Wednesday September 27 Ag News

 Fill up with Purpose: Your Gas Tank Can Help Fund Cancer Research

This October, every time you fill up your gas tank with higher ethanol blends, you’re not just fueling your vehicle; you’re funding breast cancer research. Join in the Fuel the Cure campaign at your local participating gas stations and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
 
How it Works:
    Choose Ethanol Blends: Opt for higher ethanol blends, such as E15 to flex fuel E85, available at gas stations listed at FueledbyNebraska.com/pink.
    Your Fill-Up Makes an Impact: For every gallon of higher ethanol blend sold between Oct. 1-31, nearly 50 Nebraska fuel retailers will donate 3 cents toward cancer research and services within the state.
    Look for Pink: Identifying the retailers supporting this vital cause is easy; just look for the pink Fuel the Cure signage at the pump, on the windows, and at the counter. Since 2018, Nebraska’s Fuel the Cure campaigns have raised over $45,000 for cancer research, primarily benefiting the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. “This distinguished institute plays a pivotal role in shaping cancer care, research, and education in Nebraska, the region, and the world,” said Jessica Sodeke, Nebraska Ethanol Board’s communications and outreach manager.

Local Partners include:
Stop N Go, 605 North Robinson, Hartington, NE 68739
Oakland Express, 909 Hwy 32, Oakland, NE 68045
Anderson Convenience Market, 2630 South 140th Street, Omaha, NE 68144
Anderson Convenience Market, 4860 S. 96th St. Omaha, NE 68127
Tom’s Service, 332 East Main, Pierce, NE 68767
Pilger Pride, 405 West 1st Street, Pilger, NE 68768
Cardinal Express, 518 W Broadway, Randolph, NE 68771
Pony Express, 1501 Stable Drive, South Sioux City, NE 68776
Pony Express, 137 Highway 77, Winnebago, NE 68071

Ethanol-Blended Gasoline: Good for You, Good for the Environment
Gasoline blended with ethanol isn’t just a cleaner fuel; it’s healthier for you and the environment. Traditional gasoline contains toxic aromatics, such as BTEX, which make up 25% of a gallon of gas. These aromatics pose health risks when inhaled at the pump, from vehicle exhaust, and as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Ethanol, with its high-octane value, allows oil refiners to reduce aromatic content in gasoline by at least 5%. This percentage increases significantly when using higher ethanol blends like E15 and E30. As the No. 2 producer of ethanol in the nation, Nebraska is leading the way in providing eco-friendly fuel options.
 
Your Vehicle and Ethanol Blends:
    E15 for Most Vehicles: E15 (15% ethanol and 85% gasoline), also known as Unleaded88, is approved for use in passenger vehicles from 2001 and newer.
    Flex Fuel Vehicles: Higher ethanol blends are approved for use in flex fuel vehicles, and one in 10 Nebraskans drive one. Flex fuel vehicles can run on any blend of ethanol up to E85 (which contains 51-83% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
    Not sure? Check the owner’s manual or visit FueledbyNebraska.com: If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s compatibility, consult your owner’s manual or look for a flex fuel badge on your trunk or tailgate, or a yellow gas cap.

Together, We Drive Change
“Cancer touches the lives of nearly everyone in some way,” said Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, director and physician-in-chief at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. “We appreciate that Nebraska fuel retailers are joining forces to empower drivers to support cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which provides lifesaving care to people throughout our state. Through generous contributions, such as the Fuel the Cure campaign, we are able to fund researchers working on new treatments each and every day.”

Jenn Klein of Lincoln was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. Her cancer cells were growing and dividing very rapidly, at a rate of about 80%. Lifesaving treatment was needed right away. She completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy, received multiple blood and platelets transfusions, underwent a four-hour procedure that included a port removal, sentinel node biopsy, double mastectomy, and immediate one-step reconstruction, and endured 33 sessions of radiation. By the end of 2015, Klein was finally cancer free. If it wasn't for a chemotherapy treatment that was discovered by a funded researcher, Klein might not be alive.
 
Join the Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and participating retails stations in supporting Fuel the Cure. By choosing ethanol blends at the pump, you’re not only driving cleaner but also contributing to the fight against cancer. For more information about the benefits of ethanol, participating locations, and how your fill-up supports cancer research, visit FueledbyNebraska.com/pink.



