Wednesday April 26 Ag News

Farm Bill Crucial to First District
By Congressman Mike Flood

Agriculture isn’t just Nebraska’s number one economic driver — it’s the heart of who we are and what we do in the 1st Congressional District. This year, Congress will begin out what has become a five-year ritual in Washington: writing and passing the Farm Bill.

Nebraska is home to thousands of hardworking family farmers and ranchers who raise the food and fuel the world uses every day. Nebraska is a global leader in growing and producing cattle, ethanol, corn, soybean, and pork production.

The Farm Bill is bigger than agriculture — it brings together many areas of public policy that impact life in rural America and beyond. Farm Bill programs support economic development, rural broadband, education, nutrition, international trade, and other programs that touch Nebraskans from all walks of life. Even if you aren’t a producer, some part of the Farm Bill impacts you.

Over the past several months, I have been traveling the 1st District and hearing from constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders about their hopes for the future of our ag economy. I am pleased to share my priorities that I will be advocating for as Congress puts together the next Farm Bill.

First, I’m excited to build upon the work already being done in Nebraska to invest in robust, cutting-edge agricultural research. The University of Nebraska is leading the charge to develop new technology that leads to significant economic returns for the agricultural sector. Nebraska’s education and extension programs then work to successfully connect producers and local communities with these resources, elevating our agricultural productivity.

Second, the next Farm Bill must address infrastructure to connect our people and communities. Of everything we grow in Nebraska, our people are our greatest and most-valuable asset. Our communities — large and small — are the lifeblood of Nebraska. A successful Farm Bill will support locally-directed and transparent rural development projects that support communities through expanded broadband, childcare and health care access.

Third, we must protect our commodities though the farm safety net, commodity support programs, and trade promotion. Our farmers and ranchers work tirelessly every day to feed and fuel a growing world.

We must maintain and improve strong Farm Bill programs that benefit both consumers and producers, secure our domestic and international food supply, promote Nebraska’s agricultural products around the world, and ensure the longevity of our nation’s agricultural sector.

Fourth, we need to grow biofuels for the future. Nebraska is the second leading producer of ethanol in the U.S. and it’s clear that our bioeconomy is booming. Our nation must continue to strive toward energy independence though an all-of-the-above approach that includes biofuels. As the country continues to face record-high energy costs, we must look to the tools we have to provide relief to Americans. I am committed to ensuring that biofuels remain central to the future of American energy.

Fifth, the Farm Bill should support voluntary conservation programs. Farmers and ranchers have an inextricable tie to their land — it’s their livelihood. The land provides for them and their families, and they want to see it preserved for future generations. The Farm Bill has historically established conservation programs to help farmers and ranchers invest in their land. However, we’ve seen these programs deviate from their intended purpose. I will work to ensure that voluntary conservation efforts make sense for producers and promote working lands over non-working lands. Farmers and ranchers shouldn’t be subject to bureaucracy and federal overreach. Requirements must be simple, flexible, and voluntary. The application process must be streamlined and transparent.

Finally, for nearly 50 years, a nutrition component has been included in the Farm Bill. This section provides an important opportunity to bridge the urban-rural divide. The Farm Bill has been a vital tool in combating hunger and promoting strong nutrition for our most vulnerable populations. The direct connection between local producers and consumers has been part of Nebraska’s legacy for generations and we should be bolstering those relationships. I will work to see that a nutrition assistance program is included in the Farm Bill that connects local producers and consumers, expands food access, and ultimately promotes long-term, personal sufficiency.

As Congress continues to work toward passing the Farm Bill, I am committed to supporting our producers and local communities.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Awards Over $64,000 in Scholarships

Today, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) announced they awarded over $64,000 in scholarships to help the next generation of the agriculture industry in their academic pursuits. The scholarships were awarded to fifty-nine distinguished students.

