Monday December 18 Ag News

HUSKER TEAM RECEIVES $5M GRANT TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS FROM CATTLE

A Husker research team has received $5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research more sustainable dairy and beef production.

The research team is composed of University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty members from the Department of Animal Science and Department of Biological Systems Engineering, along with researchers from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. The team will study the interrelationships among animal genetics, the gut microbiome and nutrition, with the ultimate goal of developing tools and management practices that can lower methane emissions from livestock.

The funding, which is through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is part of the U.S. government's $10 million investment toward projects reducing intestinal methane emissions from ruminant animals. The response aligns with President Joe Biden’s Global Methane Pledge made in September 2021.

The project is led by Paul Kononoff, along with fellow Husker faculty Samodha Fernando, Matt Spangler, Galen Erickson, Jessica Sperber, Richard Stowell and Tammy Brown-Brandl. Additional researchers include James Wells and Bryan Neville from the Meat Animal Research Center.

Ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep and goats have a digestive system containing microbes that break down plant materials and feed byproducts through fermentation. This process supplies vital nutrients to the animal while converting plants and other materials that humans are unable to digest into an important protein source.

However, a byproduct of rumen fermentation is the creation of methane, a greenhouse gas. Cattle may produce between 200 and 500 liters of methane daily. Once produced, methane is then belched into the environment. The volume produced highly depends on an animal’s size and the feed consumed, as well as on its genetics and unique gut microbiome.

“We’re developing a better understanding of the role of animal genetics and gut microbiome on not only methane production, but energy use and feed efficiency,” Kononoff said.

Kononoff and his team will also investigate ways to establish a healthy microbiome in young animals that supports normal growth and production while reducing the amount of methane an individual animal produces.

“This work will ensure that young animals get off to an even better start in life,” he said.

The research results will be used to develop new tools and practices for producers to continue producing food while reducing methane production from the animals that they care for. It will also help producers make better breeding decisions and improve feed efficiency for their animals. These science-based solutions will be delivered to producers through university extension programs, aiding in the profitability and sustainability of family dairy and beef operations.

“This is innovative, high-impact research that is going to point us in a direction where we will have a better understanding of the interconnected factors that impact methane production in cattle and build a more comprehensive understanding of cattle nutrition and performance,” said Derek McLean, dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at Nebraska.

Ultimately, Kononoff hopes the research improves efficiency and profitability for livestock producers, too.

“Beef and dairy products are some of the most healthy, nutrient-dense and best-tasting foods we can enjoy,” he said. “This research should further support the many sustainable practices that beef and dairy producers currently employ in delivering food to consumers, opening new doors so that this food is produced in a manner that lessens the effect on the climate and Earth we all live on.”



EPA Fines Swift Beef Company for Alleged Clean Water Act Violations in Nebraska

Beef processor Swift Beef Company will pay $275,000 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company – a subsidiary of JBS, one of the largest meat processors in the world – failed to comply with Clean Water Act permit limits for numerous pollutants at its facility in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“Unauthorized pollution discharges threaten the health of our nation’s waters and the public use and enjoyment of those waters,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to protecting watersheds, especially in areas overburdened by pollution, and creating a level playing field for businesses who are complying with the law.”

In the settlement documents, EPA alleges that Swift Beef Company exceeded permit limits for biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, ammonia, nitrogen, and total suspended solids at least 50 times cumulatively between 2018 and 2023. Suspended solids are fine particles dispersed in water.

In addition to paying the penalty, the company agreed to perform an analysis to determine the root causes of the facility’s Clean Water Act violations and to submit to EPA a compliance work plan to eliminate future violations.

This is not the first time that EPA has fined Swift for violating the Clean Water Act. In 2011, Swift paid a penalty of $1.2 million for violations similar to the ones in this current matter.

EPA identified that the community surrounding Swift Beef Company’s facility was a potentially sensitive location for proximity to hazardous wastes. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.

Under the Clean Water Act, industrial facilities that discharge into protected water bodies are required to obtain permits and follow the requirements outlined in those permits to reduce pollution runoff. Failure to obtain a permit or follow the requirements of a permit may violate federal law.