Application Cutoff for Natural Resource Conservation Funds Approaching
 
Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Those interested in receiving funding this year should sign up before November 17, 2023.

NRCS accepts conservation program applications on a continuous basis but sets application cutoff dates as funding allows. According to NRCS Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson, there are several options still available to producers for this year.

“NRCS has a whole suite of conservation programs available to Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers looking for assistance in improving and protecting the natural resources on their ag land. These programs provide funding on cropland and rangeland, as well as for establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat and wetlands. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators identify their options that best suit their operation’s needs,” said Lawson.

Nebraska's two most popular conservation programs are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). These programs provide financial incentives to landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil, and more wildlife habitat.

In fiscal year 2023, EQIP obligated $31.6 million to 1,047 contracts, covering 415,000 acres across the state. CSP obligated $31 million to 313 contracts, covering 767,366 acres. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act Nebraska received over 300 EQIP – IRA applications that were ranked and considered for FY23 funding. For applications to be considered eligible for IRA funding, applications need to include one or more core practices listed on the FY23 Climate-Smart Ag and Forestry (CSAF) Mitigation Activities List.

“Participation in our conservation programs is completely voluntary. We offer assistance that can help make farming and ranching operations more sustainable while conserving the natural resources like soil and water on which all Nebraskans depend,” said Lawson.

Individuals interested in applying for these conservation programs may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by November 17th to be considered for this year’s funding. For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, contact your local NRCS field office or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/NE.



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding SCC Vote to Hold the Line on Levy Increase

"Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) appreciates the decision made by the Southeast Community College (SCC) Board of Governors to vote down the proposed levy increase in their 2024 budget. It is evident the SCC leadership heard the wishes of Nebraska’s taxpayers by voting to not increase their tax asking authority.”

“This vote comes after Nebraska Farm Bureau along with Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Independent Business Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and Nebraska Soybean Association, urged the SCC Board of Governors to take an action of fiscal restraint as they set their budget. At a time when taxpayers are experiencing increased property valuations, we believe this shows a commonsense approach of working with the Legislature on community college operating budgets. And most importantly, it protects taxpayer dollars by following Governor Pillen’s tax reform plan of easing the burden on property taxpayers by having the State provide community college funding.”

“Nebraska Farm Bureau supports the mission of Southeast Community College and other community colleges throughout the state to provide workforce training and educational opportunities. We look forward to working with Nebraska’s community colleges in the future in promoting economic development.”



‘Horizon II’ Pilot Project to Demonstrate How Farmers Get Environmental Credit Compensation and Renewable Energy Revenue by Planting Prairie Grasses and Cover Crops

A partnership of 13 public and private entities led by Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) finalized an $80 million grant from the federal government’s first pool of funds from the U.S.D.A’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The funding will be used in a five-year pilot project in Iowa and Missouri called ‘Horizon II’ to demonstrate a “Climate-Smart Future for Corn, Soybean, Livestock, and Renewable Natural Gas Production.”

The Horizon II project will enhance climate-smart markets, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve carbon sequestration in the production of corn, soybean, pork, and beef commodities. Horizon II will also create new opportunities for small and underserved producers while benefiting soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitats for native wildlife.

Horizon II: Environmental and Wildlife Benefits from Renewable Energy Production
The grant award is a major step toward advancing RAE’s core mission to develop a market-based solution that puts an economic value on restored native grasses, prairie plants, and winter-hardy cover crops by using sustainably harvested biomass to create renewable natural gas.

“Since founding RAE, our overarching goal has been to provide farmers an alternative way to use land, especially highly erodible acres, in ways that will benefit the environment, wildlife, and their own livelihood,” said Rudi Roeslein, RAE Founder and CEO. “This funding will propel Horizon II forward more rapidly than otherwise would have been possible. We will show how farmers and landowners can do well for themselves while also providing ecological services and wildlife benefits.”