President of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Ryan Loeske stated, “Each year, generous donors from across the state donate to the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s Retail Value Steer Challenge Fundraising Project. Our donor’s support allowed us to award fifty-nine outstanding students with academic scholarships to pursue their education and we cannot thank them enough.” He continued, “The NCF looks forward to watching these talented students continue their education and strengthen the future of the beef cattle industry.”

All scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in North Platte, Thursday, June 8, during the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch.

To donate or for more information concerning the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, contact Lee Weide, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Secretary at (402) 475-2333 or Jana Jensen, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at (308) 588-6299.

2023 Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholars include:

Albion
Braden Benes - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Alliance
Jayda Meyring - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Wade Sanders - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Braelyn Shrewsbury - $1,200 Jim & Helen Gran Scholarship
 
Ansley
Emily Jonas - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Bassett
Brooklyn Buell - $1,200 Bill Heller Memorial Scholarship
 
Bayard
Cambree Schmaltz - $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship
 
Brewster
Emily Martindale - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Broken Bow
Jack Myers - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Cairo
William Ford - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship
 
Callaway
Silas Cool - $1,250 West Central / Trotter Inc. Scholarship
 
Cambridge
Autumn Deterding - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Chappell
Rheo Dykstra - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Columbus
Carsten Loseke - $1,200 Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship
 
Cozad
Gregory Treffer - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship
Sarah Treffer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Elwood
Lauren Hickey - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship
 
Genoa
Katherine Mohr - $1,200 Dr. Jeff Fox Memorial Scholarship
 
Gering
Mackenzie Liakos - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Gibbon
Skyler Summers - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Gothenburg
Heath Keiser - $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship
Helene Keiser - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Herman
Luke Mathiesen - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Hershey
Mekenna Fisher - $1,200 Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship
 
Leigh
Makenna Held - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Lemoyne
Sheridan Wilson - $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management & Conservation Memorial Scholarship
 
Lexington
Dalton Kunkee - $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship
Jacie Wolfinger - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Lincoln
Bryan Garcia - $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship
Colton Reiling - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Litchfield
Landri Loos - $1,200 West Central Affiliate Scholarship
 
Loup City
Sadie Ference - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
McCook
Ethan Bortner - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Mead
Abby Miller - $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship
 
Merna
Sid Miller - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Milburn
BaiLee McMillan - $1,250 West Central / Trotter Inc. Scholarship
 
North Platte
Matthew Bruns - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Ashlyn Robinson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Oakland
Elizabeth Karnopp - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Overton
Spencer Walahoski - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Page
Tucker Stagemeyer - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship
 
Potter
Kailey Nicklas - $1,200 Western Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship
 
Ravenna
Kacey Dethlefs - $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship
Jaylea Pope - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Richland
Abigail Lutjelusche - $1,200 Bill Pullen Scholarship
 
Roseland
Samantha Bonifas - $1,200 Clarence & Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship
 
Royal
Christen Curtis - $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship
 
Scribner
Grace Schlueter - $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship
 
Seneca
Gabriel DeNaeyer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Shelton
Gracie Wagoner - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
St. Edward
Josephine Cumming - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Stapleton
Lance Jones - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Clay Witthun - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Sutherland
Kaden Wykert - $1,200 Col. Melvin Huss Memorial Scholarship
 
Syracuse
Madison Kreifels - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Unidilla
Sydney Wellsandt - $1,200 Shari Flaming Memorial Scholarship
 
Wallace
Ashton Erickson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
West Point
Cole Hutchinson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
 
Wilber
Elsie Woerner - $1,200 Col. Melvin Huss Memorial Scholarship
 
Background
Established in 1968, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s mission is to advance the future of Nebraska’s Beef industry by investing in research and education programs. The Foundation’s success and its ability to endow scholarships, sponsor leadership and education programs, and assist with research and infrastructure projects has been possible only because of the support from the Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries. As the Foundation grows, expands, and moves forward in its mission to raise funds for educational and scientific activities that benefit the state’s beef producers – the board asks you to consider investing in your industry through the Foundation.



