Wednesday December 20 Ag News

UNL webinar to cover new Weaned Calf Risk Protection program

The new Weaned Calf Risk Protection insurance option will be covered during a webinar presented by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability at noon Central time on Jan. 4.

The USDA Risk Management Agency recently released the new pilot insurance product relevant for cattle producers in Nebraska, Texas, South Dakota, and Colorado. Its focus is on protecting total weight gain of feeder cattle post-weaning. It is available to be purchased but has a one-time sign-up deadline of Jan. 31, to purchase the insurance product.

This webinar will review what the product is, how it works, things to consider when choosing coverage levels, and how it fits within the broader portfolio of livestock insurance products publicly and privately available to producers. It will be led by Elliott Dennis, assistant professor in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

“There are many variables and pressures involved in running a cow/calf operation, making it even more important that ranchers have a variety of insurance options available similar to the wide range of options available to crop growers,” said Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger in a USDA news release. “The introduction of Weaned Calf Risk Protection reflects our priority to always pay attention to the evolving needs of producers and create options that can meet their unique situation.”

APH policies insure producers against yield losses due to natural causes such as drought, excessive moisture, hail, wind, frost, insects, and disease. In the case of the new Weaned Calf Risk Protection, coverage is provided for a decline in price and loss of yield due to a decrease of overall weaning weight like revenue coverage offered for other crops.

The program will be available in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas, beginning with the Jan. 31, 2024, sales closing date for the 2024 crop year. Coverage levels between 50% and 85% will be available along with catastrophic coverage.

Registration is open on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.



Beef producers can work with UNL veterinarians at one-day Cow-Calf College

The 2024 Cow-Calf College, offered by Nebraska Extension, gives producers a chance to learn about cow and calf health from some of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s veterinarians and researchers.

Topics will range from newborn calf health to pinkeye, scours, causes of bovine abortion, and when to call the vet.

The free event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 from 10:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (CST) at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center (GPVEC), near Clay Center, Nebraska, with an optional tour of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center to follow, weather permitting.

Dr. Matt Hille, assistant professor and diagnostic pathologist at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, will kick off the program with a discussion of management of infectious disease from birth to weaning.

During the provided lunch Dr. Brian Vander Ley, associate professor and assistant director of GPVEC, will give an overview of the work they are doing at GPVEC.

The afternoon will include three sessions. Hille will address bovine abortion causes and how and when to use the diagnostic tools available to producers. Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, livestock systems educator with Nebraska Extension, will talk about neonatal calf care. Dr. Becky Funk, animal health and teaching Extension specialist at GPVEC, will provide a wet lab that gives producers a hands-on opportunity to explore bovine reproductive tracts.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is requested for food and supply counts.

To register call the Webster County Extension office at 402-746-3417 or visit  https://go.unl.edu/cow-calfcollege2024.



Feedlot Forum 2024 Registration Deadline - Jan. 9

Don’t miss out on Feedlot Forum 2024! Beef feedlot producers and professionals in the industry are encouraged to register by January 9th for this year's event, taking place on January 16 at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center.

The forum promises a comprehensive agenda delving into vital feedlot topics, including discussions on beef on dairy production, new implant regulations, insights into the upcoming 2024 Farm Bill, market transparency, and the burgeoning expansion within the beef industry. Additionally, attendees can explore a vibrant trade show, featuring over 20 industry-leading companies and organizations.

Registration is straightforward: secure your spot by paying the $25 registration fee for adults or $10 for students. Payment can be conveniently made online via the forum's website or by mail to ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County at 400 Central Ave. NW, Ste 700, Orange City, IA 51041.

For detailed event information and easy registration, visit the Feedlot Forum website or reach out to Sioux County Extension at 712-737-4230.

