Friday September 08 Ag News

Pillen’s Trade Mission Transitions from South Korea to Japan

Governor Jim Pillen is wrapping up the first leg of his current trade mission to South Korea and Japan. He, and other members of the delegation, are traveling to Tokyo, the second leg of their trip. The group arrived in Seoul on Tuesday, Sept. 5, kicking off a full slate of meetings and events that will continue through Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The delegation is promoting Nebraska agriculture and discussing opportunities to enhance collaboration and partnerships in East Asia to grow Nebraska’s clean hydrogen sector. The mission includes representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), state commodity organizations, ag businesses, and energy companies.

“South Korea has a vibrant economy and it’s a market that we want to continue to tap into,” said Gov. Pillen. “The people we have met are very interested in what we do agriculturally, especially in terms of how we raise our animals, the types of grain that we use and how we care for our environment. We are more than happy to come to South Korea and share our efforts around sustainability and what we are doing to expand clean energy.”

The first full day of activity began Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, with a morning briefing at the U.S. embassy. Gov. Pillen and the trade delegation then met with leaders of SK Inc., a global Fortune 500 company with $50+ billion of investments in U.S. businesses. They thanked leaders at SK for investing in Monolith Materials’ Hallam, a Nebraska facility, which produces clean hydrogen. The Nebraska team also promoted the Mid-Continent Clean Hydrogen Hub that the state established earlier this year in partnership with Iowa and Missouri.

That day’s activities concluded with a beef promotional dinner in the city of Incheon. Nebraska ranchers talked about the sustainable, bio-secure practices they use to produce high-quality beef. South Korea is Nebraska’s top international market for beef, purchasing $584 million in 2022. Nebraska supplies more beef to South Korea than any other U.S. state.

“One of the interesting things we learned is that appetites are changing in South Korea. People are increasing their intake of meat protein, and are eating less rice,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. “That opens a world of opportunity, in terms of what we can export. People here say Nebraska beef is the best they have ever had. This trip allows us to build on relationships already in place and create new ones that will help drive sales.”

On Thursday, the Nebraska delegation engaged in discussions with KOTRA, the Republic of Korea’s trade promotion agency. Members of the group also visited Homeplus, a Korean discount retail chain. It is the second largest retailer in South Korea with 135 stores. During the visit, Gov. Pillen saw how Nebraska beef is marketed to consumers.

“We raise the best product in the world, and we can brag about that,” said Gov. Pillen. “Consumers purchase Nebraska beef because of the quality and consistency.”

“It is remarkable as a producer, as a cattle feeder, to talk to South Koreans about the product they are buying and for them to realize that you are the person from Nebraska who supplied it,” said Jeff Rudolph, board member for the Nebraska Beef Council. “That is a really meaningful interaction, one that we normally wouldn’t get to experience without being here in person.”

Later Thursday, Gov. Pillen joined Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Sherry Vinton and representatives from the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Monolith Materials and Tallgrass Energy in a roundtable with Korean leaders to discuss partnership opportunities around hydrogen energy development. This year, Nebraska enacted the Nuclear and Hydrogen Development Act, which calls for the creation of a work group overseen by DED to determine workforce and training needs as well as distribution of college grants for the creation of necessary courses.

“Advances in the energy industry will benefit Nebraska agriculture as we today, through our practices, feed the world and save the planet at the same time,” Gov. Pillen told attendees at the roundtable. “Nebraska is uniquely positioned to provide less carbon-intensive fertilizers and increase food security regionally, domestically and globally.”

Members of the delegation will be equally busy upon arriving in Tokyo, Japan. Meetings will continue to focus on mutual ag sustainability measures, opportunities for trade and manufacturing, as well as participation in the Midwest Japan Association Conference, hosted by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel.



Saunders County Livestock Outlook Meeting
Monday, September 11, 2023
Location: Saunders County Fairgrounds, 4-H building
Social: 6:30 p.m. CT
Meal/Meeting: 7:00 p.m. CT
Speakers: Jeff Peterson, Heartland Farm Partners (market update), Laura Field, NC Executive Vice President



ATTENDEES INVITED TO VISIT PSC BOOTH AT HUSKER HARVEST DAYS

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging citizens to stop by its booth during Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island (Sept. 12-14), to learn about the regulatory process within the state and the services provided by the Commission.

