Wednesday November 29 Ag News

 Summit Contracting Announces Union with Petersen Ag Systems

Summit Contracting, the South Dakota-based leader in construction of farm and grain systems, has signed a purchase agreement with Nebraska-based Petersen Ag Systems, the companies announced today. Summit Contracting will take ownership on Jan. 1, 2024.

The union expands Summit Contracting’s footprint with Petersen Ag System’s current locations in Norfolk and Osmond, Neb., and Onawa, Iowa.

“Petersen Ag Systems is a perfect match for Summit Contracting, not only in its reputation for quality products and services but also in terms of company values,” said Summit Contracting CEO Tyler Samuelson. “We’re both focused on building strong relationships with customers, building strong relationships within our own teams, and building quality farm structures that last for generations.”

Petersen Ag Systems will undergo a name change to Summit Contracting.

Established in 1937, Petersen Ag Systems has a proud legacy in Nebraska and Iowa. Petersen Ag Systems President Henry Aschoff believes Summit Contracting will build on that legacy, which is one reason why he felt comfortable with the sale.

“We have found a partner who shares our dedication to customer satisfaction and high-quality service,” Aschoff said. “Like Petersen Ag Systems, they are a family-oriented business that believes in the happiness and well-being of their team, which directly translates to better service for our customers. I am confident that Summit Contracting will not only uphold but also enhance the standards and values our customers and employees have come to expect from us.”

Since its founding in Platte, S.D. in 2009, Summit Contracting has grown to include locations in Brookings and Pierre, S.D. as well as Seward, Neb. and Sioux Center, Iowa. With the union, they will have new capabilities in products including seed treaters and center-pivot irrigation.

“We’re committed to providing the same quality in products and services that Petersen Ag Systems’ customers have come to expect,” Samuelson said. “This is a new chapter for Summit Contracting and Petersen Ag Systems. I’m excited about the opportunities this creates for our new and current employees, our customers, and the company as a whole.”

 

Nebraska Soybean Board Announces New Officers and Committee Appointments

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) convened its inaugural board meeting for fiscal year 2024 on November 20–21, 2023, in Lincoln. During this meeting, restructuring of both the board and committees transpired alongside routine board business.

The newly elected officers, chosen to lead the board for a one-year term, are as follows:
    Chairman: Jason Penke of Craig – District 2
    Vice Chair: Anne Meis of Elgin – District 1
    Secretary: Mike Tomes of Utica – District 6
    Treasurer: Blake Johnson of Holdrege – District 8

In addition to these appointments, committee chairs and members were also announced:
    Farmer Support Committee: Chair: Ruth Ready
        Other Members: Jason Penke, Mike Tomes, Doug Saathoff
    Production & Crop Research Committee: Chair: Doug Saathoff
        Other Members: Eugene Goering, Blake Johnson, Mike Tomes, Greg Anderson
    Community Engagement Committee: Chair: Mark Caspers
        Other Members: Jason Penke, Anne Meis, Ruth Ready
    Demand & Utilization Committee: Chair: Mark Caspers
        Other Members: Eugene Goering, Anne Meis, Blake Johnson, Greg Anderson

Andy Chvatal, NSB executive director, expressed confidence in the newly appointed officers and committee members, stating, "These dedicated individuals will be working tirelessly on behalf of Nebraska’s soybean farmers. Throughout the upcoming year, they will continue to make strategic decisions to effectively invest and leverage soybean checkoff resources. Their focus will be on growing value for Nebraska farmers by maximizing their checkoff investments.”

NSB looks forward to a productive and prosperous year ahead under the guidance of its newly elected leadership team and ongoing strategic plan.

About the Nebraska Soybean Board: The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Ricketts Fighting for Nebraska Priorities in Comprehensive Farm Bill Reauthorization

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) commented on the recent temporary Farm Bill extension and highlighted the Nebraska priorities he’s pushing to include in a comprehensive Farm Bill reauthorization. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.

“There are a lot of Nebraska priorities that should be included in a comprehensive Farm Bill,” Ricketts said. “A strong safety net for producers that protects them from natural disasters and volatile markets. Voluntary, working lands-based conservation programs that protect natural resources without restricting property rights. And, of course, trade programs like the Foreign Market Development Program, which returns $24.50 for every dollar invested.”