LEAD Board rescinds COVID vaccination mandate for participation in LEAD

The LEAD Board has rescinded its COVID-19 vaccination mandate adopted in November 2021. This decision was unanimously approved Feb. 3 by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council Board and was based on the latest science-based COVID-19 information, as well as requirements from key partners.

“It is the responsibility of the Nebraska Agriculture Leadership Council (NALC) to prioritize the health of LEAD participants, staff, programming partners, and all those associated with the program while maintaining the integrity of the program,” said Terry Hejny, director of the Nebraska LEAD program. “Much has changed in our world in regard to COVID during the last several months, and the current policies will be in place until further notice with reviews to occur as conditions warrant.”

Hejny added, “However, for international travel, country-specific vaccinations will still be required if such is mandated for entry into yet-to-be determined destinations.”

Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 42 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness.

“Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic districts across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.  

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a two-week international study/travel seminar.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, Nebraska’s political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle, says Hejny.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry.  

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Please contact the Nebraska LEAD Program office at leadprogram@unl.edu.  You may also request an application by writing to 104 ACB, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0940 or by calling (402) 472-6810. You can visit www.lead.unl.edu for information about the selection process.

In its 42nd year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.



AKRS Equipment Announces New Oberlin Facility

AKRS Equipment has announced it will be building a custom facility at a new location in Oberlin, Kansas.

“This new facility will give our employees the space and tools to be more efficient and to better serve our customers in Oberlin and surrounding communities,” said Mike Flint, Operations Director and one of the owners of AKRS Equipment.

The new location will be over 30,000 square feet in size, including over 20,000 square feet for service areas, and will be located in northeast Oberlin at the corner of Highway 36 and County Road 491.

This facility is not only exciting for AKRS customers and employees but also for Oberlin as a whole, according to Greg Unger, the Oberlin Store Manager.

“Our new facility shows the growth of AKRS and its commitment to the Oberlin community. We look forward to breaking ground on this project and moving our business to this new location,” said Unger.

AKRS Equipment is the largest John Deere dealer in the Midwest, headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, with 27 locations across Nebraska and Kansas.



LAND O’LAKES PRESIDENT AND CEO TO DELIVER HEUERMANN LECTURE

Beth Ford, president and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc., is the featured speaker at the May 8 Heuermann Lecture, part of the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference.

The free lecture, sponsored by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln, and streamed live at https://heuermannlectures.unl.edu.

Land O’Lakes, Inc., is a Fortune 200 food production and agribusiness company that is also a century-old farmer-owned cooperative. The company includes Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra and has operations in more than 60 countries.  

Ford joined Land O’Lakes in 2011 and has held a variety of roles across all businesses. She is a passionate advocate of farmers and rural America, with the goal of connecting people, particularly in urban areas, to the farmers and rural communities who grow their food. In addition, she helped launch the American Connection Project to help bridge the digital divide.  

Ford's 35-year career spans six industries at seven companies. She is on the board of directors of Starbucks and previously served on the board of directors of Blackrock, Inc. She also serves on the board of directors for the Business Roundtable and the board of advises for Columbia Business School’s Deming Center.  

Ford was recently inducted into the Supply Chain Hall of Fame by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Iowa State University in 2022.

The Heuermann Lecture is held in conjunction with the Water for Food Global Conference, May 8-11, which will convene leading international experts and organizations to discuss “Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for a Changing World.” The focus will be on the next generation of research, smart technology, policy development and best practices that are achieving breakthroughs in water and food security. The conference is organized by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska and features three days of sessions, as well as site visits to a local Nebraska farm, feedlot and university research center. Registration and more information are available at https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu.

Heuermann Lectures are funded by a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips. The Heuermanns are longtime university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska’s production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.

Lectures are streamed lived on the Heuermann Lecture Series website and air live on campus channel 4. Lectures are archived after the event and are later broadcast on NET2.