“Husker Harvest Days provides a great opportunity for us to let everyone know the important role the PSC plays in their daily lives,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier. “Many are surprised to learn that as regulators we have a hand in everything from agriculture and telecommunications to transportation, natural gas and beyond.”

With harvest season underway, the Commission will also focus on answering questions and offering information on Nebraska law when it comes to the selling, or storage of grain.

“If you want to be a grain dealer in Nebraska, you need to be licensed by the PSC in order to do business,” said Terri Fritz, Director PSC Grain Department. “Our rules & regulations are in place to protect both the seller and the producer, and we look forward to talking directly with those in the ag industry.”

You can visit the PSC booth at Husker Harvest Days in the Diversified Industry Building Exhibition area beginning at 8:00 a.m., each of the three days.

Commissioner Watermeier said, “We hope folks will stop by our booth at Husker Harvest Days. We’ve got a lot to talk about and look forward to sharing information on the PSC’s role with the citizens we serve.”



Fodder Production Systems the Focus of I-29 Moo University Webinar

The I-29 Moo University 2023 Dairy Webinar Series continues on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. CDT with a focus on feeding fodder to dairy cattle.

The webinar will feature Brad Heins, professor of organic dairy management at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research Center in Morris, Minnesota. Currently, Heins conducts his research at the University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center.

The center has a 130-head herd in a certified organic system, and a 160-head herd in a conventional grazing system. His research and extension program focuses on best management practices for dairy production, crossbreeding of dairy cattle, group rearing of calves, and renewable energy for dairy production systems. He serves on the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Board of Directors and the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force.

“Heins will present current research on the science behind feeding fodder to help clear up some of the information appearing in recent media articles,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“Sprouting grain for livestock feed has gained renewed interest as a method to produce a continuous supply of fresh, high-quality forage,” said Hall. “We will discuss the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of implementing sprouted grain systems on dairy farms.”

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/GSOWT0.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.



Feeding For Protein And Profit Webinar on Sept 27

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team’s 2023 Dairy Webinar Series continues Wednesday, September 27 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT, with a focus on feeding for protein and profit.

“The August protein price moved up to 2.08 from the July price of 1.15. This refocuses producer interest on increasing the protein content of their milk,” notes Iowa State University and Extension Dairy Specialist Fred Hall.

To help producers and nutritionist understand how to modify dairy rations to encourage more protein we have two presenters on the topic.

Dr. Gail Carpenter, Assistant Professor and state-wide dairy specialist will present on rumen health and improved milk components.

Dr. David Atwell will discuss what producers can do to increase the yield of milk protein pounds in the tank. Atwell joined Adisseo in 2016 and serves as Dairy Technical and Business Development Lead for the upper Midwest and Western United States.  Atwell holds a Ph.D. in Dairy Nutrition from the University of Illinois.  Dr. Atwell has worked in the Dairy Industry for 33 years in a variety of roles, from technical services to nutrition consulting.

There is no fee to participate in this webinar; however, preregistration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Preregister online at: https://go.iastate.edu/XAB2GM.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.



Iowa Soybean Farmers Elect New Leadership to Bolster Demand, Expand Opportunities
 
Farmer-leaders of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) elected Suzanne Shirbroun of Farmersburg as president during its September board meeting held in Ames. 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.
 
Shirbroun was first elected as a District 3 director in 2016. She and her husband Joe manage a sixth-generation diversified row crop and seed business in Clayton County. They have been long-time participants in ISA production research activities and advocates for the soybean checkoff and agriculture.
 
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to represent Iowa’s soybean farmers in this role,” said Shirbroun, who most recently served as ISA president-elect. “From market development to international trade, increased demand for high-quality soy is driving farmer optimism heading into the new year. As stewards of soybean checkoff dollars, ISA board members will continue advancing issues directly benefiting Iowa soybean farmers.”
 
