Monday March 6 Ag News

 KRUTSINGER GIFT TO GROW NEXT GENERATION OF BEEF INDUSTRY LEADERS

Ron Krutsinger’s life was defined by his passion for Nebraska’s cattle business. He embraced the freedom of wide open spaces growing up on his family’s southwest Nebraska ranch and built a career in the industry by raising, buying and selling cattle.

So when Ron passed away in 2020, his wife, Carol, of Norfolk, decided to honor his legacy by helping to ensure the future of Nebraska’s beef industry.

Carol made a $1 million gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to benefit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. The gift to help develop the next generation of beef industry leaders was made possible by the sale in December of the couple’s 15,500-acre ranch in Dundy County in southwest Nebraska.

The gift will support three priorities:
> $700,000 to create a permanent endowment to support the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, which prepares students to be leaders of the beef industry through an academic minor. The program will be renamed the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program in honor of Ron and Carol Krutsinger.

> $250,000 to award scholarships to students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Preference will be given to students who are graduates of high schools from the southwest Nebraska counties of Dundy, Hitchcock, Red Willow, Frontier, Hayes, Chase and Perkins.

> $50,000 to award scholarships to NCTA students. The Krutsinger gift will be matched by other funds to create a $100,000 scholarship fund. NCTA, a two-year technical college in Curtis, prepares students for careers in livestock industry management, animal science, veterinary technology systems and other agriculture-related industries.

“Scholarships are critical for our students to be able to complete their education and prepare for the agricultural workforce,” said Larry Gossen, NCTA dean. “Without generous donors and sponsors like Carol Krutsinger, many of our students may not be able to attend college.”

A strong work ethic
Ron was born in Benkelman on Aug. 22, 1939, graduating from high school there and learning the strong work ethic of living and working on a family ranch. He moved to Norfolk in 1966 to work for Production Credit Association, an agriculture lender. He fed cattle on the side before purchasing and operating the Fore-Quarters Feedlot from 1972 until 2005.

Carol said her husband of 46 years loved his work with cattle and ranching. Carol, a retired kindergarten teacher in Norfolk, recalled how she met Ron at a party hosted at his home, having been invited by mutual friends. Ron was late arriving because he was out feeding cattle.

“He was a worker and always up for a challenge,” she said. “I supported that because I knew he was happy. He told me once that he would never retire.”

Ron’s longtime bookkeeper, Sheila Dreismeier, described him as someone who did business on a handshake.

“He was a gentle giant,” she said. “He was compassionate. He got along with everybody. All the cattlemen respected him and his opinion, and he guided a lot of young people.”

Ron died Nov. 15, 2020, at a Norfolk hospital after contracting COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic.

Carol said that after the unexpected loss of her husband, she decided to sell the Krutsinger family ranch, which had grown from 160 acres to 15,500 acres through land purchases by Ron’s late father, Bus, and later by Ron and his late brother, Garry.

Stretching nine miles from north to south, the family had spent many Thanksgiving holidays at the ranch, and Ron enjoyed trout fishing and duck hunting there.

With no children, Carol knew the sprawling ranch was more than she could manage.

She devoted some of the proceeds from the sale to help agriculture students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and NCTA. Ron attended Colorado State University for one year, then went back home to work on the family ranch. He always wished he had been able to get his degree, Carol said.

“I knew that this was what I wanted to do for Ron,” she said.

Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program
The Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program is housed in the Department of Animal Science. The program develops students to be leaders of the beef industry through academic coursework, tours of Nebraska cattle operations and the building of relationships with ranchers, cattle feeders, processors and industry leaders.

“I cannot express enough gratitude for the gift that Carol Krutsinger has provided in support of our Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars Program,” said Thomas E. Burkey, interim head of the department. “Since 2006, this program has leveraged our strengths in beef systems education to provide students with unique opportunities to apply knowledge gained to address current and emerging issues in the beef industry. This generous gift will help us to solidify our commitment to providing opportunities to develop the next generation of beef industry leaders.”

Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Nebraska, and cattle production represents the largest segment of the industry, according to the Nebraska Beef Council.

Tyler Perrin is a senior animal science major at Nebraska and Beef Industry Scholar. Having grown up on his family’s farm near Ogallala, he said he wants to work in the beef industry after he graduates in May and eventually own a cow herd. He said his experiences in the program have given him a better understanding of the consumer impacts of cattle production and allowed him to meet people in Nebraska’s beef industry.

“It’s very beneficial,” Perrin said. “I’ve made a lot of connections through the university, through classes and guest speakers. So later when you go into business with them, you know them and can relate to them on a personal level.”