Ricketts on CBP Suspending Rail Operations at Southern Border

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement on the news that Customs and Border Protection has shut down rail way crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas:

“At least 24 trains per day carrying merchandise and agriculture products are going to be stuck on either side of the border because President Biden won’t get the crisis under control. Consumers are who will ultimately pay the price for this suspension of rail service and delays to our rail network. The President’s own team shutting down rail traffic to process thousands of migrants illegally crossing should be enough for him to admit we have a crisis at our border.

“The only way to end this insanity is for President Biden to get serious about securing the border. Border Patrol agents made it clear to me during a recent visit that what they need is real policy change. If Biden won’t step up to change the failed policies that caused this mess, Congress must force his hand. Substantive, meaningful policy change is what I need to see in the supplemental package.”

BACKGROUND
According to the Association of American Railroads, the CBP decision most directly and immediately impacts operations for two Class I railroads – Union Pacific and BNSF – and the customers those companies serve. Twenty-four trains daily utilize these crossings to move agricultural products, automotive parts, finished vehicles, chemicals, consumer goods and more to customers spanning the continent. Ultimately, however, every railroad may be affected.

Union Pacific has already had to embargo customer goods actively being transported on more than 60 trains and processing in over 50 different rail yards. This traffic amounts to over 4,500 cars spanning 265,000 feet and weighing an excess of 420,000 tons being held north of the border.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Calls for Ending of Border Rail Crossing Closures

In a letter to Homeland Security, Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) expressed grave concern over the recent decision to close international railway entry points in Texas. The organization says suspending operations at the crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas will likely lead to substantial economic harm.

“The recent decision by the Biden administration to shut down two railway entries at the U.S.-Mexico border is as asinine as it is economically harmful. The crisis at our nation’s Southern border and our nation’s broken immigration and guest worker systems are all in dire need of attention. However, the repurposing of a very small handful of U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees away from these vital rail entries won’t fix these problems,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.

NEFB says the value of Nebraska’s agricultural trade relationship with Mexico cannot be understated as Mexico remains our largest export partner. In 2021, Nebraska farmers exported 89 percent of the state’s corn exports or $590.4 million worth of corn into Mexico. Mexico also remains Nebraska’s largest soybean customer, importing over $280.6 million worth of soybeans and soybean products.

“What this move will do is block over 60 trains or 10,000 rail cars a day from carrying grain and other consumer goods into Mexico from the United States. What this move will do is disrupt supply chains and negatively impact both the U.S. and Mexican economies. The issues that exist at our southern border didn’t appear overnight, and it absolutely will not be fixed by adding a few employees who should remain at their posts at the Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas rail crossings,” said McHargue

In the letter, NEFB pointed out the closures come at a critical time for farmers and that the rail network connecting the U.S. and Mexico is vital to the economic success of both countries.

“The timing could not be worse in that many farmers sell and deliver grain from storage during the Jan-March timeframe when prices and local basis tend to strengthen post-harvest and into the earlier part of the marketing year, said McHargue.

NEFB’s letter calls for the return of employees and reopening of the Eagle Pass and El Paso rail crossings.



NGFA and NAEGA call for immediate reopening of rail corridors at Eagle Pass and El Paso

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and the North America Export Grain Association (NAEGA) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) closing this morning of international rail crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.

“The NGFA and NAEGA call for the immediate reopening of the Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas railroad crossings to allow for the immediate passage of trains between the United States and Mexico. The North American market and grain trade supply chain are deeply intertwined. The closure of these two crossings is impacting the flow of grain and oilseeds for both human and livestock feed to one of the United States most important export markets and trading partners. According to USDA data rail represents 64 percent of grain and oilseed exports to Mexico, including 15,565,138 MTs of grains and oilseeds exported via rail in 2021 and 3.45 MTs of grains and oilseeds in the third quarter of 2023.

“NGFA and NAEGA have become aware this afternoon of critical tightness in feeding supplies for several livestock feeders in Mexico. We have also learned of grain trains in multiple states being held for shipment due to CBP’s embargo. The critical nature of this issue is growing by the hour, particularly for those livestock feeders that may run short of feed.