CAP Webinar: Economics of Behind-the-Meter On-Farm Solar Electric Systems
May 11, 2023 12:00 PM  in
With: F. John Hay, Biological Systems Engineering Educator, Nebraska Extension
Presented by the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska

This webinar will cover the general design elements of behind-the-meter on-farm solar and walk through production, value of electricity, interconnection policies and how these impact economic return.  On-Farm Solar is marketed across the state as an option to lower electricity costs yet the interconnection policies vary across the state based on thresholds with respect to the net metering law. These policies as well as electrical prices and system costs lead to varied economic returns across the state.

Details and registration can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Ag Land Management Quarterly Webinar
May 15, 2023 12:00 PM  in
Presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Agricultural Profitability

The latest trends in 2023 Nebraska cash rental rates and land values will be covered during the next Land Management Quarterly webinar, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, at noon on May 15.

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The May webinar will examine the latest average cash rental rates in the state, as reported in the recently released Nebraska Farm Real Estate Report and offer insight on adjusting rental rates considering high commodity prices this year. It will also cover best practices for communication between landlords and tenants, as well as family members, and offer advice on short- and long-term decision making for agricultural land.

Viewers will have the opportunity to submit land management questions for the presenters to answer during the presentation.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Allan Vyhnalek, who are both extension faculty with the Center for Agricultural Profitability. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance and land economics, as well as the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Vyhnalek is a farm succession and farmland management extension educator emeritus.

Details and registration can be found at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



NEBRASKA’S LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATOR RISES IN MARCH

Nebraska’s leading economic indicator increased in March, according to the most recent report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The indicator, designed to predict economic activity six months into the future, rose 1.24%.

“The increase in the leading indicator suggests the economy will grow over the second and third quarters of 2023,” said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research, department chair and K.H. Nelson Professor of Economics.

The six components of the indicator are business expectations, building permits for single-family homes, airline passenger counts, initial claims for unemployment insurance, the value of the U.S. dollar and manufacturing hours worked.

There was a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance in March.

“The decrease in initial claims in Nebraska contrasts with rising claims nationwide and suggests that Nebraska businesses are more likely to retain their current workforce over the next six months,” Thompson said.

Business expectations were positive, and manufacturing hours worked also rose.

“Respondents to the March survey reported plans to increase both sales and employment over the next six months.” Thompson said. “A thriving agricultural economy and food processing sector supports growth in the Nebraska manufacturing industry.”

The full report and a technical report describing the indicators are available at the Bureau of Business Research website, https://bbr.unl.edu.




Deadline Extended for 2023 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award Nominations

The deadline to nominate individuals or families for the 2023 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award has been extended to May 15, 2023.

Farmers and landowners who invest in conservation practices, such as cover crops, wetlands and edge-of-field practices and incorporate best management practices into their operations to improve and protect the state’s natural resources are eligible for the award. Successful nominees must also actively serve as leaders in the agriculture community.

An appointed committee representing conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon at a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.

Seven hundred thirty-eight farm families have been recognized since the creation of the award in 2012. The nomination form and a list of previous awardees can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.

Nominations for the 2023 awards will now be accepted through Monday, May 15, 2023.



NCBA Reiterates Importance of Food Safety, Opposes PRIME Act

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME). The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety and consumer trust in beef.

“NCBA is in favor of reducing regulatory burdens, but not at the expense of food safety,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “While the PRIME Act is well intentioned, allowing uninspected beef to enter the retail market is dangerous to consumers.”

NCBA is supportive of federal and state meat inspection efforts and has previously supported legislation like the DIRECT Act that would allow state-inspected beef to be sold interstate in limited quantities, direct-to-consumer, and through e-commerce. Unlike the PRIME Act, these measures would create the necessary paper trail to trace and contain any potential food safety concerns.



Anhydrous Fertilizer Price Drops Below $1,000 Per Ton for the First Time Since October 2021

Most retail fertilizer prices continued to shift lower the third week of April 2023, according to retailers tracked by DTN. However, for the first time in several months, multiple fertilizers were slightly higher. One fertilizer achieved a significant milestone that has not been seen in about a year and a half.

