Tuesday May 23 Ag News

Tractor Safety Driving Course

Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety & Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, have announced plans for the annual “tractor safety” training in late May and early June.

Students will complete the first day of the course either by attending a hands-on event or online through the eXtension website. The hands-on event will take place May 22 in North Platte and May 30 in Grand Island. After completing the hands-on event or the online course and testing, the required driving test will be offered at 7 locations across Nebraska.

The onsite driving training and exam will include a driving test and equipment operation and ATV safety lessons. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching and unhitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a course.

The cost is $35 and includes educational materials. Payment will be made at the time of the driving exam.

The onsite driving training for West Point will be held on Wednesday, June 7th at the Cuming County Fairgrounds. To register visit go.unl.edu/2023tractorsafety.



RURAL FELLOWS BEGIN 10TH YEAR SERVING NEBRASKA COMMUNITIES

Rural Prosperity Nebraska will kick off the 10th season of its Rural Fellows internship program next month. Beginning June 5, 21 students will live in 10 rural communities across the state, working on community development projects that range from public health to downtown creative arts districts.

The Rural Fellows program places university students in Nebraska communities for seven weeks each summer to work with local leaders on community-designed projects. While most students are enrolled at one of the University of Nebraska institutions, this summer, two come from out of state — Waldorf University in Iowa and the University of Northern Colorado. All students receive real-world education in the workforce and experience life in rural communities, which they have been preparing for since February.

This year’s fellows are ready to hit the ground running, said Helen Fagan, program director.

“In the past, students and community leaders connected a few days before the internship began,” she said. “This year, students have been communicating with their community leaders all semester long. So when the students arrive in their communities on the 31st, they’re already well-versed in the projects they’ll be working on and familiar with the team they’ll be working with.”

The longer onboarding process has augmented a key tenet of the program: that students are placed in locations in pairs, based on how applicable their skills and education are to community or county needs. Because the summer-long projects are designed by the community and county leaders themselves, the application process for students includes a skills assessment to ensure that communities receive the students best suited to their needs. Projects this year include marketing and event planning for county fairs, tourism development, database management and social media/website design.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure our communities and students are ready,” said Darrell King, the program’s community engagement coordinator. “Our students have got the skills and the drive to make their summers in their communities a success. And our communities have created some really impactful projects. So the influence these student fellows have will last way longer than just the summer.”

This year, for the first time, high school students will have a chance to work with the Rural Fellows, too. Two students in Sidney will provide volunteer assistance to fellows Murengezi “Ben” Atali Benimana and Bobby Coleman in their community development work. Upon completion of their service, the students will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward classes in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Additionally, both student fellows and community leaders involved with the program receive leadership coaching. Among other skills, local leaders increase their capacity to draw from the diverse voices in their communities and enact more inclusive practices to complete their community projects.

As Nebraska becomes more diverse, the good of the community will increasingly rely on drawing from lots of perspectives, Fagan said. This year, 10 of the 21 student fellows are international students.

“I feel I grow a little more each year in being inclusive,” said Terri Haynes, a grant project manager at Educational Service Unit 13 in Chadron, who has participated in the program for four years.

Below is a list of host communities and the student fellows serving there this summer:
 
Box Butte County:
> Ritu Jadwani, UNL, human sciences graduate student, Lincoln
> Marissa Lindemann, UNL, broadcasting, Nevada, Iowa

Butler County:
> Kate Holcomb, UNL, agricultural education, Broken Bow
> Juliana Monono, University of Nebraska Medical Center, epidemiology, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Chadron:
> AmunRa Jordan, UNL, emerging media arts, Atlanta, Georgia
> Madeline Swanson, UNO, business administration, Beatrice

Curtis (Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture):
> Joy Ishimwe, UNL, integrated science, Kigali, Rwanda
> Maryam Sule, UNL, chemical engineering, Bellevue

Gibbon:
> Naidaly Gonzalez Miranda, UNL, agricultural leadership, education and communication, Omaha
> Aruna Sree Posanipalle, UNMC, biostatistics, Hyderabad, India

Knox County:
> Helber Fernandes Ribeiro, University of Northern Colorado, piano performance, São Paulo, Brazil
> Maycee Quick, UNL, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management, Alliance

Lincoln County:
> Antonio Azpeitia-Lopez, UNL, applied sciences, Omaha
> Laurent Ikuzwe, UNL, integrated science, Kigali, Rwanda

North Platte:
> Jacob Abaare, UNL, electrical engineering, Tamale, Ghana
> Sonika Khanal, UNMC, public health graduate student, Kathmandu, Nepal
> Menli Nepesova, Waldorf University, business management, Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

Scottsbluff (Empowering Families):
> Maroua Afi, UNL, agricultural economics, Tunis, Tunisia
> Lorraine Taylor, UNL, agricultural science and natural resources, Curtis

Sidney:
> Murengezi “Ben” Atali Benimana, UNL, integrated science, Kigali, Rwanda
> Bobby Coleman, UNL, advertising and public relations, California, Maryland

Student fellows will be in their communities from May 31 to July 21, with a final presentation ceremony scheduled for July 28.