Pilot Program in Iowa and Missouri
A pilot will be developed, deployed, and verified in Iowa and Missouri, where much of the nation’s corn, soybeans, and pork are produced. Horizon II seeks to incentivize improved management of nitrogen fertilizer and other inputs on agricultural land, which is critical to the success of climate-smart practices.
        Farmers, livestock producers, and landowners will be compensated for GHG reductions and carbon sequestration in the soil through an outcomes-based carbon credit program.
        Producing winter-hardy cover crops and grassland restoration will be further incentivized through a novel, market-based program that supports renewable natural gas (RNG) production through the anaerobic digestion of herbaceous biomass combined with manure.
        This renewable energy can be fed into the national grid and become part of the sustainable new value chain.
        Program partners will collaborate with farmers, livestock producers, landowners, and other stakeholders, including early adopters of practices and historically underserved producers, to ensure equitable access to the opportunities offered by the low-carbon agriculture of the future.

Horizon II Partner Organizations
Partner organizations involved in the RAE Horizon II project are: Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa State University, Missouri Prairie Foundation, Sievers Family Farms, Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, Smithfield Foods, The Nature Conservancy, University of Missouri, Verdesian, University of California-Davis, and Veterans in Agriculture.

“Iowa State University has been working with Roeslein Alternative Energy and many additional partners for nearly a decade, laying the foundation for a climate-smart commodity supply chain based on the anaerobic digestion of prairie grasses and winter hardy crops along with manure,” said Lisa Schulte- Moore, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management and co-director of the Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State University. “I’m excited and thankful for this tremendous investment by USDA toward commercializing our research and development, with the goal of closing system loops to return more value from agriculture to people and the land.”

Once fully developed, deployed, and verified, the program can be extended and tailored to other agricultural commodities (i.e., dairy, poultry) and regions of the country. While focused on GHG reduction and soil carbon storage, these climate-smart agricultural systems will add further value in terms of soil health, clean water, flood control, and habitat for native wildlife.



IDALS to Offer Crop Insurance Discount Program

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will again offer its crop insurance discount program for acres that are planted with cover crops. Farmers and landowners who plant fall cover crops will have the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums.

Farmers and landowners may start enrolling in the crop insurance discount program on December 1.

“Planting cover crops improves water quality, enhances soil health, produces valuable forage and feed for livestock and yields many other agronomic benefits for farmers,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Cover crop utilization continues to rise in Iowa, and we want to further accelerate the adoption of this proven water quality practice by offering this crop insurance discount incentive.”

To qualify for the program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs.

Now in its seventh year, this innovative program has become a model for other states as well as the federal government. To date, nearly 2,000 farmers have enrolled over 1,000,000 acres of cover crops in the program.

More information is available at on the CleanWaterIowa.org website.

Program Details
The Crop Insurance Discount Program is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). Iowa’s program has served as a model and has been replicated by the USDA as well as Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. To qualify for the Crop Insurance Discount Program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or federal cost share programs. Farmers should visit the local USDA Service Center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices. Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.



Iowa Local Food Day Connects Students to Farmers, Highlights Growth of Local Food

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig celebrated Iowa Local Food Day today by serving locally-sourced school lunches to hundreds of elementary students at Meadowview School in the ADM School District (Adel – De Soto – Minburn). Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed September 27 to be Iowa Local Food Day.

“Iowa Local Food Day celebrates three of the very best elements of our state – our students, our farmers and our food,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Consumers are driving momentum behind local food within Iowa. There is the potential for even greater growth as more farmers and producers build even stronger connections with consumers, retailers, restaurants, schools, childcare centers, colleges and universities.”

Thirty locations, including schools, childcare centers, and a university, signed up to participate in the statewide celebration. To participate, sites must serve at least 2 items (breakfast, lunch or taste-test) with locally sourced ingredients. Participation can be for one school or all the schools within a district. Based on anticipated numbers, the participating sites cumulatively expect to serve 11,901 breakfasts, 44,013 lunches and 3,817 taste tests that incorporate Iowa ingredients.

ADM’s lunch, which Secretary Naig helped serve, included the following ingredients sourced from the following Iowa farms:

Lasagna Roll Up
Beef from Brewer Family Farms of Dallas Center
Cottage Cheese from WW Homestead Dairy of Waukon
Basil from Early Morning Harvest of Panora

Garden Salad
Lettuce from Beaver Creek Produce of Berkley
Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers from Flint Ridge Organic Produce of Kalona and Sunny Ridge Produce of Carson

Apple Crisp
Jonadel Apples from Small's Fruit of Mondamin

Iowans interested in learning more about the Iowa Farm to School Program as well as the Local Food for Schools grant program, including how to become a vendor to institutional buyers like schools and childcare centers, should visit those resource pages on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.



