Friday March 03 Ag News

 Northeast Community College partners with CVA to launch new apprenticeship program

Northeast Community College and Central Valley Ag (CVA) have created a new chemical applicator apprenticeship program that offers a pathway for students or adults who are looking to break into a new career field. As part of the program, apprentices will be working for CVA while they are taking occupation-specific courses with Northeast.

The Chemical Applicator Apprenticeship program is designed for individuals who want to earn a salary while learning how to effectively operate chemical applicator equipment and understand what chemicals are used to treat certain infestations.

Northeast Apprenticeship Director Kimberly Andersen said by integrating on-the-job learning with classroom learning, individuals can work and earn an income while they are obtaining a credential in a new career field.

“This new program will open so many doors for individuals interested in being an applicator who are unable to commit to a full on-campus college program,” she said. “Apprenticeship programs are helping us serve individuals across our entire 20-county service region. Northeast is excited to be partnering with Central Valley Ag on this new applicator apprenticeship program.”

The Chemical Applicator Apprenticeship program contains two eight-week sessions of related instruction and approximately one-year on-the-job training. Upon course completion, individuals will receive their Commercial Applicator License along with a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor. Central Valley Ag is also covering the cost of tuition and fees for apprenticeship-related instruction.

“We are excited to make this program available to interested students, to help them gain essential skills, earn their license and carve out a path for job training, mentorship and career growth,” said Brent Reichmuth, senior vice president of operations at CVA.

Those interested in participating in the apprenticeship program may visit cvacoop.com//apprenticeship. For information on Northeast’s Apprenticeship program, go online northeast.edu/apprenticeships. For additional information on this or any other apprenticeship programs through Northeast, contact Andersen at kander61@northeast.edu or call (402) 844-7121.



SENSOR-BASED FERTIGATION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH BOOSTS EFFICIENCY, PROFITABILITY

For the past four years, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers have studied the prospects for using sensor-based fertigation management, or SBFM, to increase the efficiency and profitability of nitrogen use. The latest results are now in from multiple Nebraska sites, and they show that the technology enables major gains in both regards.

“This method allows the sensors and imagery to detect what that crop needs, so that you're not overapplying nitrogen,” said Taylor Cross, a graduate research assistant who oversaw the project last year. “You’ll really see a lot of nitrogen savings with this method.”

For the project, drones provided weekly updates on crop-condition data by using multispectral imagery that showed nitrogen levels. Analysis of the data via N-Time software then directed specific applications of liquid fertilizer by irrigation equipment in a set of eastern Nebraska cornfields.

At all three on-farm test sites in 2022, the approach produced greater efficiency in nitrogen use than did conventional management, with efficiency measured in pounds of nitrogen per bushel of grain. The two SBFM-recommended approaches produced about 44 pounds more grain per pound of nitrogen than did the growers’ traditional method. The two SBFM-recommended methods also showed the potential for boosting profitability. The increases ranged from $28 per acre to just over $40 per acre, on average, across the three sites.

Sensor-based fertigation management “allows the farmer to really take advantage of all these sources of nitrogen, not just having to rely on nitrogen products such as (urea and ammonium nitrate) or anhydrous,” said Cross, who is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanized systems management under the mentorship of Joe Luck, associate professor of biological systems engineering. “We’re putting nitrogen in season more effectively, and in a timelier manner, to allow for optimum efficiency.”

The project contributes to Nebraska Extension’s longstanding On-Farm Research Network. The 2022 results from all the network’s projects are now available in a comprehensive online roundup.

As part of the project, treatments were applied via pivot irrigation of wedge-shaped sectors on quarter sections. Sectors using various SBFM treatments were adjacent to or near sectors using conventional nitrogen management.

One of the advantages of SBFM is its ease of use, said Cross, a cohost of the university’s FarmBits podcast.

“If you're a farmer who's already fertigating, and the site has been set up in N-Time, the technology is very simple in that your pivot is really doing all the work for you,” she said. “This technology’s automation is really easy to use and has a lot of functionality with all the data it provides.”

The multi-year approach helped researchers make adjustments over time. Some of the refinements resulted in greater efficiency and profitability.

As participating producers became more familiar with the project, researchers began the SBFM approach earlier in the growing season, at the V6 stage. That earlier start, Cross explained, “allowed for more control over the growing season, to really allow this method and imagery to perform at its best.”

