Markets and Consumer Sentiment
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator
As we reach the end of the first quarter of the year, it may be a good opportunity to review beef cattle price trends and expectations for cattle markets during the remainder of the year. Fed cattle prices and live cattle futures have been following an upward trend since the beginning of the year. A short-term drop relative the last week in December 2022 in fed cattle price was experienced from the first to the third week of January. Fed cattle prices have improved since the last week of January. The question is: will cattle prices continue to respond to low cattle inventory and sustained demand for beef?
A quick analysis may be in order. Using the Nebraska weekly direct slaughter (Negotiated Purchases) data from the start of the year to date, a few observations regarding fed cattle prices are of note:
⦁ Live cattle prices gained $7.50/cwt while dressed cattle prices gained $14.13/cwt since the beginning of the year.
⦁ This translated to an increase in value per head of $112 and $132 for live and dressed cattle sales, respectively (see chart)
⦁ During this quarter, and assuming that cattle traded on a live or dressed basis sold because they were deemed to be harvest-ready, selling cattle live grossed more dollars per head than selling them on a carcass basis. This was expected. Weather effects on dressing percentage were anticipated as lot conditions influenced haircoat condition.
It is clear that cattle prices are responding to short supplies of beef cattle. Indeed, as cattle trade closer to $170/cwt, a high in the fed cattle market in 2015, when the full effects of low cattle inventory are not fully felt, one might wonder how consumers will respond to increasing retail beef prices.
Although no single indicator exists that represents consumer confidence in the economy, a Weekly Economic Indicator published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York tracks Gross Domestic Product growth rate, consumer behavior, the labor market, and production. This indicator has remained relatively flat for a long time including since June of 2022. Throughout this time, concerns about inflation and recession dominated news cycles. During that time, cattle prices increased at least $20/cwt.
Although these observations are based on past behavior, one interpretation would be that, in spite of prevailing perception of inflation and recession, beef demand has remained at a level that permits fed cattle price to respond to supply and demand of cattle. There is always the chance that a threat outside or inside the industry would alter this response. However, currently, the market is responding to supply and demand in a manner supported by consumer sentiment. One might even say: consumer sentiment is resilient to the threat of inflation and recession, which resulted in consumers not altering their food choices and continuing to purchase beef for consumption at home and away from home.
This is great news for cattle feeders and ranchers! We can only hope this continues so markets can reflect the effects of supply and demand.
A New Kind of Agriculture
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
My colleagues and I on the Senate Agriculture Committee have already begun working on the 2023 Farm Bill, a package of critical agriculture legislation passed only once every five years. Those of us on the Agriculture Committee often agree on many aspects of the Farm Bill, and one of the most popular solutions we hope to implement this year is an increase in the accessibility of precision agriculture technologies.
The term “precision agriculture” refers to a wide range of technologies that help producers monitor and target inputs including fertilizer and feed. These tools can also reduce water usage and boost productivity. Precision agriculture helps ag producers optimize their operations and drive down costs.
According to an industry analysis, recent use of precision agriculture — including variable rate technologies, auto-steer, and sensor-driven pivots — has reduced herbicide use by 30 million pounds, fossil fuel emissions by 100 million gallons, and water usage by 500,000 million gallons. That’s good for producers and communities. Productivity levels also shoot up as a result of precision agriculture tools.
Many Nebraskans, a quarter of whom work in jobs related to agriculture, are excited about these technologies. Precision agriculture solutions are the result of clever and useful innovation. But the problem is that they can be expensive.
Large-scale farming operations can afford cutting-edge technology to increase their efficiency — but it can be more difficult for small and mid-size producers to make the necessary investments in these expensive technologies. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study, large corn and soybean farms have doubled their adoption rates of precision agriculture. That’s happening at a much slower rate for small- to medium-sized farms.
That’s why I reintroduced my Precision Agriculture Loan (PAL) Act to increase precision agriculture access for smaller farmers and ranchers. This bill would provide small- to medium-sized producers with the opportunity to apply for USDA loans that would fund their precision agriculture purchases.
A second bill I led last week was the Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment (PRECISE) Act. PRECISE would expand existing USDA programs, including the Conservation Loan Guaranteed Program, to include precision agriculture technologies. The bill would also increase cost share and practice payments for precision agriculture under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.
Under my new bill, producers would be eligible for multiple loans up to an aggregate limit of $500,000 and term lengths of 3-12 years. They’d receive lower interest rates than traditional financing, decreasing the risk of investing in precision agriculture.