For more information on the Rural Fellows program, including the application process and project highlights from previous years, visit the Rural Fellows website https://ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/rural-fellowship.



Valenzuela named to Center for Rural Affairs Board

Steele Valenzuela, of Decatur, Nebraska, has been appointed to the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors.

The Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action-oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

“Steele is passionate about a thriving rural America and making sure communities are inclusive to all, especially Latino and Native American residents,” said Brian Depew, executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs. “We look forward to his experience and knowledge on our Board of Directors.”

Valenzuela’s dad is from a small farming village in Mexico and his mom grew up in Macy, on the Omaha Reservation. He grew up in Decatur, and was introduced to the Center with an internship at age 16.

“I’m really proud of where my parents are from, and in turn, where I’m from, and how I contribute to my community with my perspective,” he said. “As an intern, I appreciated everybody’s opinion and passion on issues that were larger than themselves, yet also directly impacted them.”

For the past seven years, Valenzuela has worked as a biostatistician at Oregon Health & Science University. He works remotely from his home in Decatur, Nebraska.. His portfolio and scientific publications have consisted of policy evaluation of health insurance, such as patients who have Medicaid, Medicare, and even no health insurance, and how they use their health care.

“Advocating for folks in rural areas, either through legislation, supporting businesses, and very recently, learning that the Center provides housing loans, shows that the Center is invested in society,” Steele said. “I admire the Center’s desire to continue to grow and make partnerships in all avenues, as well as the ambitious and involved Board members. I hope to keep learning from everyone.”

Valenzuela is serving a three-year term on the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors.



CAP Webinar: Mending the Stress Fence
Jun 1, 2023 - 12:00pm
Glennis McClure, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst, Nebraska Extension; and Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economist, Nebraska Extension.

It is important that we all learn how to manage our stress levels and reduce the effects of unwanted stress. Farmers and ranchers are no exception to experiencing stress, in fact, stress seems to be prevalent in the agriculture sector. Too much stress can make us more accident-prone, and it can affect our overall health. This program provides information on identifying common stressors, recognizing stress symptoms, and managing stress.
 
We hope you can take the time to join in on this CAP webinar to be reminded of pro-active steps you can take to help manage and/or reduce your stress.   

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



Free Legal and Financial Clinics for Farmers and Ranchers in Nebraska

Nebraska farmers and ranchers can benefit from free legal and financial clinics designed to assist with their unique challenges. These one-on-one sessions provide confidential consultations with specialized agricultural law attorneys and financial counselors.

The experts at these clinics are well-versed in a wide range of agricultural legal and financial matters. They can offer guidance on financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure, cash flow management, and agricultural disaster programs, among other relevant topics.

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain independent insights into the issues impacting your farm or ranch. The clinics are not group sessions, ensuring that you can discuss your concerns privately and receive personalized advice.

Clinic Dates:
Thursday, June 1: Fairbury
Tuesday, June 6: Norfolk
Wednesday, June 28: Norfolk
Thursday, June 29: Valentine

To sign up or obtain further information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258. Funding for these clinics is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska.



Save the date for a regional field day for soybean gall midge!

Join a multistate team of Extension entomologists for a hands-on opportunity to learn more about soybean gall midge biology, scouting, and management. The Soybean Gall Midge Regional Field Day will be held at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education (ENREEC) near Mead, NE on July 25, 2023 (9 - 2 pm). This event will emphasize interactive learning about this economic pest through field demonstrations and short presentations. There will be ample opportunities to see the pest and its injury to soybean, and to learn about ongoing research efforts.

What you can expect to see and learn:
    identify soybean gall midge larvae
    recognize plant injury and how to scout in soybean
    cultural: tillage, hilling, date of planting, plant population
    host plant resistance screen
    chemical: seed treatments, at-plant,  foliar, and drop-nozzle
    biological: specimens will be available to see firsthand

The field day is free, but registration is required. Registration is also limited, so sign up early to ensure you have a spot. The last date to register is July 20th date. Come early for coffee and donuts. Lunch is included!  