Carol Krutsinger’s gift in support of agriculture students is part of “Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.” Announced last fall, the campaign has a goal to raise $3 billion from 150,000 benefactors to support the University of Nebraska. The campaign’s biggest priority is students, with more than half the funds dedicated to ensuring a high-quality, affordable education for Nebraska students. For more information, visit https://onlyinnebraska.org.



Nebraska Corn Board Recognizes Agriculture Leaders at Annual Awards Dinner

An individual and a company were recognized at the Nebraska Corn Board’s (NCB) 2023 awards dinner on February 27 in Lincoln. The annual awards event highlights outstanding contributions to the state’s corn industry. Each of the recipients have long histories serving Nebraska agriculture.

The first recognition of the evening was the Ag Achievement Award. This honor, first presented in 1991, was designed to recognize outstanding and unselfish efforts to further the state’s corn industry. This year’s Ag Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Tom Hoegemeyer.

Dr. Hoegemeyer returned to the family seed business after receiving his bachelors and graduate degrees from UNL and Iowa State University. Over the next three decades, Dr. Hoegemeyer would grow  Hoegemeyer Hybrids into a significant seed company in the industry. Along the way, he also became internationally recognized for his corn hybrids and breeding genetics. Following a sale of the breeding portion to Syngenta and a short tenure as a scientist with the company, Dr. Hoegemeyer joined the faculty at UNL.  

While originally recruited for a major fundraising campaign, Dr. Hoegemeyer transitioned into the Agronomy and Horticulture Department, encouraging the next generation of scientists and plant breeders through classroom and hands-on learning. His courses were taught to both resident and students around the world – expanding his already foundational impact on the industry.

“Dr. Hoegemeyer has been a great mentor to many, including family that were within the operation, students within UNL and around the world,” said Jay Reiners, Chairman of NCB, and farmer from Juniata. “His legacy in the seed industry is well known and his influence within the broader corn industry is foundational.”

One recipient received the NCB Vision Award. The purpose of this recognition is to honor individuals, industry leaders, businesses or organizations that have gone above and beyond to help NCB achieve its vision, which is to enhance demand, add value and ensure sustainability.

The recipient of the 2023 Nebraska Corn Board Vision Award is Valley, a Valmont Company.  In 1947, Robert Daugherty purchased a license to a prototype center pivot machine that would also begin the Valley Irrigation brand. Valmont has since revolutionized center pivot irrigation.

Today, Valley and Valmont Industries is a world-wide company, utilizing the latest in water saving and application technology that continue to increase water use efficiency, thus continuously improving farmer sustainability.  

“Valley has made significant contributions to the corn sector at the local, national and international levels,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, Vice Chairman of NCB, and farmer from Giltner. “We thank them for their commitment to excellence in improving and advancing technology.”

Each award winner was identified and selected by NCB.



Getting more out of fall forage cover crops: Is strip grazing worth it?

Nebraska Extension will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 23rd at 7 p.m. CST/ 6 p.m. MST to share the results of on-farm research at five location across Nebraska over two years evaluating the value of strip grazing cover crops. The webiar will include producer perspectives on balancing labor needed and increasing harvest efficiency.  

Register for the webinar here http://go.unl.edu/stripgrazing.   

The project was made possible by funding from Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.



Elkhorn Valley Cattlemen Banquet - Entertainment announcement

The Elkhorn Valley Cattlemen Association is excited to announce that they are bringing back their association banquet.  Please make plans to join them on Saturday, April 1, in the Community Building at the Stanton Co Fairgrounds.  They will kick off the evening with a social at 6:30 pm followed by a prime rib meal at 7:00 pm.  This banquet is an opportunity for friends of the beef industry to share in an evening of education and fun.

Speakers for the evening will include Laura Field, the new Nebraska Cattlemen Executive Vice President.  Entertainment for the evening will be Ron "Gus" Gustafson.  Gus is a remarkable motivator. To experience his message is to lose all self-doubt and to find the strength to succeed. You'll marvel at everything this "one-armed-guy" can do! For all his amazing accomplishments, however, Gus does not try to be a larger-than-life hero. Instead, he connects with people, recognizing that everyone struggles with challenges in their lives. In Gus's story, you'll find the inspiration to rise above your own limits - whether they're imposed by circumstances, other people or yourself. Gus will help you to dream once again!

Please consider donating to help our association support youth scholarships along with promotion and education events in Madison and Stanton counties.

Banquet sponsorship levels:
Grand Champion $500 – includes 4 banquet tickets.
Reserve Champion $300 – includes 2 banquet tickets.
Purple Ribbon $200 – includes no banquet tickets.