My precision agriculture bills won’t just benefit producers — Nebraskans feed and fuel the rest of the world, so their prosperity means large-scale economic and agricultural growth. Equipment manufacturing also creates jobs and helps America lead the world in innovative and sustainable agricultural production.
Precision agriculture creates win-win opportunities for our farmers and ranchers by bolstering environmental stewardship while using less inputs, less water, and less time, ultimately costing less money.
I look forward to passing these two crucial pieces of legislation, as well as accomplishing even more for Nebraska producers in the 2023 Farm Bill.
Tractor and farm equipment safety course now open for registration
Teens 14 or 15 years of age who work on farms, or others who are interested in learning about tractor and farm equipment safety practices, can register for a safety training course offered at seven locations across Nebraska from May 22 through June 8.
The course is sponsored by the University of Nebraska Extension and the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.
Students will complete the first day of the course by attending a hands-on event at one of two locations or online through the eXtension Foundation Campus website. The hands-on events will occur on May 22 in North Platte and May 30 in Grand Island. After completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, the required driving test will be offered at seven locations across Nebraska from May 23 through June 8.
Federal law prohibits children under 16 from using specific equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. However, certification received through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with specific mechanized equipment.
Aaron Yoder, PhD, associate professor at the UNMC College of Public Health, reports that a common cause of agricultural-related injuries and deaths in Nebraska is overturned tractors and ATVs and equipment entanglements. He emphasized that this course trains students to avoid these incidents and many other hazards on the farm and ranch.
The hands-on event and the online course will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program, including quizzes that students must pass to attend the driving portion of the training. Once a student is registered, the coordinators will send instructions, materials, course paperwork and a link to the online course if they do not attend one of the two hands-on events.
The onsite driving training and exam will include a driving test, equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course. Instructors also will offer education on emergency preparedness, personal protective equipment, and safe behaviors and laws for ATVs, utility-task vehicles (UTVs) and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).
Instructors for the course are members of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health: Aaron Yoder, PhD, Ellen Duysen, MPH, Risto Rautiainen, PhD, and graduate student Sarah Tucker; and Nebraska Extension educators Randy Saner, Ron Seymour and John Thomas.
The course costs $35 and includes educational materials and supplies. Participants can pay at the time of registration or before the driving exam. Only checks and cash are accepted.
Hands-on training, driving dates, site locations and site coordinator contact information are below.
Hands-On Safety Days (If not attending a Hands-On Safety Day, online course must be completed).
May 22 – Lincoln County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd., North Platte, Nebraska
Contacts: Randy Saner (randy.saner@unl.edu) and Vicki Neidhardt (vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu) at 308.532.2683
May 30 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Rd., Grand Island
Contacts: Randy Saner (randy.saner@unl.edu) and Vicki Neidhardt (vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu) at 308.532.2683
Tractor Driving Days
May 23 – Lincoln County Extension Office, 348 West State Farm Rd., North Platte
Contacts: Randy Saner (randy.saner@unl.edu) and Vicki Neidhardt (vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu) at 308.532.2683
May 31 – Raising Nebraska, 501 East Fonner Park Rd., Grand Island
Contacts: Randy Saner (randy.saner@unl.edu) and Vicki Neidhardt (vicki.neidhardt@unl.edu) at 308.532.2683
June 1 – Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering
Contacts: John Thomas (jthomas2@unl.edu) or Stacy Brown (sbrown7@unl.edu) at 308.632.1480
June 2 – AKRS Equipment, 49110 US Hwy 20 in O’Neill
Contact: Debra Walnofer (dwalnofer2@unl.edu) at 402.336.2760
June 6 - Adams County Extension, 2975 South Baltimore Ave., Hastings
Contact: Ron Seymour (ron.seymour@unl.edu) at 402.461.7209
June 7 - Cuming County Fairgrounds, W. Washington St., West Point
Contact: Mary Jo Lueckenhoff (mlueckenhoff1@unl.edu) or Melissa Hagemeister (mhagemeister5@unl.edu) at 402.372.6006
June 8 – Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th St, Weeping Water
Contact: Sandy Prall (sprall2@unl.edu) at 402.267.2205
Link to Registration Form: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/lincolnmcpherson/Tractor%20Safety%20Flier%202023.pdf
If you have questions, please contact the administrator listed above at your driving site or contact Ellen Duysen at ellen.duysen@unmc.edu.
UNL land and leasing webinars to cover cash rents, landlord-tenant issues for 2023
The latest agricultural land management and leasing considerations for 2023 will be covered during two virtual landlord/tenant webinars 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 new 2023 Nebraska agricultural land values and cash rental rates, 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 https://cap.unl.edu/land23.