Registration Link: https://go.unl.edu/register2023july25soygall.  



Beef Month: Q&A with Nebraska BQA Coordinator Jesse Fulton  

Editors note: The largest segment of Nebraska’s agriculture industry is beef production. It powers the state’s economy and has an unmistakable impact on almost everyone in Nebraska. In honor of beef month, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is sharing a series that will feature people, places, and research that are a cornerstone of Nebraska’s land grant mission.  

Jesse Fulton is the Beef Quality Assurance State Coordinator for Nebraska. He lives in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with his wife Brittany and daughter Olivia.   

Talk about your role as director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance.   
My primary role as the Director of the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is to coordinate the BQA program within Nebraska. In Nebraska, we allow practicing veterinarians and beef extension educators to host and conduct BQA trainings. Because of this, we have a robust trainer network of over 120 trainers. I assist these trainers in event promotion and BQA certificate management. I also conduct nearly 30 BQA trainings statewide each year that are open to the public and other additional beef programming. Finally, I attend many meetings nationally as a participant or invited speaker representing Nebraska BQA. In my opinion, this is probably the most important part of my position because I ensure Nebraska BQA (i.e. Nebraska producers) are represented at the table or in the “know” when important issues are discussed that may impact them.  

You started in this role in early 2021. What initially drew you to this position at Nebraska, the beef state?  
Prior to this position, I worked at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in Denver, CO where I served as the Director of Producer Education. In this role, I assisted with the National BQA program. During my time at NCBA, I met my wife Brittany (Schaneman) who was originally from Scottsbluff. When this position became available, it was the perfect opportunity for us to relocate back to her hometown to start a family. The fact that it was Nebraska, the “beef state” was a perk! I was excited to take over an extremely important program that focuses on cattle and beef in a state where cattle and beef are the leading industries.  

The BQA program began in the early 1970’s and 80’s. Talk about the program and all the ways it ensures safe beef production practices.   
The BQA program began with a focus on preventing violative residues and injection site lesions. Because of the program, the industry has made great strides in reducing to nearly eliminating the presence of both. Today, the BQA program focuses on animal behavior and handling, biosecurity, herd health management, record keeping, cattle nutrition, environmental quality control points, emergency action planning, worker safety, and cattle transportation.  

The mission of the program is to guide producers towards continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and beef safety.

You are a Kentucky native. Talk about raising beef there and what life was like growing up.   
There are some pretty significant differences between raising cattle in Kentucky vs. Nebraska. In Kentucky, our average annual rainfall is 46.86”, while Nebraska’s is about 27” depending on where you’re at. While the additional moisture is nice for the grass at times, it has its cons, primarily being mud. Stocking rates in Kentucky vary, but if grass is good, a producer can run a pair on 1½ - 2 acres.  

While Nebraska is in the top 4 for states with beef cattle, Kentucky isn’t too far behind being number 8 (most cattle East of the Mississippi). Kentucky was once a big tobacco state, but since the buyouts, those tobacco producers have primarily become beef cattle producers. Often referred to as “tobacco money” there are financial resources available to cattle producers to help them make improvements to their operations.   

As for myself growing up in Kentucky, I could write a novel. We weren’t poor, and we weren’t rich, but we were blessed. My dad drove a truck his whole life to make sure we had what we needed. While many make jokes about it, it is very true about no shoes on your feet (for me anyways). I was always running around our place barefoot.  

I often hear that folks from the great plains feel a sense of claustrophobia when they are in Kentucky or states similar because of all the hills and trees. I miss home every day and hope to end up back in Kentucky one day. I always joke that is where I will retire.  

What is your goal for the Nebraska BQA and BQAT program?  
 That’s easy, to be the best of the best. I want the Nebraska BQA and BQAT programs to be seen as the gold standard of a BQA program across the nation. There is no reason we can’t be. We have some of the greatest cattle producers here.  

This year the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance program made history, by becoming the first state BQA program to win 4 out of the 5 Beef Quality Assurance awards at the National Cattleman’s Beef Association convention. Talk about the work leading up to that moment.  
It was tough. Writing up the BQA award nominations is no short task. It’s no secret that sometimes cattle producers aren’t the best at telling their story when they have such a wonderful story to tell. Additionally, cattlemen can be private, which can make it tough when I’m asking them to tell their story nationally, that is where I come in to help.  

