Nebraska Beef Council Educates Family Consumer Science Programs Across State & Country
The American Association of Family Consumer Sciences Fall Leadership Workshop put beef on center stage. Mitch Rippe, Nebraska Beef Council Director of Nutrition and Education, was a presenter at the workshop held in Washington D.C. Rippe said he was the only agricultural commodity representative at the conference where educators and administrators from 27 states were present.
“They realize they can connect with their local state beef councils, and find lessons to take back to their local chapters and classrooms, whether that’s beef in the classroom, educational materials, or grant programs,” said Rippe.
According to Rippe, approximately 80% of state beef councils across the U.S. work with FCS programs in some capacity. Hands on relationships with FCS programs are a vital part of consumer education and can lead to shopping and cooking lessons for how to properly prepare beef.
“The biggest lesson they do is brown ground beef, which is awesome because they are doing the foundational components of cooking,” said Rippe. “From there, they can build on using different cuts of steak or roasts and unique preparation methods. But just getting the foundational opportunity is an impactful experience for them.”
Across Nebraska, Rippe stays in touch with local FCS chapters throughout the school year, both in high schools and colleges, providing resources and occasional workshops. Most recently, he visited Chadron State College and presented to a foundational nutrition class.
“We do a unique preparation method with a reverse sear that doesn’t require the usual equipment for grilling or cooking, in case students are in an apartment or dorm,” said Rippe. “We talk a lot about nutrition components, but we always tie that back into giving students a hands-on experience working with some type of beef cut.”
For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.
‘Ag SmartMoney Week’ offers free webinars, workshops for ag producers to improve management skills
Ag SmartMoney Week, a series of programs focused on providing education, information, tools and training for Nebraska agricultural producers to better manage and improve their operations, will be co-hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability the week of Nov. 6-10.
The series will include three in-person workshops across the state and seven online webinars covering topics related to risk management, estate and transition planning, land leasing and rental rates, human resources and technology.
The week is being produced through a collaboration of higher education, businesses, financial institutions, not-for-profits and government agencies. Sponsoring organizations include UNL’s Center for Agricultural Profitability, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s College of Business and Technology, Wahoo State Bank and MNB Bank.
Ag SmartMoney Week Schedule
Monday, Nov. 6
Noon CT: Current Trends in Nebraska Land Values, Cash Rents and Lease Considerations for 2024 (Virtual Webinar)
6 p.m. CT: Cash Flow Budgeting (Virtual Webinar)
Tuesday, Nov. 7
Noon CT: Sharpening Your Grain Marketing Skills (Virtual Webinar)
Wednesday, Nov. 8
Noon CT: Dust Off Your Checkbook Register (Virtual Webinar)
1 p.m. MT: Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches (Scottsbluff)
7 p.m. CT: Calculating Annual Cow Costs (Virtual Webinar)
Thursday, Nov. 9
Noon CT: Working Capital: What is it and Why is it Important? (Virtual Webinar)
1 p.m. MT: Introduction to Schedule F, Tax Planning for Farms and Ranches (Kimball)
7 p.m. CT: Preparing Income Statements and Balance Sheets for Annual Loan Renewal (Kearney)
Friday, Nov. 10
Noon CT: Preparing Your Cost of Production for 2024 Using Enterprise Budgeting and the Agricultural Budget Calculator Program (Virtual Webinar)
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required for each event. More information and registration can be found on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/smartmoney.
Iowa Pork adds Cook to "Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon" NIL initiative with Cyclone players
The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing initiative with Iowa State football players is adding a new element: Linebacker Alec Cook. Through an NIL (name, image, likeness) deal, Cook joins fellow Cyclones Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann, and Caleb Bacon, encouraging Iowans to purchase pork products, and of course cook more ham and bacon.
A new 30 second video featuring the five players launched on Wednesday and will be used in ads on social media.
The Iowa Pork Producers’ original social media post featuring a photo of Purchase, Moore, Hamann, and Bacon with several pounds of ham and bacon has received more than 2.6 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and the initiative quickly garnered statewide and national media attention. Raygun has sold hundreds of Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon t-shirts and Iowa Pork has given away nearly 9,000 posters featuring the original photo.
“We are so overjoyed with the great success of the “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” campaign and love that we’re able to encourage people to Cook Moore Hamann Bacon as well,” said Iowa Pork Producers Association President Trish Cook, a pig farmer from Buchanan County. “We had hoped it would go viral and it did in a very big way. Supporting these players and the We Will Collective has been a rewarding experience, and we’re helping the food pantries in their hometowns with donations of delicious and nutritious Iowa pork.”
