Monday October 02 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending October 1, 2023, there were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 23% very short, 33% short, 43% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 27% very short, 35% short, 37% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 10% very poor, 15% poor, 22% fair, 39% good, and 14% excellent. Corn mature was 86%, ahead of 81% last year and 78% for the five-year average. Harvested was 22%, equal to last year, and ahead of 17% average.

Soybean condition rated 12% very poor, 16% poor, 25% fair, 37% good, and 10% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 95%, ahead of 90% both last year and average. Harvested was 29%, near 27% both last year and average.

Winter wheat planted was 79%, ahead of 61% last year and 72% average. Emerged was 38%, ahead of 22% last year and 30% average.

Sorghum condition rated 4% very poor, 5% poor, 23% fair, 31% good, and 37% excellent. Sorghum mature was 64%, ahead of 58% last year, but near 68% average. Harvested was 14%, near 10% last year and 12% average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 33% fair, 48% good, and 9% excellent. Dry edible beans dropping leaves was 90%, equal to last year. Harvested was 58%, near 60% last year.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 6% very poor, 10% poor, 31% fair, 41% good, and 12% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & HARVEST REPORT

Warm and dry weather prevailed throughout much of Iowa this week resulting in 5.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 1, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities for the week were primarily harvesting corn and soybeans.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 28 percent very short, 45 percent short, 26 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 36 percent very short, 43 percent short, 20 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn maturity reached 92 percent this week, 8 days ahead of last year and 13 days ahead of the 5-year average. Corn harvested for grain reached 16 percent statewide, 4 days ahead of both last year and the average. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain was 20 percent. Corn condition improved slightly to 51 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves was 87 percent this week, 5 days ahead of both last year and the average. Soybeans harvested reached 24 percent, 1 day ahead of last year but equal to the average. Soybean condition improved 2 percentage points to 49 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition rated 15 percent good to excellent. Livestock producers have continued to haul hay and water to their livestock on pasture.



USDA Crop Progress Report: Corn, Soybean Harvest Both 23% Complete on Oct. 1

Widespread rain in Minnesota and Wisconsin led to some harvest delays in those states last week, but mostly dry, warm weather over much of the central Corn Belt kept the overall row-crop harvest rolling along, according to USDA NASS' weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

CORN
-- Crop progress: NASS estimated that 82% of corn was mature as of Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 percentage points ahead of last year's 73% and 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 75%.
-- Harvest progress: Corn harvest moved ahead 8 percentage points last week to reach 23% complete as of Sunday. That is 4 percentage points ahead of 19% last year and 2 percentage points ahead of 21% for the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS said 53% of the corn crop was rated good to excellent, unchanged from last week and slightly above 52% a year ago.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop progress: 86% of the crop was dropping leaves, 8 percentage points ahead of last year's 78% and 9 points ahead of the five-year average of 77%.
-- Harvest progress: NASS estimated that 23% of the crop had been harvested as of Sunday, up 11 points from the previous week. This year's progress is 3 points ahead of last year's 20% and 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 22%.
-- Crop condition: USDA said 52% of the soybean crop was rated good to excellent, back up 2 points from 50% the previous week but still below 55% a year ago.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: Winter wheat planting advanced 14 percentage points last week to reach 40% complete as of Sunday. That is 1 point ahead of last year's 39% but 3 points behind the five-year average of 43%.
-- Crop progress: 15% of the crop had emerged as of Sunday, 1 point ahead of last year's 14% but 1 point behind the five-year average of 16%.

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Bruckner Selected to Lead the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District as New General Manager

At their September 28, 2023 meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a contract with Brian Bruckner to lead the LENRD as General Manager.

Bruckner, a native of Northeast Nebraska, holds a B.S. degree in Geography from Wayne State College and a M.P.A. in Local Government Concentration from University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been with the LENRD for nearly 17 years – starting as a Groundwater Management Area Specialist in 2007 before moving up to the role of Assistant Manager in 2016.

“When I think about my new role with the LENRD,” said Bruckner, “I am proud to reflect on the fact that I was born and raised in the area as my upbringing and adult life, on the farm northeast of Osmond, has been foundational in shaping my perspectives on natural resource management.”

