Wednesday January 31 Ag News

NEBRASKA JANUARY 1 CATTLE INVENTORY

All cattle and calves in Nebraska as of January 1, 2024 totaled 6.25 million head, down 4% from January 1, 2023, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

All cows and heifers that had calved totaled 1.69 million head, down 4% from last year.

Beef cows totaled 1.64 million head, down 4% from last year.

Milk cows totaled 53,000 head, down 5% from last year.

All heifers 500 pounds and over totaled 1.81 million head, down 4% from last year.

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over totaled 2.33 million head, down 5% from last year.

Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over totaled 100,000 head, up 11% from last year.

Calves under 500 pounds totaled 320,000 head, unchanged from last year.

All cattle on feed fed for slaughter in Nebraska feedlots totaled 2.75 million head, down 1% from last year.

The 2023 calf crop totaled 1.59 million head, down 3% from 2022.



IOWA CATTLE INVENTORY REPORT

All cattle and calves in Iowa as of January 1, 2024, totaled 3.45 million head, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle report. This was down 50,000 head from January 1, 2023. Beef cows, at 810,000 head, were down 40,000 head from last year. Milk cow inventory was unchanged at 240,000 head.

All heifers 500 pounds and over were down 5 percent at 690,000 head. Heifers for beef cow replacement were down 13 percent from 2023 at 100,000 head; heifers for milk cow replacement, at 125,000 head, were up 9 percent from the previous year; and all other heifers were down 7 percent at 465,000 head.

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over were up 2 percent from last year at 1.18 million head. Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over were unchanged at 60,000 head. Calves under 500 pounds on January 1, 2024, totaled 470,000 head, up 2 percent from last year.

The 2023 calf crop was estimated at 1.00 million head, down 5 percent from the 2022 calf crop. Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in all feedlots on January 1, 2024, totaled 1.18 million head, up 2 percent from one year ago.



January 1 Cattle Inventory Down 2 Percent

All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2024 totaled 87.2 million head, 2 percent below the 88.8 million head on January 1, 2023.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 37.6 million head, were 2 percent below the 38.3 million head on January 1, 2023. Beef cows, at 28.2 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.36 million head, were down slightly from the previous year.

All heifers 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2024 totaled 18.5 million head, 1 percent below the 18.8 million head on January 1, 2023. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.86 million head, were down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.06 million head, were down slightly from the previous year. Other heifers, at 9.57 million head, were 2 percent below a year earlier.

Steers weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2024 totaled 15.8 million head, down 2 percent from January 1, 2023.

Bulls weighing 500 pounds and over as of January 1, 2024 totaled 2.02 million head, down slightly from January 1, 2023.

Calves under 500 pounds as of January 1, 2024 totaled 13.3 million head, down 3 percent from January 1, 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 14.4 million head on January 1, 2024. The inventory is up 2 percent from the January 1, 2023 total of 14.2 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 82.7 percent of the total cattle on feed on January 1, 2024, up slightly from the previous year. The combined total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 24.2 million head, was 4 percent below January 1, 2023.  

Calf Crop Down 2 Percent
The 2023 calf crop in the United States was estimated at 33.6 million head, down 2 percent from the previous year's calf crop. Calves born during the first half of 2023 were estimated at 24.7 million head, down 2 percent from the first half of 2022. Calves born during the second half of 2023 were estimated at 8.89 million head, 26 percent of the total 2023 calf crop.



NEBRASKA JANUARY 1 SHEEP AND GOATS

All sheep and lamb inventory in Nebraska on January 1, 2024 totaled 76,000 head, up 2,000 from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Breeding sheep inventory totaled 59,000 head, down 4,000 from last year. Ewes one year and older totaled 48,000 head, down 3,000 from the previous year. Rams one year and older totaled 3,000, unchanged from last year. Total replacement lambs totaled 8,000 head, down 1,000 from last year.

Market sheep and lambs totaled 17,000 head, up 6,000 from last year.

The 2023 lamb crop totaled 64,000 head, down 1,000 from 2022. The 2023 lambing rate was 125 per 100 ewes one year and older, compared with 133 in 2022.

Sheep deaths totaled 3,000 head, unchanged from last year. Lamb deaths totaled 8,000 head, up 500 from last year.

Sheep and lambs slaughtered on farm totaled 1,000 head, unchanged from last year.

Shorn wool production during 2023 was 245,000 pounds, down 5,000 from 2022. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 35,000 head, unchanged from 2022. Weight per fleece was 7.0 pounds, down 0.1 from 2022. The average price paid for wool sold in 2023 was $0.75 per pound, compared with $0.70 in 2022. The total value of wool produced in Nebraska was 184,000 dollars in 2023.

Milk goats and kids inventory in Nebraska totaled 3,500 head, up 200 from last year.

Iowa:  All sheep and lambs inventory in Iowa as of January 1, 2024, totaled 155,000 head, down 7,000 head from 2023, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Sheep and Goats report. Total breeding stock, at 110,000 head, was 6 percent below one year ago. Market sheep and lambs was unchanged from a year ago and totaled 45,000 head. The 2023 lamb crop was estimated at 115,000 head, down 4 percent from the 2022 lamb crop. Wool production for 2023 was 740,000 pounds, down 8 percent from 2022, with fleece weights averaging 5.5 pounds.

Milk goat inventory in Iowa as of January 1, 2024, was 24,000 head, 11 percent below January 2023, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Sheep and Goats report. Total meat and other goat inventory was 45,000 head, 10 percent below the previous year.

January 1 Sheep and Lambs Inventory Down 2 Percent
All sheep and lambs inventory in the United States on January 1, 2024 totaled 5.03 million head, down 2 percent from 2023. Breeding sheep inventory at 3.67 million head on January 1, 2024, decreased 2 percent from 3.74 million head on January 1, 2023. Ewes one year old and older, at 2.87 million head, were 2 percent below last year. Market sheep and lambs on January 1, 2024 totaled 1.36 million head, down 2 percent from January 1, 2023. Market lambs comprised 94 percent of the total market inventory. Market sheep comprised the remaining 6 percent of total market inventory.

The 2023 lamb crop of 3.03 million head was down 2 percent from 2022. The 2023 lambing rate was 103 lambs per 100 ewes one year old and older on January 1, 2023, down 2 percent from 2022.

Shorn wool production in the United States during 2023 was 22.7 million pounds, down 2 percent from 2022. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 3.22 million head, down 2 percent from 2022. The average price paid for wool sold in 2023 was $1.56 per pound for a total value of 35.3 million dollars, down 1 percent from 35.5 million dollars in 2022.

Sheep death loss during 2023 totaled 200,000 head, down 4 percent from 2022. Lamb death loss decreased 3 percent from 377,000 head to 365,000 head in 2023.

January 1 All Goats and Kids Inventory Down 2 Percent
All goats and kids inventory in the United States on January 1, 2024 totaled 2.47 million head, down 2 percent from 2023. Breeding goat inventory totaled 2.03 million head, down 2 percent from 2023. Does one year old and older, at    1.51 million head, were 2 percent below last year's number. Market goats and kids totaled 438,700 head, down 4 percent from a year ago.

Kid crop for 2023 totaled 1.52 million head for all goats, down 2 percent from 2022.

Meat and all other goats totaled 1.95 million head on January 1, 2024, down 3 percent from 2023. Milk goat inventory was 415,000 head, up 1 percent from January 1, 2023, while Angora goats were down 2 percent, totaling 105,000 head.

Mohair production in the United States during 2023 was 505,000 pounds. Goats and kids clipped totaled 100,000 head. Average weight per clip was 5.1 pounds. Mohair price was $6.35 per pound with a value of 3.21 million dollars.



Smith, Costa, Johnson, and Panetta Launch Ag Trade Caucus

Today, Congressmen Adrian Smith (R-NE), Jim Costa (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus to advance and promote policies vital to U.S. agriculture, including boosting agricultural exports, facilitating food and agriculture trade, and knocking down unnecessary trade barriers.

As co-chairs of the caucus, the members released the following statements:

“American agriculture producers have the capacity to feed and fuel the world, and robust engagement on trade opportunities is vital to unleashing this potential,” said Rep. Smith. “Increasing—and maintaining—market access for our first-class products through rules-based trade strengthens our economy, increases economic security with our allies, and benefits consumers worldwide. I thank my fellow co-chairs for joining me in this effort to advance bipartisan trade policy.”

“Representing the breadbasket of the world, access to global markets is critical to our economy,” said Rep. Costa. “As Co-Chair of the Agricultural Trade Caucus, I look forward to working together to promote trade policies that will ensure American farmers remain competitive on the global stage.”

“Ensuring access to international markets for ag products is essential for South Dakota producers,” said Rep. Johnson. “I look forward to working with the co-chairs to help booster America's ag exports to retain healthy demand for our farmers and ranchers.”

“Congress needs to be more active in promoting trade agreements that will keep American producers competitive and empower them to feed the world,” said Rep. Panetta. “The bipartisan Agriculture Trade Caucus was founded to ensure the farmers and ranchers in our districts and throughout the country are prioritized in our nation’s overall trade agenda. Together, we are committed to ensuring new trade agreements are enforceable, high-standard deals that ensure fairness and expand new markets for the immense bounty our country produces.”

The new bipartisan Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus will work to solidify support for trade policies that benefit farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and all those along our food and agricultural supply chains. The caucus will support education and engagement opportunities for members of Congress to promote policies which boost international competitiveness, increase market access, address non-tariff barriers to trade, improve supply chains, and reestablish U.S. global leadership on trade.



Cover Crops and Relay Intercropping Workshop Series to Be Held in February

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host a series of cover crop and relay intercropping workshops in February. Farmers and landowners are welcome to attend these free workshops and join for a complimentary meal.

Cover crops provide many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression,Cover crops and blue sky. reduced nutrient loads entering water bodies, increased organic matter in the soil and forage for livestock.

In a relay intercropping system, where three crops are grown in two years, the benefits include a marketable small grain crop and additional revenue for the farmer. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to compare and contrast these two conservation practices, discuss new relay intercropping opportunities, ask questions and share their experiences.

The workshops will be hosted by Matt Helmers, professor and agricultural engineering specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center; Mark Licht, associate professor in agronomy and extension cropping systems specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; and Jon Dahlem, postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State.

