Thursday January 11 Ag News

 EPA Fines Harvard, Nebraska, Company for Alleged Chemical Risk Prevention Violations

Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company has agreed to pay a $82,677 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions at its agronomy business in Harvard, Nebraska.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility stores, sells, and distributes anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect workers and the surrounding community from accidental releases.

“Compliance with Clean Air Act chemical risk prevention regulations saves lives,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “These enforcement actions protect communities and level the playing field with businesses who are following the rules.”

Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and even death. Fires or explosions may result if anhydrous ammonia is ignited.

During a January 2023 inspection, EPA determined that the company violated the law by failing to submit a risk management plan, perform an updated hazard review, and conduct an audit to ensure compliance with the regulations. EPA says that Aurora Cooperative took the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance after the inspection.

The Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their community. EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities.

Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur each year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.



Another round of grants available through Independent Processor Assistance Program

The Center for Rural Affairs applauds the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) continued efforts to support the state’s small- and medium-sized meat processors with its announcement of a second round of grant funding through the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP).

The NDA will award approximately $5.1 million in grants to processors for the modification or construction of buildings; packaging, processing, and storage equipment; technology to improve logistics or enable e-commerce; and workforce training.

The application period opens Jan. 16. The deadline to apply is Feb. 16.

This is expected to be the final round of funding being offered through IPAP. In 2022, nearly $5 million in grants were awarded to 64 small- and medium-sized processors from across the state.

The grant announcement is welcome news to the Center, which worked with Nebraska State Sen. Tom Brandt in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish IPAP and secure $10 million in grant funding during the 2021 and 2022 sessions, respectively.

“The capacity of Nebraska’s small meat processors continues to improve and expand thanks in part to grants issued in the first round,” said Meg Jackson, local foods associate for the Center. “Most exciting has been seeing facilities use their grant funds for larger expansion projects and becoming USDA-inspected to access new markets like schools and restaurants."

Eligible processors may apply for up to $100,000 and must operate as either a U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service facility or a federally regulated custom-exempt slaughter and processing facility. Previous recipients will be eligible to apply, but preference will be given to applicants not previously awarded funding. The operation must be located in Nebraska and be registered in good standing with the secretary of state to conduct business in Nebraska. Additionally, the processing facility must employ fewer than 25 people and have less than $2.5 million annually in existing sales revenue.

Among the first round of grant recipients was Mark Cornelius, who owns Cornelius Butchery in Pickrell, Nebraska. He used his $80,000 grant to buy new equipment that increased his facility’s production to keep up with demand and changing consumer preferences.

“People want a source for local, reliable, and readily available meats—not only as a consumer but also as a producer,” Cornelius said. “The IPAP grant helped make our expansion possible and led to our decision to become a USDA facility. This will open up new markets for us.”

Applications will be accepted through the NDA’s online platform called AmpliFund.The application, as well as information about eligible expenses and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/meat_processors. For more information, contact Megan Pernicek, NDA federal aid administrator, at 402.471.6823 or megan.pernicek@nebraska.gov.



Master farm budgeting with ABC program training 2024

On January 17, 2024, at 5:30 pm, agricultural professionals and enthusiasts have a valuable opportunity to enhance their budgeting skills through the Ag Budget Calculator (ABC) Program's virtual training. This event, accessible via Zoom and coordinated by Glennis McClure, offers a deep dive into agricultural financial management.

The training is divided into two essential parts:

Part 1 focuses on utilizing the ABC program for creating and updating crop budgets. Attendees will learn about the various elements that constitute projected production costs and expected returns, including both cash and economic aspects.

Part 2 extends to the Whole Farm component of the ABC Program. This segment is crucial for understanding the overall production costs across similar crop enterprises, reconciling operational expenses, allocating overhead costs effectively, and creating comprehensive cash flow statements from combined enterprise budgets.

The session will cover other ABC program features like breakeven analysis, crop comparison, and risk assessment, highlighting their role in informed decision-making.

Designed to last approximately 1.5 hours, this training session is perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in farm financial planning and analysis.

For more information and registration, interested parties can visit https://cap.unl.edu/abc/training.



USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Honored for Many Years of Support at Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

Today the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association honored Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack with the “Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels” award at the 2024 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Altoona, Iowa.

“Sec. Vilsack has been an outstanding and unrelenting champion of renewable fuels throughout his career as a state legislator, governor and now USDA secretary,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “As a lawyer, he dealt first-hand with families losing the farm during the 1980s Farm Crisis. Knowing that new markets were needed, he was a champion for biofuels as both state legislator and governor. Now, Sec. Vilsack continues to push for innovative new opportunities for farmers across the country, including sustainable aviation fuel. Looking at Sec. Vilsack’s entire career, it is clear he understands not just the economic value of biofuels, but the intrinsic values of hope and confidence in the future they provide for rural America.”

Vilsack received the Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels award for his many years of supporting and advocating for biofuels throughout his distinguished career. This is only the second time this prestigious honor has been awarded. The first recipient, Gov. Terry Branstad, received the award in 2017 as he was transitioning from the governors office to be the U.S. ambassador to China.

Nominated by President Joe Biden, Sec. Vilsack was confirmed as the 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23, 2021 by the U.S. Senate. Vilsack was the longest-serving member of President Barack Obama’s original Cabinet. Prior to his appointment, he served two terms as the Governor of Iowa, served in the Iowa State Senate and as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He received his bachelor's degree from Hamilton College and his law degree from Albany Law School in New York.



