Thursday August 17 Ag News

 Rural Mainstreet Economy Slows in August - Bank CEOs Report Continuing Losses of Deposits

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank to a growth neutral reading for August after four straight months of readings above 50.0 according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Overall: The region’s overall reading in August fell to 50.0 from July’s much stronger 55.6. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“This is the fifth consecutive month that the overall RMI has moved at or above growth neutral. However, I expect recent pullbacks in growth to push the Federal Reserve to forgo an interest rate increase at its next meetings on September 19-20,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Farming and ranching land prices: The region’s farmland price index dropped to 60.0 from 64.6 in July. This was the 35th straight month that the index has advanced above 50.0.

Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment-sales index for August slumped to 46.0 from July’s weak 50.0. “This is the fourth time in the past 12 months that the index has fallen below growth neutral. Higher borrowing costs have begun to negatively impact purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

According to data from the International Trade Association, the region’s agriculture exports contracted from $8 billion in the first half of 2022 to $6.8 billion for the same period in 2023 for a 14.6% slump.

This month, bankers were asked to assess the financial conditions for the farming economy one year from today. Only 14.8% expect a stronger farm economy one year out, while 48.2% anticipate a weaker economy 12 months out.

Regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate actions, only 29.6% of bank CEOs expect the Fed’s steps to achieve its inflation goal while limiting the increase in unemployment (i.e., a soft landing).

Below are the state reports:
Iowa: Iowa’s August RMI dipped to 53.7 from 54.1 in July. Iowa’s farmland-price index dropped to 59.9 from July’s 63.1. Iowa’s new-hiring index for August sank to 52.6 from 57.9 in July. According to data from the International Trade Association, Iowa’s agriculture exports contracted from $1.25 billion in the first half of 2022 to $871 million for the same period in 2023 for a 30.2% slump. “The responses regarding the condition of farm financial well-being and prices are dependent on the extent of the drought conditions and the ultimate yields on crops this year,” said James Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora.

Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI fell to a solid 54.8 from 60.5 in July. The state’s farmland-price index for August dropped to 60.2 from 64.9 in July. Nebraska’s August new-hiring index declined to 53.0 from July’s 60.1. According to data from the International Trade Association, Nebraska’s agriculture exports contracted from $625 million in the first half of 2022 to $342 million for the same period in 2023 for a 45.2% slump.

The survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. The index provides the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former Chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey and launched it in January 2006.



Smith Statement on Biotech Corn Announcement

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement at the conclusion of the 75-day window established by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for consultations between the U.S. and Mexico on the issue of biotech corn:

“As the 75-day consultation window concludes, it’s clear Mexico has no intention of fully honoring their USMCA commitments,” said Smith. “Thankfully, because of the hard work that went into the negotiation of USMCA – a true, enforceable trade agreement – the United States has tools to hold Mexico accountable. I’m glad the Biden administration finally decided to fully deploy these enforcement mechanisms, but it’s disappointing the president has yet to speak about this and show solidarity with U.S. corn producers. Steps toward dispute settlement should have been taken sooner, but I will continue working with Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack to demand a level playing field for U.S. agriculture producers. I will be closely monitoring the panel’s work and ensuring our trading partners are held accountable.”

August 16 marked the end of the 75-day window for consultations under USMCA to address Mexico’s policy towards American biotech corn exports, meaning the United States is now able to request the establishment of a dispute settlement panel to decide the case. Today, the Biden administration formally requested creation of the panel. The panel will make a final determination on whether Mexico’s policy to ban the use of American biotech corn for tortillas or dough – and ultimately ban the use of biotech corn in all products intended for human consumption and animal feed – violates USMCA.   

During USMCA negotiations, Smith traveled to Montreal and Mexico City and has continuously advocated for formal dispute consultations with Mexico for their actions to ban U.S. biotech corn. Subcommittee Chairman Smith signed a letter to Ambassador Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack earlier this year with Chairman Jason Smith calling for formal dispute consultations under USMCA. Last December, he and Rep. Dan Kildee also led a bipartisan letter with members of the Ways and Means Committee to Ambassador Tai requesting dispute consultations and encouraging the administration to “ensure all our trading partners maintain science-based biotech regulatory systems.”   