The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University has been a key pillar in nurturing the growth and sustainability of Iowa's beef cattle industry since 1996. Comprising faculty and staff from various departments, the center is committed to providing the latest, research-based insights for the beef cattle sector. To explore more about the Iowa Beef Center, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Fulcrum Macro Advisors Founder Frank Kelly to Deliver Industry Keynote at 2024 Farm Forward Conference

Changes in domestic and international markets directly impact the value of Iowa’s soybean crop. During his keynote address at the 2024 Farm Forward Conference, Fulcrum Macro Advisors Founder Frank Kelly will explore geopolitical factors impacting U.S. agriculture exports and what it could mean for the soybean industry.
 
“I think the United States is going to be called on more to be a critical supplier to the world,” said Kelly. “As markets are shifting overseas, there are risks to the food supply outside of the U.S., which may pressure farmers to produce more efficiently than they already do. When there are issues with food security – where do you go? I predict you will go to the freest market in the world.”
 
Farm Forward, an interactive and farmer-focused event powered by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. Registration is available at no additional cost and open at iasoybeans.com.
 
“This is an exclusive opportunity for Iowa soybean farmers to better understand and navigate the many production and market forces shaping our industry,” said Michael Dolch, ISA senior director of public affairs. “ISA has assembled an expert lineup of speakers and panelists to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities on the horizon, from the evolving biofuels landscape and oilseed crush expansion to emerging soybean breeding techniques and global trade dynamics.”
 
Fulcrum Macro Advisors is a strategic advisory firm offering analysis and advice to those navigating political risk and global risks.
 
Attendees will also receive a ticket to the Iowa Ag Expo, formerly known as the Iowa Power and Farming Show, held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. To register or view the agenda, visit iasoybeans.com.



Finstad Demands Biden Administration Act on Year-Round Sale of E15

Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a bipartisan, bicameral follow-up letter to the Biden Administration, once again urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement their outstanding regulatory action to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline and ethanol blends, like E15, in Midwest states.

Today’s letter comes more than 300 days after Rep. Finstad and Sen. Ernst’s initial letter requesting EPA and OMB act on a request made by several Midwest governors to lift restrictions on the year-round sale of ethanol, and more than 500 days since the statutory deadline of the governors’ April 2022 request, with no action from OMB.

“It is long past time for the Biden Administration to implement our Midwest states’ request and permanently remove restrictions on the sale of E15,” said Rep. Finstad. “Sadly, this White House is intent on stonewalling the sale of a cheaper, cleaner fuel option for consumers and by doing so, withholding certainty for our biofuel producers and fuel retailers.”

“E15 can deliver meaningful savings to consumers at the fuel pump--a fact that only becomes more apparent during the busy holiday travel season. We're glad this bipartisan group of lawmakers is committed to lowering fuel costs by increasing access to homegrown biofuels. This letter is yet another example of how the industry and its champions are pressing the Biden Administration at every level to compel them to finally comply with the law and allow for the sale of E15 year-round in the petitioning states.” – Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy

“RFA applauds the work of Reps. Finstad and Budzinski in leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers in standing with America’s farmers and ethanol producers,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We thank them for pressing the administration to finalize this rule as soon as possible. We’re hopeful that their letter will help break the logjam and ensure drivers in these states are able to enjoy the benefits of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 all year long. Waiting until the last minute to act on the governors’ request isn’t good for anyone. The marketplace needs clarity and certainty now about the status of E15 in these eight states.”

Cosigners of the letter include Reps. Flood, Craig, Miller (OH), Sorensen, Miller-Meeks, Smith (NE), Hinson, Feenstra, Johnson (SD), Fischbach, Alford, Emmer, as well as Senators Ricketts, Grassley, Fischer, Brown, and Klobuchar.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 12/15/2023