What is your advice to others looking to make a positive impact on the beef industry?  
Always be willing to think outside the box, be proactive, and be willing to change. Our industry is evolving every day and because of that, we must be willing to evolve with it.  



Water for Food Global Conference draws international audience to address water and food security

“Water and food are two of the most important priorities of tomorrow’s world,” said Loïc Fauchon, president of the World Water Council. “We must stop ignoring that water is food.”

Fauchon was one of more than 120 global speakers and 400 participants who gathered at the tenth Water for Food Global Conference to discuss innovative ways to improve water and food security by increasing farmers’ resiliency to a changing landscape. The conference was produced by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska (DWFI) and held May 8-11 in Lincoln, Neb. The 2023 conference was a partner event for the 10th World Water Forum, the world’s largest water-related forum organized by the World Water Council.

“Food security is national security,” said Beth Ford, President and CEO of Land O’Lakes. “And water is critical to production agriculture, it’s critical to communities, and to life,” she said.

In the Heuermann Lecture at the conference, Ford stressed that a comprehensive, long-term water sustainability strategy is needed and shared why water is at the top of her priority list.

“It was inspiring to see such an engaged group of people from more than 27 different countries working toward the same goal, sharing new and different perspectives and so enthusiastic about future collaborations,” said Peter G. McCornick, DWFI executive director.

“[The conference] was issue-oriented and combined researchers and practitioners. Unlike many academic conferences, it didn't get lost in the individual research projects and papers. Instead, it provided a big picture view of how diverse actors, researchers, etc., are identifying and developing activities,” said one conference attendee.

The four-day conference, situated in the middle of a living laboratory and atop the vast Great Plains Aquifer, provided a platform to explore win-win scenarios to support improved water use in agriculture and increase productivity at a variety of scales – from smallholders, collectives and coops to commercial farm operations – while preserving water resources for other human and environmental needs.

Themed, “Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for a Changing World,” the conference focused on the next generation of research, smart technology, policy development and best practices that are achieving breakthroughs in this vitally important mission. Those from academia, government agencies, policymaking groups, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs, water managers, growers, students and private industry came to engage at more than 35 sessions provided.

Sessions covered a wide range of important topics, including supporting, financing and scaling smallholder irrigation; drought, water and human health; setting corporate water targets; innovations in irrigation technology; the circular bioeconomy; sustainable crop intensification strengthening drought risk management; and land and soil management; as well as how we continue to frame the conversation surrounding water and food at future high-level, international meetings.

The conference featured more than 120 speakers from global partnering organizations including the World Bank, Land O’Lakes, the World Water Council, the Nature Conservancy, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, the World Wildlife Fund, Cargill, USAID, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Drought Mitigation Center, the International Water Management Institute, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, iDE, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Clinton Development Initiative, Catholic Relief Services, Bayer Crop Sciences, the International Food Policy Research Institute, WaterAid America, and others.

The conference also showcased Nebraska outside of the conference room to the global audience by hosting tours of a local farm and feedlot, as well as the University of Nebraska’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. The tours were an opportunity to share Nebraska’s unique water management system, how nitrates are being addressed across the state and the intertwining factors involved in a Nebraska feedlot operation. Participants also had the opportunity to speak with local growers about the challenges and opportunities they face.

All conference sessions were recorded and will be available to view on the institute’s YouTube Channel in the coming months: https://www.youtube.com/@WaterForFood. More information can be found on the conference website: https://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/explore-our-conferences/2023-water-for-food-global-conference.



O'Brien and Monona County Pasture Walks to Focus on Forage Recovery

After three years of drought, Iowa pastures are in need of some first aid, according to Beth Doran, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Two pasture walks in northwest/west central Iowa in June will help attendees learn how to work with current pasture conditions in their operations.

ISU Extension and Outreach will co-host the educational hands-on pasture walks in O’Brien County on June 22 and Monona county on June 26. Both walks will begin at 5:30 p.m. with supper, followed by the program from 6-8:45 p.m.

“Livestock producers can’t change the weather, but we can enhance forage recovery, control weeds and improve soil fertility,” Doran said. “So put on your walking shoes, come with your own questions and attend a pasture walk with us.”

During both of these workshops, attendees will condition-score a paddock, participate in hands-on identification of desirable plants and weeds, learn to evaluate soil cover and how to monitor severity of grazing.

Two topics (pasture supplementation and common forage insects) will vary by site. There is no cost to attend either pasture walk, but preregistration is required.