Another adjustment was the development of a method called the Increased Rate Treatment, which boosted the nitrogen-uptake curve.

“From the V9 to V14 growth stages,” Cross said, “we increased the rate of application to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre compared with the conventional 30 pounds per acre.”

Since 2020, the standard 30-pounds-of-nitrogen approach has returned an increase on profitability of $19 across 10 on-farm field study sites; the Increased Rate Approach has increased profitability by $40 per acre at three sites. These approaches have improved nitrogen-use efficiency by producing 26 more pounds of grain per pound of nitrogen, on average, compared with the growers’ management practices.

“We’ve tested other variations,” Cross said. “We extended into the R4 growth stage, where typically we’d stop at R3. So there’s been some fine-tuning here and there to adjust these efficiency and profitability metrics.”

The sensor-based approach is used by Sentinel Fertigation, whose founder and CEO, Jackson Stansell, wrote the N-Time software. When the on-farm research began in 2019, Stansell, then a Husker graduate research assistant, headed the field studies.

The SBFM technology “has a lot of potential” for future adoption in Nebraska agriculture, Cross said. Given the major increases in nitrogen-use efficiency the technology enables, “that's really promising for Nebraska farmers to minimize overapplication and any nitrogen that could be leached to groundwater.”

A central, unique aspect of sensor-based fertigation management, Cross said, is that “we don't have to make our ultimate nitrogen plan at the beginning of the year. In fact, we don’t need a total nitrogen goal or a yield goal for this technology to be successful.” Instead, producers are “just solely watching that crop and what it needs that week.”



Jhala Named Department of Agronomy and Horticulture Associate Head

Amit Jhala, associate professor and extension weed management specialist in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, began his term as associate department head on Jan. 1.

John Lindquist, professor of agronomy and horticulture, stepped down as associate department head on Dec. 31 after serving for four years.

“We deeply appreciate John’s four years of service as associate head and his commitment to the success of the department,” Department Head Martha Mamo said.

Jhala along with David Holding will serve as associate department heads to assist Mamo in the department’s planning. The department has a strong extension presence in IANR and Jhala’s role as associate head will maintain and strengthen the department’s role in serving Nebraska through faculty connection with extension educator colleagues across the state, creating opportunities for collaborations on translational research, and enriching student experiences.

“It was an honor to work as an extension coordinator for the department with Martha Mamo and the leadership team,” Jhala said. “I accepted this position assuming my experience in extension will be somewhat useful.”

He said his role is to support the department head through annual faculty evaluations, co-developing strategic visions and priorities, supervising staff, serving as a faculty advisory committee member, advising on resource allocations and leading ad hoc committees based on needs aligned to priorities.

“The department leadership team will meet regularly to plan and discuss operations, activities and projects aligned with the department’s goals,” he said. “In short, my role will be to support the department head in any way I can.”

Jhala will continue to serve as the chair of the Extension Coordinating Committee.

When asked what he wants to accomplish in this new role, Jhala said he plans to take the lead on the extension section of the academic program review the department will go through in the fall of 2023.

“I want to help guide our new faculty to establish impactful extension programs and connect them with Nebraska stakeholders,” he said. “I’d like to serve as a connector between the Nebraska Extension administrative team and our department’s extension faculty for better engagement, delivery and meaningful extension programming and reporting.”



Nebraska Meat Processors Featured on 2023 Beef Passport

The Nebraska Association of Meat Processors (NAMP) annual convention was held in Kearney on February 17 - 18th. The organization’s membership consists of independent meat lockers and processing facilities in Nebraska.   

During the convention, Nebraska Beef Council’s director of marketing, Adam Wegner, presented on current consumer trends and the Beef Council’s plans for beef promotion this summer. One of those efforts is the 2023 Nebraska Beef Passport and this year, NAMP members will have the opportunity to be featured on the passport as a destination for consumers looking to enjoy great beef as they travel across the state.   

“We’re excited to include lockers and processors on this year’s Beef Passport,” said Wegner. “These operators offer some outstanding beef products including house-made jerky, summer sausage, cooked items and fresh beef cuts.   

The Nebraska Beef Passports will feature both restaurants and meat processors, expanding the program to include more locations and additional opportunities to purchase beef. The 2023 passport season will begin May 1st.