If you would like to support our organization, please mail your check to:
Elkhorn Valley Cattlemen
Allan Louthan
84488 569 Ave. Stanton NE 68779
402-841-6601

Tickets to the banquet can be purchased for $45. To purchase tickets, contact Allan Louthan 402-841-6601 louthanmaines@hotmail.com or Will McClymont 402 649-3195. Deadline for ticket purchase is March 20.

They hope to see you April 1st in Stanton.



Ag Sack Lunch Program Kicks Off Spring with Virtual and In-person Presentations

The 13th Annual Ag Sack Lunch program, designed to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture in Nebraska to fourth-grade students and their families, heads into the spring semester offering both in-person and virtual presentations to schools across the state.

The in-person version of the program is offered to classes visiting the State Capitol Building in Lincoln as part of their curriculum. Virtual presentations are available for schools which, for a variety of reasons including distance from Lincoln, makes in-person State Capitol visits unfeasible.

This spring many schools have resumed their Lincoln visits, so in-person reservations are full, according to Karen Brokaw, program coordinator. “While our in-person reservations are full, we encourage teachers to sign up for virtual presentations,” she said. The virtual presentations provide an opportunity to reach students from schools from across the state. Teachers can register online for a virtual presentation by visiting AgSackLunchProgram.com.

For fourth-grade classes choosing to make the trip to Lincoln to visit the State Capitol Building, the program provides free sack lunches to the students while they listen to a short presentation about the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. They also receive fun card games that feature Nebraska agriculture facts to take home to play with their families. The sessions are led by “Ag Ambassadors,” students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agriculture.

Students at schools opting for virtual presentations hear the same lively and interactive presentation about Nebraska agriculture, connecting the food we eat with Nebraska farmers. They also receive the card games to play with their families.

Teachers who have had their classes participate in the program, both in-person and virtual, say the presentations are very informative, and their students learned a great deal about the importance of agriculture in the state.

“The virtual presentation provides basic information to the students, and the cards are great way for them to review what they learned and continue learning more,” said Jennifer Alder, teacher at Stuart Public School, Stuart. “The virtual presentation was very informative and relative to what we were studying. The deck of cards will be a great reminder of what Nebraska offers,” she said. “The students were excited to take them home and show their parents!”

Ag Ambassadors for the spring semester include Emily Zimmer, Pleasanton; Jadyn Fleischman, Herman; Karlie Gerlach, Wellfleet; Megan Vrbka, Staplehurst; Mikayla Martensen, Humphrey; Samantha Oborny, Garland; Emma Schmidt, Bridgman, Mich.; Emily Hatterman, Wisner; Alexis Jansen, Gretna; Holly Schacht, Orchard; and Jessie Lamb, Ashland.

The Ag Sack Lunch Program is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board; the Nebraska Soybean Board; the Nebraska Pork Producers Association; Nebraska Beef Council; Midwest Dairy; Nebraska Poultry Industries; and Nebraska Wheat Board.



USCHI's 40th Anniversary Annual Convention Breaks Attendance Records

U.S. Custom Harvesters (USCHI) kicked off their 40th anniversary from February 2-4, 2023 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska at their Annual Convention. This year saw a record-breaking attendance as 1,147 members and vendors gathered for the event.
 
The convention opened with a keynote address from Farm Babe Michelle Miller. The convention featured many other speakers and presentations throughout the two days as well as a 146,000 square foot trade show featuring 114 exhibitors. The annual Kids’ Safety Day was a great success, with 75 kids there to learn about farm and equipment safety. Big Time Grain Co. performed the first evening, followed the next day by the highly anticipated annual auction. The convention was rounded off by the annual awards banquet, where deserving members were recognized as scholarship recipients, Hall of Fame inductees, and new appointees to the Board of Directors.
 
USCHI and INSPRO Scholarship recipient
    Ellie Olsen, Olsen Custom Farms, Hendricks, MN

Hall of Fame Inductees
    Jim Smith, Great Plains Technology Center, Frederick, OK
    Larry Preisser, Preisser Farms and Harvesting, Cunningham, KS

Board of Director Appointments
    Paul Paplow, Vice President, Paplow Harvesting and Trucking
    Mychal Neumiller, Director, Neumiller Harvesting
    Mark Anderson, Director, Anderson Harvesting LLC

Vendor of the Year
    Duo Lift Manufacturing Company

USCHI’s Annual Convention is an opportunity for members to learn and connect with vendors and each other. When asked to describe a custom harvester, outgoing board advisor Raph Joliffe said, “Everybody here is family, and they’ve got an eye out for you and your kids and your friends… family is one of the biggest key words I would use for this organization.” USCHI is proud every year to host the convention and keep this family connected.
 