Specifically, Ricketts has introduced three pieces of bipartisan legislation he is working to include in the next Farm Bill reauthorization: the SNAP Next Step Act, the Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act, and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act.

“My SNAP Next Step Act would provide services like job search coaching, interview prep, and resume writing to those on SNAP benefits,” Ricketts continued. “We started the SNAP Next Step Program when I was Governor to give people a hand-up, not a hand-out. And we saw great results… My bill would bring that proven Nebraska solution to workers across the country, all at no additional expense to American taxpayers.

“After hearing directly from stakeholders who want to see action on flood solutions in the next Farm Bill, I introduced the Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act,” Ricketts said. “Flooding can cost agriculture, businesses, and rural communities billions of dollars in losses each year. In 2019, we experienced this directly in Nebraska. My bill would cut red tape and help communities not just recover from disasters, but also reduce future damage.”

“Finally, my Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act would extend and enhance the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program,” Ricketts said. “This program supports small businesses by giving rural microentrepreneurs access to capital for startup and development costs. All three of these bipartisan, common-sense bills would be great additions to the next Farm Bill. Most importantly though, I am committed to securing a full, 5-year Farm Bill reauthorization that Nebraska farmers and ranchers can rely on.“



New Water Quality Partnership Project Announced with Iowa Pork and INREC

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) will partner with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on a “batch and build” water quality project in targeted Iowa watersheds.

The first phase of the Pig Farmer Water Quality Partnership Program, which is in place through June 30, 2026, will initially focus within the priority watersheds of the Boone River and North Raccoon River. As the project grows, the goal will be for the project to expand into other targeted watersheds.

By working with pork producers and other farmers and landowners who utilize manure as fertilizer, the plan is to install edge-of-field practices such as bioreactors and saturated buffers using Iowa’s innovative “batch and build” model. The model modernizes the project management process by installing batches of conservation practices on multiple farms at once, therefore allowing a faster acceleration of water quality progress.   

Bioreactors and saturated buffers help to filter and denitrify water as it leaves the farm field and before it enters our waterways. The goal of the project’s first year is to install 65 structures.

“Not only is Iowa the national leader in pork production, but we are also a national leader in conservation and this partnership with Iowa Pork and INREC will help accelerate our statewide water quality progress,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Our approach makes it easy for pork producers, farmers and landowners to participate and we invite everyone to join with us to keep building our water quality momentum.”

With more than 4,000 members, IPPA is the unified voice for pork producers in Iowa. This water quality project aligns well with their mission of educating and providing a leading voice for a sustainable, socially responsible, and globally competitive pork industry.

“Iowa Pork is excited to partner with the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council on this Batch and Build project in some of Iowa’s critical watersheds,” said Ben Nuelle, director of public policy and environmental programs at IPPA. “Pig farmers have long been and continue to want to be part of the solution to conserve Iowa’s clean air, land, and water resources for years to come.”

INREC strategically brings together farm and commodity organizations, fertilizer and crop production companies, agricultural retailers, and crop advisers in a formal organization to help lead the environmental efforts of agriculture in Iowa. Non-profit members include Agribusiness Association of Iowa, Iowa Certified Crop Advisors, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and IPPA.

“The Iowa Pork Producers Association is a founding member and supporter of INREC,” said Roger Zylstra, a farmer from Jasper County and Chair of the INREC Board of Directors. “We’re excited to work with Iowa pig farmers in targeted watersheds to facilitate accelerated nutrient reduction practice adoption via this innovative batch and build project.”

Additional partners on the project include Iowa Select Farms, National Pork Board, Wright County, Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District, Calhoun County Soil and Water Conservation District, Buena Vista County, Buena Vista County Soil and Water Conservation District and Grundy County.  



Two Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Cases Confirmed in Woodbury 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 two positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Woodbury County, Iowa. The affected sites are both backyard mixed species flocks.

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.



Updated SCN-resistant Soybean Variety List Has More with Peking Resistance than Ever

Iowa State University personnel contact more than 40 seed companies annually to collect details about soybean varieties that are resistant to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). The information is compiled into an extension publication shared with farmers and those who advise them. The work is financially supported by the Iowa Soybean Association. The updated list for 2023 is available online here https://doi.org/10.37578/ONKA5947.

The publication includes information on varieties in maturity groups (MG) 0, 1, 2, and 3 that are available for use in Iowa. The varieties likely also are available in other states. In addition to indicating the genetic source of SCN resistance, the publication contains information on relative maturity, iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance, and herbicide resistant traits of the varieties.

