Wednesday July 12 Ag News

 NCTA, UNL COLLABORATE WITH MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRY TO BOOST TRAINING

The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture has received a $644,489 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide a targeted curriculum that trains potential and current employees for the Nebraska meat processing industry. NCTA is partnering with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Department of Animal Science and consulting with private industry to develop the curriculum.

The project will involve training at NCTA’s meat laboratory and the university’s Loeffel Meat Laboratory. After completing the training, participants will receive credentialing through digital badges or other certification recognized by the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors. The curriculum also is meant to help participants understand the breadth of career options in the meat processing industry and to help current employees enhance their skills.

Training materials will be available in both English and Spanish. The research was supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development Program.

The federal grant will fund development of the project and provide stipends for trainees to cover their associated expenses.

“A well-developed program will not only increase the skill set of individuals coming with little background, but we believe it will also have a profound improvement in retention, worker satisfaction and safety,” said Larry Gossen, dean of NCTA.

NCTA and the Department of Animal Science at Nebraska make for a constructive partnership, said Gary Sullivan, associate professor of meat science at Nebraska.

“We will work with NCTA in development of the curriculum content, as well as the immersive, hands-on training of students,” Sullivan said.

Last August, NCTA hosted Husker faculty and 28 private-sector representatives for an examination of the training challenges facing the meat processing sector. The discussion highlighted a range of complications for training and retention:

> Training new line workers at the entry level takes time and diverts precious resources at plants. The challenge is especially great for small processors.

> New and potential employees vary widely in their existing knowledge of the industry and in having the necessary skills. Some have no prior knowledge.

> On-the-job training must cover a wide range of topics, from knife skills and cut types to animal handling and food safety.

> After small processors invest in training, they often find that new employees leave shortly after their hire. In some cases, the workers leave within hours, because they didn’t anticipate the challenges of working within an operational processing plant.

> Meat processing plants, regardless of size, often do not have the capacity needed for adequate training.

From those discussions, the group identified a set of priority skill needs, including meat cutting, knife handling, safety and sanitary animal handling. NCTA will develop short courses in those skills, with experiential learning components to complement the training.

“Industry emphasized that it would go a long way if potential hires had a baseline understanding of the industry and potential job paths before they started their employment, along with some preliminary training in essential skills,” said Gossen, the NCTA dean. “For plants both large and small, such a program would alleviate some of the initial burden of training and would help them better fit applicants to a position where they would be successful.”

Through this approach, Gossen said, “we anticipate it would create an attractive career option to those who may not typically look to the meat sector, as well as to those who may be seeking immediate employment in a plant but may not have prior skills and knowledge.”

The university’s meat science program “has a good partnership with the meat processing industry in the state and beyond,” Sullivan said. “We have really worked toward ensuring that we have students who are trained to meet their needs, as well as conducting research that answers and solves industry problems.”

The new USDA-funded collaboration with NCTA, UNL and private industry, he said, can go far in helping the industry address its needs for employee onboarding, training and retention.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on July 1 conditions, Nebraska's winter wheat production is forecast at 33.2 million bushels, up 26% from last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 39 bushels per acre, up 7 bushels from 2022. Area to be harvested for grain is estimated at 850,000 acres, up 4% from a year ago.

Oat production is forecast at 1.13 million bushels, up 23% from last year. Average yield is forecast at 45 bushels per acre, down 6 bushels from 2022. Area to be harvested for grain is estimated at 25,000 acres, up 39% from a year ago.

IOWA: Oat production in Iowa is forecast at 3.15 million bushels, down 2 percent from the 3.20 million bushels produced in 2022 according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. The expected yield is 70.0 bushels per acre, down 10.0 bushels from 2022. Iowa oat growers intend to harvest 45,000 acres for grain, up 5,000 acres from last year.

The forecasts in this report are based on July 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of August 1, will be released on August 11.