Next year’s Annual Convention will be January 25-27, 2024 in Oklahoma City, OK. To become a member or to learn more about U.S. Custom Harvesters, contact Mandi Sieren at (620) 200-1381 or office@uschi.com.



U.S. Trade Representative Initiates Consultation with Mexico Over Biotech Corn, Putting U.S. Closer to Dispute Settlement Under USMCA

The U.S. Trade Representative today initiated a technical consultation with Mexico, a move that puts the U.S. one step away from filing a full dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over the aggressive steps Mexico has taken to ban biotech corn. Mexico is a top market for corn, the number one agricultural export from the U.S.

The National Corn Growers Association, which along with affiliated state associations, has been leading calls for the Biden administration to act, applauded the development and urged USTR to expedite the process.

“We are pleased USTR is taking the next step to hold Mexican officials accountable for the commitments they made under USMCA, which include accepting both biotech and non-biotech commodities,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “Mexico’s position on biotech corn is already creating uncertainty, so we need U.S officials to move swiftly and do everything it takes to eliminate this trade barrier in the very near future.”

A technical consultation will bring leaders from both countries into formal discussions. As part of the process, which can happen in person or virtually, both countries can tap their experts to share information on agricultural biotechnology.

If this step does not resolve the impasse, the U.S. can then initiate a dispute settlement under USMCA. Once a dispute settlement is filed, a group of experts are empaneled to hear the case and make final determinations based on the commitments both parties signed as part of the free trade agreement.

The dispute over biotech corn stems from a 2020 decree by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that sought to ban imports of biotech corn beginning in January 2024. Mexico issued a revised decree in February that banned biotech corn for food usage and left the door open for a future ban on biotech corn for feed, effective immediately.

Most corn grown in the U.S. is biotech corn, and Mexico has historically been one of America’s top customers.

The ban raises concerns for U.S. farmers and rural economies, but also for the people of Mexico. According to a study by World Perspectives, Inc., the decree would raise tortilla prices in Mexico by 40% in the first year and 16% over time.

Given the high stakes, NCGA and corn grower leaders across the country began to sound the alarm last fall and have been calling on the Biden administration to initiate a dispute settlement under USMCA.

Mexico’s decree is not based on sound scientific evidence. Regulators and health organizations around the world, from the World Health Organization to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have confirmed the safety and benefits of biotech crops for decades.



Smith Statement on USTR Announcement on Biotech Corn

Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced their intent to formally request technical consultations on Mexico’s decree on biotech corn pursuant to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Chapter of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

“While this is welcome news, it should have happened sooner. Nonetheless, this is an important step toward formal dispute consultations, and I appreciate Ambassador Tai’s attention to this matter. We must hold our trading partners to their commitments and lead from a position of strength. I hope this is an inflection point for the administration and marks movement toward a more aggressive and proactive trade agenda across the board.”

During USMCA negotiations, Smith traveled to Montreal and Mexico City. Long outspoken on the need to hold Mexico accountable, Subcommittee Chairman Smith recently signed a letter with Chairman Jason Smith to Ambassador Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calling for formal dispute consultations under USMCA. Last December, he and Rep. Dan Kildee also led a bipartisan letter with members of the Ways and Means Committee to Ambassador Tai requesting dispute consultations and encouraging the administration to “ensure all our trading partners maintain science-based biotech regulatory systems.”  



Fischer Statement on USTR Action Against Mexico’s Baseless Ban on Genetically Modified Corn

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced it will initiate technical consultations with Mexico regarding the country’s forthcoming ban on genetically modified corn. As part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.

“I appreciate the Biden Administration demonstrating it is taking this issue seriously by moving forward with technical consultations today.

“I’ve been clear from the start – the United States cannot accept Mexico’s unscientific ban against genetically modified corn. It’s a flagrant violation of USMCA, and if allowed would set a dangerous precedent for enforcement of U.S. international trade agreements.

“Until Mexico relents, we should be prepared to pursue a full dispute settlement.”



Statement by Secretary Vilsack Regarding USMCA Consultation Request with Mexico

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that the United States is requesting technical consultations with Mexico under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Chapter of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These consultations regard certain Mexican measures concerning products of agricultural biotechnology.

“Mexico is an important partner, and we remain committed to maintaining and strengthening our economic and trade ties. A robust, transparent agricultural trading relationship, founded on rules and science, is vital to ensuring food security, mitigating the lingering effects of food price inflation, and helping to address the climate crisis. Innovations in agricultural biotechnology play a key role in advancing these critical, global objectives.