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending December 15, ethanol production edged 0.3% lower to 1.071 million b/d, equivalent to 44.98 million gallons daily. Yet, output was 4.1% more than the same week last year and 3.4% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 1.1% to 1.058 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.22 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks scaled up 3.6% to an 18-week high of 22.9 million barrels. Stocks were 4.8% less than the same week last year but 1.8% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, declined 1.2% to 8.75 million b/d (134.20 bg annualized). Demand was 0.5% more than a year ago but 1.4% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 2.2% to 901,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.81 bg annualized. Net inputs were 2.9% more than a year ago and 1.6% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 196,000 b/d (8.2 million gallons/day), which is 58.1% above the prior week and the largest volume since the EIA began reporting weekly estimates in May. Total usage, including both net inputs and exports, was the highest on record (based on weekly exports estimated from monthly reported data prior to May). There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 13th consecutive week.




UAN28, Urea Lead Fertilizer Prices Lower Again

Retail fertilizer prices were mixed again in the second week of December 2023, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Like last week, prices for five of the eight major fertilizers were lower than last month and prices for the remaining three fertilizers were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Two fertilizers had noteworthy price moves compared to last month. Both urea and UAN28 were down 6% compared to last month. Urea had an average price of $540 per ton while UAN28 was at $339 per ton. Prices for the remaining three fertilizers were down just slightly. DAP had an average price of $713 per ton, 10-34-0 $595/ton and UAN32 $409/ton.

Prices for three fertilizers were just slightly higher compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $819/ton, potash $517/ton and anhydrous $851/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.59/lb.N, anhydrous $0.52/lb.N, UAN28 $0.61/lb.N and UAN32 $0.64/lb.N.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. MAP is 13% lower, both 10-34-0 and DAP are 21% less expensive, urea is 31% lower, potash is 36% less expensive, both anhydrous and UAN32 are 40% lower and UAN28 is 41% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Milk Prices Rise as Production Declines and Inventory Shrinks

Domestic commercial use of milk in all products grew at an annual rate of 2 percent during August-October, which, combined with a 10 percent annual drop in the volume of U.S. dairy exports, has led to little change in total commercial use. But even that level of demand still outpaced milk production, which was down by half a percent. That’s led to a decline in dairy product stockpiles since last spring. On a milk equivalent, total milk solids basis, aggregate stocks of all dairy products in the country were down by 17 percent from May.

Read the full report here: https://www.nmpf.org/milk-prices-rise-as-production-declines-and-inventory-shrinks/.  


 
Midwest Dairy CEO announces retirement after almost 40 years of checkoff career

Midwest Dairy, the checkoff organization representing over 4,000 dairy farmers in a ten-state region in the Midwest, would like to share that Molly Pelzer, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Midwest Dairy, has  officially announced her retirement from the organization effective in March of 2024. Midwest Dairy’s board has engaged a search firm to guide the selection of the next CEO for the organization.

Pelzer started her career with Midwest Dairy as a program director working with schools and health care professionals in June of 1984. Since then, she has held numerous leadership positions before accepting the role of CEO role in 2019. Prior to Midwest Dairy, she worked with the Midland Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., both former checkoff organizations that are now part of the Midwest Dairy organization. A registered dietitian, Pelzer graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

“Molly has contributed almost 40 years of experience to the dairy checkoff, and her achievements will be celebrated. She has held leadership roles across the organization and has truly made an impact. I have appreciated Molly’s work ethic, devotion to the dairy farmers, and focus on making a difference. I wish her nothing but the best as she enjoys her retirement,” said Charles Krause, Corporate Board Chair of Midwest Dairy.

Pelzer is the third CEO in Midwest Dairy’s 23-year history. In her role as CEO, Pelzer provides strategic guidance to Midwest Dairy’s staff of more than 55 employees as they fulfill the organization’s vision: to bring dairy to life, and its mission: to give consumers an excellent dairy experience. Through her leadership, Midwest Dairy focused on maximizing the dairy farmers’ investment in the dairy checkoff by strategic collaboration with targeted retailers, foodservice, wellness, and industry partners, as well as focusing on research that leads to the development of solutions for industry and consumer needs.

