dakota and Dan Gattis of Texas were elected as chair and vice chair of the NCBA Federation division, respectively.
 
Wilkinson’s focus during his time as president will be pushing back on issues that threaten the livelihoods of cattlemen and women across the country, while bringing people together to stand as a united front.
 
“Aside from the cost of doing business being a challenge for us right now, I’m looking down the road at the regulatory environment that could pose a real threat,” he said. “We have to unite on these big issues and some common themes. If we don’t, we are going to get squished.”
 
Wilkinson will make sure NCBA works to protect its members from regulatory attacks under Waters of the United States, the Endangered Species Act and emissions reporting, to name a few. The Farm Bill will be a large focus for NCBA in the coming year as the organization works to secure reauthorization of animal health provisions, expanding the accessibility and funding of risk management and disaster relief programs while protecting voluntary conservation programs. Tax issues are also top of mind in the coming year and Wilkinson’s expertise in this area was critical to backing down harmful tax proposals from the Biden administration last year.
 
“Part of the reason that I'm doing this is to make sure that this industry is here for my grandchildren and their grandchildren. I want them to have the opportunity to come back on this piece of ground and run cattle 100 years from now. I'm passionate about NCBA and I won't back up an inch on my commitment to this organization. As long as I am walking this earth, I want to make things a little bit better and NCBA is one of those ways that I think I can do that,” Wilkinson said.



USDA Deputy Secretary Shares Updates at Cattle Industry Convention

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh to the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.

“We appreciate the working relationship NCBA has with Deputy Secretary Bronaugh, especially as our focus turns to reauthorization of critical components of the Farm Bill like animal health, voluntary conservation, and risk management programs,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA will continue building relationships with USDA leadership so we can work together on addressing the issues facing the cattle industry.”

As a part of the third general session of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, Deputy Secretary Bronaugh spoke on a wide variety of topics including rural broadband access, foreign animal disease, international trade, and sustainability. Deputy Secretary Bronaugh discussed the implementation of broadband improvements across rural America under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, Deputy Secretary Bronaugh highlighted USDA’s foreign animal disease response strategy and the importance of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB), the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). Finally, the Deputy Secretary reaffirmed the critical role of USDA in opening new markets for U.S. beef exports and countering non-science based, subjective trade barriers that hamper the sale of American beef worldwide.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this year’s Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show to highlight the important work we’re doing at USDA to support hardworking farmers and ranchers across the country,” said Deputy Secretary Bronaugh. “From creating more, new, and better markets that allow producers to increase their bottom line, to mitigating the spread of foreign animal disease, to deploying every tool in our toolbox to enhance competition in agricultural markets, to investing in the rural communities many farmers and ranchers call home, USDA is committed to ensuring farmers and ranchers have every opportunity to succeed.”  
 
Prior to her appointment at USDA, Deputy Secretary Bronaugh served as the 16th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services from 2018 to 2021. She also worked as Virginia State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) from 2015 until 2018. Deputy Secretary Bronaugh took office on May 17, 2021.



USDA Dairy Products December 2022 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.20 billion pounds, 2.2 percent above December 2021 and 4.2 percent above November 2022. Italian type cheese production totaled 514 million pounds, 3.0 percent above December 2021 and 5.1 percent above November 2022. American type cheese production totaled 482 million pounds, 2.6 percent above December 2021 and 4.1 percent above November 2022. Butter production was 187 million pounds, 3.9 percent above December 2021 and 9.4 percent above November 2022.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with December 2021)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 179 million pounds, up 6.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 48.9 million pounds, up 0.7 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with December 2021)
Dry whey, total - 76.0 million pounds, down 0.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 97.0 million pounds, down 6.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 43.3 million pounds, down 7.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with December 2021)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 52.2 million gallons, down 0.2 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 25.0 million gallons, down 13.0 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.87 million gallons, up 2.0 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.73 million gallons, down 1.6 percent.