Four farmer-leaders were also appointed to serve on the association’s Executive Committee, including:
    Brent Swart, President-Elect – Spencer
    Jeff Frank, Treasurer – Lake View
    Tom Adam, Secretary – Harper
    Brent Renner, At-Large – Klemme

Directors are chosen by Iowa soybean farmers through the ISA election in July and take office in September. Members voted for two farmers from their crop reporting district and four farmers to serve as at-large directors.
 
Newly elected farmers who will serve three-year terms on the board are: 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).
 
ISA directors also re-elected Steph Essick of Dickens (Clay County); Morey Hill of Madrid (Boone County); and Dave Walton of Wilton (Muscatine County); as directors on the American Soybean Association (ASA) board. Immediate past president Randy Miller of Lacona (Warren County) and Tom Adam (Keokuk County) will join the ASA board for first terms beginning in December.
 
To learn more, visit iasoybeans.com.



Fire Prevention and Safety Tips During Harvest
Joshua Michel, Iowa State University Extension  

Harvest season is right around the corner and according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of the state is in a severe drought or worse. These abnormally dry conditions could enhance the potential for combine and field fires this fall. Low relative humidity levels and high winds will further increase the risk of fires. Fires cause millions of dollars in property damage, including loss of machinery, crops, and time. Unfortunately, injuries to farm workers and firefighters may also occur.

Modern combines are powerful machines, which means they can produce excessive amounts of heat. All it takes to start a fire is a single high-temperature source in the engine area or an overheated bearing to ignite some dry plant material. While it’s impossible to remove the heat from the engine, hydraulics, and other hard-working systems, you can minimize the risk of fires by taking a few minutes and following these fire prevention steps and safety tips.

Prevention Steps:
    Keep the machine clean, particularly around the engine and engine compartment. Use a high pressure washer or compressed air to remove caked-on oil, grease, and crop residue.
    Frequently check air filters, ensuring that they stay clean; either by blowing them out or replacing them. This will help the engine run cooler and more efficient.
    Check coolant and oil levels daily. Pay close attention to engine and hydrostatic pump parts as well.
    Check the pressurized oil supply line to the turbocharger for wear areas that rub and may start an oil leak.
    At the end of each day blow leaves, chaff and plant material from the engine area with either compressed air or a portable leaf blower. Waiting until the next morning to do this may be more difficult because of the dew.
    Remove plant materials wrapped on or near any bearings, belts, chains, or other moving parts.
    Examine the exhaust or any hot bearing surfaces. Repair leaking fuel or oil hoses, fittings or metal lines immediately.
    Inspect and clean ledges or recessed areas near fuel tanks and lines.
    Prior to refueling, turn the combine off and wait 15 minutes to reduce the risk of a spill volatilizing and igniting.
    Research from South Dakota State University suggests that if we have dry conditions and start experiencing wind speeds close to 30 mph and above, fires may be inevitable. During these periods producers should consider delaying harvest until evening hours when winds decrease or wait for precipitation. Higher humidity levels may also reduce the potential for field fires to spread.

Safety Tips:
    In case of fire, turn off the engine, get away from the machine, and call 911. Then attack with fire extinguishers if it is safe to do so. Try to fight from the “black," the area already burned. Attacking a fire from areas with combustibles (e.g. dry corn stalks) is much riskier. Always stay upwind of a fire to minimize the risk of exposure from smoke, heat, and possible flames.
    A fire can double in size in less than a minute. Burning embers blown downwind can easily spread a fire well beyond the control of your fire extinguishers in just seconds. So be aware of possible additional fires.
    It is recommended to have two ABC-rated fire extinguishers on hand: a smaller 10-pound unit in the cab and a larger 20-pound extinguisher at ground level on the combine. Keeping an extra fire extinguisher on other pieces of machinery or trucks that are out in the field is also a good idea.
    Invert the fire extinguisher once or twice during the season to ensure that machine vibrations don’t compact the powder inside.
    Keeping a shovel on the combine to throw dirt on a fire can also help.
    Create a list with the 911 addresses for each of your field locations prior to harvest and have them easily accessible to family members and farm employees. Many fire departments are equipped with GPS equipment or mobile apps to assist in directing them to incidents. When a fire is called in with a 911 address, dispatch can more readily identify the incident location and relay this information to the fire department. This can save precious time as some fields may be in remote locations.

