Friday June 2 Ag News

Say Cheese! June is National Dairy Month
Nebraska Department of Agriculture

June is Dairy Month! Time to highlight the importance of Nebraska’s dairy farmers to agriculture and our economy.
 
Nebraska is an ideal home for dairies. We have it all! Plentiful feed supplies, abundant water resources, pro agricultural policies, a central location, and a strong dairy farming heritage. Learn more. Visit NebraskaMilk.org or contact Kris Bousquet at krisbousquet@nebraskamilk.org.
 
NDA’s Dairy program teammates inspect dairy farms, milk haulers, manufacturing plants and fluid milk bottling plants. These comprehensive inspections take Nebraska dairy products from the farm to the consumer to assure the safe and wholesome supply of dairy products for all.
 
Did you know that Nebraska dairy farmers produce 4 million pounds of milk per day? Half of that (2 million lbs.) is shipped to other states for processing. Thanks to Nebraska’s central location, milk produced here can reach almost every corner of the continental U.S. within 2 days.



Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fund Agricultural Education at Community Colleges

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently joined five of her Senate colleagues to introduce the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act. The bipartisan bill would authorize funding for community college workforce training, education, and research programs in agriculture. U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) led the introduction of the legislation.

Many community colleges already offer training for the agricultural industry workforce, but community college agricultural programs have been excluded from federal funding opportunities. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would correct this flaw, ensuring that community colleges can access federal grants to bolster agricultural programs.

“Through their research into cutting-edge precision ag technologies or workforce development programs, community colleges are a vital part of Nebraska’s agricultural economy. Our legislation would ensure community colleges get the federal resources they deserve to expand their successful educational and workforce training initiatives in the community. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on more bipartisan opportunities within this year’s Farm Bill,” said Senator Fischer.

“Northeast is proud to offer agriculture programs that support and lift up rural America. In northeast Nebraska, agriculture accounts for nearly 50% of all employment and 46% of the gross regional product. It is critical that we continue to support such a vital industry in our region. Programs in precision agriculture and cybersecurity are just two areas that we have recently launched here at Northeast. Federal grant programs can provide much needed funding to support initiatives like these,” said Leah Barrett, Northeast Community College President.

“The members of the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) are dedicated to partnering with employers, producers and industry professionals to advance agricultural education, demonstration and training throughout the Midwest.  This Farm Bill initiative would support the development of new middle skills workforce programming that is imperative to meeting our world’s growing food needs and sustaining our land and natural resources for future generations,” said Dr. Tracy Kruse, Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement Executive Director.

Background:
The Senators’ bill would amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow community colleges to access grant money for agriculture programs. The bill would establish a competitive U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant program in which the nation’s nearly 1,100 community colleges could apply for money to fund workforce training, education, research, and outreach programs in agriculture.

Specifically, a community college that receives a program grant could use the funding to:
     Successfully compete for funds from federal grants and other sources to carry out educational, research, and outreach activities.
    Disseminate information relating to agriculture, renewable resources, and other relevant communities.
    Encourage collaboration involving community colleges, land grant universities, and other higher education institutions.
    Purchase equipment and other infrastructure.
    Advance the professional growth and development of faculty.
    Develop apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.

In addition to Senators Fischer and Hickenlooper, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D- Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) led the introduction of companion legislation in the House.



United States Requests USMCA Dispute Settlement Consultations on Mexico’s Agricultural Biotechnology Measures

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced that the United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  These consultations regard certain Mexican measures concerning products of agricultural biotechnology.

Mexico is one of our oldest and strongest trading partners.  Our trade relationship is rooted in trust and honesty and there are many areas where we cooperate and work together.  
 
“The United States has repeatedly conveyed its concerns that Mexico’s biotechnology policies are not based on science and threaten to disrupt U.S. exports to Mexico to the detriment of agricultural producers, which in turn can exacerbate food security challenges. Mexico’s biotechnology policies also stifle agricultural innovation that helps American farmers respond to pressing climate challenges, increase farm productivity, and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “We will continue to work with the Mexican government through these consultations to resolve our concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products.”
 
