This Week's Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
A strong area of mid-level high pressure, anchored over the southern tier of the country, continued to promote above-normal temperatures and mostly dry weather across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and the lower Mississippi Valley. Weekly temperatures (August 2 to 8) averaged more than 6 degrees F above normal across portions of Louisiana, Texas, and southern New Mexico. The persistence of this pattern led to rapidly developing and intensifying drought across Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley. The Monsoon remains suppressed with increasing short-term drought across Arizona, New Mexico and southwest Colorado. Frequent rounds of heavy rainfall occurred from the central Great Plains southeastward to the middle Mississippi Valley. During the first week of August, parts of Missouri received 5 to 10 inches (locally more) of rainfall. The wet start to August resulted in improving drought across parts of the Corn Belt. Farther to the north, drought continues to intensify across Wisconsin. On August 7, a severe weather outbreak with heavy rainfall affected the East. Short-term drought expanded this past week across parts of the Hawaiian Islands.
Midwest
Heavy rainfall (2 to 8 inches, locally more) during the first week of August prompted widespread improvements to Missouri, southern Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. A few 2-category improvements were justified across Missouri and Illinois where more than 6 inches of rainfall occurred and there was support from the short to long-term indicators. Despite widespread, heavy rainfall (more than 1.5) across western Iowa this past week, improvements were limited given the longer-term drought indicators and a reassessment can be made in subsequent weeks. Severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought was expanded across Wisconsin based on continued dryness dating back to the late spring. Exceptional (D4) drought was added to northern portions of Douglas and Ashland counties in northern Wisconsin. Superior has received 4.71 inches of rain since May 1 which is the driest on record.
High Plains
Above normal precipitation since the beginning of July and a lack of support from the long-term indicators led to a 1-category improvement to west-central Nebraska and bordering areas of Kansas. Recent beneficial precipitation also resulted in improving conditions across parts of the Dakotas and Wyoming. Short-term drought was expanded across northeast North Dakota which remained to the north of the storm track. The lack of Monsoon rainfall this summer resulted in the addition of short-term drought to southwestern Colorado.
Looking Ahead
According to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC), during the next five days (August 10 - 14, 2023), moderate to heavy precipitation (0.5 to 2 inches, locally more) is forecast for the Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, and Northeast. Farther to the south, little to no precipitation and above-normal temperatures are forecast to persist across the lower Mississippi Valley and Texas. Scattered thunderstorms may result in local amounts in excess of 0.5 inches for the Four Corners region. A warming trend is expected for the Pacific Northwest and intermountain West during mid-August.
The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook (valid August 15 - 19, 2023) depicts large probabilities (more than 60 percent) for above-normal temperatures throughout much of the West, southern Great Plains, and Gulf Coast. Probabilities for above-normal temperatures decrease farther to the north with a slight lean towards below-normal temperatures across the northern Great Plains. Above-normal precipitation is slightly favored across the northern Rockies, northern Great Plains, upper Mississippi Valley, and New England, while below-normal precipitation is more likely across the southern Great Plains and lower Mississippi Valley.
RFA Welcomes CIE Norfolk Refinery as Newest Producer Member
The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to welcome its newest producer member, CIE Norfolk in Norfolk, Neb. The biorefinery produces 50 million gallons of ethanol each year. CIE purchased the facility, the former Elkhorn Valley Ethanol plant, from Louis Dreyfus in late 2022. The company’s Marion, Ind., location is already a longtime RFA member, and CIE President and CEO Ryan Drook represents the company on the RFA board of directors.
“RFA has had a long and fruitful partnership with CIE, and we are thrilled to add their newly acquired Norfolk facility to our growing membership,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Since its beginnings in 2004, CIE has been a leader in the ethanol industry and the company has also established itself as a premier producer of high-quality, specialty alcohols. We look forward to continuing our work together to expand opportunities for American-made renewable fuels and bioproducts.”
“We are excited to continue our support of the RFA by adding CIE Norfolk to it membership,” Drook said. “The RFA remains a leader within our industry, helping to defend and expand markets for our products both here and abroad.”
Wedin named director of UNL Center for Grassland Studies
David Wedin, a professor in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been named the director of the Center for Grassland Studies.