To preregister for the June 22 event near Paullina, call 712-957-5045 by June 16. See the O'Brien County flyer for information and directions.

To preregister for the June 26 event at Iowa State’s Western Research and Demonstration Farm, call 712-423-2175 by June 19.  See the Monona County flyer for information https://iowabeefcenter.org/events/MononaPastureWalkFlyer0623.pdf.

For more information, contact Doran at 712-737-4230 or email doranb@iastate.edu.

The pasture walks are co-sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cooperative Farmers Elevator, and the Western Research and Demonstration Farm and Dustin Puhrmann.



Iowa Farmers and Landowners Invited to Utilize Water Quality Cost Share Funding

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that farmers and landowners may now sign up for water quality and soil conservation cost share funding as part of the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI). These funds assist farmers with adopting proven practices, including planting cover crops, transitioning acres to no-till/strip-till or applying a nitrogen inhibitor.

Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $25 per acre through the cost share fund. Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops and are continuing the practice can receive $15 per acre. Producers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre. New users can also receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer.

“Building on the record engagement and continued strong interest in conservation among farmers and landowners, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is pleased to once again offer an opportunity to share in the cost of implementing these proven practices,” said Secretary Naig. “All farmers and landowners should look for opportunities to add more conservation practices and this cost share program is a great way to help with that.”

With statewide cover crop utilization at more than 2.8 million acres as of 2021, Iowa farmers continue to be leaders in conservation. Last fall, over 3,900 farmers and landowners enrolled in this cost share program. More than 430,000 acres of cover crops, 14,200 acres of no-till/strip-till and 5,800 acres of nitrification inhibitors were enrolled in the program in 2022. An estimated $14.5 million of private funding was invested to match the $7.5 million contributed by the State.

Cost share funding through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is limited to 160 acres per farmer or landowner. The funds will be made available in July, but farmers may start submitting applications immediately through their local Soil and Water Conservation District offices. Farmers are encouraged to visit with their Soil and Water Conservation District staff to inquire about additional cost share funds available through other programs



USDA Invites Input on Crop Insurance Coverage for Prevented Planting

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a Request for Information today, announcing public listening sessions and soliciting public comments on possible changes to prevented planting crop insurance coverage.  Coinciding with the public comment period, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will hold in-person and virtual listening sessions June through August. This includes in-person listening sessions in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. Meanwhile, RMA will accept written comments through its request for information until September 1.

“We truly care what our customers – the Nation’s agricultural producers – have to say. That’s why we’re hosting listening sessions in 11 states in addition to accepting written comments,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “We listen to their needs so that we can adapt, improve, and help them manage their risks and provide better opportunities to protect their operations.”

The request for information on prevented planting requests input on prevented planting topics to include:
    Harvest Price Option – Feedback on whether to allow the prevented planting payment calculations to be based on the higher of projected price or harvest price under the revenue protection plan of insurance.
    “1 in 4” Rule – Input on the challenges or experiences since the rule (to be eligible for a prevented planting coverage acreage must have been planted to a crop, insured, and harvested in at least 1 out of the previous 4 crop years) was implemented nationwide.
    10 percent additional coverage option – Input on if RMA should reinstate the option to buy-up prevented planting coverage by 10 percent.
    Contract price – Whether prevented planting costs are higher for contracted crops and how prevented planting payments should be calculated for contract crops.
    General – Willingness to pay additional premium for expanded prevented planting benefits, recommendations on other prevented planting limitations, etc.  

RMA will hold a virtual listening session via Microsoft Teams on June 8 and at least a dozen in-person sessions over the next few months. One of the sessions will be held in northwest Iowa...
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
ISU Northwest Research Farm
6320 500th Street
Sutherland, Iowa 51058

Additional details on the listening sessions are available on the RMA website.



Soy Innovation Challenge Winner Offers New Approach to Soy Meal Processing

The United Soybean Board, in partnership with The Yield Lab Institute, is proud to announce Satavie as the winner of the 2023 Soy Innovation Challenge. The Challenge called on entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and research teams to bring new ways to advance soybean meal use and demand in existing markets.

Satavie was selected out of nearly 80 applicants from around the world for their approach to extract concentrated soy protein from soybean meal. Their method ensures high levels of digestibility, improved nutrient absorption, and increased feed conversion rates ideal for swine, poultry and aquaculture feed. As the winner, the company received $100,000 courtesy of the United Soybean Board and $5,000 of in-kind technical services and credits from Amazon Web Services.

