Wednesday March 22 Ag News

Congressman Flood Salutes Nebraska’s Farmers and Ranchers during House Floor Address

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood recently delivered short floor remarks saluting Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers during National Agriculture Week. The full text of the speech is below.

Mister Speaker, I rise today to salute our farmers and ranchers as we celebrate National Agriculture Week.

In Nebraska, we grow the food, fuel, and fiber we need to feed the world.

We are known as the Cornhusker State and the Beef State.

We are number one for cattle on feed. Number two for ethanol production. And number three for corn exports.

We are home to the four largest center pivot irrigation manufacturers who help farmers efficiently apply water resources around the globe.

These are just a few of the things that have made Nebraska the number one ag state and the number one in the nation for ag receipts per capita.

We are also home to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Daugherty Water for Food Institute, which is leading the research we need to ensure that our world’s natural resources support food security for years to come.

As we celebrate ag week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the farmers and ranchers who work hard and sacrifice each day to feed the world.



NDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2023 AG POSTER CONTEST

Today, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is adding to the celebration of National Ag Week by announcing the winners of this year’s annual poster contest. NDA received a record number of entries (more than 2,100) from students in grades 1-6 from around the state all highlighting agriculture, Nebraska’s number one industry.

“The students who participated in this year’s contest really understand how important agriculture is to Nebraska and had fun ways of showing how to celebrate our number one industry,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NDA teammates look forward to this poster contest every year and are amazed at how many talented, young artists we have in Nebraska. All the posters we received are winners in our eyes, and I’d like to thank everyone for participating.”

The posters, depicting this year’s theme of “Celebrating Nebraska Agriculture,” were judged in three separate categories: first and second grade; third and fourth grade; and fifth and sixth grade. The poster contest is in its 20th year.

In the First and Second Grade Division:
• 1st place: Maleki McLeod, 2nd grade, Thedford Public Schools
• 2nd place: Isabel Larson, 2nd grade, St. Francis School in Humphrey
• 3rd place: Joel Adle, 2nd grade, Chase County Schools in Imperial
• Governor’s Choice: Easton McIntyre, 2nd grade, One-R Elementary School in Grand Island

In the Third and Fourth Grade Division:
• 1st place: Kamiyah Williams, 4th grade, Lincoln Elementary School in North Platte
• 2nd place: Claire Sievers, 4th grade, Randolph Public Schools
• 3rd place: Abby Durkop, 4th grade, Humphrey Elementary School
• Governor’s Choice: Riley Kliewer, 3rd grade, Waverly Intermediate School

In the Fifth and Sixth Grade Division:
• 1st place: Kiersten Hans, 6th grade, Wynot Public Schools
• 2nd place: Vivian Tran, 5th grade, Cathedral of the Risen Christ School in Lincoln
• 3rd place: Abby Hickenbottom, 5th grade, Ansley Public School
• Governor’s Choice: Addison Heard, 6th grade, Howells Community Catholic School

NDA announces the winners of its annual poster contest during National Ag Week to highlight the diversity of agriculture and to celebrate the food, feed and fuel that farmers, ranchers and ag industry workers provide every day. The winning posters and the names of the schools submitting entries are on NDA’s website at nda.nebraska.gov/kids.



Ricketts Hammers EPA on WOTUS Overreach, Failure to Address 2023 Year-round E15

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) hammered Michael Regan, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over the new, overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the EPA’s failure to announce year-round E15 for 2023.

“Now I get that I’m from a landlocked state, but to me, navigable waters means you can put a boat on it and go someplace,” said Senator Ricketts. “You cannot do that from a pond on a farm, or a roadside ditch that is temporary, or a puddle on a construction site. It seems you’re trying to extend that very clear definition of navigable to waterways that are clearly not navigable. You talked about exemptions, but you don’t need exemptions when the law is clear, and it’s very clear what Congress’ intent was. This, to me, seems to be an expansion of executive power.”

Ricketts also pushed Regan on why the EPA failed to consider the perspective of farmers and ranchers as a part of the public comments used to develop the WOTUS rule.

In a second round of questioning, Senator Ricketts criticized Regan for failing to announce year-round E15 for 2023.

“Ethanol is something that will help consumers save money at the pump,” said Senator Ricketts. “It helps clean up the environment… and then of course, it's also great for our farmers and ranchers. So, we asked to be able to sell E15 all year round. The Clean Air Act states that the administrators should publish the regulation resolving this action no later than 90 days after receipt or a notification from a governor. Our renewable fuels industry and producers and refiners didn't receive anything until March 1, and this should have been done in July. I want to know why it took more than the 90 days to respond.”