Founded in 1994, the Center for Grassland Studies provides focused interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach activities related to grasslands ecosystems. It is home to the Grassland Systems undergraduate degree program and hosts an annual fall seminar series and Grazing Conference, among other activities. The Center also manages two University of Nebraska grasslands, Nine-Mile Prairie and Dalbey Prairie, and assists with management of other university grasslands.
Wedin has been part of the UNL faculty since 1998. Since then, he has studied both grassland and savanna ecology, as well as carbon and nitrogen cycling, among other disciplines. He has also led a long-term study of the Nebraska Sandhills, looking at how the water, dunes, vegetation and grass cover have shifted and changed over the past several thousand years. This work is helping advance the understanding of how ecological interactions, landscape structure, climate and other factors interact to shape a landscape.
Wedin was drawn to grasslands early, an interest he inherited at least in part from his father, a range and forage agronomist.
“It’s the diversity when you look down and the horizon you look up,” he said of his interest in grasslands.
Wedin went on to study biology and history at St. Olaf College, then worked in prairie management for several years before attending graduate school in ecology at the University of Minnesota. In 1998, he joined UNL as an assistant professor, drawn in large part by the Nebraska Sandhills, one of the largest intact grassland systems in the world.
“Fifty percent of Nebraska is still grassland,” he said. “It’s phenomenally important.”
Nebraska is almost entirely privately owned, which means that much of the center’s work over the years has taken place in partnership with ranchers and other landowners. Wedin appreciates working with landowners, who are often just as knowledgeable about the plant and animal life on their land as they are about the cattle that graze it.
“I think Nebraska, better than anyplace else, sees how nature conservation and working ranchlands overlay and integrate,” he said.
The blend of preservation and management is reflected in the students in the Grassland Systems major, Wedin said. Some grow up on ranches and approach their degree from the viewpoint of a beef producer. Others come to the major because of an interest in the environment and grassland conservation. Often, he said, students from both of these backgrounds realize that their goals aren’t that different. They all think a lot about lot about stewardship. How do you control invasive species in grassland ecosystems? How are management practices like prescribed fire and rotational grazing best implemented? How does a landowner interested in prairie restoration choose the right seed mix?
“Our grassland ecosystems are critically important in Nebraska, and research, teaching and extension of the Center for Grassland Studies will only become more important over time,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Dave Wedin brings incredible knowledge, passion and leadership to his role.”
Wedin began in his new role on July 1. For more information on the Center for Grassland Studies, visit grassland.unl.edu.
Attorney General Bird Calls on Congress to Pass the EATS Act
Today, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led 16 states in a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, urging the passage of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (“EATS”) Act. The bill prevents California from regulating farmers and ranchers across the country by preserving states’ authority to regulate agriculture within their own borders.
In 2018, California passed Proposition 12, a law that requires out-of-state pork producers to comply with strict farming regulations if they want to sell their products in the state. Since California accounts for approximately 13% of the nation’s pork consumption, it has major influence over the whole market. Proposition 12 sets harsh regulations that spikes prices for consumers and may force many pork producers who are unable to comply with the new standards to close their businesses.
“California needs to keep their hands off our bacon,” said Attorney General Bird. “No other state should be dictating how Iowans farm, let alone California’s bureaucrats. The EATS Act stops California’s overreach and gives state attorneys general the tools they need to fight for farmers and ranchers. We urge Congress to pass the EATS Act and stand up for livestock producers across the nation.”
Max Travels to the Governor’s Charity Steer Show
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) is proud to sponsor Max, the corn-fed steer that maximizes opportunities, at this year’s 41st Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa. This year’s steer will be accompanied by the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Denny Friest, a corn farmer from Radcliffe, Iowa, and Logan Faris, son of Austin and Amy Faris and Senior at South Hardin High School.
"Being a part of such a prestigious event is an honor, and I am proud to be able to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. My family utilized its services when my uncle was in high school and truly appreciated their kindness!" said Faris. As a nine-year member of the Tipton Grant Toppers 4-H Club and an active member of the South Hardin FFA Chapter, he has seen the value raising livestock can have and the benefits of supporting non-profit organizations.
