Friday August 25 Ag News

 Drooping Corn Ears Across Nebraska
Aaron Nygren - Extension Educator

Across Nebraska, when scouting you may start to see more ears that have prematurely drooped. In corn, ears typically remain upright until after they have reached black layer (R6). Once corn reaches physiological maturity, the shank that supports the ear begins to deteriorate causing the ear to droop. However, many of our acres currently range in development from dough (R4) to dent (R5), with some fields just entering black layer (R6).

What is causing this phenomenon in our corn? And what does this mean for yield in those fields affected?
 
Conditions That Favor Early Ear Decline
There can be several contributing factors that cause early drooping of ears: drought stress, high temperatures, poor root development, population, and genetics can all be players. Note that if you are raising non Bt trait corn, then insect pressure from European corn borer could also be a possible factor for early ear droop on your acres. Root development and function could also play a role especially under drought conditions. One can also dig plants with droopy ears and examine root development to determine if compaction layers, etc. played a role in water uptake. Another thing Jenny has noticed on some plants with droopy ears is a darkened area of Fusarium crown rot in the lower crown area when splitting open plants that are dug.

This has been another interesting year weather-wise in Nebraska with the eastern portion of the state experiencing greater drought-stress than the western portion. We experienced early August rains followed by a lack of moisture thereafter. High temperatures with the lower humidity experienced in the afternoons can further reduce corn grain filling by increasing evapotranspiration, putting more stress on the corn plant. This was quite evident the past week with temperatures in the 90’s-100's causing plants to shut down. The past week of extreme heat coupled with moisture stress was too much for some plants to overcome. Even plants in irrigated fields are seen drooping after this week's heat and the inability for plants to keep up with the water demand. Thus, we feel drought stress coupled with the high heat are the biggest causes of ears dropping we're experiencing this year. The shank can become weakened due to a loss of turgidity in combination with carbohydrates being cannibalized under drought stress. Once the shank bends over, the pinch point restricts the flow of carbohydrates from the plant to the ear. If the flow is completely shut off, grain fill to the ear ceases and the kernels will prematurely reach black layer.

Determining Impact on Yield
Timing and scouting will be key to understanding the impact early ear droop will have on yield. Scouting your fields to determine the development stage of the ear when it droops is critical. It is important to note that at the beginning of dent corn still has about 30 to 33 days until it reaches full maturity. Kernel moisture is at 60% and kernel dry matter is only 45% of the final at the beginning of dent (Nielsen, 2019).

When looking at estimated loss, if the ear droops during early dent when the milk line is hard to differentiate, yield loss could be up to 40% if the flow of carbohydrates is completely shut off (Carter and Hesterman, 1990). If the ear droops at the end of the dent stage, when the milk line is close to the tip of the kernel, then yield losses could be up to 12% (Carter and Hesterman, 1990). To estimate these losses in your field, identify the development stage in which the ear drooped then you can multiply the percentage of ears affected by the estimated yield loss per ear (depending on the growth stage utilizing the 40% or 12% loss estimations).

Another factor with ears that prematurely drooped is the integrity of the shank. If the shank is weakened, there is an increased risk of the ear dropping to the ground and increasing harvest losses. This can be exaggerated with less than ideal weather conditions such as high wind events. Ultimately, pre-harvest scouting can help set expectations come harvest time and help to prioritize fields for harvest.



USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the  Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.

“The recent heat domes plaguing many parts of the country have proven to be unsurvivable for some animals and temperatures are not expected to let up any time soon. This is one of the latest, many examples of how a changing climate is creating immediate challenges for farmers and ranchers, and we’re finding that our emergency relief programs need to adapt accordingly,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Given these circumstances and the trend toward higher weights in feedlots, it became clear that USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program payment rates were not reflective of the true market value for cattle. This change will better indemnify the investments producers have in the livestock they raise, and we will continue to find flexibilities where possible to help our farmers and ranchers in the wake of climate-related impacts.”

LIP provides benefits to livestock owners and some contract growers for livestock deaths exceeding normal mortality from eligible adverse weather events, certain predation losses and reduced sales prices due to injury from an eligible loss. Indemnity payments are made at a rate of 75% of the prior year’s average fair market value of the livestock.