Northeast agriculture students participate in conference on cooperatives in Minneapolis

Agriculture students from Northeast Community College joined with others from universities across the nation in an annual conference to educate, motivate, and inspire the next generation of leaders in cooperatives.

Over the course of the three-day College Conference on Cooperatives, sponsored by the National Farmers Union (NFU), participants heard from experts in the field, participated in interactive learning activities and workshops, and toured co-ops in the Minneapolis area.

“NFU’s history is rooted in the cooperative movement and our future is, too,” said Rob Larew, NFU President, ahead of the conference. “The College Conference on Cooperatives is a glowing example of the value Farmers Union provides to our members and their communities. I’m excited to see yet another group of smart, engaged students taking an interest in the cooperative model.”

Participants heard from a variety of speakers from local and national co-ops during the conference. The keynote luncheon, in partnership with CoMinnesota and hosted by the Ralph K. Morris Foundation, featured an address from Megan Rock, chief sustainability officer and vice president of sustainability and innovation at CHS Inc.

“The College Conference on Coops has been held each year for the last 25+ years,” said Michael Zierke, ag mechanical welding instructor at Northeast. “The students had their eyes opened as to what coops can look like other than just where they get their seed, feed, fertilizer, fuel, and chemicals. They also had the opportunity to learn the seven Cooperative Principles and how they can benefit by being involved.”

The seven principles include Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Member Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training and Information, Cooperation among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community.

“The information the students gathered will help them in their business classes,” Zierke said. “After the conference, they now have a better understanding of why being involved in coops is a benefit and that being a leader in their community helps build a better community.”                    

Northeast students who attended the conference were Ethan Ankeny, Wayne; Kelcie Hall, Norfolk; Cody Hubl, Lawrence; Becca Houtby, Wolbach; Haley Meduna, Colon; Cody North, Winside; Julia Polt, Pierce; Sheridan Smejkal, Wagner, So. Dak.; Emilee Spitz, Genoa; and Brendan Wruble, Clarks.

In addition to the students from Northeast, other attendees represented Colorado State University, Cornell University, Lake Area Technical College, Montana State University, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Ogallala Commons, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, University of Missouri, University of Montana, and University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

The College Conference on Cooperatives is made possible through the sponsorship of the CHS Foundation, SPIRE Credit Union, and the National Farmers Union Foundation.



Virtual Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent Workshops March 23 and 24

The latest agricultural land management and leasing considerations for 2023 will be covered during two virtual landlord/tenant cash rent workshops hosted by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on March 23 and 24.

The workshops will offer updated leasing information relevant to landlords and tenants, including tips for communication and negotiating. They will address topics like equitable rental rates, managing and adjusting farmland leases, landlord-tenant issues, pasture leasing, crop share leasing and other management considerations.

The presentations will be led by Allan Vyhnalek, an extension educator specializing in farm and ranch transition and succession, and Jim Jansen, an extension agricultural economist. Both are with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability. The March 23 workshop is scheduled for noon to 2:30 p.m. Central time and will be geared toward viewers in Eastern Nebraska. The workshop on March 24 is set for 9 to 11:30 a.m. Central time, and will feature examples more relevant to viewers in Central and Western Nebraska. Regardless of location, the general information presented in both meetings will be the same.

The virtual workshops will be held on Zoom and are free to attend, but registration is required at the links below.
Farm and Ranch Lease Considerations for 2023 Virtual Workshop Schedule
    March 23: noon-2:30 p.m. CT (featuring examples related to Eastern Nebraska) Register for March 23 https://go.unl.edu/cap3-23
    March 24: 9-11:30 a.m. CT (featuring examples related to Central and Western Nebraska) Register for March 24  https://go.unl.edu/cap3-24



Iowa Farm Bureau Federation names Zach Brummer farmer education program manager

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has named Zach Brummer as its farmer education program manager.

Brummer is responsible for serving IFBF’s statewide membership by developing and implementing farmer education programming for members including marketing, risk management and other farm business needs. Brummer succeeds Ed Kordick who retired late 2022 after more than 30 years of service.