“These consultations represent the next step in addressing the United States’ concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology policies. While we appreciate the sustained, active engagement with our Mexican counterparts at all levels of government, we remain firm in our view that Mexico’s current biotechnology trajectory is not grounded in science, which is the foundation of USMCA. We remain unequivocal in our stance that the science around agricultural biotechnology has been settled for decades.

“We remain hopeful that our concerns can be fully addressed but, absent that, we will continue to pursue all necessary steps to enforce our rights under the USMCA to ensure that U.S. producers and exporters have full and fair access to the Mexican market.”



U.S. Grains Council Reacts To USTR’s Request For Dispute Settlement Consultations With Mexico

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the United States is formally requesting technical consultations with the Government of Mexico under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Chapter of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) to address genetically modified (GMO) corn restrictions by Mexico contrary to its USMCA commitments.

In a press release issued this morning, Tai cited biotech issues concerns and the importance of working with an approach based in science to help improve the relationship between the two countries, so it doesn’t threaten U.S. market access to Mexico.

From U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand:
“The U.S. Grains Council thanks the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for initiating the consultation with Mexico under USMCA because it undermines U.S. corn’s access to the Mexican market,” said USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “We have had a long and productive relationship with Mexico. It is our number one market for U.S. corn, and we support this action because it will likely be the most expedient way to ensure that positive relationship continues.”



Mexico Must Adhere to USMCA Trade Agreement

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the United States Trade Representative taking steps toward a formal trade dispute with Mexico over its ban on bioengineered corn.

“AFBF appreciates that USTR is taking this necessary step to press the Mexican government for fair access to markets for America’s farmers. Mexican President Obrador’s ban on biotech corn is not based on science and is a clear violation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. It not only hurts our farmers, it denies families in Mexico access to safe and affordable food.

“We encourage Secretary Vilsack and USTR Ambassador Tai to continue pressing for a resolution with Mexico that upholds the framework of USMCA.”



Iowa and Nebraska Attorneys General Notify EPA of Intent to Sue for Illegal Delay in Governors’ Request for Year-Round E15

Today the Iowa and Nebraska Attorneys General notified EPA Administrator Michael Regan of their “intent to sue” the agency for its illegal delay to promulgate regulations allowing year-round E15 sales. Despite a Clean Air Act (CAA) requirement to act within 90 days, EPA took over 300 days to issue a proposed rule and used the delay to justify implementing the new rules for the summer of 2024 instead of the summer of 2023.

In April of 2022, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and seven other governors notified the EPA of their decision to exercise their CAA authority to allow year-round E15 sales. EPA recently issued a proposed rule, still not finalized, that approves the decision but delays the effective date to 2024.

“We commend Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for standing up for Iowa consumers at the pump,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “After illegally delaying action, the Biden Administration is trying to use the delay to justify putting off year-round E15 until 2024. They claim they must hold the petroleum refiners harmless by giving them more time to comply. Well, who is holding the Midwest consumers and retailers harmless? Iowans should not have to pay at the pump for the tardiness of the EPA. I think a judge will agree. We will support Attorney General Bird in every way we can to get justice for Iowa consumers.”

Federal law requires a notice of “intent to sue” 60 days before a lawsuit can be filed.

In their notice to EPA, the Attorneys General stated: “To the extent there are real production, distribution, retail, and other problems as raised by EPA, those are problems of EPA’s own creation… we demand the EPA issue temporary emergency declarations for the 2023 high-ozone season to bridge the gap until the waiver takes place.”

“The Midwest Governors acted diligently and in a timely fashion to ensure that low-cost E15 would be available to consumers uninterrupted,” stated Shaw. “The EPA’s delay, despite public assurances the rules would be ready for 2023, serves to protect petroleum refiners but not the Midwest consumers. EPA has the tools to make this right. They should do so immediately.”



USDA Proposes New Requirements for the “Product of USA” Label Claim

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. Today’s announcement delivers on one of the key actions in President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, and a commitment made in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. The increased clarity and transparency provided by this proposed change would prevent consumer confusion and help ensure that consumers understand where their food comes from.

“American consumers expect that when they buy a meat product at the grocery store, the claims they see on the label mean what they say,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These proposed changes are intended to provide consumers with accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions. Our action today affirms USDA’s commitment to ensuring accurate and truthful product labeling.”