FERTILIZING COOL SEASON GRASS PASTURES
– Brad Schick, NE Extension Educator
Fertilizing cool season grass is something many producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, moisture, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs.
Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should occur late March through April. If the nitrogen is a single application, usually between 80 to 100 lbs. of actual N per acre is suggested for eastern Nebraska. The recommended application rate declines westward across the state with about 30 to 40 lbs. N per acre suggested for the Panhandle.
If doing split applications, usually it's 2/3 in the spring and 1/3 in the fall when growth resumes on the cool season grasses. With fertilized pasture, be sure to include a rotational grazing plan that will effectively harvest the extra forage and provide the greatest return on the fertilizer investment.
Something to consider when deciding to fertilize cool season grass pastures, or any pasture for that matter, is that during drought years the forage quality might still be very high even though yield might be reduced. Again, moisture limits the efficiency of fertilizer.
Research conducted in Eastern Nebraska has shown a 30% increase in forage yield with fertilization and the economic optimum rate is between 80 to 120 lbs. per acre. A crude protein increase from 16 to 20% was seen with fertilizer applications up to 160 lbs. That is a lot of fertilizer, but it did increase crude protein and organic matter digestibility while decreasing NDF or neutral detergent fiber. Always be aware when applying fertilizer, especially in pastures and fields near water sources such as ponds. Assure phosphorous and potassium levels are adequate for forage as well.
Brome pastures are hardy and we can and do graze them hard in Nebraska. Haying or grazing operations can benefit if managed correctly with fertilizer.
Smith, Craig, Johnson Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral E-15 Legislation
Today, Today, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) were joined by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) – three of the four co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus – to reintroduce the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.
The members released the following statements:
“Year-round E-15 has broad, bipartisan support in Congress and from key stakeholders," said Rep. Adrian Smith. “Moving forward with year-round E-15 would provide consumers affordable fuel options while boosting American energy independence, which is why the recent proposal from the Biden administration to allow for year-round E-15 in just 8 states next summer is not enough. Consumers need year-round, nationwide E-15 – and they need it now – and I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for partnering with me on this important bill.”
“Year-round access to E15 will create new markets for our family farmers, support economic growth in rural communities and lower prices at the pump for Minnesotans – it’s a win at every stage of the supply chain,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’ll keep working on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Smith on this bill to support our biofuel producers and farmers – and look forward to getting it across the finish line.”
“E15 use year-round would drastically improve the domestic production and supply of energy in America,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson. “I’m grateful for Rep. Smith’s and Rep. Craig’s leadership on this effort to ensure more affordable prices at the pump and cleaner fuel options. We got this bill passed in Congress last year, and I’m looking forward to doing so again, and getting year-round E15 signed into law.”
The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above ten percent to allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E-15. In addition, it would ensure consistency and limit disruptions across the national fuel supply chain by prohibiting the removal of the 1-psi waiver for E-10 ethanol.
The legislation is supported by numerous stakeholder groups, including Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association.
“Without action, the fast-approaching summer driving season could be the first since 2019 without lower-cost E15 blends,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This legislation represents an immediate solution that will deliver savings for drivers, lower carbon emissions, and offer greater protection from the global turmoil that continues to cast a shadow over our energy security. There is no reason to keep biofuels from America’s heartland bottled up, especially based on an outdated regulation. We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Fischer, Representative Smith, and Representative Craig, and their bipartisan allies who continue to fight for rural families and American drivers. The clock is ticking, but we have outstanding champions in Congress working to ensure that working families don’t lose access to their favorite lower-carbon, lower-cost option on June 1.”
“RFA thanks Rep. Smith, Rep. Craig, and other renewable fuel supporters in the House of Representatives for introducing this commonsense legislation, which brings stability and certainty to the marketplace. Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, and farmers all agree on the need for this legislation to ensure year-round availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 at the pump. As war in Ukraine continues to wreak havoc on global energy markets, this bill helps keep gas prices in check and extends the U.S. fuel supply. We are highly encouraged by the diverse support this effort is receiving, and we urge Congress to move quickly to adopt this legislation,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
In the House, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Sam Graves (R-MO), Mike Flood (R-NE), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Mike Bost (R-IL), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Zach Nunn (R-IA).
The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is the House companion to the Senate bill introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
Fischer Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Year-Round E15 Legislation
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today led the reintroduction of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The legislation would allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10% — ending years of regulatory uncertainty and preventing a patchwork of uneven state regulations. Increasing the availability of biofuels like E15 would benefit the economy and the environment.