All sessions are in February, from noon to 2 p.m.
    Feb. 20, Milton R. Owen Nature Center, 18793 Highway 9, Osage.
    Feb. 21, ISU Extension and Outreach Mahaska County office, 212 N. I St., Oskaloosa.
    Feb. 22, Youth Development Center, Jones County Fairgrounds, 800 N. Maple St., Monticello.
    Feb. 27, Southeast Research Farm, 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville.
    Feb. 28, East Shelter House, Swan Lake State Park, 23248 Swan Lake Road, Carroll.
    Feb. 29, Cass County Community Center, 805 W. 10th St., Atlantic.

The events are free and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Alena Whitaker at 515-294-2473 or ilf@iastate.edu. Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 1/26/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending January 26, ethanol production snapped back 21.1% to 991,000 b/d, equivalent to 41.62 million gallons daily. Still, output was 3.6% less than the same week last year and 1.9% below the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 1.5% to a 36-week low of 981,000 b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.04 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks drew down 6.0% to a 4-week low of 24.3 million barrels. Stocks were 0.7% less than the same week last year and 0.6% below the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, turned up 3.4% to 8.14 million b/d (124.85 bg annualized). Yet, demand was 4.1% less than a year ago and 4.2% below the five-year average.

Similarly, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol increased 3.8% to 828,000 b/d, equivalent to 12.69 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.2% less than a year ago and 1.7% below the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 137,000 b/d (5.8 million gallons/day), or 13.2% above the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 19th consecutive week.



CattleCon24 Kicks Off in Sunshine State

Thousands of cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders have arrived in Orlando, Florida, for CattleCon24. The largest cattle industry event in the country offers education, engagement and entertainment through February 2.

This year’s event begins in patriotic fashion with Anna Sponheim, winner of the 11th Annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, singing the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, returns as convention emcee and will introduce opening general session speaker Jon Dorenbos, a former professional football player and sleight-of-hand magician.

The Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program’s Celebration of Excellence will honor BQA award winners and feature keynote speaker Jim Carroll, renowned futurist and author. Throughout CattleCon, the 31st annual Cattlemen’s College will include educational sessions with industry leaders tackling innovative topics.

Other highlights include a D.C. Issues update, Sustainability Forum and business meetings. Annual meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will also take place.

The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet and Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception will recognize leaders for their achievements, and there will be more than eight acres of trade show displays and exhibitors to explore. CattleFax will conduct their U.S. & Global Protein and Grain Outlook Session on Friday morning. Randy Blach, the team at CattleFax and meteorologist Matt Makens will discuss what 2024 and beyond might look like for the cattle industry.

In addition to conducting the business of the beef industry, CattleCon attendees will enjoy entertainment and family fun throughout the event. Paul Bogart will bring his down-to-earth charm and country music to Thursday night’s Palm Tree Pachanga, and The Bellamy Brothers will headline the Cowboys & Coasters event on Friday night.



NCBA Releases 2024 Policy Priorities

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. This year’s priorities focus on advocating for the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, protecting cattle producers from federal regulatory overreach, and defending the U.S. cattle industry against external attacks.

“NCBA will continue pushing for passage of a Farm Bill that includes key animal health and voluntary conservation provisions, as well as hold the line against all federal policies that could damage the livelihoods of U.S. cattle producers,” said NCBA President-Elect and Wyoming cattle rancher Mark Eisele. “In the past year we have seen radical animal activists ramp up their attacks on our industry and our producer-funded Beef Checkoff that drives consumer demand and funds critical research. We will never let the same people that want to shut down family cattle operations, dictate how we promote our products.”  

NCBA’s policy priorities include:
    Secure reauthorization of the animal health provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill and advocate for expanded funding of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) to protect against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
    Defend the U.S. cattle industry against radical animal activist groups that want to end cattle production, including the Beef Checkoff.
    Fight against misguided Endangered Species Act rules and any expansion of bureaucratic red tape under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 
    Preserve family farms and ranches for future generations by advocating for essential tax relief for cattle producers.

“Despite our success last year in finally reducing the size and scope of the onerous Waters of the U.S. rule, many more misguided regulations have been proposed that undermine the voluntary conservation work of cattle producers. NCBA will stand strong against these rulemakings – setting the record straight on regulations that are not backed by science and would leave America’s rangelands in total disorder,” Eisele added.



NMPF Statement at FMMO Hearing Conclusion
Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“NMPF spent more than two years preparing for USDA’s Federal Order hearing, and that preparation paid off. Our proposals, unanimously supported by our Board of Directors, reflect farmer unity and a good-faith effort to build industry consensus. After five months, 12,000 pages of testimony, and almost two dozen separate proposals considered, our plan remains the most comprehensive, coherent, and compelling framework for modernizing a system that’s badly in need of improvement. We look forward to working with USDA and the entire industry in the weeks and months to come, noting that any plan USDA designs will by necessity require complex analysis to result in a proposal that serves diverse farmer needs well.

“In the meantime, we’ll continue to advocate for badly needed changes in areas such as the Class I mover. The current formula has cost farmers $1.2 billion in losses since its implementation after the 2018 farm bill, with additional losses expected in the coming months. It needs to change back to the previous “higher-of’ formula that served farmers best. The higher-of responds quickly to the marketplace, it helps farmer cash flow, it’s simple to understand, and it would have no real impact on processors who are using the formula to boost their immediate balance sheets, not manage future risk as they claim.  

“Dating to NMPF’s first internal discussions, our path toward FMMO modernization is now nearly three years old. This final year is the most critical. We are excited to continue our leadership in this critical area, and will, as always, fight for the best approaches to ensure that dairy farms prosper.”  

FACTS ABOUT NMPF’s FMMO PROPOSAL:
NMPF supports the federal legislation that authorizes the FMMO system, as well as improvements that increase clarity and producer understanding of milk pricing and ensure an orderly market and fair prices for dairy farmers.

NMPF’s proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order System include:
    Returning to the “higher of” Class I mover;
    Discontinuing the use of barrel cheese in the protein component price formula;
    Extending the current 30-day reporting limit to 45 days on forward priced sales on nonfat dry milk and dry whey to capture more exports sales in the USDA product price reporting;
    Updating milk component factors for protein, other solids and nonfat solids in the Class III and Class IV skim milk price formulas;
    Developing a process to ensure make-allowances are reviewed more frequently through legislation directing USDA to conduct mandatory plant-cost studies every two years;
    Updating dairy product manufacturing allowances contained in the USDA milk price formulas; and
    Updating the Class I differential price system to reflect changes in the cost of delivering bulk milk to fluid processing plants.



Case IH Brings LiDAR Technology to Hay Producers, a first of its kind in Large Square Baler Automation

The next wave of automation is coming to large square baling in 2024 through Case IH Baler Automation. Designed for hands-free efficiency, Large Square Baler Automation maximizes throughput and delivers consistent, high-quality bales regardless of operator experience level. The dealer-installed automation kit connects seamlessly with Class 3 ISOBUS Puma, Optum and Magnum tractors.

“Productivity is the name of the game when it comes to the tight operating windows hay producers face,” says Brian Spencer, hay and forage marketing manager at Case IH. “Baler automation is the perfect example of purposeful technology from Case IH. It aims to tackle efficiencies by taking the duty off the operator to steer and make adjustments in field, allowing them to add productivity while in the cab.”

Case IH Baler Automation is the industry’s first LiDAR (light detection and ranging) baling system, opening unprecedented opportunities for hay producers in efficiency and productivity.

The LiDAR-based swath analysis sends out laser pulses to measure the position and size of the windrows. The technology adjusts the speed and steering of the tractor to maximize throughput without overloading the baler, resulting in increased runtime compared to traditional baling. With the automatic adjustments and hands-free baling, producers can put less experienced operators in the cab, or spend their time in the cab running farm operations or focusing on other business.

“This technology is built for the unpredictable yet expected challenges in baling with crooked windrows, and inconsistent widths and heights,” adds Spencer. “The automatic adjustments in steering and speed ensure the bales are consistent and the baler is running at peak performance, avoiding blockages and overfilling.”

Case IH precision technology through AFS Connect also ensures that tracking and monitoring is happening during the baling process. Hay producers can remotely monitor field performance and tractor diagnostics during baling, while securing records for review after harvest.

Baler Automation, being launched at the 2024 NCBA Cattle Con, is compatible with HD models from Model Year 2020 to 2024, and XL models from Model Year 2022 to 2024.

Tuesday January 30 Ag News

Cattle markets responding?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator

A few weeks back, I reported on positive trends in cattle markets resulting from positive moves in the live and feeder cattle futures. At that time, 2024 cash markets had not been tested.

We all know what happened in between. Most of us could barely keep up with daily chores because of the snow, wind, ice and ensuing melting conditions. Yet, as it seems to be the case in cattle markets, cash cattle prices during the first four weeks of 2024 found a positive trend. Is it reason enough to be excited? Perhaps.

Harvest pace during the first two weeks of 2024 was slow: 100,000 fewer head harvested weekly than during each of the most recent two weeks. The first week of the year was a short one, and the second one was challenged by weather. Weather was a factor for feeder cattle sales as well.

Yet, the last full week of January brought welcome news to cattlemen. Both feeder and fed cattle markets improved. The April Live Cattle contract recovered $14/cwt since the start of the year. Similarly, the March Feeder Cattle contract recovered $20/cwt. Currently, the Choice-Select spread is close to $15/cwt, while carcass weights (all classes) moderated to mid-800 lb.

On the consumer side, beef exports softened some in 2023 but the American consumer did not slow down beef consumption. The Weekly Economic Index, a component of 10 different daily and weekly series covering consumer behavior, the labor market and production, has not changed much since late 2023.

While these statistics are simply indicators of recent market trends and consumer sentiment, they represent supply and demand. As winter fades into spring, and we are experiencing a touch of spring fever now that temperatures climbed past 35 °F, markets will find a new balance.

Interest rates softened some and talk of recession is largely gone from the news. This may ensure that consumers continue to enjoy beef at prices that will result from lower supply.

Back at the ranch or feedlot, the challenge has been to keep cattle dry and comfortable. Dry, warm weather forecast for the next 10 days will be welcomed by both cattle and folks working hard to keep them performing at their genetic potential.



