Friday January 12 Crop Production, Grain Stocks + Ag News

USDA Helps Producers Prepare for and Recover from Severe Winter Weather

Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus. Despite every attempt to mitigate risk, your operation may suffer losses. As you prepare for the potential impacts of upcoming winter weather, know that USDA offers several programs to help with recovery.

Risk Management
For producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), we want to remind you to report crop damage to your crop insurance agent or the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

If you have crop insurance, contact your agency within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days. If you have NAP coverage, file a Notice of Loss (also called Form CCC-576) within 15 days of loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

Disaster Assistance
USDA also offers disaster assistance programs, which are especially important to livestock, fruit and vegetable, specialty and perennial crop producers.

First, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) reimburses producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry and other animals that died as a result of a qualifying natural disaster event– like these winter storms – or for loss of grazing acres, feed and forage. To participate in LIP and ELAP, you will need to file a Notice of Loss by the annual program payment application date. The LIP payment application and notice of loss deadline is Feb. 29, 2024, for the 2023 program year and March 3, 2025, for 2024 program year losses. For ELAP, producers are required to complete and a notice of loss to their local FSA office no later than the annual program application deadline of January 30 following the program year in which the loss occurred.

Next, the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides cost share assistance to rehabilitate and replant tree, vines or shrubs loss experienced by orchards and nurseries. This complements NAP or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases.

For TAP, you will need to file a program application within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes, or vines is apparent.

Documentation
It’s critical to keep accurate records to document all losses following this devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures prior to and after the loss.

Other common documentation options include:
    Purchase records
    Production records
    Vaccination records
    Bank or other loan documents
    Third-party certification

Other Programs
The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests, and remove snow from feed stocks, water supplies, and feeding areas.

Additionally, FSA offers a variety of loans available including emergency loans that are triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs.  You can use these loans to replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, or refinance farm-related debts, and other needs. Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.

Meanwhile, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.  



NEBRASKA 2023 ANNUAL CROP PRODUCTION SUMMARY

Corn for grain production in Nebraska based on year-end surveys is estimated at 1.73 billion bushels, up 19% from 2022, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Yield of 182 bushels per acre is up 17 bushels from last year. Farmers harvested 9.50 million acres of corn for grain, up 8% from 2022. Corn for silage production is 4.76 million tons, down 11% from last year. Silage yield of 17.0 tons per acre is up 4.5 tons from last year. Corn for silage harvested acreage of 280,000 acres is down 150,000 acres from last year. Corn acreage planted for all purposes is 9.95 million acres, up 4% from last year.

Soybean production for 2023 totaled 267 million bushels, down 4% from 2022. Yield, at 51.5 bushels per acre, is up 2.5 bushels from a year earlier. Area for harvest, at 5.18 million acres, is down 8% from 2022. Planted acreage totaled 5.25 million acres, down 9% from last year.

Sorghum for grain production in 2023 is estimated at 16.4 million bushels, up 139% from 2022. Yield, at 73.0 bushels per acre, is up 18.0 bushels from a year earlier. Area harvested for grain, at 225,000 acres, is up 80% from 2022. Sorghum for silage production is 560,000 tons, down 20% from last year. Silage yield of 14.0 tons per acre is up 4.7 tons from last year. Sorghum for silage harvested acreage of 40,000 acres is down 35,000 acres from last year. Sorghum acreage planted for all purposes is 340,000 acres, up 20,000 acres from last year.

Alfalfa hay production, at 2.89 million tons, is up 15% from a year earlier. The average yield, at 3.40 tons per acre, is up 0.30 ton per acre from 2022. Area harvested, at 850,000 acres, is up 5% from 2022. Alfalfa haylage and greenchop production, at 192,000 tons, is up 182% from last
year. Average yield, at 4.80 tons per acre, is up 2.10 tons per acre from last year. Area harvested, at 40,000 acres, is up 15,000 acres from last year. Seedings of alfalfa during 2023 totaled 115,000 acres, up 5,000 acres from a year earlier.

All other hay production, at 2.44 million tons, is up 34% from last year. The average yield, at 1.70 tons per acre, is up 0.30 ton per acre from last year. Area harvested, at 1.44 million acres, is up 10% from 2022. All other haylage and greenchop production, at 336,000 tons, is up 68% from last year. Average yield, at a record high 8.40 tons per acre, is up 4.40 tons per acre from last year. Area harvested, at 40,000 acres, is down 10,000 acres from last year.

Proso millet production in 2023 is estimated at 5.04 million bushels, up 203% from last year's production. Yield, at 36.5 bushels per acre, is up 21.5 bushels from a year earlier and a new record high. Area harvested for grain, at 138,000 acres, is up 24% from 2022. Area planted, at 155,000 acres, is up 7% from last year.