As GM, Bruckner’s focus is to continue empowering staff to excel in the delivery of LENRD programs, while supporting them as trusted colleagues and friends. “While we as individuals each possess our own unique set of skills and experiences that contribute to our success, our organization is stronger when we combine those attributes to collectively create momentum that will help us achieve our goals,” Bruckner stated.

Brian is looking forward to continuing the progress that has been made in gaining new insight and information, especially when it comes to understanding the groundwater aquifers which sustain our lives and economy. “We have been handed a seat at the table to guide decisions that will have lasting impacts, which carries a significant responsibility to be forward-thinking and thoughtful about the kind of legacy we want to leave behind,” he said. “There is still much work to do, but I’m convinced that our District has the foundational assets necessary that can be built upon to take the LENRD to the next level.”

“What stood out the most about Brian was his knowledge and experience with the LENRD and Board of Directors,” said Roger Gustafson, Chairman of the LENRD Board of Directors. “We interviewed a few candidates for the position, including applicants from other NRDs, but Brian’s interview rose to the top because of the answers he gave to difficult questions that were asked.”

During his tenure with the District, Brian has met people from all walks of life and has become acquainted with hundreds of people that share a common appreciation for conservation. Bruckner says he’s fortunate to have come into this opportunity and has embraced the challenges and opportunities that have come along the way which have helped prepare him for the road that lies ahead.

“We have faced many challenges, and there are sure to be more that lie ahead, but I am committed to navigating the road ahead with optimism so that we can accomplish great things, even in the face of scrutiny,” Bruckner said. “I’m under no illusion that this is going to be easy, but I’m up for the task and am appreciative of the support I have received the last few months.”

Bruckner has been serving as the interim GM of the LENRD since former GM Mike Sousek announced his move to the Lower Platte South NRD earlier this spring. Brian is the fourth GM to serve the LENRD since the NRD system was established in 1972.



Nominate Local Nebraska Teachers for Top Agricultural Educator Award

Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in the industry. To honor their contributions and support them with additional resources, Nationwide and Nebraska are accepting nominations for Nebraska’s leading agricultural teachers for a chance to be named the 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide and its state partners recently recognized 64 exceptional agricultural teachers as 2022-2023 Golden Owl Award® finalists and then honored nine grand prize winners as their state’s Ag Educator of the Year. Every finalist received $500 in funding to help advance their programs and the grand prize winners received an additional $3,000 to boost their efforts and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.

Nominate any Nebraska agriculture educator for the 2023-2024 Golden Owl Award from October 1st, 2023 through December 31st, 2023.

“The Golden Owl Award seeks to thank agricultural teachers for the extraordinary care they bring to their work as they go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We encourage students, parents, fellow teachers, and others to nominate their agricultural teachers to acknowledge their hard work.”

Following the nomination period closing on 12-31-23, a selection committee will evaluate nominations and select 6 finalists in Nebraska, who will be recognized in front of their peers and students and awarded a personalized plaque and $500. One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the 2023-2024 Ag Educator of the Year title for Nebraksa and receiving the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an additional $3,000 to help fund future educational efforts.

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations. In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA, including the Nebraska FFA Foundation, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike.

To nominate a teacher or learn more about the Golden Owl Award, visit GoldenOwlAward.com.  



Nebraska Corn Is Proud of Hunnicutt Serving on National Corn Board

Nebraska Corn is proud and appreciative of Brandon Hunnicutt, a farmer from Giltner, Nebraska who recently termed off the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Board at the end of September. Hunnicutt served on the Board since 2017.

Hunnicutt raises corn, soybeans, seed corn, popcorn and sorghum on his family farm. Along with his father, Daryl, and brother, Zach, he utilizes the latest technologies while integrating conservation tillage practices and cover crops on a nearly 100 percent irrigated farm.

Currently, Hunnicutt serves as the Vice Chair of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and on the Market Development Committee.

On the national level, Hunnicutt chaired the Governance Committee and Field-to-Market. As a member of the Commodity Classic Management Committee, he will serve as co-chair for the 2024 event.