Nebraska Agri-Business Association Holds 66th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition and Announces 2023 Industry Awards, CCA Awards

The 66th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition was held January 23-24, 2024 in Kearney, Nebraska at the Younes Conference Center North. This day-and-a-half event consisted of educational training in conjunction with the Nebraska Extension’s Crop Production Clinics and a show of vendor exhibits.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA) honored industry leaders at its annual convention in Kearney on Monday, January 22. Steve Anderson retired Vice President of Sales and Marketing from Stueve Construction Company was awarded the 2023 Association Industry Partner Award. This award highlights individuals outside the association’s membership, who have contributed to agriculture in a significant way through their profession. While at Stueve Construction, Steve helped customers build more efficient, state-of-the-art Dry Fertilizer, Liquid Fertilizer & and Ag Chemical Warehouse Infrastructure for Ag Retailers, working closely with Ag Trade Partners across Nebraska as well as the US. & Canada. His leadership skills allowed him to show the next generation how to serve their customers. Steve is a coach and mentor to many. His dedication and support to ag retailers and the cooperatives in Nebraska often earned him the title of “Legend.”

Ray Steil was recognized with the “Award of Industry Distinction.” This special honor is not given annually and is reserved for individuals who have been dedicated to the mission of the Association during his lifetime. Ray is the owner and operator of Regulatory Management & Consultants and has over 50 years of experience in the Agricultural Industry. His passion for safety guided his service to many retail facilities and their employees in DOT, Worker Protection, Workers Comp, and EPA regulatory compliance. His impact on the profession is profound. Many look to Ray for direction, leadership, and advice to serve their customers without interruption, particularly at critical and stressful times.

Ray developed and completed anhydrous ammonia Response Training for over 400 Fire Departments. They have a new respect for the product and are confident if they had to respond to an accident. In addition to providing instruction for the Association’s ammonia training safety school, Ray also provided an industry HAZWOPER training course.

Ray has served on the National Safety Council's Fertilizer and Agricultural Chemical Section. He was awarded the Frank Russo Memorial Safety Merit Award in 1995 and the Mid America Croplife Association "Step Award" in 2015 for his outstanding leadership and contributions to safety and education in the industry.

These awards were presented by Doug George, Chairman of the Association and a Sutton, Nebraska resident. Doug is Vice President and an agronomist at George Brothers Propane & Fertilizer Corporation in Sutton, Nebraska.

Presented by Michael Killinger, Association Vice Chairman, was the “Robert L. Anderson Industry Person of the Year” award. This award honors a member of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association for their exemplary service to the industry. The recipient is Gene Florell of Rusty’s Fertilizer in Elm Creek, Nebraska. Gene operates Rusty’s Fertilizer with his wife Barb. The success of the business is a tribute to Gene and Barb’s hard work. A true “family business.” The loyalty of both Rusty’s customers and employees are tied to Gene and Barb treating them like family.

His willingness to be an innovator and try new methods proved successful for Gene, but above that, his integrity earned him the respect of his employees and customers.

Gene’s greatest impact on the Association is his dedication to supporting events through participation and encouraging others to be involved. The Association can always count on Gene to step up when support is needed. He believes in the mission and is an advocate for the importance of having a strong organization representing the ag retail industry.

The “Applicator of the Year” award was presented to Mike Brockman of Kaup Seed and Fertilizer in West Point, Nebraska. This award was established to recognize a commercial applicator providing outstanding service, good stewardship in their community, and exceptional leadership through mentoring or training.

Mike has worked in the industry for 49 years, all with the same company, Mike’s loyalty is remarkable. He is responsible for custom applications on over 35,000 acres per year. Mike's coworkers note that he is the "Benchmark" to which other applicators aspire. His attention to detail and professional attitude drives his high performance level. Mike is requested by many growers in the area who know his level of skill.

Mike has trained many new employees in the right way to apply products to a field. His attention to detail has helped many operators learn to apply the right way.

Mike volunteers his time with the city and parks board in the community, ensuring quality activities for his fellow fishermen and outdoorsmen.

Five years ago, the Nebraska Certified Crop Adviser (NeCCA) program began honoring those Certified Crop Advisers with longevity in the program with specially designed lapel pins. This year was no different with twelve Nebraska CCAs becoming 25-year veterans in the program. They are Keith Gillham, Rick Goertzen, Samuel Jameson, Robert Kleinschmit, Steve Lind, Michael Lindauer, Ernest Newquist, Troy Nichols, Jerry Overturf, Joseph Sisco, Matthew Wohlers, and Douglas Zarek.

The Nebraska Agri-Business Association represents ag retailers, major manufacturers and distributors of fertilizer, crop protection, seed, equipment, and other ag inputs. Nebraska Agri-Business Association provides unified leadership and influence creating tangible economic and educational value for Nebraska’s crop production industry professionals.



HUSKER RESEARCHERS USING METABOLIC MODEL TO STUDY TEMPERATURE STRESS ON CORN

A research team led by Nebraska scientists has built the largest-ever metabolic model of corn to study how temperature stress affects the plant and how a certain fungus can help alleviate the problem.

The research is an expansion of earlier work with a metabolic model of corn roots that the same team used to study the plant’s nitrogen-use efficiency under nitrogen stress conditions, said Rajib Saha, Richard L. and Carol S. McNeel associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and principal investigator. Saha and the team have expanded the model to comprise the entire plant, not just the roots, allowing for expanded research into the intricate metabolic interactions, their associated molecular underpinning and a variety of stressors that can affect productivity.

The metabolic model is of corn hybrid B73, whose genome is highly prized for making hybrids that are used for food, feed and a variety of industrial uses. Developed at Iowa State University in the early 1970s, this line and its descendants are present in half the parentage of nearly all hybrid corn grown around the world.

The Nebraska-developed multi-organ metabolic model — the largest ever created of corn (or any other plant) — allows scientists to conduct research more efficiently and quickly than field research using actual corn plants. The model can also help field researchers with actual corn plants conduct experiments faster and more efficiently, said Niaz Bahar Chowdhury, a doctoral student working with Saha.

It’s estimated that temperature stress resulting from climate change can reduce corn productivity by 7% to 18%.

“There is a pressing need to develop high-yielding maize genotypes capable of withstanding temperature stress,” Saha said.

Scientists are focusing on how plants’ metabolism can be adjusted to counteract that stress. The team’s study takes a holistic, plant-wide approach rather than looking only at specific elements of the plant, Saha said.

Among other impacts, temperature stress can reduce photosynthesis and carbohydrate synthesis in leaves, reduce starch synthesis in kernels, and affect amino acids and lignin biosynthesis in stalks. Also, temperature stress can damage enzymes and tissues, impair flowering and trigger oxidative stress at the reproductive stage.

Saha’s team expressed excessive heat and cold data into their model, finding that both created so-called “metabolic bottlenecks” that slowed plant growth, but noting that heat was especially problematic. Excessive heat is expected to continue impeding crop growth amid ongoing climate change.

One approach to mitigate temperature stress is to reengineer the plant, creating new hybrids that are less affected by it. While that can be successful, “it’s a very, very long process,” Saha said.

In the other approach, researchers inoculated corn root with a beneficial fungus known as Rhizophagus irregularis, commonly used as a soil inoculant. The new study found that R. irregularis also was successful in reducing metabolic bottlenecks that slow plant growth under heat and cold stress conditions, Saha said. Both whole plant biomass and organ-specific biomass growth rates increased with the fungal treatment. Future research, using the same metabolic model, will focus on how R. irregularis affects plant metabolism under high- and low-nitrogen conditions.

Chowdhury and Saha said the model they have created will be available to researchers who want to study other stresses on corn.

The research, funded by the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, is summarized in an article in iScience. Co-authors include researchers from Iowa State and Pennsylvania State universities, along with Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut and Centre de Versailles-Grignon, and Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture in France.



Ethos Connected™ Unveils Advanced Sensor Production Facility, Marking its Unwavering Commitment to Sustaining Agriculture and Rural Communities

Ethos Connected, a trailblazer in water conservation and sustainable agriculture technology, proudly announces the inauguration of its state-of-the-art sensor production facility. Located strategically in Lincoln, Nebraska, this facility embodies Ethos Connected's commitment to conserving natural resources, protecting rural communities, and securing American agriculture.

"Ethos Connected is an industry leader in water management, critical infrastructure and full value agriculture. We have demonstrated the undeniable value our turn-key solutions provide our partners and the communities they serve," said Julie Bushell, CEO and Founder of Ethos Connected. "This investment underscores our guiding principles: protect natural resources, safeguard American agriculture and support rural communities. Our new PCB production and manufacturing facility allows us to deliver just that."

Since launching its comprehensive turnkey solutions just a year ago, Ethos Connected has transformed water management with over 25,000 acre-feet of water conserved in just one irrigation season, launched full-value agriculture that deliver premiums to producers for their sustainable practices and invested in over 70 rural communities across the United States.

The launch of the manufacturing facility doesn't just revolutionize agriculture, water management and critical infrastructure but the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, as a whole. Ethos Connected's vertical integration enhances comprehensive quality control, protects against foreign adversaries and builds resiliency in its supply chain, proving its market leadership in a fragmented ecosystem.

"The innovation and investment in vertical integration brought forth by Ethos Connected contributes significantly to our state's growth and prosperity, marking a remarkable accomplishment towards securing our water and agriculture industry for the next seven generations" said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. "By connecting the State of Nebraska, measuring progress, implementing real-time water management, and capturing on-farm practices, Ethos has expedited our path to full value agriculture."

With the inauguration of their production line, Ethos once again proves the commitment to their namesake, earning trust through action.

Specializing in transformative connectivity solutions, advanced sensor technology, and innovative software, Ethos Connected caters to the needs of farmers, water districts, and rural communities. Our mission is clear—to provide indispensable tools for informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes in agriculture, critical infrastructure and water resource management.

At the heart of our commitment to transparency and traceability is the patented VeriFood™ platform. This technology ensures absolute transparency from farm to fork, allowing farmers and ranchers to share their story with consumers.