Oil sunflower production in 2023 is 35.4 million pounds, down 13% from last year. Yield, at 1,180 pounds per acre, is up 280 pounds from a year earlier. Area harvested, at 30,000 acres, is down 33% from 2022. Area planted, at 31,000 acres, is down 37% from last year. Non-oil sunflower production of 8.78 million pounds is up 68% from last year. Yield, at 1,170 pounds per acre, is up 300 pounds from a year earlier. Area harvested, at 7,500 acres, is up 1,500 acres from 2022. Area planted, at 8,500 acres, is up 13% from last year.

Sugarbeet production is estimated at 1.33 million tons, up 39% from last year. Yield is estimated at 28.6 tons per acre, up 4.4 tons from the previous year. Acres harvested are estimated at 46,600 acres, up 18% from the previous year. Area planted, at 46,700 acres, is down 100 acres from last year.

Dry edible bean production of 1.97 million cwt is down 21% from a year ago. Yield, at 2,140 pounds per acre, is down 160 pounds from a year earlier. Area harvested, at 92,000 acres, is down 15% from 2022. Area planted, at 100,000 acres, is down 13% from last year. Beginning in 2019, chickpeas are excluded from the dry edible bean estimates.

Dry edible pea production is estimated at 409,000 cwt, up 178% from 2022. Yield is estimated at 2,150 pounds per acre, up 1,450 pounds from last year. Acres harvested are estimated at 19,000, down 10% from a year ago and a record low. Total acreage planted is 21,000 acres, down 38% from last year, also a record low.

Potato production is a record high 11.0 million cwt, up 13% from 2022. Yield, at 500 cwt per acre, is up 15 cwt from a year earlier and a record high. Area harvested, at 21,900 acres, is up 2,000 acres from 2022. Area planted, at 22,000 acres, is up 2,000 acres from last year.

Principal crop area planted totaled 19.5 million acres, up 1% from 2022. Area harvested, at 18.8 million acres, is up 2% from last year. Nebraska principal crop acres include corn, sorghum, oats, rye, winter wheat, soybeans, sunflower, dry edible beans, potatoes, proso millet, sugarbeets, and all hay. Double cropped acres and unharvested small grains planted as cover crops are also included.



Iowa Crop Production 2023

Corn for grain production in Iowa for 2023 was estimated at 2.52 billion bushels, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production 2023 Summary. Current year production was up 2 percent from the previous year's 2.47 billion bushels. Iowa's corn for grain yield was estimated at 201.0 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain was estimated at 12.6 million acres, 200,000 acres above 2022. Corn planted for all purposes in 2023 was estimated at 13.1 million acres.

Corn for silage production was estimated at 7.60 million tons, down 7 percent from 2022. The silage yield estimate of 20.0 tons per acre was down 1.0 tons per acre from 2022. Producers harvested 380,000 acres of corn for silage, down 3 percent from 2022.

Soybean production was estimated at 573 million bushels in 2023. This was down 2 percent from last year's 587 million bushels. The Iowa soybean crop yielded 58.0 bushels per acre in 2023. The harvested acreage of 9.88 million was down 150,000 acres from 2022. Soybean planted acreage, at 9.95 million, was down 150,000 acres from 2022.

All hay production for the state was estimated at 2.95 million tons, down 18 percent from the 3.58 million tons produced in 2022. Producers averaged 2.92 tons per acre, down 0.14 tons per acre from 2022. All hay harvested acres were estimated at 1.01 million acres, down 160,000 acres from 2022.

Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures for hay production was estimated at 2.40 million tons, down 11 percent from 2022. Producers averaged 3.20 tons per acre, down 0.50 tons per acre from 2022. Harvested acres were up 20,000 from last year, to 750,000 acres. Iowa producers seeded 70,000 acres of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures in 2023, down 7 percent from 2022.

Other hay production was estimated at 546,000 tons, down 38 percent from 2022. Producers averaged 2.10 tons per acre, up 0.10 tons from the 2022 yield. Harvested acres of other hay, at 260,000, were down 180,000 acres from 2022.



Crop Production 2023 Summary

Corn for grain production in 2023 was estimated at a record high 15.3 billion bushels, up 12 percent from the 2022 estimate. The average yield in the United States was estimated at a record high 177.3 bushels per acre, 3.9 bushels above the 2022 yield of 173.4 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain was estimated at 86.5 million acres, up 10 percent from the 2022 estimate.