USDA: Winter Wheat Production Up 6 Percent from June Forecast
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.21 billion bushels, up 6 percent from the June 1 forecast and up 9 percent from 2022. As of July 1, the United States yield is forecast at 46.9 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels from last month but down 0.1 bushel from last year's average yield of 47.0 bushels per acre. Area expected to be harvested for grain or seed totals 25.7 million acres, unchanged from the Acreage report released on June 30, 2023, but up 10 percent from last year.

Hard Red Winter production, at 577 million bushels, is up 10 percent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 422 million bushels, is up 5 percent from the June forecast. White Winter, at 207 million bushels, is down 1 percent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 11.4 million bushels are Hard White and 196 million bushels are Soft White.

Durum wheat production is forecast at 54.0 million bushels, down 16 percent from 2022. Based on July 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 37.9 bushels per harvested acre, down 2.6 bushels from 2022. Area expected to be harvested for grain or seed totals 1.43 million acres, unchanged from the Acreage report released on June 30, 2023, but down 10 percent from 2022.

Other spring wheat production for grain is forecast at 479 million bushels, down 1 percent from last year. Based on July 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 45.2 bushels per harvested acre, down 1.0 bushel from 2022. Area harvested for grain or seed is expected to total 10.6 million acres, unchanged from the Acreage report released on June 30, 2023, but 1 percent above 2022. Of the total production, 441 million bushels are Hard Red Spring wheat, down 1 percent from 2022.



Governor Pillen Leads Delegation on First Trade Mission to Vietnam

Governor Jim Pillen is leading a delegation to Vietnam aimed at growing trade opportunities that will benefit Nebraska. The group has multiple stops scheduled throughout the country during the week-long visit, starting Sunday, July 9. Other members of the team include Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton, Chancellor Joanne Li of the University of Nebraska – Omaha and ag-related business, academic and government representatives.

“Vietnam is an important and growing export market for Nebraska processed feed like corn gluten, soybean meal and distillers grains,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are positioned well to meet growing demands for ag products and identify other, yet untapped, opportunities to partner with Vietnam going forward.”

Events during the trade mission include visiting a large grocery/distribution center, product demonstrations, meetings with Vietnamese trade officials and a stop at the Vietnam University of Agriculture.

“Nebraska has had many positive visits and exchanges with Vietnam over the years. This visit is another step in strengthening that bond,” said Gov. Pillen.

Earlier this year, a delegation consisting of Nebraska business leaders and representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) went to Vietnam to discuss both business and educational opportunities. According to the most recent data (2021), total export value to Vietnam from Nebraska exceeds $946 million dollars.  With a growing population of 104 million, the country buys a significant quantity of  dairy products, eggs, dry edible beans, as well as beef from Nebraska.

“I’m excited to have Vietnam as my first trade mission,” said Gov. Pillen. “Southeast Asia is an important market for Nebraska, and we are primed and ready to meet demands for ag goods.”



Flood & Congressional Delegation Return from Diplomatic Visit to Taiwan

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood recently returned from Taiwan, after meeting with high level government officials, visiting the country’s most important agencies and institutions, and joining celebrations honoring Independence Day in the United States.

“It was an honor to join my colleagues in Taiwan as we learned about the nation’s rich history and vibrant democracy,” said Congressman Flood. “An independent and free Taiwan is critical for stability and peace across the Asia-Pacific Rim. The United States stands with Taiwan, and we will continue to work to grow trade and strengthen ties between our two countries.”

Congressman Flood was joined by Kevin Hern (R-OK), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Mike Collins (R-GA), Russell Fry (R-SC), and Keith Self (R-TX).

During the visit, the delegation met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of Trade Negotiations, the American Institute in Taiwan, the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwan is Nebraska’s seventh largest export market for ag products. Nebraska exported $243.2 million of products to Taiwan in 2021.