USDA’s proposed rulemaking is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data. In July 2021, USDA initiated a comprehensive review to understand what the “Product of USA” claim means to consumers and inform planned rulemaking to define the requirements for making such a claim. As part of its review, USDA commissioned a nationwide consumer survey. The survey revealed that the current “Product of USA” labeling claim is misleading to a majority of consumers surveyed, with a significant portion believing the claim means that the product was made from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

USDA’s comprehensive review shows there is a clear need to revise the current “Product of USA” label claim so that it more accurately conveys U.S. origin information.

Under the proposed rule, the “Product of USA” label claim would continue to be voluntary. It would also remain eligible for generic label approval, meaning it would not need to be pre-approved by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before it could be used on regulated product, but would require supporting documentation to be on file for agency inspection personnel to verify. The rulemaking also proposes to allow other voluntary U.S. origin claims we see on meat, poultry and egg products sold in the marketplace. These claims would need to include a description on the package of all preparation and processing steps that occurred in the United States upon which the claim is made.

USDA encourages stakeholders, both domestic and international, to comment on the proposed rule. The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.



NCBA Statement on “Product of USA” Proposed Rule

Today, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus released the following statement on the USDA's new proposed rulemaking regarding the "Product of USA" label:

"There is no question that the current “Product of USA” label for beef is flawed, and it undercuts the ability of U.S. cattle producers to differentiate U.S. beef in the marketplace. For the past few years, NCBA’s grassroots-driven efforts have focused on addressing problems with the existing label, and we will continue working to find a voluntary, trade-compliant solution that promotes product differentiation and delivers profitable solutions and for U.S. cattle producers. Simply adding born, raised, and harvested requirements to an already broken label will fail to deliver additional value to cattle producers and it will undercut true voluntary, market-driven labels that benefit cattle producers. We cannot afford to replace one flawed government label with another flawed government label."



Voluntary “Product of USA” Labeling Reforms Overdue; Mandatory Reforms Needed

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a proposed rule regarding the voluntary use of the “Product of USA” label on meat, poultry, and egg products. The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim only when the products are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.

While R-CALF USA supports the proposed reforms to the “Product of USA” label; it stands firm that only Congress can create labeling reforms that will restore the entire truth to beef consumers and create the market reforms deserved for domestic cattle producers.

“It is important to understand that the “Product of USA” label is simply a clarification of a voluntary label,” said R-CALF USA President Brett Kenzy. “I fear that it will be used at the convenience of global meatpackers and importers. The voluntary label will continue the need for purchase of American beef by consumers to be a research project; beef from foreign countries will continue to bear the USDA inspection stamp.”

R-CALF USA remains steadfast that only under legislative reform will effective change happen, like the immediate passing of the American Beef Labeling Act (S.52) that reinstates mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

“With American cattle herds at a 60-year low, it is regrettable for consumers and cattle producers that it has taken eight years to stop the mislabeling of foreign beef,” said Kenzy. “Public sentiment has rallied to force the USDA to stop the lie, now America needs Congress to compel the truth by enacting the American Beef Labeling Act.”



NFU Kicks off 121st Anniversary Convention, Highlights Ability to Make Change

National Farmers Union's (NFU) 121st Anniversary Convention kicked off today in San Francisco, California where the programming is highlighting the ability of Farmers Union members to make change at the local, state, and federal level.  

“Our members are leading the way on farm policy from the local to federal level,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “One thing we’ve learned is that when Farmers Union members speak with a united voice and tell our story, we get results. A great example of this is how the Fairness for Farmers campaign is catching the eyes and ears of lawmakers across the country and Farmers Union priorities are being put into action. 2023 is a big year for agriculture policy and because of our unity, NFU is well positioned to be a leader.”

On the topic of the Fairness for Farmers campaign, convention attendees heard from three key players in NFU’s efforts to boost competition. Tom Undlin, Partner at Robins Kaplan LLP, discussed how legal action can help spur greater competition and fairness in the food system and the market marketplace. Kevin O’Reilly of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) discussed Right to Repair and updates on NFU and PIRG’s efforts for legislation and regulations to guarantee the Right to Repair. Additionally, Michael Kades, Deputy Assistant Attorney General with the Department of Justice discussed antitrust efforts in the Administration.

Earlier in the day, NFU delegates and attendees heard from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a key player in previous farm bills and a strong supporter of family farmers and ranchers.

“California and our Country are deeply grateful for the strength and resilience of our nation’s farmers, fishers and ranchers,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “For more than a century, National Farmers Union has been a relentless, dissatisfied voice for the men and women who put food on our tables.  As the proud Representative of San Francisco in the Congress, it is my great honor to welcome the National Farmers Union to the Bay Area for their 121st Anniversary Convention!”