Sorghum: Grain production in 2023 was estimated at 318 million bushels, up 69 percent from the 2022 total. Planted area for 2023 was estimated at 7.20 million acres, up 14 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for grain, at 6.12 million acres, up 34 percent from 2022. Grain yield was estimated at 52.0 bushels per acre, up 10.9 bushels from 2022.

Soybean production in 2023 totaled 4.16 billion bushels, down 2 percent from 2022. The average yield per acre was estimated at 50.6 bushels, up 1.0 bushel from 2022. Harvested area, at 82.4 million acres, was down 4 percent from last year.

All cotton production is estimated at 12.4 million 480-pound bales, down 14 percent from 2022. The United States yield is estimated at 845 pounds per acre, down 108 pounds from last year. Harvested area, at 7.06 million acres, is down 3 percent from last year.

Rice: Production in 2023 totaled 218 million cwt, up 36 percent from the 2022 total. Planted area for 2022 was estimated at 2.89 million acres, up 30 percent from 2022. Area harvested, at 2.85 million acres, was up 32 percent from the previous crop year. The average yield for all United States rice was estimated at 7,649 pounds per acre, up 264 pounds from the 2022 average yield of 7,385 pounds per acre.



NEBRASKA DECEMBER 1, 2023 GRAIN AND HAY STOCKS

Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on December 1, 2023 totaled 1.35 billion bushels, up 34% from 2022, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 890 million bushels are stored on farms, up 46% from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 457 million bushels, are up 15% from last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 214 million bushels, up 16% from last year. On-farm stocks of 87.0 million bushels are up 64% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks, at 127 million bushels, are down 3% from 2022.

Wheat stored in all positions totaled 25.1 million bushels, up 12% from a year ago. On-farm stocks of 3.60 million bushels are up 112% from 2022, and off-farm stocks of 21.5 million bushels are up 4% from last year.

Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 11.3 million bushels, up 58% from last year. On-farm stocks of 1.60 million bushels are up 33% and off farm holdings of 9.72 million bushels are up 63% from last year.

Oat stocks stored in all positions totaled 1.99 million bushels, up 118% from last year. On-farm stocks of 380,000 are up 36% and off farm holdings of 1.61 million are up 154%.

Hay stocks on Nebraska farms totaled 3.85 million tons, up 28% from last year.

Grain storage capacity in Nebraska totaled 2.19 billion bushels, unchanged from December 1, 2022. Total grain storage capacity is comprised of 1.20 billion bushels of on-farm storage, unchanged from last year, and 990 million bushels of off-farm storage, unchanged from last year.



Iowa Grain Stocks Report Dec 1 '23

Corn stored in all positions in Iowa on December 1, 2023, totaled 2.08 billion bushels, up 2 percent from December 1, 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Grain Stocks report. Of the total stocks, 64 percent were stored on-farm. The September-November indicaed disappearance totaled 717 million bushels, 4 percent above the 690 million bushels from the same quarter the previous year.

Soybeans stored in all positions in Iowa on December 1, 2023, totaled 460 million bushels, down 4 percent from December 1, 2022. Of the total stocks, 41 percent were stored on-farm. Indicated disappearace for September-November 2023 was 161 million bushels, 3 percent above the 157 million bushels from the same quarter the previous year.

Iowa on-farm storage capacity on December 1, 2023, was 2.05 billion bushels, unchanged from December 1, 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Grain Stocks report. Iowa's 830 off-farm storage facilities had a storage capacity of 1.53 billion bushels, up 10.0 million bushels from the previous year. As of December 1, 2023, Iowa had a total of 3.58 billion bushels of storage capacity.

Iowa Hay Stocks
All hay stored on Iowa farms as of December 1, 2023, was estimated at 2.14 million tons, down 14 percent from December 1, 2022, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Disappearance from May 1, 2023, through December 1, 2023, totaled 1.19 million tons, compared with 1.82 million tons for the same period in 2022.



Dec 1 '23 USDA Grain Stocks Report

Corn stored in all positions on December 1, 2023 totaled 12.2 billion bushels, up 13 percent from December 1, 2022. Of the total stocks, 7.83 billion bushels are stored on farms, up 16 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 4.34 billion bushels, are up 7 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2023 indicated disappearance is 4.53 billion bushels, compared with 4.21 billion bushels during the same period last year.

Soybeans stored in all positions on December 1, 2023 totaled 3.00 billion bushels, down 1 percent from December 1, 2022. Soybean stocks stored on farms totaled 1.45 billion bushels, down 2 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 1.55 billion bushels, are up slightly from last December. Indicated disappearance for September - November 2023 totaled 1.43 billion bushels, down 6 percent from the same period a year earlier.