“The impact for the soy industry is enormous. Our water extraction patented technique leads to better health outcomes, overall growth and improved meat quality. It ultimately aids in digestion early on in animal diets to nutritionally set them up for success,” said Satavie President Lasse Jakobsen. “This innovation expands market opportunities and opens up new sectors for U.S. soybean farmers.”

The Soy Innovation Challenge discovers new ways to utilize and add value to U.S. soybeans. This year’s contest focuses on strengthening soybean meal markets, as the supply of soybean meal continues to increase. This is primarily due to growing demand for soybean oil used as a feedstock for renewable energy.

“In reviewing all the applicants’ proposals and hearing from these forward-thinking finalists, it reiterates that soy can be the solution for so many applications,” said April Hemmes, USB farmer-leader from Iowa, Demand Action Team Chair and Soy Innovation Challenge judge. “These are four totally different ideas all using soybean meal. It’s neat to see this sustainable product that U.S. farmers grow bring an added value, which is a great way to invest soy checkoff dollars. Everyone is looking for a sustainable solution these days, and U.S. Soy can be the answer.”

Each finalist received a cash prize, mentoring and resources to help advance their ideas in the areas of technical, business and financial impact. Finalists include:
    POLARISqb — POLARISqb utilizes quantum computing and artificial intelligence to revolutionize drug design. They are developing a feed additive, specifically a peptide, that makes soymeal feed digestible and nutritious for livestock without relying on costly extraction methods. — First runner-up awarded $50,000.

    SoyKitty — SoyKitty is an innovative pet company that creates premium companion animal products that are safer for people, pets and the planet. Their flagship product will be an eco-friendly, nontoxic cat litter made predominantly from soybean byproducts (spent flakes, carbohydrates, etc.) for eco-conscious cat owners that demand an odor-free household without hurting the planet. — Second runner-up awarded $20,000.

    Ichthus Unlimited — Ichthus Unlimited aims at resolving bottleneck issues for the aquaculture industry and providing solutions for its sustainability and permanence. A key research and development focus of Ichthus is to develop soy-based (from soy hulls) animal feed binders to replace costly alternatives. — Third runner-up awarded $10,000.

“I am proud of all of our finalists,” said Brandon Day, COO of The Yield Lab Institute. “They have brought forth innovative solutions to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges. Because of our sponsors — USB, Amazon Web Services and Solis Agrosciences — and their continued support of these entrepreneurs, the trajectory and potential of these ideas bring new ways of thinking to the marketplace. They, in addition to our mentors and partners, have played an important role in accelerating their technologies to market.”

The $100,000 awarded to Satavie will be used to scale the company, verify the product in-market (similar to its use in Denmark and Canada) and start to build a customer base in the U.S. This includes bringing the technology into a facility to start processing U.S. soybean meal creating the soy protein concentrate directly in the U.S. The prize money for the other finalists will help commercialize their products/technologies to further the use of U.S. soybean meal, additionally driving soy’s reputation as a sustainable ingredient.



Cooperative Industry Research Pivotal for New Low Metals Grade of B100

Based on compelling new biodiesel fuel quality data from some of the nation’s top research institutions, ASTM International has approved a new Low Metals (LM) grade of biodiesel in D6751, the ASTM specification for low-carbon B100 biodiesel used as a blendstock with middle distillate fuels such as diesel fuel. The new performance standard bolsters confidence in the fuel for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fleets, providing further evidence that biodiesel fuel quality is high, continually improving and meeting robust quality standards.

Throughout its 30-year history, the biodiesel industry and Clean Fuels Alliance America (previously known as the National Biodiesel Board) have proactively led cooperative research projects with OEMs and leading research institutions to determine if the ASTM specifications for B100 needed to be modified to ensure that biodiesel blends would perform reliably and effectively when diesel fuel or diesel engine regulations changed. This latest round of research followed that same strategy to test the impacts of B20 (a blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel or ULSD) on the long-term durability of diesel particulate filters in New Technology Diesel Engines (NTDEs) outfitted with modern Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) aftertreatment.

This recently completed research was conducted with Southwest Research Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in a large, multi-year cooperative program with diesel engine and exhaust aftertreatment manufacturers. The testing compared long-term (over 1,000 hours of accelerated aging) impacts of NTDEs running on B20 with a lower level of metals - equivalent to B100 containing a total of 4 parts per million (PPM) for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium - to the impacts of conventional ultra-low sulfur diesel.