During Pelzer's tenure, she has played a critical role in building trust and demand for the dairy industry. She is most proud of creating the metrics scorecard developed at Midwest Dairy over the last four years. This scorecard helps clearly communicate to farmers the impact of their checkoff investment. Pelzer has also enjoyed working closely with the farmer boards and takes great pride in checkoff being farmer-led.

“Over my time at Midwest Dairy, I have seen checkoff strategies evolve and foster new ideas that make a difference for dairy farm families. It has been a privilege to work for dairy farmers in each of my roles in dairy checkoff, and I will continue to be a dairy advocate in my retirement. Knowing how hard they work to produce milk that feeds and nourishes the world is a daily inspiration. I owe my career to the dairy farm families in our ten-state region. Thank you for what you do and for allowing me to work with you to build trust and demand for dairy,” said Pelzer.

Midwest Dairy has retained Fred Pabst, Dairy and Agriculture Search Practice Leader at Herd Freed Hartz to lead the selection process for the next CEO. All inquiries should be directed to Pabst, who can be reached by email at fred@herdfreedhartz.com. More information about the position can be found at midwestdairy.com.



EPA’s Decision on Year-Round Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Help in Climate Fight, NCGA Says

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today praised a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that advances the request of several Midwestern governors to allow their states to sell fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round. EPA's decision now puts eight Midwestern states on the road toward allowing for year-round access to E15.

“Allowing consumers to access higher blends of ethanol year-round will play a critical role in helping the country meet the Biden administration’s ambitious climate goals,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We are very appreciative of the EPA for making this science-based and forward-looking decision.”

Because of outdated federal regulations, consumers have historically lost access to higher blends of ethanol during the summer months. In April 2022, eight Midwestern governors sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking him to provide a permanent fix to this issue by allowing retailers to sell higher blends of ethanol year-round in their states.  

This week’s announcement by EPA, which was released as a proposed rule that will now advance to the Office of Management and Budget, has been eagerly awaited in the Corn Belt.



NGFA, ag and transportation groups: Rail closures at US-Mexico border are damaging ag exports and the U.S. economy

In a letter sent today to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and 45 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group requested the immediate opening of the El Paso and Eagle Pass international rail crossings.

“The closure of the rail crossings is rippling back into the U.S. supply chain and having negative impacts on the U.S. economy,” the letter notes. “While we are sympathetic to the humanitarian needs on the U.S./Mexico border, the interconnectedness of the North American supply chain means the closure of rail crossings causes backups on the rail system as far north as the U.S./Canada border and hurts our economy.”

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) announced Monday it would temporarily close the crossings beginning early on Dec. 18 “after observing a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains.”

Nearly two-thirds of all U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico move via rail, the groups noted in the letter. Mexico was the United States’ second largest export market in 2022 with $28.5 billion in sales. Each day the crossings are closed nearly 1 million bushels of grain exports are potentially lost along with export potential for many other agricultural products.

Due to the closures, rail carriers need to idle trains or reroute them in illogical ways, adding friction within the supply chain. “We are aware of grain trains sitting at origin in at least six states that are unable to move, and we expect this number to grow,” the groups added. “We have also heard of customers in Mexico telling U.S. suppliers they will begin to look to other countries if the U.S. cannot provide a resilient and reliable supply chain.”

Blocking U.S. ag exports to Mexico creates a real threat of food inflation and increased food insecurity in that country, the groups noted. Mexico’s livestock and poultry industry is already running low on feed and Mexican livestock and poultry producers may need to depopulate animals for humanitarian reasons if these shipments continue to be blocked.

“It is hard to understand how CBP would allow this to happen to the food chain of our neighbor and one of our closest trading partners,” the letter concluded. “We understand there is a migrant crisis, but a supply chain and potential food security crisis in Mexico can be avoided by reopening the international crossings. We urge you to take immediate action.”



