Thursday April 13 Ag News

Van Tassell leaves enduring impact after 13 years leading agricultural economics

Larry Van Tassell’s reluctance to apply in 2010 for the department head position in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln turned to enthusiasm after he interviewed on campus and realized the opportunities that came with being part of such a visible institution in a state that shared many of his values.

“The main thing that attracted me to Nebraska is that it’s an ag state and I love agriculture,” he said. “There aren’t too many states that revolve around ag and Nebraska is one.”

Van Tassell chose to step down as head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska on March 31, after nearly 13 years of overseeing teaching, research and extension in the department. He will remain part of the department’s faculty after fostering a culture during his tenure that encouraged preparing students for the real world, celebrating faculty and staff and addressing the concerns of Nebraska agriculture.

Before joining Nebraska in 2010, Van Tassell served as agricultural economics department head at the University of Idaho and held research and teaching appointments at the University of Tennessee and the University of Wyoming. He grew up in Utah's Kamas Valley with a love for agriculture, particularly livestock, and pursued undergraduate and graduate studies at Brigham Young University, where he served as the university’s herdsman and discovered a love for teaching after leading two undergraduate courses. After a short period managing a 500-head beef cattle operation in Utah, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University in 1987.

“When I first went to A&M, it was with the intent to gain more expertise, to eventually manage big operations, but I really developed a love for applied research,” Van Tassell said. “And, from my time at BYU, I always enjoyed being with students, so I thought I would give the university a try.”

Since he arrived at Nebraska, Van Tassell has encouraged students to get involved in clubs and internships to develop social capital and connections within the agricultural community. He emphasized the relevance of degree programs offered in agricultural economics, agribusiness, and natural resources and environmental economics.

“Ag is a big business, getting bigger, and it has to be operated like a business. There is a lot of capital involved now, and markets are worldwide, so I think education in agricultural economics is going to become more and more important in the future,” he said.

Always working to grow the department during his tenure, Van Tassell played a key role in raising $750,000 from private industry in the state to open a commodity trading classroom in 2016, complete with state-of-the art technology, including software used in real-world trading firms and a ticker board that lines the room with scrolling real-time market information.

“We went out to visit with businesses, discussing what our vision was for students to be more involved in commodity markets,” he said. “Now I believe our commodity marketing curriculum is one of the best in the country.”

Reaching outside of campus also led to many new scholarships supported by businesses and alumni who were interested in agricultural economics. And Van Tassell created annual awards to recognize outstanding alumni and outstanding service to ag business.

“It quickly became very appealing to me in my position to make those connections. People out there were so interested and genuine, so to go out and ask, how can we help you, that was really exciting,” he said.

Kaylene Sorensen, administrative associate in agricultural economics from 2008-2022, said that Van Tassell’s commitment to growing the department through recognition of others can be seen when walking through its home in Filley Hall. “Larry has contributed significantly to the success of the department as seen by the marketing classroom, donor recognition wall and yearly awards that are displayed in the hallway,” she said.

“The department will be happy if they can be half as efficient, half as creative and half as amazing as under Larry’s leadership,” Sorensen added.

In addition to connecting the department with industry and alumni in the state, Van Tassell sought to ensure that agricultural economics extension programs did their part to address the needs of producers in Nebraska.

“When Larry came, the ag econ extension staff was running on fumes,” said Dave Aiken, a professor and extension agricultural and water law specialist who has been with the department since 1975. “Under Larry’s leadership, several faculty and educator positions were filled and new educator positions created.”

Aiken praised Van Tassell’s vision to establish the Center for Agricultural Profitability as instrumental in improving the visibility and cohesion of the department’s ag extension work in areas like land management, leasing, financial management, ag policy, commodity marketing.

“It was through all the talking with people across the state and getting a sense for what’s going on that the idea for the Center for Ag Profitability came together,” he said. “We’ve been able to do more and do it more effectively through the center, and it’s just been amazing what we’ve been able to do for the good of the state.”