CAP Webinar: One-Participant 401(K) as a Tool for Farmers and Ranchers
Feb 1, 2024 12:00 PM

Jessica Groskopf, Agricultural Economist and Extension Educator, UNL
Cory Walters, Professor, Agricultural Economics, UNL
Doug Nelson, Certified Financial Planner, Adjunct Faculty (Child, Youth and Family Studies), UNL

According to USDA, only 40% of farm households participate in some type of retirement account. For self-employed farmers and ranchers without full-time employees, the opportunity to invest in a One-Participant 401(k) plan is a way to (1) save money for retirement, (2) reduce taxable income, and (3) provide the potential option to borrow from the plan.

Register here:   https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Nebraska Ethanol Board Feb. 9th Meeting to be Held in Lincoln

The Nebraska Ethanol Board will meet in Lincoln at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9th. The meeting will be held at the agency headquarters located at 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Lincoln, Neb., in the lower-level hearing room 031. The agenda highlights include:
    Budget Report
    Renewable Fuels Nebraska update
    Nebraska Corn Board update
    Fuel Retailer update
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln Manufacturing Extension Partnership update
    Economic Impact Study update
    State and Federal Legislation
    Ethanol Plant Reports
    Technical & Research updates
    Marketing Programs

This agenda contains all items to come before the Board except those items of an emergency nature. Nebraska Ethanol Board meetings are open to the public and also published on the public calendar.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.



Dairy Beef Short Course to Be Held March 21 at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, as part of the finale for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the auditorium of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.

The focus of this year’s program is economics, marketing opportunities and genetics.

Dairy beef cattle.“We are excited for the new location,” said Fred Hall, dairy specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The larger venue allows for comfortable seating with tables and chairs and an enjoyable learning experience.”

Presenters and topics will include:
    Dairy Beef Industry Outlook – Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University.
    Beef on Dairy Economics: Results of a Video Auction Analysis – Ken Odde, Kansas State University.
    Genetic Considerations for a More Valuable Calf – Bob Weaber, Kansas State University.
    How Do Dairy-based Cattle Fit into Value-based Markets? – Lauren Kimble, Select Sires.

There also will be a morning and afternoon Q&A session moderated by Warren Rusche from South Dakota State University.

The registration fee is $70 per adult plus $15 if a printed copy of the proceedings is desired. College students can register for a discounted rate of $20. A lunch will be provided.

To register, visit https://go.iastate.edu/24DBSC or mail the registration fee with your contact information and any dietary restrictions to Fred Hall at 400 Central Ave., NW, Suite 700, Orange City, IA 51041. The preregistration deadline is March 8.

If attendees also plan to attend the Central Plains Dairy Expo, they should register for that in advance at https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/registration/.

Questions can be directed to Fred Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu



Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Awards $3.4 Million in Funds to Retailers to Offer Higher Biofuel Blends

Today, Iowa’s cost-share Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded $3.4 million in grants for 74 applicants that will add E15 to retail sites and one applicant to add a biodiesel terminal in Iowa.

“This type of demand is incredibly encouraging as Iowa works to implement the Governor’s E15 Access Standard,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “If you annualized this quarterly figure, demand for the E15 grants is well over the traditional funding level of $10 million per year. We expect demand will only grow as the E15 Access Standard deadline approaches on January 1, 2026. IRFA encourages the Legislature to fully fund the RFIP program as we cannot afford to run short of funds when they are needed the most."

Before today, the program has distributed more than $50 million to help fund ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure across Iowa. RFIP reimbursement can be up to 90 percent of the installation costs, with up to a maximum of $64,300 per project for small retailers.

RFIP provides Iowa fuel retailers with cost-share grants to add the necessary equipment to their stations to offer higher blends of biofuels. The program has led to millions of dollars of private economic investment and hundreds of new stations offering E15, E85, and biodiesel blends at the pump.



Iowa Pork Producers Announce 2024 Youth Leadership Team
    
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) sponsors the contest. Participants are judged on their knowledge about pork and pig production as shown in presentations, interviews, and a written test about pork industry topics. Their previous community involvement and experience are also considered. The female contestant with the highest score is crowned Iowa Pork Queen, and the top remaining contestants, male or female, are named youth ambassadors.

Bru, a senior at Green Mountain-Garwin Secondary School in Garwin, will reign as this year’s Iowa Pork Queen. Elsamiller and Johnson are Iowa Pork Ambassadors. Each receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque noting their award.

Those who completed the contest but were not selected each earns a $200 scholarship. Receiving these scholarships are:
    Lansing — Riley Troendle
    Lost Nation — Miranda Rickels
    Manchester — Ella Cole
    Norwalk — Ashlee Tomlinson
    Story City — Hannah Tice

Throughout 2024, the IPPA Youth Leadership Team will assist with public activities promoting and educating about pork and pig production, from county events around Iowa to the World Pork Expo and Iowa State Fair. Past team members have valued the connections established with fellow industry advocates, as well as the many growth and learning opportunities provided by these positions.

Lilly Bru
Lilly Bru is the daughter of Ryan and Laura Bru of Gladbrook in Tama County. She serves as president of her FFA chapter and is a member of 4-H and the Tama County Pork Producers Leadership team. She will study agribusiness at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny this fall.

Abby Elsamiller
Abby Elsamiller is the daughter of Jon and Becca Elsamiller of Waverly in Bremer County, and a senior at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly. Elsamiller is the Bremer County Pork Queen, and farrows and raises purebred Berkshire pigs to show and sell. After graduation, she plans to pursue an elementary education degree at Iowa State University in Ames.

Aubrey Johnson
Aubrey Johnson is the daughter of Ryan and LaRae Johnson of Iowa Falls in Hardin County. She is a senior at Iowa Falls-Alden High School. She has served in numerous officer positions for her FFA chapter and 4-H club. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree related to agriculture, possibly in communications or agricultural business.



NCBA Backs FAIR Labels Act to End Deceptive Fake Meat Labeling Practices

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the bipartisan Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2024 (FAIR Labels Act) introduced by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL). The bill would end deceptive labeling practices on fake meat products and ensure that consumers know exactly what they are buying at the grocery store.

“America’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to bring a high-quality, wholesome product to market. We’re not afraid of a little competition, but it is unfair for lab grown or plant-based fake meat products to trade on beef’s good name,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “This bill is especially important for ensuring that consumers recognize lab-grown products that may be coming to market in the future. Consumers deserve to know how their food is made and to understand that lab-grown products made in a bioreactor are not the same as the high-quality beef raised by farmers and ranchers.”

The FAIR Labels Act would require fake meat products to be labeled as “imitation,” to clearly differentiate between real meat and plant-based or substitute protein products. The bill would also provide clarity on lab grown products, especially in light of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s approval of lab-grown chicken. Lab-grown products are created from animal cells that are artificially replicated in a laboratory environment. While no lab-grown imitations of beef have been approved for sale in the United States, several companies are currently involved in research that could soon bring beef imitation lab-grown products to market. Under the FAIR Labels Act, lab-grown products would need to be clearly labeled as “lab-grown” and bear a statement that the product was not produced by traditional farming and ranching methods.

“Lab-grown products are an emerging technology, and the FAIR Labels Act is an important first step for making sure consumers understand the difference between lab-grown or plant-based products and real beef raised by farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Policy Rebecca Barnett. “NCBA thanks Sen. Marshall, Rep. Alford, Rep. Williams, Rep. Davis, and Rep. Jackson for introducing this critical legislation that ensures American consumers know where their food comes from.”



AFBF Urges USDA to Use Emergency Authority to Ensure Fair Pricing for Dairy Farmers

The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter today to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the agency to issue a final decision on an emergency basis to speed the implementation of the “higher-of” Class I mover formula to buffer dairy farmers from further losses during the forthcoming Federal Milk Marketing Order rulemaking process.

“The comprehensive process of amending federal orders, though important, means dairy farmers remain stuck with current pricing regulations until USDA publishes a final rule,” Sam Kieffer, AFBF vice president of public policy, said in the letter, which also notes that FMMO reform is in step five of a 12-step process. “The current Class I mover was a well-intentioned policy misstep that has reduced dairy farmers’ checks, with little relief in sight. Emergency implementation of the ‘higher-of’ Class I mover formula will help buffer against persistent losses associated with mistaken and outdated policies that have left dairy farmers struggling to make ends meet.”

AFBF economist Danny Munch read the letter into the official record as the last witness of the hearing process. AFBF has participated in the full 49 days of the hearing, which began on Aug. 23, 2023.

Prior to the convening of the hearing, AFBF has long been an advocate of Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, including hosting a Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum in October 2022, where a return to the “higher-of” Class I mover was the number one FMMO reform priority of the gathered farmers. AFBF economists and Farm Bureau members testified numerous times throughout the hearing.



Vytelle announces a strategic collaboration with Blocktrust Network to promote the value of feeder cattle on the basis of growth and efficiency bringing more transparency to this critical market segment in the beef supply chain

Vytelle, the fastest growing, independent IVF company and curator of the world’s largest feed efficiency database is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with Blocktrust Network, an innovative, API driven platform to enhance transparency and efficiency in the beef supply chain. This collaboration marks the first of its kind aimed to leverage their respective strengths targeting the feeder cattle market. Leveraging the power of the Vytelle’s industry leadership in characterizing feed efficient genetics, Vytelle will develop tools to characterize differences in feed efficiency among groups of feeder cattle via the Blocktrust Network’s permissioned blockchain. This information will provide buyers unique insights on the value of cattle, shining a spotlight on the premium value of calves sired by bulls from breeding programs that are driving genetic improvement in feed efficiency, a critical driver of profitability and sustainability in cattle feeding.  

“We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration with Blocktrust,” said Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle.  She continued, “Vytelle has a long history of capturing individual standardized phenotypic feed intake and growth data with our network of progressive seedstock producers globally.” This collaboration is a step forward in building markets that acknowledge the value of premium genetics for Vytelle’s seedstock customers by increasing the demand for their progeny.

“Blockchain technology has proven to be a transformative force across various industries and Blocktrust Network is thrilled to bring a new level of transparency to the beef supply chain”, said Gregg Barfield, CEO of Blocktrust Network. He commented further, “The opportunity to classify cattle individually based on their genetics and performance through harvest will unlock markets and value for smaller producers to participate in quality-driven sustainable supply chains.”

