Friday November 17 Cattle on Feed Report + Ag News

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 2%

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.54 million cattle on feed on November 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 2% from last year. Placements during October totaled 610,000 head, up 4% from 2022. Fed cattle marketings for the month of October totaled 480,000 head, up 8% from last year. Other disappearance during October totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 640,000 head on November 1, 2023, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was unchanged from October but up 2 percent from November 1, 2022. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 475,000 head on feed, unchanged from last month but down 2 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,115,000 head, unchanged from last month and  unchanged from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during October 2023 totaled 83,000 head, down 6 percent from September and down 18 percent from October 2022. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 69,000 head, up 8 percent from September and up 3 percent from October 2022. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 152,000 head, unchanged from September but down 10 percent from October 2022.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during October 2023 totaled 82,000 head, up 22 percent from September but down 8 percent from October 2022. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 66,000 head, up 120 percent from September and up 47 percent from October 2022. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 148,000 head, up 53 percent from September and up 10 percent from October 2022. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.9 million head on November 1, 2023. The inventory was 2 percent above November 1, 2022.

by State       (1,000 hd  -  % Nov 1 '22)
Colorado ......:       1,030           96        
Iowa .............:       640            102         
Kansas ..........:      2,520          108       
Nebraska ......:      2,540           98        
Texas ............:      2,900          101     

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.16 million head, 4 percent above 2022. Net placements were 2.11 million head. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 550,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 470,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 465,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 394,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 205,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 80,000 head.

by State   (1,000 hd  - % Oct '22
Colorado ......:      200           114        
Iowa .............:       83            82          
Kansas ..........:      440           107         
Nebraska ......:      610           104         
Texas ............:      440           100          

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.76 million head, 3 percent below 2022. Other disappearance totaled 55,000 head during October, 2 percent above 2022.

by State  (1,000 hd  -  % Oct '22)  
Colorado ......:      155            91         
Iowa .............:       82             92         
Kansas ..........:      410            95        
Nebraska ......:      480           108      
Texas ............:      375            96           



USDA invites agriculture producers to respond online to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey

Today, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed survey codes to a selected sample of irrigators across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey.

The survey is a special study to the 2022 Census of Agriculture and provides the only comprehensive dataset of irrigation activities and water use across American farms, ranches, and horticultural operations. Producer input through this survey will aid USDA’s efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and long-term sustainability of water resources across the United States.

The survey will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in January. Producers need only to respond once, whether securely online or by mail. The online option offers timesaving features ideal for busy producers. All responses are due Feb. 15, 2024.

“Water is arguably the most important resource for agriculture and horticulture operations,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “This survey is an opportunity to provide data that will influence policy decisions that have a tremendous impact on the industry for years to come.”

Responding is more convenient than ever due to the USDA NASS Online Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov where producers can view and complete NASS surveys, view historical reports, and access other resources.

“I strongly encourage all farmers, no matter how large or small their operation, to promptly complete and return their questionnaire. This is your opportunity to share your voice, uplift the value and showcase the uniqueness of American agriculture,” said Administrator Hamer.

Responding to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data for statistical purposes only, and to publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the data on Nov. 14, 2024, at www.nass.usda.gov.

To learn more, visit www.nass.usda.gov/agcensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, other special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow NASS on X @usda_nass.



New resource offers sow management considerations for Prop 12 related changes

Decisions around sow barn remodeling, reducing sow herd inventory, and adjusting gilt flow are some of the challenges U.S. pork producers face as they explore and consider options to make farms compliant with California’s Proposition 12 requirements. A new resource from Iowa Pork Industry Center offers information for producers who plan to transition their own production.

Iowa State University extension swine specialist Matt Romoser is one of the authors. He said the goal for the publication, Sow Management Considerations with California Proposition 12, was to provide some considerations for producers on how to manage the breeding herd under the guidelines of California Prop 12.

"This fact sheet includes what we know today on how to manage sows under these regulations," he said. "So, whether you're a sow farm manager with no group housing experience, or an owner looking to the future and considering retrofitting or building new, it can be a helpful resource."

Chris Rademacher, associate director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center and ISU extension swine veterinarian; and Laura Greiner, director of Iowa Pork Industry Center and animal science assistant professor are the other authors of this publication.

The four-page publication IPIC 207 is available at no charge from the ISU Extension store https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/16900.