SCN-resistant soybean varieties available for the 2024 season - by the numbers
    866 varieties and five blends are in the list, 48 more than in 2022 – see figure below.
    All varieties possess SCN resistance from PI 88788 or Peking.
    779 varieties (89%) have PI 88788 SCN resistance and 87 (10%) have Peking resistance.
    Five are blends or mixtures of soybeans with PI 88788 and Peking resistance.
    Four varieties with Peking resistance are in MG 0, 36 in MG 1, 39 in MG 2, and eight in MG 3.
    There are 40 more varieties with Peking SCN resistance than in the 2022 list - the most ever.
    23 of 33 seed brands in the publication have at least one variety with Peking SCN resistance.
    No variety with Peking SCN resistance has a relative maturity later than 3.4.
    Most varieties have herbicide resistant traits, but 63 varieties have none.



Raising ‘Dairy Best Heifers’ Is Topic for Dairy Days 2024

Iowa dairy producers will hear about raising their “dairy best heifers” during the 2024 Dairy Days events hosted by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team. The program will be held at four eastern Iowa locations and one northwest Iowa location during January.

Dairy Days will be offered Jan. 16 in Elma at Innovative Ag Service, Jan. 18 in Elkader at Johnson’s Restaurant, Jan. 23 in Kalona at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 25 in New Vienna at the New Vienna Community Center, and Jan. 30 at the Dordt University Ag Stewardship Center near Sioux Center. Check-in for all events starts at 9:45 a.m. and the program will conclude by 2:30 p.m.

The day-long event has been developed to help dairy producers learn about current best practices supported by the latest research. All the topics will help producers make sound heifer management decisions.

“With nearly 25% of a dairy’s production costs associated with raising heifer replacements, optimizing growth and health is important to every dairy operation,” said Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach in northeast Iowa. “We anticipate great discussion and learning during this year’s Dairy Days.”

Dairy Days 2024 topics and presenters are:
    “Dairy best heifer: Lessons learned and path forward” – Dr. Gail Carpenter, Iowa State.
    “Decision tools for heifer inventory management” – Greg Palas, DRMS.
    “Starting your calves on the right hoof” – Dr. Phillip Jardon/Jennifer Bentley, Iowa State.
    “What does it cost to raise your dairy best heifer?” – Larry Tranel, Iowa State.

There is no cost to attend any of the Dairy Days. However, registration is encouraged to plan for the noon meal and proceedings. Local sponsors will be recognized at each event.

Pre-registration is requested by the Friday before each event to reserve a meal. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/2024DAIRYDAYS.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach dairy field specialist in your area: in northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in east central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Dr. Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.



ICGA Thanks Representative Miller Meeks for Her Support of Flex Fuel Vehicles

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) applauds the introduction of the Flex Fuels Fairness Act by Representative Miller-Meeks. Once enacted, this legislation would encourage automakers to produce more flex fuel vehicles (FFVs), and levels the playing field for FFVs by properly recognizing the emissions benefits associated with using E85 flex fuels, containing between 51-83 percent ethanol.

“This legislation recognizes the significant emission benefits of using higher blends of ethanol, which ultimately is great for contributing to a low carbon, cleaner and more sustainable transportation sector for all.” said Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove, Iowa, and Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “By encouraging automakers to produce more FFVs, it’s a win-win for all of Iowa and consumers nationwide. Consumers have more choices at the pump to fuel up with higher blends of ethanol, specifically E85, which in turn creates increased demand for Iowa corn farmers.”



RFA Salutes House Introduction of Bipartisan Flex Fuel Fairness Act

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Angie Craig (D-MN) and all co-sponsors for introducing the Flex Fuel Fairness Act in the House of Representatives to promote the production of more low-carbon flex fuel vehicles in the United States.

“We thank Reps. Miller-Meeks and Craig for introducing the Flex Fuel Fairness Act, which acknowledges the important emissions benefits of flex fuel vehicles and promotes the continued production of these popular automobiles,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This legislation would provide more clean vehicle options for consumers and give automakers more ways to comply with increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards. By leveling the playing field for all clean vehicle technologies, this bill allows low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol to work alongside clean electricity, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce emissions from transportation.”

The bill would help to level the playing field for FFVs by properly recognizing the emissions benefits associated with using E85 flex fuels (which contain 51-83 percent ethanol). A Senate version was filed this past summer by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).