“We are very excited to have Zach join our staff to continue developing and growing our farmer education programs that provide incredible value to Farm Bureau members,” said Ryan Steinfeldt, IFBF field service director. “Zach’s leadership and experience, along with his family farm roots and agriculture knowledge, allows us to continue to deliver valuable resources and educational opportunities for our members in every county.”

Prior to being named IFBF farmer education program manager, Brummer served as a grain and feed merchandiser and senior market manager for The Scoular Company for nearly a decade and most recently held the position of feed ingredient sales manager with Calyxt.  

“Iowa Farm Bureau is well known for providing exemplary farmer education programs and resources to its members, and I’m excited to carry on that tradition and deliver value to members,” Brummer said. “It’s an exciting time for agriculture, and I look forward to working with our members to advance and maximize their opportunities.”

Brummer was raised on a farm in Warren County, where his family grows corn and soybeans, manages a cow/calf operation and raises sheep. The Simpson College graduate resides on a small farm in rural Indianola with his wife, Nicola, and three children.



Iowans to be Recognized at Commodity Classic for 2022 National Corn Yield Contest

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognized Iowa Corn Growers Association members as winners of the 2022 National Corn Yield Contest (NCYC). The top four winners in each category will be recognized during the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida on March 8-11.

These selected farmers will be honored for their ability to produce the most corn per-acre, which lends itself to fueling and feeding the world. NCYC grants recognition to the participants for their earned accomplishment and  also gives them the opportunity to learn from their peers.

Top yield winners from Iowa include:

Conventional Non-Irrigated:
    Leslie Lindner, Keokuk, 313.65 bu/acre
    Ralph Trumm, Cascade, 307.70 bu/acre
    Jim Gregory, Tabor, 305.86 bu/acre

No-Till Non-Irrigated:
    Taber Anderson, Marne, 310.08 bu/acre
    Kirk Hartman, Cumberland, 299.24 bu/acre
    Galt Porter, Mercer, 295.10 bu/acre

Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Non-Irrigated:
    Grey Porter, Mercer, 321.99 bu/acre
    Shane Vogeler, Clutier, 308.31 bu/acre
    Terry Carlson, Blanchard, 301.67 bu/acre

No-Till Irrigated:
    Todd Folkerts, Inwood, 275.99 bu/acre
    Roy Folkerts, Inwood, 273.60 bu/acre
    Dave Klocke, Templeton, 263.20 bu/acre

Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Irrigated:
    Colby Winter, Lake City, 307.93 bu/acre
    Matthew Schleisman, Gurnee, 305.87 bu/acre
    Landon Schleisman, Lytton, 294.11 bu/acre

Conventional Irrigated:
    Larry Schleisman, Lake City, 298.83 bu/acre
    Brandy Winter, Lake City, 287.98 bu/acre
    Melissa Schleisman, Lake City, 277.17 bu/acre

Contest winners received national recognition in the publication National Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips and other awards from participating sponsor seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The National Corn Yield Contest, now in its 58th year, remains one of NCGA’s most popular programs for members.

For a complete list of national and state winners, visit www.ncga.com.



USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Joins 2023 Commodity Classic as Keynote Speaker
 
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be the keynote speaker during the General Session at the 2023 Commodity Classic held March 8-11 in Orlando, Florida. The General Session is scheduled for Friday, March 10, at 8:30 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center – West Concourse.

During his remarks, Secretary Vilsack will highlight USDA’s efforts to create more, new and better markets; increase competition, lower costs, and add value; and create new revenue streams for producers and their communities.

The General Session will also include a panel discussion with leaders of the five associations that present Commodity Classic: American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Secretary Vilsack was confirmed in February 2021 to serve as the 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He returned to the role he previously filled for eight years, having been the longest-serving member of President Obama’s original Cabinet. Prior to that appointment, he served two terms as Governor of Iowa, served in the Iowa State Senate and as Mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Before returning to USDA in 2021, Secretary Vilsack served as president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). There, he provided strategic leadership and oversight of USDEC's global promotional and research activities, regulatory affairs and trade policy initiatives. He also served as a strategic adviser to Colorado State University’s food and water initiatives.

Education is a hallmark of Commodity Classic. In addition to the General Session, Commodity Classic offers Learning Centers, What’s New, and other education sessions, along with additional opportunities for education and events at the Commodity Classic Main Stage. Commodity Classic features a significant three-day trade show, entertainment, and the opportunity to network with thousands of America’s farmers and agriculture industry professionals.