GRAZING SUMMER ANNUAL FORAGES
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator

Summer annual forages such as sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids and pearl millet planted this spring soon could be ready to graze.  There are some grazing guidelines to help avoid potential hazards.

The first guideline is to never turn hungry animals into sudangrass or sorghum-type pastures.  The reason why is because they may eat so rapidly that they could get a quick overdose of prussic acid and die.  All sudangrass and sorghum-type hybrids can produce a compound called prussic acid that is potentially poisonous.  Prussic acid, which also is called cyanide, is nothing to fear, though, as long as you use a few precautions to avoid problems.

The highest concentration of prussic acid is in new young shoots, so let your grass get a little growth on it before grazing to help dilute out the prussic acid.  Let sudangrass get 15 to 18 inches in height before grazing.  Sorghum-sudan hybrids usually have a little more prussic acid risk, so wait until they are 18 to 24 inches tall.

Pearl millet does not contain prussic acid so if you planted millet these grazing precautions aren’t needed.  Pearl millet can be grazed when it reaches 12 to 15 inches tall.

Nitrates also can accumulate in these grasses, particularly when there are droughty conditions and/or excess nitrogen fertilization.  Avoid grazing these grasses too short, since nitrate concentration is highest in the lower parts of the stems.

Summer annual grasses respond best to a simple, rotational grazing system.  Divide fields into three or more smaller paddocks of a size that your animals can graze down to about eight or so inches of leafy stubble within 7 to 10 days.  Repeat this procedure with all paddocks.  If grass in some paddocks gets too tall, it could be cut for hay.

A well-planned start, a good rotation, and a little rain can give you good pasture from these grasses all the rest of the summer.   



Circular bioeconomy conversations in Nebraska, around the world

The circles of life are catching on, in and beyond agriculture. Ray Gaesser has been talking about the circles of life on his farm in Iowa for years, and circular agricultural systems were the main focus of the recent Iowa Smart Agriculture Forum.

But the conversation is not just taking place in Iowa. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) is championing the concept of circular bioeconomy systems in its initiative, with the mission to advance education, professional development, and innovations for developing sustainable circular bioeconomy systems.

ASABE is made up of members from more than 100 countries who are interested in engineering and technology for agricultural, food and biological systems. Its members include engineers and non-engineers from universities, national laboratories and industry.

In its Introduction to Circular Bioeconomy Systems, ASABE defines a circular economy as one in which “the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible with minimal generation of waste.” It’s a “make, use and recycle” model as opposed to the linear, “take, make and waste” system.

The five basic principles of circularity are:
    Increase use efficiencies.
    Design out waste and pollution.
    Keep products and materials in use.
    Regenerate natural systems.
    Provide economic benefits.

The goal of a circular system is to increasingly re-use and recycle materials across the system (which in agriculture includes farms and ranches as well as processors and others across the value chain). There will always be some amount of waste, but the idea is to minimize that waste and give raw materials a second, third or even fourth life.

Through its Circular Bioeconomy Systems Initiative, ASABE is engaging its members but is also looking to connect with others who can add valuable perspectives—including farmers.

This week, ASABE members are meeting at the Annual International Meeting (AIM) in Omaha, Nebraska, and members had the opportunity to attend a mini-symposium on circular bioeconomy systems.

The event started Saturday, July 8, with a trip to the Nebraska Farm of the Future, where members explored how to best use this and other facilities in the U.S. and elsewhere as testbeds for developing, evaluating and demonstrating equipment technologies, biotechnologies and information technologies. On Sunday, July 9, members heard from industry and academia representing diverse disciplines, including agricultural and biological, chemical, civil and environmental engineering; agricultural and applied economics; agronomy; and animal, dairy, crop and soil sciences.

Ray Gaesser, a SfL Board member and co-chair of Iowa Smart Agriculture, was one of the speakers, sharing a farmer’s perspective. Gaesser and his family operate 6,000 acres of corn and soybeans in Corning, Iowa, using no-till and cover crops to conserve and enhance natural resources. His soils also benefit from livestock integration, thanks to partnerships with neighbors.