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is donating $4,000 worth of pork to food pantries in the hometowns of Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon, on behalf of each player. Caleb Bacon presented the Lake Mills Food Shelf in Lake Mills, Iowa with their donation on October 21.
As part of this new phase of the initiative, an additional $1,000 worth of pork will be provided for each food pantry, as well to Alec Cook’s selection, the Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha. That totals $9,000 worth of pork, equating to 12,000 servings, to help fight food insecurity in each player’s hometown.
“Thank you to Iowa pork producers for giving us the chance to use our last names to promote the swine industry,” said Alec Cook, a redshirt freshman linebacker from Omaha. “It was a lot of fun to work together while also helping out our local communities.”
Iowa is the number one state in the nation for pork production and nearly 150,000 Iowans are employed by the pork industry.
Another new video, featuring an additional Cyclone football player, will be added to the “Purchase/Cook Moore Hamann Bacon” initiative very soon. Stay tuned.
Registration open for Iowa Farm Bureau's 105th annual meeting
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation will host its 105th annual meeting on Dec. 5-6 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines, providing members with crucial updates on farm policy and agricultural trends.
“Annual meeting is an energizing event that sets the tone for the year ahead,” says Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau president. “It’s a time set aside to recognize county Farm Bureau accomplishments, reconnect with fellow farmers from every corner of Iowa and learn new insights to keep family farms moving into the future.”
Keynoting the event is Will Bowen, author of international bestseller, "A Complaint Free World,” and founder of the global Complaint Free? movement, which has reached more than 15 million people worldwide. Bowen has been featured on Oprah, Forbes, The Today Show and more to address the psychology of complaints and the power of shifting toward more productive thoughts.
Educational breakout sessions will feature industry experts. R.J. Layher, director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau, will update members on legislation impacting family farms. David Widmar, an agricultural economist with Agriculture Economics Insights, will discuss the future of the agriculture industry, focusing on automation, market trends and strategies to navigate uncertainty. Dr. Christopher Pudenz, economics and research manager at the Iowa Farm Bureau, will present an ag economic outlook.
Award recognitions will include Outstanding County Farm Bureaus, Distinguished Service to Ag, Ag Leaders Institute graduates, Farm Bureau Community Partnership Awards and Young Farmer Leadership Awards. Young farmers, ages 18 to 35, are also encouraged to participate in the Discussion Meet, a cooperative-style dialogue on ag issues. Winners will be announced during the young farmer evening reception, Dec. 5, and the first-place winner will represent Iowa at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City, UT in 2024.
To view the full agenda and to register, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/annualmeeting.
Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production - Sept 2023
Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 478 million bushels in September 2023. Total corn consumption was down 2 percent from August 2023 but up 10 percent from September 2022. September 2023 usage included 92.0 percent for alcohol and 8.0 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 5.38 million bushels, up 9 percent from August 2023 and up 20 percent from September 2022. Corn for fuel alcohol, at 430 million bushels, was down 3 percent from August 2023 but up 12 percent from September 2022. Corn consumed in September 2023 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 92.0 percent and 8.0 percent, respectively.
Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 1.70 million tons during September 2023, down 5 percent from August 2023 but up 5 percent from September 2022. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.31 million tons in September 2023, up 1 percent from August 2023 and up 5 percent from September 2022.
Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 246,782 tons during September 2023, down 4 percent from August 2023 but up 3 percent from September 2022. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 196,264 tons in September 2023, down 5 percent from August 2023 but up 2 percent from September 2022.
Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks
Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.24 million tons (175 million bushels) in September 2023, compared with 5.07 million tons (169 million bushels) in August 2023 and 5.03 million tons (168 million bushels) in September 2022. Crude oil produced was 2.08 billion pounds up 3 percent from August 2023 and up 4 percent from September 2022. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.73 billion pounds during September 2023 increased 1 percent from August 2023 and increased 4 percent from September 2022.
Flour Milling Products
All wheat ground for flour during the third quarter 2023 was 231 million bushels, up 4 percent from the second quarter 2023 grind of 222 million bushels but down 3 percent from the third quarter 2022 grind of 237 million bushels. Third quarter 2023 total flour production was 107 million hundredweight, up 4 percent from the second quarter 2023 but down 3 percent from the third quarter 2022. Whole wheat flour production at 4.61 million hundredweight during the third quarter 2023 accounted for 4 percent of the total flour production. Millfeed production from wheat in the third quarter 2023 was 1.68 million tons. The daily 24-hour milling capacity of wheat flour during the third quarter 2023 was 1.58 million hundredweight.