As the 121st Anniversary Convention continues, delegates and attendees will participate in breakout sessions on a variety of topics, and to close convention, delegates will debate and vote on NFU’s grassroots policy for the year.



Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions, Investments to Create Fairer Markets, Lower Prices

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $89 million across the country (PDF, 160 KB) to finance the startup and expansion of independent meat processors. USDA also announced initial steps the Department is taking to create a more competitive marketplace for seeds and other agricultural inputs.

The $89 million of investments announced today support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. As President Biden has highlighted, creating fairer markets and more opportunities for family farmers helps bring down prices at the grocery store.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, USDA is laser-focused on standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by expanding processing capacity, creating fairer markets, and more revenue streams and market opportunities, which helps bring down food costs for families at the grocery store,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Today’s investments and actions to back the startup and expansion of independent processing capacity and boost market fairness in seeds and other key agricultural inputs will promote competition, support producer income, strengthen the supply chain, and increase economic opportunity in rural communities.”

Secretary Vilsack announced the new investments at the National Farmers Union convention in San Francisco. USDA is providing $89 million in grants under the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to increase available financing for independent processors, alleviate bottlenecks, and create opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities. The investments are being made under the second round of the program. Last fall, USDA awarded $75 million in grants to eight nonprofit lenders in seven states under the first round of MPILP.

Nonprofit lenders in seven states will use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance the startup, expansion and operation of meat and poultry processors. USDA is making the investments in Alabama, Georgia, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Additional information on MPILP is available at www.usda.gov/meat.

Creating a Fairer Market for Seeds, Other Agricultural Inputs
USDA today released a report, titled “More and Better Choices for Farmers: Promoting Fair Competition and Innovation in Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs,” that includes recommendations for improving market fairness. USDA is taking immediate action on three of these recommendations:
    USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is standing up a new Farmer Seed Liaison, which will deliver on report recommendations. Specifically, the Seed Liaison will boost transparency and reduce confusion in a complex seed system by helping facilitate communication between farmers and plant breeders and the patent system.
    USDA and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are forming a Working Group on IP & Competition in Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs, where USDA and USPTO, together with the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, will work to promote fair competition in the seed market.
    Additionally, AMS is releasing today a Notice to Trade regarding compliance with disclosing the kind and variety of seeds under the Federal Seed Act. The Notice underscores that farmers and seed businesses should know the kind and variety of the seed that they are getting from producers. USDA will also expand its FarmerFairness.gov portal to enable farmers and seed businesses to report tips and complaints related to competition and consumer protection in the seed markets.

The report also underscores the importance of public investment in plant breeding to promote resiliency and competition and enable farmers to better adapt to local and regional needs.

As part of its efforts to enhance fair and competitive markets, and in response to President Biden’s historic Executive Order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” USDA sought input from the public about the impacts of concentration, market power, and intellectual property in the market for seeds and other agricultural inputs. In particular, this focused on the effects to competition and market access for farmers, seed businesses, and other new and growing market competitors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service partnered with the University of Wisconsin to summarize the findings outlined in the report. The report reflects significant consultation across USDA and with USPTO’s Director and staff, Department of Justice Antitrust, and the Federal Trade Commission.

USDA and its academic cooperator, Dr. Julie Dawson, a plant scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, utilized comments received during the public comment period and listening session to inform this report. The report focuses on three ways to provide more and better seed choices to farmers: 1) working with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to enhance robust and reliable intellectual property rights that appropriately take into consideration the farmer’s and plant breeder’s voice and expertise, 2) ensuring that seed businesses are engaged in fair competition and are not unfairly taking advantage of market power, and 3) investing in the critical national infrastructure of more diverse seed variety development and stewardship to address local and regional food system needs and build greater resiliency into our food supply chains. In each of these sections, the report analyzes the current situation and makes recommendations that the U.S. Government can implement to promote fair competition and innovation.

More information is available on the AMS Fair and Competitive Markets webpage https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/fair-competitive.

These initiatives are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government efforts to promote fair competition, innovation, and resiliency across food and agriculture, and parallel efforts by USDA to promote more and better choices for farmers by: investing more than $1 billion in more competitive meat and poultry processing options and $500 million in new domestic sustainable fertilizer capacity; enhancing transparency and modernizing competition enforcement through new Packers & Stockyards Act rules, a Cattle Contract Library Pilot, and more; and enabling farmers and ranchers to better secure value from their products such as through the proposed rule on Product of USA also announced today.