Matt Stockton, who works with the center as an agricultural economist at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, attended graduate school with Van Tassell and encouraged him to apply for the department head position in 2010 because he saw Van Tassell’s belief in building people up and truly caring about and supporting them.

“He is trustworthy, a straight shooter and respects people where they are at, while encouraging them to move forward in their career and life,” Stockton said. “Being department head is a difficult job. The faculty need to trust you and so do the deans. Larry is the kind of person that both have trusted.  

Simanti Banerjee, associate professor in agricultural economics, also commended Van Tassell’s approach. “Larry has always been honest, direct and fair with me and worked with me to ensure that I can be a productive colleague,” she said. “He has empathy, is kind and I appreciate his leadership tremendously.”

That appreciation ran two ways with Van Tassell. Stockton noted that many of the awards and honors that faculty and staff received over the last 13 years have come because Van Tassell personally nominated them.

“If you’re going to be an administrator, you have to enjoy seeing the faculty and staff succeed,” he said. “If you don’t, there’s not a lot of joy to be found in being a department head.”

As he steps back into a faculty role, Van Tassell and his wife, Debra, look forward to spending more time with their six children and 19 grandchildren, as well as doing missionary work through their church. Although he does not have a retirement date in mind yet, they are exploring where to relocate to when that day comes. It will surely be closer to family.

“I hope to be able to enjoy them and enjoy a life that I gave up many years ago when I went into academia,” he said.

Despite the rigor of his position, Van Tassell has clearly enjoyed serving as a department head. That’s evidenced by his enduring tenure in the position, despite his original plans to occupy it for only five years. His leadership colleagues played a role as well, including other department heads in IANR and administration.

“One of thing that made this position so enjoyable is the support from the vice chancellor’s office and deans offices,” he said. Without their support and belief in what we can do, we would not have been successful and this job not as enjoyable. Any successes we have had would not have occurred if not for them.”



Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement recognizes three honorees

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement recognized three honorees and inducted 10 new members during its annual banquet, held on the University of Nebraska- Lincoln’s East Campus in March.

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement has been committed to preserving and improving Nebraska agriculture since 1916. Each year at their annual meeting, the group recognizes at least one honoree for their contributions to Nebraska agriculture. Additionally, new members are elected to be welcomed into the group.

Honorees celebrated at the 2023 event are:
Bill Dicke, Lincoln.
Bill Dicke is the owner and founder of Cattlemen’s Consulting Service, one of the largest private feedlot consulting practices in America. He helped establish the Kenny Eng fundraising effort that supported five years of confined cow research. He has been honored as the 2021 “Legends of Feedlot Nutrition” by the Plains Nutrition Council at Texas A&M University, the 2013 Block and Bridle Club Honoree and the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Animal Science.

Ralph Holzfaster, Paxton.
Ralph Holzfaster is an innovator who helped transform western Nebraska from a dryland farming area to a center pivot hub. As he began his center pivot dealership, he quickly sold more pivots than anyone in the entire world. He is an active community member serving as a leader in many organizations and boards. He was honored with the Outstanding Business Leadership Award from the UNL College of Business Administration.

Ray Ward, Kearney.
Ray Ward is the owner and founder of Ward Laboratories, a laboratory that tests soil, water and feed in all 50 states and many countries. He has shared his knowledge and expertise as an associate professor at Oklahoma State University, assistant professor at South Dakota State University and a graduate research assistant at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He serves on the American Society of Agronomy, the Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Council, and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.

During the ceremony, the NHAA inducted the new members for the 2023 year.  New members of NHAA are:
      Keith Berns, Braden, farmer
      Kelly Brunkhorst, Lincoln, Executive Director, Nebraska Corn Board
      Dennis Burson, Lincoln, UNL Emeriti, professor, meat and food safety extension specialist
      George Cooksley, Anselmo, rancher
      Loren Giesler, Waverly, UNL professor and Department Head of Plant Pathology
      Mark McHargue, Marquette, farmer, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau
      David Merrell, St. Edward, farmer
      Rick Preston, Gering, Irrigation Manager and Engineer
      Alan Tiemann, Seward, farmer
      Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, rancher



Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri Partner for Application to Create Clean Hydrogen Hub

In partnership with the states of Iowa and Missouri, Governor Pillen announced that Nebraska has submitted a grant application with the U.S. Department of Energy for funding to establish the Mid-Continent Clean Hydrogen Hub (MCH2) in the tri-state region.  