Senator Ricketts’ comments came during questioning of Michael Regan, Administrator of the EPA during the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s hearing on the EPA’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget.



AGI Celebrates #2,000 of its Flagship NECO Grain Dryer Made in Omaha, NE  

Ag Growth International Inc. (“AGI”) is marking a “milestone moment” at its Omaha, Neb., manufacturing facility on Friday, March 24, as it celebrates the delivery of its 2,000th AGI NECO mixed flow grain dryer since its 1000-dryer milestone in 2014. Purchased by AGI in 2017, the facility – a steady contributor to the Greater Omaha business economy since 1959 – has earned global recognition as AGI's sole manufacturer of its flagship NECO mixed flow dryers and other grain drying solutions distributed to dealers, farmers and commercial grain operators.

“The success in the engineering, production, marketing and distribution of AGI’s NECO dryer is due to the dedication of our employee team in meeting customer needs,” said Matt Schneider, AGI Senior Director, U.S. Farm. "That includes delivering on time, every time; hearing customer feedback; and making continuous product improvements.”

The AGI NECO mixed flow grain dryer is considered an industry leader in sophisticated drying technology. The dryer is designed to quietly and efficiently heat kernels evenly to avoid damage and can be used to effectively dry all type of grain, seeds, and nuts. The systems’ screen-free operation and computerized moisture control deliver consistently higher quality grain and heavier test weights per bushel with optimized value for customers.  

Founded in 1959 by Bill Patterson as the Nebraska Engineering Company, the first NECO mixed flow dryer rolled off Omaha, Neb., production lines in 1990 and the first dryer was sold to Tom Condon, a farmer in Clara City, Minn.  

Since AGI’s purchase in 2017, the NECO legacy of quality craftsmanship, engineering and innovative design has expanded into new product lines and technology enhancements focused on advancing in-unit grain circulation, conditioning and drying. Today, with over 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space, AGI’s Omaha facility and 85-employee team combine hands-on experience with state-of-the art-technology to build grain dryers for use by farms and commercial grain operations in North America, Europe and Mexico.

“I remember when the #1 NECO grain dryer rolled off the line,” said Ken Kohrt, AGI’s master scheduler and one of the facility’s longest-running 37-year employees. “At first American farmers did not understand the mixed flow dryer. But they learned through experience. They saw how much more efficient the dryer was. It used less propane. It had a dryer capacity that could keep up with harvest. There were no screens to unclog, and it was a much gentler drying method which improved value and quality.”  

Kohrt says many great moments flag his career at the plant. “Basically, I was born here. I worked at the plant when I was in high school. I knew Bill Patterson when I was a kid. He had horses and a ranch... In the summer of 1986 my mom, who was the controller and office manager, asked me to help.” And that was it. Kohrt never left with a career ranging from computing and drafting to engineering, management and scheduling.

According to Schneider, it is that kind of work ethic that guides the Omaha team.  “From engineering and manufacturing to sales and delivery, I am immensely proud of our people. This milestone achievement is all about their hard work, commitment, experience and ability to really dig deep and listen to dealers and farmers," said Schneider.

On March 24, AGI will officially honor the 2,000th AGI NECO dryer milestone at a special luncheon with employees and members of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and business and civic community. AGI leaders – Matt Schneider; Abdallah Alkhaleel, Plant Manager; Harsha Bhojraj, Vice President of Manufacturing; and Subroto Pyne, Vice President, Global Product Management – will welcome guests, recognize team achievements; honor the longstanding, positive economic impact on the city; and announce AGI’s #3,000 Dryer Challenge.

“We are honored to celebrate this milestone with our employee family along with members of Omaha’s business and civic community,” said Schneider. “We thank the city under the leadership of Mayor Jean Stothert and the City Council for more than six decades of their support for agricultural equipment manufacturing."



Naig Presents Ag Leader Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Iowa Agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig this week recognized organizations and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state’s agriculture community. Naig presented Ag Leader Awards to Agriculture in the Classroom, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, John Mortimer and Dr. John Lawrence at the 11th Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on March 21.