The results indicated that biodiesel containing a maximum of 4 PPM total metals resulted in ash that was similar to that deposited by the ULSD, exhibited a similar ash cleaning removal efficiency, did not have a negative effect on DPF pressure drop or regeneration rates, and did not appear to have any deleterious physical effects on the DPF substrate. These studies were recently presented at the SAE Congress in Detroit in April and published as SAE Papers 2023-01-0297 and 2023-01-0296. The work was instrumental in the passage of a successful ballot by the ASTM D02 Fuels Committee to approve a new Low Metals (LM) grade of ASTM D6751 biodiesel with a maximum of 4 PPM total metals (Na+K+Ca+Mg), down from the existing grades which allow up to 10 PPM total metals.

A final contributing factor to the persuasive technical data required to modify ASTM specifications has been the biodiesel fuel quality report published by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). Now in its fifth year, this annual report documents the quality of biodiesel produced in the United States and Canada by BQ-9000 certified producers, which represent over 90% of North American production. According to the most recent NREL report from June 2022, the current average of B100 total metals (Na+K+Ca+Mg) in the marketplace today registers below 1 PPM total, well below the 4 PPM specification recently adopted in the new LM grade of biodiesel at ASTM.

“The annual BQ-9000 quality reports demonstrate general compliance with this new Low Metals grade by the industry, even today,” said Clean Fuels Technical Director Scott Fenwick. “Soybean growers, through the Soybean Checkoff Program, continue to invest in fuel quality and engine testing to provide more confidence to engine manufacturers and fleets that biodiesel is fit for purpose in the diesel engines of yesterday, today and tomorrow, and will have only positive impacts on performance and durability.”

The rigor of these cooperative research efforts and the positive results, along with the already low level of metals in commercial production in the field, bode well for biodiesel use in the new Ultra-Low Emissions Diesel Engines (ULEDE) coming to market in 2027-2031. Clean Fuels Alliance America will continue to work closely with ASTM International, the Original Equipment Manufacturers, and leading research institutions to ensure that B20 and higher biodiesel blends continue to offer fleets an easy, reliable and sustainable decarbonization solution now and for decades to come.

As ASTM International celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, it has chosen the ASTM D6751 specification for biodiesel as one of the Top 10 most influential standards that ASTM has ever produced.



Willis Appointed To MAIZALL Board

Minnesota farmer and past U.S. Grains Council (USGC) chairman Chad Willis has been selected to serve as the Council’s representative on MAIZALL’s board of directors.

“I’m excited to get started and use my experiences as a farmer here in the U.S. to contribute to the important work that MAIZALL is doing,” Willis said. “Our collaboration will make a significant impact in developing new markets and fighting global food insecurity.”

MAIZALL was established in 2013 by leaders from the Council, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers) and MAIZAR (Argentine Corn and Sorghum Federation). Growers in all three countries work together to resolve shared problems with non-tariff barriers in global markets, primarily related to agricultural biotechnology, plant breeding innovation and crop protection.

“I’d like to thank Chad for accepting this responsibility and continuing to represent the Council’s mission and values on the global stage,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO. “Chad’s position in MAIZALL will ensure that a farmer’s perspective is always at the forefront of the organization as we take on the challenge of sustainably feeding and supplying markets around the world.”

MAIZALL’s directors advocate for modern farming practices through position papers and discussions with private sector stakeholders, government officials and others from international organizations such as the European Union and the World Trade Organization. Additionally, MAIZALL directors often speak at international conferences where they can share their firsthand practical farming experiences.

Willis has been farming corn and soybeans for nearly 30 years and is a member of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. Since joining the USGC , he has served on its Value-Added Advisory Team (A-Team) and was a vocal advocate for creating the Council’s Ethanol A-team before being elected chairman in 2021.



Dairy Market Report: Milk Prices Under Pressure

The current extended period of milk production growth has so far been the weakest of all such periods since 1996, but downward pressure on prices continues even as inflation ebbs and consumer demand for dairy products recovers. Production of most major categories of dairy products mirrored this modest growth of milk production. Growth in total domestic consumption during this year’s first quarter kept pace with both milk production and milk solids production growth. Total export growth was positive during the quarter, compared to last year, which set a new calendar year record.

The volume of milk solids imported into the country last December exceeded 4 percent of domestic production for the first time since 2016 but has since fallen back into the 3–3.5 percent range, typical for monthly import volumes since 1995. Retail price inflation that hit dairy products hard during 2022 has been quickly unwinding in recent months, as measured by annual change in the various consumer price indices. The Dairy Margin Coverage margin has approached $6/cwt in March, the lowest levels since the summer of 2021.