Importantly, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 has support from a wide mix of stakeholders, including the National Corn Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, and the American Petroleum Institute.
Additional cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
“Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. Negating the need for a patchwork of regulations will ensure all Americans can enjoy lower costs at the pump. With this unique coalition of support, I’m more optimistic than ever that we can make year-round E15 a reality,” said Senator Fischer.
The full list of bill endorsements includes:
Agriculture: National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, the America Farm Bureau Federation, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Biofuels: Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Coalition for Ethanol
Oil/Natural Gas Sector: American Petroleum Institute
Transportation: SIGMA, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, National Association of Convenience Stores
State Stakeholder Support:
“Senator Fischer’s diligence to achieving passage of legislation to allow year-round sales of E 15 is greatly appreciated by Renewable Fuels Nebraska’s membership. This common-sense legislation would allow for surety for fuel retailers and ethanol producers and corn farmers alike, while offering consumers meaningful savings at the pump during peak driving season. We look forward to supporting Senator Fischer in getting this important bill across the finish line,” said Dawn Caldwell, Executive Director of Renewable Fuels Nebraska.
“Allowing for the nationwide sale of E-15 year-round is long overdue. Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer’s Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act will provide common sense regulatory changes that will allow American consumers the opportunity to purchase higher blends of ethanol at any time during the year. Sen. Fischer’s leadership on this issue, one which is so vital to the future growth of the ethanol industry and Nebraska’s economy, has brought both the ethanol and petroleum industries together in support of this legislation. It is because of her steadfast support and determination we are hopeful the Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act finally becomes law. Now is the time to finally get this legislation to the President’s desk,” said Mark McHargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.
“Nebraska Corn Growers Association thanks Senator Fischer for leading the efforts to allow year-round sales of E15. Allowing year-round access to E-15 reduces the cost for consumers, leads to cleaner air and paves the way for longer term opportunities for the Next Generation Fuels Act,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.
“Nebraska Farmers Union applauds Senator Fischer’s efforts to resolve a longstanding technical issue of conflict between ethanol supporters and the petroleum industry with the introduction of her amendment to the Clean Air Act. Sen. Fischer’s compromise enjoys support from both the ethanol and petroleum sectors and will produce a national solution that will allow E-15 and higher blend ethanol products to be sold year around. The result of this long overdue compromise will lower fuel prices, carbon dioxide and cancer-causing tailpipe emissions, support family farmers, corn producers, and rural communities while dramatically improving air quality. House and Senate passage of Sen. Fischer’s legislation would be welcome economic shot in the arm for rural America and all fuel users,” said John Hansen, President of the Nebraska Farmers Union.
Ricketts Co-Sponsors Fischer Bill to Allow Year-Round E15 Sales
Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) co-sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation from Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to allow for year-round E15 sales.
“High costs of living are costing American families hundreds of dollars a month,” said Senator Ricketts. “We owe it to them to use every tool we have to save them money at the pump. Nebraskans know year-round E15 sales have endless benefits like saving families money, benefitting the environment, and supporting Nebraska farmers and producers. It also lowers our dependence on foreign oil and moves us closer to energy independence. I’m grateful to Senator Fischer for her leadership on this issue and look forward to getting E15 sold nationwide all year-long.”
“Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15,” said Senator Fischer. “It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. Negating the need for a patchwork of regulations will ensure all Americans can enjoy lower costs at the pump. With this unique coalition of support, I’m more optimistic than ever that we can make year-round E15 a reality.”
The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10%. It would also end years of regulatory uncertainty. Senator Ricketts is a longtime champion for ethanol. When he was Governor, Ricketts signed legislation offering incentives to retailers who sell E15 or higher blends of ethanol. Ricketts also joined Midwestern governors in requesting a permanent waiver in support of year-round E15.
Bills Providing Permanent E15 Fix Introduced in House and Senate
The National Corn Growers Association today applauded members of the House and Senate for reintroducing legislation that would provide a permanent, nationwide solution to ensure uninterrupted market access for low-cost, low-emission E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88.
Led by Sens. Deb Fischer (Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Reps. Angie Craig (Minn.), Adrian Smith (Neb.) and Dusty Johnson (S.D.), 35 bipartisan Senate and House members introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which has again drawn support from a wide range of agriculture, fuel and retail stakeholders.
“The choice of cleaner and less expensive E15 at the pump saves drivers millions of dollars a year and increases the fuel supply to improve our energy security,” said Tom Haag, National Corn Growers Association President. “We thank these bipartisan members of Congress for once again leading on this needed solution to resolve an outdated barrier to consumer choice. There’s no reason for market access to a safe, clean and affordable fuel option to remain in question, and we urge Congress to pass this commonsense legislation.”