Ricketts, 7 GOP Senators Slam Mayorkas for Suspending Rail Commerce at Border to Process More Migrants

Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and seven of his Republican colleagues demanded the Biden administration re-open railway commerce at the southern border. Earlier this week, the administration closed the railways in order to process migrants illegally crossing the border.

“This is happening because President Biden won’t do what it takes to get the border crisis under control,” said Senator Ricketts. “The President’s own team shut down the shipment of American made goods to process thousands of migrants illegally crossing the border. This should be enough for him to admit we have a crisis at our border. It’s unacceptable that American consumers and businesses will pay the price for Biden’s incompetence.”

In addition to Ricketts, the letter was also signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS),and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).



RFA, Others Urge Immediate Reopening of Rail Bridges to Mexico

The Renewable Fuels Association today joined dozens of agriculture and other organizations in asking U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to reopen two rail bridges to Mexico, in El Paso and Eagle Pass, that are critical to reaching export markets south of the border. In 2022, Mexico was the fifth largest export market for U.S. ethanol, taking in more than 69 million gallons, and the largest international market for distillers grains, at over 2.2 million metric tons.

“For agriculture, nearly two-thirds of all U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico move via rail,” the letter states. “It was our second largest export market in 2022 with $28.5 billion in sales, and this year exports to Mexico have been a bright spot in a relatively down year for overall U.S. agricultural exports. Unfortunately, the crossing closures are causing exports to be lost. Each day the crossings are closed we estimate almost 1 million bushels of grain exports are potentially lost along with export potential for many other agricultural products.”

Joining RFA in the letter were more than 40 other organizations, including the National Corn Growers Association, National Grain and Feed Association, the American Chemistry Council and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

“It is our firm belief that if food insecurity in Mexico increases, the migrant crisis could actually worsen with more attempts to cross the U.S. border,” the letter concludes. “We understand there is a migrant crisis, but a supply chain and potential food security crisis in Mexico can be avoided by reopening the international crossings.”



Growth Energy Statement on CBP Suspension of Rail Operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement regarding the ongoing suspension of rail operations by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at two crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.

“Every day, millions of gallons of American bioethanol and key coproducts like high-protein animal feed are transported safely and efficiently by rail. The impact of any rail shipping closure ripples out to impact the entire North American rail system, including the routes most relied upon by American farmers and biorefiners. Mexico is also a critical export market for American bioethanol and animal feed, meaning the closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso are uniquely challenging for our industry.

“CBP's concerns are important, but these closures have a severe impact on important agricultural trade with Mexico that affects the livelihood of many Americans. We urge CBP to rethink its approach and to immediately reopen these crossings before the disruption worsens and damages American agriculture, particularly during the busy holiday season."



Commitment to Water Quality: Growers’ Voluntary Efforts Bring Progress

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the sustained reductions in nutrient losses reaching the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting reductions in the average size of the hypoxic zone, as recently documented in the 2023 Report to Congress by the Hypoxia Task Force (HTF). NCGA commends growers for the practical conservation steps and measures they have voluntarily adopted on their farms to reduce nutrient losses and protect water quality.

"In the journey of water quality stewardship, we are encouraged by the strides made by growers,” said Minnesota grower and NCGA Stewardship Action Team Chair Bryan Biegler. “The commitment to sustainable practices is clear, and despite challenging weather patterns impacting growers, we see definite progress taking form over the course of a five-year rolling average. It's a demonstration to the resilience and dedication of the agricultural community in achieving our shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future."

According to the HTF’s 2023 report, “[p]rogress to date on reducing nitrogen loads has been strong: the Task Force has met its 2025 interim target to reduce total nitrogen loads by 20 percent. However, total phosphorus loads have increased. More work is needed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus by 48 percent to meet the HTF’s 2035 goal.”