The legislation is designed to create more equitable incentives and market signals for producing a broader portfolio of clean vehicles. Under current EPA emissions regulations, battery electric vehicles (EVs) benefit from an assumption that there are zero carbon emissions associated with operating the vehicle. EPA announced plans to make the “zero emissions” assumption permanent for EVs in its recent proposed rule for 2027-2032 emissions standards. In essence, EPA’s regulations assume a battery EV will always operate on zero-carbon electricity over its entire lifetime.

To create an equitable incentive for the continued production of FFVs, today’s legislation creates a similar assumption that FFVs always operate on E85—a fuel that reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by 31 percent compared to gasoline. Thus, for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with vehicle emissions standards, the legislation allows automakers to use an emissions value for an FFV that is 31 percent lower than the emissions value for the corresponding non-FFV model.

“If EPA regulations are going to credit EVs for their maximum theoretical carbon emissions benefit, then it stands to reason that the agency should also credit FFVs for their maximum possible carbon emissions benefit,” Cooper said. “This bill would ensure that EPA is being fair and equitable in the way it uses emissions values as policy incentives to stimulate the production of lower-carbon vehicles.”

Even as demand for low-carbon E85 has soared in recent years, the number of new FFV models has decreased significantly in recent years, Cooper said, as previous regulatory incentives for FFV production have been phased out by EPA. For the model year 2023, the only FFVs available to consumers are select Ford F-150 and Transit models. As recently as the model year 2015, more than 80 different FFV models from nine manufacturers were available to consumers. Click here to see a chart of models available as flex fuel.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/24/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending November 24, ethanol production pared back 1.2% to a 7-week low of 1.011 million b/d, equivalent to 42.46 million gallons daily. Output was 0.7% less than the same week last year and 2.0% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.0% to 1.031 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.81 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 1.3% to 21.4 million barrels. Stocks were 6.8% less than the same week last year and 1.2% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, slid 3.2% to an 8-week low of 8.21 million b/d (125.80 bg annualized). Demand was 1.3% less than a year ago and 4.6% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol declined 2.2% to 871,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.35 bg annualized and the smallest weekly volume since the start of March. Net inputs were 2.2% less than a year ago and 0.2% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 151,000 b/d (6.3 million gallons/day), which is 93.6% more than the prior week and the largest volume since the EIA began reporting weekly estimates in May. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the tenth consecutive week.



UAN28 Leads Major Fertilizer Prices Lower

Retail fertilizer prices were a mixed bag again during the third week of November 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Average prices for five of the eight major fertilizers were lower compared to last month, while prices for the remaining three fertilizers were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

One fertilizer had a notable price move compared to last month. UAN28 was down 6% looking back to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $338 per ton.

The remaining four fertilizers were down just slightly. DAP had an average price of $713 per ton, urea $570/ton, 10-34-0 $583/ton and UAN32 $402/ton.

Three fertilizers were just slightly higher in price compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $811/ton, potash $512/ton and anhydrous $833/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.62/lb.N, anhydrous $0.51/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.63/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 17% lower, both DAP and 10-34-0 are 23% less expensive, urea is 29% lower, potash is 39% lower, both anhydrous and UAN32 are 41% less expensive and UAN28 is 42% less expensive compared to a year prior.



USDA Announces Opening of Application Period for Regional Agricultural Promotion Program

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the first tranche of funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). USDA is providing up to $300 million in funding in its first year to support eligible projects that enable exporters to break into new markets and increase market share in growth markets.

Secretary Vilsack announced today’s Notice of Funding Opportunity at the President’s Export Council, after announcing the establishment of RAPP in October as part of a bipartisan request from the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. In total, RAPP is a $1.2 billion program made possible through the Commodity Credit Corporation, which will be made available over five years.

“It takes significant investment to open and develop new export markets and this new fund will be dedicated to helping provide that start-up capital so that American exporters can diversify their markets and create new opportunities,” said Secretary Vilsack. “There are many regions of the world – in South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa – where the middle class is growing and the desire for high quality products is increasing. In order to capture those markets from our competitors we need to have a presence, address barriers, and showcase America’s high-quality, agricultural products across the world.”

RAPP funds are available to non-profit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, non-profit State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs), U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and state agencies that conduct approved market development activities to foster expanded exports and market diversification by encouraging the development, maintenance, and expansion of diverse commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products.

