Wednesday February 22 Ag News

 Midwest Dairy offers six Nebraska division scholarships to young dairy leaders

Midwest Dairy is seeking students to apply for the Nebraska division scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic school year. High school and undergraduate students accepted or enrolled in an accredited college are invited to apply for this scholarship. Students must apply by March 1, 2023. Students can apply by visiting Midwest Dairy’s website under Young Dairy Leaders -> Scholarships.

Recipients of the Nebraska Division Scholarship will receive either %1,500 or $1,000 to further their educational endeavors. Applicants will be evaluated on contributions to and involvement in the dairy industry, leadership, career plans, and academic standing.

“Recognizing young dairy leaders who are committed to building up the dairy industry and carrying it forward into the future is important to Midwest Dairy as we continue to invest in creating dairy advocates as well as developing the next generation of dairy leaders,” said Molly Pelzer, CEO of Midwest Dairy. “It’s a privilege to recognize the achievements of these young leaders with this scholarship program, and we are proud to continue our commitment to the hardworking dairy farm families we represent.”

Last year, six students were awarded the Nebraska division scholarship. These students are now enrolled at universities across the country, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Wayne State College, and Texas A&M University.

In addition to the Illinois division scholarship, Midwest Dairy offers scholarships for young dairy leaders in other states throughout our region. Dairy students are also invited to apply to scholarships from Dairy Management Inc., which offers checkoff-funded scholarships at the national level.

For more information about the Illinois division scholarship, please visit MidwestDairy.com.



You're Invited: Dodge County Cattlemen Meeting

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Social hour: 6:30 p.m. CT
Meal/Program: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: Z’s Bar and Grill
                  436 Main St, Scribner, NE
Speakers: Jacy Schafer, Nebraska Cattlemen
                  Buck Wehrbein, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President
Meal: A complimentary meal will be provided for paid-up members
Sponsors: Zoetis and Central Valley Ag

 

USDA to Host Educational Events at USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers and Introduces New Center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host three educational events focused on animal handling and its effects on the quality, yield, and market value of cattle, the CME live cattle specifications, and emerging technology in the cattle industry as part of its ongoing outreach conducted by the USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers (Training Center). One of the events will be hosted by the newly established Training Center at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in Lincoln, Neb. While anyone can attend the events, they are targeted to producers, feeders, and other stakeholders who want a better understanding of factors that contribute to the market value of cattle, and how these factors can inform marketing and production decisions.

The first event will be hosted by Colorado State University on March 28 – 30, 2023, and will focus on animal handling and its effects on quality and yield factors with several live cattle demonstrations. Guest speakers include representatives from USDA, Colorado State University, and the CME Group, along with industry analysts, cattle buyers, and keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin.

The second event will be hosted by West Texas A&M University on May 17 – 18, 2023, and will focus on how cattle and beef are evaluated by USDA for quality and yield, how these factors play into CME specifications for cattle deliveries and beef carcass certification, and the relationship between cattle production practices, the USDA grading and acceptance process, and producer prices.

The third event will be hosted by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln on June 15 – 16, 2023, and will focus on a wide range of topics related to emerging technology in the livestock and meat industries, and CME live cattle and carcass specifications and deliveries.

At all three events, AMS will provide an overview of USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program, which ensures that participants in USDA’s supply chain initiatives can access technical assistance to support their project development.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) directed USDA to establish the Training Centers to conduct activities that limit subjectivity in the application of beef grading standards, provide producers with a greater understanding of the value of their cattle, and provide investors more confidence in the cattle delivery system.

Pre-registration is required for the events, which are free and open to the public. Information about these events, including how to pre-register, is on the AMS website https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/beef/cattle-carcass-training-centers.



Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Available Nationwide

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making funding available for agricultural producers and forest landowners nationwide to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided an additional $19.5 billion over five years for climate smart agriculture through several of the conservation programs that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements. NRCS is making available $850 million in fiscal year 2023 for its oversubscribed conservation programs: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

“The Inflation Reduction Act provided a once-in-a-generation investment in conservation on working lands, and we want to work with agricultural and forest landowners to invest in climate-smart practices that create value and economic opportunity for producers,” said Vilsack. “We know that agriculture plays a critical role in the nation’s effort to address climate change, and we’re using this funding to bolster our existing programs, maximize climate benefits, and foster other environmental benefits across the landscape.”