NCGA Launches Advocacy Campaign Calling on Feds to Establish Level Playing Field for Biofuels

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week launched a grassroots advocacy campaign to encourage the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide a level playing field for biofuels such as ethanol. The organization is calling on corn growers and advocates to make their voices heard by submitting comments to the agency.

The campaign comes after NHTSA proposed hiking the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard, referred to as the CAFE standard, which regulates how much fuel a vehicle consumes per mile. The agency’s current proposal would move the fleet average for small cars and light trucks from 44 to 58 miles per gallon by 2032.  

NCGA leaders said the proposed standard ignores solutions that are available now.

“The proposal sets an unattainable goal and a concerning precedent,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “As a result, auto manufacturers will be forced to overlook viable solutions, such as high-octane biofuels like corn ethanol, as they rush to meet these standards. This would significantly minimize the role biofuels play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving consumers money at the pump.”

Haag says this proposed rule largely mirrors the recent tailpipe emissions proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency and it is important to have a strong showing from those who understand the role biofuels can play in emissions reduction.

NHTSA will hold a hearing later this week where it will accept public comments on the proposed standard. The comment period closes October 16, 2023.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/22/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 22, ethanol production climbed 3.0% to 1.009 million b/d, equivalent to 42.38 million gallons daily. Output was 18.0% more than the same week last year and 9.1% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate ticked up 0.1% to 1.010 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.48 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks mounted 1.7% to a 5-week high of 22.0 million barrels. Stocks were 2.8% less than the same week last year but 0.9% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rebounded 2.5% to 8.62 million b/d (132.13 bg annualized). However, demand was 2.3% less than a year ago and 4.2% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol moved marginally higher to 892,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.67 bg annualized. Yet, net inputs were 2.1% less than the same week last year and 0.9% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 77,000 b/d (3.2 million gallons/day), a 29.4% decrease from the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded after 20,000 b/d hit the books the prior week.



Anhydrous Retail Price Up 21% From Last Month

Average retail prices for most fertilizers continued to decline in the third week of September 2023 with one big exception: The price of anhydrous was up significantly, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

At $763 per ton, the average retail price of anhydrous was 21% higher than last month. The price of the nitrogen fertilizer stayed under $700 per ton for only eight weeks, according to DTN data.

Prices for the remaining seven fertilizers were all lower compared to last month.

Three fertilizers saw a significant price drop, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. 10-34-0 was 14% lower compared to last month with an average price of $610 per ton. Potash was 10% less expensive than last month with an average price of $501/ton. And DAP was 6% lower with an average price of $702/ton.

Prices for the remaining four fertilizers were just slightly lower compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $757/ton, urea $566/ton, UAN28 $352/ton and UAN32 $405/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.63/lb.N and UAN32 $0.63/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago: MAP by 25%, DAP by 26%, 10-34-0 by 29%, urea by 30%, UAN28 by 39%, UAN32 by 40%, potash by 43% and anhydrous by 45%.



130 Ag and Forestry Groups Voice Opposition to Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment

In a letter sent today to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) alongside 129 leading state and national livestock, crop, and forestry organizations voiced its opposition to Rep. Victoria Spartz’s (R-IN) anti-checkoff amendment to legislation that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Spartz amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act attacks commodity checkoff programs, which are industry-led organizations that exist to promote agricultural products and support America’s hardworking farmers and ranchers.

“As a cattle producer, I am proud to pay into the Beef Checkoff because I know my $1 is doing more for our entire industry than I could do on my own,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “I urge Congress to stand with real farmers and ranchers over activists and reject Rep. Spartz’s attack on checkoff programs. Our future depends on the investments we make now, and the Beef Checkoff is the strongest tool we have to keep beef on consumers’ plates, strengthening the cattle industry today and for the next generation.”