“It’s exciting to see engineers thinking about tools and technologies that can equip farmers to achieve greater efficiencies and expand the circles of life on their farms and in their communities,” Gaesser says. “We’ll all benefit when we work together.”

Circular system conversations are also happening globally.

Solutions from the Land is collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on a global circular bioeconomy initiative launched at the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN)/FAO Innovation Forum in Rome in May.

This global initiative is guided by a work group composed of:
    Maria Pilu Giraudo, a soy, wheat, barley, corn, sorghum and livestock producer from Argentina.
    Amelia Levin Kent, a cattle producer from the U.S.
    Margaret Munene, co-founder and CEO of Palmhouse Dairies in Kenya.
    Marco Pasti, a maize, soybeans, wheat, barley sugar beets and cattle producer from Italy.
    Jim Jones, of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
    .Alashiya Gordes, Alternate Workstream Lead for the Environment (FAO).
    Marta Gomez San Juan, Bioeconomy Lead (FAO).
    Lois Wright Morton, berry, flower and vegetable farmer from the U.S. (Solutions from the Land).
    Ernie Shea, Solutions from the Land/International Agri-Food Network (facilitator).

Their mission is to collaborate in constructing a roadmap that will outline pathways for scaling circular bioeconomy solutions (CBS) to sustainable development goal attainment. They will also team up to introduce and proactively promote this approach to 21st century agriculture in global forums where the future of agriculture is being explored including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), United Nations Water Conference, and others.

Their first deliverable will be a white paper that lays out:
    Their vision for what the circular bioeconomy is along with important building blocks to achieve it.
    Practical examples farmers experimenting with circular bioeconomy solutions today.
    Guiding principles and recommendations for farmers, value chain partners, and policy makers.

Solutions from the Land is excited to be partnering with FAO and ASABE on using our respective networks to educate, inspire and foster collaboration among our members and the broader agricultural community to think through and experiment with circular systems in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.

Like all our work, it begins by placing farmers at the center of discussions and decisions. Special thanks to our producer partners across the world for helping to lead this “next frontier” initiative.



BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark to benefit Food Bank of Iowa, DMARC, local food pantries
    
Food banks and food pantries across Iowa will benefit from the inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event, which takes place this Saturday at Principal Park in Des Moines. The Food Bank of Iowa and the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) will each receive at least $5,000 worth of ground pork.

Additional funds raised through the event will pay for ground pork to be distributed to food pantries across Iowa. The Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with the Iowa Cubs and Cactus Cares to organize the event.

“So many people in our community are struggling right now to meet their basic needs,” said Des Moines Area Religious Council CEO Matt Unger. “Our community can better address these challenges by working together. With the support of local leaders like the Iowa Pork Producers Association, we are one step closer to meeting that need. Donations of meat products can be one of the most challenging items to come by and goes a long way.”

One of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s (IPPA) We Care principles is caring for people. This event illustrates IPPA’s commitment to those principles.

“Food insecurity is at an all-time high,” said Michelle Book from the Food Bank of Iowa. “It takes all of us working together to make a difference for hard-working Iowans struggling to make ends meet. I’m grateful for Iowa pork producers who are feeding the world and helping to feed their neighbors in need.”

The inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark takes place this Saturday, July 15 at Principal Park in Des Moines from 12-4 p.m. For just $25, attendees receive samples of Iowa pork from 30 different backyard barbecuers, 15 samples of craft beers from nine different Iowa breweries, and $5 vouchers to use at the concession stands. There will also be two BBQ Bootcamps so attendees can pick up some grilling tips, as well as enjoy live music, games, and more. Iowa Cubs mascot Cubbie Bear will make an appearance and the Cubs playground area and Speed Pitch game will be open for this family friendly event.