Anhydrous Again Leads Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher
Average retail prices for all but one fertilizer were higher during the third week of October 2023 compared to last month, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to last month, with one up significantly, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.
The only fertilizer price that was up considerably was anhydrous, which was 8% higher compared to a month prior. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $825 per ton. Six other fertilizers were just slightly higher than last month. DAP had an average price of $713/ton, MAP $799/ton, urea $574/ton, 10-34-0 $610/ton, UAN28 $360/ton and UAN32 $418/ton.
One fertilizer was just slightly lower in price compared to last month. Potash had an average price of $507/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.50/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.
All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 19% lower, 10-34-0 is 20% less expensive, DAP is 23% lower, urea is 31% less expensive, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 38% lower, potash is 41% lower and anhydrous is 42% less expensive compared to a year prior.
Weekly Ethanol Production for 10/27/2023
According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending October 27, ethanol production scaled up 1.2% to an 11-week high of 1.052 million b/d, equivalent to 44.18 million gallons daily. Output was 1.2% more than the same week last year and 1.3% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.1% to 1.033 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.84 billion gallons (bg).
Ethanol stocks receded 1.8% to 21.0 million barrels, which is the smallest weekly volume since the close of 2021. Stocks were 5.5% less than the same week last year and 1.9% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4).
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, sank 1.9% to 8.70 million b/d (133.33 bg annualized). Demand was 0.4% more than a year ago but 2.8% below the five-year average.
Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slid 0.7% to 902,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.83 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.3% less than a year ago but 0.7% above the five-year average.
Ethanol exports were estimated at 69,000 b/d (2.9 million gallons/day), which is 6.2% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the sixth consecutive week.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Leaders Call on Biden Administration to Immediately Recognize Argonne GREET Model
As President Biden kicks off a series of events focused on rural investment, 70 industry leaders covering nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – including major airlines – called on the Biden Administration to unleash progress in de-carbonizing aviation by recognizing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne GREET model under Section 40B(e) of the Inflation Reduction Act.
In an open letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the authors explain that “our ability to attract investment and build out U.S. SAF capacity will depend on how the program determines credit eligibility and valuation.” The default model for evaluating SAF misses key aspects of de-carbonization, including “climate smart and regenerative feedstock practices” supported by the IRA.
Fortunately, the IRA explicitly allows for the use of “any similar methodology” for determining SAF credit eligibility and valuation. As the letter explains, the Argonne GREET model “incorporates the latest biorefining and feedstock production efficiencies.” It accounts for “every aspect of the ‘full fuel lifecycle’” — from “land use changes” to “all stages of fuel and feedstock production and distribution.” Argonne GREET clearly meets statutory requirements, and unlike any new approach that would invite further delay, it is well-settled, durable, and updated regularly.
The authors note: “With the right market signals, we can de-carbonize aviation and spur a new wave of U.S. innovation and clean energy jobs. However, modeling uncertainty today is a multiyear development problem due to the buildout schedules of SAF production facilities.” Section 40B of the IRA cannot be implemented or used effectively if bio-innovators do not urgently receive clarity and certainty on this issue.
The administration should immediately recognize Argonne GREET and provide the certainty that will support long-term planning and investment in a more sustainable future for aviation.
Apply Today to Become Beef Spokesperson
The Beef Checkoff-funded Trailblazers program is seeking applications for its next class of beef advocates. Trailblazers, developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, takes advocacy to the next level by giving participants the tools and training they need to promote beef to new audiences while addressing and correcting myths.
“Over the past two years, the Trailblazers program has proven to be a dynamic and effective program for advocates seeking to develop their skillset, while building an inter-connected community of elite advocates from across the country,” said Chandler Mulvaney, director of grassroots advocacy and spokesperson development at NCBA. “If you are an advocate and seeking a chance to be empowered on your advocacy journey, apply today, and help safeguard the work of cattle farmers and ranchers.”
The Trailblazers program is looking for new spokespeople to participate in a year-long hands-on program designed to train, equip, and empower beef advocates. Selected candidates receive training to become expert communicators, excel in media interviews and understand how to build confidence in beef related practices when talking to consumers.
Each year, 10 new Trailblazers are selected to create a tight-knit community that works together to find solutions to social and practical issues impacting the beef community. Throughout the year, Trailblazers receive advanced in-person and virtual training from subject matter experts, learning how to effectively engage on various social media platforms, interact with the media, and enhance public speaking skills. Upon completion of the program, Trailblazers serve as industry spokespeople and inform beef advocates at the local and state levels on advocacy, media, and spokesperson best practices.