Vytelle is a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelle’s integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

Blocktrust Network  is an innovative, API-driven platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance transparency and efficiency within the beef supply chain. The platform empowers producers to maximize the value of their cattle by securely and conveniently communicating essential performance indicators to potential buyers. Furthermore, Blocktrust Network serves as a dynamic portal for producers to demonstrate their dedication to crucial industry standards, including animal welfare, sustainable practices, and proactive carbon footprint reduction. This commitment not only aligns with the evolving demands of the beef industry but also positions its users at the forefront of responsible and ethical supply chain management. 



USDA Releases 2022 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today published the 2022 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary, which shows that over 99 percent of the samples tested had pesticide residues below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The tests were conducted on 10,665 samples from 23 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts, and grains.

The PDP is a national pesticide residue monitoring program that tests a wide variety of domestic and imported foods, with a strong focus on foods that are consumed by infants and children. It is an important part of the government's efforts to ensure that the food supply is safe and that consumers can have confidence in the foods they eat. USDA and EPA work together each year to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis and USDA partners with cooperating state agencies to collect and analyze pesticide residue levels on the selected food commodities.

EPA relies on PDP data to conduct dietary risk assessments and to ensure that any pesticide residues in foods remain at or below levels that EPA has set. The data also provide regulators, farmers, processors, manufacturers, consumers and scientists with important insights into the actual levels of pesticide residues found on widely consumed foods.

The annual pesticide residue results are reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EPA in monthly reports as testing takes place throughout the year. FDA and EPA are immediately notified if a PDP test discovers residue levels that could pose a public safety concern.



Novel Discovery Could Fortify Farmers’ Defenses Against SCN

Researchers have discovered a new and unexpected way to prevent soybean cyst nematode (SCN) from attacking soybeans. The loss of function of the GmSNAP02 gene in resistant soybean varieties like PI 90763 and PI 437654 thwarts SCN’s ability to attack the soybean plant.

“Think of it like a lock-and-key model, where SCN is the key and GmSNAP02 is the lock,” explains Melissa Mitchum, professor in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia and a member of the research team that made the discovery. “If you get rid of that lock, the nematode can’t access the plant. You make the parasite ineffective.”

The SCN Coalition is excited about the discovery and encourages farmers and industry stakeholders to continue to advocate for new tools like this.

Adding to Peking’s defenses
Nematodes that can reproduce on Peking genetic resistance appear to be exploiting GmSNAP02. “We think PI 90763 resistance works by losing this GmSNAP02 protein, circumventing the nematodes and making the plant more resistant,” Mitchum explains.

“This gene could have a relatively immediate impact for farmers,” she continues. “It will help bring down SCN populations for farmers who have planted PI 88788 repeatedly and have high and aggressive SCN populations.”

After decades of heavy and near exclusive use of PI 88788 genetic resistance, SCN has developed resistance to what had been a powerful means of control. Consequently, there’s an urgency for alternative modes of resistance to be rotated with PI 88788 to control populations. One such alternative farmers are increasingly using is Peking-based resistance, a three-gene model.

“Those three genes are what farmers need today to battle nematodes,” says Andrew Scaboo, assistant professor in the Division of Plant Science and Technology at the University of Missouri who spearheaded the project with Mitchum. But if farmers use Peking exclusively, he warns nematodes will develop resistance.

“This is where this fourth gene comes into play. Adding a nonfunctioning copy of GmSNAP02 enhances the nematode resistance of Peking,” Scaboo says. “If we can come up with a strategy now for using this and other genes in rotation, we could avoid a repeat of the situation we now have with PI 88788.”

A quadruple stack would enhance the genetic diversity on the market, which is critical to long-term management of SCN. “As we bring different modes of action into the rotation, we enhance the durability of all the tools in our toolbox,” Mitchum explains.

Next steps
Scaboo is a year into a roughly three-year process developing the plant material needed to test whether the GmSNAP02 omission impacts yield. That question must be answered before the new resistance tool can be moved toward commercialization.

Meanwhile, interest from private breeders is already high. “Nearly every major company and some of the smaller ones have reached out and set up meetings since the report on the discovery was published,” Scaboo says. “That signals they know SCN is a big problem for farmers.”

Private breeders account for over 90% of U.S. soybean varieties on the market today. Their buy-in is critical to getting this new tool in farmers’ hands. Whether they commit will hinge on how much they prioritize the quadruple stack and whether it fits their return-on-investment strategy.

Scaboo is optimistic. The fact CRISPR gene editing can be used to “knock out” GmSNAP02 is an advantage – especially for breeders working with a Peking background. He explains, “CRISPR technology facilitates and speeds along the breeding process for forging this stack.”

Scaboo’s optimism is also grounded in the fact that companies are invested in the longevity of their soybean varieties. “One way to give products longevity is with better control of pathogens,” Scaboo says. “With GmSNAP02, the private sector can pursue prescriptive management strategies for pathogens like SCN. The resistance this gene provides has the potential not only to protect soybeans and raise yield, but also to manage SCN long term.”

Discovery paves the way for more progress
The knowledge gained with this discovery is of equal, if not more, importance. “The fact you could knock out a gene in a resistant background and gain more resistance was unexpected,” Mitchum says.

“Looking ahead, we want to understand how the nematode may be targeting SNAP02,” Mitchum says. “Hopefully, that understanding will give insight into how we can further enhance durability of the tools in our toolbox and add to it.”

Advances in technology are also shifting the conversation on SCN management. “We are starting to understand the genetic architecture on a level that the resistance source is becoming irrelevant,” Scaboo says. “It would be great for seed companies, farmers and the industry to start talking about these resistance genes rather than sources like Peking or PI 88788.”

The value of public/private collaboration
The GmSNAP02 project started with a plant breeder (Scaboo) and a nematologist (Mitchum) who set out to map the genetic architecture of known sources of SCN resistance. Four years of interdisciplinary research involved professors, research staff and students. It was funded by farmer-supplied checkoff dollars by way of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the United Soybean Board. The National Science Foundation-National Institute of Food and Agriculture provided additional grant funding. The next steps – getting this new mode of resistance to farmers – will require investment from the private sector and an all-hands-on-deck approach to drum up awareness.

“All those people, industries and perspectives are what made this happen,” Scaboo says. “That public/private collaboration is so important when it comes to delivering new tools like GmSNAP02 that better equip farmers to manage SCN.”

Learn more about SCN and what’s being done to fight it at thescncoalition.com.

Monday January 29 Ag News

 Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Vote to Approve Nearly 6,000 Acres of New Groundwater Irrigation Development in District

One of the most anticipated topics hit the Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD) Board of Directors Agenda last night – Applications for Standard Variances to expand groundwater irrigated acres in the District. At a special board meeting held in October 2023, Directors approved a motion to allow up to 295-acre feet of new stream water depletions for new groundwater irrigation development in the Hydrologically Connected Area (10/50 Area) and up to 2,500 acres of new groundwater irrigation development in the Non-hydrologically Connected Area (Non 10/50 Area).

In November 2023, the LENRD received nearly 300 applications for Standard Variances to consider requests to expand irrigated acres and/or construct new irrigation wells. Eligible applications were processed using a scoring system that has been in place in the District since 2009. To be considered for approval, any Standard Variance application had to meet a minimum soil score of 80 in the soil conservation category. Due to this requirement, eight locations in the 10/50 Area, and 14 locations in the Non 10/50 Area were not approved.  

Last week, the Board voted to approve 53 Standard Variance applications allowing 305.93-acre feet of new stream water depletions for new groundwater irrigation development (or 2,891.4 new irrigated acres) in the 10/50 area, and 38 applications totaling 2,836.04 acres of new groundwater irrigation development in the Non 10/50 Area. “Letters will be sent to landowners as soon as they can be generated,” said Brian Bruckner, General Manager.

A Public Hearing will be scheduled to discuss LENRD Rules and Regulations for the Management of Groundwater

At the September Board Meeting, the LENRD Board voted to have Staff prepare amendments to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations. These amendments will affect the quantity management sub areas in the District, and there will also be other minor changes recommended throughout the document. Additional discussion on the matter will be scheduled for Thursday, February 8th as part of the Committee of the Whole meeting. Once finalized, a draft of the proposed amendments will be sent to the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to allow them the opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback.

NRCS Source Water Protection Specialist
The LENRD is exploring options for partnerships to create a shared position for a NRCS Source Water Protection Specialist. This person would engage in outreach and assistance with farm operators and landowners to incentivize conservation practices on lands located in wellhead protection areas. The Lower Elkhorn NRD is working on forming a collaboration with the Lower Niobrara, Lewis & Clark, & Upper Elkhorn NRDs to fund and share this employee. NRCS will provide 50% of the salary/benefits, office, and vehicle for the employee, while the other partners will cover the remaining costs for the position.

“I like the idea that rather than regulation, we should be doing education. And this is part of that,” said Subdistrict #1 Director, Chad Korth.

Maple Creek Shoreline Protection Bids
Efforts to protect the shoreline of Maple Creek Recreation Area have been ongoing for the past four years. Tyler Warren, Recreation Area Superintendent, showed a map of the areas most in need of immediate protection. The Board voted to approve the lowest bid for 350 tons of riprap received from Cech Excavating, LLC, for a total of $15,032.50 - $25,000 was budgeted for the project. Warren indicated that Cech Excavating, LLC, has been the contractor for Maple Creek shoreline protection work in recent years. “Everything that Cech has done has been quality work and what they have done in the past seems to be working great. I’m good with them using the same material for these locations as well,” Warren noted.

Wau-Col Regional Water System
The Village of McLean approached the Board requesting permission to add a new water user to their service. After purchasing the property approximately 1/8 mile west of McLean, the new property owner has asked to extend an existing water main from McLean to their residence. The property owners have been unsuccessful in locating adequate water on their property for a well and are facing no other options to get access to water on their property. Because the Village of McLean is a customer of the Wau-Col Rural Water System, the Village had to ask the LENRD Board for permission to allow the new connection.

Election of Treasurer
After completing his term as the Board Treasurer, Anthony Wisnieski served at his final meeting. Directors Mark Hall and Chad Korth were nominated to fill the position. Ultimately, Director Hall was appointed to serve as the next Board Treasurer.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of the Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be February 22, 2024 at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



2024 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series meetings scheduled across Nebraska

University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s beef program will be presenting the latest feedlot-related research findings in meetings across Nebraska in February.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend the meetings Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Bridgeport, Gothenburg and West Point, respectively.