Six of the eight major fertilizer prices were lower compared to last month, although none fell a considerable amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. These six fertilizers were all just slightly lower compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $643 per ton, urea $626/ton, 10-34-0 $740/ton, anhydrous $995/ton, UAN28 $423/ton and UAN32 $507/ton.

Multiple fertilizers were higher in price for the first time since the fourth week of November 2022. DAP and MAP were both up just slightly with DAP having an average price of $826/ton while MAP is at $812/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.68/lb.N, anhydrous $0.61/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N and UAN32 $0.79/lb.N.

The notable milestone in last week's prices was set by anhydrous, with an average price of $995/ton. This marks the first time the nitrogen fertilizer has been under $1,000/ton since the fourth week of October 2021 when the price was at $982/ton.

All fertilizers are now double digits lower compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 18% less expensive, DAP is 21% lower, MAP is 25% less expensive, potash is 27% lower, UAN32 is 31% less expensive, UAN28 is 33% lower, anhydrous is 35% less expensive and urea is 38% lower compared to a year prior.



USDA Dairy Products 2022 Summary

Total cheese production, excluding cottage cheeses, was 14.1 billion pounds, 2.2 percent above 2021 production. Wisconsin was the leading State with 25.0 percent of the production.

Italian varieties, with 5.90 billion pounds was 2.3 percent above 2021 production and accounted for 42.0 percent of total cheese in 2022. Mozzarella accounted for 78.4 percent of the Italian production followed by Parmesan with 8.4 percent and Provolone with 6.5 percent. Wisconsin was the leading State in Italian cheese production with 28.5 percent of the production.

American type cheese production was 5.64 billion pounds, 0.4 percent above 2021 and accounted for 40.1 percent of total cheese in 2022. Wisconsin was the leading State in American type cheese production with 18.8 percent of the production.

Butter production in the United States during 2022 totaled 2.06 billion pounds, 0.2 percent below 2021. California was the leading state in Butter production with 33.3 percent of the production.

Dry milk powders (2022 United States production, comparisons in percentage with 2021)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 1.97 billion pounds, down 3.8 percent.
Skim milk powders - 658 million pounds, down 5.7 percent.

Whey products (2022 United States production, comparisons in percentage with 2021)
Dry whey, total - 915 million pounds, up 2.6 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 1.11 billion pounds, down 0.9 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 451 million pounds, down 2.7 percent.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/21/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 21, ethanol production scaled back 5.6% to 967,000 b/d, equivalent to 40.61 million gallons daily. Still, the volume produced was 0.4% more than the same week last year and 7.4% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 0.9% to 988,000 b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.15 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks eased 3.9% to a 14-week low of 24.3 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 1.4% higher than a year ago and 5.8% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, surged 11.6% to 9.51 million b/d (145.80 bg annualized)—the largest week-on-week volume increase in over two decades and the highest gasoline demand since late December 2021. Demand was 8.8% more than a year ago and 13.8% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol increased 1.9% to 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.78 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.6% more than the same week last year and 7.0% above the five-year average.

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



Clean Fuels Welcomes Amendment to Limit, Save, Grow Act That Preserves Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension

Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomed an amendment from Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) to the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023. The legislation would raise the nation’s debt limit and make substantial changes to clean energy tax credits. The amendment would preserve the biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders credit as it is in current law.

“The clean fuels industry thanks all of the House members who sought to preserve predictability and stability in tax policy,” stated Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. “The biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry and partners who provide feedstocks have made substantial investments in new capacity to meet demand for cleaner, better fuels. Stable policy is key to continued growth, job creation, and environmental benefits.”

Clean Fuels expressly thanks Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) for sponsoring and supporting amendments to preserve the biodiesel and renewable diesel blender tax incentive.



ICGA Thanks Team Iowa For Standing with Biofuels

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) thanks the Iowa congressional delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives for standing up to their party Leadership to support Iowa farmers and the biofuels industry in the negotiations on the House debt limit bill.

Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra all stood firm with Iowa’s corn farmers and biofuels industry in the debt limit package negotiations to include changes to the bill, specifically to the biofuels and clean energy tax provisions.

“ICGA appreciates the support of the Iowa House Delegation for standing firm with Iowa’s corn farmers on supporting biofuels in recent negotiations. They are true leaders protecting our state rather than toeing the party lines,” said Denny Friest, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Radcliffe. “The biofuels and ag industry in Iowa are important for our state’s economy and our rural communities.”




NCGA President Outlines Farm Bill Priorities, Encourages Strategic Investments in Key USDA Programs

Corn growers are optimistic that Congress can make key farm bill programs more effective and responsive to the needs of farmers by making strategic investments and policy enhancements as it reauthorizes the farm bill, the president of the National Corn Growers Association said today.

NCGA President Tom Haag, a Minnesota farmer, offered testimony before the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. The hearing, “Producer Perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill,” focused on stakeholder priorities for the crop insurance and commodity titles.

“Federal crop insurance has a proven track record of helping producers quickly respond to natural disasters,” Haag said. “Corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the farm bill. NCGA broadly supports increasing the affordability of crop insurance.”

In addition to emphasizing corn growers’ support for crop insurance, Haag also offered recommendations for the commodity title. He said NCGA supports increasing the maximum rate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage County program to provide increased assistance to growers who experience significant revenue losses.

Agriculture Risk Coverage County payment rates may not currently exceed ten percent of the county benchmark revenue, which limits assistance to farmers.
 
“In 2020, growers across Iowa suffered major losses due to the derecho,” Haag said. “The yield losses were widespread and deep enough for ARC County to trigger payments in multiple counties, but the program’s effectiveness was restricted due to the limitation.”

Haag said NCGA recommends increasing the coverage level for ARC County to make the program more responsive to revenue losses.
 
NCGA supports improvement of the Price Loss Coverage program, Haag said, which provides important price protection for farmers. He noted that NCGA is focused primarily on improvements to the PLC effective reference price escalator. Improving it, Haag said, would allow the program to offer more responsive levels of protection that rise and fall in response to market prices.

Haag also highlighted the importance of expanding international markets by investing in trade promotion programs that boost U.S. agricultural exports and help agriculture and related businesses in rural America. NCGA also supports multiple initiatives to make the existing working land conservation programs more effective.

“We appreciate the budget challenges and varied approaches to current issues impacting the agricultural sector,” Haag said. “Our goal is to make USDA programs more effective and responsive through strategic investments and policy enhancements.”

He said NCGA looks forward to working with Congress to pass a farm bill that works for farmers and stakeholders.



Soy Growers to House Ag Committee: Protect Crop Insurance, Improve Title I Farm Safety Net

Speaking on behalf of the American Soybean Association and his fellow soy growers, ASA President Daryl Cates, Columbia, Illinois, addressed the need for mitigating farmers’ risks both in the field and beyond. Cates was invited to testify before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, where he offered soy producers’ perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill.

ASA shared soy’s 2023 Farm Bill priorities in May of last year and has worked since to circulate those needs on the Hill and collaborate with other agriculture groups to assure farmers’ priorities are considered in the next farm bill; farm bills are historically authorized for five years, with the 2018 Farm Bill now up for reauthorization.

Cates in his oral testimony said, “I have a simple message to share with you today: Soybean farmers need your help in the next farm bill.”

While the message is simple, the concerns and solutions are not always. Cates asked for help with two priorities in the subcommittee’s jurisdiction: 1). Protecting crop insurance and 2). Improving the Title I farm safety net for soybeans. Citing crop insurance as “the most effective and important component of the farm safety net for soybean farmers,” Cates noted how crop insurance helps farmers like him manage risk and secure operating credit from their lenders—a layer of protection while crops are in the ground and one that ASA asks to remain unscathed by amendments.