“We are deeply concerned by the developing situation and request that CBP work with us, the railroads and other federal partners to develop a common sense and expedient solution that reopens this critical mode of agricultural transportation for the U.S. and North American markets.”



Applications open for PFI programs that help farmers extend their crop rotations

Midwestern farmers thinking of diversifying their rotations with small-grain crops like cereal rye, oats, barley, triticale and wheat can now apply for financial assistance through PFI’s extended rotation cost-share programs.  

The programs – which are open to farmers with non-organic acres in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin – help offset the risk of trying new crops or taking nitrogen credits from legume cover crops.

“The small grains cost-share is a great way to try out various legumes and see which one works the best for your operation while staying affordable,” says cost-share participant Tim Dotterer, who farms row crops and cover crop seed in Bloomfield, Iowa.  

Small Grains Cost-Share: Farmers can receive $20 per acre for raising a small grain (cereal rye, oats, barley, triticale, wheat) with a legume cover crop. Farmers must grow a small-grain crop that will be harvested (grain or forage) and follow it with a frost-seeded or summer-planted cover crop that contains at least one legume species.  

Fertilizer Cost-Share: Farmers who sign up for the small grains cost-share can get an additional $20 per acre for reducing nitrogen on 2024 corn that follows the small grain-legume cover in rotation. With this program, farmers must agree to reduce their nitrogen rate by at least 40 units compared to their rate following soybeans, or apply no more than 100 units of nitrogen to corn harvested in 2024 that follows the small-grain and legume cover crop in rotation.

Jack Smith, a farmer who raises row crops, hay and cattle with his family near Epworth, Iowa, has participated in the cost-shares and describes them as easy to use. “The programs are simple and hassle-free,” he says. “We take pride in knowing our soil is protected to the best of our ability, and are pleased that PFI sees value in helping us. Enrolling is definitely a win-win situation.”

Technical support is also available. PFI staff agronomists work with participants individually to draft a fertilizer reduction plan. Monthly small grains shared learning calls, which give farmers the chance to listen to and talk with other farmers growing small grains, are also organized throughout the year.  

“We couple our cost-share program with peer learning to help farmers adopt practices successfully,” says Lydia English, PFI’s senior field crops viability manager. “Practical Farmers has a robust network of farmers with years of experience growing small grains who are happy to help others add these practices to their own farm.”  

Enrollment for both cost-share programs is now open and will close July 1, 2024. Full details and the application form are available at practicalfarmers.org/small-grains-cost-share.

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Lydia English at (515) 232-5661 or lydia.english@practicalfarmers.org.



USDA to conduct study on sheep and lamb health and management

This December through July 2024, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) are partnering to conduct a national study focusing on sheep and lamb health and management in the United States. This study, conducted approximately every 10 years, consists of two phases and includes biological sampling and two questionnaires.

“The data collected during this comprehensive survey will be instrumental for informing policy using real and accurate data, identifying economic impacts of sheep diseases, updating Extension programs to target the issues that sheep producers are facing, and prioritizing research to tackle the health and disease issues in the U.S. sheep industry,” said Dr. Natalie Urie, NAHMS sheep 2024 study lead. “Our goal is to identify impacts of common diseases, management and biosecurity practices associated with those diseases, antimicrobial use and resistance patterns, management practices producers use to control internal parasites, and more.”

Producers, industry stakeholders and policy makers will benefit from the benchmark data produced by this survey. Survey results will provide a greater understanding of sheep health status throughout the U.S. and provide valuable insight into management practices and disease preparedness and identify educational needs and opportunities related to sheep health.

“Producers participating in the study will also have opportunities for free and confidential biological sampling of their sheep. This includes sampling fecal egg counts to identify internal parasite issues and swabs to detect pathogens that cause lameness,” said Dr. Alyson Wiedenheft, NAHMS’ biologics coordinator.

NASS has made survey response more convenient and accessible through their online Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov. On the website, producers can complete their NASS survey, view historical reports and access other resources.

NASS and NAHMS are required by law to keep all information confidential, use the data for statistical purposes only, and publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

The results will be announced and published at the conclusion of the sheep study. To learn more about the NAHMS sheep study, or see past results, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/monitoring-and-surveillance/nahms/nahms_sheep_studies, and follow NASS on X @usda_nass and APHIS @USDA_APHIS.