The IRA funding includes an additional $8.45 billion for EQIP, $4.95 billion for RCPP, $3.25 billion for CSP, and $1.4 billion for ACEP. The increased funding levels begin in fiscal year 2023 and rapidly build over four years. These additional investments are estimated to help hundreds of thousands of farmers and ranchers apply conservation to millions of acres of land. Additionally, the IRA provides $300 million to quantify carbon sequestration and greenhouse gases (GHG) through the collection and use of field-based data to assess conservation outcomes. Information gained through this effort will be used to improve practices and technical assistance to customers. Further guidance on this important work will be provided as the implementation of this portion of the IRA continues.

These funds will provide direct climate mitigation benefits and will expand access to financial and technical assistance for producers to advance conservation on their farm, ranch or forest land through practices like cover cropping, conservation tillage, wetland restoration, prescribed grazing, nutrient management, tree planting and more. To ensure we can quantify the benefits of these IRA investments, NRCS is working to support Department-wide work on Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV). The IRA provided targeted funding to support this effort. In administering the Inflation Reduction Act climate investments, USDA will also support other environmental co-benefits, including – among other things – water conservation, wildlife habitat improvements, and reducing runoff.

How to Apply
NRCS accepts applications for its conservation programs year-round, but producers interested in EQIP or CSP financial assistance through IRA should apply by their state’s ranking deadline to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Nebraska’s ranking deadline is March 31, 2023. Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding for climate-smart conservation activities.

For ACEP Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) or Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), applications for the current IRA funding cycle must be submitted by March 17, 2023, for the first funding round. This year, NRCS will prioritize ACEP-ALE for grasslands in areas of highest risk for conversion to non-grassland uses to prevent the release of soil carbon stores. Meanwhile, NRCS will prioritize ACEP-WRE for eligible lands that contain soils high in organic carbon.

NRCS plans to roll out the next RCPP funding opportunity in early spring, which will include IRA funds from fiscal year 2023.

Other opportunities for agreements and partnerships at the state level will be announced for fiscal year 2023 in the coming months. The IRA provides funding to support those strategic partnerships with local, regional and national organizations. This will include outreach to underserved producers to ensure IRA climate funding is reaching those who have been previously unable to access conservation assistance.

Water Supply Investments
USDA also released recently the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action that identifies 13 strategies that guide NRCS’s investments for helping agricultural producers and communities respond to the significant challenges resulting from threats to the water supply in the Nation's most arid landscapes. Assistance delivered through these water-related strategies also helps build resilience to climate-change impacts such as droughts, wildfires and floods. Many of the resilience-focused activities and systems are also Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry mitigation activities, which support carbon sequestration or greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Climate-smart mitigation activities are supported by the additional investments available from the IRA. As part of the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action, USDA is also announcing and highlighting other drought focused investments, including the WaterSMART Initiative.  



Final Cattle Producer Forums offered by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will host three educational programs during the month of March. Madyson Thill, ICA southeast member services said each program will include a meal, educational sessions, a trade show, and an industry update from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council.

“We felt it was important to bring more educational opportunities to you this year. Each forum in March will feature guest speakers talking about a variety of industry topics and a trade show with vendors ready to share their newest products and technologies to help make your operation more efficient and profitable,” she said.

On March 1, in Washington, Iowa, Stockguard will discuss the importance of preparing and protecting your operation from declines in market practices for financial stability. Carl Babler will also provide a Cattle Market Outlook update that evening.

Babler will also travel to Keystone, Iowa, on March 21 for the Benton County Cattle Producer Forum. In addition to Babler’s Cattle Market Outlook update, other industry updates and tips will be shared.

The final Cattle Producer Forum will be held on March 28 in Newton, Iowa. Attendees can again count on hearing from Stockguard as well as from Deb Klopenstein of Purina on preparing cow-calf pairs for pasture.

Producers can register to attend by calling 515-296-2266. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome. Non-members are encouraged to attend for $20.

All events begin at 5 p.m.



January Milk Production up 1.5 percent
                        
Milk production in the 24 major States during January totaled 18.5 billion pounds, up 1.5 percent from January 2022. December revised production, at 18.1 billion pounds, was up 0.7 percent from December 2021.  The December revision represented a decrease of 32 million pounds or 0.2 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 24 major States averaged 2,069 pounds for January, 18 pounds above January 2022.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major States was 8.93 million head, 51,000 head more than January 2022, and 9,000 head more than December 2022.

IOWA: Milk production in Iowa during January 2023 totaled 506 million pounds, up 7 percent from the previous January according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during January, at 241,000 head, was 2,000 above last month and up 16,000 from January 2022. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,100 pounds, up 5 pounds from last January.