“Iowa Corn is excited to provide this opportunity for Logan while promoting and supporting our livestock customers,” shared Friest. “The Governor’s Charity Steer Show has been a longstanding tradition and we value our involvement to support such a remarkable organization like Ronald McDonald House Charities.”
Max will be sold at auction concluding the show. All proceeds of the show go directly to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa and the families in need at the facility. To donate on behalf of Logan and Iowa Corn visit https://donorbox.org/gcss2023 and mention Logan in the notes.
Eight Farmers Elected to Iowa Soybean Association Board of Directors
Eight farmers, including three incumbents, have been elected to the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) board of directors. The association’s 22 volunteer farmer directors represent the state’s nine crop reporting districts in overseeing the management and allocation of soybean checkoff and non-checkoff resources.
Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board were: Paul Kassel, Spencer (District 1); Sam Showalter, Hampton (District 2); Corey Goodhue, Carlise (District 5); Aimee Bissell, Bedford (At-Large); and Sharon Chism, Huxley (At-Large).
Re-elected to three-year terms on the board were: Jeff Frank, Lake View (District 4); Scot Bailey, Anita (District 7); and Tom Adam, Harper (District 9).
“Whether as a voter, candidate or both, we thank Iowa soybean farmers for engaging in this important process,” said Randy Miller, ISA president and soybean farmer from Davenport. “As a farmer-led association, their participation contributes to the success and longevity of ISA and our industry.”
Directors are elected by Iowa soybean farmers in July and take office in September. Members vote for two farmers from their crop reporting district and vote for four at-large directors. The eight directors elected join 14 full-time soybean farmers in developing ISA’s policies and programs each year.
Those continuing their service as directors are: Brent Swart, Spencer (District 1); April Hemmes, Hampton (District 2); Rick Juchems, Plainfield (District 3); Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg (District 3); Marty Danzer, Carroll (District 4); Dave Struthers, Collins (District 5); Robb Ewoldt, Davenport (District 6); and Dave Walton, Wilton (District 6).
Also: Lee Brooke, Clarinda (District 7); Warren Bachman, Osceola (District 8); Randy Miller, Lacona (District 8); Pat Swanson, Ottumwa (District 9); Brent Renner, Klemme (At-Large); and Tim Bardole, Rippey (At-Large).
To learn more about serving on the ISA Board of Directors or how the board functions, visit iasoybeans.com.
Soybean Month in August Celebrates the Crop's Impact, Contributions to Iowa
Bolstered demand and a growing portfolio of uses prove homegrown soybeans are an economic, social and environmental driver for Iowa. These benefits were reinforced through a proclamation signed this week by Governor Kim Reynolds.
In August, Soybean Month in Iowa brings attention to the versatile crop responsible for feeding and fueling the world. From clean-burning biodiesel and feed for livestock, poultry and dairy to a variety of food and industrial products, uses derived from soybeans are nearly endless.
“The industry has experienced tremendous growth in soybean production and consumption in recent decades, both in Iowa and across the world, said Iowa Soybean Association President Randy Miller, who farms near Lacona. “We’ve only scratched the surface of the crop’s potential as ISA and other organizations continue to research and expand usage opportunities for soybeans.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Iowa farmers continue to play a critical role in soybean production success. The state’s 40,000 soybean farmers harvested 587 million bushels of soybeans in 2022 – roughly 14% of the nation’s total output.
The variety of soy-based products offered in grocery retailers has also experienced massive growth. As consumer values trend toward health-minded, environmentally conscious foods, soy satisfies both needs and contains all essential amino acids required for a healthy diet.
A recent United Nations report on global food security found more than 1.3 billion people faced food insecurity in 2022. Due to soybean’s nutrient composition and adoption of sustainable management practices by Iowa soybean farmers, the crop is well positioned to help address the protein needs of a growing population.
“Whether animal- or plant-based consumption, protein is an increasingly global need", said Miller. “It’s because of continued checkoff investment by U.S. soybean farmers that we’re able to continue efforts to supply and support the nutrition of our communities and the world.”