All wheat stored in all positions on December 1, 2023 totaled 1.41 billion bushels, up 8 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 395 million bushels, up 9 percent from last December. Off-farm stocks, at 1.02 billion bushels, are up 7 percent from a year ago. The September - November 2023 indicated disappearance is 357 million bushels, 23 percent below the same period a year earlier.



NEBRASKA WINTER WHEAT SEEDINGS

Winter wheat seeded area for 2024 is estimated at 1.04 million acres, down from last year's seeded area of 1.13 acres, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

U.S. Winter Wheat Planted Acres Down 6 Percent
Winter wheat: Planted area for harvest in 2024 is estimated at 34.4 million acres, down 6 percent from 2023 but up 3 percent from 2022. Kansas and Texas, the two largest acreage States, are expected to be down 7 and 8 percent, respectively. A record low planted area is expected in Michigan and Utah. Seeding of the 2024 acreage was underway in early-September and began the month 2 percentage points behind to the 5-year average pace. Throughout much of the season, planting progressed on pace with the 5-year average and reached 81 percent complete by November 12. Emergence was 2 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average pace on November 26.

Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat seeded area is expected to total 24.0 million acres, down 5 percent from 2023. Planted acreage is down from last year across most of the growing region. The largest decreases in planted acreage are estimated in Kansas and Texas, while Montana is estimated to have a modest increase.

Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat seeded area totals 6.86 million acres, down 13 percent from last year. Compared with last year, the largest acreage decrease is expected in Michigan, while the largest acreage increase is expected in Pennsylvania.

White Winter wheat seeded area totals 3.54 million acres, down 5 percent from 2023. Seeding was virtually complete in the region by the start of November.

Durum wheat: Seedings in Arizona and California for 2024 harvest are estimated at a combined 65,000 acres, up 16 percent from 2023 but 48 percent below 2022.

Canola: This report contains the first estimate of 2024 canola seedings for Kansas and Oklahoma. Acres seeded in Kansas and Oklahoma for 2024 harvest are estimated at a combined 33,000 acres, an increase of 28,500 acres, from 2023. Planted area in Kansas would represent the second lowest on record, if realized.



Nebraska Fuel Stations and Drivers Raised $18K for Breast Cancer Research

For the past six years, Nebraska gas stations have united, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research as part of Fuel the Cure — a campaign that also educates others about healthier fuel options. Fuel retailers alone raised $18,733 this past year, and the six-year campaign total has grown to $64,572.
 
Annually, throughout October, drivers opting for higher blends of ethanol fuel like E15, E30 and E85 triggered a 3-cent donation for each gallon sold at participating stations. Ethanol, a natural octane booster derived from Nebraska field corn, plays a pivotal role in displacing harmful aromatics in gasoline linked to cancer, heart disease and respiratory issues. The campaign’s grand total comprises additional contributions from industry partners and participating Nebraska ethanol plants. This includes Siouxland Ethanol in Jackson and E Energy Adams in Adams who have donated to other cancer centers and organizations over the years as part of this campaign.
 
Donations from fuel retailers benefit the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, a nationally distinguished cancer facility that uses the most advanced biomedical and technological tools available to identify the causes behind cancer to create precise therapies for each cancer patient. This includes Nebraskans, as well as cancer fighters worldwide.
 
Breast cancer survivor Jenn Klein emphasizes the profound impact of cancer research, saying, “Several medications saved my life.” A funded researcher discovered two of the four chemotherapy treatments she underwent. Klein’s journey showcases the importance of continuous funding and support for groundbreaking treatments that offer hope to countless lives.
 
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. However, thanks to funded research, the mortality rate for those battling cancer is declining. Currently, 1-in-8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The Cancer Center treats all forms of cancer, emphasizing that men face a 1-in-2 chance of a cancer diagnosis while women face a 1-in-3 chance. For in-depth information on health risks associated with gasoline aromatics and the Fuel the Cure initiative, visit fueledbynebraska.com/pink.
 
Fuel the Cure founders Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska are gearing up for Fuel the Cure 2024. They invite Nebraska fuel retailers selling higher ethanol blends to connect with Jessica Sodeke, communications and outreach manager for the Nebraska Ethanol Board, at Jessica.sodeke@nebraska.gov for participation details.
 
Fuel the Cure also sponsors the American Cancer Society of Nebraska’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and provides vital funding to the Heartland Cancer Foundation, assisting over 300 Nebraska cancer patients with fuel costs by way of ethanol gift cards.  
 
Ethanol Benefits Nebraska and Its Drivers
Drivers who choose ethanol at the pump often see a price break, and their use of ethanol supports Nebraska’s rural communities, the state’s economy, and its farmers. E15, also called Unleaded 88, is approved for use in passenger vehicles 2001 and newer. Nebraska has approximately 200,000 registered flex fuel vehicles that can run on any blend of ethanol up to E85 (a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate, or a yellow gas cap.
 