The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively starting Jan.1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather. Producers who have already received LIP payments for 2023 losses will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with this updated rate. For details on eligibility and payment rates, review the LIP fact sheet https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2022/fsa_lip_livestockimdemnityprogram_factsheet_2022.pdf.

FSA recognizes that an annual update of LIP payment rates does not account for the volatile nature of livestock markets and is further exploring flexibilities to establish more current payment rates.   



USDA Answers Gov. Pillen’s Call to Boost Producer LIP Payment Rate

Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced that payments to Nebraska cattle producers who have suffered weather-related losses, will be compensated at a higher rate. Gov. Pillen thanked Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for answering his call to boost the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate, in response to his urgent request on behalf of Nebraska cattle producers.

Gov. Pillen contacted Sec. Vilsack in early August when it became apparent that cattlemen would suffer losses due to the combination of high temperatures, high humidity and lack of air movement – a trifecta of weather conditions that took its toll on livestock across the state.

“The ag industry is often at the mercy of weather completely outside the control of an individual producer. The extremely hot temperatures and humidity that we have experienced over the past month are a good example of that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Even by doing all they could to protect their animals, producers still experienced some death loss. More work needs to be done, but I commend Sec. Vilsack and his team for understanding our situation in Nebraska and making administrative tweaks to improve program outcomes which will ensure producers are compensated in a timely fashion and at a more appropriate market rate.”

As a result of the adjustment, the LIP payment increased from $1,244 per head to $1,618, an increase of $374 per head. The LIP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). It provides assistance to producers who experience excessive livestock losses, usually due to adverse weather events.

The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather events. Producers who have already received LIP payments for losses this calendar year will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with the updated rate. Details about eligibility and payment rates are available on the most recent LIP fact sheet.

Gov. Pillen continues to urge producers to do their part and report losses to their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. County FSA offices across Nebraska can help determine eligibility for federal assistance for producers who were adversely affected by any extreme weather event in 2023. Losses that occurred within the past month should be reported as soon as possible. A notice of loss is required to be documented and reported to the local FSA within 30 days of the loss becoming apparent.

“While there is no way to get a complete accounting of how many cattle were lost this summer, this rate increase will go a long way toward helping producers recover,” said Gov. Pillen. “At the time this weather event occurred, animals were ready for market, which means they were more valuable. Owners are deserving of a higher rate of compensation.”



NEBRASKA, IOWA COUNTY-LEVEL CASH RENTS ESTIMATES

County-level estimates for 2023 cash rents are now available, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The estimates, based primarily on surveys conducted with farmers and ranchers this spring, can be accessed using the Quick Stats online database, found here: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/

County-level cash rent estimates are not published if any of the following conditions exist:
     • Insufficient number of producer reports were received to establish statistically defensible estimates.
     • Estimate would not guarantee confidentiality of reported data from an individual producer.

The county estimates released today include irrigated, non-irrigated, and pasture cash rents.



Northeast signs MOU with USDA Rural Development to strengthen America’s rural workforce

Northeast Community College is partnering with USDA (United States Dept. of Agriculture) Rural Development through the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) to strengthen the nation’s rural workforce.

Representatives of C2A3 and USDA Rural Development held a ceremony recently in Peoria, Ill., to formally sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to assist students across the Midwest who will be offered resources and skill development that will help them advance in careers in agriculture and rural economic development. The partnership will also help to ensure rural communities across the country have the leaders and workforce they need to thrive.

“USDA is proud to continue our partnership with Northeast Community College to help students grow and thrive in agricultural careers and rural communities,” said Kate Bolz, state director of USDA Rural Development in Nebraska. “This is an important part of our mission to make sure people everywhere have the resources they need to access quality education and good-paying jobs to promote the success of rural Nebraska.

The MOU was signed by Roger Glendenning, acting undersecretary of USDA, Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, innovation officer with USDA, and Tracy Kruse, executive director of C2A3. Kruse also serves as vice president of development and external affairs at Northeast Community College.

“Our community college members primarily serve rural America. Our mission and goals align directly with the goals of USDA Rural Development,” Kruse said. “Through regular communication and intentional efforts to share resources and work together on common goals, we can do much more to strengthen rural vitality and develop our workforce in rural places.”