“USDA supports success for all farmers, and that means embracing fair, open, science- and rules-based trade. In this spirit, the USMCA was written to ensure that producers in all three countries have full and fair access to each other’s markets," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades. Through this action, we are exercising our rights under USMCA while supporting innovation, nutrition security, sustainability, and the mutual success of our farmers and producers.”
 
These consultations regard measures set out in Mexico’s February 13, 2023 decree, specifically the ban on use of biotechnology corn in tortillas or dough, and the instruction to Mexican government agencies to gradually substitute—i.e., ban—the use of biotechnology corn in all products for human consumption and for animal feed.  The consultations also regard rejections of applications for authorization covering the importation and sale of certain biotechnology products.  Mexico’s measures appear to be inconsistent with several of its obligations in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and Market Access chapters of the USMCA.
 
Background
Today’s announcement follows extensive engagement by the United States with the Government of Mexico on its biotechnology policies, including Ambassador Tai’s discussions with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro.  
 
The United States has used the tools provided by the USMCA in attempting to resolve concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology policies, including meetings of the USMCA Free Trade Commission, SPS Committee, and Biotechnology Working Group.
 
On January 30, 2023, the United States sent a formal, written request to Mexico under the USMCA SPS Chapter (Article 9.6.14) for “an explanation of the reasons for” and “pertinent relevant information regarding” certain Mexican measures concerning biotechnology products.  Mexico provided a written response on February 14.
 
In March 2023, the United States requested and held technical consultations with Mexico regarding its biotechnology measures under the USMCA SPS chapter, but the consultations did not resolve the matter.
 
Throughout our engagements, the United States has been clear that it would consider all options, including further steps to enforce U.S. rights under the USMCA, if Mexico did not return to science- and risk-based biotechnology policies that are in compliance with USMCA commitments.  Through the action announced today, we will seek to work with the Mexican government to resolve U.S. concerns fully.
 
USTR officials have worked closely with staff from USDA on this matter, and both agencies will continue working together, in consultation with stakeholders, to obtain Mexico’s full compliance with its USMCA commitments.



Smith Statement on Biotech Corn Announcement

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Biden administration announced they would initiate USMCA dispute resolution proceedings with Mexico because of their continued ban on U.S. biotech corn:

“We must always hold our trade partners to their commitments,” said Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith. “While I wish this would have happened sooner, I thank Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack for their attention to this important issue. I look forward to working with the administration to ensure Mexico abides by the commitments they made under USMCA.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to stress the continued importance of real, enforceable trade agreements. Because Congress and the Trump administration did the hard work of updating NAFTA – ushering in a new era of North American trade with USMCA – the Biden administration has these tools available to press for accountability and stand up for American producers. No ‘framework’ or ‘dialogue’ provides this authority, which is why no framework or dialogue could ever replace real trade agreements. I hope this serves as an inflection point for the Biden Administration.”



Nebraska Corn Growers Association Statement on U.S. Trade Representative to File Dispute Consultation Under USMCA

Today, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced the United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These consultations highlight certain Mexican measures concerning products of agricultural biotechnology, including the importation of genetically modified (GM) corn for human consumption.

“The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is pleased with the decision from the USTR to file a dispute consultation under the USMCA regarding Mexico’s decree to ban GM corn and not follow science,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “While filing a formal dispute has taken time to get to, this is the next step in ensuring our corn markets remain open.”



Fischer on USTR Action Against Mexico’s Ban on GMO Corn

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it has formally requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico on the country’s ban on genetically modified corn. As part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.

“This is yet another important step towards preventing Mexico’s flagrant violation of USMCA.

“As I’ve said repeatedly, we should use every tool at our disposal to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from ever being enacted. Such a ban would be bad for family farmers, bad for Mexican consumers, and bad for the stability of our international trade agreements.

“I commend USTR’s actions today and the ongoing recognition that there can be zero compromise with Mexico here.”

Background:
In March, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. These technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement could be pursued.

In December, Sen. Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.



Rep. Bacon Reacts to Mexico Corn Ban Update

Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the statement in response to the Biden administration’s announcement on proceeding with dispute settlement consultations with Mexico following their ban on the importation of GMO corn. Bacon, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, asked Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for an update on March 29th of this year.

