Wednesday November 15 Ag News

 Fischer Leads Letter Urging EPA to Consider Impact of Proposed Rulemaking on Small Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a letter with 7 of her Senate Republican colleagues to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan urging the agency to ensure that very small and small meat and poultry processing facilities are fairly considered under proposed revisions to the Meat and Poultry Products (MPP) Effluent Guidelines and Standards.

“As you know, small to mid-sized meat and poultry processing facilities have a vital role in the economy. This was proven throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when these facilities remained open while large facilities were closed. Additionally, many federal resources have been used to expand meatpacking capacity, so we need to ensure that these very small and small facilities do not face regulations that will force them to close,” wrote the Senators.

In their letter, the Senators asked Administrator Regan to explain what testing and data has been collected from very small and small processing facilities. The Senators also called on the EPA to outline the number of small processing facilities with which it has engaged while drafting its proposed revisions.

“As EPA seeks to update Meat and Poultry Products (MPP) wastewater regulations, we strongly encourage you to work with very small and small meat and poultry processing facilities to certify that any new regulations are practical, science-based, and don’t create an unnecessary burden for the continued operations of these facilities,” the Senators concluded.

In addition to Senator Fischer, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.).

"We are happy for the support of Senator Fischer as we await the new proposed rule from EPA on wastewater. From the information we have seen from EPA, the proposed rule could have a major impact on the meat industry and especially small processors who offer vital services to farmers and consumers in rural communities across the country," said Chris Young, Executive Director at American Association of Meat Processors.

Background:
On September 14, 2021, the EPA announced the Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Plan 15). The plan stated that the EPA would complete a detailed study on the MPP category and revise existing discharge standards for the industry. The EPA intends to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking by December 2023 and publish a final rule by August 2025.

Senator Fischer’s letter specifically asks the EPA to outline its work with small processors while drafting the proposed rulemaking. The letter also requests that the agency explains how much wastewater testing and data has been collected from small processors to understand the amount of nutrient concentration these facilities produce. Small processing facilities have expressed concerns that complying with burdensome mandates could be extremely costly and drive some companies out of business.

The Senators sent their letter ahead of December 2023, the EPA’s intended date to publish the proposed rule.



CVA to Build New Corn Cleaning Plant

Central Valley Ag is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the building of a new CVA Corn Cleaning Plant located at the existing CVA Hampton site. This new plant will allow the cooperative and its member-owners to tap into additional market opportunities for Food Grade Corn and take advantage of the growing demand for corn products.

“By investing in projects like this Corn Cleaning Plant, we can assist our farmers in meeting the demand for Food-Grade Corn,” said Jeff Bechard, SVP of Grain at CVA. “Food-Grade Corn is good fit for Nebraska, and this is an opportunity for us to assist our growers in producing it.”

Located in Hampton, Neb., the plant will be an expansion built upon the facility’s existing north concrete elevator, which will now be dedicated to Food-Grade Corn. The expansion will include the cleaning and shipping plant and provide shipment by rail, truck, and in 3,000 lb tote bags. The facility’s existing south complex will continue to be dedicated to corn and soybeans.

The significant increase in demand for Food-Grade Corn encouraged the development of this plant. As a farmer-owned cooperative, CVA looks for ways to bring value to its member-owners and their operations. This plant will create market value for customers, as well as job opportunities for the Hampton community. CVA is excited to get this project finished and in use.

The Corn Cleaning Plant is expected to be completed by harvest 2024.



CORN STALK QUALITY AFTER WEATHERING
– Jerry Volesky, NE Extension Educator

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks.   One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While this fall has been relatively dry, there has and will continue to be areas that receive some rain or snow events.  Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways.  Most easily noticed is how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes.  Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients.  Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks.  These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field or especially in the bale.  Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind.  Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field.  This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses.  What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.  Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds.  Just supplement them accordingly.



Nebraska Wheat Board Announces November Meeting

The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) will hold its next meeting Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Nebraska State Office Building at 245 Fallbrook Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68521. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. CST.

During the meeting, the NWB will receive reports from members on committee activities as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Nebraska Wheat Growers Association. The Board will also hear updates from US Wheat Associates and NU Horizon Genetics. The public is welcome to attend any open portion of the meeting. Interested individuals may contact the NWB office for a copy of the detailed agenda or for more information.