Iowa is a national leader in soybean production due to the state’s dedicated agriculture providers. To boost productivity and ensure the quality of Iowa’s natural resources for future generations, Iowa soybean farmers continue to scale conservation practices to improve water quality and soil health. ISA has played a critical role in the defining decade of progress toward Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, working directly with farmers, partner organizations, municipalities and government agencies to increase acres utilizing in- and edge-of-field practices. These include cover crop adoption, prescriptive planting, controlled drainage, saturated buffers, bioreactors and management of manure, tillage and pests
To mark the occasion, ISA is celebrating Soybean Month in Iowa by:
- Renewing sponsorships of the Iowa State Fair trams and biodiesel-powered team buses for the University of Iowa and Iowa State University;
- Meeting with soybean farmers at six regional Summer Soy Series events across Iowa;
- Sharing soybean research results from ISA’s nationally recognized Research Center for Farming Innovation across ISA social platforms;
- Promoting the many products and uses derived from soybeans toward consumers, including soy trivia and giveaways in partnership with Iowa Cubs baseball; and
- Increasing awareness for on-farm practices yielding water quality and soil health improvements as part of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
To learn more, visit iasoybeans.com.
Outstanding First Half for U.S. Pork Exports; Beef Exports Below Record Pace of 2022
U.S. pork exports concluded an excellent first half with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pushing first-half export value to nearly $5 billion.
First-half pork exports achieve broad-based growth
June pork exports totaled 245,964 metric tons (mt), up 12% from a year ago, while export value climbed 6% to $691.4 million. Through the first half of 2023, exports were 14% above last year’s pace at 1.47 million mt, valued at $4.05 billion (up 12%).
Pork exports to Mexico are on a record pace, with first-half value up 21% to more than $1 billion. First-half exports increased sharply year-over-year to the ASEAN region, Australia, Taiwan, the Dominican Republic and Chile, while also posting gains in China/Hong Kong, South Korea and Central America. Pork variety meat exports surged by 32% in the first half to more than 297,000 mt, led by record-large shipments to China.
“Mexico is certainly the 2023 pacesetter for U.S. pork exports but what’s really exciting is that the industry is achieving such broad-based growth internationally,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “Exports are making impressive gains in the Western Hemisphere and reclaiming market share in many Asia-Pacific markets, and U.S. pork is well-positioned to continue gaining momentum in the second half.”
First-half beef exports lower overall, but bright spots emerge
Beef exports totaled 115,107 mt in June, down 12% from a year ago and slightly below the May volume. Export value was $909.5 million, down 13% year-over-year but the highest since October and 4% above the value posted in May. First-half beef exports were 10% below last year’s record pace at 669,176 mt. Export value was just under $5 billion – down 19% from a year ago but still 8% above the first half of 2021.
June beef exports to Taiwan were the largest in 14 months, while exports to Mexico continued to build momentum and shipments to Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa and the Dominican Republic posted year-over-year gains. June exports to South Korea, China and Japan were below last year’s large totals, though shipments to Japan improved notably in value from the previous month.
“It was a challenging first half for beef exports, especially when compared to the blistering pace established a year ago,” Halstrom said. “But we are encouraged to see that exports are still accounting for a consistently high percentage of total beef production, and variety meat exports have held up very well considering the decline in U.S. slaughter. These metrics continue to illustrate the important contribution of exports in maximizing beef carcass value.”
Lamb exports trend lower, fall below year-ago level
After a strong start in 2023, exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts trended sharply lower in the second quarter. June exports were just 109 mt, down 56% from a year ago, while value fell 45% to $843,000. First-half exports were down 5% in volume (1,067 mt) and 6% in value ($6.35 million). Exports trended higher to the Netherlands Antilles, the Bahamas, Guatemala and Canada, and volume increased slightly to Mexico.
ADM AND PHILLIPS 66 IN TALKS TO FORM BIOFUELS JOINT VENTURE
ADM and Phillips 66 are discussing a biofuels joint venture with an aim toward producing lower-carbon jet fuel, Reuters reports. The two companies are discussing putting ADM's dry corn mill operations into a venture that would convert grain-based alcohol to jet fuel, sources said.
ADM has sought to downscale its role in the biofuels business in recent years. It put the dry corn mills up for sale in 2016 and, after failing to find a buyer, spun off the assets into a wholly-owned subsidiary called Vantage Corn Processors. ADM sold its Peoria, Illinois, dry mill in 2021.