“The Ag Leader Award recognizes the inspiring individuals and outstanding organizations positively impacting all aspects of Iowa agriculture,” said Secretary Naig. “This year’s Ag Leader awardees have demonstrated tremendous leadership in many areas, including conservation, livestock production and promotion, agriculture education, workforce development and community betterment.”

2023 Iowa Ag Leader Awardees:

Leadership in Agriculture Education - Agriculture in the Classroom
Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC), which is part of a nationwide network, educates Iowa Pre-K through high school students about all aspects of agriculture. AITC presently works with approximately 3,000 teachers to reach nearly 150,000 Iowa students across hundreds of schools. Their important work seeks to inspire well educated students who understand agriculture and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Leadership in Community – Central Iowa Shelter and Services
Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS) performs an essential role in our community by providing emergency shelter, food and other services to people facing homelessness. In addition, through its agri-hood, CISS is finding creative ways to educate and empower individuals by teaching them valuable life skills and giving them hope – all with a focus on agriculture. By providing education, training and opportunity, CISS is positively changing lives.

Outstanding Service in Agriculture – John Mortimer
Nearly 40 years ago, John Mortimer had a vison for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair. He poured his time and energy into the restaurant, which quickly grew from one tent to a huge and iconic enterprise. John’s innovation, perseverance and leadership benefited many, including Iowa consumers and Iowa’s cattle farmers. As he retires from running the long-standing restaurant, John has left an indelible mark on the world’s greatest fair.

Outstanding Service in Agriculture – Dr. John Lawrence
Dr. John Lawrence has held various leadership roles at Iowa State University over the past three decades. From teaching students and assisting beef producers to helping develop the Nutrient Reduction Strategy and serving as Vice President for Extension and Outreach, Dr. Lawrence’s dedication to Iowa agriculture and conservation is unmatched. As he retires this spring, he will long be remembered as one of the state’s most influential agriculture and conservation leaders.

The Ag Leaders Dinner is hosted and funded by the Iowa Economic Development Foundation.



Iowa House Passed Legislation Will Derail Carbon Capture Technology, Hurting Iowa Ethanol Producers, Farmers, and State Economy

Today the Iowa House passed amended legislation that would create a de facto ban on new projects that allow Iowa ethanol producers to install carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology. While an amendment removed several problematic provisions, the bill still singles out CO2 pipelines for strict regulations that would not be applied to pipelines carrying flammable or explosive liquids.

“We are disappointed that the Iowa House singled out CCS projects with what in reality is an effective ban,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “If this is about property rights, why doesn’t the legislation impact all projects? If this is about safety, why doesn’t the bill apply to pipelines that carry explosive or flammable substances? Singling out CCS is a mistake for Iowa’s future. This bill will hurt Iowa ethanol production, which hurts Iowa corn prices, which hurts Iowa farmers and the economy.”

IRFA recently released a study that found without viable access to CCS, Iowa could see 75 percent of its ethanol production migrate to states that facilitate sequestration. Losing nearly 3.5 billion gallons of Iowa ethanol production would reduce the local corn grind by over one billion bushels. Phase 2 of the study found that the loss of local corn demand would reduce the profitability of corn production in Iowa by an average of 85 percent, resulting in over $1 billion of lost income for Iowa corn farmers.

“IRFA will continue to fight for a fair and equitable path forward for CCS technology in the Iowa Senate,” continued Shaw. “IRFA members are largely Iowa farmers and landowners. They understand the emotions at play in this type of debate. It is important to remember that a super majority of landowners actually impacted by the CCS projects have already signed voluntary easements.”

IRFA does not object to the provisions in the bill that clarify and expand landowner rights that apply to all projects that come before the IUB.



