Friday October 27 Ag News

Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Recognize Benefits of Biofuels, Promote Efficient Farming

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently co-led the reintroduction of the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Specifically, the bill would require EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab’s GREET Model to any fuel for which EPA has approved a pathway and deemed qualified for the RFS. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made. U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led the introduction of the legislation.

“The biofuels industry is on the frontlines of innovation, and it’s critical that the EPA’s modeling is updated to reflect the latest science and technology — including in the biofuels industry. Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that the EPA is using the GREET Model to more efficiently and accurately recognize how biofuels can be a source of clean, homegrown energy,” said Senator Fischer.

In addition to Senators Fischer, Thune, and Klobuchar, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

The legislation is supported by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, POET, the National Corn Growers Association, Gevo, and the National Oilseed Processors Association.

Background:
In June, Senator Fischer co-led the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023. The legislation would require the federal government to use the most up-to-date lifecycle emissions models, including the GREET model, for sustainable aviation fuels.

In July, Senator Fischer secured language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act directing the EPA to update emissions modeling for biofuels to more accurately capture environmental benefits using the GREET model.



Upcoming Nebraska Agriculture Conventions

Nebraska Farm Bureau Convention (Dec. 3-5)
Nebraska Farm Bureau is excited to announce the dates and venue for its 106th annual state meeting and convention. The event will take place from December 3rd to 5th at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:

• December 3: The convention kicks off with a Young Farmer and Rancher committee meeting and collegiate fellowship registration. The Young Farmer and Rancher collegiate discussion meet is set to spark lively discussions.

Registration for convention and voting delegates takes place in the afternoon, followed by a special reception for past state board, state committee, and Leadership Academy members in the evening.

• December 4: The excitement continues with morning registration and the start of the trade show. Engage in discussion meet rounds and workshops throughout the day. Don't miss the tentative FBI cyberthreat seminar. After a hearty lunch, the president's annual address awaits, along with a keynote speaker, more workshops, and discussion meet round two. The day concludes with the member benefit recognition reception and the elegant Grower's Gala.

• December 5: The final day of the convention begins with a Farm Bureau breakfast and important sessions for new delegates and young leaders. Voting delegates have their general session in the morning, followed by another session in the afternoon. The grand finale is the annual Farm Bureau Banquet and Silver Eagle presentation in the evening.

For more details, visit nefb.org/convention.

Nebraska Cattlemen Convention (Dec. 6-8)
Hot on the heels of the Nebraska Farm Bureau convention, the Nebraska Cattlemen annual convention and trade show is set for December 6th to 8th at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. This gathering is a must for all Nebraska Cattlemen members and supporters. Here's what to expect:

• Trade Show: Explore a diverse trade show, attend committee meetings, and take part in educational workshops.

• Networking: Connect with fellow industry enthusiasts and contribute to shaping policy direction for the beef industry in Nebraska.

• Fun Together: Enjoy fun activities that strengthen the bonds within the cattle industry community.

To learn more, visit nebraskacattlemen.org.

Nebraska Farmers Union Convention (Dec. 8-9)
Nebraska Farmers Union invites its members to convene at the Divots Convention Center and Norfolk Lodge and Suites in Norfolk, Nebraska, on December 8th and 9th for their 2023 state convention. Here's what's on the agenda:

• Elections: The convention will host elections for various positions, including state president, NeFU board of directors, and National Farmers Union convention delegates.

• Meetings and Speakers: Engage in committee and board of directors meetings, hear from speakers, participate in policy development, and network with fellow members.

The convention begins at 9 a.m. on December 8th and promises enriching experiences for all attendees. For additional information, visit nebraskafarmersunion.org.

Don't miss these upcoming agricultural gatherings, where you can connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the agricultural community in Nebraska.



USDA Appoints New Members to Food Safety Advisory Committee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the appointment of 21 new members and nine returning members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). The purpose of the committee is to provide impartial scientific advice and recommendations to federal food safety agencies that assures the safety of foods.

Members of the committee are chosen based on their expertise in microbiology, risk assessment, epidemiology, public health, food science and other relevant disciplines. One individual affiliated with a consumer group is included in the membership of the committee and five members are federal government employees representing the five federal agencies involved in NACMCF. The activities of NACMCF are carried out, in part, by subcommittees that are focused on specific areas being considered by the full committee.

“NACMCF members bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to the critical mission of ensuring the safety of our nation’s meat and poultry products,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Their contributions will help us continue to strengthen our nation’s food supply and protect the health and well-being of American consumers.”