Nebraska Corn Statement on U.S. Trade Representative Request for Dispute Panel Under USMCA

Today, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced the United States has requested to form a panel, the next step in the dispute settlement process under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding Mexico’s ban on biotech corn.

“Nebraska Corn appreciates the USTR taking the step of requesting a formal panel regarding the biotech corn ban in Mexico,” said Chris Grams, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “The Nebraska Corn Growers Association and Nebraska Corn Board have long called for action in defense of biotech corn, and this panel sends a strong signal of the worldwide necessity of biotech corn and the corn industry.”  



Fischer Statement on Latest USTR Action Against Mexico’s Misguided Ban on GMO Corn

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it has formally requested the formation of a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The panel of trade experts will decide whether Mexico’s ban on GMO corn is consistent with the USMCA Agreement, and its findings will be binding.

“I welcome USTR’s decision to move forward with a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“This much-needed step will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA.

“We must continue using every available option to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from coming into effect. It would harm Nebraska producers, hurt consumers in Mexico, and sabotage international trade.

“As I have said before, there can be zero compromise with Mexico on this issue.”



NCGA Applauds USTR for Requesting USMCA Panel Formation Over Trade Dispute

The U.S. Trade Representative today requested a panel formation under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over Mexico’s decision to ban imports of biotech corn used for human consumption.

Leaders at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said they are highly supportive of the move.

“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “U.S. officials have exhausted every avenue trying to resolve this conflict and are left with no other choice but to turn to a third-party panel in hopes of quickly rectifying this issue. We are deeply appreciative of USTR for standing up for America’s corn growers.”

If USTR’s request is granted, a group of objective experts will be empaneled to hear the case and make a final determination based on the commitments both parties signed as part of the free trade agreement.

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

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

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



U.S. Grains Council Reacts To USTR’s Request For Dispute Panel With Mexico

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today announced the United States is formally requesting a dispute panel with the Government of Mexico under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Chapter of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) to address genetically modified (GMO) corn restrictions by Mexico contrary to its USMCA commitments.

In a press release issued this afternoon, Tai cited concerns with Mexico’s February 13, 2023, decree that bans the use of biotech corn in tortillas and other food products. Specifically, Ambassador Tai stated: “It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures so that American farmers can continue to access the Mexican market and use innovative tools to respond to climate and food security challenges.”

From U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand:
“The U.S. Grains Council thanks the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for requesting this dispute panel through the USMCA. Mexico’s policies on biotechnology are not based on sound science and are ultimately designed to block U.S. corn exports,” said USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand. “We have had a long and productive relationship with Mexico. It is our number one market for U.S. corn, and we support this action because it will likely be the most expedient way to ensure that positive relationship continues.”



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

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

“Mexico’s approach to biotechnology is not based on science and runs counter to decades’ worth of evidence demonstrating its safety and the rigorous, science-based regulatory review system that ensures it poses no harm to human health and the environment. Innovations in agricultural biotechnology play a key role in advancing solutions to our shared global challenges, including food and nutrition insecurity, the climate crisis and the lingering effects of food price inflation,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “By requesting the establishment of a dispute settlement panel with Mexico, the United States is continuing to exercise its rights under the USMCA to ensure that U.S. producers and exporters have full and fair access to the Mexican market. We will continue to support fair, open, science- and rules-based trade, which serves as the foundation of the USMCA as it was agreed to by all parties.”

Today’s announcement is the latest action USDA and USTR have taken to address the United States’ concerns with Mexico’s biotechnology policies.



Mexico Must Live Up to its USMCA Commitments

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the U.S. Trade Representative establishing a dispute panel in Mexico’s biotech corn import ban.

“AFBF appreciates U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai for her continued commitment to ensuring Mexico lives up to its responsibilities under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement by allowing fair trade from the United States.