Five Major Fertilizer Prices Decrease Significantly

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the second full week of March 2023 continue to show lower levels. This trend has been in place for two and a half months. All eight of the major fertilizer prices are once again lower compared to last month. Five of the eight fertilizers had a substantial price decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Leading the way lower was anhydrous. The nitrogen fertilizer was 13% lower compared to last month and had an average price of $1,059/ton. UAN28 was 11% less expensive looking back a month and had an average price of $428/ton. UAN32 was 9% lower compared to a month earlier and had an average price of $521/ton. Urea was 7% less expensive compared to the previous month with an average price of $638/ton. Potash was 5% lower compared to last month with an average price of $655/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were all just slightly lower compared to the prior month. DAP had an average price of $825/ton, MAP $821/ton and 10-34-0 $740/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.69/lb.N, anhydrous $0.65/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.81/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now double digits lower compared to one year ago. DAP is 15% less expensive, 10-34-0 is 16% lower, MAP is 18% less expensive, potash is 22% lower, UAN32 is 26% less expensive, anhydrous and UAN28 are both 30% lower and urea is 33% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 3/17/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending March 17, ethanol production declined 1.7% to a 10-week low of 997,000 b/d, equivalent to 41.87 million gallons daily. Production was 4.3% below the same week last year and consistent with the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.8% to 1.006 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.42 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks eased 0.8% to 26.2 million barrels. Stocks were 0.2% more than a year ago and 9.7% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, swung 4.3% higher to 8.96 million b/d (137.36 bg annualized). Demand was 3.7% more than a year ago and 0.9% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.3% to 881,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.51 bg annualized and a 12-week high. Net inputs were 1.8% above the same week last year and 0.2% more than the five-year average.

There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the fifteenth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of January 2023.)



Senators Reintroduce Next Generation Fuels Act

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate today, drawing praise from the National Corn Growers Association. The legislation, which has been one of NCGA’s top advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions and help shore-up America’s energy security.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led the bipartisan Senate reintroduction along with Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

“We’re very grateful to Sen. Grassley, along with Sens. Klobuchar, Ernst and Duckworth, for taking the lead on this priority legislation for corn growers,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “The Next Generation Fuels Act addresses some of the country’s most pressing concerns by providing consumers with more options in the transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles and supporting our long-term energy security.”

The Next Generation Fuels Act would clean up our nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more efficient fuels that also lower costs for drivers. By establishing a clean, high-octane standard for fuel and requiring that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, the legislation would allow automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines.

The legislation builds on our nation’s clean energy progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and new vehicles that work together to deliver greater emission reductions, cost savings and consumer choice.

As NCGA has called on the Biden administration to act to prevent a disruption in access to higher blends of ethanol this summer, the Next Generation Fuels Act would also permanently remove regulatory barriers, allowing for higher ethanol blends and advanced vehicles that deliver greater emission reductions and cost savings in order to maintain a wider range of competitive fuel and vehicle choices.



ICGA Thanks Senators Grassley and Ernst for Re-Introducing the Next Generations Fuels Act

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) applauds the re-introduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act by Senators Grassley and Ernst. This bipartisan legislation reduces the carbon intensity of liquid fuels, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality and human health, and increases fuel efficiency through increased use of higher ethanol blends, all while supporting agriculture’s contribution toward addressing climate change and decarbonizing transportation.

“The Iowa Corn Growers Association fully supports the Next Generation Fuels Act, which will expand ethanol’s access to fuel tanks by setting an octane standard for vehicles and eliminating outdated legislative and regulatory barriers that have stood in the way of higher ethanol blends for far too long,” said Denny Friest, a farmer from Radcliffe, Iowa, and Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “Corn growers have been focused on this transition not only because ethanol is a top market for corn, but it’s also the climate solution that we need now.”

Once enacted, The Next Generation Fuels Act would increase ethanol demand by over 5 billion gallons per year, which would utilize 1.7 billion bushels of additional corn. This bill would also lead to a reduction of 111.1 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, which is the equivalent of removing 23.7 million cars from the road every year.

Additionally, this bill provides automakers with more options to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards by utilizing ethanol blends up to 30% in vehicles designed and warranted for these fuels. The Next Generation Fuels Act is co-sponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley, R-IA, Senator Joni Ernst, R-IA, Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-MN and Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-IL. The same bipartisan group that led Senate introduction in the last Congress.



RFA Salutes Senate Reintroduction of Next Generation Fuels Act

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act. The bill establishes a high-octane, low-carbon fuel standard that would lower pump prices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enable greater engine efficiency, and encourage competition in the fuel market. In addition, the legislation addresses regulatory impediments that have slowed the commercialization of high-octane, low-carbon fuels and the vehicles that can consume them.

A similar bill was introduced last year in both chambers of Congress and secured numerous bipartisan co-sponsors. A recent poll conducted by Morning Consult for RFA found strong support among registered voters for the Next Generation Fuels Act. Among poll respondents who had an opinion on the Next Generation Fuels Act, more than three out of four expressed support for the legislation. Among all poll respondents (including those with no opinion on the legislation), 60 percent supported the legislation and just 18 percent said they oppose it.