NACMCF has made important contributions to a broad range of critical food safety issues. The committee reports provide current information and scientific advice to federal food safety agencies and serve as a foundation for regulations and programs aimed at reducing foodborne disease and enhancing public health. Federal food safety agencies involved with NACMCF are USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Department of Defense Veterinary Services.

The newly appointed NACMCF members to serve a two-year term are:
    Dr. Bledar Bisha. University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
    Dr. Heather Carleton. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
    Dr. Anna Carlson. Cargill Protein, Wichita, Kansas
    Dr. Hayriye Cetin-Karaca. Smithfield Foods, Springdale, Ohio
    Dr. Ben Chapman. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
    Dr. Vik Dutta. bioMérieux, Chicago, Illinois
    Dr. Larry Figgs. Douglas County Health Dept., Omaha, Nebraska
    Dr. David Goldman. Groundswell Strategy, Arlington, Virginia
    Dr. Michael Hansen. Consumer Reports, Yonkers, New York
    Dr. Arie Havelaar. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
    Dr. Ramin Khaksar. Clear Labs, San Carlos, California
    Lieutenant Colonel Noel Kubat. Department of Defense, U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, Fort Knox, Kentucky
    Dr. KatieRose McCullough. North American Meat Institute, Washington, D.C.
    Dr. Indaue Giriboni de Mello. Newman’s Own, Westport, Connecticut
    Dr. Eric Moorman. Butterball, LLC, Garner, North Carolina
    Dr. Abani Pradhan. University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
    Mr. Shivrajsinh Rana. Reckitt, Parsippany, New Jersey
    Dr. Marcos Sanchez Plata. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
    Dr. Kristin Schill. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
    Dr. Nikki Shariat. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
    Dr. Abigail Snyder. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

The returning NACMCF members are:
    Dr. Yaohua (Betty) Feng. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
    Ms. Janell Kause. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Washington, D.C.
    Dr. Elisabetta Lambertini. Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Washington, D.C.
    Ms. Shannara Lynn. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Seafood Inspection Laboratory, Pascagoula, Mississippi
    Dr. Maxim Teplitski. International Fresh Produce Association, Washington, D.C.
    Dr. Bing Wang. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
    Dr. Benjamin Warren. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, Maryland
    Dr. Randy Worobo. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
    Dr. Teshome Yehualaeshet. Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama

NACMCF will hold a virtual public meeting of the full committee and subcommittees from November 14, 2023, to November 16, 2023. In addition to welcoming the new members, the committee will introduce a new charge from FSIS on genomic characterization of pathogens and continue working on the response to the FDA’s charge on Cronobacter spp. in Powdered Infant Formula. More details about NACMCF charges are available on the FSIS website. You may also register to attend the NACMCF meeting, on FSIS’ website.



Armstrong Research Farm to Host Cattle Feeders Camp

Building on the continued success of the Iowa Beef Center's Feedlot Short Course, a regional version has been created to provide a similar opportunity for southwest Iowa producers. The Cattle Feeders Camp will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Wallace Learning Center at the Armstrong Memorial Research Farm near Lewis and the nearby JW Freunds Farms feedlot. Registration is $250, and will be capped at 30 participants.

"While this program is not quite as long as the Feedlot Short Course, we're packing a lot of information, activity and discussion into the two days," said Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, presenter and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist. "Plus, our limited size of 30 attendees allows us to provide optimal hands-on opportunities and small group learning."

The program runs from 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, through 2:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1. Weather makeup dates are Dec. 7-8, same times and location.

The event begins with classroom sessions on starting cattle on feed and preparing calves for the feedlot. After lunch is a feed mixing demonstration and presentation on pros and cons of feedlot types, followed by a social hour and dinner. Friday morning features a session on ingredients for a recipe for profitability, research update on feeding beef-dairy steers and farm demonstrations on managing foot health and bunk scoring. Following lunch participants will learn about facility designs and join in discussion about the camp.

This year's presenters are:
    Robbi Pritchard, feedlot consultant, Aurora, South Dakota.
    Dan Thomson, professor of animal science, Iowa State University.
    Dan Loy, animal science professor emeritus, Iowa State University.
    Garland Dahlke, research scientist, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University.
    Erika Lundy-Woolfolk, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialist, Iowa Beef Center.

More information can be found on the event flyer. Registration is $250 per person and will be closed Nov. 22. This program is limited to 30 participants.

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, if needed. A block of rooms is available at the Rock Island Inn & Suites in Atlantic, 1702 SW 7th St. Reservations must be made by Nov. 15 to get the discounted rate ($99 + tax per night). The block is under “Iowa State University Feedlot Meeting." Reserve directly with the hotel at https://www.atlanticrockislandinn.com/

See the short course website for registration information, requirements, and links at https://www.aep.iastate.edu/camp.