30 backyard barbeque experts will be competing for more than $10,000 in prizes. Berkwood Farms will provide all the pork used for the event. Fareway Stores is also providing numerous resources for BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark.

“This is going to be a great celebration of Iowa pork and craft beers, while helping address food insecurity in Iowa,” said IPPA President Trish Cook. “Iowa pig farmers care about the people of Iowa and the animals we raise. We’re thrilled to work with the Iowa Cubs and Cactus Cares to organize the inaugural BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark.”

Cactus Cares will each be giving away Treager Smoker during the event and the Iowa Pork Producers Association will give away a Blackstone Griddle and additional prizes. Raffle tickets are free. Other free door prizes include $50 gift cards from Fareway Stores, and packages from Cookies Food Products, the Iowa Cubs and Iowa craft breweries.

Parking will be free at Principal Park. Seating inside and outside the stadium will be open. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs as well.

Full price tickets cost $25, with $5 from every ticket purchase helping to provide pork for local food pantries. Iowans who want the BBQ experience without the brew can attend for $15. Kids under 5 get in free. Visit IowaPork.org to get more information and click here purchase your ticket today.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/7/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 7, ethanol production eased by 2.6% to 1.032 million b/d, equivalent to a 4-week low of 43.34 million gallons daily. However, output was 2.7% more than the same week last year and 1.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.4% to 1.049 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.08 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks gained 1.8% to 22.7 million barrels. Stocks were 4.0% less than a year ago but 2.5% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, plunged 8.8% to 8.76 million b/d (134.23 annualized). Weekly demand, the lowest since April, was 8.6% more than the same week last year but 2.5% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 3.5% to a 5-week low of 891,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.66 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 0.5% more than the same week last year and 0.2% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports declined to an estimated 51,000 b/d (15.0 million gallons for the week), the lowest volume in nearly 2 years. There were zero imports recorded for the 31st consecutive week.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Show Only Minor Changes at Beginning of July 2023

Most average retail fertilizer prices continued to move lower the first week of July 2023, though price changes for all fertilizers were only minor, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

As was the case last week, prices for six of the eight major fertilizers were lower compared to a month ago. But unlike in recent weeks, none of the six were down considerably. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. MAP had an average price of $827 per ton, urea $615/ton, 10-34-0 $730/ton, anhydrous $752/ton, UAN28 $396/ton and UAN32 $466/ton.

The remaining two fertilizers were slightly more expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $824/ton, while potash was at $619/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.67/lb.N, anhydrous $0.46/lb.N, UAN28 $0.71/lb.N and UAN32 $0.73/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 19% less expensive, both DAP and MAP are 21% lower, urea is 29% less expensive, potash is 30% lower, UAN32 is 34% less expensive, UAN28 is 35% lower and anhydrous is 49% less expensive compared to a year prior.



FDA milk labeling comments due July 31! Act Now!

FDA proposed in February to allow companies to use the term ‘milk’ on the labels of plant-based fake alternatives. The opportunity to comment on the FDA’s Draft Guidance on Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives ends July 31, 2023. American Dairy Coalition (ADC) urges action now.

The FDA Guidance document recommends milk imposters to “voluntarily” provide a nutrition statement on their product labels, explaining the differences between real Milk and their phony alternatives.

“The voluntary statement is totally inadequate. The FDA Draft Guidance is business-as-usual for the companies making imposter products that have enjoyed two decades of non-enforcement and billions of dollars in annual profit at the expense of dairy farmers and consumers while the FDA has looked the other way, ignoring its own Standards of Identity for Milk,” says ADC CEO Laurie Fischer.

“FDA says these nutritional statements are a voluntary recommendation, but many in the dairy industry adamantly disagree with FDA’s position. Plant-based companies and trade associations, including the American Beverage Association, are supporting and congratulating FDA on its Draft Guidance, which could mean full speed ahead for fake alternatives to be labeled as ‘milk’ without containing any Milk, and it is a total fabrication,” Fischer explains.