High Prices, Low Volatility
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

Consistent beef demand, current and expected tighter supplies of fed cattle have pushed the currently-listed futures prices to consistent life-of-contract high levels. Looking back at earlier years, most live cattle futures prices peaked in mid- to late-2014 with the February 2015 contract topping out at $171.83. Most of this past week the April 2024 contract has been above $172. Thus, if it seems like prices are high, it is because they are high. Generally, the prices are at or near contract highs for this time of year across available months. Or it is not usual to be able to lock in the currently available high prices. The tight supply will continue until feed becomes more plentiful and producers are able to hold back replacement heifers.

The high expected value of live cattle carries over, to extent, to the feeder cattle futures. The November 2023 contract, for example, has been trending higher since it was listed last November. The recent price level above $122 is high, yet still trails the record level price for the contract month of $242.93 reached back in 2014. The difference is the price of feed, as corn and hay prices easily push the finishing margin up by much more than the $160 per head difference in the current and record-high futures prices. Regardless, the price levels available may be attractive, especially when looking at the marketing plan for the 2023 calf crop.

Usually, such high prices would be coupled with relatively high levels of volatility in the futures and options market. Volatility in the mid-teens is common and leads to common at-the-money options to cost around $5 per cwt to purchase. The current implied volatility in the live cattle market is less than 10 percent, or very low by historic standards. The effect is common options may only cost $3-4 per cwt to purchase. The volatility is not quite as low in the feeder cattle market, especially for deferred contract months, as the trade likely incorporates corn price risk into feeder cattle.

Producers have two incentives to look at the markets; prices which are high and volatility which is low. Futures would thus be attractive from a price level standpoint as they provide a way to lock in the currently available price levels. Put options would also be attractive as a way to lock in a good floor price without an overly large initial expense. Are producers doing so? The Commitment of Traders report can usually be monitored to see if smaller position holders have been active or not. However, that indicator remains delayed because of technical problems. Producers have been actively buying Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) on both fed and feeder cattle in recent months, setting a record with the liability offset under the program. Since July, producers have covered almost 2 million head of feeder cattle using LRP, following a record level of 2.1 million head the full year before. Producers have also covered over 500,000 head of fed cattle with LRP since July, after covering almost 600,000 head the full year before.



Researchers Develop Sweetpotato Clones with Improved Insect Resistance and Weed Tolerance

Researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Clemson University are developing new, insect-resistant, and weed-tolerant sweetpotato germplasm that will improve weed management and sustainability for this nutrient-packed vegetable.

The researchers, whose efforts appear in the journal Weed Technology, bred and selected fast-growing sweetpotato clones that have semi-erect to erect canopy architecture, resulting in upright plant growth. They identified two sweetpotato clones that had reduced weeds, exhibited broad insect resistance, and produced higher yields.

"Weed management is consistently ranked among the top priorities of the U.S. sweetpotato industry," said Phillip Wadl, a research geneticist at ARS's U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina.

"Breeding sweetpotatoes that are competitive with weeds offers a practical solution, because many widely grown sweetpotato cultivars tend to grow long vines in a sprawling manner, whereas sweetpotatoes with fast-growing upright and compact plant architecture can outcompete weeds."

According to Wadl, spreading vine growth allows weeds to establish in areas where the plant canopy has not completely shaded the soil surface and can lead to the quick establishment of weeds.

"Failure to control weeds can result in yield losses," said Wadl.

"Additionally," he added, "the widely grown sweetpotato cultivars in the U.S. have low levels of resistance to soil-dwelling insect pests. For sustainable management of weeds and insect pests, combining insect resistance with a vigorous upright growth habit is necessary to 'stack' traits and develop varieties that exhibit erect, upright plant habit and resistance to insect pests."

To manage weeds, sweetpotato growers typically use herbicides, between-row cultivation, mowing, and hand-weeding. However, each method has its drawbacks and is not always sustainable for crop production.

Researchers are taking another approach by looking at how other vining crops get upright plant growth.

"Compact bunch- or bush-type varieties have been developed for other traditionally vining crops such as bean, cucumber, winter squash and watermelon," said Wadl. "For sweetpotato, a small number of bush-type cultivars already exist but are not resistant to insect pests."

Wadl and the researchers plan to continue ongoing research to develop new insect-resistant germplasm in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Cutulle's vegetable weed science program at Clemson University's Coastal Research and Education Center.

"Reducing the critical weed-free period in a crop or the amount of time that a crop must remain weed-free to avoid yield loss is critical to the profitability of growers," said Cutulle.

"The sweetpotato clones that are generated out of Dr. Wadl's program have improved plant architecture that decreases the critical weed-free period and increases the competitiveness of sweetpotato versus weeds."