“We thank Sens. Grassley and Klobuchar, along with Sens. Ernst and Duckworth, for reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act in the Senate,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Americans will continue to rely on liquid fuels and internal combustion engines for decades to come, and this legislation will ensure drivers have access to more efficient high-octane, low-carbon, lower-cost fuels for their vehicles well into the future. We look forward to working with clean fuel supporters in both chambers of Congress to turn this bold vision into a reality.”

In addition to saving drivers money with each fill-up, low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol are an essential part of the strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse emissions by mid-century, Cooper said, and RFA’s member companies have unanimously committed to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint for ethanol by 2050 or sooner.

Specifically, the Next Generation Fuels Act would establish high-octane (95 and 98 RON) certification test fuels containing 20-30 percent ethanol, while requiring automobile manufacturers to design and warrant their vehicles to allow these fuels beginning with model year 2026. The bill also includes a low-carbon requirement, specifying that the source of the octane boost must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by an average of at least 40 percent compared to a 2021 gasoline baseline, as measured by the Department of Energy’s GREET model. The legislation also includes a restriction on the aromatics content of gasoline, ensures parity in the regulation of gasoline volatility (Reid vapor pressure), corrects key variables used in fuel economy testing and compliance, requires an update to the EPA’s MOVES model, ensures infrastructure compatibility, and addresses many other regulations impeding the deployment of higher octane blends at the retail level.



Growth Energy: Next Generation Fuels Act Would Unleash Environmental, Economic Benefits of Ethanol

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement today upon the reintroduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the U.S. Senate:

“American-made ethanol already makes a positive impact every day, but we've still only scratched the surface of the benefits this renewable fuel can deliver to the environment and to drivers across the country. The Next Generation Fuels Act recognizes that ethanol is the only fuel available today that can be immediately deployed to decrease our nation's carbon emissions, decrease our reliance on foreign oil, and decrease fuel costs for American families all at once. This legislation would give ethanol a greater role in decarbonizing our economy while decreasing volatility and lowering prices at the pump, and we urge all lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to join Senators Grassley and Klobuchar to see the bill quickly signed into law.”  



ACE: Next Generation Fuels Act Supports Market Growth for High Octane Ethanol

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today thanked Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act. The bill is designed to overcome a host of barriers to the use of higher ethanol blends by creating a new high octane fuel standard, limiting aromatics in gas, ensuring all blends of ethanol receive the same RVP treatment as E10, and requiring future vehicles and retail fuel stations to be compatible with higher ethanol blends, among addressing other regulatory impediments to the deployment of higher octane blends.

“We support this legislation because it would overcome a host of regulatory barriers currently standing in the way of expanding the use of ethanol, from E15 to high octane blends such as E25 or E30, and reinstate incentives for the production of more flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs),” said ACE CEO Brian Jennings. “We thank these lawmakers for recognizing the value of ethanol as an immediate solution to decarbonize the transportation sector and improve the efficiency of vehicles, as liquid fuels will continue to be used in the decades to come, despite the rise of electric vehicles.”

“Enactment of the clean fuel performance-based §45Z tax credit late last year in the Inflation Reduction Act enables ethanol and other clean fuel producers the opportunity to obtain a tax credit based on their unique carbon intensity score,” Jennings added. “Enactment of the Next Generation Fuels Act would complement that tax credit by helping lower pump prices while enabling greater engine efficiency and biofuel demand, and we look froward to promoting the legislation during our fly-in next week.”



NFU Supports Reintroduction of Next Generation Fuels Act

Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota reintroduced the Next Generation Fuels Act in the United States Senate, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through low-carbon, renewable fuels, like ethanol. Farmers and consumers stand to gain from the economic and environmental benefits brought about by this legislation.

“We’re proud to continue to support common sense solutions like the Next Generation Fuels Act,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “With this bill, consumers would see more choice and lower costs and farmers would see greater opportunities for profitability and new markets, all while reducing emissions.”

NFU has been a strong supporter of higher-level blends of ethanol and welcomes the reintroduction. NFU supported this legislation in July 2022 when it was originally introduced in the Senate.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. The deadline for nominations is April 28, 2023.

From the nominees, the Secretary of Agriculture will appoint thirteen individuals to succeed members whose terms expire on October 31, 2023. Newly appointed members will serve three-year terms from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2026. The Secretary of Agriculture will also appoint one individual to fill a vacancy, with the term ending October 31, 2024.