Create an Emergency Plan:
Fires can start from plant materials that may have been smoldering unnoticed for 30 minutes or more. The ignition source for field fires may have been the earlier passing of a truck, tractor, or combine. Flames may not be apparent until additional oxygen is supplied, perhaps by a gust of wind. Harvest crews and neighbors may want to discuss a plan for emergency tillage of a firebreak should that option become advisable. The goal of creating a firebreak with a tillage pass; is to stop an out-of-control fire from spreading. It creates an area that won’t fuel the fire, so the fire will eventually burn itself out. Additional information on creating a firebreak using tillage can be found in this ICM Article from 2021.

Keep in mind that personal safety is far more important than property loss. Attempting to fight a fire should only happen after calling 911 and determining that it’s safe to do so. Fire prevention is possible; it just requires some regular maintenance and keeping equipment clean.



NASDA Foundation welcomes NASDA’s Next Generation class of 2023

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation welcomes NASDA’s Next Generation class of 2023, featuring 13 students from 10 states. The NASDA Next Generation class of 2023 will network with commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, industry leaders, and stakeholders at the NASDA Annual Meeting.
 
The purpose of NASDA Next Generation is to advance our future leaders’ understanding of agriculture policy and the role of state departments of agriculture in ensuring a healthy and thriving food system for all. Through the NASDA Next Generation programming, students learn about pressing food and agricultural policy issues, NASDA’s mission, and careers in public service. During the meeting events, students will also be able to explore Wyoming’s community-based agriculture.
 
“The agriculture industry is in need of strong leadership in the next generation, and we are excited to welcome this year’s NASDA Next Generation class to our Annual Meeting,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “This cohort of students represents the wide variety of experience and dedication to agricultural excellence that will enable the industry to thrive and impact the entire food system moving forward.”

The following students were selected:
Alexandra Mason, South Dakota State University
Ava Barajas, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Charlotte Brockman, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Esther Oginni, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Etinosa Ignubor, Westen Colorado University
Grace Dunham, Cornell University
Jelani Christmas, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Mateo Rull Garza, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Meredith Halweg, University of Wyoming
Ryan Bake, Utah State University
Samuel Hadacek, South Dakota State University
Sarah Curley, Oklahoma State University
Tahirah Jones, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

NASDA’s Next Generation would not be possible without our sponsors: Bayer, Farm Credit Council, Land O Lakes, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, Merck Animal Health, National Agricultural Law Center, National Agriculture in the Classroom, National Pork Board, Nourish the Future, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Purina, Syngenta, Tyson Foods, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture. This year, the 2023 NASDA Annual Meeting is being held Sept. 10-13 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. To inquire about more information or become a sponsor of NASDA’s Next Generation, please contact Chris Jones, Senior Director - NASDA Foundation.

The NASDA Foundation is the only educational and research organization that directly serves the nation's state departments of agriculture. NASDA Foundation’s mission is to enhance American food and agricultural communities through education, outreach and research. The NASDA Foundation works with states to nourish people and communities while serving as the stewards of the environment and public trust. To learn more about NASDA Foundation, please visit https://www.nasda.org/nasda-foundation/.



Statement by Secretary Vilsack Regarding India’s Reduction In Tariffs on Agricultural Products

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement today in response to the announcement by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products:

“We welcome today’s news that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on its imports of U.S. turkey, duck, cranberries and blueberries, creating new market opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters in the world’s most populous nation.

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA and USTR have focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening relationships with our global trading partners, including India, and working through the World Trade Organization and other venues to ensure that those partners live up to their obligations so that U.S. agriculture has full and fair access to key export markets.

“Today’s announcement, leading into President Biden’s participation in the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi, follows the lifting of India’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. apples, chickpeas, lentils, almonds and walnuts, a development that had been announced earlier this summer and took effect this week. While important progress has been made, significant tariff and nontariff barriers to American agricultural products accessing the Indian market remain. I look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Tai to address these barriers and strengthen the trade relationship between the United States and India.”