Checkoff programs are administered by USDA and overseen by farmers and ranchers to promote different agricultural commodities. While the structure of each checkoff is unique to the individual commodity, checkoff boards all pool assessments from producers and use that funding to conduct research, raise consumer awareness, and build higher demand for agricultural products. By promoting these products, checkoffs ensure that future generations of farmers and ranchers can build a strong livelihood in agriculture.

The national organizations that signed on to the letter include the Almond Alliance, American Beekeeping Federation, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Honey Producers Association, American Mushroom Institute, American Sheep Industry Association, American Soybean Association, American Wood Council, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Corn Refiners Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Christmas Tree Association, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pecan Federation, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Watermelon Association, North American Blueberry Council, North American Meat Institute, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Soy Aquaculture Alliance, Soy Transportation Coalition, United Egg Producers, and U.S. Peanut Federation. Additionally, 100 state organizations including NCBA affiliates joined the letter.



 Soybean Farmers Pleased House Stopped Spartz Anti-Checkoff Amendment

The American Soybean Association and all 26 affiliated state soybean associations are pleased members of the U.S. House of Representatives have batted down Rep. Victoria Spartz’s (R-IN) amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 49 to 377. The amendment aimed fire at commodity checkoff programs and was vehemently opposed by the soy industry and others. ASA is the national group representing soy on policy issues, and likewise, state affiliates represent the 30 primary soy-growing states throughout the country. The soy policy organizations joined scores of other ag groups in a letter to House leadership earlier this week in answer to the amendment, vehemently opposing it.

Daryl Cates, soybean farmer from Illinois and ASA President said, “Congresswoman Spartz took aim at the entire checkoff system with no regard to the votes of those of us farmers who, time and again, have voted to preserve these programs that allow us to collectively promote our crops, conduct research, develop and protect markets, and assure domestic and global access. I speak for the soy industry today when I say, we are exceptionally pleased this strange amendment was snuffed on the House floor.”

The soy checkoff has overwhelming support from hundreds of thousands of soy farmers across the United States, as proven every five years when the program comes up for referendum. The last request for referendum was held May 2019: Only 708 farmers nationwide requested a referendum (there are more than half a million soy farmers in the U.S.), representing less than 1% (officially 0.13%) of all eligible soybean farmers. This fell far short of the 10% needed to prompt a referendum and demonstrated resounding support for the soy checkoff.

In place since the early ‘90s, the soy checkoff provides U.S. soybean farmers $12.34 in added value at the national level for every dollar they invest in the soy checkoff. Also determined in the soy checkoff’s 2019 return-on-investment (ROI) study:
• International promotion activities produced $17.95 in return value.
• Demand-enhancing research and promotion returned an average value of $18.18.
• Production research returned an average value of $9.42.
• Farmers received even more value through state checkoff activities.

Checkoff programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and overseen by the farmers and ranchers who vote in favor of checkoff systems to promote specific commodities. By promoting their agricultural products, checkoffs ensure future generations of farmers can build or maintain their livelihoods in agriculture. The soy checkoff’s self-imposed levy applies to all U.S. soybean farmers and is one half (1/2) of 1% of the market price of each bushel of soybeans sold each season. Those funds are used to build demand, find new markets, and improve the profitability prospects for all soy farmers. Soy checkoff dollars are split among the national organization and state checkoff programs, or qualified state soybean boards.



USDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

“USDA provides substantial economic support for America’s farmers and ranchers through its critical farm program payments. These payments are reflective of the incredible and cumulative financial hits brought on by devastating natural disasters that agricultural producers nationwide have endured while fulfilling their commitment to produce our food, fiber and fuel,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This additional assistance helps offset the tremendous losses that these producers faced and is a valuable investment, not only for farmers and ranchers but in the economic successes of our communities – rural and urban – and in our nation’s food security for generations to come.”

Emergency Livestock Relief Program
This week, FSA will issue more than $581 million in 2021 and 2022 drought and wildfire emergency relief to eligible ranchers.

FSA is closing out the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for losses suffered in 2021. ELRP Phase Two payments are estimated at $115.7 million. Ranchers who lost grazing acres due to drought and wildfire and received assistance through ELRP Phase One will soon receive an additional payment through ELRP Phase Two. This second payment will be equal to 20% of the 2021 gross ELRP Phase One payment. ELRP Phase Two payments to producers will be automatic with no application required. In April 2022, FSA staff processed more than 100,000 payments through ELRP Phase One and paid eligible ranchers more than $600 million for 2021 grazing losses.