The USDA is seeking nominees for:
    One seat for Region 1 (Alaska, Oregon and Washington)
    One seat for Region 2 (California and Hawaii) (Vacant seat)
    One seat for Region 3 (Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming)
    Two seats for Region 4 (Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)
    One seat for Region 5 (Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota)
    Two seats for Region 6 (Wisconsin)
    One seat for Region 7 (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska)
    One seat for Region 8 (Idaho)
    One seat for Region 9 (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia)
    One seat for Region 10 (Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia)
    One seat for Region 12 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont)
    One seat for an Importer

Nominees must be dairy producers who produce milk in the region for which they are nominated, and nominees for the importer position must be dairy importers. The 37-member board consists of 36 dairy producers from 12 regions and one dairy importer. Nomination forms are available on the AMS National Dairy Promotion and Research Board webpage. For more information, contact Jill Hoover at (202) 720-1069 or jill.hoover@usda.gov.



Agricultural solutions shared at UN Water Conference

Water is complex. We drink it, fish swim in it, and our crops need it. Water falls from the sky as rain, snow, and sleet. It’s also found in and above the ground. The water cycle touches each living thing on the planet. And, as the ultimate land stewards, farmers, ranchers, and foresters have opportunities to keep water moving and providing clean, abundant H2O while producing food, fiber, feed, and fuel.

We don’t often think of bodies of water—lakes, streams, oceans—as part of the land, but their health is tightly intertwined with that of soils, plants, animals and people. With droughts and other extreme weather events holding back or dumping too much rain on the land, global leaders are trying to ensure the planet’s water supply can support its 8 billion people now and into the future. Agricultural producers, who both use and restore water through their management practices, are right in the middle of these water challenges—and they are part of the solution.

As international leaders set out to develop a Water Action Agenda during the United Nations 2023 Water Conference this week, Solutions from the Land will lead a side event in the Nature Hub that will interject agricultural expertise and stimulate collaborative conversation on how farmers, ranchers, foresters and the entire agricultural value chain are leading the way in enhancing water management and what they need to take what they are doing to the next level.

The session, “Sustainable Agricultural Water Use Offers Solutions: Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration to Advance Shared SDGs,” will feature case studies of how enhanced agricultural water management practices—including precision irrigation, conservation drainage and well-organized, voluntary collaborations—are cleaning up watersheds, including the Ganges River and Ogallala Aquifer, and making more efficient use of water across the world.  

Jocelyn Anderson, an SfL farmer envoy who is the fourth generation on her family’s farm in Northern California, will share a producer’s perspective on water management during the event. Her family grows almonds and walnuts in a region where drought and competing needs make water a major concern. They monitor moisture in their orchards’ soils using probes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 feet and in the trees themselves by testing leaves for water stress. Then they set irrigation to release just the right amount of water when and where it’s needed, targeted to the row.

Other speakers will include representatives from Cargill, Nutrien, The Nature Conservancy, Netafim and Ducks Unlimited, all working on tools, technologies and programs to further support agricultural producers in reducing water consumption while boosting productivity.

Solutions may come in the form of precision technologies, improved institutional and infrastructural capacity, production practices, and crop breeding. Big ideas are formulating in agriculture on how to better manage and reinvigorate water supplies, but none of them can be accomplished alone.

“Scalability is one of the major hurdles we need to consider in being able to transfer information and practices about water management,” says Dr. Jerry Hatfield, recently retired director for the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment and a SfL senior adviser. “Water in agriculture is complex.”

Hatfield is the keynote speaker for the event and will moderate the panel discussion with insight on land-based water management opportunities and needs.

This event seeks to catalyze collaboration, innovation, and leadership—emphasizing the inextricable linkages between agricultural water resource management, water quality, climate resilience, biodiversity, food security, and multi-sector and multi-state collaboration and investment—to advance sustainable development goals.

Solutions from the Land looks forward to bringing together water stakeholders and advancing farmer-centered water solutions that will benefit all of society.



NK Seeds Extends Partnership with John Force Racing for 2023 Race Season

NK Seeds announced today a renewal of its partnership with John Force Racing. The legendary racing team and the fastest-growing national seed brand are partnering once again to celebrate speed, precision and power, bringing farmers to the racetrack to watch the NK Seeds logo speed down the track.