As part of the MOU, USDA Rural Development will coordinate with Northeast Community College to help students develop leadership and job skills through agency internships and networking opportunities.

USDA Rural Development staff will also:
-    Share public data, program resources, webinars and information that can help students bolster their schoolwork and succeed in their careers.
-    Participate in guest lectures at community colleges to help students learn about the ways USDA Rural Development’s programs, initiatives and resources, help people in rural America thrive.
-    Encourage students to join the Rural Workforce Innovation Network (RWIN) to help expand their networking opportunities in their respective industries.
-    Connect colleges with staff in state and local Rural Development offices.

“At Northeast Community College, we are interested in student success and developing opportunities for our students to strengthen their leadership and career readiness skills,” said Leah Barrett, president. “Partnerships like these open up doors to new experiences and potential careers and encourage them to develop and utilize their skills in rural America.”

The signing of the MOU comes just weeks after U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined with four additional Senate colleagues to introduce the Community College Agriculture Advancement Act (S. 1740). Its companion act in the House of Representatives (H.R. 3425) is sponsored by Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) and Salud Carbajal (D-Cal.) and is co-signed by 17 members. The bipartisan bill would authorize funding for community college workforce training, education, and applied research programs in agriculture. It would also encourage the development of 2+2+2 programs that support pathways in agriculture from high school to community college to a four-year college or university.

Some community colleges, including Northeast, already offer training for the agricultural industry workforce, but the need for highly trained technicians outstrips the availability of programming across the country. The Community College Agriculture Advancement Act would allow community colleges to access federal grants to bolster agricultural programs, elevate the important role of technicians in agriculture and encourage more underserved and under-resourced students to get into the field.

Representatives of C2A3 also have an MOU with another USDA agency. In 2016, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and C2A3 signed its first agreement to develop a cooperative framework to enhance and accelerate training and adoption of technologies and best practices for improved agricultural productivity and natural resources stewardship.

Northeast Community College is one of nine member institutions of C2A3. For more information on C2A3, visit the organization’s website at agalliance.net.



SCHULTZ ANNOUNCES RUN FOR DISTRICT 23 LEGISLATIVE SEAT

Larissa Schultz, a nonprofit worker, yoga instructor, and community organizer, announced today that she is running to represent District 23, which includes Saunders, Colfax, and most of Butler counties. She joins five Republicans seeking to replace Bruce Bostelman, who is term-limited.

An Omaha native, Schultz has lived in Saunders County for more than 20 years. She is focused on putting the needs of Nebraskans before political party affiliation - and she encourages all state senators to follow suit.  “As a nonpartisan legislature, all state senators should check their party affiliation at the door,” she said. “Elected officials should put Nebraskans first. As your state senator, I will answer to all Nebraskans..”

Schultz would support legislation that brings higher-paying jobs, affordable housing, and childcare assistance to all Nebraska communities. This would help retain the younger generations of workers that Nebraska businesses need.  “Our young adults are leaving Nebraska and we are all paying the price through workforce shortages,” she said.

Schultz wants to ensure that physicians and patients are able to make health decisions without the interference of bureaucrats, she said. “Nebraskans should be able to work with their doctors to determine medical decisions for themselves and their own children,” she said. “Medical choices should be made with the assistance of healthcare providers, not politicians.”

Improving healthcare access in rural Nebraska is another priority of Schultz. “Our neighbors in rural communities are facing shortages in healthcare providers, long waitlists to see a doctor, 911 radio dead spots, and disproportionate rates at which farmers are dying by suicide,” Schultz said. “As a senator, I would support legislation encouraging healthcare providers to serve in rural areas.”

Schultz looks forward to a very robust campaign and speaking with area constituents about the issues important to their families, friends, and neighbors. Learn more at electlarissaschultz.com.



CAP Webinar: Seasonal Labor and Immigration for Livestock and Crop Producers
Aug 31, 2023 12:00 PM

One of the most pressing issues facing agriculture producers is labor – specifically how to secure reliable employees to fill seasonal and permanent needs. This webinar is aimed at helping producers and ag industry professionals understand available options that can be used and how to navigate the complex maze of different agricultural visa programs. It will include the state of ag labor and historical use, an overview of visa requirements, procedures, compliance and employer obligations.