The second ask—an additional layer of protection beyond the field—is a bit more complex: improving the Title I farm safety net to help it better align with realistic needs. Cates says a predictable, effective farm safety net is a must in the next farm bill.

Despite successes to enhance and diversify markets, China remains U.S. soy’s #1 export market, with one in three rows of beans exported there. Said Cates, “During the height of the trade war with China in 2018, U.S. soy stopped flowing to the Chinese market in our peak export period that fall. Soybean prices dropped significantly, but we received no PLC benefits and little from the ARC program. USDA stepped in with ad hoc, temporary support to farmers.

If a trade war that shrunk soybean demand by over 30% hardly triggered the farm safety net provided in the current farm bill, it is difficult to envision a scenario that would provide meaningful assistance without significant improvements to the current reference price and program elements of ARC and PLC.”

Another challenge raised in the hearing is the significant disparity in recent soybean planted acres compared to base acres, on which ARC and PLC benefits are provided. This difference impacts the accessibility and effectiveness of the farm safety net: In 2022, soybeans were planted nationally on 87.5 million acres. By comparison, soybean base totals 53.2 million acres. Over 30 million acres of soybeans were not protected by the soybean provisions of ARC and PLC in 2022.

ASA is pleased to offer testimony and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress as it drafts this critical legislation.



NAWG Testifies to House Agriculture Subcommittee During “Producer Perspective on the 2023 Farm Bill” Hearing

National Association of Wheat Growers President and Klamath Falls, OR wheat farmer Brent Cheyne, testified in front of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit where he joined the “Producer Perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill” hearing.

Brent Cheyne highlighted NAWG’s primary Farm Bill priorities, including the importance of maintaining and enhancing crop insurance, both in terms of effectiveness and costs for farmers. It is essential that the effectiveness and affordability of crop insurance are not limited as it is the primary tool that helps avert cropping disasters and mitigate risks. The cost to purchase crop insurance has increased in recent years and Cheyne encouraged Congress to allow higher coverage levels at more affordable premiums.

“Farming is a risky business requiring a strong safety net,” said Brent Cheyne. “Wheat farmers rely on the certainty of the crop insurance program. In turn, the American people can depend on farmers who are able to continue to withstand natural disasters and produce the most stable food supply in the world.”

Cheyne also discussed NAWG’s request for Congress to increase the PLC reference price. The statutory reference price for wheat has remained unchanged and has fallen far short of the cost of production in recent Farm Bills. “Prices have now risen to the point that it would take a 62% decrease in prices before being caught by the safety net of PLC. When prices fall that far, there’s effectively no safety net at all for farmers,” Cheyne said.

As Congress continues to have hearings on programs authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill, NAWG looks forward to working with the members to help craft a Farm Bill that works for wheat growers in the United States.  



NSP Chairman Meeker Testifies to House Agriculture Subcommittee on “Producer Perspective on the 2023 Farm Bill”

National Sorghum Producers Chairman Craig Meeker, a sorghum farmer from Wellington, Kansas, testified in front of the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit during a hearing on “Producer Perspective on the 2023 Farm Bill.”

Meeker’s testimony highlighted farm bill priorities for the nation’s sorghum farmers, focusing on the importance of the Title I safety net, crop insurance and Congressionally-authorized ad hoc assistance. Meeker told the panel farmers and ranchers need a stronger farm safety net to provide predictability and certainty for producers and lenders.

“It is clear that more resources will be necessary to enact a strong Farm Bill this year as there’s simply a major shortfall in safety net funding compared to historical levels,” Meeker said. “Cost of production has similarly increased, rising at least 50 percent in most cases and upwards of 100 percent in others. While the changes in the 2018 Farm Bill have been helpful, given the level and speed at which costs have increased, statutory PLC reference prices are now far too low to provide effective support in light of the many risks facing farmers in 2023.”

Meeker also reaffirmed support for crop insurance, stating he would not be the sixth generation on his family farm without it. He said while the tool has been critical in helping sorghum farmers manage the ongoing drought conditions decimating the Sorghum Belt, availability of products and ratings, can have a very real local impact on plantings, which is an area the committee can take measures to improve.