Given Nebraska’s position as the No. 2 ethanol producer in the U.S., ethanol availability is expanding across the state. Locate gas stations offering higher blends of ethanol at fueledbynebraska.com, contributing to both a healthier future and a thriving Nebraska.




Nebraska Cattlemen Affiliate Scholarships

Cuming County Feeders Association
The Cuming County Feeders Association offers scholarships to award outstanding Cuming County High School graduates, recognize their accomplishments and assist in their pursuit of a post-secondary education in agriculture. Applications and accompanying materials are due by Friday, March 1, 2024. Cuming County Feeders Scholarship Application can be found here: https://necattle.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/CCF%20Scholarship%2024.pdf.

Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen Scholarship
Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen will offer a $1,000 scholarship to one student in each of the four counties: Dakota, Dixon, Thurston and Wayne. Applicants must be entering a technical, two or four-year college majoring in any vocational, agricultural field, and if accepted, recipients will be required to hold a 2.8 or higher GPA for their first semester. Applications are due by Friday, March 15, 2024. Northeast Nebraska Cattlemen Scholarship Application can be found here: https://necattle.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/Northeast%20Nebraska%20Cattlemen%20Scholarship%202024.pdf.



A special invitation for all agriculture workers

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ranks agriculture as one of the most hazardous industries. Columbus Community Hospital’s Occupational Health Services wants to help keep you and your family safe by hosting an Ag Safety event from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Ag Park in Columbus.

The hospital invites local agriculture workers from Columbus and the surrounding communities to join and participate in various ag-related presentations and demonstrations.

The event will feature three speakers: Rick Lemp will share tips on moving from “surviving” to “thriving” with an injury in the ag industry. Later that afternoon, Nathan Kaufman with the Federal Reserve will provide an update on the outlook for ag-related interest rates. Finally, a panel of local professionals will discuss farm succession planning.

In addition to the event speakers, Central Valley Ag will offer a mini-demonstration on grain bin and anhydrous safety. Representatives from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln extension office and Loseke Veterinary Services will be present to discuss pesticide recertification and beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

Attendees can also take advantage of free paraffin wax hand dips and blood pressure, vision and bone mineral screenings. Fasting wellness profiles and Prevnar 20 (a pneumococcal vaccine) and Tdap vaccinations are available at a discounted rate.

Dr. Vilma-Rodriguez-Cline will be on-site to perform truck driver physicals during the event for $50 per exam. To schedule an appointment, call 402-562-4480.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to view a complete list of vendors, visit columbushosp.org.

Columbus Community Hospital, CVA, Farm Credit Services, GPS Bank, Pinnacle Bank and Union Bank and Trust, plus many other supportive, health-minded businesses, serve as sponsors for the event.



Aksarben Foundation now accepting applications for 2024 Farm Family Awards

The Aksarben Foundation, along with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, announces that applications for the Nebraska Pioneer Farm and Nebraska Heritage Farm Awards are being accepted now through April 15, 2024. These awards recognize Nebraska farm families who have consecutively held ownership of land in the same family for at least 100 years (Pioneer) or 150 years (Heritage), respectively.

“We look forward to recognizing and awarding these Nebraska farm families each year. The dedication and perseverance demonstrated by these families is a testament to the strong Nebraska values that set our state apart and have been making Aksarben proud, for nearly 130 years,” says Sandra Reding, Aksarben Foundation President.

Partnering with Aksarben in sponsoring these awards each year, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says, “Nebraska Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor these farm family awards. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s heritage and continuous mission is to serve Nebraska farm and ranch families, and these awards recognize the commitment to preserve and build Nebraska agriculture for future generations.”

Each honoree receives an engraved plaque and gatepost marker as permanent recognition of this milestone. The awards are presented during the annual county fair in which the land is located.

 For more information about the Aksarben Foundation, visit www.aksarben.org.



Jelinek Takes Over as Ag Sack Lunch Program Coordinator

Connecting elementary students in Nebraska, primarily 4th graders, to where their food comes from and how it got there, heavily relies on the Ag Sack Lunch Program. This primary introduction to agriculture for many comes at an impressionable time in the student’s learning, says the program’s new director, Ginger Jelinek.                

“It’s an opportunity to tell the story to the young minds when you can explain the importance of the industry to somebody who is still growing and thinking and maybe doesn't 100% know everything yet,” said Jelinek. “We can get in front of that younger generation to tell them the importance of what we do.”                