“Mexico’s ban on bioengineered corn is not only a clear violation of USMCA, it also ignores science and denies families in Mexico safe and affordable food. America’s farmers are upholding their obligations by meeting demand while achieving important sustainability goals. Mexico must do the same.”



Nebraska Extension Provides Nebraska Corn and Soybean Clinics Aug. 29 at North Platte and Aug. 31 at Mead

Nebraska Extension is providing in-field training opportunities during the Nebraska Corn and Soybean Clinics. The training is scheduled for 2 locations – Mead and North Platte.  Learn about research-based recommendations for improving yield and profit potential. See a “growing season” all in one place - the training includes hands-on interaction and field demos.  

Aaron Nygren, Nebraska Extension water and cropping systems educator at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, says “We look forward to better serving Nebraska corn and soybean farmers with these clinics and hope that you will join us to have a hands-on discussion with Nebraska Extension specialists and educators about topics important to your operation.”  

The Tuesday, Aug. 29 training is at the University of Nebraska West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road, North Platte, Nebraska and Thursday, Aug. 31 is at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center (near Mead), 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, Nebraska.   

The clinics will differ in content due to variables at each location.  Nicolas Cafaro, assistant professor and cropping systems specialist in agronomy and horticulture at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, says “Nebraska has diversity of soil, weather conditions, and cropping systems. That means that corn and soybean management is also different across Nebraska. We want to bring better access to the clinics for Nebraskans.”  

Registration begins at 9 a.m. Training is from 9:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Focusing on both corn and soybeans will provide a well-rounded educational experience.  Cafaro says, “The management of one crop could influence the other crop in the following year and sometimes the same year (such as herbicide drift), so a systems approach is important.”

Topics include: Growth Stage and Crop Physiology: Corn and Soybean Planting-R1; Nutrient management: N, P, IDC; Insect and Weed Management; Weed Management; Growth Stage and Crop Physiology Corn and Soybean R1-harvest; Irrigation; and Plant Pathology.

4.5 CCA credits have been applied for and are pending.

Clinics are limited to 50 participants, so please pre-register one week before each clinic date to ensure a spot. Participants can choose the location they are attending when registering.   

The fee is $75 for those seeking CCA credits and $25 for those attending that do not need continuing education credits. Fees include training, lunch and reference materials.  

Learn more and register:  https://enreec.unl.edu/nebraska-corn-soybean-clinic/

 

Grocery Industry Summit aims to Tackle Food System Insecurity

The Nebraska Cooperative Development Center has teamed up with the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association to host the inaugural Grocery Industry Summit in Kearney on Thursday, Aug. 24. The free summit is designed for attendees to learn about, discuss and address the many challenges facing the grocery industry today.

According to the USDA, a “food desert” is any community with a population of 500 or more that is more than 10 miles from a grocery store or food outlet. Currently more than one-third of Nebraska’s 93 counties struggle with food deserts. The summit aims to begin the conversations that will lessen that number.

“We want to provide an opportunity for everyone—grocers, wholesalers, vendors, policymakers and economic developers—to learn more about and discuss the state of the grocery industry in Nebraska,” said Ansley Fellers, executive director of NGIA. “There are many opportunities and challenges across the industry. It’s really important we find ways to connect individuals to each other and to the right opportunities.”

Charlotte Narjes, director of NCDC, said, “There are many factors that make running a grocery store in a rural community challenging. Outdated equipment and high transportation costs are among the most common. But also, when a grocer decides to retire, most are unfamiliar with the business transition process, so they simply close their doors.”

That very reason, the lack of education on how to sell a grocery store or transition out of ownership effectively, is the foremost reason many Nebraskans struggle with easy access to healthy food, according to Narjes. Part of the summit will address those transition models, covering the transfer of ownership as well as restructuring into a cooperative model.

“There are ongoing challenges facing certain populations and businesses, such as a lack of infrastructure, capital, economies of scale, and labor,” said Fellers. “The grocery industry in particular runs on very slim margins, and independent owners are disproportionately impacted by arbitrary mandates and policy changes.”

