Wednesday July 26 Ag News

 Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Celebrates 25 Years in the Field

The 2023 Soybean Management Field Days, celebrating 25 years of providing growers with the latest in soybean production, management, and marketing, will take place from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11. Hosted by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) and Nebraska Extension, the field days offer a unique opportunity for farmers to learn about the latest techniques and technologies in soybean production and to network with fellow growers and industry experts.

Throughout the four-day event, attendees will be able to participate in demonstration-based presentations and engage in interactive discussions. The field days aim to provide research-based information to enhance soybean profitability, addressing both local and global issues significant to farmers. Participants will also gain insights into the Nebraska Soybean Board's research, marketing, and education efforts supported by checkoff dollars.

“Keeping relevance and profitability at the forefront of the field days are most important for the soybean checkoff,” said Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director. “It was that way in 1999 and it’s still that way in 2023. We also look forward to keeping the soybean conversation moving in the right direction for the next 25 years.”

The 2023 Soybean Management Field Days will begin with registration at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. Free registration will be available on the day of the event at each location. Dates and locations are:
• Aug 8 – Rockville, NE (Jason Jakob farm)
• Aug 9 – Concord, NE (UNL Haskell Ag Lab)
• Aug 10 – Mead, NE (UNL Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center
• Aug 11 – DeWitt, NE (Randy and Blake Huls farm)

Each stop on the field days tour will feature demonstration plots, opportunities for questions, and a commemorative treat: UNL Dairy Store ice cream, in honor of the 25th anniversary celebration.

“Our team from Nebraska Extension looks forward to having an interactive discussion about Nebraska soybeans,” said Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension Water & Cropping Systems Educator. “Come join us to look back at the last 25 years, discuss current soybean research, production information and markets, and think about what the future looks like for soybean production in Nebraska.”

University specialists, educators, and industry consultants will lead informative sessions on various topics, including:
• Sprayer Cleanout and Setup
• Soybean Diseases
• Insect Management - Soybean Gall Midge, Dectes, and Defoliators
• Cover Crops and Soil Health
• Irrigation/Technology
• Grain Markets

Furthermore, University of Nebraska-Lincoln agronomists, plant disease experts, and insect specialists will be available to address participants' inquiries, and attendees can bring unidentified crop problems for complimentary identification. A total of 3.5 CCA CEU’s are applied for and pending consisting of .5 CEU in crop management, 1 CEU in soil & water management, and 2 CEU’s in integrated pest management.

For additional information about the field days, including maps to the event sites, visit enreec.unl.edu/soydays, or contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at (402) 441-3240 or Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030.



New Directors Chosen at NePPA Annual Membership Meeting

Mark Wright, President of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) presided over the 2023 annual meeting of the Association membership. The Membership chose two new directors and re-confirmed Justin Hankins of Omaha as First Alternate. Austin Zimmerman of Wymore and Josh Wendt of Leigh will begin serving a two-year term. President Wright offered his congratulations to the new members and added, “I am very pleased that you have decided to accept a position on our board and look forward to working with you as we ensure continued opportunities and success for Nebraska’s pork farmers”.

Austin Zimmerman, Wymore: Austin, his wife Teri, and son live on a farm near Wymore. He is part of Zimmerman Hog Farms, located just west of Beatrice. The Zimmermans have a specialized pig operation, raising exhibition and breeding stock. Austin started showing pigs at a young age and is still very involved in the show pig industry. Austin is also the general manager for Midwest Livestock systems.

Josh Wendt, Leigh: Josh is a 3rd generation livestock farmer from Leigh. He and his wife, Ally have 2 boys. He has been involved with livestock and raising pigs his entire life. Currently Josh is involved in the family farming operation where they raise pigs, feed cattle, have a cow-calf operation and farm row crops. He is excited to join the NPPA Board and become more involved in the pork industry.

Justin Hankins, Omaha: Justin is a credit analyst at Farm Credit Services of America, specializing in the Agribusiness Capital Swine & Beef division of the company, with over 15 years in the banking and finance world. His education at the University of Nebraska--Kearney includes a BS in Business Administration with emphasis in management and a minor in economics. He also attended the Iowa State University School of Ag Banking.

Leaving the Board of Directors is Aaron Doerr of Creighton. Aaron comes from a distinguished line of pork producers and will be greatly missed as a director. “We extend our best wishes and future success to Aaron”, stated President Wright.