Market diversification is an important tool for maximizing growth opportunities for U.S. agriculture, as well to hedge the risk of market contraction and general volatility in the global marketplace. USDA is committed to promoting export opportunities in diverse and non-traditional markets, ensuring that U.S. agricultural commodities and products are available to diverse consumer groups. Therefore, the current top export markets will be ineligible for first tranche of RAPP funding. Those top ineligible markets are: China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.

All other markets will therefore be eligible, with the exception of those countries for which sanctions or other legal barriers are in place. Further, the following three regions have been identified for special emphasis through the first tranche RAPP: 1) Africa, 2) Latin American/Caribbean, and 3) South/Southeast Asia. Out of the total funding available for the first tranche of RAPP, USDA will specifically set aside $25 million to fund activities in Africa.

Future tranches of funds will be released in future years to ensure that the focus of funding can be adapted to changing trade environments and market conditions.

RAPP awards will be generally granted for a period of performance of five years, with an expected period of performance starting June 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2029.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 2, 2024. Additional information on RAPP is available at grants.gov.

USDA also recently announced its planned agribusiness trade missions for 2024, which will include visits to the following markets: Seoul, Korea; New Delhi, India; Vancouver, Canada; Bogota, Colombia; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (with buyers from Thailand), and Casablanca, Morocco (with buyers from Senegal and Francophone West Africa).



USDA Makes Producer-Friendly Change to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for Two Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has waived certain notice of loss requirements for 2023 for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). In an effort to streamline assistance to support access to critical 2023 natural disaster recovery assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is waiving the requirement to submit ELAP or LIP notices of loss within a pre-determined number of days for 2023. Instead, producers have the flexibility to submit 2023 notices of loss as soon as possible, once losses are realized, following a natural disaster event or no later than the established annual program application for payment deadlines for each program. FSA county committees are also being asked to re-evaluate 2023 ELAP and LIP late-filed notices of loss to determine if the waiver applies.  

“Our goal is to get producers into these disaster programs, and they are always encouraged to turn in an application if they believe they are eligible,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Program improvements are only effective if we ensure producers have sufficient time and information needed to submit their application. The ELAP and LIP waivers we are announcing today, in response to historic disasters in 2023, improve efficiencies for producers and our staff, are responsive to feedback about confusion regarding program timelines and are intended to give our staff the time needed to deliver the right support to producers when they need it most.  These waivers are also reflective of FSA’s efforts to integrate improvements and accessibility into our policy decisions. It’s critical that we increase awareness of these program flexibilities so all producers can participate.”  

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish
ELAP provides recovery assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including blizzards, disease, water shortages and wildfires. ELAP covers grazing and feed losses, transportation of water and feed to livestock and hauling livestock to grazing acres. ELAP also covers certain mortality losses for livestock including honeybees and farm-raised fish as well as honeybee hive losses. ELAP is designed to address losses not covered by other FSA disaster assistance programs.  

For 2023, FSA is waiving the regulatory requirement for producers who are eligible for ELAP to file a notice of loss with FSA within 30 calendar days from when the loss first became apparent for livestock and farm-raised fish and 15 calendar days for honeybees. Under this waiver, notices of loss are to be completed by the eligible producer and submitted to FSA no later than the annual program application deadline of January 30 following the program year in which the loss occurred. Therefore, producers who incurred ELAP-eligible losses in 2023, will need to submit a notice of loss by Jan. 30, 2024.

Livestock Indemnity Program
LIP provides disaster recovery assistance to livestock owners and contract growers who experience livestock deaths, in excess of normal mortality caused by eligible loss conditions including adverse weather, disease and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, including wolves and avian predators. LIP also helps livestock owners who must sell livestock at a reduced price because of an injury from certain loss conditions.

For 2023, FSA is waiving the regulatory requirement for producers who are eligible for LIP to file a notice of loss within 30 calendar days from when the loss first became apparent. Under this waiver, producers are still required to complete and submit the notice of loss to FSA no later than the annual program payment application date, which is 60 calendar days following the program year in which the loss occurred. The LIP payment application and notice of loss deadline is Feb. 29, 2024, for the 2023 program year.  