Despite EPA approving E15 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, 96 percent of vehicles now on the road, and a 2019 update to regulations, a 2021 court decision would have ended year-round market access to E15 last summer without the Biden administration using emergency authority to keep E15 in the market. The administration’s temporary action increased the fuel supply and reduced fuel prices, but fuel choice is again in question for 2023, even though E15 has now been available year-round for consumers the past four years.
Most recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline in their states aimed at ensuring drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol. However, EPA has proposed to delay implementation until 2024.
NCGA supported the governors’ plan and expressed serious concern over the one-year delay in implementation and the market uncertainty the delay creates for 2023. NCGA also supported the recent bipartisan request from 17 U.S. Senators to President Biden, asking him to direct EPA to again use the agency’s existing authority to increase the fuel supply through uninterrupted access to E15 this summer.
Last year, as the nation faced fuel supply challenges, President Biden directed EPA to use existing agency authority to prevent a disruption in E15 availability between June 1 and Sept. 15. As a result, continued availability of E15 increased the nation’s fuel supply and saved drivers an average of 16 cents per gallon nationwide during those three months, for a total savings of $57 million.
“We urge the Biden administration to use this existing authority to keep this fuel choice in the market and increase the fuel supply, but we also call on Congress to resolve this fuel market uncertainty once and for all by passing the legislation introduced today,” said Haag.
Retailers have increased availability of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, to offer consumers choice and lower fuel costs, as well as increase the fuel supply. Ensuring continued E15 sales year-round keeps a lower-emission fuel choice in the marketplace that costs less. E15 cuts evaporative, carbon and tailpipe emissions compared to standard 10 percent ethanol blended fuels. Blending more ethanol to make E15 displaces more toxic components in gasoline, reducing exhaust emissions for cleaner air.
Growth Energy Applauds Reintroduction of Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement today upon the reintroduction of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the 118th Congress.
“Without action, the fast-approaching summer driving season could be the first since 2019 without lower-cost E15 blends. This legislation represents an immediate solution that will deliver savings for drivers, lower carbon emissions, and offer greater protection from the global turmoil that continues to cast a shadow over our energy security. There is no reason to keep biofuels from America’s heartland bottled up, especially based on an outdated regulation. We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Fischer, and their bipartisan allies who continue to fight for rural families and American drivers. The clock is ticking, but we have outstanding champions in Congress working to ensure that working families don’t lose access to their favorite lower-carbon, lower-cost option on June 1.”
RFA Welcomes Legislation Providing Year-Round E15 Availability
The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded members of the U.S. House and Senate for reintroducing legislation to provide permanent, nationwide availability of the lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 ethanol blend. RFA thanks Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for leading introduction of the bill in the Senate and Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for their leadership in the House. The bill has 15 additional co-sponsors each in the House and Senate.
“This commonsense legislation is supported by a broad and diverse coalition, ranging from farmers to filling stations and from ethanol producers to petroleum companies,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We all agree that American drivers need access to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 at the pump every day of the year and across this country. We thank Sens. Fischer and Klobuchar, Reps. Craig, Smith and Johnson, and all their fellow renewable fuel supporters for continuing the fight and reintroducing these important bills. Enough is enough—it’s time to finally remove the burdensome and nonsensical barrier that has blocked consumer access to cheaper, cleaner E15 for far too long. With the summer driving season right around the corner, we call on Congress to move quickly and adopt this legislation as soon as possible.”
As a result of emergency waivers issued by the Biden administration in April 2022, the availability of E15 saved American drivers nearly $60 million at the pump last summer. Consumers choosing E15 saved an average of $0.23 per gallon last summer, equating to a savings of three to five dollars with every fill-up.
Originally introduced late in the last Congressional session, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would harmonize fuel volatility regulations for ethanol-blended fuels across the country, allowing for the year-round sale of E15 in conventional gasoline markets. It also would supersede an effort by Midwest state governors to make regulatory changes that would assure the availability of E15 sales year-round in their states, an effort that was approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but delayed until summer 2024.