While challenges remain, the commitment of the agricultural community demonstrates dedication to achieving sustainable and lasting improvements. Continued collaboration, research and proactive communication will be keys to ensuring the success of ongoing efforts to reduce the size of the Gulf Hypoxic Zone.

"This progress would not be possible without farmers’ making their own private, voluntary problem-solving commitments to improve nutrient management and resource conservation on their farms,” said NCGA Stewardship and Sustainability Director Rachel Orf. “But in addition to these private, self-funded efforts, federal funding also plays a key role,” she added, noting that “the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are important sources of support for farmers and the states to work together to implement nutrient reduction strategies and support climate-smart practices. Collaboration is key to achieving lasting progress as we work to address complex environmental challenges.”

Established in 1997, the Hypoxia Task Force is comprised of five federal agencies, 12 states bordering the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and the National Tribal Water Council. The 2023 report emphasizes the enormity of the task in managing water, nitrogen, and phosphorus entering the Gulf of Mexico, covering a vast area across 31 states and two Canadian provinces.



ICYMI: The U.N. Is Pushing an Anti-Meat Agenda... We Should Ignore It
Jack Hubbard, Executive Director, Center for the Environment and Welfare

The United Nations is conventionally known for peacekeeping. But the institution has just declared war. Not on a country, mind you, but on your dinner plate.

In a new report released during the COP28 climate change conference earlier this month, the UN called for a massive reduction in the amount of meat consumed by Americans. The UN wants the government to promote meat alternatives, namely lab-grown meat and plant-based fake meat imitations. That translates to taxes on farm-raised meat, government subsidies for meat alternatives, and other red tape aimed at influencing consumer behavior.

The UN’s proposal of dictating a new American diet belongs in the compost pile.

The organization claims that meat production, globally, has a heavy environmental impact—arguing the food industry is responsible for 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, the process for delivering a hamburger, chicken breast, or porkchop to consumers amounts to between 15 and 20 percent of total emissions.  

Here in America, however, the landscape is different. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture is responsible for only 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.—roughly one-third the global rate. Meat production drives only about half that. America’s history of free market innovation helps to explain the dichotomy.

Given America’s environmental superiority compared to countries like Bangladesh or Botswana when it comes to agriculture, the UN’s strategy is puzzling. Rather than punishing the U.S. for eco-innovation, a more sensible solution would be to elevate the agriculture practices of other countries to meet the high standards set by American farmers.

But reason isn’t halting the UN crusade. The organization is determined to push flawed alternatives to natural, farm-raised meat that are not necessarily better for the environment nor an improvement to the American diet. Lab-grown meat is a prime example.

Lab-grown meat is made by putting animal cells from livestock—or “immortalized” cell bank—into a factory bioreactor with a nutrient growth medium. The cells then grow and divide, eventually being harvested and shaped into something resembling ground meat.

A recent study from the University of California estimated that lab-grown meat could have up to 25 times the environmental footprint of farm-raised meat. Why? Because unlike cows munching on grass, lab-grown meat factories require huge amounts of electricity, and the process is highly resource-intensive. It’s curious the supposed eco-warriors at the UN are championing the product.

And then there’s plant-based fake meat imitations, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods products. These, too, would be a weak replacement for farm-raised animal protein.

Like lab-grown meat, fake meat is made in factories. The production process begins by processing plants such as soy or peas down to protein. Then some oils (for fat), coloring agents, and structural additives like methylcellulose are added to help mimic the taste and mouthfeel of natural meat. In the end, dozens of ingredients are used to make the ultra-processed food.

As you can imagine, dietitians aren’t wild about the product. Plant-based meat analogues tend to have the same amount of calories and fat, but more sodium than natural meat. Most can agree Americans shouldn’t be trading in on health to potentially—as the UN claims—have a minor effect on climate change.

The U.S. has the safest and most efficient food system in the world. There’s no need to reinvent the hamburger. With conflicts breaking out around the globe, the UN should stay in its lane.