The Nebraska Wheat Board administers the check-off of 0.5% of net value of wheat marketed in Nebraska at the point of first sale. The board invests the funds in programs of international and domestic market development and improvement, policy development, research, promotion, and education.



Planter University Workshops Focus on Optimizing Planter Setup across All Brands

Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are once again teaming up with Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state Feb. 5-9.

The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service providers, equipment and precision ag dealers, and others to gain insight into how planters function, optimize settings for individual seed, field and equipment needs, and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration.

“Planter University goes far beyond a typical planter clinic and provides attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to host this workshop across the state again this February.”

Specialists from the Iowa State Digital Ag group will lead each workshop and focus on small-group, hands-on learning with row units representing a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for their key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment development and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.

“Former workshop participants overwhelmingly agree that this workshop improved their knowledge and ability to diagnose issues and make adjustments when necessary,” said Levi Powell, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.

“We are going to help attendees better understand the physics behind traditional and high-speed planters and how to evaluate planting performance, because every planter, operator and operation is different. This event will focus on how to dial in the right settings for you and your operation,” added Ben Covington, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.

The training will be offered at five locations. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration for each location is $85 and closes seven days ahead of each meeting.

Register online at https://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter. Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials, seed depth tool, closing wheel hold up bracket, and CCA credits. Registration check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m. The program concludes at 2:30 p.m.
    Feb. 5 – Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland.
    Feb. 6 – Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence.
    Feb. 7 – Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Crawfordsville.
    Feb. 8 – Bruere Farms, Prole.
    Feb. 9 – CNH Industrial Ag Information Center, Nevada.

For more information, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-9487, or anr@iastate.edu, or contact your regional ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.



Annual Dairy Discussions Seminar on Dec. 7 to focus on Inflation and Milk Marketing Modernization

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will host its annual Dairy Discussions Seminar on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office at 400 Central Ave. NW in Orange City.

This year’s focus is on how inflation affects producers’ bottom line, what is being discussed in the milk marketing modernization discussions at the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) hearings, and a review of the predictions for farm income in 2024.

“Understanding how these topics will impact agriculture in Northwest Iowa will affect farm management decisions in 2024,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Whether you are in production ag or industry you will find useful information, plus a free meal sponsored by Van Zee Enterprises.”

Dr. Chad Hart will discuss how inflation affects the commodity market, the value of the dollar in world trade, world and domestic consumption, and the cost of ag inputs.

Hartis an Ag Economics professor at Iowa State University. He served as the U.S. Policy and Insurance Analyst with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) and as a Scientist with CARD. For FAPRI, Hart was responsible for directing econometric and modeling efforts for the crop insurance component of the FAPRI modeling system. For CARD, he served in multiple roles, concluding as the head of the Bio Renewables Policy Division, examining the interactions between the agricultural and energy sectors.

Will Loux serves as the Vice President of Global Economic Affairs for The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. He will address the milk marketing modernization currently being discussed.

ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Specialist Fred Hall will discuss predictions for farm income in 2024.

There is no registration fee to attend the program, but registration is required by calling 712-737-4230 or online at https://go.iastate.edu/DISCUSS23. Deadline to register is Nov. 30.

For more information, contact Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in Benton County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Benton County, Iowa.

The affected site is a backyard mixed species flock.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.



NAFA RELEASES 2024 ALFALFA VARIETY RATINGS

     The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) released the 2024 edition of its popular “Alfalfa Variety Ratings - Winter Survival, Fall Dormancy & Pest Resistant Ratings for Alfalfa Varieties” - a useful tool for hay and livestock farmers, extension specialists, agri-business personnel or anyone involved in the production of alfalfa.     

     NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings is a publication unlike any other in providing an extensive listing of alfalfa varieties and their corresponding ratings for fall dormancy, winter A cover of a book Description automatically generatedsurvival, bacterial wilt, aphanomyces, leafhopper, and a host of other pests. The publication also includes other ratings such as grazing tolerance and standability to provide you the information you need to make educated decisions about the alfalfa varieties which will perform best in a given environment. All varieties listed in the Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication can be purchased in the United States for the 2024 production year.

     The 2024 edition of NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings features 161 alfalfa varieties from 15 marketers that have been verified with the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) and the National Alfalfa Variety Review Board (NAVRB).