Powell and Covington Recognized for Starting Planter University

Two members of the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University were recently recognized for creating a new planter-based education program for the crop industry.

Ben Covington and Levi Powell, both agricultural engineers, were the masterminds behind “Planter University.” First offered in 2022, the program saw initial success and was offered again in 2023 and will return with a new program Feb. 5-9, 2024.

Planter University is a brand-neutral learning opportunity that helps farmers and the industry better understand and optimize their planting equipment.

For their effort, Covington and Powell were awarded the Programming Innovation Award during the annual Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources professional development conference, Oct. 17 in Ames.

The two were nominated for the award by field agronomist Meaghan Anderson and Rebecca Vittetoe. Both are also instructors for Planter University.

“Ben and Levi are the epitome of innovation in extension and outreach educational programming,” said Anderson. “Even without a direct extension and outreach appointment, these two worked with the crops team to meet the needs of Iowa farmers and ag service providers.”

With greater variability in weather, farmers are planting their crops in a shorter window than ever before, which has moved many farmers toward larger equipment and a heavier reliance on technology, making planter optimization all the more important.

Collaborating with the crops team, Covington and Powell provided key expertise to Planter University, a one-day workshop offered in five locations around Iowa that provided hands-on training for farmers and their advisers that focused on maintenance, technology and important setup considerations for adjusting planters to each field’s environment.

Over 90% of survey respondents felt like they had a high or very high ability to make numerous planter adjustments that would improve crop emergence, plant stand, and ultimately, yield after attending the workshop.

“Their expertise and creativity brought a new kind of program to life that was needed and well-received by our clientele,” said Rebecca Vittetoe.

Learn more about the 2024 Planter University and register for one of the sessions at: https://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter/. 



Land O’Lakes President and CEO, Beth Ford Named to Inaugural TIME100 Climate List

TIME named Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Beth Ford to the inaugural TIME100 Climate list, recognizing the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action.

“Thank you, TIME, for including Land O'Lakes on the list. It's an important recognition that agriculture can be a powerful climate solution,” said Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes President and CEO. “Our Truterra team is doing incredible things alongside our farmer-owners.”

To assemble the list, TIME's editors and reporters fielded nominations and recommendations from industry leaders and partner organizations like Global Optimism and The B Team, as well as TIMECO2’s Advisory Council, then worked to assess the candidates on a variety of factors, including recency of action, measurable results, and influence.  

More information on how Land O’Lakes is creating a sustainable future, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply, and ensuring vibrant communities is available at www.landolakesinc.com.

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2022 annual sales of $19 billion, Land O’Lakes is one of the nation’s largest cooperatives, ranking 213 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 100 years of operation, Land O’Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O’Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

About Truterra, LLC  
Truterra is a leading sustainability solutions provider, advancing and connecting sustainability efforts throughout the food system at scale – from farmers to ag retailers to value chain collaborators including food and fiber companies. Truterra positions farmers for success by providing them tools and resources to establish a stewardship baseline, track progress on every field they farm, access conservation resources, and prepare for ecosystem services market opportunities. The Truterra network brings together the best in agricultural technology and precision conservation to drive sustainability across the food system, feeding people, safeguarding the planet, and supporting farmer livelihoods. Truterra was launched in 2016 by Land O'Lakes, Inc., a member-owned cooperative that spans the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods.



NMPF Statement on Farm Bill Extension in Funding Law
Statement from Jim Mulhern, President & CEO

“We commend House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairs Glenn Thompson and Debbie Stabenow, as well as Ranking Members David Scott and John Boozman, for their bipartisan work to finalize this farm bill extension as part of the congressional spending agreement President Biden signed today.

“Along with continuing critical programs for dairy farmers, the legislation allows the Dairy Margin Coverage program to continue operating without the uncertainty of a potential disruption. DMC is an important and effective safety net for dairy farmers nationwide. This legislation includes the 2019 production history update as part of the program, and we look forward to 2024 DMC sign-up in the coming weeks.

“With this bill passed, we stand ready to work closely with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to deliver a strong, five-year farm bill as swiftly as possible."