“I have been urging the Administration to take this step for months now. Free trade means upholding your end of the deal, something Mexico has not done with the USMCA. I thank Ambassador Katherine Tai and Secretary Vilsack for taking this important step to enforce a fair, rules-and-science-based trading system. 30,000 jobs are on the line. Holding Mexico accountable is a huge step in the right direction for Nebraskan corn farmers and the Nebraska economy.”



Corn Growers Praise Move by U.S. Trade Representative to Initiate Dispute Settlement with Mexico Over Corn Decree  

The U.S. Trade Representative announced today that it is filing a dispute settlement under the U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement in response to the steps Mexico has taken to ban biotech corn for human consumption.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which along with affiliated state associations, has been leading calls for the Biden administration to act, praised the development.

“Mexico’s actions, which are not based on sound science, have threatened the financial wellbeing of corn growers and our nation’s rural communities,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “We are deeply appreciative of Ambassador Katherine Tai and USTR for moving this process forward and thankful for the efforts of Secretary Tom Vilsack and members of Congress for standing up for farmers in such a meaningful way.”

Under USMCA, once a dispute settlement is filed, a group of objective experts will be empaneled to hear the case and make final determinations based on the commitments both parties signed as part of the free trade agreement.

The dispute stems from a 2020 decree by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that sought to ban imports of biotech corn beginning in January 2024. Mexico issued a revised decree in February of this year that banned biotech corn for human consumption effective immediately, and left the door open for a future ban on biotech corn for feed.

Mexico is a top market for corn, the number one agricultural export from the U.S., which has led to strong concerns over how the ban would impact U.S. farmers, rural economies and food security for the people of Mexico.

Given the high stakes, NCGA and corn grower leaders across the country began sounding the alarm last fall and have been calling on the Biden administration to initiate a dispute settlement under USMCA.



 U.S. Grains Council Reacts To U.S. Decision For Dispute Settlement Consultations In Response to Mexico’s GMO Corn Decree

Today, the U.S. Trade Representative requested formal dispute settlement consultations under the USMCA regarding Mexico’s Presidential Decree on genetically modified corn. We are very thankful to Ambassador Tai for taking this important and necessary step with our number one importer of U.S. corn. The decree violates Mexico’s obligations to use science and risk-based policies to regulate biotechnology in a transparent way and threatens the mutually beneficial trading relationship our two countries have had for decades.

The U.S. Grains Council strongly supports the U.S. government’s action today as the decree explicitly bans the export of biotech white corn to Mexico and we appreciate U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack for always insisting that genetically modified crops are science-based, sound and safe.

The result of this decree as written will be to raise corn prices in Mexico, further exacerbating food security issues there, while also trying to block biotechnology as an important tool U.S. farmers can use to sustainably feed the world. We will do all in our power to support the U.S. government’s consultations so free and fair trade of corn between the United States and Mexico continues as was agreed to in USMCA.

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.

The U.S. Grains Council strongly supports the U.S. government’s action today as the decree explicitly bans the export of biotech white corn to Mexico and we appreciate U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack for always insisting that genetically modified crops are science-based, sound and safe.

The result of this decree as written will be to raise corn prices in Mexico, further exacerbating food security issues there, while also trying to block biotechnology as an important tool U.S. farmers can use to sustainably feed the world. We will do all in our power to support the U.S. government’s consultations so free and fair trade of corn between the United States and Mexico continues as was agreed to in USMCA.

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.



Statement by Secretary Vilsack Regarding USMCA Dispute Settlement Consultations Request on Mexico’s Agricultural Biotechnology Measures

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that the United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These consultations are in regard to Mexico’s agricultural biotechnology policies.

“USDA supports success for all farmers, and that means embracing fair, open, science- and rules-based trade. In this spirit, the USMCA was written to ensure that producers in all three countries have full and fair access to each other’s markets,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades. Through this action, we are exercising our rights under USMCA while supporting innovation, nutrition security, sustainability, and the mutual success of our farmers and producers.”

Today’s announcement is the latest action USDA and USTR have taken to address the United States’ concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology policies. In March, USDA and USTR requested technical consultations with Mexico under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Chapter of the USMCA.