Both the NCDC, a university-run organization, and the NGIA, a trade association for those in the food industry, offer education, training and technical assistance to cooperatively-owned businesses, including cooperatives, LLCs, and other business structures. They also share various resources and access to support services across Nebraska. The summit will act as a one-stop shop for attendees to learn about all of these possible solutions and how to implement them in their communities and counties.

“Whether an attendee is affiliated with a current grocery or convenience store, interested in opening a store, or trying to keep a store in or attract a store to their community, we hope they walk away optimistic about resources available and confident they know where to go or who to contact when they need assistance,” said Fellers.

The summit will be held at the Younes Conference Center South, 416 W Talmage Rd., Kearney, Neb., 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is free and available on the NGIA website https://nebraskagroceryindustryassociationjune302022.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/01H6kZDc8FwCR?mode=Attendee.



NEBRASKA COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE ON FARMS
According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, 77% of Nebraska farms had access to computers in 2023. This compares to the national average of 69%. In Nebraska, 90% of farms in Nebraska had internet access, up 5% from the last time this data was collected in 2021.

Iowa Farm Computer Usage
Seventy-five percent of Iowa farms own or use a desktop or laptop computer, 6 percentage points higher than the U.S. percentage, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report. Farms using smart phones for their farm business was 80 percent, 2 percentage points below the national percentage.

Eighty-five percent of Iowa farms have internet access, up 3 percentage points from 2021. Cellular service is the most common method of accessing the Internet on Iowa farms, with 75 percent of farms accessing the internet utilizing cellular methods. The proportion of Iowa farms using broadband (DSL, cable, fiber optic) connection was the second most common method for accessing the internet with 51 percent. Satellite service at 17 percent was the third most common way for Iowa farms to access the internet.

United States Farm Computer Usage
Nationally, 85 percent of farms reported having access to the internet. In 2023, 32 percent of farms used the internet to purchase agricultural inputs, which was an increase of 3 percent from 2021. Additionally, 23 percent of farms used the internet to market agricultural activities, which was an increase of 2 percent from 2021. Farms which conducted business with non-agricultural websites in 2023 increased by 2 percent to 49 percent.

In 2023, 51 percent of internet connected farms utilized a broadband connection while 75 percent of internet connected farms had access through a cellular data plan. Additionally, 69 percent of farms had a desktop or laptop computer while 82 percent of farms had a smart phone.



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.

“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.”



SHIC Announces Staff Transitions
Sundberg sets retirement date; Niederwerder will become Executive Director

The Swine Health Information Center’s Executive Director, Dr. Paul Sundberg, has announced he will retire at the end of 2023. Upon accepting Dr. Sundberg’s retirement request, the SHIC Board of Directors moved to promote Associate Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder to Executive Director effective January 1, 2024. A transition plan is in place, ensuring a smooth handoff and business continuity for SHIC.

“Having Megan on board since April 2022 has allowed for interaction between her, Paul, and the Board so we can mesh her talents and strengths with the ongoing success we have had under Paul’s leadership,” remarked SHIC Board Chair Dr. Russ Nugent. “A person of Paul’s talents is not easily replaced, but we will all do our best to continue his legacy of SHIC success and the Board is very excited to have Megan taking us forward into the future.”

Dr. Niederwerder has been involved in, and exposed to, all facets of SHIC for over a year, according to Dr. Nugent. As Associate Director, Dr. Niederwerder oversees some key SHIC programs and efforts. While helping direct SHIC’s operations, and being mentored by Dr. Sundberg, Dr. Niederwerder grew to understand the organization’s efforts from the inside out. “We are all very clear on the SHIC mission statement. That keeps us grounded to our focus on a daily basis,” Dr. Nugent observed. The mission statement reads: The Swine Health Information Center, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, protects and enhances the health of the US swine herd by minimizing the impact of emerging disease threats through preparedness, coordinated communications, global disease monitoring, analysis of swine health data, and targeted research investments. This statement guides not only day-to-day effort but the transition process as well.