Nebraska Beef Council August Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will meet at the NBC office in Kearney, NE located at 1319 Central Ave. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, beginning at 8:00 a.m. CDT and Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will listen to presentation from outside contractors for the fiscal year 2023-2024 on Tuesday. Funding decisions will be conducted on Wednesday. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.    



More than $1.6 Million in Grants Awarded from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 35 project applications totaling more than $1.6 million during its quarterly board meeting on July 20. Seven of the projects are for ethanol infrastructure, one is for a biodiesel terminal, and 27 are for biodiesel infrastructure.

The RFIP helps fuel retailers provide higher blends of lower cost Iowa grown biofuels to consumers by incentivizing the installation, replacement and conversion of ethanol and biodiesel dispensing and storage infrastructure. Incentives to upgrade biodiesel terminal and storage facilities are also available. While the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship manages the program, a board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate determines grant allocations on a quarterly basis.

“When consumers can access higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel for their vehicle, they save money,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “As more retailers upgrade their infrastructure, Iowa drivers will continually find more options to help them save money through the use of cleaner burning and more affordable homegrown biofuels.”

Counties with locations receiving one or more of the project grants include the following: Van Buren, Crawford, Ida, Washington, Benton, Jackson, Muscatine, Taylor, Linn, Story, Jasper, Calhoun, Carroll, Iowa, Polk, Woodbury, Johnson, Pottawattamie, Marion, Winneshiek, Black Hawk, Dubuque and Madison. The complete list of locations can be found here... https://iowaagriculture.gov/sites/default/files/2023/Iowa%20Locations%20Receiving%20Quarterly%20July%202023%20Renewable%20Fuels%20Infrastructure%20Fund%20Grants.pdf.

The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board will consider additional RFIP grant applications during its next quarterly meeting in October. The RFIP grant application is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.



Soy Asphalt Technology Showcased at 2023 Farm Progress Show

The nation’s largest outdoor farm show, the Farm Progress Show, will showcase new sustainable technology at the Varied Industries Tent this year. A new asphalt pad, created using soy asphalt technology, will stretch from West Avenue to Central Avenue, covering nearly 43,600 square feet. The paving project, sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association, involves 100% recycled asphalt pavement mixed with a soy-based polymer.

“The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to take part in incorporating soy-based products at this year’s Farm Progress Show,” says Scott Gaffner, Greenville, Ill. farmer and ISA market development committee chair. “Utilizing soy over petroleum-based products is not only better for our environment, but it also increases the overall demand for Illinois soybeans.”

The increasing demand for soybean oil comes from new soy uses and technology, which has improved products from plastics and rubber to adhesives, paper and more. For example, by incorporating soy into the asphalt, the product becomes more durable – lengthening its lifetime.

“We’re creating an enhanced experience for visitors attending the show by upgrading the VIT area with this asphalt,” says Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress National Events Director. “Farmers and exhibitors will find this new surface creates a better environment for the show.”

Iowa State University began the research on soy asphalt, formulated with high-oleic soybean oil, to replace expensive, highly volatile compounds used as a binder in asphalt. The material used in the soy asphalt project is a cold-in-place technology. It will use 100% recycled asphalt pavement mixed with the soybean-based product. The soy-based asphalt project will use 4,200 pounds of soybean oil. Each bushel of soybeans yields about 10.7 pounds of oil, meaning oil derived from up to 392 bushels of soybeans was used in the project.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/21/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 21, ethanol production expanded 2.2% to 1.094 million b/d, equivalent to 45.95 million gallons daily and the highest level since late October 2021. Output was 7.1% more than the same week last year and 7.5% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.0% to 1.064 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.31 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks ticked up 0.3% to an 11-week high of 23.2 million barrels. Stocks were 0.4% less than a year ago but 3.0% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 0.9% to 8.94 million b/d (137.03 bg annualized). However, demand was 3.3% less than a year ago and 4.5% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 1.8% to 913,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.00 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.0% more than the same week last year but 0.4% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 86,000 b/d (3.6 million gallons per day), even with the prior week. There were zero imports recorded for the 33rd consecutive week.