USDA announces 2022 Census of Agriculture data release details, preliminary return rate,
and upcoming special studies

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data on February 13, 2024. NASS concluded the data collection this summer with a preliminary national return rate of 61%. The ag census, conducted once every five years, was mailed to over 116,000 producers across Iowa late last year with a preliminary return rate of just over 71%, the highest of any state.

“I want to thank all the Iowa producers for the time and effort they invested in completing their Census form and helping achieve the highest return rate of any state. The aggregate information from individual farmer responses provides a powerful tool to help show the importance of agriculture in Iowa, promote the industry, and track trends,” said, NASS’ Upper Midwest Regional Director, Greg Thessen.

“The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of comprehensive agricultural data for every State and county in the nation. Farm and commodity organizations, extension educators, agribusinesses, legislators at all levels of government, news media, and many others will use this data for a wide variety of purposes,” added Thessen.

The ag census data will be available at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus and in NASS’s searchable database, Quick Stats. Publication dates for the various ag census data products can be found on NASS’s online 2024 Agricultural Statistics Board Calendar. Like all NASS data, ag census data will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law. Watch for additional news about the ag census at @usda_nass on X (formerly known as Twitter).

In addition, two ag census special studies that will provide more in-depth information on certain industries will be conducted this winter: the 2023 Census of Aquaculture and the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. These questionnaires will be mailed to the producers who reported these activities in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. For more information about these upcoming special studies, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.



November Milk Production in the United States down 0.6 Percent

Milk production in the United States during November totaled 18.1 billion pounds, down 0.6 percent from November 2022. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,932 pounds for November,
2 pounds below November 2022. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.36 million head, 44,000 head less than November 2022, and 10,000 head less than October 2023.

Iowa: Milk production in Iowa during November 2023 totaled 480 million pounds, up slightly from the previous November according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during November, at 239,000 head, was unchanged from last month and unchanged from November 2022. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,010 pounds, up 10 pounds from last November.



Farm Financial Planning Program Offers Personalized Insight for Producers

As farmers review their farm financial situation this winter, a handy resource is available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The Farm Financial Planning Program offers in-person experts who can offer one-on-one financial counseling, a computerized analysis of the farm business and referral to other extension programs or outside services.

Farm Financial Planning is for anyone who wants to understand a complete picture of their farm financial situation. It helps take the guesswork out of whether a change would increase profitability and improve cash flow. Using FINPACK software, the analysis may provide a more in-depth evaluation of the farm business, which many lenders are requiring before they will extend further credit.

Eight associates make up the Farm Financial Program team with ISU Extension and Outreach.

Leslie Miller became an associate in 2021, after retiring from a career in the ag lending industry that dates back to the 1980s.

She relies on her experience in the industry to help farmers analyze their situation and pursue their goals.

“What I enjoy most is helping people reach goals that they want to reach so they can have a successful farming operation,” she said. “I like helping them to accomplish their goals and work through their problems.”

The service is free for the client, and the financial associate can become as involved as the client wishes.

The associate offers a big picture look at the farm, and it’s up to the farmer to make specific changes and to contact the specialists who can help. While working with financial associates is important, it’s equally important to follow up with the specialists the associate recommends.

Miller said farm profitability is an ongoing concern, as crop prices continue to drop and land prices continue to increase. She is also helping farmers with the tough times in the swine industry.

She helps producers look closely at their cash flow projections and scrutinize the different options for going forward. Sometimes it’s transitioning to another owner or operator, or identifying an opportunity to expand.

“We run multiple alternatives and compare them side-by-side,” she said. “A borrower can look at those numbers and see what the impact of different decisions might be. Our goal is to consider the ‘what ifs’ for each decision.”

Farmers can locate a Farm Financial Planning Program associate in their area by contacting their ISU Extension and Outreach county office or by visiting the Farm Financial Planning Program associate site https://www.extension.iastate.edu/farmanalysis/associatelist.html.



Sorghum Checkoff Elects Kendall Hodgson as new Chairman and Swears in New Board Members

Four new Board directors, recently appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP), were sworn in during the Sorghum Checkoff's annual December meeting. Additionally, two producers began their second terms, having been reappointed to their roles by Secretary Vilsack. The Board also elected Kendall Hodgson of Little River, Kansas, as the Chairman for 2024.