     If you’d prefer an electronic option, try NAFA’s searchable, online Alfalfa Variety Ratings database where you can make the process of narrowing alfalfa varietal choices even easier. Available at alfalfa.org/varietyratings.php, NAFA’s searchable database allows you to search for varieties using up to 23 different parameters like variety name, marketer, fall dormancy, winter survival, disease resistance, and insect resistance. NAFA has made finding the perfect variety as effortless as possible.

     NAFA’s Alfalfa Variety Ratings publication is available in the November issue of Hay & Forage Grower magazine or by visiting NAFA’s website at alfalfa.org.



Fertilizer Prices Begin November Mixed; No Significant Changes

Retail fertilizer retailers tracked by DTN for the first week of November 2023 report mixed prices to begin the month. Five fertilizers were slightly higher compared to last month while the remaining three were down a bit.

For the first time in several months, no fertilizer was up or down a considerable amount. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Five fertilizers were just slightly higher than a month ago. DAP had an average price of $714/ton, MAP $802/ton, potash $509/ton, anhydrous $830/ton and UAN28 $360/ton.

Three fertilizers were just slightly lower in price compared to last month. Urea had an average price of $573/ton, 10-34-0 $613/ton and UAN32 $415/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

All fertilizer prices are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 18% lower, 10-34-0 is 19% less expensive, DAP is 23% lower, urea is 29% less expensive, UAN28 is 38% lower, UAN32 is 39% less expensive, potash is 40% lower and anhydrous is 42% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/3/2023 & 11/10/2023

Due to a planned systems upgrade, EIA postponed until today its release of petroleum market data for the week ending November 3. Renewable Fuels Association analysis of that data indicates ethanol production declined 1.0% to 1.042 million b/d, equivalent to 43.76 million gallons daily. Output was 0.9% less than the same week last year but 0.9% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.9% to 1.042 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks moved fractionally (0.1%) lower to 21.0 million barrels. Stocks were 5.4% less than the same week last year and 2.0% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, leapt 9.1% to 9.49 million b/d (145.51 bg annualized)—the highest level since June. Demand was 5.3% more than a year ago and 4.2% above the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol pared back 1.2% to a 7-week low of 891,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.66 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.8% more than a year ago but 0.5% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 92,000 b/d (3.9 million gallons/day), which is 33.3% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the seventh consecutive week.

According to EIA data analyzed by the RFA analysis for the week ending November 10, ethanol production expanded 0.5% to 1.047 million b/d, equivalent to 43.97 million gallons daily. Output was 3.6% more than the same week last year and 2.5% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 0.3% to 1.045 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.02 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks were essentially unchanged at 21.0 million barrels. Stocks were 1.6% less than the same week last year and 0.1% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, eased 5.7% to 8.95 million b/d (137.19 bg annualized). Demand was 2.4% more than a year ago and 0.3% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol improved by 1.3% to 903,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.84 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.1% more than a year ago and 1.2% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 85,000 b/d (3.6 million gallons/day), which is 7.6% less than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the eighth consecutive week.




Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Down Slightly from Record High in 2022

Gathering around the table for a Thanksgiving dinner won’t take as much of a toll on your pocketbook this year compared to 2022, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $61.17 or less than $6.20 per person.

This is a 4.5% decrease from last year’s record-high average of $64.05, but a Thanksgiving meal is still 25% higher than it was in 2019, which highlights the impact high supply costs and inflation have had on food prices since before the pandemic.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – helped bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $27.35. That is $1.71 per pound, down 5.6% from last year.

Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Nov. 1-6, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys declined further during the second week of November. Consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey may find additional savings in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

“Traditionally, the turkey is the most expensive item on the Thanksgiving dinner table,” said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. “Turkey prices have fallen thanks to a sharp reduction in cases of avian influenza, which have allowed production to increase in time for the holiday.”

The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty of leftovers.

“While shoppers will see a slight improvement in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, high inflation continues to hammer families across the country, including the nation’s farmers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Growing the food families rely on is a constant challenge for farmers because of high fuel, seed, fertilizer and transportation costs, just to name a few.

“While high food prices are a concern for every family, America still has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. We’ve accomplished that, in part, due to strong farm bill programs. Although our focus is sharing time with family and friends this Thanksgiving, our thoughts also turn to encouraging Congress to double down on a commitment to passing a new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise the crops and livestock that supply Thanksgiving dinner and every dinner.”

Year over Year - Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey
In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, in an expanded menu. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $23.58, to $84.75.