Its two remaining dry mills in Columbus, Nebraska, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are among the country's largest, with a combined capacity to produce 613 million gallons of ethanol a year, according to Renewable Fuels Association data.
ASA Leads More than 200 Groups Raising Alarm with EPA Vulnerable Species Pilot Project
This week, the American Soybean Association led coalition comments raising “grave concern” with EPA’s vulnerable species pilot project proposed under the Endangered Species Act. The comment letter, which drew 206 signers, expressed multiple ways in which grower and other pesticide user operations potentially would be subject to irreparable harm should the pilot take effect as proposed. The comments raised concern that the proposal “will effectively result in a de facto pesticide ban for many farmers.” Additionally, the comments expressed alarm with ways in which the proposal likely violates EPA’s legal obligations under ESA, FIFRA, the Administrative Procedure Act, and other federal statutes.
The vulnerable species pilot, which seeks to protect 27 species EPA alleges are uniquely vulnerable to pesticide exposures, would impose geographical use restrictions on pesticide users within the species ranges. The pilot would establish pesticide use limitation areas (PULA) with varying restrictions depending on the species.
While the proposal is complicated and largely species-specific, there are many general trends regarding the restrictions that would apply to pesticide users affected by the pilot. For example, many farmers in the PULAs would have to coordinate with their local Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) offices three months ahead of making any pesticide applications on fields or rangelands. The comments highlight how this could create an enormous regulatory bottleneck if the local FWS office has limited capacity to handle hundreds of coordination requests. It is also impossible for growers to predict their pest pressures and application needs three months in advance. Most farmers under the proposal would have to adopt four runoff/erosion mitigations as well, many of which would be incredibly expensive or impractical for growers to implement. The comments highlight that the collective impact of this proposal would be an effective pesticide ban for many growers.
The effects on growers and communities in the PULAs would be enormous. Many growers would be unable to protect their crops from significant crop damage, which would harm their ability to qualify for crop insurance and financing. For most producers, these impacts would affect their ability to continue farming.
The comment letter also highlights concerns that the proposal is likely inconsistent with the agency’s legal obligations. For example, given that EPA did not conduct a risk assessment or effects determination ahead of proposing any of these restrictions, the signers are concerned EPA has not satisfied its responsibilities under ESA to use the “best available science” or FIFRA to conduct risk assessments. There is also concern the restrictions the agency is proposing are not “reasonable and prudent,” as required by ESA.
SMITHFIELD TO CLOSE 35 PORK PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN MISSOURI
Smithfield Foods will be closing 35 farms in northern Missouri in October. According to the Missouri Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice, the firm plans to lay off 92 salaried and hourly employees in Putnam and Mercer counties effective Oct. 8.
Murphy Brown, LLC, a division of Smithfield Foods, Inc., notified state officials last week the firm is reducing its hog farming operations across the state and thus must cut its workforce accordingly.
Jim Monroe, vice president for corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods, confirmed the Aug. 4 WARN announcement is related to earlier reporting in May regarding the closure of a possible 37 sow farms in Putnam and Mercer counties. Thirteen sites in Newtown, 12 in Lucerne and 10 in Princeton will permanently close in October.
In April, China's WH Group informed shareholders and potential investors, that based on preliminary review of unaudited consolidated management accounts, the group was expecting a 56% drop in its first quarter 2023 profit outlook, from the US $395 million for the same period in 2022. In a filing with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the owner of Smithfield Foods said the decrease, before biological fair value adjustments, was mainly attributable to the challenging market conditions in the U.S. pork segment.
Farm Credit continued its strong, consistent support for beginning farmers
Farm Credit continued its strong and consistent support for beginning farmers in 2022, as noted in a report at the August 10 Farm Credit Administration (FCA) Board meeting. The agency issued its annual report on the Farm Credit System’s lending to young, beginning and small farmers.
FCA, Farm Credit’s federal regulator focused on the financial safety and soundness of the Farm Credit System, noted the 2022 numbers continued a trend of growing support for young, beginning and small farmers.
Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose made the following statement:
“Supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers remains a key component of Farm Credit’s mission. And FCA’s report confirms Farm Credit’s strong and consistent support for beginning farmers.