“I am honored to lead this organization into a new era of growth and innovation,” newly elected USCP chairman Kendall Hodgson said. “Sorghum is a crop with incredible potential, and I am excited to work alongside our leaders and producers to further elevate its impact. Together, we will cultivate opportunities, foster sustainable growth and strengthen the sorghum industry.”

The newly elected USCP Executive Committee and newly appointed Board Directors include:
    Chairman - Kendall Hodgson, Little River, Kansas
    Vice Chairman - Ethan Miller, Columbia, Missouri
    Treasurer - Kim Baldwin, Inman, Kansas
    Secretary - Zack Rendel, Miami, Oklahoma
    At-Large Member - James Jay Haase, Eads, Colorado
    At-Large Member - Ethan J. Miller, Columbia, Missouri
    At-Large Member - Tracy Zink, Indianola, Nebraska
    Kansas Member - David K. Schemm, Sharon Springs, Kansas
    Texas Member - Brian Adamek, Victoria, Texas
    Texas Member - Scott Irlbeck, Lubbock, Texas (2-Year Term)

“Amidst the challenges of the persisting drought, innovation thrives in the heart of challenges,” USCP Executive Director Norma Ritz Johnson said. “We are ecstatic that this group of producers and board members embody the resilience that will steer the sorghum industry towards a horizon of groundbreaking possibilities.”

Five of the newly appointed or reappointed directors to the Board will serve three-year terms and one member will serve a two-year term. The terms of the members appointed to three-year terms start December 2023 and end December 2026. The term of the member appointed to a two-year term starts immediately and ends in December 2025.

The 13-member USCP board is composed of nine sorghum farmers who represent the three states with the largest sorghum production – Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas – and four at-large national representatives. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and the board’s website, sorghumcheckoff.com.



Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs Receive 2018 Farm Bill One Year Extension, Farmers Can Now Enroll for the 2024 Crop Year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year starting Dec. 18, 2023. The deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15, 2024.  

On Nov. 16, 2023, President Biden signed into law H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (Pub. L. 118-22), which extended the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334), more commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, through September 30, 2024. This extension allows authorized programs, including ARC and PLC, to continue operating.

“Having the Farm Bill extension in place means business as usual for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage program implementation for the 2024 crop year— nothing has changed from previous years,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “These programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers so don’t delay enrollment. Avoid the rush and contact your local FSA office for an appointment because even if you are not changing your program election for 2024, you still need to sign a contract to enroll.”

2024 Elections and Enrollment   
Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County (ARC-CO) or PLC, which provide crop-by-crop protection, or ARC-Individual (ARC-IC), which protects the entire farm. Although election changes for 2024 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Also, if a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm it will continue for 2024 unless an election change is made.    

If producers do not submit their election revision by the March 15, 2024, deadline, their election remains the same as their 2023 election for commodities on the farm. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the cropland.     

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.    

2022 Crop Year Payments  
This fall, FSA issued payments totaling more than $267 million to agricultural producers who enrolled in the 2022 ARC-CO option and the ARC ARC-IC option for covered commodities that triggered a payment. Payments through the PLC option did not trigger for the 2022 crop year. 

ARC and PLC payments for a given crop year are paid out the following fall to allow actual county yields and the Market Year Average prices to be finalized. These payments help mitigate fluctuations in either revenue or prices for certain crops. Payments for crops that may trigger for the 2023 crop year will be issued in the fall of 2024. 

Crop Insurance Considerations   
ARC and PLC are part of a broader USDA safety net that also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans.   

Producers are reminded that ARC and PLC elections and enrollments can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products.   

Producers on farms with a PLC election can purchase Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider; however, producers on farms where ARC is the election are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres for that crop on that farm.   

Unlike SCO, the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by an ARC election.  Producers may add ECO regardless of the farm program election.  

Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm.    

Web-Based Decision Tools   
Many universities offer web-based decision tools to help producers make informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations. Producers are encouraged to use the tool of their choice to support their ARC and PLC elections.