Featured Presenters:
Marcelo Castillo, Research Economist, USDA Economic Research Service, Resource and Rural Economics Division
Brian Lisonbee, Attorney/Owner, Lisonbee Immigration Law, Lincoln, Nebraska
Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor, Livestock Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Find more information and register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



 Webinar to Highlight New Spot Spray Technology on Sept. 6

Ag producers and industry professionals are invited to attend a virtual seminar featuring new targeted spray technologies on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, via Zoom.

Free to attend, the webinar will feature presentations on real-time, camera-based weed detection systems, including the John Deere See and Spray Ultimate, designed by Blue River Technology, One Smart Spray (Bosch-BASF) and Greeneye Technology. Executives and agronomists from these and other companies will share information and address stakeholder questions about utilizing the innovative weed control technology during the webinar, presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Kansas State University.

The webinar will begin at noon and conclude at 2 p.m. CST on Sept. 6. Presentations will include:
    Rodrigo Werle, University of Wisconsin-Madison, “Welcome to our Extension Webinar and Stakeholder Perception on Targeted Spraying Technologies: Survey Results.”
    William Patzoldt, Blue River Technology John Deere, “See and Spray™ Ultimate — A New Tool for Weed Management.”
    Matt Leininger, One Smart Spray, “The ONE Integrated Reliable Solution for Smart Weed Control.”
    Nadav Bocher, Greeneye Technology, “Precision Spraying — How to Maximize Savings and Efficacy Through an Aftermarket Approach.”
    Tom Wolf, Agrimetrix Research and Training and Sprayers 101, “What Does Spot Spray Success Look Like?”

All are welcome to attend, and participants should register online by Friday, Sept. 1, 2022. Certified Crop Advisor Integrated Pest Management CEUs (two) are available for participating.

More information about the webinar is available online https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0diRuadNM1E6xBs.

This webinar is being organized by Rodrigo Werle and Glenn Nice, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Chris Proctor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Anita Dille, Kansas State University, as part of a research and education grant funded by the National Corn Growers Association and the North Central Soybean Research Program.



Regenerative ag, sustainability among Scoular farmer meeting highlights

Scoular’s Farmer Advisory Roundtable Members (FARM) met here last week with company leaders to identify solutions to emerging farm management challenges and to influence the company’s future producer strategies.  

Topics and activities included:
    Emerging opportunities in the production of sustainably grown products, including a visit to Scoular’s soybean processing plant in Andres, Illinois. The facility serves as an integral part of the soy sustainability supply chain, allowing producers to capitalize on production practices and consumer goods customers to deliver upon sustainability goals.  
    A discussion of renewable fuel markets and the opportunities and challenges in growing winter canola for Scoular’s recently announced oilseed crush facility in Goodland, Kansas.
    A tour of the farming operation of FARM member Jeff O’Connor in Kankakee, Illinois. O’Connor and his family focus on land stewardship and implement cover crops, pollinator fields and tile run-off management. Members shared ideas, with a common theme of water: How do we conserve it in deficit, and how do we manage it in excess?   
    A conversation on Scoular’s approach to sustainability and regenerative initiatives. The farmers provided valuable feedback to Scoular leaders on how to best build out regenerative ag programs.
    Progress in response to earlier feedback from FARM members regarding additions to the company’s suite of digital tools, ScoularView.   

FARM, a diverse group of forward-thinking farmers, was created to help Scoular capture opportunities that emerge in a quickly evolving agriculture industry by connecting producers more closely to Scoular leaders. FARM is hosted by the company’s enterprise producer strategy team, led by Melissa Norem.

“Scoular recognizes and proudly accepts our responsibility in the supply chain to support our producer base in meeting the challenges and opportunities that they face. We are thankful for the role our FARM advisors have in helping influence and implement Scoular’s strategic producer origination initiatives,” Norem said.

