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.