This year’s national average cost was calculated using 245 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.

The AFBF Thanksgiving dinner survey was first conducted in 1986. The informal survey provides a record of comparative holiday meal costs over the years. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

Individual Prices
    16-pound turkey: $27.35 or $1.71 per pound (down 5.6%)
    14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.77 (down 2.8%)
    2 frozen pie crusts: $3.50 (down 4.9%)
    Half pint of whipping cream: $1.73 (down 22.8%)
    1 pound of frozen peas: $1.88 (down 1.1%)
    1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.84 (up 2.9%)
    Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.95 (down 4.4%)
    30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.44 (up 3.7%)
    1 gallon of whole milk: $3.74 (down 2.6%)
    3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.97 (up .3%)
    1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.90 (up 2.3%)
    12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.10 (down 18.3%)

Regional Averages
AFBF analysis revealed regional differences in the cost of the meal. The cost for the classic meal was the most affordable in the Midwest - $58.66, followed by the South - $59.10, the West - $63.89, and the Northeast - $64.38. The expanded meal (classic meal plus boneless ham, Russet potatoes and green beans) was the most affordable in the Midwest - $81.83, the South - $82.61, the West - $87.75, and the Northeast - $88.43.

AFBF also conducts an annual summer cookout survey in advance of the 4th of July holiday. Be sure to watch for that in late June 2024.



ADM, Marathon Petroleum Corp. Take Next Step in Meeting Demand for Renewable Fuels as Green Bison Production Facility Begins Operations

ADM (NYSE: ADM) and Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) Tuesday celebrated the opening of their joint venture soybean processing complex, Green Bison Soy Processing, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Green Bison facility in Spiritwood is North Dakota's first dedicated soybean processing complex, and is a major step towards meeting increased demand for renewable fuels, in this case renewable green diesel.

Green Bison Soy Processing will source and process local soybeans, with the resulting oil supplied exclusively to Marathon as a feedstock for renewable fuels. The facility will produce approximately 600 million pounds of refined soybean oil annually, enough feedstock for approximately 75 million gallons of renewable green diesel per year. The approximately $350 million complex features state-of-the-art automation technology and has the capacity to process 150,000 bushels of soybeans per day. Green Bison Soy Processing began receiving soybeans in September of 2023 and is in the commissioning and startup phase of processing soybeans for meal and oil.

“Sustainability is one of the enduring trends driving changes in structural global demand, and this investment helps position ADM, as a leader in our industry, to deliver on that demand,” said Greg Morris, president of ADM’s Ag Services & Oilseeds business. “The continued growth in demand for renewable green diesel presents a transformative opportunity for the oilseed industry, for producers, and for increasing the sustainability footprint of our transportation system, and we’re proud to join with Marathon Petroleum as leaders in that transformation. We’re excited for the start of production and look forward to working together to support sustainable solutions for the food and fuel industries.”

“As we continue challenging ourselves to lead in sustainable energy, our joint venture with ADM not only strengthens our presence in North Dakota, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate further with a world-class partner as we continue investing in a sustainable, energy-diverse future,” said Dave Heppner, Marathon’s senior vice president of Strategy and Business Development. “Green Bison Soy Processing’s Spiritwood facility is an important milestone in our ability to source and optimize logistically advantaged feedstock for our growing renewable fuels business.”

Adding a continuous economic impact in various aspects, the new complex has supported hundreds of jobs in the region and currently employs approximately 75 people.

Additionally, Green Bison Soy Processing was recognized by the Economic Development Association of North Dakota as the 2023 Economic Development Project of the Year announced in September of 2023. The award recognizes an organization that has worked to positively impact the economic health of the community, region or state.

“The Green Bison Soy Processing facility creates a wonderful opportunity and lasting benefits for our area farmers and statewide soybean growers. Having two of the most important components of North Dakota's economy, agriculture and energy, coming together on a project like this is a significant benefit to the city of Jamestown and the surrounding communities,” said Dwaine Heinrich, mayor of Jamestown, North Dakota. “While this facility provides added value for our farmers, it is also a significant investment to the community of Spiritwood through job creation. We are very appreciative to ADM and Marathon for their collaboration to make this project possible.”



Truterra Appoints Jamie Leifker as New President

Today Truterra, LLC, a leading agricultural sustainability business that offers consultation, tools and solutions for the ag and food value chain, announces Jamie Leifker as its next President.