Previously, Hunnicutt served on the Finance Committee as Corn Board liaison to the Production Technology Access and Stewardship Action Teams, chaired the Engaging Members Committee and represented the association on the Syngenta Advisory Council for Enogen. Hunnicutt is a graduate of NCGA’s Leadership At Its Best and Advanced Leadership Program.

“I appreciate the trust my fellow corn farmers throughout the U.S. put in me to represent them on the Board over the last six years,” said Hunnicutt. “There was significant change that happened in the industry as well as NCGA that I am proud to have been involved with helping bring forth. Having the opportunity, through NCGA, to be the first farmer to lead Field to Market would never have happened without being a member on the Board. I will cherish the memories of the time and the friendships made.”

Hunnicutt’s service is seen, felt and noticed on the state level.

“Nebraska Corn is beyond grateful for Brandon’s service to the corn industry on the national level, representing Nebraska well,” said Jay Reiners, Chairman of NCB. “His knowledge of the industry, full commitment to ensuring our current and next generation are positioned well to progress and ultimate sacrifice of time off his farm are forever ingrained in our thanks. As the industry grows, we have him to acknowledge for his leadership and unwavering pursuit for each farmer across the U.S.”

State delegates elect 15 farmers from across the country to serve 3-year terms representing the corn industry on the national level.



‘The Growing Season’ selected for Nebraska Women in Agriculture Book Club

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program has announced “The Growing Season,” by Sarah Frey, as the choice for its final 2023 book club, which will conclude with a virtual discussion at 1 p.m. Central time on Nov. 30.

“The Growing Season” is the bold success story of Frey’s journey to escape rural poverty by transforming her small family farm into a billion-dollar business. Frey tackles intense family relationships and both corporate and rural cultures to become one of the nation’s largest fresh produce suppliers in her story of grit and drive.

A small portion of the book contains some explicit and sensitive content. Please be advised that portions of this book may be upsetting.

The book club discussion will be led by Hannah Dorn, a photographer and rural enthusiast born, raised and currently residing in south-central Nebraska. She captures the reality of rural living through #ShoeboxPhotos that leave a legacy. Dorn enjoys photographing and sharing the stories of rural folks in agriculture and the businesses that thrive in our communities.

Registration is free and can be found on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, or by clicking here. The first 20 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book mailed to them.

“The Growing Season” can be borrowed from your local library with the Libby app when you use your local library card.  This book is offered as both a written and audio version through Libby.



AgLink Connects New Farmers with Transitioning Farmers, Farmland Owners

For many farmers both established and beginning, farming is about building a legacy to last generations. This makes finding a successor a key part of any transition plan, which can be a challenge. Alternatively, starting that legacy can be equally challenging. Beginning farmers face barriers to entry including access to farmland, equipment and other key parts of farm infrastructure.

To help address these challenges, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Beginning Farmer Center created AgLink, a platform that helps to facilitate the transition of farming operations from established farmers to beginning farmers.

According to Kitt Tovar Jensen, staff attorney with the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University and manager of the Beginning Farmer Center, the program is completely user-led and allows beginning or established farmers and landowners to build connections on a person-to-person basis.

“On one hand, finding a farm successor can be difficult if there isn’t a family member to take over, and, on the other hand, finding the right opportunity to get into farming can be just as difficult for beginning farmers. Recognizing these challenges, we created this platform as a resource for these two groups of people to connect with the right opportunities for them,” said Tovar Jensen.

In addition to connecting beginning farmers with established farmers looking to find a successor, AgLink can help connect beginning farmers with other opportunities, according to Tovar Jensen.

“It’s not just for those looking to purchase or sell land,” she explained, “it’s also for those looking for or advertising all sorts of farm opportunities, such as on-farm employment, machinery leases and sales and other traditional or non-traditional farming opportunities. There’s a wide range of opportunities for those from diverse agricultural backgrounds.”

To get started, potential AgLink users will submit an application which includes questions about the general location and type of farming opportunity being sought or advertised. Staff will then review the application. Upon approval, users can use AgLink to post opportunities, search opportunities and start a conversation.