NPPC Statement on USDA’s Decision to Extend Line Speed Trial
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauds USDA’s decision to allow eligible pork harvest facilities to continue experimenting with ergonomics, automation, and crewing while maintaining line speeds that have been proven able to protect food and worker safety for over two decades. Ensuring sufficient harvest capacity is critical to allow America’s pork producers to continue to provide wholesome pork products to consumers. This extension will allow USDA to assess a final report of the data collected during the time-limited trial and determine next steps. NPPC appreciates the extension of the trial period and will continue working with the administration and Congress towards a permanent solution.



USDA Forecasts Fiscal 2023 Agricultural Trade Deficit
 
Last week, USDA released its fiscal 2023 agricultural forecast, which predicted the country will have a record $14.5 billion farm trade deficit.

USDA is projecting agricultural exports will decline to $193.5 billion in fiscal 2023 from $196 billion in fiscal 2022, while imports will increase to $197 billion from $192 billion. The resulting $3.5 billion agricultural trade deficit would be the second largest since 1990.

U.S. agricultural trade is vital to America’s farmers, ranchers, and overall U.S. economy. Over the past three and a half decades, particularly since it began negotiating free trade agreements, the United States has had agricultural trade surpluses nearly every year.



2022 the Third-Costliest Disaster Year on Record

2022 will go into the record books as the third-costliest year for weather disasters in U.S. history, with an estimated $165 billion in total economic losses. In the agriculture sector, new analysis by AFBF economists in the latest Market Intel shows extreme weather caused more than $21 billion in crop losses. The impact to America’s farms and ranches demonstrates the importance of farm bill programs to help rural communities recover from weather-related disasters.

The Market Intel, part of AFBF’s series on disaster losses, analyzes and summarizes total crop loss estimations across all major weather events for 2022, including hurricanes Fiona and Ian, the June 13 derecho that impacted several central U.S. states, and the ongoing drought affecting much of the Western U.S. The Market Intel also analyzes the coverage—and coverage gaps—provided by existing risk management programs, such as crop insurance, as well as ad hoc disaster assistance like the Farm Service Agency’s new Emergency Relief Program (ERP), previously known as the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program + (WHIP+).

According to the Market Intel, “Over $11 billion in losses were covered by existing Risk Management Agency programs as of February 2022. Over $10 billion in losses were not insured through RMA, existed outside policies’ coverage levels, or did not qualify under an existing risk management program,” which highlights the importance of inclusive protections for growers of all crops in all regions of the nation.

“It’s not hard to see why programs like crop insurance and disaster coverage are vital to the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, and the stability of our country as a whole,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Even a brief analysis of estimates from last year’s disaster losses proves why a strong farm safety net is a necessity. When you have nature as a business partner, you need a strong support system to help put the pieces back together when the unexpected happens.”

The full extent of damage across agriculture is likely far higher as crop loss estimates do not include infrastructure damage, livestock losses, horticulture crop losses or timber losses associated with the weather events.



USDA Dairy Products January 2023 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.21 billion pounds, 3.2 percent above January 2022 and 1.2 percent above December 2022. Italian type cheese production totaled 501 million pounds, 0.4 percent below January 2022 and 1.3 percent below December 2022. American type cheese production totaled 501 million pounds, 6.2 percent above January 2022 and 3.8 percent above December 2022. Butter production was 201 million pounds, 3.8 percent above January 2022 and 7.3 percent above December 2022.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with January 2022)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 177 million pounds, up 4.0 percent.
Skim milk powder - 42.8 million pounds, down 1.5 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with January 2022)
Dry whey, total - 77.9 million pounds, down 3.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 90.7 million pounds, down 10.6 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.6 million pounds, down 9.7 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with January 2022)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 53.5 million gallons, up 4.4 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 28.9 million gallons, up 4.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.04 million gallons, down 11.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.47 million gallons, up 2.9 percent.



Growth Energy Cheers Arizona Rule Expanding E15 Markets

Growth Energy today hailed a final rule by the Arizona Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures Services Division to allow the sale of E15 in the greater Phoenix area under the state’s Clean Burning Gasoline (CBG) program. While E15 is currently allowed in other areas in Arizona, regional restrictions will no longer discourage retailers from bringing new options to the pump statewide. The rule takes effect on March 5, 2023.