"With precision technology and the tools we have available, we can offer producers more scientifically-supported, specific information than ever before," said Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL Feedlot Extension specialist and organizer of the event.

The roundtables will discuss new technologies in cattle feeding, a 2024 market outlook, severe weather responses, results of the 2022 National Beef Quality audit and hiring employees on visas. The information will be presented by UNL faculty, Nebraska beef producers, and speakers from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Nebraska Cattlemen affiliates.

"We heard from producers that some of their challenges are employee recruitment and retention, plus the perennial issues presented by regulation, the weather and markets," Sperber said. "That feedback shaped our planning for these events, so we’re talking about updates to implant labels, the use of a stress-relieving pheromone for cattle, and a feed supplement that claims to reduce ammonia gas emissions from cattle. On the employment front we’re hosting a feedlot producer panel, and including ag immigration attorneys who will talk about the process of recruiting and hiring through the visa process. The market update and new information about responding to severe weather will give producers tools to plan for the challenges of the coming year."

The roundtables are from 12:30 to 5 pm. Cost is $30 paid online at registration or at the door.
    Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Bridgeport at the Prairie Winds Community Center
    Wednesday, Feb. 14 in Gothenburg at the Bayer Water Utilization Learning Center
    Thursday, Feb. 15 in West Point  at the Nielsen Community Center

Please pre-register at https://go.unl.edu/2024roundtable by Friday, Feb. 9.

For more information, contact Dr. Jessica Sperber, Beef Feedlot Extension Specialist; email: jsperber2@unl.edu.



2024 Nebraska Soil Health Conferences: Beyond the Topsoil

The 2024 Soil Health Conferences aim to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the Nebraska agricultural community. Attendees can expect:
    Research presentations: Leading experts and researchers will present the latest findings and advancements in soil health, shedding light on cutting-edge practices and technologies.
    Farmers and Industry panels: Engage in discussions with experienced farmers and industry leaders, gaining insights into real-world challenges and success stories in soil health management.
    Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow producers, UNL researchers, extension personnel and industry partners. Build valuable relationships that can contribute to the growth of your farm and Ag business.
    Exhibition area: Explore a dedicated exhibition showcasing products, services and technologies that promote soil health and sustainable farming practices.

Join us in one or both of our Soil Health Conferences to learn about innovative soil health and cover crop practices from farmers, researchers and industry representatives.

Eastern Nebraska Soil Health Conference
Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
West Point Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., West Point, Nebraska

Central Nebraska Soil Health Conference
Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S Baltimore Ave., Hastings, Nebraska

Registration and more details can be found here https://go.unl.edu/2024soilhealthconferences.

Important:
    Both conferences provide certified crop advisors with continuing education units (CEUs).
    These are sponsored events, and registration is required. Capacity will be limited, so make sure you and your team register soon.



Nebraska Cattlemen Announces Priorities for the Second Half of the 108th Legislative Session

During their annual Legislative Committee meeting, Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) selected two priority bills, LB1062 and LB1375, adopted two policy statements and took positions on over fifty pieces of legislation for the second half of the 108th Nebraska Unicameral legislative session.

“The Nebraska Cattlemen Legislative Committee is directly focused on protecting beef cattle producers and their livelihoods,” said Dick Pierce, chair of the NC Legislative Committee. He continued, “NC’s priority bills, legislative stances, and adopted statements are all in accordance with NC policy, which is carefully crafted by producers from every sector of the beef cattle industry, and we look forward to working with our state legislators to keep the Beef State thriving.”

Senator Teresa Ibach (District 44) introduced LB1062, which would alleviate the large animal veterinarian shortage by amending provisions in the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to provide a loan repayment program for veterinarians who dedicate at least fifty percent of their practice to livestock in rural Nebraska. LB1062 would also add a veterinarian to the Rural Health Advisor Committee if enacted.

LB1375, brought forth by Senator John Lowe (District 37), aims to streamline the county zoning permitting process for livestock facilities and agricultural enterprises. This legislation would prohibit redundant conditions on an applicant and establishes a timeline by which counties have ninety days to act on a completed application. It also disallows requirement of state and federal permits as a condition for approval by the county board.

Additionally, the NC Legislative Committee adopted the following two policy statements:

1. “Nebraska Cattlemen believes Nebraska’s total combined state and local tax revenues should be equally derived from sales, income, and property tax collections and is monitoring a number of bills related to tax reform and relief. Nebraska Cattlemen supports increasing sales tax collected by broadening the base, increasing the rate, or a combination thereof so long as sales taxes are not placed on true business inputs, with the net effect being long-term reductions in property taxes. Nebraska Cattlemen further supports mechanisms that reduce, cap or limit the spending of political subdivisions.”

2. "Nebraska Cattlemen opposes agriculture land ownership or control by adversarial foreign entities and supports bills addressing this concern."



Nebraska Corn Leaders Present at Corn Harvest Quality Report Event

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) had two board members represent Nebraska during the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Corn Harvest Quality Report events, with seminars recently taking place in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea for buyers in those markets.

Based on corn samples taken from 12 of the top corn-producing and exporting states, including Nebraska, this year’s report highlighted how the 2023 U.S. corn crop was the largest on record with the lowest percentage of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) to date. Following the release of the yearly report, USGC offices around the world gather buyers to provide clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year. During these events, crop quality information is accompanied by updates on U.S. corn grading and handling, which provides importers and end-users with a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

Jay Reiners, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Juanita attended the Taiwan and Japan Corn Harvest Quality Report Jan. 10-12 where he presented on his operation and outlook for 2024.

“The Corn Harvest Quality Report trade mission provides an opportunity to enhance relationships and transparency,” said Reiners. “I found value in conversations after the presentations because buyers and I always relate to one specific objective, providing the best quality product to consumers. When the corn leaves Juanita and arrives to them, my desire is it arrives in the same way it left the farm, top quality.”

Later in the month, Brandon Hunnicutt, vice chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Giltner, presented in Korea on Jan. 17 regarding the Corn Harvest Quality Report.

“Although some may see these trade missions and wonder how an impact can be made in a limited amount of time off the farm, I will continue to emphasize how no one can or will tell our story better than us,” said Hunnicutt. “When buyers see our willingness to step into another region where corn is purchased, it demonstrates our desire for connections and proof for responsibility of the corn we grow.”

The U.S. Grains Council aligns with the Nebraska Corn Board’s strategic mission of increasing the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research. Currently, there is a $21 return on trade for every $1 invested with the U.S. Grains Council. These trade mission opportunities allow for the extension of developing and maintaining relationships and markets.



NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending January 28, 2024, topsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 21% short, 69% adequate, and 5% surplus, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11% very short, 35% short, 52% adequate, and 2% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 25% fair, 58% good, and 11% excellent.

The next report will be issued February 26, 2024.



Secretary Naig Highlights Key Legislative Priorities During Iowa House Budget Subcommittee

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today highlighted his budget priorities for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship during a presentation to members of the Iowa House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee. The Subcommittee helps to craft the budget that funds the operations and many of the programs under the purview of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“The budget proposal I have put forward is fiscally responsible, respects the taxpayers of the state, and allows us to focus on our priorities while ensuring the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship can continue to meet the needs of the Iowans we serve every day,” said Secretary Naig. “I appreciate our strong partnership with Governor Reynolds and the Legislature and their support in making progress on the Department’s many priorities, including accelerating our statewide water quality and conservation work, building markets for Iowa products, and protecting our livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases.”

Secretary Naig’s testimony to the subcommittee reflected several of his top priorities, including the following:

Accelerating Water Quality and Conservation
Iowa has broken records for conservation and water quality practice adoption each of the past two years, and our goal is to continue setting new records every year. As we continue to accelerate this important water quality work and implement the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Secretary Naig is asking for dedicated financial support for these impactful programs.

Protecting Iowa’s Valuable Livestock Industry
Iowa’s livestock industry is critical to the strength of Iowa’s economy, especially in rural Iowa. Preventing, preparing for and responding to devastating foreign animal disease remains a key focus for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Building Choose Iowa, Our State’s Signature Brand
Choose Iowa is the state’s signature brand for Iowa grown, Iowa raised and Iowa made food and ag products. The program builds markets for Iowa farmers while giving consumers more local food and beverage choices. As we add marketing and promotion capacity, the program will become a favorite among Iowans as well as those who visit our state.

Promoting Market Access and Consumer Savings via Renewable Fuels
Consumers benefit from greater access to higher blends of lower-cost biofuels. Secretary Naig is asking for continued support for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, which provides cost-share funding to assist fuel retailers with installing the necessary infrastructure to dispense higher blends of Iowa ethanol and biodiesel.



IRFA Thanks Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Naig for Supporting Consumer Access to Higher Renewable Fuels Blends

Today Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted key legislative priorities for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship during a meeting of the Iowa House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee, specifically asking for continued support for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). In response to this announcement, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“We applaud Secretary Naig for reinforcing the critical role renewable fuels play in Iowa’s economy. Supporting RFIP grows biofuels production, is crucial in allowing consumers to benefit from fuel choice, and saves them money at the pump.”



I-29 Moo University webinar to review research on heat stress in dairy calves on Feb. 21

The I-29 Moo University 2024 Dairy Webinar Series continues Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT. The webinar will feature a review of research on heat stress in dairy calves with Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Dr. Laporta is originally from Uruguay, where she received a B.S. degree in Biology and a M.S. degree in Animal Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Dairy Science from UW-Madison (2014) and was a faculty member at the University of Florida for five years. She joined the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at UW-Madison in fall 2020 as an Assistant Professor in lactation physiology.

Laporta’s research integrates mammary gland physiology with advances in management and nutrition to overcome challenges dairy cattle face across their lifetime, including increased susceptibility to the environment, metabolic disorders, and immune suppression. She incorporates state-of-the-art molecular techniques to investigate how autocrine, systemic, and environmental factors affect the regulation of mammary gland development and function, as well as milk synthesis and composition. She also investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms by which prenatal and postnatal stressors contribute to the programming of offspring’s future potential.