Urea Drops Below $600 Per Ton for First Time Since September 2021

All retail fertilizer prices were lower again in the third week of July 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This is the second straight week prices for all eight major fertilizers were down.

While all eight of the major fertilizers were lower, only one was down significantly, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. Anhydrous was 6% lower compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $713 per ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were just slightly less expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $807 per ton, MAP $812/ton, potash $608/ton, urea $596/ton, 10-34-0 $717/ton, UAN28 $385/ton and UAN32 $457/ton.

Urea dropped below the $600-per-ton level for the first time since the third week of September 2021. The nitrogen fertilizer's price that week was $585 per ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.65/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.71/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. DAP and 10-34-0 are both 20% less expensive, MAP is 22% lower, urea is 29% less expensive, potash is 31% lower, UAN32 is 34% less expensive, UAN28 is 36% lower and anhydrous is 50% less expensive compared to a year prior.



NCBA Champions Introduction of Preserving Family Farms Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2023 that was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA) and Mike Kelly (PA). This bipartisan legislation would expand IRS Code Section 2032A to allow cattle producers to take advantage of the Special Use Valuation and protect family-owned businesses from the devastating impact of the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the Death Tax.
 
“America’s cattle producers deserve certainty in the tax code, especially when it comes to succession planning. NCBA is committed to fighting for common sense tax solutions, including the expansion of IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation, to allow more producers to secure greater relief from the estate tax and preserve family-owned cattle operations for generations to come," said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. "We applaud Representatives Panetta and Kelly for their leadership and dedication to protecting future generations of agricultural producers through the introduction of the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2023.”
 
Background
In the Tax Reform Act of 1976, Congress recognized the disproportionate burden of the Death Tax on agricultural producers and created Section 2032A as a way to help farmers keep their farms. However, the benefits of Special Use Valuations have been stymied over the years as the cap on deductions has failed to keep pace with the rising value of farmland.
 
While the current 2032A reduction is 55 percent higher than the value established two decades ago, USDA estimates that cropland values have increased by 223 percent. Agricultural land values – including on-farm buildings – have also risen dramatically, increasing by 241 percent during this same period. Due to the rapid inflation of farmland values, the 2032A deduction is no longer aligned with the needs of modern agriculture – nor does it accomplish Congress’ intended goal of providing meaningful protection to those producers who are most vulnerable to the estate tax.



Cattle Producers Direct NCBA Action on Cell-Cultured Products

Today, the members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) passed a directive at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting to continue the association’s advocacy efforts on transparent labeling and inspection of cell-cultured protein products.

“Cattle producers are not afraid of a little competition, and I know that consumers will continue choosing real high-quality beef over cell-cultured imitations,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “Our priority is ensuring that consumers accurately know the difference between real beef and cell-cultured products through transparent and accurate labeling. We have already been successful at engaging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct robust inspections and oversight to protect food safety.”

This directive was brought forward by the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association and passed at the Summer Business Meeting. All policies passed at this meeting will be forwarded to NCBA’s general membership for a full vote in the fall. This grassroots policy process ensures that NCBA’s policy positions reflect the views of cattle producers.

Background
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) issued two grants of inspection to companies producing cell-cultured chicken imitation products. These grants of inspection permit companies producing cell-cultured products to sell their products in interstate commerce. While no cell-cultured imitations of beef have received a grant of inspection, we are aware of several companies attempting to create these products.

NCBA previously advocated for USDA oversight of cell-cultured meat and was pleased to see FSIS inspecting these products as opposed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). USDA inspections occur more frequently and hold these companies to a higher food safety standard. Moving forward, NCBA will be urging Congress to set labeling requirements, so cell-cultured products are clearly distinguishable from real beef and to prevent confusion or misrepresentation about these products.



NCBA President Hits Back at Animal Rights Activists and Policymakers Attacking the Beef Checkoff

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, responded to attacks on the Beef Checkoff and NCBA from animal rights activists and their allies in Congress:

“As a cattle producer, I know what it means to work hard for every dollar, and I am proud to invest my money in the Beef Checkoff. It’s extremely disappointing to see members of Congress, who have historically been allies to agriculture, turn on the cattle industry and attack our producer-led checkoff.