More Information    
For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the ARC and PLC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also make elections and complete enrollment online with level 2 eAuth.  




USDA Launches Workshops on Livestock Risk Management Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hosting more than a dozen in-person and virtual workshops this winter for producers to learn about new and expanded livestock risk management products. The “Livestock Roadshow,” hosted by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), will highlight policy improvements based on feedback from America’s livestock producers as part of the agency’s broader outreach and education efforts.

“Listening to farmers and ranchers, learning about their needs, and using feedback to make improvements to risk management options is a top priority for Risk Management Agency,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “We are committed to expanding the reach of crop insurance, especially to producers who haven’t previously participated. The Livestock Roadshow is one of our many efforts to provide outreach and education to America’s agricultural producers.”

Improvements to livestock insurance options have led to tremendous growth. For example, Livestock Risk Protection grew by 250% in two years, with about 27 million head of cattle insured in 2023. Meanwhile, Livestock Gross Margin grew by 600% in two years, with about 14.5 million head of cattle insured in 2023.

To ensure livestock producers across the country can attend a livestock roadshow event, two virtual livestock roadshows are scheduled for January (Jan 8 - 12pm and Jan 17 - 7pm). To learn more about the virtual roadshows, and to see the full listing of upcoming in-person roadshow events, visit the Livestock Roadshow webpage https://rma.usda.gov/en/Topics/Livestock-Roadshow.

Producers attending the Livestock Roadshow events can expect to learn more about:
    Annual Forage
    Dairy Revenue Protection
    Livestock Gross Margin
    Livestock Risk Protection
    Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage
    Weaned Calf Risk Protection

The Livestock Roadshow builds on other recent outreach and education efforts. Earlier this year, RMA held a roadshow highlighting insurance options for specialty crop, organic, and urban producers, drawing more than 3,000 attendees. Additionally, since 2021, RMA has invested around $13 million in partnerships to advance risk management education. Learn more on the Outreach and Education webpage.



CattleCon24 Showcases Sustainability Efforts

Caring for animals, conserving natural resources and maintaining a viable business are critical components to transitioning cattle operations to future generations. Two unique sessions during CattleCon24 in Orlando, Florida, provide opportunities to share ideas and continue conversations about the importance of continuous improvement.

For attendees arriving early at CattleCon24, there is an engaging half-day Grazing Management Workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Grazing and forage experts including Chad Ellis, Texas Agricultural Land Trust; Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute; Dr. Johnny Rogers, North Carolina State University; and Dr. Jeff Goodwin, Texas A&M University; along with national Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners Steve Wooten of Colorado; Jerry Doan of North Dakota; and Gary Price of Texas, will discuss benefits of pasture and grazing management, assessing pasture condition, forage growth and quality, the latest technology resources, fencing strategies, drought management and water resource management.

The workshop will feature targeted breakout sessions, based upon average annual rainfall, providing grazing solutions that are catered to different regions across the country. Producers will be provided with a grazing workbook so they can leave with a completed grazing management plan for their operation.

“Proper grazing management and having a written grazing management plan are essential to the success, longevity and profitability of forage-based cattle operations,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “We are excited to offer sessions that focus on how stewardship efforts not only benefit the environment, but producers’ bottom line as well.”

Dr. Myles Allen, professor at the University of Oxford, will be the keynote speaker during the Sustainability Forum, sponsored by Elanco, on Thursday, Feb. 1. Allen will demystify climate impacts from cattle production and equip producers with the knowledge and resources to effectively speak about cattle’s role in the climate conversation. Allen is an internationally renowned scientist who has pioneered modeling warming impacts of short-lived climate pollutants (like methane) which has led to the development of the climate accounting metric, GWP*. Allen is also part of international discussions to have GWP* adopted as the primary metric to accurately measure greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.

Following Allen’s presentation, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall will moderate a panel featuring cattle producers who will discuss the importance of owning the sustainability narrative and preserving industry longevity. Industry expert, Katie Cook with Elanco Animal Health, will also discuss how to find important partners in producers’ sustainability journey. Panelists will highlight actions producers across the country can take today to enhance the resilience and profitability of their operations, while providing further evidence as to why U.S. cattle producers can be a part of the climate solution.