Import Ban Unfairly Targets America’s Farmers

AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented today on the U.S. Trade Representative filing a request for further consultations over Mexico’s ban on biotech corn.

“AFBF appreciates U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai for bringing a case against Mexico over its ban of bioengineered corn. Unfortunately, Mexico’s President Obrador continues to ignore science and the framework of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

“The import ban hurts families in Mexico who rely on the safe and affordable food grown by America’s farmers. We encourage Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack to continue pressing forward to ensure Mexico lives up to its obligations under USMCA by allowing fair trade from the United States.”



CAP Webinar: Don’t Fool Yourself... Grain Marketing Trends and Making Your Best Choices
Jun 8, 2023 - 12:00 PM
Matt Stockton, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

The webinar will focus on current market forces and common tendencies of decision-makers as they consider selling this year’s corn crop. Our discussion extends to the difference between perceiving the market as it truly is, versus how we want it to be, and how cognitive anchoring can impact your market expectations for the year.
 
It will delve into the relationship between last year's prices and their impact on this year and examine the predictive power of traditional market signs and how perspectives can alter actions. We'll explore the potential for biased tendencies in grain marketing and share strategies to effectively use existing knowledge for maximum advantage.
 
The concept of the Gambler’s Fallacy will be addressed, and we will explore the effect of negative outcomes on your willingness to participate in the market. This year may witness the manifestation of the Dunning-Kruger effect, which we will also discuss.
 
By the end of the webinar, you will have acquired a stronger decision-making capability, having learned to recognize and account for natural heuristic traps that are inherent to us all. Join us on this enlightening journey to improve your market understanding and strategies.

Get more information and register here:  https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.



Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen Steak Fry
Saturday, June 10, 2023 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT    
Wayne County Fairgrounds
301 Pheasant Run
Wayne, NE 68787



Cuming County Feeders Golf Tournament
Saturday, June 17, 2023 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT    
Indian Trails Country Club
1128 County River Rd
Beemer, NE 68716



Equipment Manufacturers Praise Iowa’s Lawmakers for Creating Dairy Innovation Fund

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) issued the following statement praising the Iowa State Legislature’s creation of the Dairy Innovation Fund after Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law:  

“This is a great day for Iowa’s dairy farmers, who are always finding ways to do more with less. The creation of the Dairy Innovation Fund provides a much-needed boost to dairy farmers and ensures that they can continue to invest in the technologies that will keep the state’s dairy industry competitive,” said Kip Eideberg, AEM senior vice president of government and industry relations. “AEM would like to thank Senator Dan Zumbach and Representative Norlin Mommsen for shepherding this bill through the legislative process as well as the Iowa House and Senate leaders for their tireless work in securing passage of this important legislation.”

The FY2024 budget, which included the funding to create the Dairy Innovation Fund, was signed by Governor Reynolds on June 1. The program will make available new technologies and equipment to Iowa’s dairy farmers through low interest loans and grants. With the help of the Dairy Innovation Fund, dairy farmers will be able to access critical financial resources that can lead to cost improvements and increased efficiency through the usage of modern dairy technology. AEM helped secure passage of the legislation through a comprehensive advocacy campaign, including meetings with lawmakers and an earned media campaign. Chad Huyser, president of Lely North America and member of AEM’s Dairy Leadership Group, authored an op-ed in the Oskaloosa Herald calling for the bill’s passage.

“Iowa’s dairy farmers are twelfth in the nation for dairy production, and the establishment of the Dairy Innovation Fund will ensure our farmers remain competitive and at the cutting edge of dairy equipment and technology,” said Pat Weiler, AEM Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair and president and CEO of Iowa-based equipment manufacturer Weiler. “This will benefit the local economy and support the equipment manufacturing industry, which continues to revolutionize the way farmers approach operations. Precision agriculture is a game-changer for both dairy farmers and the equipment manufacturing industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”




Reinstatement of Grain Indemnity Fund Assessment Moved to September 1

As a result of Governor Reynolds signing House File 666 yesterday, the reinstatement of fees on grain sold to or deposited at Iowa-licensed grain dealers and warehouses as part of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund (Grain Indemnity Fund) will now start on September 1, 2023, instead of July 1, 2023.