Jelinek grew up near Imperial, has worked for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and now runs her own private nonprofit consulting business. She resides near Firth, Nebraska, which makes her accessible to the program that is held on the lawn of the State Capitol.

“The program couldn’t happen without the support of the groups that back it, which includes the Nebraska Beef Council,” said Jelinek. “We’re hopefully teaching the kids about these specific Ag industries, they are covered for a good amount of time in the presentation, and they’re listed on the materials as sponsors.”                

The Ag Sack Lunch program feeds and educates over 5,000 students each school year. Jelinek says that most of the visits are in April or May for school field trips, but some happen in the early fall.

An essential part of the program is the college students who serve as ambassadors who present the lunches. They guide the students through the ingredients of their meals and the deck of cards that feature Ag facts, animals, and games included in their bags.                

“They have lots of different fun facts that they (the ambassadors) throw in with the kids, and then go over the basic facts of the Ag industry,” said Jelinek. “Everything from the clothes that they’re wearing to transportation, they connect how agriculture is involved in their everyday lives.”

One other component of the program Jelinek looks forward to expanding is the virtual visit option. This allows for schools and students who are not able to visit in person to still be able to be educated on agriculture.

For more information and to learn more about the Nebraska Beef Council, visit www.nebeef.org.



Frank Lucas and Craig Hill Presented Farm Bureau’s Highest Honors

Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and former Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill are the recipients of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award and Farm Bureau Founders Award, respectively. The DSA and Founders Award are the highest honors presented by AFBF. Lucas and Hill will be recognized during the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 17-24, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hill Honored with Farm Bureau Founders Award
Hill is the longest-serving member of the Iowa Farm Bureau board of directors, serving for 32 years before retiring as president in December 2021. During his tenure, he traveled throughout Iowa, the U.S. and internationally, visiting 23 countries on trade and diplomacy missions. His experience included sharing information about agriculture with government officials, including six U.S. presidents, and farmers on many continents.

Throughout his time at Iowa Farm Bureau, Hill carried members’ voices into his conversations with trade officials, lawmakers and the media, sharing the impact trade policies and lack of markets have on family farms. A notable example of Hill’s work is his role in helping to create the Revenue Assurance program, which provides protection to farmers against revenue losses due to low prices and/or low yields. In 1996, this policy was written into the farm bill and continues to be the most popular form of crop insurance used by farmers.

Hill was also a prominent voice in Farm Bureau’s 2017 campaign for a new Waters of the U.S. rule. He met with Environmental Protection Agency officials, participated in roundtable discussions and provided testimony to Congress about how a new WOTUS would negatively impact farmers in Iowa and across the country.

“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.”

Although Hill’s list of accomplishments and awards is long, he remains firm in saying his family has been his greatest joy and source of pride. He and his wife, Patti, have been farming since 1978, raising row crops and pigs. They have two children, Abbie, an attorney, and Adam, who they farm alongside today. Both are married and have blessed the Hills with wonderful grandchildren.

“I would sum up Craig’s service to Farm Bureau as complete,” Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson said. “Every step of the way, he spoke up, led where he could and showed up where he needed to. I really appreciate his long-tenured, dedicated experience at Farm Bureau.”

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture. First presented in January 2017, AFBF’s Founders Award for exemplary leadership, service or contributions to Farm Bureau is presented in recognition of outstanding achievements and work in the interest of Farm Bureau.

Lucas was nominated by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau for the DSA. Hill was nominated by the Iowa Farm Bureau for the Founders Award. A national Farm Bureau committee selected each of the winners.



Presidential Candidate Asa Hutchinson Lays Out Complete Biofuels Vision

Yesterday at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, Asa Hutchinson spoke about growing up on a farm and his support for biofuels. After his speech, Asa stopped by the Biofuels Vision booth and talked with our team about the priority issues facing biofuels, confirming his support for all eight biofuels policy issues.

“Gov. Hutchinson spoke from his heart at the Summit, and we’re excited he took the time to offer support on the key policy issues facing farmers and biofuels producers,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association President Brad Wilson, the president/general manager of Western Iowa Energy, a biodiesel producing company, headquartered in Wall Lake, Iowa. “The Caucuses provide a wonderful educational opportunity for candidates, and IRFA members applaud Asa for putting biofuels in a prominent place in his energy agenda.”

“We applaud Governor Hutchinson for hitting all the key marks in demonstrating his support for biofuels like biodiesel, as well as the federal policies that are so crucial in diversifying our nation’s energy supply while strengthening the economy,” said Grant Kimberley, Senior Director of Market Development for the Iowa Soybean Association and Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “A strong biodiesel market means a strong farm economy – important not just in Iowa but nationwide.”