ACE Endorses Congressional Action to Enable E15 Sales Year-Round
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) thanked lawmakers for introducing the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act in both the House and Senate to clarify E15 should be allowed for sale year-round by extending the 1-psi Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to fuel blends containing gasoline and over 10 percent ethanol. The bill received bipartisan, bicameral support led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Representatives Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). ACE CEO Brian Jennings endorses this legislation in the following statement:
“Securing national and permanent market access for E15 year-round is best done through Congress and we are enormously grateful for the ongoing leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Fischer, and Representatives Craig, Smith and Johnson for introducing this legislation backed with broad bipartisan, bicameral support to clarify the statute once and for all. ACE members look forward to fostering support for this legislation during our annual fly-in at the end of the month.
“Action taken by President Biden and EPA to issue emergency waivers allowing national use of E15 during the summer months of 2022 played a role in the record 10.5% ethanol inclusion rate last year. Given the urgency to ensure uninterrupted market access for 2023, ACE is pushing for immediate action via emergency waivers, passage of this legislation and other options to unleash the cost-saving benefits of E15 this summer.”
Vote for Your Favorites in Iowa's Pulled Pork Madness Bracket
March Madness tips off this week with college basketball teams battling for the No. 1 spot in the nation. But you don’t have to live and breathe hoops to cheer on restaurants vying for Iowa's best pulled pork sandwich.
Pulled Pork Madness has returned for a sixth year. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) competition follows a bracket-style narrowing process similar to the NCAA Tournament. The “Sweet 16” matchups were posted late Monday.
The bracket is based on fan nominations submitted earlier this month. So even if your NCAA bracket is busted early, you can still get a taste of victory by helping to crown some legendary pulled pork. Pork lovers have until 10 a.m. Friday, March 17 to determine who moves on to the next round. Other voting deadlines are March 22 to decide the “Final Four” and March 27 to choose the championship bracket. The title round ends March 30, with the winner announced March 31.
The public can cast their votes through IPPA’s Facebook page or on the Pulled Pork Madness webpage during each round. Also, keep up with the contest on social media using the #PulledPorkMadness hashtag.
IPPA received 158 nominations for 63 Iowa restaurants in the contest. The “Sweet 16” bracket was seeded based on the two restaurants with the most votes in each of IPPA’s eight districts.
“This contest is great at highlighting delicious pork on menus across the state,” said Hannah Spurr, IPPA’s consumer outreach director. “Iowans know a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich when they bite into one. We’re asking them to lead us to the showstoppers.”
Restaurants in the “Sweet 16” are:
District 1: Buffalo Joe’s Roadhouse, Smithland, vs. The Roadhouse, Orange City
District 2: Birdies, Burgers & Brews, Graettinger, vs. Smoke N Firehouse No. 20, Ringsted
District 3: Flip’s, Waterloo, vs. The Pub at the Pinicon, New Hampton
District 4: Backwoods Bar and Grill, McGregor, vs. Moski’s BBQ, Cascade
District 5: Boxer Barbeque, Council Bluffs, vs. The Buck Snort Restaurant, Neola
District 6: The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill, Ogden, vs. ShortE’s BBQ, Johnston
District 7: Bubba-Q’s, Ottumwa, vs. The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown
District 8: Pop’s BBQ, Iowa City, vs. Sugarfire Smoke House, Cedar Rapids
The top vote-getter will receive $250 and a “Pulled Pork Madness” plaque.
Iowa Corn Farmer-Leaders Set Policy at Commodity Classic
Iowa Corn farmer-leaders participated in the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida. A key task for the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) at Commodity Classic is advocating in support of policies and actions for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to implement and establish at the federal level to benefit Iowa’s farmers as well as corn farmers across the nation.
“Each year, the policy process starts with our grassroots farmer-members through our membership survey and input gathered at our local roundtable meetings held across the state. The resolutions then move to the ICGA Annual Grassroots Summit held in August, and then on to the national policy development during NCGA’s Corn Congress at Commodity Classic,” said Denny Friest, ICGA President and farmer from Radcliffe, Iowa. “While at Commodity Classic, our ICGA delegates, presented resolutions that set the framework for our federal legislative efforts and directly influence our direction for years to come.”
The Iowa resolutions passed by the NCGA delegate body include:
- Support EPA approval of E-85 conversion for existing vehicles to increase the use of biofuel and consumer choices.
- Support legislative oversight of regulatory agencies.
- Support the development and implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies (including but not limited to pipelines and geologic sequestration) to lower the carbon intensity scores of the entire agriculture value chain.
- Support lowering federal C-corporation tax rates back to 15% for net corporate incomes up to $50,000 and 21% for all net incomes above $50,000.
- Support a tax on electric vehicles to fully offset the loss of state and federal gas tax.