ADC urges national and state organizations and individual dairy farmers to comment -- by July 31 -- asking FDA to enforce its current law called the “Standards of Identity on Milk” and to only allow real Milk products to be labeled as Milk, while the imposters that violate this are held accountable.

“It is wrong for consumers to be led down this path by the agency that is supposed to ensure their safety and guard against mislabeling,” says Fischer.

In the Guidance document, FDA describes the proliferation of milk-imposters, noting that in 2010, one-fifth of U.S. households purchased or consumed plant-based alternatives. By 2016, this grew to one-third, totaling $1.5 billion in sales that year, and from 2017 to 2019, annual fake sales increased nearly 15% to $2 billion, with refrigerated products accounting for approximately 90% and shelf-stable accounting for around 10%. By 2020, retail sales grew to about $2.4%, according to the FDA document.

“That is profit at the expense of consumers,” Fischer points out. “Voluntary nutrition statements are not enough. The FDA’s own Guidance admits that in its focus groups, 25% of consumers either believed there was real Milk in these fake drinks, or they were unsure. That’s a lot of people! Even worse, FDA admits research showing many consumers ‘lack an accurate understanding about the specific nutrients in plant-based milk alternatives,’ and that ‘a majority of consumers who purchase plant-based 'milk' alternatives state they do so because they believe the products are healthier than Milk!’

“This means there are consumers who believe almond beverages that are mislabeled as ‘milk’ could be real Milk, with almond flavoring. This is unacceptable. It is long past time for the dairy industry to stand up and take action by providing FDA with your thoughts on the inadequacy of a voluntary nutrition statement on a completely fake mislabeled ‘milk’ imposter,” Fisher adds.

“We believe ALL consumers matter. We believe this is an issue of health equity as well. Global beverage companies have profited on this mislabeling long enough. The stakes for human health and nutrition are too high. FDA has a responsibility to prevent mislabeling so that all consumers are in an equitable position of understanding the choices they ultimately make,” she explains.

Decades of non-enforcement of FDA’s own Standards of Identity have already affected consumer choices and have harmed dairy farmers by shrinking markets for their products by allowing other drinks to falsely profit on Milk’s good name and superior nutrition profile. Consumers who are confused may make different choices if they are not being misled.

“We are asking the FDA not to cave into the pressure of large global beverage makers. We ask that the FDA care about consumers who it admits are being misled. We ask that the FDA recognize its own role in the proliferation of billions of dollars in sales that are unfairly gained through the mislabeling of a rapidly growing assortment of fake drinks mislabeled as 'milk.' We are also calling on the FDA to stop the mislabeling of lab-created ‘fermentation-vat’ proteins that are being advertised to the food industry and to consumers as ‘dairy protein without the cow,’” Fischer asserts, noting these imposters are not complete dairy proteins and do not provide the complete nutritional package found in real dairy Milk as a beverage or ingredient.

“It’s time to be straight with consumers and to restore the integrity of the beverage labels they rely on. Only real Milk, is Milk.”

To comment on the FDA Draft Guidance, the docket number is FDA-2023-D-0451-0002. Here is the direct link to submit a comment within the federal rulemaking portal:  https://www.regulations.gov



Farm, Forestry, Environmental and Hunger Advocates Unite Behind 2023 Farm Bill

Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign to urge passage of the 2023 farm bill this year.

Farm Bill for America’s Families brings together stakeholders who support the farm bill and recognize its profound impact on the well-being of all Americans. The campaign seeks to engage consumers, leaders and lawmakers alike on the importance of the farm bill and highlights five core objectives: food security, job creation, conservation, risk management and addressing hunger.