“For increased privacy, AgLink will only share basic information submitted; for example, the county of a farm opportunity rather than a specific address,” added Tovar Jensen. “After that initial application is approved, it’s up to the individual to reach out to other users through AgLink and decide when they are comfortable sharing their personal contact information.”

While AgLink offers a great venue to make connections, Tovar Jensen reminds users to be patient while waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

“AgLink is a wonderful opportunity to see what opportunities are out there, build connections and start that conversation,” she explained. “Put your best foot forward with an application and be open and flexible to diverse opportunities.”

To learn more about AgLink or register, visit https://aglinkservices.com/. For more information, contact Tovar Jensen at kwtovar@iastate.edu or 515-294-5217.



Finalists Named for Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest

Following a record high of more than 9,000 nominations, the prestigious title of “Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin” is down to just five restaurants. The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is nearing the conclusion of its 21st annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest.

The winner will be announced as part of National Pork Month, aka Porktober, a monthlong celebration of the pork industry that takes place each year in October.

The top five restaurants this year, listed alphabetically, are:
·      Cliff’s Place – Manning
·      Spillway Supper Club – Harpers Ferry
·      Stumpy’s Bar & Grill – Duncombe
·      ToJo’s Bar & Grill – Jamaica
·      The Roadhouse – Orange City

A total of 774 restaurants were nominated this year.

“It’s exciting to see such an overwhelming response from Iowans who love breaded pork tenderloins,” said Kelsey Sutter, marketing and programs director for IPPA. “There certainly isn’t a shortage of restaurants serving them up!”

To qualify, pork tenderloins must be hand-breaded or battered. A traditional tenderloin starts with a pounded-out slice of pork loin that’s dredged through flour, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers. The meat is then fried to a crispy, golden brown and served on a bun.

The Iowa restaurant serving them needs to be open year-round and offer the sandwich as a regular menu item. Food trucks, concession stands, seasonal eateries, and catering businesses are not eligible for the contest.

“The breaded pork tenderloin is an Iowa tradition,” said Linda Schroeder, chair of the IPPA Restaurant and Foodservice Committee. “Winning Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest is an exemplary honor, and that recognition will last forever!”

Judging of the top 40 restaurants took place this summer. That list included the five restaurants with the most nominations in each of IPPA’s eight districts, which helps ensure statewide representation.

IPPA members and industry affiliates anonymously visited those locations and scored the tenderloins based on pork taste and quality, physical characteristics, and presentation.

IPPA’s Restaurant and Foodservice Committee reviewed those 40 evaluations and selected the five contenders to advance to the next round. That same committee appointed a panel of three judges to travel to each of the finalists to determine the first and second place winners.

The winning restaurant will receive $500, a plaque, a banner to display, and statewide publicity that will drive new business. The runner-up is awarded $250 and a plaque from IPPA.

First-place restaurants are not allowed to compete for five years afterward.



USDA August 2023 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 490 million bushels in August 2023. Total corn consumption was down 3 percent from July 2023 but up 1 percent from August 2022. August 2023 usage included 92.3 percent for alcohol and 7.7 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 4.96 million bushels, up 2 percent from July 2023 and up 24 percent from August 2022. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 443 million bushels, was down 3 percent from July 2023 but up 3 percent from August 2022. Corn consumed in August 2023 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 91.9 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.78 million tons during August 2023, down slightly from July 2023 and down 5 percent from August 2022. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.30 million tons in August 2023, down 1 percent from July 2023 and down 2 percent from August 2022.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 257,948 tons during August 2023, down 7 percent from July 2023 but up 4 percent from August 2022. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 207,397 tons in August 2023, down 8 percent from July 2023 but up 10 percent from August 2022.