“SHIC was formed because pork producers believed there was a better way to prepare for potential disease threats that were not yet in the US. That has been our focus since 2015,” commented Dr. Nugent. “SHIC’s staff must be well aware of pork production disease threats worldwide as well as have the vision and scientific contacts to lead an effort to assess risk, likelihood, magnitude, and ability for us to generate valuable insight into potential emerging diseases.” Dr. Nugent believes SHIC remains as relevant as ever, and said, “Our Executive Director must also have the vision to think outside the box and find new innovative ways to create value for Checkoff paying producers in this arena; for example recent and ongoing Wean-to-Harvest Biosecurity Program research will pay dividends for all producers against many existing and potentially emerging disease threats that may rob profit on an ongoing and/or future basis.”

Dr. Sundberg has been SHIC’s only Executive Director and for years, its only paid staff. “You simply do not replace someone like Paul Sundberg,” Dr. Nugent stated. “He has been an asset to this industry for years. Megan will use her vast talents, along with lessons and wisdom learned from Paul, to continue the strong legacy of SHIC to help US pork producers develop innovative ways to protect our ability to produce a healthy, sustainable, cost-effective food supply for our country. Megan won’t try to be Paul, but we sure won’t forget all that we have learned from him.”



CHECKOFF-FUNDED NUTRITION AND HEALTH RESEARCH MUST CONNECT WITH NEW CONSUMER AUDIENCES
Angie Meyer, Okarche, Okla.
Member, Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Co-Chair, Nutrition & Health Committee

I was a “city girl” until I married a third-generation dairy farmer. Since then, my husband and I have been actively involved in running our family dairy in Okarche, Oklahoma. Over my years, as I became first a wife, then a mom and finally, a grandma, I’ve become very interested in health and nutrition. Now, as a co-chair of the Beef Checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Committee, I’m applying my interest in healthy eating to help drive beef demand.

The Beef Checkoff’s principal role is to successfully drive demand for beef. To accomplish that goal, we must engage with a broad range of consumers. That’s why the Checkoff is expanding its efforts and working to reach different consumer audience segments. And through the power of Checkoff-funded nutrition and health research, we’ve unlocked new audience groups, from infants and toddlers to teenagers and beyond.

We now have scientific evidence touting the beneficial role beef’s nutrients play in a child’s physical and cognitive development. The research paper, Meat Helps Every Bite Count, says that infants as young as six months of age need high-quality dietary sources of iron and zinc as their internal stores begin to deplete after birth. The unique, nutrient-dense matrix of iron-rich red meat, such as beef, makes it an ideal first complementary food.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recently recommended animal-sourced foods, such as beef, to support healthy growth for infants and toddlers. Backed by this recommendation as well as support from The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Women, Infants and Children’s Program, Checkoff-funded Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. launched a “Beef in the Early Years” promotional campaign.

Over the past two years, Beef in the Early Years has reached health professionals, parents and caregivers nationwide with attention-getting materials, infographics, preparation guides, eating tips, videos, recipes and more. These materials have been promoted through YouTube, Google Search, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Spotify and podcasts. Since its launch, the campaign has reached more than 32 million consumers with information that supports introducing beef to infants around six months of age.

Here’s how Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. achieved those remarkable results:
    A new nutrition research paper, “Meat Helps Make Every Bite Count: An Ideal First Food for Infants,” was published in Nutrition Today, garnering thousands of views.
    Messaging in top-tier nutrition and health journals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Healthy Children Magazine educated health professionals about beef’s benefits. E-blasts were sent through lists provided by EatRight Pro and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
    More than 2,500 health professionals registered for an educational webinar with dietitian Katie Ferraro about the nutrient adequacy and safety of incorporating solid foods – including beef – when implementing the baby-led weaning approach.
    Partnerships with five leading nutrition influencers helped reach consumers via social media and blog posts featuring tips for introducing beef to infants and recipes that the whole family could enjoy.  
    An episode featuring Dr. Michael Georgieff on the popular podcast, “The Nourished Child,” was downloaded more than 2,000 times on various platforms. Dr. Georgieff highlighted the importance of iron for a child’s brain development.