On April 27, the board that oversees the Grain Indemnity Fund voted, as required by Iowa law, to reinstate the fees beginning on July 1. House File 666 contained a provision that moved the reinstatement date from July 1 to September 1. The bill passed the Iowa Senate 48-0 on May 2 and the Iowa House 93-0 on May 3.

Created by the Iowa Legislature in 1986 during the Farm Crisis to provide financial protection to farmers, the Grain Indemnity Fund covers farmers with grain on deposit in Iowa-licensed warehouses and grain sold to state-licensed grain dealers. In the case of a failure of a state-licensed grain warehouse or grain dealer, the Fund will pay farmers 90 percent of a loss on grain up to a maximum of $300,000 per claimant. Over the history of the Grain Indemnity Fund, more than $19 million in claims have been approved to more than 1,500 grain producers. The Fund has generated approximately $9 million in assessed fees, which were last collected in 1989. Interest income, combined with the Fund’s ability to recover losses from defunct grain dealers and warehouses, has provided additional revenue.

Due to claims made to the Grain Indemnity Fund following the failures of Pipeline Foods, LLC of Fridley, MN, Global Processing, Inc. of Kanawha and B&B Farm Store of Jesup within the last two years, the balance of the Fund has fallen below $3 million. The balance of the Grain Indemnity Fund after all approved claims have been paid is expected to be approximately $377,000. Current law requires that if the Fund falls below $3 million, the Grain Indemnity Fund Board must reinstate participation fees for grain dealers and warehouses as well as a ¼ cent per bushel assessment that can be passed on to producers beginning on September 1. As outlined in Iowa Code 203D, the assessment must remain in effect for at least one full year. Current law also requires these fees – which only apply to cash sales and not grain sold on credit sale contracts – to remain active until the Fund reaches a balance of $8 million.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators to protect Iowa farmers. The Grain Warehouse Bureau is responsible for administering the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund. The Department has commenced assessment implementation steps with industry stakeholders and has begun education efforts with farmers and grain producers. Members of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund are appointed by the Governor and are subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.



IDALS Expands Water Quality Partnership with Ducks Unlimited

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced an expansion of the state's efforts to improve water quality through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Ducks Unlimited have been collaborating since 2020, and their new 5-year cooperative agreement, valued at $7.1 million, aims to construct over 60 water quality wetlands and implement additional proven practices.

Water quality wetlands play a crucial role in filtering water before it reaches Iowa's rivers, lakes, and streams, while also providing vital habitat for wildlife. Secretary Naig expressed pride in the existing partnership with Ducks Unlimited, which has already yielded significant results. The new agreement will accelerate the construction of wetlands and promote conservation practices that enhance water quality and soil health across the state.

Under the agreement, the IDALS will provide $5.3 million through the state's Water Quality Initiative to support Ducks Unlimited in providing technical assistance and engaging landowners. Additionally, the Department will cover a portion of the installation costs through separate agreements with landowners. Ducks Unlimited will contribute $1.8 million, along with staff resources, outreach efforts, and technical assistance.

The partnership will focus on constructing water quality wetlands, multi-purpose oxbows, bioreactors, and saturated buffers—key components of Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy. In addition to the 60 wetlands, Ducks Unlimited will assist in designing 10 multi-purpose oxbows and aid in the installation of 25 saturated buffers and/or bioreactors.

This collaborative effort exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to preserving highly productive soil, preventing erosion, and protecting Iowa's critical waterways. By joining forces, they strive to safeguard water quality and ensure a high quality of life for present and future generations.

The partnership's impact will extend beyond water quality, as the construction of wetlands and adoption of conservation practices will also provide valuable habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall sustainability of Iowa's agricultural landscape.



Checkoff
from the Iowa Cattlemen's Association

Earlier this year, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act (S. 557/H.R. 1249) was introduced in Congress. Championed by Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), this legislation would substantially undermine the ability of federal checkoff programs, collected and partially administered by the Iowa Beef Industry Council, to drive demand for beef.