2023 Disapproved Applications
FSA county committees will review all notices of loss for both ELAP and LIP that were previously disapproved for the 2023 program year due to late filing and re-evaluate them to determine if the waiver applies. To receive ELAP and LIP benefits, producers will still need to file an application for payment by the established program deadline for the 2023 program year. Producers who are unsure about the status of their notice of loss or application for payment, should contact their local FSA county office as soon as possible.

Supporting Documentation
Accurate records and loss documentation are critical following disaster events and are required when filing notices of loss with FSA. Acceptable loss documentation includes:  
    Documentation of the number, kind, type, and weight range of livestock that have died, supplemented, if possible, by photographs or video records of ownership and losses.
    Rendering truck receipts by kind, type, and weight - important to document prior to disposal.
    Beginning inventory supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts.
    Documentation from Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Natural Resources, or other sources to substantiate eligible death losses due to an eligible loss condition.
    Documentation that livestock were removed from grazing pastures due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition.
    Costs of transporting livestock feed to eligible livestock, such as receipts for equipment rental fees for hay lifts and snow removal.
    Feed purchase receipts if feed supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed.
    Number of gallons of water transported to livestock due to water shortages.

More Information
The improvements to ELAP and LIP build on others made since 2021. This includes ELAP benefits for above normal costs for hauling feed and water to livestock and transporting livestock to other grazing acres during a qualifying drought. FSA also expanded eligible livestock under ELAP, LIP, and the Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program, and increased the LIP payment rate for beef, beefalo, bison, and dairy animals less than 250 pounds and most recently beef calves over 800 pounds. Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs on farmers.gov.  



RFA to COP28 Attendees: Embrace Ethanol as a Climate Solution
    
As leaders from around the world convene this week in the United Arab Emirates to kick off the 2023 United Nations climate change conference (COP28), the Renewable Fuels Association is calling on U.S. delegates at the event to “prominently highlight the U.S. biofuels industry’s remarkable contributions to the fight against global climate change.” In a letter to climate envoy John Kerry, RFA asked that U.S. leaders “…ensure renewable biofuels like ethanol are explicitly included in our nation’s plans to meet future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction commitments.”

Along with the letter, RFA submitted a brief white paper providing details on ethanol’s low-carbon benefits, the substantial greenhouse gas emissions reductions achieved under the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the road ahead toward fully carbon-neutral ethanol.

“While biofuels like ethanol have already made extraordinary contributions in the fight against climate change, America’s farmers and biofuel producers have even more to offer,” Cooper wrote. “A strong endorsement of biofuels by the U.S. delegation in Dubai would not only send a powerful signal to the global community, but it would also serve to unleash further innovation and investment in the U.S. biofuels sector. COP28 is a pivotal forum to outline the U.S. vision for low-carbon biofuels, and we look forward to continuing our work with you and the entire Biden administration to make that vision a reality.”

In the accompanying white paper on ethanol and carbon emissions, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman laid out the groundbreaking 2021 net-zero pledge by RFA producer members and progress seen in the industry. He noted the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory estimates that ethanol reduces GHG emissions by up to 52% compared to gasoline, and that the carbon intensity of corn ethanol fell 23% from 2005 to 2019.

In 2021, RFA’s producer members pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions on average, by 2050 or sooner, and the following year a detailed roadmap report explored five distinct pathways to net-zero corn ethanol by 2050, based on a set of 28 emissions reduction actions. In a survey earlier this year, all the participating ethanol facilities reported adopting at least one tracked carbon-reduction technology in recent years, and most have adopted more than one. These plants have seen a 12 percent reduction in average carbon intensity since 2015/16.

The white paper also discusses the potential to take ethanol in directions beyond motor vehicle fuel, toward a future that includes sustainable aviation fuel and other emerging applications. The report concludes: “As countries gather for COP28, they should embrace ethanol and other renewable fuels as a proven solution for reducing emissions. With the right policies and commitments, biofuels can play a much larger role in decarbonizing transportation globally.”



USDA RMA Announces Continued Improvements to Sorghum Crop Insurance

The United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (USDA RMA) released several important updates to sorghum crop insurance that will continue to expand sorghum production and empower farmers across the nation. Effective in 2024, the price election factor for sorghum will be at its highest level ever relative to corn; simplifications made to the sorghum silage policy will offer more support to sorghum farmers; and a key barrier to insuring irrigated double crop sorghum was removed in certain areas.