“We are pleased to see the recognition of ethanol’s economic and environmental benefits by presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson.” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove. “Ethanol plays a crucial role in Iowa's economy by providing jobs and keeping costs at the pump low for consumers. Not only is it a home grown, affordable fuel option, but it contributes to national security by providing energy independence for many rural communities nationwide.”

While Iowa is home to first-in-the-nation caucuses, it is also the leading state in biofuel production. In 2022, Iowa produced 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol and 349 million gallons of biodiesel. Those production levels accounted for nearly $7.2 billion of Iowa’s gross domestic product, generated $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households and supported more than 57,000 jobs throughout the Iowa economy.

Gov. Hutchinson is the third candidate to support a complete “biofuels vision,” joining Amb. Nikki Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis. A majority of candidates campaigning in Iowa now support all eight priority issues. Information on the eight priority issues and where candidates stand can be found at: www.biofuelsvision.com.  



CHS Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings

CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today released results for its first quarter ended Nov. 30, 2023. The company reported quarterly net income of $522.9 million compared to $782.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.

First quarter fiscal year 2024 highlights:
    Earnings were strong across our segments, although down from record first quarter earnings in fiscal year 2023.
    Revenues were $11.4 billion, compared to $12.8 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.
    Our Energy segment experienced favorable market conditions in our refined fuels business, reflecting sustained global demand for energy products.
    In our Ag segment, continued robust meal and oil demand drove strong earnings in our oilseed processing business that were offset by weak U.S. export demand for grains and oilseeds.
    Equity method investments performed well, with our CF Nitrogen investment being the largest contributor.

"CHS earnings were strong for the first quarter, despite a relative decline from last year's record earnings," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. "Our focus on execution and efficiency improvements bolstered results across all operations. We continue to see the benefits of our diversified ag and energy portfolio, our strategic footprint and investments in our supply chain. The success of our domestic soybean and canola processing business and our international origination capabilities have helped us add value to our farmer-owners' businesses."

Energy
Pretax earnings of $266.8 million represent a $129.8 million decrease versus the prior year period and reflect:
    Decreased refining margins compared to the highs in the previous year due to trade flows returning to more normal levels
    More favorable costs for renewable energy credits
    Higher margins in our propane business

Ag
Pretax earnings of $169.7 million represent a $117.6 million decrease versus the prior year period and reflect:
    Decreased margins for our grain and oilseed and oilseed processing businesses primarily due to mark-to-market timing adjustments and weak U.S. export demand
    Increased demand for wholesale and retail agronomy products as selling prices remained lower due to global market conditions

Nitrogen Production
Pretax earnings of $36.5 million represent a $60.4 million decrease versus the prior year period and reflect lower equity income from CF Nitrogen attributed to decreased market prices of urea and UAN.

Corporate and Other
Pretax earnings of $43.8 million represent a $7.1 million increase versus the prior year period, primarily reflecting increased interest income due to higher interest rates.



GROWMARK and CHS enter into exploratory process to discover opportunities to best serve customers and owners

Today, the GROWMARK and CHSBoards of Directors are pleased to announce that they have jointly agreed to conduct an exploratory process over the coming months to identify opportunities for the two cooperatives to further collaborate to better serve owners, customers and the cooperative system into the future.

The two farmer-owned cooperatives have had a long-standing relationship. Teams from GROWMARK and CHS have collaborated on strategic projects in ways that benefit their farmer-owners, cooperative-owners and customers.

CHS and GROWMARKare currently collaborating to improve agriculture, invest in technology and bring new solutions to customers. In 2021, the two cooperatives formed Cooperative Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on supporting advancements in breakthrough technologies for the agriculture industry.

“Continuing our long history of adding value?to our members and customers, while ensuring a strong and vibrant cooperative system for the future, is critical to the GROWMARK System,” said GROWMARK CEO Mark Orr. “Our partnership with CHS in Cooperative Ventures is a great example of cooperation amongst cooperatives that benefits the shareholders of both companies.”

“We believe that by working together we can better serve our farmer- and cooperative-owners. Ultimately, we aim to better meet customer demand for our owners’ products around the world and increase the value of the cooperative system,” said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS.

While the outcome of the exploratory process is not yet known, both GROWMARK and CHS anticipate emerging with an even stronger relationship focused on improving customer outcomes and strengthening agriculture for farmer- and cooperative-owners.



NPPC Voices Concerns Over FDA Antibiotics Proposal
 
The National Pork Prodcuers Council last week submitted comments critical of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) draft guidance on the duration of use of certain antibiotics in food animals. NPPC said the proposed guidance would “deny the ability for a veterinarian to prescribe antimicrobials appropriately … burden pharmaceutical companies, and may jeopardize access to antibiotics.”
 