USDA August 2023 Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.07 million tons (169 million bushels) in August 2023, compared with 5.55 million tons (185 million bushels) in July 2023 and 5.25 million tons (175 million bushels) in August 2022. Crude oil produced was 2.01 billion pounds, down 8 percent from July 2023 and down 4 percent from August 2022. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.71 billion pounds during August 2023 decreased 2 percent from July 2023 and decreased 2 percent from August 2022.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 190,420 tons in August 2023, compared with 209,247 tons in July 2023 and 171,334 tons in August 2022. Canola crude oil produced was 154 million pounds, down 6 percent from July 2023 but up 13 percent from August 2022. Canola once refined oil production, at 155 million pounds during August 2023, was down 7 percent from July 2023 but up 15 percent from August 2022.

Cottonseed once refined oil production, at 29.4 million pounds during August 2023, was up 14 percent from July 2023 but down 38 percent from August 2022.

Edible tallow production was 85.8 million pounds during August 2023, down 4 percent from July 2023 and down 16 percent from August 2022. Inedible tallow production was 313 million pounds during August 2023, up 11 percent from July 2023 but down 11 percent from August 2022. Technical tallow production was 109 million pounds during August 2023, up 22 percent from July 2023 but down 3 percent from August 2022. Choice white grease production, at 127 million pounds during August 2023, increased 36 percent from July 2023 and increased 10 percent from August 2022.



NCBA Secures Passage of Key Animal Health Priority

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA), a top priority for NCBA that is now law following President Joe Biden’s approval of a continuing resolution to fund the government. Included in the continuing resolution, this "clean" reauthorization of ADUFA keeps the legislation in effect for another five years.

“Keeping our livestock healthy is on every cattle producer’s mind,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “NCBA made the ADUFA reauthorization a top priority at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, and I am proud to see our team’s hard work pay off with this latest reauthorization being signed into law. This is just one of many examples of how NCBA works hard to protect our interests in Washington, D.C.”
 
ADUFA allows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to collect fees from animal health companies, which fund the agency’s review and approval process for new animal drugs. ADUFA ensures that the FDA has an efficient system for authorizing new cattle medicines and diagnostic tools that keep livestock healthy and protects our safe, wholesome food supply. NCBA fought hard to ensure that this latest ADUFA reauthorization contained no post-market amendments that would harm the effectiveness of the FDA’s review process, disrupt producers’ access to cattle medicines, or simply keep the legislation from passing Congress before the September 30th deadline.
 
“Incredible veterinary drug innovations are happening every day, and ADUFA ensures that the FDA has the resources it needs to review these new technologies for safety and efficacy and to bring them to market for cattle producers,” said NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons. “We are pleased that Congress passed the ADUFA reauthorization and President Biden signed it into law.”



LRP Trends
Matthew Diersen, Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) has become so popular that people may stop using it. LRP has often sparked the interest of cow-calf producers and smaller cattle feeders looking for a cost-effective way to transfer downside price risk to others. A few years ago, the premium subsidy on LRP was substantially increased and the impact on LRP sales has been dramatic. In fiscal year 2020, fewer than 80,000 head were covered as feeder cattle. In fiscal year 2023 almost 4.2 million head were covered as feeder cattle. The feeder cattle coverage was popular in Texas, South Dakota, and Nebraska, as each state had more than 400,000 head insured. In fiscal year 2019 fewer than 4,000 head were covered as fed cattle. In fiscal year 2023 there were over 850,000 head covered as fed cattle. The fed cattle coverage was popular in Nebraska, Texas, and Iowa, as each state had more than 100,000 head insured.

For perspective, the 2022 U.S. calf crop was 34.5 million head. Thus, the share covered is growing, but nothing like the shares of corn or wheat acres insured. There were still only 19,259 policies sold for feeder cattle and 6,768 policies sold for fed cattle in 2023. The 2017 Census of Agriculture reported 729,046 operations had beef cows. During 2022 the 26,000 feedlots marketed 25.9 million head of finished cattle. With the sharp increases in head covered, the liability (or insured amount) has also increased. During fiscal year 2023 the value of feeder cattle covered was almost $7 billion and the value of fed cattle covered was almost $2 billion.