FARM members in attendance were: Kyle Campbell of Asbury, Missouri; Ashley Colglazier of Grant, Nebraska; Hazen Deeds of Goodland, Kansas; Jerry DeWeese of Pratt, Kansas; Kyle Miller of Waverly, Illinois; Jeff O’Connor of Kankakee, Illinois; Kendal Peterson of Assaria, Kansas; Bill Rhea of Arlington, Nebraska; Chad Simmelink of Esbon, Kansas; Chris Soehner of Goodland, Kansas; Todd Tobin of Iuka, Kansas; and Johnnie Witt of Underwood, Iowa.



398 Century and Heritage Farm Families Honored at the 2023 Iowa State Fair

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Brian Feldpausch honored 398 Iowa farm families with Century or Heritage Farm designations at the Iowa State Fair today. The program celebrates farms that have been owned by the same families for 100 and 150 years, respectively.

This year, 242 Century Farms and 156 Heritage Farms were recognized. To date, more than 21,000 Century Farms and 1,800 Heritage Farms have been recognized across the state of Iowa. The Century Farm program began in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. The Heritage Farm program began in 2006.

Woodbury
Kelsey, Jeanette - Smithland - 1885 - Century
Schrunk, Irene A. - Danbury - 1906 - Century

Manona
Diekmann, Diane - Moorhead - Century - 1923
Sandvold, Oscar - Soldier - Century - 1913

Harrison
Culver, Keith E. - Dunlap - Heritage - 1870
Myers Family Farm - Missouri Valley - Heritage - 1871
Gramkow, Willis L. - Persia - Century - 1902
Willard Family Farms, LLC - Logan - Century - 1918

Pottawattamie
Denton, Georgia - Treynor - 1873 - Heritage
Hoffman, Rex - Henderson - 1873 - Heritage
Kates, Jo Ann - Carson - 1873 Heritage
Scotch Hills, Inc. - Walnut - 1871 - Heritage
Anderson, Virgil D. - Council Bluffs - 1923 - Century
Burmeister, Douglas - Hancock - 1916 - Century
Flemming, Brian - Minden - 1902 - Century
Knott, Jenny - Crescent - 1923 - Century
Schnepel, Thomas & Lorraine - Treynor - 1889 - Century
Siebels Family Farm - Minden - 1919 - Century
Stortenbecker, Lynn - Carson - 1908 - Century
Vorthmann, Ann - Carson - 1909 - Century

Crawford
Lawler Family Farms - Breda - 1873 - Heritage
Schwartz, Larry A. & Lois E. - Manilla - 1873 - Heritage
Sharp, A. James and Sandra - Arion - 1873 - Heritage

Shelby
Fahn, Jay J. - Earling - 1873 - Heritage
Klindt, Mary Clare - Harlan - 1873 - Heritage
Schumacher, Linda (Peters) - Shelby - 1872 - Heritage
Keane, Marilyn - Panama - 1914 - Century
Klindt, Dale & Ronda, Harlan - 1875 - Century
Schulte, Pearl - Earling - 1922 - Century
Sondag Family Farm - Portsmouth - 1921 - Century

“Achieving a Century or Heritage Farm milestone is a source of immense pride for an Iowa farm family. It’s important that we honor these generational families for the positive impact they have made on Iowa agriculture and acknowledge their resiliency, dedication, commitment and hard work,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The Century and Heritage Farm Program recognizes Iowa’s deep tradition of family farming, and having the opportunity to congratulate each of the families, hear their inspiring stories, and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments makes this event one of my favorite of the entire year.”

“The legacy of Iowa’s Century and Heritage farm families isn’t something that just happens, but instead requires generations of personal sacrifice, decades of stewardship and a longstanding dedication to local community,” said Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau President. “It's an honor to recognize the work ethic, tenacity and commitment to sustainability of these farm families, and Iowa is a better state because of them.”




Investing in Real Solutions for Current Challenges
National Pork Board

As with all agriculture, our industry experiences ups and downs. In each of those extremes, the National Pork Board remains strategic and agile in addressing immediate needs while planning for and anticipating future ones.  

To support pork producers dealing with rising operating costs and lower prices, NPB is strategically reallocating Pork Checkoff funds into market growth initiatives – both domestically and internationally.  

Global Performance
The reallocated funds will support U.S. exports through our partnership with U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and U.S. market partnership development and in-market activity. We know work needs to be done to drive demand at home and across the globe.  