“I am especially disappointed in Rep. Victoria Spartz who claimed in a recent interview that she paid into the wheat checkoff, which does not exist at the federal level. I’d encourage people to understand the truth about how Checkoff programs operate by visiting their websites, or better yet, by getting involved in the Checkoff programs themselves rather than spreading misinformation that furthers the goals of anti-agriculture activists.

“The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers, voted on by producers, and is directed by producers. It’s a program that delivers a $11.91 return on investment and strengthens demand for our high-quality beef. The Checkoff is also extremely transparent and if anyone wants to know where Beef Checkoff dollars go, all you have to do is visit the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website.

“Groups like Farm Action also have no business claiming to represent America’s farmers and ranchers. Their leaders, including Angela Huffman and Joe Maxwell, are career animal rights activists who have spent years attacking animal agriculture. In fact, the Animal Agriculture Alliance just added Farm Action, and other groups like the Organization for Competitive Markets to their Animal Rights Extremism list. Members of Congress should listen to the folks who are raising cattle and keeping our nation fed, not animal rights extremists hiding behind an organization that falsely claims to represent the interests of farmers and ranchers.



USGC Members Arrive In Calgary For 63rd Annual Board Of Delegates Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) members are touching down north of the border for the first time since 2017 for its 63rd Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Calgary, Canada, held July 26-28.

USGC Chairman Josh Miller opened the meeting by greeting Council members, guests and staff and sharing a preview of the conference:

“My theme for this past year, Live the Mission, recognized the tireless work of our members and staff in pursuit of greater economic possibilities for U.S. farmers,” Miller said. “This meeting is an opportunity for everyone involved with the Council to come together and refocus our goals and strategies for the upcoming year and learn from our fantastic lineup of speakers about the latest agricultural developments, challenges and opportunities around the world.”

After a welcome address from Tourism Calgary, attendees were treated to a recorded message from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Alexis Taylor. Taylor discussed the strong gains made in U.S. agriculture’s top 10 markets and headwinds facing the industry from drought and geopolitical tensions.

“Market access wins don’t happen overnight, but can take months, years or sometimes even decades and it’s with partners like the USGC who are critical to securing these successes,” Taylor said. “I look forward to further strengthening USDA’s relationship with all of the markets touched on today and to continue the partnership with the USGC in advancing U.S. grain, feed and ethanol exports to the international marketplace.”

First generation cattleman and motivational speaker Matt Niswander followed to share his experiences working in rural healthcare and the importance of being a leader in your community.

The general session concluded with a roundtable discussion of bioethanol experts including Hagan Rose, director of sales and international marketing at Eco-Energy; Ian Thomson, president at Advanced Biofuels Canada; and Dan Pfeffer, managing director at PAA Advisory.

In the afternoon, attendees spent time in one or more of seven Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings. Each A-Team has a specific focus: Asia, ethanol, innovation and sustainability, Middle East/Africa/South Asia, trade policy, value-added and Western Hemisphere. These meetings allowed members to offer input and set priorities to determine the Council’s course of action over the coming year.

On Thursday, programming will feature an outlook on Canadian feed grain production from USGC consultant Tom Dowler; updates on global shipping logistics from Jay O’Neil of HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting and Elizabeth Hucker of CP Rail; a presentation on upcoming soy crush capacity from Pete Meyer of S&P Global; and a panel on the Council’s bioethanol promotion strategy with USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand, USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath and USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Mackenzie Boubin.

The meeting will conclude on Friday with the Council’s Board of Delegates meeting, appointment of new A-Team leaders and election of members to the 2023/2024 Board of Directors.

More from the meeting is available on social media using the hashtag #Grains23 or through the website www.grains.org/event/calgary/.   



R-CALF USA Prepares for Upcoming 2023 Convention

On August 17 and 18, hundreds of cattle producers from across the country will gather at The Monument, in Rapid City, South Dakota, for R-CALF USA’s 24th Annual National Convention and Trade Show, themed “American Spirit.”

The educational event, which is open to the public, serves as a focal point for cattle and sheep producers, researchers, journalists, policymakers, and consumers to convene and share insights towards restoring America’s food security in the United States cattle and sheep industries.

“There is something empowering about gathering with producers that are like-minded and experiencing similar industry struggles, and that are ready and willing to become involved in improving their industries,” said Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland.