The hub, created through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the three states, makes a regional partnership around their hydrogen industries and allows them to apply for federal funds. The MOU commits the three states to support MCH2 for funding under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

"This partnership will help grow Nebraska and the Midwest's economy by opening the pathway for billions of dollars of new investment into our community and hundreds of new, good-paying jobs," said Governor Pillen. "This hydrogen hub once again shows Nebraska's commitment to renewable energy and our leadership in improving our country's energy security."

“Together we have an opportunity to open new markets for agriculture while strengthening our commitment to American-made renewable energy,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. "As the regions’ leading states, we understand the power of coming together to create innovative solutions that grow our economies for the future.”

“Missouri and the Midwest enjoy a diverse energy portfolio that will only be strengthened by this clean hydrogen hub partnership,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This partnership looks to the future and the collective strength of our economies by bolstering reliable renewable energy sources and promoting energy security all while supporting opportunities for Missouri farmers and ranchers, business investment, and good-paying jobs across the region.”

As the agreement indicates, the three participating states are well-situated and uniquely qualified to host a Hydrogen Hub. In addition, they share agricultural and energy assets that are complimentary and will ultimately achieve the collective and individual state goals of clean energy production.   

The partnership aims to do the following:  
    Drive economic growth and development for each of the participating states and the region.    
    Incorporate the latest science, research, and technology for the cost-effective production, transportation, storage, and use of clean hydrogen.    
    Ensure protections for and the participation of frontline and disadvantaged communities, including safeguards around public health, safety, and labor.    
    Develop a pathway for workforce development and training.    
    Provide for information exchange and collaborative research, including engagement with research and educational institutions, to maximize economic opportunities, monitor emissions and MCH2 performance, and thoughtfully plan expansion of MCH2 and the use of hydrogen technology over time.   
    Address pipeline safety, leak minimization, and pathways for new pipeline construction.
    Proactively evaluate and address the potential impacts of hydrogen production on water use and seeks opportunities to use water that is currently used for or generated by other industrial or power generation purposes.   
    Engage key stakeholders, including end-users in the agricultural, industrial, buildings, aviation, power generation, and transportation sectors.   
    Address the air quality impacts of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, use, and combustion, including emissions of nitrogen oxides.   
    Identify current and possible State resources, incentives, policies, and plans that can be leveraged in support of a flourishing and competitive hydrogen economy among the participating States.   
    Respect the unique needs and policy approaches of each participating State.   



Need BQA Certification?

All 2023 scheduled events offer BQA & BQAT certification

Bloomfield - May 31 - Bloomfield Community Center, 101 S Broadway St. Bloomfield, NE
Ithaca - June 1 - Eastern Nebraska Research & Extension Center, 1071 Co Rd. G, Ithaca, NE

Registration opens 60 days prior to each event. Online registration at bqa.unl.edu or call 308-632-1230.  $20/person or $100 flat fee for operations with 5+ members.



USDA Announces National Pork Board Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of five members to the National Pork Board. All five appointees will serve three-year terms beginning June 2023 and ending June 2026. The appointed members are:
    Al Wulfekuhle, Quasqueton, Iowa
    Dr. Gordon Dale Spronk, Edgerton, Minn.
    Morgan Wonderly, Arroyo Grande, Calif.
    Santiago Vazquez, Wilmington, N.C.
    Stewart Leeth, Richmond, Va.

The National Pork Board is composed of 15 pork producers nominated by the National Pork Producers Delegate Body, which is made up of 152 producer and importer members.

The program was created and is administered under the authority of the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act of 1985. It became effective September 5, 1986, when the Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order was implemented. Assessments began November 1, 1986.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Pork Board webpage and on the National Pork Board website, porkcheckoff.org.