NMPF, IDFA Pleased New USDA School Meal Proposal Keeps Low-Fat Flavored Milk in Schools, Call for Expanded Dairy Options

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today expressed optimism for USDA’s proposed updates to school meal nutrition standards, specifically USDA’s plans to maintain low-fat flavored milk for students. NMPF and IDFA continued to call on USDA officials to expand milk and dairy options in schools to ensure children have access to the nutrients they need each day, consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“Children having access to the healthful foods they need to grow and focus in school is a key priority for dairy farmers,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF President and CEO. “Milk is the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in kids ages 2-18, and 1% flavored milk is a nutrient-dense, low-fat option students will actually choose to drink. We are pleased USDA is maintaining low-fat flavored milk in schools, providing children with an additional, and favored, choice to access the 13 essential nutrients milk provides, including three of the four nutrients of public health concern. But we question why USDA would propose school meal options that could limit a child’s access to these nutrients and we urge instead that they expand access to dairy options. Providing low-fat flavored milk will increase students’ intake of nutrients vital for their growth and development.”

“The most recent Dietary Guidelines report is clear: children are not receiving enough essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “Healthy milk and dairy options in school meals offer the most important opportunity of the day for children to get the critical nutrients they need. For years, parents and nutrition professionals have agreed that milk and dairy products must remain key building blocks in school meals. While we are pleased that this proposed rule continues to make dairy central to child nutrition, we are concerned with USDA’s ongoing efforts to propose limitations to milk and dairy in school meals, which run counter to the Dietary Guidelines and the mandate of America’s parents.”

NMPF and IDFA are carefully reviewing other provisions set forth in the proposed rule, including the weekly added sugars and sodium limits, to assess their impact on students’ ability to benefit from nutrient-dense dairy food. NMPF and IDFA will submit formal comments as requested by USDA.

NMPF and IDFA also expressed gratitude to Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) who have worked for years to restore and maintain nutritious school milk options.

“We are grateful to Chairman Thompson and Reps. Courtney, Stefanik and Pocan for their leadership and advocacy for dairy as a way to ensure that schoolchildren have access to the healthy, nutrient-dense milk options they will consume,” Mulhern said.

“We are grateful to Chairman Thompson and Representatives Courtney, Stefanik, and Pocan for their consistent legislative efforts to get milk’s 13 essential nutrients to as many school children as possible,” said Dykes. “Offering low-fat flavored milk and other milk options increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and ensures children and adolescents are learning and growing.”



2022 Census of Agriculture due next week Feb. 6

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reminds our nation’s farmers and ranchers that the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Feb. 6. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

Last month, NASS mailed the Census of Agriculture questionnaires to every known ag producer in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Conducted just once every five years, the ag census provides a complete account of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all individual operations’ information confidential, use the data for statistical purposes only, and publish the data in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

“By participating in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, producers show the value and importance of American agriculture,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “This nation owes a lot to our farmers and ranchers for providing safe and abundant food, feed, fiber, and more. To tell this story, we need to hear from all of our farmers and ranchers, no matter how big or small their part of agriculture. If you have already responded, thank you. If not, I encourage you to respond today.”

The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and U.S. territory. U.S. farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included as well as Puerto Rico farm operations which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $500 or more of agricultural products in the ag census year.

“It is important that every producer respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture so that they are represented and reflected in these influential data,” said Hamer. “These statistics will directly impact producers for years. Without their input, our hardworking ag producers risk being underserved.”

Producers who have submitted their completed ag censuses may disregard any additional ag census letters and forms. Whether producers responded online or by mail, they can verify their reports were received by going to agcounts.usda.gov, entering their survey codes, and checking the submitted date under the status column of the My Surveys tab. The status update is not always immediate. The update can take a few minutes up to several days, especially if the questionnaire was returned by mail.

NASS will release the results of the ag census in 2024. Visit nass.usda.gov/agcensus, for more information.



College Conference on Cooperatives In-person and Virtual

Each February, Farmers Union hosts the College Conference on Cooperatives to educate, motivate, and inspire the next generation of leaders. The event takes place Feb. 16-19 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.

Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from experts in the field, participate in interactive learning activities and workshops, and tour co-ops in the Twin Cities. The event attracts students from across the country and is beneficial to those new to co-ops as well as those with some previous co-op education.

Registration is now open for a limited number of in-person attendees.

If you can't make it to the Twin Cities, register to view the Feb. 17 programming virtually via Zoom free of charge.

Register at https://bit.ly/3jzK0HI to attend in-person.

Attend virtually by registering at https://bit.ly/3HyHObF.