2022 Annual Milk Production up 0.1 percent from 2021

The annual production of milk for the United States during 2022 was 226 billion pounds, 0.1 percent above 2021. Revisions to 2021 production increased the annual total 35 million pounds. Revised 2022 production was down 158 million pounds from last month's publication. Annual total milk production has increased 12.5 percent from 2013.

2022 Milk Production by state
                             (million lbs  -  % change from '21)
Nebraska .....:         1,416.0          -0.5    
Iowa ............:         5,770.0           4.2    

Production per cow in the United States averaged 24,087 pounds for 2022, 138 pounds above 2021. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 10.4 percent from 2013.

The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2022 was 9.40 million head, down 0.5 percent from 2021. The average number of milk cows was revised down 2,000 head for 2022. The average annual number of milk cows has increased 1.9 percent from 2013.



Dairy Market Report: Record Exports Show Dairy's Global Reach; Cheese Demand Rises

2022 ended with U.S. dairy exports setting a second consecutive record for percent of domestic production exported during an entire calendar year, with 17.8 percent of U.S. milk solids production exported. That helped temper sluggish domestic consumption; while the year’s final quarter saw the strongest quarterly annual growth of domestic American-type cheese consumption since the first half of 2021, even as overall domestic use of all dairy products was below year-ago levels on a milk equivalent basis. U.S. dairy cow numbers were up over year-ago levels by just under 30,000 cows each month during the fourth quarter, while U.S. milk production growth, which resumed last July, has done so at a steadily diminishing rate from August onward.

The December DMC margin was $9.76/cwt, down $1.13/cwt from the month before, driven mostly by a $0.90/cwt fall in the U.S. average all-milk price, to $24.70/cwt. For all of 2022, the DMC margin fell below the highest coverage level of $9.50/cwt during just two months, as record high feed costs were generally topped by record high milk prices. U.S. average retail prices for fluid milk, both whole and lowfat, and for natural cheddar cheese dropped in January from a month earlier. DMC margins are expected to be lower in 2023.

VIEW FULL REPORT HERE: https://www.nmpf.org/dairy-market-report-record-exports-show-dairys-global-reach-cheese-demand-rises/.  



FDA Guidance On Plant-Based Beverages’ Use of Dairy Terms is a First Step, NMPF Says While Calling for Complete Transparency in Labeling

In response to today’s FDA guidance on plant-based beverages, which guides manufacturers of plant-based beverages to disclose their nutrient inferiority and acknowledges the public health concern of nutritional confusion over such beverages, the National Milk Producers Federation, which has led the fight for labeling transparency, released the following statement:

From Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation:

“Today’s FDA announcement is a step toward labeling integrity for consumers of dairy products, even as it falls short of ending the decades-old problem of misleading plant-based labeling using dairy terminology. By acknowledging both the utter lack of nutritional standards prevalent in plant-based beverages and the confusion over nutritional value that’s prevailed in the marketplace because of the unlawful use of dairy terms, FDA’s proposed guidance today will provide greater transparency that’s sorely needed for consumers to make informed choices.

“Still, the decision to permit such beverages to continue inappropriately using dairy terminology violates FDA’s own standards of identity, which clearly define dairy terms as animal-based products. We reject the agency’s circular logic that FDA’s past labeling enforcement inaction now justifies labeling such beverages as “milk” by designating a common and usual name. Past inaction is poor precedent to justify present and future inaction.

“Because FDA’s proposed guidance is meaningless without action, enforcement will be necessary to ensure that this limited progress is reflected on grocery shelves. For these reasons, we will continue our work in Congress to pass the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would direct FDA to enforce its own rules and clarify that dairy terms are for true dairy products, not plant-based imposters.

“FDA’s last three Senate-confirmed commissioners — from both parties — have each acknowledged the problem of consumer confusion over nutritional content created by beverage labels that use dairy terms to imply qualities they simply don’t have. Medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, concur with this concern. Today’s proposed guidance at least recognizes this reality: That nutritionally inconsistent concoctions of water, factory-processed powders and other additives simply don’t contain the same nutrition that milk provides.
 
“As the agency entrusted with protecting consumers from mislabeled products, FDA’s action here takes a step in that direction. And after more than four decades of efforts that have often fallen on deaf ears, we appreciate that today’s agency leadership is beginning to treat plant-based beverage labeling more like the critical issue of nutrition and agency integrity that it is.