Read the full report here:  https://www.nmpf.org/milk-production-under-pressure/.  



Last chance to complete the 2022 Census of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will end data collection for the 2022 Census of Agriculture on May 31. Producers who have not yet returned their completed questionnaires have just one week left to respond. Federal law requires everyone who received the ag census to complete and return it. Recipients can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

"The Census of Agriculture remains the only comprehensive and impartial source of agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It gives producers the opportunity to help shape decisions that will impact their operations, communities, and the future of the industry for several years," said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. "Not being represented in these widely used data means risking being underserved. The ag census data are used by agribusinesses, educators, researchers, federal and local government, and many others when making decisions about farm programs, loans, insurance, rural development, disaster assistance, and more."

USDA NASS is reminding ag census recipients that if they produced and sold $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2022, or normally would have produced and sold that much, they meet USDA’s definition of a farm. However, landowners who lease land to producers, those solely involved in conservation programs, and even those who may not have farmed in 2022 are still required to respond.

“If you received the ag census but do not fit the definition of a farm, are no longer farming, never farmed, or have another update for us, please write your status on the form and mail it back. Every response matters,” said Hamer.

The ag census differs from other USDA surveys. Beyond being conducted just once every five years, it provides important demographic information and data on certain commodities, such as horses, bison, and Christmas trees, that would not otherwise be available. The Census of Agriculture collects information on nearly every aspect of American agriculture for a complete picture of the health of the industry. Changes to the 2022 questionnaire include new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep, and updates to internet access questions.

Federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113 requires that USDA NASS keep all submissions confidential, use the information for statistical purposes only, and publish aggregate data to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

For assistance filling out the ag census, recipients can call 888-424-7828. NASS will release the ag census data in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on Twitter at @usda_nass.



Cargill Expands Award-Winning Regenerative Agriculture Program to Europe
    
Cargill is leveraging its unique position in the supply chain to pioneer its award-winning regenerative agriculture program in Europe, which will see farmers in Germany, Poland, Romania, and France financially compensated to adopt climate-friendly farming practices.

Building on two years of success in North America, Cargill RegenConnect will also expand from 15 to 24 states, introducing the program in nine new states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas. It will also provide U.S. farmers with higher payments, cover more commodities (such as cotton) and improve ease and access to enrollment via mobile devices.

Cargill RegenConnectTM has not only received positive feedback from growers and customers but has also been recognized by the prestigious 2023 Edison Awards™ for its innovative approach to creating a more resilient and secure food system. Its expansion demonstrates Cargill’s commitment to helping farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices across its global supply chain, rooted in the firm belief that change starts where the food system begins – at the farm.

“Companies like Cargill are helping to make it economically feasible for farmers to implement sustainable practices around the world. It is how agriculture and farmers can be part of the climate solution, helping to reduce emissions, improve water quality and use, increase yields and build up the resilience of our soils for the next generation. Our vision is to make regenerative agriculture commonplace across our global supply chain, enabling farmers to produce food more sustainably while increasing their profitability and resiliency,” said Chantelle Donahue, North America Agriculture Supply Chain Vice President, from Cargill.
 
“Cargill RegenConnect’s success to date demonstrates how making sustainable, regenerative agriculture financially viable for farmers can help nature-positive production practices scale more quickly and become standard. It is one of the many ways we plan to meet our goal to reduce emissions in our supply chain and will impact every area of our business – from sourcing wheat and corn for our starches, and sweeteners to growing rapeseed oil for our salmon feed,” she added.
 
Cargill RegenConnect is a voluntary, market-based regenerative agriculture program which helps farmers improve soil health and decarbonize the agriculture supply chain.

Farmers enrolled in the program can choose the practices that are best suited to their operation’s unique growing conditions, which includes planting cover crops and implementing reduced- or no-till farming. These practices help sequester carbon in the ground, build soil resilience and improve water quality.

In addition to providing technical support and resources to enable farmer success, the program offers an environmental market opportunity for participants, who are then able to connect with some of the world’s largest companies actively seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while supporting regenerative agriculture.

Eligible farmers in North America are invited to enroll now through Sept. 15 by visiting Cargill Regenerative Ag Program (cargillag.com)

Eligible farmers in participating EU countries are invited to enroll beginning June 1 through July 15, 2023 at regenconnect.cargill.com.