Supporters of the OFF Act assert this bill would increase transparency and eliminate loopholes in the statutes that enable commodity checkoff programs. A disgruntled few have claimed these checkoff dollars are being deceptively used against producers, yet the bill doesn’t actually create any new checks or balances. It’s merely an attack driven by the pursuit of a vendetta within our beef cattle industry and activists who do not want beef production or consumption to grow.

BY PRODUCERS, FOR PRODUCERS
At the federal level, the Beef Checkoff was created to build beef demand, fund education, research, marketing, and advertising campaigns, and develop new beef products. In 1988, the Checkoff assessment became mandatory when approved by a national referendum vote by producers. The board that oversees the Checkoff is comprised of producers appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. These members make sure your Checkoff dollars are judiciously spent to bring the most return on investment back to all producers.

CHECKOFF FACTS
The Checkoff is funded through a $1 per head assessment on the sale of live cattle. That dollar is collected by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), which oversees the program.

Making amendments to the Beef Promotion and Research Act requires congressional action and a producer referendum. In 2021, a petition to end the Checkoff failed to meet the requirement for signatures.

Under existing law, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is required to provide oversight of the Checkoff program and its stakeholders.

All expenditures and program costs of the Checkoff are publicly available at beefboard.org and an independent auditing firm conducts yearly audits of the financial statements for CBB and all CBB-approved projects.

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reviews these audits and conducts its own reviews of CBB operations at least once every three years and requires a separate independent evaluation of the effectiveness of CBB’s promotional programs every five years.

CAN SOMEONE BUY A VOWEL?
Did you know there are restrictions that keep the Checkoff from using “unfair or deceptive acts or practices including unfair or deceptive acts or practices with respect to the quality, value or use of any competing product”?

For example, Checkoff staff must share USDA-approved messaging when promoting beef. When discussing fake meat, you’ll note that the Checkoff’s approach is different from ICA’s approach. We’re not going to be deceptive in anything that we do, but we aren’t concerned with what’s considered “fair.” Words like “beef substitutes” and “meat alternatives” are often used by the Checkoff, instead of, “Protein bioengineered in a Petri dish, which doesn’t share the same sentiment as beef raised under the stewardship of cattle producers,” or calling a super impossible burger a “sh_t sandwich.”

KNOW WHAT’S IN THE “ALPHABET SOUP”
It’s worth noting that no bill, even the OFF Act, is solely ink on paper. Intent matters—and the intent of the groups driving this legislation is not to support your way of life in any way, shape, or form.

There are several acronyms in the list (https://bit.ly/3BkUuQF) of those who support the OFF Act. I’ll sort through some of the “alphabet soup” so you can understand who truly wants to change our Checkoff and text pulled directly from these organizations’ websites that emphasize true intentions. It doesn’t take long to realize that this isn’t about transparency or fairness in farming, it’s about controlling the organizations that promote beef production and consumption.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) - “Did you know that May is “National Burger Month”? We think it’s the perfect excuse to try something new—and more humane than a conventional, industrially produced beef patty.”

Farm Sanctuary - “We pursue bold solutions to end animal agriculture and foster just and compassionate vegan living.”

R-CALF USA - “It is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle industry.”

Mercy for Animals - “Making animal products less competitive and less attractive to consumers, food producers, and policymakers.”

Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future - “Reducing your intake of meat and animal products, particularly from industrial sources, can help protect your health, the health of the public, and the environment.”   

 LEARN WHERE YOUR DOLLAR GOES
You won’t get “transparency and accountability” from animal activist groups and the farm/ranch organizations that have teamed up with them, and you certainly won’t get it from a vegan senator that has repeatedly introduced bills to place moratoriums on concentrated animal feeding operations and eliminate dedicated conservation cost-share funding for livestock producers.

As producers, we must recognize the role of the Checkoff and how it complements the work we do on our farms and ranches. The Checkoff supports research tracking consumer preferences, views, and demand for meat; increasing market access for beef worldwide and developing demand overseas; promotion, like the Beef. It’s what’s for dinner. campaign; and more—all things we cannot do from our own farms and ranches.