While beef is an important food for babies and toddlers, it’s also great for the growth and development of older children and teenagers. In August 2022, to mark the start of the school year and World Iron Awareness Week, the Beef Checkoff emphasized beef’s role in building strong minds and strong bodies. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has stated that many children and adolescents aren’t getting enough high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and vitamins B6 and B12. To spread the word about beef’s high-quality protein and iron, the Checkoff funded these initiatives:
    In-office educational toolkits were delivered to doctor’s offices across the nation. The toolkits included a letter, an educational tool and a tear pad for parents and caregivers. The offices have received approximately 1,500 toolkits to date, with more expected to be delivered in 2023.
    An EatRight Pro and Nutrition and Dietetics SmartBrief advertisement and e-blast provided information about beef’s key nutrients for children and teens to more than 406,000 health professionals.
    Partnerships with five leading nutrition influencers featured quick and nutritious school lunches, opportunities to increase protein and iron in adolescence and tips to ensure children build strong minds and bodies.
    Through a partnership with the Retail Dietitian Business Alliance, the Checkoff shared two educational e-blasts and a sponsorship page with educational resources that emphasize the value of beef for children and teenagers.
    The Beef Checkoff-funded nutrition team continues to work closely with State Beef Councils by offering an educational presentation by Dayle Hayes, MS, RD, with updates on school lunch nutrition and opportunities to support beef as part of the school lunch program.

The Beef Checkoff’s nutrition and health research is not only driving more demand for beef – it’s also giving parents and health professionals the resources they need to help infants, toddlers and adolescents build healthy, strong minds and bodies. Furthermore, these young people are key to beef’s future success. They’re the next generation who will be purchasing beef and cooking it for themselves and their families. Learn more about the Human Nutrition Research Program and Beef in the Early Years at beefresearch.org.



Cattle Industry Consortium Awards First Grant to Curb Enteric Methane Emissions

Today, the Greener Cattle Initiative (GCI), the first consortium investing in research mitigating enteric methane, awarded its initial grant to develop actionable options that reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle.

“Mitigating enteric methane emissions is a major focus of farmer-led voluntary efforts by the dairy sector to meet environmental stewardship goals,” said Dr. Juan Tricarico, senior vice president for environmental research at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “Research resulting from this and future GCI awards will provide more options for farmers to choose from to mitigate methane emissions.”  

Cows and other ruminant animals produce enteric methane as part of their natural digestive process. This methane is the single largest source of direct greenhouse gases in the beef and dairy sectors. Addressing enteric methane emissions is critical to slowing the effects of climate change while also helping the dairy and beef sectors meet their sustainability goals.  

GCI awarded its initial grant in the amount of $758,776 to Penn State’s Distinguished Professor of Dairy Nutrition Dr. Alexander N. Hristov to develop new enteric methane inhibitors and delivery methods for them. Inhibitors are naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that when ingested by cows can decrease enteric methane emissions. Hristov is focusing on inhibitors that have already been shown to reduce methane by at least 30% in laboratory tests. The project aims to develop feed additive options that will deliver the greatest mitigation potential that is practical for producers. The research team is conducting a series of studies to determine the efficacy and feasibility of these inhibitor compounds in cows. Additionally, the efforts are identifying and optimizing dietary conditions required to maximize enteric methane emissions reductions.  

“Earlier this summer, the world experienced the hottest day on record, jeopardizing human and animal health, our food supplies and more,” said Nikki Dutta, FFAR interim scientific program lead for Advanced Animal Systems. “A surefire way to slow the impacts of climate change is to reduce the amount of methane cows produce. This award aims to provide dairy producers with safe, practical options to reduce enteric methane emissions.”