Branstad Ties Iowa Tax Cuts to Historical Farm Crisis of the 1980s

Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad recently linked the state's current tax cuts to the farm crisis of the 1980s. Speaking at an event in Des Moines, Branstad noted that the tax cuts were intended to boost Iowa's economy and support the agriculture industry, which suffered greatly during the farm crisis.

Branstad, who served as governor during the 1980s, was a key figure in addressing the farm crisis at the time. He noted that the crisis was driven by a combination of factors, including high interest rates, low commodity prices, and a glut of agricultural products. The crisis led to widespread farm bankruptcies and foreclosures, as well as significant economic damage to rural communities.

Branstad argued that tax cuts could help prevent a similar crisis from occurring in the future. By reducing taxes on businesses and individuals, Iowa could attract more investment and create jobs, which would ultimately benefit the agriculture industry and the state as a whole.

However, critics have raised concerns that the tax cuts could exacerbate income inequality and reduce funding for vital public services. They argue that a more balanced approach is needed to support both the agriculture industry and other sectors of the Iowa economy.

Branstad's comments highlight the complex relationship between economic policies and agriculture in Iowa. As the state continues to grapple with economic challenges and shifting market conditions, finding effective solutions will require a thoughtful approach.



Women in Ag Tech to Launch with First Official Meeting at Tech Hub LIVE 2023

The newly formed Women in Ag Tech will hold its first official meeting on July 24, 2023 at Tech Hub LIVE (techhublive.com) in Des Moines, Iowa.

The group aims to provide women in agriculture technology with a platform to connect, engage, and build a community. Those who are interested are encouraged to complete the online interest form here.

Women are currently underrepresented in the ag tech industry, as is the case in many other technology-related fields.

However, the number of women in ag tech is growing, and many organizations and initiatives have emerged to support and advance women in this industry.

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender parity in the ag tech industry. Women still face many of the same challenges as in other technology fields, including unconscious bias, lack of representation in leadership roles, and pay inequality.

Women in Ag Tech is a crucial initiative for advancing and advocating for women in ag tech. The developments related to Agriculture 4.0 and ongoing expansion of digital agriculture make the initiative particularly timely.

The priorities for Women in Ag Tech include:
    Advocate for women and others whose influence is not fully recognized or are underrepresented in the ag tech industry.
    Raise awareness and participate in outreach activities.
    Actively mentor and encourage future women in ag tech.
    Build an active community for women in ag tech.
    Align and collaborate with professionals and organizations in allied industries.

Women in Ag Tech will hold its first official meeting at Tech Hub LIVE on July 24th from 2 – 5 p.m. at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Those who are interested are encouraged to complete the online interest form, which will help further shape the initiative, identify challenges and expectations, and provide insight into whether they would want to meet up in person at Tech Hub LIVE this summer.

Tech Hub LIVE is the premier event advancing tech-enabled agriculture. Powered by the CropLife Media Group, the nation’s leading voice for the ag retail industry, in collaboration with the Global Ag Tech Initiative and AgriBusiness Global brands, Tech Hub LIVE is the must-attend event for those developing and deploying the latest ag technologies to advance agribusiness.

For more information, search #TecHubLIVE on social media or visit techhublive.com.



Economic impact study shows livestock auctions are growing in importance for rural vitality; $2M in total value-added dollars to community     
 
A 2023 economic impact study, which updated a study from 2017, found that livestock auction markets continue to be important for the growth and vitality of rural communities. The study of an average, fixed-facility livestock auction market revealed that the market provides approximately $2 million in total value-added dollars to its local community. This result is up from $1 million identified in the 2017 Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Economic Impact Report.  

The case livestock auction market, located in a rural Missouri town with a population of less than 5,000, sells all classes of cattle in a weekly sale. The auction market was selected as a representative example of LMA member-livestock auctions based on type of operation, gross sales of livestock, rural location of market and population of city. LMA represents 85% of the livestock auction markets in the United States, with cattle being the largest per-head species sold through livestock auction markets annually (32 million head, per 2020 USDA P&S Annual Report data).