The sharply higher subsidy on LRP premiums has been the primary driver of the increase in sales and coverage. Hedges using futures would require margin deposits. With the increase in futures prices, that would have been observed as higher margin calls at higher interest rates this past year. Hedges using put options would be more expensive at the time of purchase as they are not subsidized. In addition, option premiums are paid up-front while LRP premiums are paid for at the end of the coverage period. Higher interest rates can also effectively reduce the cost of LRP relative to using put options.

The LRP subsidy is the highest for the lowest levels of coverage. Before the subsidy increase the ratio of the total premium to total liability for feeder cattle coverage was 0.03. Last year the ratio was 0.04. From a risk perspective, this implies that buyers of LRP are buying a little more coverage than before. The subsidy combined across fed and feeder cattle in 2023 was over $110 million. Producers paid about twice that amount for the coverage. The market, during most of that time, steadily increased the cattle price levels. Thus, the indemnity payments were low for feeder cattle and zero for fed cattle. Producers need to remember that when LRP is paying out that cattle prices have likely fallen.



NPPC seeks input on updated swine traceability standards during National Pork Month
 
U.S. pork producers tasked the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) with leading an effort to update the existing swine traceability system. NPPC is asking swine producers, veterinarians, cull swine and breeding operators and show pig enthusiasts to comment on the draft standards by Oct. 27, 2023.
 
In 2006, U.S. swine producers voluntarily adopted animal traceability standards to strengthen the industry’s ability to track animal movements with the goal of controlling the spread of animal diseases, particularly foreign animal diseases such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and classical swine fever (hog cholera).
 
“Approximately 1 million pigs are in transit every day, giving diseases plenty of opportunities to spread,” said Scott Hays, NPPC president and pork producer from Missouri. “With the growing threat of a foreign animal disease reaching the United States, the need to address gaps in our existing traceability system is important for our farms and our industry.”
 
International markets would close immediately if a foreign animal disease were discovered in the United States. Strengthening live-swine traceability will better assure animal health officials that they have access to comprehensive movement data and show trading partners that the United States knows where disease-free animals are and that exported products are safe.
 
“With $7.7 billion worth of pork being consumed by international consumers, we need to assure trading partners that the United States can identify disease-free animals and provide them products from unaffected farms,” Hays added.
 
Updates will address gaps in the following areas:
    Breeding stock — sows and boars — cull animals, and show pigs, whose movements currently are difficult to track, giving each a unique ID number.
    Premises registration for all producers, cull and breeding operations and show pig farms.
    Movement reporting for all pigs to a centralized database that is available to animal health officials.

NPPC is seeking industry input before finalizing the updated standards early next year and presenting a resolution to delegates at the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum in March. The next comment period ends Oct. 27, 2023.
 
To view the current draft standards, make a comment, or learn more, visit nppc.org/trace. For questions, reach out to invest@nppc.org or your state pork association.



USDA Announces October 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for October 2023, which are effective Oct. 2, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.   

Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans  
FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.  

Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for October 2023 are as follows:   
    Farm Operating Loans(Direct): 5.250%
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct): 5.250%  
    Farm Ownership Loans(Direct, Joint Financing): 3.250%
    Farm Ownership Loans(Down Payment): 1.500%
    Emergency Loan(Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%   

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.   

To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.  

Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.   
    Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 6.375%
    Farm Storage Facility Loans:  
        Three-year loan terms: 4.500%
        Five-year loan terms: 4.250%
        Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%
        Ten-year loan terms: 4.125%
        Twelve-year loan terms: 4.125%
    Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.250%




Registration Open for 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 19-24, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“New Frontiers” is the theme of AFBF’s 105th consecutive convention, a “can’t miss” event that offers attendees unique insights on the policies and perspectives that will affect farms, ranches and agribusinesses in 2024 and beyond.

“This is your opportunity to join the Farm Bureau family as we explore new frontiers in agriculture, develop professional skills and help set the agenda in Washington,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I look forward to seeing you in January in Salt Lake City as we gather together with a common purpose to kick off another year of feeding, clothing and fueling our great nation.”

A broad array of educational and inspiring workshops will be available to attendees interested in honing their leadership skills, expanding business proficiency and gleaning insights from industry visionaries with expertise in food production-related policies and trends. A vibrant trade show with exhibitors showcasing cutting edge innovations in agricultural technology, tools and services is also sure to capture the attention of attendees.