“E15 delivered big savings for working families over this past year, and that momentum continues to grow,” noted Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley, who submitted comments in favor of the rule last August. “We’re excited to see Arizona opening the door for more drivers to take advantage of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 blends. Not only will this rule lift outdated limits on our retail partners, it positions Arizona to take full advantage of new federal infrastructure resources to expand competition at the pump. We’re grateful to the Arizona Department of Agriculture and leaders in the Weights and Measures Services Division, as well as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Air Quality Division and Maricopa Association of Governments, for their diligent work to help us get this important update over the finish line.”

Growth Energy members with operations in Arizona include Eco-Energy, which operates a major ethanol distribution terminal in Phoenix. The company’s CEO is Craig Willis, Growth Energy’s former SVP of Global Markets.

“Allowing E15 will align Arizona with the vast majority of U.S. states that have already done so, add supply opportunity to chronically tight petroleum markets, and give consumers another option at the pump,” noted Willis in written testimony on the rule.

Growth Energy’s producer plant members also shared their support for the Arizona rulemaking.

“American biofuel producers are excited to bring cleaner, more affordable biofuel blends to every county in Arizona,” said Joshua Shields, POET Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications. “Each new market is another opportunity to drive competition and alleviate pain at the pump, and we’re pleased Phoenix can finally benefit from the savings E15 customers enjoy in other states. We applaud Arizona regulators for bringing down outdated barriers to lower-carbon, American-made E15.”



USDA Announces March 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for March 2023, which are effective March 1, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including veterans, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for March 2023 are as follows:
    Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 4.750%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 4.875%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 2.875%
    Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750 %

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.
Commodity Loans (less than one year disbursed): 5.750%

Farm Storage Facility Loans:
        Three-year loan terms: 4.000%
        Five-year loan terms: 3.750%
        Seven-year loan terms: 3.750%
        Ten-year loan terms: 3.625%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 3.625%

Sugar Storage Facility Loans (15 years): 3.750%

Simplified Direct Loan Application
FSA developed a new, simplified direct loan application for producers seeking a direct farm loan. The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application. Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or a traditional, paper application for submission to their local FSA farm loan office.

Pandemic and Disaster Support
FSA broadened the use of the Disaster Set Aside (DSA), normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. Because of the pandemic’s continued impacts, producers can apply for a second DSA for COVID-19 or a second DSA for a natural disaster for producers with an initial DSA for COVID-19. The set-aside payment’s due date is moved to the final maturity date of the loan or extended up to 12 months in the case of an annual operating loan. Any principal set-aside will continue to accrue interest until it is repaid. Use of the expanded DSA program can help to improve a borrower’s cashflow in the current production cycle.

FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.

Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Producers
On Aug. 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. Section 22006 of the IRA provided $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. USDA has allocated up to $1.3 billion for initial steps to help these distressed borrowers. This includes both automatic and case-by-case assistance. For more information producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.



U.S. Soy Goes the Extra Mile with Sustainable Solutions for Cities and Communities

U.S. soybeans support cleaner environments and climate change initiatives in some of the nation’s most populous cities. The Biobased Academy® is one partnership that goes the extra mile to further soy-biobased products in vehicle fleets.

Funded by U.S. soybean farmers, this joint partnership with the American Lung Association recently recognized fleet leaders as part of National Biobased Products Day. Fleet and facility professionals who participated completed a training program on the operational, health, safety and environmental benefits of using biobased products. The graduates of the Academy represented the District of Columbia; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Cobb County, Georgia; and Madison, Wisconsin. Additionally, the fleet professionals from the Smithsonian Institution look forward to completing the course this spring.

“Farmers, through their checkoff, remain committed to creating sustainable cities. Our goal is to invest in fleet education and outreach to promote the benefits of switching to renewable products made with U.S. Soy,” said Susan Watkins, checkoff farmer-leader from Virginia. “Since the Academy launched publicly in October 2022, more than 30 fleet professionals from 20 communities have completed the training. The Biobased Academy not only strengthens cities and communities but also brings value back to all soybean farmers.”

Soybean oil can replace petroleum-based compounds in thousands of products. Whether it's rubber, plastics, lubricants or coatings, soy as an ingredient doesn’t sacrifice performance or competitive pricing. Checkoff-supported research leads to the commercialization of new soy-based products each year.