If you have any doubts about where your Checkoff dollars are going or want to know more about how the Checkoff works for you, speak with Iowa Beef Industry Council staff or one of the many producers on the Iowa Beef Industry Council Board of Directors. Their information can be found online at iabeef.org/about-us.

HELP US PROTECT THE CHECKOFF FROM ACTIVISTS
You’ll need to make three quick calls or send three emails—your pick. Contact your congressional representative and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst. Urge them to protect producer-directed commodity checkoff programs, like the Beef Checkoff, by taking a stand against anti-animal agriculture activists and opposing the OFF Act. Remind them that Checkoff dollars cannot be used to influence public policy and that USDA requires audits of checkoff programs and contractors to ensure compliance.



Summer Grilling Coloring Contest
Iowa Beef Industry Council

June is here, and summer is well underway! Iowa’s future beef farmers are getting their beef projects ready for the county fair, kids are hanging out at the pool, and the smell of beef on the grill wafts through the air. As a parent trying to survive summer vacation, you may be looking for new and exciting things to keep your child entertained. Look no further and break out the crayons and colored pencils because the Iowa Beef Industry Council is having a coloring contest!

Participation is hassle-free. Download the coloring page found on our website https://www.iabeef.org/events/kids-coloring-contest and let the creativity flow. After your child has colored the beef grilling sheet to the best of their ability, upload a high-quality photo of their work in the form provided. Students will be divided into four categories: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9 years of age. The winning picture from each category will receive a $50 beef certificate and an age-appropriate summer grilling swag item.

Entries must be submitted by June 29, 2023 at 5 PM CST.

Beef is a great source of high-quality protein that can help curb your kid’s hunger and fuel summer fun all day long. Are you tired of cooking the same thing for your family? Then mix up your meal plan with these kid-friendly recipes. Better yet, invite them into the kitchen for some hands-on learning.
    English Muffin Cheeseburger Pizzas: Cheeseburgers and pizza? Two of our favorite things combined into one.
    Popcorn Steak Bites: Beefy nuggets cooked in the oven, perfect for little hands to dip as they wish.
    Rock and Roll Beef Wraps: A colorful way to introduce quinoa to your kids with ranch-seasoned Ground Beef and slaw.

Cooking and coloring: fun for the whole family!



United Soybean Board Announces Departure of CEO Polly Ruhland

United Soybean Board (USB) Chief Executive Officer, Polly Ruhland, will leave her position effective December 31, 2023. Ruhland, who led the organization for the past six years, played a pivotal role in driving significant organizational changes and establishing a solid foundation for the future of USB.

During the past six years, the United Soybean Board undertook a transformative journey marked by numerous accomplishments and milestones, including developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan, which buttressed USB's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and market development.

Ruhland’s service includes hiring and training a staff of talented professionals whose expertise and passion have been instrumental in advancing USB's initiatives and programs. Additionally, Ruhland managed a significant governance restructuring, ensuring streamlined decision-making processes and enhanced collaboration among board members and staff.

“Polly has been a visionary leader for USB during a very transformative time,” says Meagan Kaiser, Chair of the United Soybean Board. “A true servant-leader, her biggest contribution and lasting legacy is building a first-class staff that we can rely on. She inspires me and other farmer leaders to think big picture and will leave the board in a better place than when she started. We are grateful for her dedication to the U.S. soybean industry and American agriculture.”

Under Ruhland’s leadership, the organization initiated and executed a robust evaluation program, ensuring that USB's activities align with its strategic goals and deliver meaningful results for soybean farmers.

Embracing technology as a catalyst for progress, USB created and adopted several innovative technology solutions to enhance efficiency. These solutions empowered USB to optimize its operations, data management, fiscal stewardship and communication channels, benefiting the soybean industry.

Kaiser will form a search committee to identify a new Chief Executive Officer. The committee will commence its search after USB’s July board meeting to have a new CEO by the end of 2023. The search committee will identify a visionary leader who builds upon the board’s successes and continues driving the USB's mission forward.

The United Soybean Board remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the soybean industry and supporting the needs of soybean farmers across the United States. As it looks toward the future, the organization is confident in its ability to navigate the upcoming transition and embark on a new chapter of growth and success.



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