In 2022, ranchers continued to experience significant loss of grazing acres due to drought and wildfire. To help mitigate these losses, eligible ranchers will receive ELRP disaster assistance payments for increases in supplemental feed costs. To expedite payments, determine producer eligibility and calculate the ELRP 2022 payment, FSA is using livestock inventories and drought-affected forage acreage or restricted animal units and grazing days due to wildfire already reported to FSA by ranchers when they submitted their Livestock Forage Disaster Program applications. ELRP payments for 2022 losses are estimated at $465.4 million and will be automatic with no application required.

Emergency Relief Program Phase Two
FSA is closing out Phase Two of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) this week through the delivery of more than $1.17 billion in crop disaster assistance payments to producers of eligible crops who suffered losses, measured through decreases in revenue, due to qualifying natural disaster events that occurred in calendar years 2020 and 2021. ERP Phase Two was intended primarily for producers of crops that were not covered by federal crop insurance or FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Previously, through ERP Phase one, FSA staff processed more than 300,000 applications and paid an estimated 217,000 eligible producers more than $7.4 billion.

More Information
These programs represent a few of FSA’s extensive commodity, conservation, credit, disaster recovery and safety-net programs. By the close of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, for all farm and farm loan programs — including vital access to capital for distressed borrowers — USDA, through the delivery of FSA programs, will have invested more than $19 billion in America’s agricultural producers with more economic support on the way in fiscal year 2024.

For more information on available FSA programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.



Tar Spot Is Lurking. Are You Protected?

Tar spot’s impact hinges on the timing of rain – that was one of AgriGold Agronomist Kevin Gale’s main takeaways this season. “For tar spot to have an economic impact, we learned you have to have pounding, spore-splashing rain early – in late May or early June,” he says. “That infection early in the growing season can result in the development of tar spot during grain fill.”  

Rains didn’t move into his territory of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin until late June, so tar spot arrived too late to have much of an impact. Farmers in other areas of the country, like central Iowa, northeast Kansas and south-central Illinois, weren’t as lucky; they observed tar spot much earlier in the season.

Regardless of how you fared this season, tar spot will remain an annual threat. “Tar spot has shown up every year since its 2015 introduction to the Corn Belt,” Gale says, noting the disease’s ability to overwinter. “Farmers need to remain vigilant and ready to manage the disease if conditions are conducive to its development. Fortunately, we have hybrids and management techniques to help.”  

Hybrids are farmers’ best defense against tar spot
Hybrid selection should be a farmer’s No. 1 defense against tar spot, according to Gale. While no hybrids are resistant to the disease, some are tolerant. AgriGold includes tar spot tolerance ratings in its seed profile guides.  

“As farmers deal with tar spot year after year, they are increasingly looking for products with higher tolerance to tar spot,” Gale says. “Planting tolerant hybrids can provide peace of mind they won’t get hammered in heavy infestation years when tar spot can cost farmers up to 60 bushels an acre.”

AgriGold groups hybrids into genetic families based on both their underlying genetics and agronomic characteristics. Of the genetic families planted in his area, Gale reports Field GX™ Family B hybrids offer the best tar spot tolerance. “Hybrids such as A636-16, A638-19, A643-37 and A644-19 have provided higher tar spot tolerance,” he details.  

Scout fields to protect crops and prepare for next season
Fungicide applications and crop rotation can also limit tar spot’s impact, according to Gale. He ranks fungicide as the second most important management tool. Scouting for tar spot and other threats is also a must.  

“Now is a great opportunity to scout your fields and see how your hybrids held up to diseases like tar spot,” Gale says. “If you’re starting to see some disease show up, you may need to prioritize which fields you harvest first.”

His main concern heading into harvest is stalk quality, given an array of stressors including Fusarium crown rot infection, potassium deficiency and anthracnose, along with drought and heat stress.  

“From a disease standpoint, tar spot has not presented many issues in my territory this year,” Gale says. “But next season could be entirely different.”