Statement by Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau President, Regarding the Farm Bill Extension

“Every few years, Nebraska farmers and ranchers have the opportunity to work with Congress to address one of the most important pieces of legislation affecting agriculture, the Farm Bill. While our preference is always to get a new Farm Bill done on time, it is more important to get it right. We appreciate the extension of the Farm Bill but encourage Congress to continue its work and pass a five-year Farm Bill to provide the needed support for farm and ranch families. Nebraska Farm Bureau thanks all five members of Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts to ensure a solid agricultural safety-net, working-lands conservation programs, disaster assistance programs, and everything else that makes a Farm Bill work for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.”



AFBF Appreciates EPA Seeking Farmer Input

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA soliciting comments on reinstating burdensome reporting requirements for farms under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

“AFBF appreciates EPA for taking the time to collect more information before proposing a rule that would require farmers to struggle through additional layers of red tape to raise livestock. The original purpose of the law was to ensure people who emit hazardous chemicals submit reports to local emergency responders - it was never intended to govern farms.

“We look forward to submitting comments and we’re encouraged that Administrator Regan is giving farmers and ranchers the opportunity to make their concerns known before deciding on a final rule.”



Group Studying Lamb Insurance Program

Watts and Associates has announced four listening sessions in which the company will solicit input on a potential federal lamb insurance program. The company has been contracted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency to evaluate the feasibility of offering subsidized production insurance for American lamb producers.

Three in-person listening sessions are planned: Dec. 7 in Belle Fourche, S.D.; Dec. 9 in San Angelo, Texas; and during the American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention in Denver as the group has been invited to participate in the Lamb Council meeting on Jan. 12. A virtual session might also be conducted, but details for such a session have yet to be determined.

The form this insurance might take – if it is indeed feasible to implement – has not been determined. The company is interested in soliciting input from all facets of the American sheep industry to determine if the insurance might cover predation losses, disease, cost of gain, margins, rate of gain, price fluctuations or more. The results and recommendations from the study will be submitted to RMA and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation for consideration.

 

Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb appointed chair-elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance board

Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance announced new upcoming board leadership following its fall board meeting, held Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C. Lisa McComb, Dairy Management Inc., was elected as chair-elect. Tom Super, National Chicken Council, was appointed as treasurer.

McComb is the senior vice president of communications at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). She will take the reins for a two-year term as chairperson from current board chair Derek Yancey, president of Morning Fresh Farms, beginning in January 2025. At DMI, McComb is accountable for multi-stakeholder proactive and responsive media relations and storytelling for the dairy community and consumers. She also leverages real-time insights and intelligence to take action on and prepare for key dairy issues. DMI joined the Alliance board in 2016 and has been represented by McComb since 2018.

Super is the senior vice president of communications at the National Chicken Council (NCC). Super’s executive officer responsibilities will take effect in January 2024, as he takes over for current treasurer Joel Brandenberger, retiring president and CEO of the National Turkey Federation. In his role at NCC, Super is responsible for day-to-day media relations, media outreach, social media management, and strategic communications planning to supplement NCC’s legislative, regulatory, and public affairs efforts. National Chicken Council has been on the Alliance board since 1999 and has been represented by Super for more than ten years.

“The Animal Agriculture Alliance Board of Directors represent the breadth of our membership and provide strategic direction for our programs and initiatives,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “Lisa and Tom have served on the Alliance board for several years and have been incredible champions for the organization. I’m confident in their leadership abilities and look forward to working with them more closely in these new roles.”

In addition to new board leadership, several board seats have been renewed through 2026. The following organization seats were renewed:
    American Farm Bureau Federation, represented by RJ Layher, Director, Government Affairs
    American Sheep Industry Association, represented by Amy Hendrickson, Animal Health, Science and Research Programs Manager
    Cargill, represented by Nick Wolfenden, PhD, Sustainable Animal Welfare Director – Global
    Elanco Animal Health, represented by Colleen Parr Dekker, Executive Director, Global Corporate Communications
    Farm Journal, represented by Dustin Johansen, Senior Vice President, Livestock Division
    Genus PIC, represented by Srinu Reddy, PhD, Senior Manager of Regulatory Sciences and Compliance
    Morning Fresh Farms, represented by Derek Yancey, President
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, represented by Rebecca Barnett, Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy
    National Chicken Council, represented by Tom Super, Senior Vice President, Communications
    United Egg Producers, represented by Oscar Garrison, Senior Vice President of Food Safety

The complete list of Alliance board members and organization representatives is available on the Alliance website at www.animalagalliance.org/about/board.