To improve the position of pork in the market, this reallocation will target incremental demand for U.S. pork exports in Mexico, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong and South Korea at a time when producers need as much support as possible.

Strengthening Domestic Presence
Domestically, the reallocation will help reach grocery shoppers as they build their digital shopping lists to drive consideration, purchase intent and pork sales.  

We will utilize “add-to-list” and “add-to-cart” display strategies to reach in-store, e-commerce and hybrid shoppers while also introducing ground pork and sausage products for all new and existing shoppers.  

A Budget-Friendly Approach
We anticipate consumer budgets may be tight, especially during this holiday season. Providing easy and budget-friendly recipe ideas for pork chops, ground pork and sausage will help consumers find meal solutions.  

In short – Pork Checkoff dollars are being invested in real solutions for producers, working on their behalf to grow markets for pork and drive consumers into retail with fresh pork on their lists and in their shopping carts. The results from Q1 2024 sales will provide insights into the success of these initiatives.

Targeting Incremental Demand
Our job at NPB is to boost consumption of pork products and add value for our producers. We always keep producers in mind and make every effort to find growth opportunities in the marketplace.  

We have adjusted our dollar utilization in response to the immediate needs of the industry to improve pork’s position in the market, and the learnings will help us build into 2024.

Focus on the Loin Complex
Recognizing the importance of the loin complex in adding value for pork producers, NPB has activated a dedicated task force to explore various aspects related to the role of pork in the market, consumer preferences, labeling and cooking methods. The objective of the task force is to increase value and volume on the loin complex for the entire pork industry.

Paving A Path Forward
Pig farmers are in the business of serving their communities. NPB is committed to serving America’s pork producers by implementing real solutions and ensuring the industry’s resilience in the face of challenges.

We will navigate these challenging times one day at a time… and we’ll do it together.



ACE Kicked Off 36th Annual Conference in Minneapolis

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 36th annual conference kicked off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this week with an update from ACE leadership, including ACE Board President, Dave Sovereign, ACE CMO Ron Lamberty, and ACE CEO Brian Jennings.
 
Jennings, in his remarks, addressed timely topics such as year-round E15, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and how ethanol is part of the solution to curb carbon pollution.

Jennings reminded attendees that pain at the pump is not a thing of the past, stating that national average gas prices are creeping back to levels reached last August and acknowledging year-round E15 has been and continues to be a priority for ACE. “We are grateful EPA issued temporary waivers this summer, identical to action taken last year, to capitalize on E15’s ability to reduce prices,” Jennings said. “Nevertheless, we cannot continue to rely on emergency steps to secure uninterrupted market access for E15.”
 
“The only bulletproof approach to permanent and nationwide E15 availability is through Congress,” Jennings continued. “To this end, bipartisan bills are making progress in the Senate and House, and we expect activity around E15 legislation to speed up following the August recess. Be assured ACE is working alongside our champions in Congress to identify ways to get a bill over the finish line this year.”
 
ACE and its members have an appreciation for the fact that everything counts. Referencing ACE’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Jennings mentioned ACE is here to help farmers and ethanol producers maximize their investments in the carbon space. “We are getting dirt under our fingernails,” Jennings told attendees. “Helping farmers adopt practices such as conservation tillage, 4R nutrient management, and cover crops to reduce the carbon intensity of the corn they deliver to your plants.”
 
“We’re collaborating with scientists to properly monitor and measure the GHG benefits resulting from climate-smart ag practices, so the data is irrefutable and sufficiently robust to convince the lifecycle modelers and market regulators that farmers and ethanol plants need to receive valuable carbon credits.”
 
Yesterday’s opening remarks were followed by a keynote address from Tom Kloza, Global Head of Energy Analysis for Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and two general session panels covering biofuel incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act as well as climate-smart farming for carbon markets. The Thursday general session was concluded with a virtual address by U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-2). The conference wrapped up on Friday with a fuel retailer panel, a panel on CCUS, as well as an outlook on ethanol exports from Mackenzie Boubin, U.S. Grains Council Director of Global Ethanol Export Development. More information on the agenda and speakers is available at ethanol.org/events/conference.