“We also would like to thank consumers, who sales data show drank fewer fake dairy beverages in 2022 than in 2021, part of a broader awakening to the bogus marketing of fake milk manufacturers that have been accepted uncritically for far too long. Despite the misinformation spun in advertisements and media, consumers are seeing through the marketing and recognizing these beverages for the fakes that they are. But consumers shouldn’t have to make choices in a marketplace that’s less than fully transparent, and until the federal government fully lives up to its mission, NMPF will continue to lead the battle for labeling transparency.”



Dust Explosion Incidents Up Last Year, No Fatalities

The annual summary recording nationwide grain dust bin explosions reported nine incidents in 2022. This compares to seven reported incidents in 2021 and a 10-year average of 7.8 explosions annually.

Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University professor of agricultural and biological engineering and report author, said that despite the increase in explosions from the previous year and 18 total injuries this year, no fatalities were reported.

The explosions occurred in one ethanol plant, two feed mills, two grain elevators, two rice mills and two grain processing plants. The probable ignition sources were identified in three cases as a fire and one incidence as welding, while five cases were from unknown sources. Fuel sources for all nine explosions were identified as grain dust.

The dust explosions occurred in seven different states, with two each occurring in Arkansas and Louisiana, and one each in New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Ohio.

"Often, five of the conditions needed for a grain dust explosion to occur are present in most grain feed, milling and processing facilities," Ambrose said. "These conditions include dust, dispersed dust, confined space and oxygen. The presence of the fifth factor, an ignition source such as overheated bearing or mechanical friction, could lead to an explosion."

He emphasized the importance of developing and implementing a detailed housekeeping program to mitigate the hazards and utilizing government and industry resources that are publicly available to provide guidance on developing such a program.



Neil Caskey Named CEO of National Corn Growers Association
 
Neil Caskey, a long-time professional in the agricultural arena, has been tapped to lead the National Corn Growers Association as its new CEO, according to the organization’s board of directors. Caskey will assume the role on Monday, February 27.

NCGA board members say they are pleased to name someone of Caskey’s caliber to the top job.

“Neil’s experience in agriculture is extensive, and he is well known as someone who gets the job done well,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “The board and I are certain that Neil will usher in new ideas and take the organization to new heights.”

Caskey has served as NCGA’s vice president of communications and industry relations for over four years and spent over a decade promoting agricultural issues as executive vice president at OBP Agency, a leading advertising and public relations firm. His professional background also includes work for the American Soybean Association and as a legislative aide for a U.S. member of Congress.

Caskey said he is looking forward to leading the organization.

“It is quite an honor to lead an organization that I care so much about,” said Caskey. “We have a great team in place, and I look forward to forging full-speed ahead and pushing for wins on some of our top issues, like the Next Generation Fuels Act, fighting Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn and securing reauthorization of the farm bill. NCGA is on the move.”

As vice president of NCGA, Caskey has been at the forefront of some of the organization’s top issues. Most recently, he has played a leading role in challenging Mexico on its efforts to ban genetically modified corn. Thanks to the efforts of NCGA on that front, the Biden administration has threatened to file a dissent decree if Mexico doesn’t reverse its actions.

Caskey holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from Webster University.



FACA Releases Farm Bill Policy Recommendations to Support Economic Opportunities and Address Climate Change

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance today released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. The farm bill is essential legislation that impacts every family in America and has enormous potential to help the food, agriculture and forestry sectors achieve their climate mitigation potential while preserving and creating new economic opportunities.

Further reducing emissions throughout agricultural and forestry supply chains will require a comprehensive effort involving financial and technical assistance, research investments, proactive response to innovation, public-private partnerships and a commitment to equitable opportunities for all producers.

FACA’s recommendations, developed by the 23-member steering committee, are divided into six categories:
    Conservation, risk management and credit
    Energy
    Food waste
    Forestry
    Livestock and dairy
    Research, Extension and innovation

FACA’s past recommendations have provided guidance to members of Congress and administration officials and have been credited with shaping federal laws and programs. We now urge both chambers of Congress and the president to act this year to pass a farm bill that advances voluntary bipartisan climate solutions.

FACA’s founding organizations and co-chairs celebrated the policy recommendations and the impact they will have:

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said: “Despite a pandemic, severe weather, volatile markets and rising costs, farmers continue to meet the growing needs of America’s families, and the farm bill helps make that possible. We look forward to working with Congress to strengthen Title I programs, improve risk management tools, and utilize these FACA recommendations to advance our sustainability mission in a manner that respects farmers and ranchers as partners.”

Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union, said: “Climate change continues to be a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and their communities. Farmers are already implementing practices to address the climate crisis and make their farms more resilient. The farm bill presents an opportunity to build upon the programs that support these voluntary, incentive-based practices. FACA’s farm bill recommendations will establish a strong foundation to support farmers and ranchers in sequestering carbon, building soil health and reducing emissions for years to come.”

Chuck Connor, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, said: “Throughout our work, FACA has been driven by the recognition that the farm bill is also a food bill, having importance beyond agriculture and impacting every family in America. Consumers are increasingly interested in both where their food comes from and the climate impact of what they eat. By helping America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers continue adoption of more climate-friendly farming practices, the recommendations will help producers meet growing consumer preferences. Also, by building on and strengthening efforts to combat food waste in the 2018 farm bill, the recommendations would ensure that the resources put towards growing and producing food are used as efficiently as possible.”

Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund, said: “The farm bill is one of the biggest opportunities to advance conservation and climate solutions in the U.S. FACA’s recommendations will make it easier for farmers, ranchers and foresters to help stabilize the climate, while building resilience to climate impacts that are already affecting crops and livestock. In doing so, they can continue to produce food for a growing population and support vibrant agricultural and rural economies.”



From Congress to Courtrooms NCBA is Defending You
Todd Wilkinson, NCBA President

Today, cattlemen and women across the United States face turbulent times. The return of long standing issues like “Waters of the United States,” and new Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings are just two examples of misguided, ineffective, and poorly implemented policies coming from federal regulators in Washington.
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is leading the fight against these harmful regulations, not only in the halls of Congress and federal agencies, but in the courtroom as well. Currently, NCBA is engaged in two lawsuits against federal authorities: the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently announced Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) final rule and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
 
On December 30, 2022, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers announced the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule. Scheduled to take effect in March 2023, this rule will create new uncertainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners across the country. Immediately after the final rule was released, NCBA and a coalition of national associations filed a lawsuit to stop the rule from taking effect. Rather than clarifying the WOTUS definition, this new rule allows EPA inspectors and the Army Corps of Engineers to exert federal authority over small creeks or ponds that might only hold water right after a rainstorm—a far cry from the oceans, large lakes, and rivers that traditionally fall under the EPA’s purview. Worst of all, the rule would impact our ability to effectively manage water features on our property, including ditches and isolated ponds. Imagine having to get a federal permit before building a new stock pond or road across your pasture. This is unacceptable, which is why we are in federal court to make sure this rule is dead in the water.
 
While we continue our years-long fight against WOTUS, NCBA is also engaged in litigation on ESA listings. In January 2023, NCBA sent a Notice of Intent to sue the Department of the Interior and the FWS over the listing of the lesser prairie chicken.
 
Cattle producers’ conservation efforts are the only reason the lesser prairie chicken survives today. The bird favors a habitat with a variety of plants, which is best achieved through cattle grazing. Despite our good work, the FWS has further penalized cattle producers and created a system ripe for abuse. For cattle producers in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, the FWS has opened the door to activist groups having an outsized say over livestock grazing practices. The FWS arbitrarily divided the population into two Distinct Population Segments (DPS); in the Southern DPS when the lesser prairie chicken is considered “endangered,” any take of the bird could mean legal liability for landowners. In the Northern DPS, the FWS created a 4(d) rule which offers a way for producers to limit their liability in case of incidental take (the accidental killing of a lesser prairie chicken) by having a grazing management plan on file. Unfortunately, the FWS will rely on third parties to review those grazing plans, putting special interest groups over producers who know the land best.  
 
Beyond our formal litigation efforts, NCBA worked with our allies in Congress to delay the effective date of the lesser prairie chicken designation. While this is only a temporary solution, NCBA is working hard to protect cattle producers from the harmful effects of this listing.
 
As a cattle producer myself, I am extremely proud of NCBA’s work defending our policy priorities in court. I certainly couldn’t fight FWS in court myself or read each new bill introduced in Congress, but NCBA fights on our behalf—on Capitol Hill, through agency rulemakings, and in courts across the country. I want to make sure that generations 100 years from now can still enjoy our farming and ranching way of life. That is only possible if NCBA has the strength to keep fighting for us. If you have already joined NCBA, thank you for your membership, but we need your friends and neighbors to join us too. Take a moment to talk to those around you and explain the importance of joining NCBA. NCBA is our voice from Congress to the courtroom and these fights are too important to sit out.
 
Todd Wilkinson is a South Dakota cattle producer and president of NCBA. NCBA’s policy work is only possible because of our members. To join NCBA, please visit ncba.org/join or call 1-866-BEEF-USA.