By targeting these early life developmental windows, Dr. Laporta aims to develop management practices and therapeutic interventions to improve future health and productivity outcomes. Her outreach goal is to generate knowledge that can be translated into practical improvements while training future scientists and educating the community on the importance of the efficient production of sustainable dairy products.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/HEATSTRESS24.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.



USDA Announces Appointments to the Popcorn Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of two members to serve on the Popcorn Board. Both appointees will serve three-year terms, effective immediately, through Dec. 31, 2026.

The newly appointed members are:
    Troy Hendrickson, Hamburg, Iowa
    Tyler Gutwein, Francesville, Indiana

The Popcorn Board has five processor members. Members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.



USDA Revises the Meat Instrument Grading Procedures

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revisions to its procedures for the use of instrument technology in its official meat grading program and is seeking input through a public comment period. The proposed changes outline several key enhancements to ensure USDA grading is delivered with the highest levels of consistency and accuracy.

AMS proposed and sought public feedback on an initial set of procedural changes in January 2023. AMS received a number of comments from stakeholders that necessitated a revision to the proposed documents. To ensure all stakeholders have an opportunity to comment on the revised versions, AMS has posted copies on the Agency’s website at Carcass Instrument Grading and is seeking comments until Feb. 12, 2024.

If the comments received are not substantive and do not require more time for evaluation, the Instrument Approval Process Procedure (QAD 511) and the Instrument Installation Process Procedure (QAD 512) will take effect Feb. 26, 2024, and the Instrument Monitoring Procedure (QAD 513) will take effect July 1, 2024. Final versions will be posted on the AMS website on the effective dates.

AMS is committed to an ongoing and collaborative process with all stakeholders to ensure these procedures remain relevant, transparent, and in service of an efficient and accurate USDA beef grading system.

AMS will host a webinar on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time to provide additional information about the procedures.  To attend the webinar, register online https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_sm16v_AyQlKi47ckR9Irjg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions or to request additional information, please contact David Bowden, Director of the Standards and Specification Division, at (202)-316-6969 or David.Bowden@usda.gov.



POET and Summit Carbon Solutions Announce Carbon Capture Partnership

In a major step forward for the future of agriculture and biofuels, POET and Summit Carbon Solutions (Summit) announced a groundbreaking partnership connecting the world’s largest biofuel producer with the world’s largest carbon capture and storage project. This collaboration brings together two entities—both founded upon creating new agricultural markets and supporting rural communities—to capture the value of the biogenic CO2 from the bioethanol production process.

The partnership strategically expands the carbon opportunity across the Midwest by incorporating POET’s 12 facilities in Iowa and five facilities in South Dakota into the Summit project. This addition will facilitate the capture, transportation, and permanent storage of 4.7 million metric tons of CO2 annually from the 17 POET bioprocessing plants.

“POET is excited to partner with Summit Carbon Solutions on this historic project,” said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. “As the world seeks low-carbon energy solutions, carbon capture ensures that ag-based biofuels will remain competitive for decades to come. This is a tremendous opportunity to bring value to farmers, bioethanol producers, and rural communities and counties in participating states, and I believe it will unleash even more opportunities for ag and bioprocessing in the future.”

“Today marks a historic day for American agriculture and biofuels,” said Bruce Rastetter, Founder and Executive Chairman of Summit Agricultural Group. “POET is the largest bioethanol producer in the world, and their partnership with Summit Carbon Solutions ensures that decarbonizing bioethanol will lead to exciting new market opportunities for producers, rural economies, and American energy security.”
 
“Our partnership with POET is creating new economic opportunities in agriculture,” said Lee Blank, CEO of Summit Carbon Solutions. “This initiative is aimed at enhancing the financial profitability of our farmers, contributing to higher land values, and ensuring a more prosperous future for farm families and communities. Our focus is on tangible benefits that directly support the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry.”
 
The timeline for the addition of these plants is strategically planned. The plants in South Dakota will be included in the upcoming state application, ensuring a streamlined integration into Summit’s existing project framework. Meanwhile, for the plants in Iowa, separate applications will be filed, acknowledging the unique requirements and opportunities in each state. This structured approach allows Summit to efficiently expand our project scope while adhering to local regulations and needs.



Growth Energy: American Drivers Have Logged 100 Billion Miles on E15

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, released updated data today showing that American drivers recently surpassed a massive milestone: 100 billion miles driven on affordable, homegrown E15 fuel.

The 15-percent biofuel blend is saving motorists nationwide an average of up to 15 cents per gallon at the pump. In some states, amid heightened fuel costs this past summer, drivers saw E15 savings climb as high as 60 cents per gallon.

“At Growth Energy, we are proud to lead the charge on American-made, plant-based fuels,” said CEO Emily Skor. “Homegrown biofuels deliver value for consumers at the pump, value for American agriculture and rural communities, and value for our nation’s climate goals. We’re proud of the 100 billion miles driven on E15 and excited that consumers have access to an affordable, earth-friendly option to fuel their travels.”

Despite the widespread use of E15 to power light-duty vehicles, this fuel blend is only available for sale nine months of the year. Outdated regulations prevent it from being sold during the summer without the issuance of an emergency waiver each year from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Skor used today’s news to urge lawmakers to find a federal legislative solution that provides for the unrestricted sale of E15 in every state, all year long.

“There aren’t very many products on the market today that allow consumers to both save money and lower their carbon emissions at the same time. E15 is one of them,” she added. “We need a permanent fix to ensure retailers can continue to offer this fuel option and consumers can continue to rely on it to quickly and easily lower their fuel costs and shrink their carbon footprint.”



Farmers, Ranchers Now Can Make USDA Farm Loan Payments Online

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that most farm loan borrowers will be able to make payments to their direct loans online through the Pay My Loan feature on farmers.gov in early February. Pay My Loan is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, especially for producers who may have limited time during the planting or harvest seasons to visit a local FSA office; modernize and improve customer service; provide additional customer self-service tools; and expand credit access to assist more producers.

“Farmers and ranchers have responded to some difficult challenges over the last few years and their time is a precious commodity,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. "Having the option to conduct business online is essential, and the Pay My Loan feature allows customers to take care of business seamlessly. The online payment feature is just one of many ways the Farm Service Agency is modernizing its Farm Loan Programs and enhancing the customer experience for this incredibly hardworking group.”

On average, local USDA Service Centers process more than 225,000 farm loan payments each year. Pay My Loan gives most borrowers an online repayment option and relieves them from needing to call, mail, or visit a Service Center to pay their loan installment. Farm loan payments can now be made at the borrower’s convenience, on their schedule and outside of FSA office hours.

Pay My Loan also provides time savings for FSA’s farm loan employees by minimizing manual payment processing activities. This new service for producers means that farm loan employees will have more time to focus on reviewing and processing new loans or servicing requests.

The Pay My Loan feature can be accessed at farmers.gov/loans. To use the payment feature, producers must establish a USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication (“eAuth”) account or a Login.gov account. This initial release only allows individuals with loans to make online payments. For now, borrowers with jointly payable checks will need to continue to make loan payments through their local office.

FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made various improvements including:
    The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.
    The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.
    A simplified direct loan paper application, which reduced loan applications by more than half, from 29 pages to 13 pages.

Friday January 26 Ag News

 Nebraska Farm Bureau Plays Pivotal Role in Shaping National Agriculture Policy at the 105th American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) delegates actively participated in the voting delegate session during the 105th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The Nebraska delegates contributed to setting crucial policy priorities for agriculture in 2024. The session brought together farmers and ranchers from across the nation to deliberate and provide direction on key issues impacting America’s farm and ranch families.

Among the top policy items under discussion, NEFB members engaged in robust conversations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Recognizing the potential benefits and challenges associated with AI technologies, the delegates deliberated on the need for responsible and ethical AI implementation to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity on our nation’s farms and ranches.

“The implementation of new technology including the use of Artificial Intelligence is moving at lightning speed, and we need to make sure the regulatory structure that is developed overseeing these technologies keeps farmers and ranchers at top of mind,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.

NEFB also voiced strong support for the repeal of California’s Proposition 12, a policy priority for AFBF in 2024. Proposition 12, passed by California voters in 2018 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, places arbitrary animal welfare standards on pork, poultry, and veal products coming into the state of California. The law effectively forces farmers and ranchers to comply with California animal welfare standards and will likely service as a roadmap for new regulations and restrictions on food production for years to come.

“In just a few short weeks since the law has been in effect, California consumers have already seen a substantial increase in the cost of pork products. This increase in food costs for California families and increasing the cost of production for Nebraska farmers and ranchers, must be overturned by Congress as quickly as possible,” said McHargue.

Foreign ownership of farmland continues to be an emerging political topic, and NEFB delegates helped solidify new policy for AFBF to utilize in 2024. A number of federal agencies are involved in transactions involving foreign companies and individuals; however data collection/management remains inconsistent and in need of reform. At the same time, the multi-agency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) only reviews transactions of a certain size. This all led NEFB to successfully push for passage of policy language supporting the reformation of data collection at the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the expansion of funds and jurisdiction of CFIUS.

“The discussion on who owns and is purchasing farmland in the United States continues to be a hot-button topic in Washington, D.C., as well as at the State Capitol in Lincoln. We need to ensure that these transactions are appropriately tracked by the USDA and go through all necessary national security reviews by CFIUS so that we can ensure our own national security but not harm necessary economic development,” said McHargue.

Lastly, the labor needs of agriculture also took center stage as farmers and ranchers highlighted the critical role that a skilled and reliable workforce plays in sustaining agricultural operations. The delegates discussed strategies to address the ongoing challenges of labor shortages, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive immigration reform and innovative solutions to attract and retain skilled workers in the agricultural sector.

“While separate discussions, it is hard to talk about agriculture’s dire labor needs without talking about the need to pass immigration reform. Congress must continue to work to find a path forward to reform federal labor programs, such as freezing the H2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate, as well as dealing with the crisis at our nation’s borders,” said McHargue.

NEFB remains committed to advocating for policies that support the economic well-being and prosperity of Nebraska's farm and ranch families, and the outcomes of the delegate session will guide the organization's efforts in the coming year.  