“My favorite part of being a Trailblazer has been the networking and relationship building with people who are as passionate about the cattle and beef communities as I am,” said Kacy Atkinson of Wyoming. “Not only will you develop a supportive group of friends and cheerleaders you will find invaluable, but the program will also connect you to people within the community that will serve as mentors and resources, willing to help you meet the goals you have for yourself and push you to grow to become an even better advocate.”
Applications will be accepted through December 8 and selected participants will be notified mid-January, upon completing the review process. Applicants must be 21 years of age, have completed their Masters of Beef Advocacy certification, and provide at least two references with their online application. To apply, visit the website https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/Trailblazers2023 and for more information, contact Chandler Mulvaney at cmulvaney@beef.org.
Republicans urge new House speaker to pass farm bill
House Republicans called on newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson to pass the 2023 Farm Bill, as congressional leaders warn an extension of the agricultural spending package may be necessary to avoid wreaking havoc on the food system.
“The Farm Bill is a critical agenda item that must be addressed this Congress,” a group of 61 Republicans wrote to Johnson the day after he was chosen Speaker. “We urge you and the Conference at-large to be united in ensuring swift passage of a strong Farm Bill that is written by farmers, for farmers.”
Last week, Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow said turmoil in the House will mean “we will need an extension” on the farm bill. Negotiators have also struggled to bridge the two sides of the political aisle, as Democrats and Republicans remain apart on funding priorities in the farm bill.
Johnson’s election ended three weeks of chaos that prevented lawmakers from conducting legislative business. However, farm bill consideration has stalled as lawmakers scramble to keep the government funded ahead of a Nov. 17 deadline and look to reach agreements on other Biden administration priorities, including war aid to Israel and Ukraine.
Congress also still needs to pass spending bills for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies.
Pushing consideration of the farm bill into next year could have implications for lawmakers up for re-election in 2024. More than 92% of planted acres in the U.S. are represented by Republicans, members noted in the letter to Johnson.
“Simply put, farm and food security is national security,” the letter said. ”[T]he farm safety net, including commodity support programs and crop insurance, provides farmers and ranchers the foundation they need to manage risk, pass their farm or ranch down to the next generation, and continue producing the highest quality, lowest cost food, fuel, fiber, and forestry products in the world.”
USDA Announces November 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for November 2023, which are effective Nov. 1, 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 November 2023 are as follows:
Farm Operating Loans(Direct): 5.375%
Farm Ownership Loans(Direct): 5.500%
Farm Ownership Loans(Direct, Joint Financing): 3.500%
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.
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): 6.500%
Farm Storage Facility Loans:
Three-year loan terms: 4.875%
Five-year loan terms: 4.750%
Seven-year loan terms: 4.750%
Ten-year loan terms: 4.750%
Twelve-year loan terms: 4.750%
Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.875%
Growth Energy Urges Washington State to Clarify “Biofuels” Definition, Fully Embrace Bioethanol’s Emissions Benefits
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, today urged regulators in Washington state to clarify their definition of “biofuels” under the state’s Cap-and-Invest program in a way that allows them to “maximize the use of bioethanol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
In a letter to Washington state’s Department of Ecology, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley highlighted the proven emissions benefits of bioethanol while debunking myths about biofuels and the impact of their production on land use and food prices.
“Today’s bioethanol represents a nearly 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions compared to gasoline. And as readily available technologies such as carbon sequestration and climate-smart agriculture practices are adopted, ethanol can continue to improve toward net zero,” said Bliley. “For instance, by using the latest science on indirect land use change value (ILUC) rather than outdated and flawed data, the impact of ILUC on ethanol’s carbon intensity is closer to 4 gCO2e/MJ.2 This is a nearly 80% reduction from out-of-date models being used.”
Regarding concerns about biofuels’ impact on food production, Bliley noted that “our industry produces both food and fuel, and that the production of bioethanol “results in a wide variety of co-products, perhaps the most significant of which is high-quality animal feed that contributes directly to the production of chicken, beef, pork, and other nutritious food.”
“Specifically, one bushel of corn produces 2.8 gallons of bioethanol as well as 17-18 pounds of distillers dried grains (DDGS), a highly nutritious animal feed. Our industry produces nearly 40 million tons of animal feed per year. That feed is supplied to food producers here in the U.S. and around the world. Additionally, the renewable CO2 from bioethanol production is also critical for meat processing, beverage carbonation, and water treatment,” Bliley added in the letter. “Additionally, as discussed previously relative to land use, farming practices like crop intensification and cover cropping have significantly improved the yield of all crops, further negating the impact of biofuel production on food crops. As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and numerous others have noted, yields have (and continue to) climbed more than 700 percent while acreage has remained unchanged for the last century.”
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