Workshops will be offered in four tracks – public policy, rural development, member engagement and consumer engagement. Workshop topics include Farm Bill Update; Who’s Up Next? A 2024 Elections Analysis; Livestock Markets; Crop Markets; Dairy Market Issues; As Seen on Social Media: Farm to Fork in Action; and The Next Big Thing in Growing Farm Bureau Membership.

Numerous optional ag and food-related day tours are available for attendees who wish to explore the great state of Utah. These include touring the Utah State University Animal Science Farm, a brine shrimp cooperative, elk farm and an artisan cheese plant. Attendees can also sign up to visit a chocolate factory, see where the 2002 Olympic Games took place, visit a salt mine or learn about lavender farming. Details about additional tours will be posted when available.

View the high-level convention agenda here. Members may register for Convention and tours through their state Farm Bureau office. Others may register through AFBF at this link. The official event hashtag is #AFBF24 and the event website is https://annualconvention.fb.org/.



Cattle Group Supports FTC’s Proposed Changes to Premerger Notification Rules

Last week, R-CALF USA, in conjunction with anti-monopoly advocacy group Farm Action, submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in support of its premerger rule proposal.

The proposal would improve the premerger notification rules by implementing the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act, an amendment to the Clayton Act that requires companies to file premerger notifications with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department. The proposal would also strengthen the Premerger Notification and Report Form and Instructions.

In the comments, R-CALF USA and Farm Action identified that the agriculture sector has become dominated by consolidated oligopolies. Amplifying the need for a correction, they particularly emphasized several changes that would help curtail harmful agricultural consolidation.

The comments explain the groups’ support of the FTC’s proposal to:
    Collect more comprehensive information concerning the entities merging and the structure of the proposed transactions.
    Require disclosure of more information and documentation of the strategic rationale for given transactions.
    Require disclosure of more information concerning competition and overlaps of the merging parties.
    Expand street-level reporting of entities’ geographic operations to include various agricultural markets.
    Expand information collected concerning merging parties’ prior acquisitions.

“After decades of lax antitrust enforcement, consolidation is evident across all stages of food system production, with no signs of slowing down, greatly harming competition and directly impacting American farmers, ranchers, and consumers.” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “R-CALF USA strongly supports the FTC in making these important changes to HSR forms, and we encourage them to quickly adopt these proposed changes.”



When to Harvest Lodged Corn

Growing seasons are often marred by bad weather. These adverse growing conditions can carry over into harvest in the form of lodged corn. Whether caused by wind, stalk rots, rootworm, or any combination of factors, growers will have to harvest lodged corn carefully.

“Stressful conditions after flowering are what cause stalk issues,” said Carl Joern, Pioneer Field Agronomist. “We’ve definitely seen the impact in [the Midwest]. You’ll want to prioritize those fields and harvest accordingly when it makes sense.”

While most situations call for a prioritization of fields with lodged corn, the decision must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If better-standing corn is ready for harvest, it may be more efficient and cost effective to harvest it first, especially if there is a risk of lodging.

In some cases, the window to effectively harvest lodged corn may be limited. This is often when stalks and leaves are dry enough to feed through the head but not so dry that they shatter and pile up. In these cases, alternating between harvesting lodged corn and nearby standing corn may be favorable.

When harvesting lodged corn, slower than normal ground speeds are required to better pick up and save more ears. Under severe stalk lodging conditions, harvesting against the direction of the lodging can be an advantage.

For flatter fields, the corn ear’s height may become a factor. If the ears are more than eight inches above the ground, the corn can be harvested with a low-profile corn head. If the crop or ears are less than six inches above the ground, a reel mounted on a corn head or a soybean platform may be needed to harvest the crop.

In some cases, lodging worsens as time progresses. This is especially true if a stalk-rotting disease such as anthracnose is present. Those fields should be closely monitored and prioritized accordingly.

“If you experienced lodging, try to accurately diagnose the cause,” Joern said. “We can then leverage hybrid scoring when rotating back to corn in 2024 or 2025.”