Originally signed on as a sponsor two races into the 2022 drag racing season, the 2023 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series season will be NK the first complete season to pair NK and this legendary team. The season kicked off March 10-12 with the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

Jim Shertzer, Head of Branded Marketing, Syngenta Seeds, says this is the ideal time of year not only to celebrate the speed, precision and power inherent to both farming and racing, but also to recognize the careful planning that goes into both to start a season with the foot on the gas pedal.

“In farming, just like racing, spring is a time of optimism, as well as preparation and planning,” says Shertzer. “Before farmers hit the planters, there’s already a good bit of planning underway to set the team up for success. Before they plant the first seed in the ground, farmers are analyzing data, finalizing inputs and seed commitments, checking equipment, and prepping fields — relatable tasks to members of JFR, who are double- and triple-checking their cars and reviewing last year’s race stats before they touch the track.”

Celebrating a Successful 2022 and Kicking into High Gear for the 2023 Season
Last year, nearly 100 NK Seeds guests attended an NHRA race and rooted for John Force Racing firsthand. The 2022 season was marked by performance records from both teams. Across the Corn Belt, NK Seeds beat many competitor products in head-to-head yield comparisons,1,2 while Brittany Force set 16 track records, including the national Top Fuel speed record at 338.94 mph, which pushed her to a 2022 championship. Both teams are looking forward to building on this momentum for the season ahead.

“It’s great to welcome NK Seeds back for the 2023 NHRA season. NK Seeds is all about precision and providing its customers with the very best in the business. These race cars need that same care and precision to perform at a competitive level and end up in the winner’s circle,” says Robert Hight, President of John Force Racing and driver of the Cornwell Tools / AAA / Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. “It’s going to be another exciting year having NK Seeds and their customers in hospitality and in the winner’s circle with us. We’ll be looking forward to more success and growing this partnership.”

NK Seeds will host VIP events at six races in 2023, including:
    May 19-21, Chicago, Illinois
    June 22-25, Norwalk, Ohio
    Aug. 11-13, Topeka, Kansas
    Sept. 14-17, Reading, Pennsylvania
    Sept. 29-Oct. 1, St. Louis, Missouri

NK Seeds guests will get to experience the races from VIP sections, network with other farmers and like-minded professionals, meet members of JFR and take home branded NK swag.

“At NK Seeds, we’re proud of the speed at which our R&D team develops and commercializes new hybrids and varieties, improving speed to market without sacrificing precision or quality,” says Shertzer. “Through our John Force Racing sponsorship, we get to not only celebrate speed, we get to do so in a way that allows us to say ‘thank you’ to the farmers who harness this speed to produce our food, feed and fuel. That’s what this sponsorship is all about.”



AGCO’s Massey Ferguson® Reveals SimplEbale™ for Improved Hesston® Baler Operations

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, revealed SimplEbale™ from its Massey Ferguson® brand at World Ag Expo in Tulare, California on February 14, 2023. SimplEbale is an electronic aftermarket monitoring and control system that retrofits onto new and existing Massey Ferguson Hesston® 1800 Series Small Square Balers and simplifies the work required to make consistently high-quality hay for operators of all experience levels. SimplEbale will be released for limited commercial availability in 2024 and full commercial availability in 2025.

Balers upgraded with SimplEbale will deliver improved bale consistency, increased operational efficiency, and higher reliability than non-equipped balers. The solution’s modular format allows farmers to select the options that best suit their unique operations with minimal modifications to their existing machines. The kit will include the sensors, components, and harnessing needed to update the baler’s operating system. The base package is compatible with select aftermarket moisture systems and consists of the user interface, electronic fan control, flake counter, bale length monitoring, and cab-based hydraulic pressure readout. These components provide increased visibility of the machine while in operation and real-time updates of the bale being produced. Optional upgrades include an automatic knotter lubrication pump, bale scale, LED lighting, and hydraulic density control.

The SimplEbale electronics package does not require proprietary hardware or software to implement, and it will be compatible with future features. The intuitive interface provides guidance that simplifies operation and maintenance, such as a flake-by-flake indicator that provides immediate feedback so operators can adjust ground speed without waiting on a bale to tie.

“SimplEbale delivers better hay with less work,” said Dane Mosel, tactical marketing manager for Massey Ferguson North America. “By retrofitting onto new and existing 1800 Series small square balers, SimplEbale is an affordable solution that demonstrates AGCO’s and Massey Ferguson’s farmer-first commitment to our customers and their operations.”