U.S. Trade Representative Highlights Importance of Common Names Protection in Intellectual Property Report

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) expressed their appreciation today for the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) prioritization of the protection of common names in this year’s Special 301 Report. The organizations urged USTR to swiftly move forward with more assertive steps to preserve export access for food producers relying on common food and beverage terms.

Published annually, the report outlines global challenges related to intellectual property, which includes continued and escalating efforts from the European Union to abuse and misuse geographical indications (GI) to confiscate generic terms – such as “parmesan” or “bologna” – for its own producers. This year’s report reflects several of the main areas of concern that CCFN detailed in comments submitted in January, with support from NMPF and USDEC.

“As USTR’s report clearly lays out, the EU’s aggressive common name confiscation campaign presents a significant threat to producers and exporters in the U.S. and elsewhere,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “Looking forward, it’s urgent that the Administration use its full suite of tools to protect the market access rights of producers using common food and beverage names.”

Restricting the right of producers to use common names is far more than just a labeling issue – it strips companies of the right to market products using the names that consumers know and love, takes products off shelves, and hurts workers up and down the supply chain.

“For far too long, the EU has abused GIs to erect trade barriers that prevent U.S. dairy from competing on a more level global playing field,” commented Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “The U.S. government has ample opportunities – including through existing bilateral trade engagement forums and upcoming trade negotiations – to fight back. We’ll be urging and supporting those efforts on behalf of American dairy farmers.”

“The U.S. dairy industry relies on exports to succeed, so when foreign government ban or restrict the use of common cheese names, it impacts companies, family farms, workers and the industry at large,” explained Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “American-made dairy can compete with any products in the world. We thank USTR for acknowledging what a sizable problem this is for American producers and call on the Administration to stand up to unfair trade barriers so that our industry can go toe to toe with global competitors.”



USDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Rental Incentives and Longer Term Options

Agricultural producers and landowners with certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts can receive additional rental incentives and extend that land’s role in conservation for another 30 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers enrollment (CLEAR30) now through July 31, 2023. CLEAR30 is a part of the CLEAR initiative, which prioritizes water quality practices as a part of Continuous CRP enrollment, and is one of several CRP enrollment opportunities. CLEAR30 allows producers and landowners enrolling certain water quality practices to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land. Like other CRP enrollments, CLEAR30 is a voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunity offered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“The foundational value of CLEAR30 enrollment is right there in its name: Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers—there is nothing more essential to all things on the planet, including agriculture, than clean water,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs, and our CLEAR initiative and CLEAR30 enrollment gives our producers and landowners a great option to continue their conservation practices well into the future.”

Cropland and certain pastureland that is currently enrolled in Continuous CRP or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and is also dedicated to an eligible water quality practice, such as the establishment of riparian buffers, contour strips, or grass waterways, may be eligible for CLEAR30 if their contracts are expiring by September 30, 2023.  

CLEAR30 contracts will be effective beginning October 1, 2023. These long-term contracts ensure that conservation practices remain in place for 30 years, which improves water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff and helping prevent algal blooms. Conservation in riparian areas also provides important carbon sequestration benefits. Traditional CRP contracts run from 10 to 15 years.

About CLEAR30
CLEAR30 enrollment was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to better address water quality concerns. Originally, CLEAR30 was only available in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay watersheds; in 2021, FSA made CLEAR30 available to agricultural producers and landowners nationwide, and participation grew nearly seven-fold from 2020 to 2021.

Annual rental payments for landowners who enroll in CLEAR30 will be equal to the current Continuous CRP annual payment rate plus a 20 percent water quality incentive payment and an annual rental rate adjustment of 27.5 percent.  

How to Sign Up
To sign up for CLEAR30, landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center by July 31, 2023. Contact information can be found at farmers.gov/service-locator. Additionally, fact sheets and other resources are available at fsa.usda.gov/crp.