The founding members of this campaign, advocating for an effective farm bill in 2023, include:
    American Farm Bureau Federation
    American Seed Trade Association
    American Soybean Association
    American Sugar Alliance
    Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities
    Ducks Unlimited
    Environmental Defense Fund
    Farm Credit Council
    Feeding America
    National Alliance of Forest Owners
    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
    National Association of Wheat Growers
    National Corn Growers Association
    National Cotton Council
    National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
    National Farmers Union
    National Pork Producers Council
    The Nature Conservancy
    U.S. Peanut Federation
    USA Rice

Farm Bill for America’s Families believes that together, we can ensure our food system remains thriving and sustainable for all Americans, for generations to come. For more information, visit https://farmbillforamericasfamilies.com/.  



Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Investments to Improve Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $300 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to improve measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration in climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The new investments, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will advance priorities set by the broader Federal Strategy to Advance Greenhouse Gas Measurement and Monitoring for the Agriculture and Forest Sectors, which was also released today as draft for public input and outlines a strategic framework and priority actions for improving accuracy and reducing uncertainty in greenhouse gas estimates.

The Inflation Reduction Act provided nearly $20 billion in overall investments to advance climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. Today’s announcement and the broader federal strategy will support the effective implementation of these climate and conservation investments and help further President Biden’s bold goal of achieving a 50-52 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

“Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken bold steps in climate-smart agriculture by making programs as strong and effective as possible,” Vilsack said. “To do this, we have to improve the scientific backbone of our programs. This new investment by USDA in improving data and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions – made possible by through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda – is unmatched in its scope and potential to increase accuracy, reduce uncertainty and enhance overall confidence in these estimates. We’re data driven, and we seek continuous improvement in our climate-smart agriculture and forestry efforts.”

“One of the big remaining technological challenges for tackling the climate crisis is ensuring that natural solutions in agriculture and forestry are working well,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation. “Today’s USDA announcement of $300 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to measure and verify emissions from those sectors is a big step in the right direction.”

“Farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and are more committed than ever to delivering solutions that protect and enhance our lands and waters,” said NCA Ali Zaidi. “President Biden has understood from day one of his Administration how our changing climate is impacting our rural communities. This new funding and strategy will turbocharge development of the data, science, and technology innovation to address the crisis at hand and unlock the full economic opportunity for our country by improving national greenhouse gas estimates in the agriculture and forestry sectors and making these climate solutions more investment-ready for the private sector.”

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act– the single largest investment in climate and clean energy solutions in American history – tasked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with quantifying and tracking carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions and gathering field-based data to evaluate the effectiveness of climate-smart mitigation practices in reducing these emissions.

To carry out these tasks, USDA has identified seven key focus areas that reflect the framework outlined by the federal strategy and are based on substantial input from stakeholders:
    Establish and advance a Soil Carbon Monitoring and Research Network with a perennial biomass component;
    Establish and advance a Greenhouse Gas Research Network;
    Expand data management, infrastructure and capacity;
    Improve models and tools for assessing greenhouse gas outcomes at operational, state, regional, and national scales;
    Improve NRCS conservation practice standards and implementation data to reflect greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities;
    Improve temporal and spatial coverage of national conservation activity data; and
    Strengthen the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Assessment Program of USDA.

USDA is continuing to engage stakeholders and technical experts to help inform this effort. Those interested in learning more about the effort are encouraged to register for a webinar that USDA is holding at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 21, 2023.  Register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-FlDCAFVRR-JVWZUgpsXbQ

Additionally, USDA is currently seeking comment on the draft Federal Strategy published today, on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration. The report and Request for Information are available here: www.regulations.gov/docket/USDA-2023-0009. The strategy was prepared by USDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and others on behalf of the Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Measurement Interagency Working Group. The draft Federal Strategy presents a federal plan to enhance measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification in agriculture and forestry through five areas. These include improved greenhouse gas and soil carbon monitoring, alignment and enhancement of related research, utilization of advanced models and tools for better estimations, and prompt and accurate collection of conservation data including through better use of remote sensing data.