Key findings also revealed that the market studied provides 17 jobs, generating $888,000 in labor income to the community’s economy. Additionally, the market contributes $447,000 in local taxes and $108,000 in federal taxes. Of the total value-added number, contributions were also made by the on-site café, which further provides labor income, state, local and federal taxes.  

“Livestock auction markets today remain critical to helping our rural communities continue to thrive,” said Kristen Parman, LMA Vice President of Membership Services. They generate a competitive sale environment which results in cash for local livestock producers. That cash equals dollars spent in town and investments back into their businesses and operations.”

In collaboration with LMA, the study was completed by Decision Innovation Solutions in Urbandale, Iowa.



ADC urges Sec. Vilsack to deny petitions for make allowance hearing: ‘Dairy farmers cannot take another hit to their milk checks. What we need is a comprehensive hearing.’

American Dairy Coalition today provided a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to deny two recent Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearing petitions. These processor group petitions to USDA specifically ask for increased payments from farmers’ pockets to processors in order to offset higher input costs.
 
Holding a federal milk pricing hearing on only these ‘make allowances’ -- without the opportunity to look at additional concerns facing dairy farmers -- is misaligned. Therefore, ADC is not able to support it.  
 
“As a grassroots dairy farmer organization, ADC believes a comprehensive FMMO hearing is needed.  We also do not support ‘make allowance’ updates based on processors having the ability to voluntarily participate in the cost surveys, which undoubtedly would exclude essential relevant data. Farmers need transparency in order to understand how their net payment is calculated, and these ‘make allowances’ are not line items. They are embedded in pricing formulas,” says ADC CEO Laurie Fischer.
 
“Dairy farmers cannot take another hit to their milk checks while their costs are also rising -- costs that are not included in the FMMO milk pricing equations,” she adds.
 
According to USDA, make allowances are designed to cover the costs of taking raw milk and converting it into the four basic products from which the component values are captured in the end-product pricing formulas for the FMMO minimum price system.
 
The milk component pricing that is credited with make allowances only captures the value of about 10% of milk sales today.1 The specific products that are included in the circular end-product pricing formulas are: block and barrel cheddar cheese, salted butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey.
 
“This means 90% of total milk sales do not have their end-product prices captured -- not even for informational purposes or market transparency. USDA only surveys the prices of the specific products that are used in the FMMO formulas,” Fischer points out.
 
In the letter, ADC makes the case that, “Processors have the flexibility to offset costs from additional sales opportunities the non-formula products represent without having the increased value they extract from consumers captured and used in the FMMO formulas that establish the minimum prices paid to farmers.”
 
Fischer notes that farmers have been waiting for a hearing on the Class I mover. The change in that FMMO formula from ‘higher of’ to ‘average of’ was made legislatively in the last 2018 farm bill without a hearing or a vote by dairy farmers. Congress did provide USDA the discretion to move forward with a hearing and examine how the ‘average of’ milk pricing formula impacted dairy farmers two years after it was implemented, but so far farmers are still waiting for a hearing.
 
“It has been four years. Farmers have lost more than $900 million in net cumulative Class I value, alone. Their confidence in how their risk management tools work in divergent markets has been reduced. There is consensus in the industry to go back to the ‘higher of’ method. And yet, farmers are still waiting for that Class I mover hearing,” says Fischer.
 
With so much of the milk market not captured in weekly pricing surveys or FMMO formulas, dairy farmers are asking: Why are processor costs of production the dairy farmers' responsibility? How can consumers help carry that?
 
“Farmers have seen over-order premiums erode or vanish. They’ve seen milk check deductions multiply. They’ve seen the impacts of de-pooling and negative PPDs with a change in the Class I mover formula. They’ve seen over-base discounts applied to their milk checks, and they also continue to see inflated input costs” Fischer relates.



CNH Industrial Reman Expands Fuel Parts Offering Through Repair and Return Program

CNH Industrial Reman now offers a repair and return program as part of its fuel injector and injection pump service line. Designed to quickly repair parts to keep equipment moving, the program provides another solution to save time and money when new or remanufactured parts are unavailable.