The sorghum price election is determined by applying a multiplier to the corn crop insurance price.  For 2024, this multiplier is 100.2%, the highest level ever for sorghum and surpassing corn for the first time in history.

“As sorghum prices continue to strengthen, this development is poised to bring substantial benefits to sorghum farmers by enhancing the financial protection of their sorghum crop,” NSP CEO Tim Lust said. “The higher sorghum crop insurance price will serve as a significant incentive for growers to expand grain sorghum production, ultimately boosting the sorghum industry's vitality and profitability.”

Recognizing the substantial growth in irrigated sorghum silage and forage acreage on the High Plains and around the U.S., RMA is simplifying the process for insuring irrigated sorghum silage. The previous requirement of having two years of history growing irrigated silage as a condition of insuring irrigated sorghum silage under the sorghum silage policy has been eliminated in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

This change streamlines the transition for farmers who primarily have a history of growing and insuring irrigated grain. It allows them to immediately access crop insurance for irrigated sorghum silage under the sorghum silage policy, eliminating unnecessary barriers and ensuring they have the coverage they need. Similarly, the arduous written agreement process for irrigated double crop sorghum where it was required in 2023 has been removed for 2024, eliminating more barriers to growing sorghum following wheat.

"These updates to sorghum crop insurance represent continued improvements for the sorghum industry,” NSP Chairman Craig Meeker said, “and while we recognize they are significant, we will continue to work with RMA to improve sorghum insurance for our members."

Farmers are encouraged to reach out to their local crop insurance agents for further details on these exciting updates and how they can benefit from the improved sorghum crop insurance options.

For more information, please visit USDA RMA or contact the National Sorghum Producers at 806-749-3478.



Dairy Innovators Welcome to Apply for Dairy Runway Entrepreneurship Program

Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) is accepting applications for the second cohort of Dairy Runway, an entrepreneurship program for food innovators with value-added dairy products at the ideation stage. Launched earlier this year in partnership with the Northeast Dairy Foods Research Center (NDFRC), the program offers a free, virtual curriculum that focuses on product concept and consumer discovery, along with training in prototype development and business coaching. Funded by the New York State Dairy Promotion Order (NYSDPO), the program takes participants through a process to assess their products' desirability, viability, and feasibility before going to market.

The program's first cohort kicked off this past summer with 10 food entrepreneurs at the early stages of product development. Participants were selected from over 25 applicants with a variety of products, ranging from flavored milks to savory yogurts and reflecting a growing consumer interest in novel dairy products.

"Our goal for this program is to increase the utilization and sales of milk and dairy ingredients produced in New York, a state known for producing high-quality milk," said Larry Bailey, chair of the New York State Dairy Promotion Advisory Board. "The Dairy Runway program provides the knowledge and training dairy entrepreneurs need to successfully introduce new products to the market, leading to increased demand for our state's milk."

Up to 10 participants will be selected into the program's second cohort which starts in late January 2024. This five-week course combines self-directed online learning activities with Zoom-based class meetings and one-on-one instructor check-ins. Virtual classes include discussions with industry experts from creative marketing agencies to established retailers.

"CREA excels at producing easily accessible, results-oriented entrepreneurship curricula, and we're thrilled to provide this resource to New York's dairy community," said Jenn Smith, CREA's Director of Food and Ag Startup Programs. "Dairy is foundational to our state's economy and our rural communities, and introducing new dairy products that respond to today's consumer preferences is key to keeping this sector strong.

Program participants who complete the virtual course are offered fully-funded access to Cornell's food processing facilities, support from Cornell Food Science technical experts, and one-on-one coaching to further test the technical feasibility of their products.

"Our goal with this program is to position dairy innovators for success by teaching them the fundamentals of customer discovery and delivering to that group," said Dr. Samuel Alcaine, director of the NDFRC and associate professor at Cornell CALS. "By providing the necessary knowledge, training and skillset to dairy entrepreneurs, we can help them avoid those common, early pitfalls innovators can experience when launching a new product."

The application period for the Dairy Runway program closes January 8, 2024. Dairy innovators with value-added dairy products who are located in New York and New England, and committed to using New York-produced cow milk in their product, are eligible to apply.

The program will host three information sessions for interested innovators to learn more about the program's requirements and benefits. Register for an information session: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dairy-innovation-program-59879491743

To learn more about the Dairy Runway program and apply, visit: www.dairyinnovation.org/dairy-runway-program/