In addition to policy development, a series of Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events occurred during AFBF’s Annual Meeting. Joe Melnick, an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member competed as Nebraska’s representative in the YF&R Discussion Meet. Ryan Musgrave of Clay County Farm Bureau was recognized as Nebraska’s competitor for the Achievement in Agriculture award. Nebraska’s Excellence in Agriculture competitors were Josh and Jill England, Hall County Farm Bureau members.

Nebraska company, IDEM Irrigation, was also a Top 10 finalist in the AFBF Ag Innovation Challenge and earned $10,000 in startup funds. The Ag Innovation Challenge is designed to encourage the development of innovative solutions facing agriculture and show case new ideas.



Navigating farm challenges - free ag law clinics in February

February 2024 offers a valuable opportunity for farmers and ranchers with free Farm and Ag Law Clinics. These clinics provide individual, confidential meetings with experts in agricultural law and financial counseling. They are not group sessions, ensuring personalized and private advice.

At these clinics, attendees will meet one-on-one with an agricultural law attorney and a financial advisor. These professionals specialize in areas crucial to farming and ranching.

Key topics include business and financial planning, transition planning, understanding farm loan programs, navigating debtor/creditor law, optimizing debt structure and cash flow, and dealing with agricultural disaster programs. This is a chance for farmers and ranchers to gain an independent perspective on issues impacting their farm or ranch. The clinics are set to take place in various locations:
  • Thursday, Feb. 1 — Fairbury
  • Wednesday, Feb. 7 — Norfolk
  • Thursday, Feb. 8 — Stuart
  • Friday, Feb. 9 — Greeley

Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up for a clinic. For more information or to register, they can call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.



ISI Beef Feedlot Webinar Series to be Offered in February

Just in time for some mid-winter learning, the Iowa Beef Center is hosting a five-part feedlot webinar series beginning Feb. 1.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Beef Specialist Erika Lundy-Woolfolk is organizing the series that will be held every Thursday in February.

"Each session has a unique topic that was chosen based on input from producers at the grassroots level," she said. "After the topic presentation of about 30 minutes, we're providing time for questions and discussion with the session attendees."

They'll talk about how necropsies can shed light on health management programs, comparing cattle performance in various buildings, and how to properly diagnose, treat and prevent various types of lameness, Lundy-Woolfolk said.

“Another session includes a discussion on strategies for managing price risk in feedlot settings," she said. “And we’ll round out the series with a session focused on an ongoing Iowa State research project funded by the Iowa State Beef Checkoff Program that's evaluating nutritional impacts on beef and dairy steers.”

The dates, topics and presenters are:
    Feb. 1. Understanding the value of feedlot necropsies, Terry J. Engelken, professor and veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State.
    Feb. 8. Pros and cons of facility types, Dan Loy, retired director of the Iowa Beef Center.
    Feb. 15. Beef cattle market outlook and managing price risk, Lee Schulz, livestock economist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Feb. 22. Managing foot health in the feedyard, Dan Thomson, retired beef specialist at Iowa State.
    Feb. 29. Iowa State research update: beef x dairy project, Garland Dahlke, research scientist with the Iowa Beef Center.

Sessions will be hosted through the Webex platform at no charge to attendees, and all begin at noon. The presentations run approximately 30 minutes, with additional time available for questions and discussion from the attendees. All sessions will be recorded and eventually posted to the Iowa Beef Center YouTube channel. Register online for the sessions you wish to attend http://go.iastate.edu/BYRA2O.



Iowa Farm Bureau programs and members receive awards and recognition at 105th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention

Farm Bureau members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico gathered at the 105th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention this week in Salt Lake City, Utah to set the organization’s national policy direction for 2024 and recognize and celebrate the achievements of state Farm Bureaus.  Several Iowa policies were adopted, including measures to prevent the harmful consequences of California’s Proposition 12 and similar initiatives, maintaining a strong crop insurance program and adding policy to recommend Congress investigate fertilizer supply chain outages and tariffs placed on imports.  

During the convention’s closing general session, longtime Iowa Farm Bureau leader, Craig Hill, was presented with the AFBF Founders Award, recognizing more than three decades of leadership, including a 10-year stint as IFBF president.  During Hill’s 32 years of leadership on the IFBF board of directors, he visited 23 countries on trade and diplomacy missions.  During his tenure, Hill carried Farm Bureau members’ voices and stories into conversations with trade officials, lawmakers and the media as he shared the impact of policies on family farms.            

“This is a remarkable honor because I know how much so many have given to move this organization forward,” Hill said. “I’m humbled to be included in that category.”

AFBF President Zippy Duvall announced a landmark alliance offering free, anonymous, online mental health and wellbeing services to provide a nationwide network of confidential and on-demand support to farmers who understand the challenges and rewards working in agriculture.  Farm Family Wellness Alliance was launched in 2020 in the aftermath of the derecho storm, with Iowa Farm Bureau as an early partner in their pilot program.  In August 2021, services expanded to Illinois, and now services will be available to farm families nationwide in 2024.

Farm Family Wellness Alliance brings together the best resources to build farm family wellness. Access to services starts at Togetherall, a safe, clinically moderated peer-to-peer community, where members around the world are there to listen, support and give members’ mental wellbeing a boost. Through an anonymous profile, users can access a global network of peers, backed by the safeguarding of licensed clinicians overseeing the community around-the-clock. Access to the platform is available to members of a farm family aged 16 and older.

During the general session of the convention, AFBF recognized Iowa Farm Bureau with several Awards of Excellence.  IFBF was celebrated for outstanding achievement in all four program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions and Partnerships, Engagement and Outreach and Leadership and Business Development.  

Iowa entrepreneurs continued a strong track record of success in AFBF’s Ag Innovation Challenge on the tradeshow floor.  Appanoose Manufactured Products, an innovator in firefighting technology, was recognized as a Final Four contestant.  Mark Mendick, owner and founder of Appanoose Manufactured Products, competed in a live pitch off with the other semifinalists, sharing his company’s vision and future market opportunities for fire suppression equipment for farmers and rural residents.   Mendick’s designs focus on ultra high pressure (UHP) systems that can quickly extinguish a fire using a limited water supply, which has proven extremely valuable for farmers experiencing equipment fires.

Mendick received $10,000 in prize money for being named one of 10 finalists, and he earned an additional $5,000 for advancing to the Final Four in the challenge.  To learn more about the contest or apply for the 2025 Ag Innovation Challenge, visit fb.org/challenge.

“From setting policy that advances agriculture to recognizing programs that deliver value to our membership, Iowa Farm Bureau members have much to be proud of this week,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “Innovation and opportunities were on display throughout the AFBF Annual Convention, and we’re all proud of Iowa’s success from serving members through valuable programming and effective policy.”    

Along with Johnson, Iowa’s other voting delegates to the 2024 AFBF policy session were: IFBF Vice President Brian Feldpausch of Grundy County; District 1 director Randy Brincks of Winneshiek County; Jeff Pape of Dubuque County; Meghan Leibold of Buchanan County; Dave Bolin of Butler County; Gary Rees of Louisa County; Dan Hanrahan of Madison County and Kevin Schechinger of East Pottawattamie County.

Members attended workshops covering topics, including insights into helping farmers and ranchers cope with stress and anxiety, ways to engage Generation Z, also known as “the change makers,” and outlook for a long-term farm bill and other legal updates.



EPA Proposes New Effluent Limits for Packing Plants
NPPC

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new, significantly more stringent permitting guidelines under the Clean Water Act for meatpacking plants. If adopted, the new rule would apply to many of the nation’s 5,000 meat and poultry plants, requiring them to upgrade facilities and install costly new wastewater treatment technologies, impacting the operation of meat and poultry packing and processing plants nationwide.
 
EPA offered two options to broaden the proposal and cover more facilities, including indirect dischargers, that would have a wide range of impacts, including potentially forcing the closure of at least 16 meat and poultry processing plants and imposing stringent new regulations, with direct costs in excess of $1 billion dollars on packers and processors. This will lead to even more costs downstream for pork producers who might once again face disruption in packing capacity.
 
The rulemaking stems from lawsuits filed by a coalition of environmental and animal rights activist groups in 2019 and 2022, including Earthjustice, Waterkeeper Alliance, the Humane Society of the United States, and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
 
At a public hearing this week, Michael Formica, NPPC’s chief legal strategist, criticized EPA for only holding two hearings and for providing insufficient time – less than 24 hours – to review the hundreds of pages of proposed regulations prior to the public hearing.
 
Formica also voiced concerns over the EPA’s lack of engagement with farmers who will be affected by the regulation and for economic estimates that are deficient and “don't adequately account for the harm that will be caused to farmers and the nation's agricultural sector.”
 
A second public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31 at EPA headquarters in Washington, DC. EPA has provided 60 days for interested parties to submit comments. NPPC is seeking an extension of time on the comment period, as well as additional public hearings outside of Washington, D.C.



High Quality, Good Taste & Sustainability Should Have No Borders

The importance of collaborative ag industry partnerships is front and center in a new video funded in part by the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Market Development Action Team. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) partnered with U.S. Pork, U.S. Soy, NCGA, the Beef Checkoff, and American Lamb to produce a visually engaging narrative that showcases how American producers' dedication to the land and animals translates into high-quality, sustainable protein worldwide. The video—Beyond Borders—aims to highlight the U.S. red meat industry's commitment to sustainability, recognizing its growing importance in global markets and meeting customer demand.

"The USMEF Beyond Borders video illustrates the power of collaboration between corn and our valued partners across the meat industry. By working hand in hand with our animal ag partners, we are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating a future where best practices and a shared commitment to the land will lead the way to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape,” said Ohio grower and Market Development Action Team Chair Denny Vennekotter. By working hand in hand with our animal ag partners, we are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating a future where best practices and a shared commitment to the land, will lead the way to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape,” said Ohio grower and Market Development Action Team Chair Denny Vennekotter. “U.S. corn producers want everyone to have access to the best quality, most sustainable corn-based products. It is part of our commitment to be good stewards, and we take that commitment very seriously.”

The video serves as a powerful tool in conveying the message of sustainability to both international trade partners and consumers. This joint effort across the ag sector effectively communicates the story of how conscientious farming practices contribute to delicious meals on tables worldwide. High quality, good taste and sustainability should have no borders.