The program allows CNH Reman to offer different levels of service and repair in addition to its remanufacturing program. Injection components are received and inspected to provide a Reman and/or repair quote back to the dealer. Once the quote is approved, repairs typically take 3-5 business days and are completed using OEM parts.

“This program can provide a quick, cost-effective alternative when new or Reman parts are not available,” Travis Stewart, CNH Reman product manager, said.

Repair is the more cost-effective choice when minor repairs are needed compared to remanufacturing. The remanufacturing process inspects the damaged part, tearing it down and replacing all the elements before rebuilding the part. This is the better choice when the damage exceeds the level of repair offered in the repair and return program.

Stewart said there are benefits to both the Reman and repair programs and having both expands CNH Reman’s services to customers.

“Our Reman program provides an industry-leading 24-month parts and labor warranty on fuel injection parts. Our Reman fuel injection parts are completely disassembled. All parts are inspected and replaced when necessary with OE component parts,” Stewart says. “Repair may make more sense if the issue is minor and a less expensive point of failure fix is available, particularly on older, cost-sensitive machines.”

The repair and return program offers repair and Reman alternatives. There is an 18-month warranty on repair parts, while Reman parts offer a 24-month warranty on parts and a limited labor warranty.

Most Bosch, Denso and Delphi fuel injection components can be repaired through the program, as well as nearly all CNH and non-CNH OEM brands and short lines.  



Stratovation Group Teams with TFI, ARA and DCLRS To Release Benchmark Study on Farmer Perceptions of Agricultural Biologicals
 
In the ever-innovative American agricultural sector, most U.S. row-crop farmers say they are aware of agricultural “biologicals.” Early adopters actively using the natural inputs on their crops rated them positively, according to topline results of a benchmark study released today by Stratovation Group.

The Fertilizer Institute, the Agricultural Retailers Association and DCLRS, a bipartisan government relations firm, were strategic partners with Stratovation Group in the comprehensive research project to assess the use of these relatively new, natural crop inputs among traditional row-crop growers.

“While the nitty-gritty data from this research is reserved for sponsors, we thought it would be a great service to agriculture to share a few of the most telling topline results, which overall, we would rate as solidly positive,” said Cam Camfield, CEO at Stratovation.

Those topline results include the finding that 83 percent of farmers in the U.S. are aware of the term agricultural “biologicals,” while fewer, 75 percent, were familiar with a similar term, agricultural “microbials.”

“We repeatedly heard that farmers using agricultural biologicals viewed them as sustainable inputs to boost profitability and increase yields,” Camfield said. “We will track all these benchmarks going forward, but if you look at all the market indicators beyond our study, this class of crop inputs is on a steep trajectory upward. But we also learned there is a ton of additional education needed to help this market reach its potential, and biological companies should consider sharing performance results with influential farmers and their advisors.”

More than a third of the farmers, those reporting they were currently active users of biologicals on their crops, rated them positively, giving them a score of 7.14 out of 10. One of the reasons cited by the farmer respondents was the use of biologicals increased nitrogen efficiency or decreased fertilizer expenses.

“We have a positive adoption curve, and farmers are reporting real benefits from the use of biologicals,” said Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO at The Fertilizer Institute. “But we also hear farmers say they want additional proof of their efficacy. We are launching the TFI ‘Certified Biostimulant’ Program in June that will help provide those answers.”

Of those farmers not currently using biologicals, most said they would be willing to try them if their profitability could be proven.

Sponsoring companies that made the research possible with their support included Meristem Crop Performance, BASF, Indigo, Pivot Bio, Evoia, BPIA, Certis Biologicals, AMVAC, Lallemand and Redox Bio-Nutrients.

The project was conducted in two phases, a qualitative study that included 40 hour-long, in-depth farmer interviews, followed by a quantitative survey of 500 full-time, professional row-crop producers.

The study included a deep dive into several related topics, including farmer demographics, the make-up of the farm’s team and capabilities, selected on-farm practices, preferred retail channel and trusted partners. The research also dug into the awareness, perception, and definition of key terms, biological purchase history, usage, practices, and future intent, as well as recognition of leading biological companies and brands.