Antibiotics are used judiciously under veterinary supervision to maintain livestock health and ensure safe food products. Over the past three decades, the U.S. pork industry has implemented measures, including FDA directives, to responsibly use antibiotics. This includes prohibiting the use of antibiotics important to human medicine for promoting animal growth and that requires feed and water uses of those same antibiotics to be under a veterinary prescription. Pork producers actively participate in pork industry-developed programs promoting responsible antibiotic use and support federal initiatives to track antibiotic resistance in foodborne bacteria from humans, retail meats, and food animals.
 
In its comments, NPPC emphasized that veterinarians are responsible for deciding what antimicrobials to prescribe, when products should be used and administered, and which animals to medicate and for how long. The draft guidance interferes with the veterinarian’s decision-making process by mandating a duration of use.
 
NPPC also criticized the guidance’s inclusion of statements on antimicrobial resistance mitigation, which it said could affect veterinarians’ decision-making ability and lead to confusion about when a product can and cannot be used.
 
NPPC urged the FDA to work closely with drug manufacturers to provide a simple process to include duration of use to continue availability of products – and allow veterinarians to maintain their role in the decision-making process, supporting the judicious use of antimicrobials.



RMA’s Livestock Roadshow virtual session is coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 17

From beef to dairy to pork…being a livestock producer comes with inherently unique and difficult challenges, and you want to make sure you know what options are available to best protect your operation. Buying a livestock insurance policy is one risk management option. Producers should always carefully consider how a policy will work in conjunction with their other risk management strategies to insure the best possible outcomes.

To help livestock producers know what insurance resources are out there and answer any questions, RMA is hosting a series of workshops for producers to learn about updates and improvements to several livestock risk management products. The improvements and expansions are based on feedback from America’s livestock producers.

Topics for RMA’s Livestock Roadshow sessions include:
        Annual Forage
        Dairy Revenue Protection
        Livestock Gross Margin
        Livestock Risk Protection
        Pasture, Rangeland and Forage
        Weaned Calf Risk Protection

Virtual Sessions
Click here to get more information and register: https://rma.usda.gov/Topics/Livestock-Roadshow.  



Paving the Way for Pork at Convenience Stores
 
While pork dominates breakfast offerings in convenience stores (C-stores), how do we get more pork purchased throughout the day? Collaborating closely with c-store partners, NPB is committed to developing new products, overcoming barriers, coordinating potential sales opportunities and moving more product in convenience stores.

Across the United States, numerous pork products are being showcased in stores, driving demand for high-quality pork and encouraging consumers to purchase pork more frequently.

Recent Highlights:
    Kwik Trip | Kwik Star: Presenting a limited-time Pork Fritter sandwich at 162 locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. While you are there check out the single boneless pork chop.
    Dash In: Introducing gourmet breakfast sandwiches and a new Italian sausage and peppers item across 65 locations in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.
    Spinx: Rolling out 5 oz bone-in marinated and breaded pork chops at 84 store locations in South Carolina and North Carolina.
    EG America: Launching the smoked sausage breakfast sandwich across 1,681 stores.
    Core-Mark: Presenting a Cuban sandwich with sliced ham and hot capicola, as well as pulled pork sandwiches. Core-Mark is one of the largest distributors and has locations in all 50 states.



U.S. Custom Harvesters to Gather 800 Custom Harvesters in Oklahoma City
 
U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) will host their Annual Convention in Oklahoma City, OK from January 25-27, 2024, and gather more than 800 members in the custom harvesting industry.
 
The Oklahoma City’s new Convention Center will host USCHI members. The Annual Convention will feature a tradeshow showcasing 142,590 square feet for vendors and associate members, combine clinics, forage clinics, state meetings, speaker sessions, women’s and kids’ events, a children’s safety day, musical entertainment from Wade Hayes. The tradeshow will feature sponsors such as Case IH, CLAAS of America, John Deere, JCB North America, Krone North America, and more to demonstrate the newest equipment, services, and technology harvest crew owners.
 
“The reason I come to this convention each year is to see the people. Over the years, the networking has provided jobs, loaner trucks, friendship, and more,” said Greg Thurman, long-time USCHI member and past president, in an episode of Custom Harvest Hype, USCHI’s podcast.
 
The board of directors will elect a new leader to an open board seat for the organization. Seth Buxcel, Patrick Farris, and Brian Zimmerman have been nominated for the open board seat. In addition to the program, the women’s and children’s events will include touring the National Cowboy Museum, The Oklahoma City Bomb Site and Memorial, a winery tour, and Kid’s Safety Day.