“In 2022, Farm Credit made 78,742 loans to beginning farmers amounting to more than $21.5 billion. When adjusting for the strong demand from pandemic-era government programs, like the Paycheck Protection Program, loan growth to beginning farmers stayed strong throughout 2022.
“In the past three years, Farm Credit made more than 270,000 loans totaling more than $70 billion to beginning farmers and ranchers.
“And Farm Credit lenders continued dedicating significant resources to supporting young and beginning farmers. It’s a critical part of Farm Credit’s mission, and it’s critical to the future of American agriculture.”
New Innovations Featured in Farm Next Program at 2023 Farm Progress Show
Building from last year’s success, the Farm Next program will be highlighted at the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., August 29-31, 2023. Pivot Bio and Farm Progress have partnered for a second year to identify new innovations in the industry and provide a voice for these startups through the program.
This year, nine companies were selected to present their ideas to a panel of judges on the Farm Next program, currently featured on a series of special programs on RFD-TV from July 10 through August 21, 2023. Hosted by Max Armstrong, each episode features three companies – judged by a panel of three and voted on by viewers. Semi-finalists advance to another round with a deeper dive of their business, where a grand prize winner is decided, winning $50,000.
The nine companies include new technologies to improve crop management, grain drying, livestock management, manure management and more. To learn more about the startups and watch episodes, visit farmnext.com.
You can visit all nine innovators at the Farm Progress Show, next to the Pivot Bio exhibit. To learn more about the Farm Progress Show and purchase tickets, visit farmprogressshow.com. Those purchasing advance tickets online receive a discount of $5 per adult ticket.
R-CALF USA Convention to Highlight Globalization Effort Targeting Farmers
Among the many critical issues slated for discussion at the 24th annual R-CALF USA Convention and Trade Show, to be held Aug. 17-18 in Rapid City, South Dakota, is the ongoing globalization effort to control the food supply and those who produce it.
To emphasize the importance of this issue, the ranch group has invited Dutch farmers’ advocate and internationally renowned political commentator, Eva Vlaardingerbroek of Amsterdam, Netherlands, to give the keynote address.
Vlaardingerbroek is well-known worldwide as one of the key voices advocating for farmers and fighting against globalization and the eradication of freedom.
“Vlaardingerbroek’s invitation came after she helped incite change in her home country following years of farmer demonstrations against unreasonable environmental policies that would cause many Dutch farmers to go out of business,” said R-CALF USA Marketing Director Jaiden Moreland. “These actions were heard around the world, as thousands of Dutch farmers drove tractors to the nation's capital in protest.”
In July 2022, R-CALF USA spoke out as a prominent U.S. cattle association supporting the Dutch farmers and their protests.
“Our governments have grown too big, our corporations have grown too big, now to a global scale,” said R-CALF USA President Brett Kenzy. “Public-private partnerships, global governance, borderless nations and free trade are realities that seek to eliminate the American middle class.
"Eva has seen these realities in action in the Netherlands and has been both an objective journalist and activist on behalf of the Dutch farmers and Dutch people,” he continued. "I hope to ask Eva one question: What motivated so many Dutch farmers to take it upon themselves to leave their farms and their work and fight for their way of life - to realize that each and every citizen has an individual role to play in shaping a nation’s future?"
Kenzy explained that R-CALF USA has long been fighting these issues.
The convention will also feature Wyoming rancher and attorney Tracy Hunt’s presentation on the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a group that enlists global banks, global beef packers, and global retailers to devise and then impose universal production standards and production requirements on animal husbandry around the world.
Hunt is a nationally recognized critic of the GRSB and has been urging the United States to fight against the globalists’ advances for many years. He and Vlaardingerbroek agree, the Netherlands is just the start.
“Make no mistake, these mandates are an extension of the efforts of the GRSB,” said Hunt. “After the U.S., the Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world. It is ground zero for this global agenda as their government issued mandates to cut nitrogen emissions, placing the blame of climate change on the shoulders of farmers.”
“Farmers around the world are facing an immediate threat to their livelihoods, liberty and independence,” said Kenzy. “It’s coming to our door, America’s farmers and ranchers are on the same road, which is why we are bringing Eva’s voice to our convention.”
Learn more about the event at: www.r-calfusa.com/event/annual-convention/.
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