For more information about NCBA’s sustainability efforts, visit www.ncba.org/producers/sustainability.

CattleCon24 is the oldest and largest cattle industry event featuring education, entertainment and business meetings. For more information and to register, visit convention.ncba.org.



RFA Analysis: Automakers Endorse E15 for Almost All New 2024 Vehicles

The Renewable Fuels Association’s annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements indicates that E15 is explicitly approved by the manufacturer for use in approximately 95 percent of model year 2024 cars and light trucks.

“RFA has worked diligently with the auto industry for more than a decade to ensure a smooth market transition to E15, and we are pleased that each year more manufacturers recognize its benefits,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Nearly all cars, SUVs, and pickups on the road today are legally approved to use E15, and just about all new 2024 vehicles carry the manufacturer’s explicit approval of the fuel. Given the emissions and cost savings with E15, we urge Congress and the administration to move quickly to adopt nationwide, year-round use of the blend. It’s better for the air and public health; it’s better for family budgets; and it’s better for the U.S. economy and energy security.”

Greenlighted by EPA for all vehicles built since 2001, consumers are legally permitted to fill up with E15 in 96 percent of vehicles on the road today. New for 2024, Subaru approved the use of E15 in its popular Forester model, completing the manufacturer’s multi-year shift to E15 across the board. Notably, BMW and Mini continue to approve the use of gasoline containing up to 25 percent ethanol (E25)in their vehicles.

Still, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, and Volvo do not specifically list E15 as an approved fuel. The light-duty internal combustion vehicles produced by those three automakers collectively make up almost 6 percent of total U.S. sales. Their failure to endorse E15 use leaves air quality and climate benefits on the table, Cooper said.

Currently, consumers can access E15 at over 3,200 gas stations, with significant expansion on the horizon, since the Biden administration has made another $450 million available in the Inflation Reduction Act for higher-blend fueling infrastructure.



Market Retreat Possible Slowing
Stephen R. Koontz, Dept of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Cattle markets have continued their retreat to lower prices. Current futures prices are similar to those observed in March or April of this year – if the contract was traded. But, on the positive side, the decline has slowed and is showing modest signs of the down-move weakening. Cash prices for fed and feeder cattle did not have the same strength during the up move as futures did and are weakening but also with not the same strength as futures. Regardless, 2023 is finishing up the year offering a case study of proper risk management practices and perspective. Before mid-September, there was nothing but optimism and higher – record high – prices. And after mid-September, the opposite during the sharp decline. Producers that purchased LRP or hedged in the third quarter of this year will realize some of those excellent returns.

How have beef prices faired during the fourth quarter? The downstream story for the past two years has been the strength of beef demand. This demand spiked in 2021 and persisted through 2022. The continued moderation into 2024 from that observed in 2023 will impact the strength of future beef protein prices. The demand side will likely have important interactions with changes in supplies as cattle producers consider and eventually commit to herd building.

Ribeye prices have been strong and increasing through the fourth quarter. The demand is seasonally similar but all-in-all better than last year. Loins are in the normal seasonal weakness but also priced better than last year. Wholesale tenderloin prices reflect the strong and better-than-last year’s demand. Both chuck and round primal prices had a strong showing into the fourth quarter but finished the quarter modestly. Round prices were off the most. Ground beef showed the most weakness through the fourth quarter. 90% lean was off as soon as September was over and 50% lean has been weaker for the last half of the year. Beef demand is overall still rather good with the composite cutout value modestly below $3 but there are some clear soft spots. And it is the historical regular suspects – end meats and ground products. These are the cuts and products for which buyers will become price-conscious or price-sensitive the soonest. And for which pork and poultry prices will matter the most? Substitute meat prices have not much mattered in assessing beef and cattle markets since 2021. Perhaps a change is coming?

With the mixed strong and weaker beef product prices and the modestly softer cash-fed cattle prices, packer margins only modestly look better. And better only in that they have looked horrible at close to $200 per head gross cash margin. The holiday months are historically tough, and the first quarter is historically tough for beef packers. And soft cattle marketings and slaughter appear to continue. This is not bullish news for cattle prices and a tough outlook until well into 2024.



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