Leifker brings over 25 years of experience in agriculture working to deliver data-driven products and services for ag retailers to position with farmers to be more profitable and sustainable on their operations through his track record in leadership at WinField United, Land O’Lakes, Inc.’ crop inputs and insights business, in addition to previous industry experience.

“Jamie’s career spans the spectrum of applicable experience that make him the perfect choice to help Truterra reach the next level as a leader in agricultural sustainability,” said Brett Bruggeman, Chief Operating Officer at Land O’Lakes, Inc. “His background in agronomy plus his experience working with both local ag retailers and customers is in lock step with Truterra’s mission and go-to-market approach.”

Most recently in his role as vice president of New Markets and Growth Services at WinField United, Leifker was responsible for working with ag retailers to provide risk management services, as well as downstream companies to deliver on customizable supply chain needs. Prior to that, he led the Agronomy and Product Development team delivering products and services to help retailers and farmers be more profitable, productive and sustainable. This included leadership of the WinField United Innovation Center dedicated to cutting-edge agronomic research and product development.

“As a farmer myself, I understand the challenges livestock and crop producers face and the value sustainability can bring to the agriculture industry,” said Leifker. “I look forward to channeling my experience to further Truterra’s focus on productivity and profitability.”

Leifker grew up around farming and farms with his wife in Northeast Iowa, and they incorporate conservation practices including reduced tillage and cover crops on their fields.



Dairy’s Long-Term Outlook Bright, Doud, NMPF Staff Say

The future of U.S. dairy farming is bright as global growth and American capacity for innovation and production combine to create a powerhouse, the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) incoming president and CEO and the organization’s economists highlighted in presentations at NMPF’s annual meeting in Orlando, FL.

“In terms of the world of protein, dairy is a huge part of the future,” said Gregg Doud, who will take over NMPF’s reins on Jan. 1, in remarks at the meeting, held jointly by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. Doud, a former chief agricultural trade negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, said opportunities are there for U.S. dairy’s taking with robust outreach and appeals to consumers worldwide.

“My message to you today is very simple,” he said. “Let's go. Let's get it in gear.”

Dairy producers in the past year have faced operating margins at their lowest since the federal dairy safety net was adopted in its current structure in 2014 as prices plummeted from record highs. In a panel of NMPF economists following Doud’s remarks, forecasts showed an improving price outlook next year, even as inflation continues to pose challenges for consumers.

“We see a road to recovery in 2024,” said Will Loux, head of the joint economics unit serving NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. “Things aren't all roses, we still have really significant headwinds on the demand side both here at home and abroad, but we look at the world with a lot of optimism still, especially in the long run.”

The joint annual meeting concludes today.



USDA Invests Nearly $28M to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses.

“The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural prosperity,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is providing our newest producers with the support they need to succeed and the educational resources to guide their operations on the path toward long-term sustainability and profitability.”

This investment is part of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP), which supports a wide range of professional development activities and topics, such as managing capital, acquiring and managing land, and learning effective business and farming practices.

“This investment reflects USDA’s commitment to helping new farmers and ranchers realize their dreams,” said USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education an Economics Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young. “As the average age of our U.S. producers continues to increase, USDA is accelerating efforts to provide meaningful support to a rising cadre of farmers and ranchers—including military veterans interested in starting new careers after their service—so they can cultivate the skills needed to be productive, profitable and resilient.”

According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Ag Census data, one-third of the United States’ 3.4 million farmers are over the age of 65.

“Ensuring there will be a new generation of beginning farmers and ranchers – regardless of age or production choice – is essential to the continuation of agricultural production in the United States,” said USDA NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra. “Beginning farmers and ranchers have unique educational, training, technical assistance and outreach needs. Access to capital, land and knowledge that assists in ensuring profitability and sustainability are vital to farmers and ranchers in their first 10 years of operation.”

NIFA’s BFRDP funds three types of projects:
    Standard Projects to new and established local and regional training, education outreach and technical assistance initiatives that address the unique local and regional needs of beginning farmers and ranchers.
    Educational Team Projects to develop seamless beginning farmer and rancher education programs by conducting evaluation, coordination and enhancement activities for standard projects and other non-funded beginning farmer programs.
    Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse to make educational curricula and training materials available to beginning farmers and ranchers and organizations who directly serve them.