On Wednesday afternoon Aug. 16, pre-convention activities will kick off with committee and policy development meetings and an affiliate council meeting. Wednesday evening will host a welcome reception with appetizers, drinks, early registration, trade show access, and presentations from the reception’s sponsors Farmers Business Network and Boehringer Ingelheim.

On Thursday, Aug. 17, following a convention welcome and prayer breakfast, attendees will hear from: U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY); U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux; No Rancher Left Behind campaign leader and rancher advocate, Coy Young; antitrust attorney on R-CALF USA’s lawsuit against the Big 4 packers, Daniel Herrera; trade expert, Charles Benoit; expert on the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Tracy Hunt; and a sheep industry panel featuring American sheep producers Bill Kluck, Carson Jorgensen, and John Espil.

Thursday will conclude with a dinner and social featuring cowboy poetry and musical entertainment by Colin Wood, of Newell, South Dakota.

Speakers on Friday, Aug. 18, will include property rights advocate, Angel Cushing; monopoly power and market concentration expert, Claire Kelloway; U.S./Mexico border rancher, Erica Valdez; large animal veterinarian, Dr. Lora Bledsoe; members of the R-CALF USA Board of Directors; and R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.

Friday afternoon will end with the annual business meeting where current R-CALF USA members present and vote on organization policy.

Friday’s evening banquet will include the annual saddle raffle drawing, a live auction fundraiser, and the keynote address, “The Global War on Farming: Control the Food, Control the People,” given by Dutch farmers’ advocate and internationally renowned political commentator, Eva Vlaardingerbroek, of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Moreland said that convention pre-registration ends on Tuesday, Aug. 1. She also encourages attendees to reserve hotel rooms as the R-CALF USA hotel room blocks are quickly filling up.

For more information on the event, to view a full agenda, or to register, visit www.rcalfconvention.com.



Animal agriculture organizations partner to communicate science and combat misinformation

Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance (Alliance) and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) announced a working partnership between the two organizations to maximize areas of expertise to ensure sound scientific information about animal agriculture is being communicated effectively to key audiences.

As part of the working relationship, NIAA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs to work towards providing solutions for disease, while promoting a safe and wholesome food supply, will serve as a resource on scientific research and technical expertise. The Alliance, a non-profit working to safeguard the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities, will work to communicate this information to key audiences.

“The Alliance frequently fields questions from food brands, registered dietitians, media, and thought leaders on issues such as animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, and environmental stewardship. This partnership with the NIAA will give us greater access to technical experts in these fields to ensure we’re communicating accurate, science-backed, and expert-supported information to these audiences,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “The animal agriculture community has an incredible history of progress – thanks in large part to advancements in science – and we’re honored to continue spreading that message with the support of NIAA.”

“The NIAA has often served the animal agriculture community behind the scenes by convening experts and allies to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation and advances progress within the fields of animal welfare, animal health, and antibiotic use, among others,” said J.J. Jones, NIAA executive director. “Working alongside our communications partners at the Alliance, we’re positioned to better support the animal agriculture community in communicating science while combatting misinformation.”

The partnership will entail coordinating media responses on technical issues with third-party expertise, collaborating on the development and review of talking points, infographics, and other resources on topics such as animal welfare, antibiotic use and sustainability, and hosting regular joint issue updates with key stakeholders from each organization.

To learn more about the Alliance or NIAA, visit their respective websites at www.animalagalliance.org and www.animalagriculture.org.



China’s Meat Consumption: Growth Potential
USDA Economic Research Service

After several decades of rapid growth, China has emerged as a major producer, consumer, and importer of meat.

A new report issued today by USDA’s Economic Research Service, China’s Meat Consumption: Growth Potential investigates trends in China’s meat supply and household purchases, discusses data inconsistences, analyzes population, income, and price data that influence consumption, and estimates statistical models to ascertain future growth in China’s meat consumption.

Here are a few key findings from the report:
    Chinese meat prices have risen faster than other commodity prices since the 1990s, but meat consumption is relatively insensitive to prices.
    Imports comprised 9.1% of China’s meat supply in 2021, up from 1% in 2000. Meat imports accounted for a growing share of supply, as production growth diminished.
    Based on past relationships between meat consumption, income, and prices, per-capita meat consumption is projected to rise during 2022–31 by 23 kilograms using consumer purchase data and 21 kilograms using disappearance data.

For more information, please refer to the full report... https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=106998.