Brazil’s Uptick in Corn Exports Not Necessarily Indicative of Trend, Ag Economist Says

While Brazil is positioned to surpass the U.S. in corn exports this year, the data don’t indicate the trend leading to this development will necessarily continue, as the South American country faces many challenges when it comes to agriculture and trade, a national ag economist said today.

“U.S. exports have been hindered by droughts that have affected key areas of the Corn Belt,” NCGA Lead Economist Krista Swanson said. “But the U.S. has several relative advantages in the global corn market that can be harnessed to support our $90 billion corn industry.”

The U.S. is bolstered by far superior infrastructure and sustainable farming practices, Swanson noted. For example, she said Brazil is 86.6% of the size of the entire United States but has just 25% of the roadway miles found in this country, of which only 12.4% are paved. Nearly 70% of roadway miles are paved in the U.S.

The comments were made during a joint press conference hosted by the National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Grains Council and come as reports show that Brazil is on pace to surpass the U.S. in corn exports this year. Swanson was joined at the press conference by U.S. Grains Council Vice President Cary Sifferath, who addressed potential new markets that could be cultivated for U.S. corn growers.

In addition to listing the strengths U.S. corn growers bring to the table, Swanson also highlighted some of Brazil’s limitations.

“While there is additional pasture area available for cropland expansion in the country, efforts are also underway to rein in deforestation of valuable rainforest that is critical to global sustainability,” Swanson said. “In the U.S., by contrast, farmers have used innovation to sustainably increase production of corn over time with a finite land area.”

NCGA has called on Congress to double funding in the farm bill for important trade programs, such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.

MAP is designed to encourage development, maintenance and expansion of commercial markets for U.S. agricultural exports. FMD is a joint government and agri-industry effort to develop markets by acquainting potential foreign customers with U.S. farm products.

The final data on trade exports from both countries for the 2022-2023 market year will be released in September.



Syngenta announces EPA registration of a new corn herbicide innovation: Storen™

Syngenta announced today that its latest residual corn herbicide, Storen™, has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will be available for use in 2024, subject to state approvals.

Storen combines four powerful residual active ingredients — bicyclopyrone, mesotrione, S-metolachlor and pyroxasulfone ― to deliver consistently clean rows up to three weeks longer than other leading corn herbicides*.

“Weeds continue to evolve and are outsmarting the most effective herbicide programs used today,” said Shawn Hock, corn herbicide product lead for Syngenta Crop Protection. “In fact, we surveyed preemergence corn herbicide users and 40% of those surveyed said Palmer amaranth and waterhemp were difficult to control with their program. That is why we invest in new innovations to help growers meet emerging weed challenges, and we are excited to announce Storen corn herbicide to help restore confidence in their weed control.”

One such grower, Matt Moreland, from Medford, Oklahoma, explained why growers like him need Storen now more than ever.

“We farm along the Kansas-Oklahoma border and deal with weeds like Palmer amaranth and grasses, which contact herbicides used to control before weeds became resistant,” said Moreland. “We’ve adapted our approach to rely on strong residual herbicides that prevent weeds from emerging and taking over our fields, and that’s why we’re looking for a longer-lasting herbicide that’s going to get me through canopy.”

“Trials showed Storen kept fields clean for up to three weeks longer than other leading corn herbicides,” said Brett Miller, regional head of field development for Syngenta Crop Protection. “When you put a full rate of the four most effective residual active ingredients together that control resistant weeds, it’s no wonder we’re seeing a higher level of control from Storen than any other product.”

Storen is labeled for preemergence and post-emergence in field corn and seed corn and has partial control, or control, of more than 74 weed species, including control of Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, kochia, common lambsquarters, morningglory, Giant ragweed, common ragweed, and annual grasses.

“We encourage growers and retailers to contact their local Syngenta rep to see Storen in field trials at Syngenta Grow More Experience sites across the country this season,” said Hock. “We’ll also have Storen demos at the Syngenta tent at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, and Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Nebraska, so you can come out and see it for yourself.”