Cargie Vaughn, associate director of the Smithsonian Institution facilities, said the organization has upgraded a significant amount of its Washington, D.C., fleet. Previously, they used petroleum-based tires but have made the switch to soy-based Goodyear® tires.

“The Smithsonian intends to replace 100% of our fleet’s tires,” said Vaughn. “We visited a farm and saw for ourselves that U.S. farmers implement sustainable practices to grow soybeans. Our own evaluations show that the soy-biobased tires are high performing, too.”

There are multiple benefits to using biobased products in the transportation sector. Implementing these products protects workers by reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and fumes while helping organizations reduce their environmental footprint. Making the switch also contributes to the American economy by increasing the use and sale of products made with U.S. soybeans.

Specific to the economic benefits, a USDA Rural Development report shows that the biobased products industry:
    Supports 4.6 million American jobs through direct, indirect and induced contributions.
    Contributes $470 billion to the U.S. economy.
    Generates 2.79 jobs in other sectors for every biobased job.
    Displaces about 9.4 million barrels of oil a year.

In addition to tires, fleets can find several soy-biobased products on the market, including synthetic motor oil and fifth-wheel grease. Tim Fitzgerald, District of Columbia fleet administrator and USB bio ambassador, said the biobased grease does the job better and more sustainably than the petroleum-based products used before.

“As a leader of a fleet in our nation’s capital, I am proud to stand alongside this group of innovators in our industry. They not only completed the Biobased Academy program, but also adopted a new and climate-forward standard for their fleets,” said Fitzgerald. “They demonstrate care for their employees, communities and environment. It’s fitting that we recognize them in conjunction with USDA’s first National Biobased Products Day.”



Court of Appeals Extends Huge Victory for Worldwide Producers of “Gruyere”  

Today, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and a coalition of other dairy stakeholders prevailed in their ongoing battle to protect the right of producers to use generic names in the U.S. market.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld the prior decisions of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in finding “gruyere” to be a generic term for a variety of cheese. The Fourth Circuit’s clear decision should put an end to the attempt by Swiss and French consortiums to expropriate a common food name through a U.S. certification mark registration.

The Fourth Circuit found that the evidence “is ‘so one-sided’ that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and Opposers must prevail as a matter of law. “ The Court reasoned that the “the common usage of gruyere ‘establish[es] that when purchasers walk into retail stores and ask for [gruyere], they regularly mean’ a type of cheese, and not a cheese that was produced in the Gruyère region of Switzerland and France.“ The Fourth Circuit concluded that “the Consortiums cannot overcome what the record makes clear: cheese consumers in the United States understand ‘GRUYERE’ to refer to a type of cheese, which renders the term generic.”

For over a decade, well-resourced European interests have attempted to confiscate common names to prevent non-European producers from using long-established generic terms, essentially monopolizing the ability to produce certain products for producers in limited and specific regions.

This decision reinforces that generic terms like “gruyere” refer to types of food, and a method of production regardless of where they are produced.

“The United States remains a bastion for the defense of consumers’ and producers’ property rights that have been trampled in Europe and many countries around the world,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director for CCFN. “The court has sent a clear message that European attempts to stop American producers from using generic food names in the U.S. will be firmly rejected. It is a momentous victory for American consumers, farmers and food manufacturers.”

With support from USDEC, NMPF, CCFN member companies and other allies, CCFN committed the necessary resources to show the widespread use of gruyere in the U.S. marketplace, and craft the successful argument that non-European consumers and companies should retain their rights to consume produce and sell gruyere in the United States.

“This is an outstanding result for manufacturers and farmers here in the United States,” stated Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “We’re grateful that the Appeals Court agreed that nobody owns the exclusive right to use generic terms. This sets a terrific precedent for the right to use common food names in the United States. Now we need other countries to likewise stand up for what’s right and defend that use just as strongly.”

“Today’s announcement represents a significant win for America’s dairy farmers,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “NMPF rejects blatant European attempts to unjustly limit competition from American companies and will continue to fight alongside our allies to oppose efforts to monopolize common name foods.”

CCFN and its members support the protection of legitimate geographical indications but will continue to fight against efforts to build unfair trade barriers.