The new NCGA policy document will be posted at iowacorn.org/membership/policy-development when it becomes available. For more information on upcoming policy development meetings in your area, contact the Iowa Corn office at (515)225-9242 or email at corninfo@iowacorn.org.
IDALS: HPAI Case Confirmed in a Backyard Flock in Chickasaw County
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Chickasaw County, Iowa.
The affected site is a backyard flock.
Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses.
About HPAI
HPAI is highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil.
Signs of HPAI may include:
Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
Decrease in egg production
Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
Difficulty breathing
Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
Stumbling and/or falling down
Diarrhea
For additional information on HPAI, please visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza.
Forage Association Hosting Free Meetings during Central Plains Dairy Expo
South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend The Northern Plains Forage Association informational meeting March 29 and 30 during the Central Plains Dairy Expo at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The meetings will last from 2 to 3 p.m. each day and will provide information regarding the status of the association and upcoming events and activities. There will also be a 30-minute presentation by Jack Davis, SDSU Extension Crops Business Management Field Specialist, on hay supplies, use and leftovers.
“Hay stocks have been a big issue over the past year. We look forward to bringing in Jack Davis to learn more about the current situation and potential issues that could arise for 2023,” said Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist.
The Northern Plains Forage Association is a partnership of forage growers and industry partners, including SDSU Extension, formed at the beginning of 2023. For more information, visit the Northern Plains Forage Association Facebook Page.
This month’s meeting, sponsored by Dellait, is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about The Northern Plains Forage Association. No registration is required.
“Forages play a huge role in the South Dakota ag economy. The Northern Plains Forage Association is a new, local group looking to bring together forage and livestock producers as well as industry representatives, to create a more unified education and leadership network in our region,” Bauder said.
For more information, contact Bauder at sara.bauder@sdstate.edu.
USMEF Conference to Examine U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations, Emerging Issues in Asia, Farm Bill Challenges
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the speaker lineup and registration details for its 2023 Spring Conference, which is set for May 24-26 in Minneapolis.
The opening general session will feature USMEF’s senior staff from the Asia Pacific region – Senior Vice President Joel Haggard and Vice President Jihae Yang – who will discuss emerging issues in key Asian markets, including how removal of many COVID restrictions could provide momentum for the region’s foodservice sector.
The following day, USMEF will examine the state of U.S.-Mexico trade relations with Kenneth Smith Ramos, who served as Mexico´s chief negotiator for the modernization of NAFTA, which led to the signing and ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He is now a partner at AGON, a consulting firm specializing in competition, regulatory affairs and international trade.
At the closing session, former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson – who oversaw development of four farm bills during his 30 years in Congress – will discuss the challenges lawmakers face as they work to craft an effective, pro-trade farm bill over the coming year.
In addition to the general sessions, the Beef, Pork, Exporter and Feedgrain/Oilseed breakouts will provide in-depth discussions on topics relevant to each sector. Registrants are welcome and encouraged to participate in all breakouts regardless of membership sector.
Ardent Mills donates $3.5 million for Kansas State University's new agriculture innovation centers
The Kansas State University Foundation today announced that Ardent Mills has pledged $3.5 million to support the Kansas State University College of Agriculture's innovation centers for grain, food, animal and agronomy research.
Ardent Mills' investment will support new facilities in the College of Agriculture's Department of Grain Science and Industry, including renovations of current buildings and improvements in the technology and equipment necessary for interdisciplinary, innovative research and will continue to enhance the college's exceptional student experience.
"I want to thank Ardent Mills for their investment in our new facilities project," said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. "With our new infrastructure and approach, we will be able to recruit and retain world-class faculty and researchers, which will further strengthen the allure of attending K-State.
"Today, the College of Agriculture is globally recognized and respected, and this donation will help fund both innovations in teaching and the pioneering of the cutting-edge skills and tools needed to educate the next generation of leaders in the grain science industry," said Minton.
Troy Anderson, vice president of operations at Ardent Mills, said, "Ardent Mills is passionate about cultivating an innovative future for our industry. That's what makes this opportunity to partner with K-State's College of Agriculture's new Global Center for Food and Grain Innovation a great fit. The evolving interdisciplinary, collaborative approach — along with the new facilities — will enable exceptional talent development and best-in-class research to help better solve food and agriculture challenges today and for generations to come."
"This is an exciting time at K-State and the College of Agriculture," said Richard Linton, president of Kansas State University. "This new infrastructure opportunity is the first major project associated with the university's vision of interdisciplinary research and development.
"With our different departments working closely together, we'll not only expand our next-generation research, but we will become more attuned and efficient in working with private industry, and together we will develop and diversify Kansas' and the world's food and agricultural economy," said Linton.