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy launched GCI in 2021 to convene stakeholders across the dairy and beef value chains to fund research for enteric methane mitigation options that are proven, scalable and affordable for producers. FFAR matched initial program participant contributions with $2.5 million. While the consortium originally sought to award $5 million in research, it has exceeded funding expectations and will be making additional grant awards that represent a greater research investment than originally targeted.  



Marketing The Superior Performance Of U.S. Corn To The Indian Starch Industry

U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) New Delhi office recently traveled around India to meet with industrial corn starch millers to discuss U.S. corn’s superiority in starch processing. Dr. Vijay Singh, executive director of the University of Illinois’ integrated bioprocessing laboratory, joined the group to discuss Council initiatives in marketing U.S. corn to industrial starch millers around the world.

The team began the tour in Chalisgaon to conduct an audit of the largest starch plant in India. Afterwards, the team headed north to the state of Punjab, where they audited two additional starch plants. During the consultations, the team found that U.S. corn could benefit Indian starch millers via shorter steeping times and increased overall yields which translates into increasing profitability.

“Dr. Singh’s research has clearly shown that a one percent increase in yield will lead to over $1 million of increased annual profitability for plants in India,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies. “U.S. corn would give Indian starch processes three to five percent higher starch yields than Indian corn currently. Given that they currently do not have access to U.S. corn, it’s important that we bring this to the attention of Indian starch millers. They are currently operating at a competitive disadvantage to the global industry, and we are optimistic that they will advocate for access to U.S. corn with their governmental officials.”

Following the audits, the team traveled to Ahmedabad to speak with the All India Starch Manufacturers’ Association (AISMA) about the team’s findings over the week. Dr. Singh presented profitability metrics and compared them to a baseline seen in India and the U.S.

“While these are exceptionally capable businesses that have cutting-edge technology, they were surprised to see the money being left on the table,” said Reece H. Cannady, USGC regional director for South Asia. “It genuinely captured everyone’s attention when presented with ideal starch manufacturing techniques and what it could mean for their plants.”

The timing of the roadshow was perfect, as the Indian government recently announced that rice was banned for use in India’s ethanol production. This is forcing the world’s fastest-growing ethanol industry to switch to corn as a raw material for their grain ethanol plants which puts them in competition with the Indian starch industry. A periodic exporter, the Indian government’s current goal of E20 blends by 2025-2026 will push India into a major corn deficit, drastically impacting starch millers in the country.

The Council’s strategy in India involves supporting India’s E20 goals, understanding that corn will be at a deficit. To achieve their ambitious blending goals, the Indian government must make policy changes that will positively impact U.S. farmers, whether it be via fuel ethanol imports or the Indian industry’s access to GM corn.

“Starch millers are exceptionally concerned about future availability of corn, seeing a potential for a 6.0 MMT (236 million bushels) corn deficit on the horizon,” Cannady said. “Not only is U.S. corn a more profitable alternative for the Indian starch industry, but it can help both the Indian ethanol and starch industries achieve their ambitious growth goals and ensure the viability of both sectors.”



Nufarm Credit K6 Receives Enlist One Approval

Nufarm’s Credit® K6 Herbicide has been approved for Enlist One® tank mix . Credit K6 is a potassium salt (“K-salt”) glyphosate with a high load of active ingredient and advantages including excellent formulation stability and very low viscosity, meaning that it flows easily and doesn’t put transfer pumps under stress, even at low temperatures. Credit K6 offers efficacy on-par with Roundup PowerMax® II with the benefit of improved cold-temperature handling.

“We’re glad Enlist One growers can put this quality k-salt glyphosate formulation to work next season,” said Nufarm Technical Services Director Dan Beran, Ph.D. “There are a lot of soybean producers needing a tank mix option early in the crop season while still experiencing colder temps. Credit K6 can add utility here as well as value year-round.”

Credit K6 is the latest member of Nufarm’s Credit® glyphosate family, known for its high quality and reliability for many years. In addition to Enlist One tolerant crops, Credit K6 is approved as a tank mix for Xtendimax®, Engenia® and Tavium®. Credit K6 is registered for use in all contiguous US states and is labeled on all glyphosate tolerant crops.