“Unitum Stamus” for Soy & 399 Other Ag-Related Groups Seeking Favorable Farm Bill Budget
The American Soybean Association is among 400 farm and industry groups signed onto a letter shared with congressional leadership on agriculture’s budgetary needs in the 2023 Farm Bill. That letter sent to the chairmen and ranking members of both the House and Senate Budget Committees is a strong example of “united, we stand,” a phrase popular amongst the country’s founding fathers. Signees are hopeful modern leaders in the nation’s capital understand the value of agriculture and will take their needs into consideration when developing the fiscal year 2024 budget.
“We write to express our strong support for providing (…) sufficient budgetary resources to write a new bipartisan, multi-year, comprehensive, and meaningful piece of legislation,” the groups convey in the letter, continuing, “Just as there are many pressures on the federal budget, there are many pressures on U.S. farmers and others throughout the agricultural supply chain who provide food, feed, fuel, fiber, and other products to consumers across the United States and abroad.”
Daryl Cates, soybean farmer from Illinois and ASA President said, “We have been heartened by recent meetings with leadership—both in Congress and the administration—and appreciate their willingness during this farm bill reauthorization year to hear from the many of us who provide for our nation every day, keeping our families fed and clothed, our cars and fleets moving, and our nation’s economy strong and competitive. Their decisions for the 2023 Farm Bill have the ability to sustain these indispensable businesses—both on the farm and those that support and are supported by farmers—and keep them viable in the years to come.”
International sales of U.S. farm and food products reached $196 billion in 2022, according to USDA. China is the top market for these products. When the trade war with China began in 2018, U.S. agriculture endured significant market impacts, revealing critical gaps in the farm safety net.
Cates says for soybeans, the China trade war was a crystal-clear indicator of the need for changes to farm bill legislation, typically put in place for five years: “If a trade war capable of halting all sales of soy to our largest trading partner hardly triggered the farm safety net in the current farm bill, it’s hard to envision a scenario that would provide real assistance without making significant improvements.”
Along with ongoing volatility in China, the letter cites other disruptions continuing to impact U.S. agriculture, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and other supply chain disruptions, non-tariff trade barriers erected by multiple countries, and devastating natural disasters—many of which have led to rising production input costs at a time when projections for many crop cash receipts are lower.
The groups also note strong budget resources are needed for protecting and enhancing crop insurance, which assists with volatile weather and crop loss, improving access to voluntary conservation incentives, addressing rural development needs, investing in research for innovation and competitiveness, providing opportunities to help the nation become more energy independent and food secure, and supporting solutions to address logistics challenges.
Scoular invests in Kansas oilseed crush facility for renewable fuels market
Farmers in Kansas and Oklahoma will have access to the rapidly growing renewable fuels market after Scoular converts a facility in Goodland, Kansas, into a dual oilseed crush plant.
Scoular announced today that it will recommission the former sunflower crush plant outside of Goodland that it purchased in 2021. The Nebraska-based agribusiness will make an investment to retrofit the facility to crush both soybeans and canola. Up to 40 new jobs will be created in Goodland, located in northwest Kansas. The facility is expected to begin operations in fall 2024.
Because of its high-oil content, canola is highly valued in the renewable fuels sector, particularly for use in the growing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel markets. Those markets will grow to over 5 billion gallons by 2025.
The facility will process 11 million bushels of oilseeds a year, toggling between canola and soybeans as availability dictates. As low-carbon crops such as camelina develop in the future, Scoular will be able to process those new seeds.
“Scoular is bringing the canola market back to Kansas and Oklahoma,” said Ed Prosser, the company’s Senior Vice President of Emerging Businesses. “This investment will provide producers with the opportunity to participate in the booming renewable fuels market.”
Scoular is partnering with Kansas State University to advise farmers on best practices for growing canola. The crop is well-suited for planting in a winter wheat rotation in the Southern Great Plains. The rotation can improve weed control and wheat yields.
“The recommissioning of the crush facility in Goodland will breathe new life into the Great Plains canola industry,” said Michael Stamm, a K-State agronomist and canola breeder. “This facility will provide new opportunities for renewable diesel feedstock production, generating greater value for the canola grown in the region.”
“In small towns across Kansas, every business counts,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas. “Scoular’s decision to invest in the crush facility in Goodland will increase marketing opportunities for farmers and contribute to the economic prosperity of northwest Kansas. The Goodland oilseed processing plant is an important juncture for farming in western Kansas and food and fuel production for the nation.”
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