USDA Announces $19 Million in Biofuel Infrastructure Grants in 22 States

Today during the 2024 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is rewarding $19 million worth of Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program grants in 22 states to upgrade fueling infrastructure and make it possible for fuel retailers across Iowa to offer higher blends of biofuels. In Iowa, 88 retail locations received grants.

In response to today’s announcement, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“It’s because of his track record of innovative programs like this, that Iowa biofuels producers earlier bestowed Sec. Vilsack with the ‘Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels’ award. I want to thank Sec. Vilsack and his team for following through on their commitment to grow consumer access to higher blends around the country. These awards benefit all Iowans by supporting small retailers as they provide consumers with better quality fuel at a lower cost and grow rural America by supporting homegrown fuels like biodiesel and ethanol.

“Finally, IRFA thanks Iowa retailers for stepping up to participate in the program. The 88 Iowa fuel sites receiving grants today are leaders in bringing cleaner-burning lower-cost fuel options to consumers. With millions of funds still available, we encourage all Iowa retailers, big and small, to apply and bring higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel to their customers.”  



Sustainable Aviation Fuel Study Finds Midwest Economy Would Be Taken to New Heights

Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) today released a study of the economic impact on the Midwest if the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) goal of 35 billion gallons was met by 2050. The Midwest stands to benefit greatly as two of the most likely SAF feedstocks would be soybean oil and corn ethanol.

In order to reach the 35-billion-gallon goal, the study found that 63 new 200-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plants, 30 new ethanol-to-jet SAF production facilities and six new oils/fats SAF production facilities would need to be built.

DIS report author David Miller concluded: “SAF production provides a substantial opportunity for Midwestern states, Midwestern farmers, and Midwestern renewable fuel producers to prosper in the coming years if the SAF Grand Challenge comes to fruition and the Midwestern states take steps to be active participants in making the roadmap come to life. The pathway that DIS estimates most likely to be realized has [oils/fats]-based SAF and ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) being the two most prominent pathways for SAF production at least for the next 20 years.”

In addition to a huge economic jolt from the construction of the new SAF infrastructure, ongoing operations would:
·      Boost employment by 224,440 jobs
·      Increase labor income by $9.3 billion
·      Add $427 million to farm revenues in ethanol plant basis premiums alone
·      Raise farm income by $11,670 for a typical 1000-acre farm split 50/50 between corn and soybeans.

With corn production grow outpacing demand, without the new SAF market corn farmers would face an extended period of overproduction, resulting in:
·      Reducing corn acreage 68 million acres by 2050
·      Slashing of farm revenues by nearly $10 billion per year
·      Cutting farm income by $60,240 for a typical 1000-acre farm split 50/50 between corn and soybeans.

“[T]his potential cannot be fully realized without carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) for ethanol,” continued Miller. “And, without the potential new use for corn for ETJ-SAF, the U.S. corn supply is and will continue to grow at a pace that outstrips demand. Either stocks will build, and prices will decline, or a significant amount of corn acreage will need to be pulled out of production. Time is of the essence and the clock is ticking.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) commissioned DIS to conduct a study of the economic impact on the Midwest if the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge of 35 billion gallons by 2050 was met. The study does not attempt to judge the policies or incentives that would be necessary to achieve the goal, but rather to outline what the Midwest has to gain if the challenge was fulfilled.



IRFA's Shaw Says Challenges and Even Bigger Opportunities Face Renewable Fuels in 2024

The renewable fuels industry is facing big challenges today, but the opportunities are greater. That was the message from the 2024 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw today told the audience of over 800 registered attendees that the key is to hang together and to “chart our course wisely.”

“I believe we have entered a new era of dramatic disruptions that will quickly and permanently change the future of agriculture,” said Shaw. “I don’t just see one disruption occurring, but four. These include the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the rapid expansion of soybean crush capacity in the United States, the growth of Brazil’s corn ethanol production, and the potential 35-billion-gallon sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market.”

Noting that corn ending stocks are back above two billion bushels and corn prices have dropped over the last year, Shaw stressed that there is no magic pause button to sustain the status quo.

“EVs are coming. Brazil is ramping up. If we ignore these disruptions, it is a course for over production and corn prices routinely below breakeven levels,” Shaw said. “It is a course leading back to the 1990s or worse. Rural America must embrace innovation and align our products with the demands of our customers. The opportunities within our grasp today for biofuels, farmers, and all of rural America are so great it’s almost hard to wrap our minds around it.”

Shaw emphasized that carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is necessary to take advantage of the SAF market.

“The only way to unlock the full value of the SAF market to rural America is to decarbonize our ethanol,” Shaw said. “The best way for many ethanol plants to reduce their carbon score is by partnering with a carbon capture pipeline. There is no other readymade market on the horizon that can not only prevent further erosion of corn profitability, but also drive the rural economy into a new era of prosperity.”

 

Growth Energy CEO Sets Industry Agenda During IRFA Summit Keynote

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor delivered the keynote address to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s Renewable Fuels Summit today. Speaking alongside Governor Kim Reynolds, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Skor updated the crowd on the state of the U.S. bioeconomy and outlined the biofuel sector’s policy agenda for the new year.

Among other priorities, Skor discussed the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ongoing efforts to secure year-round nationwide access to E15, as well the U.S. Treasury Department's recent guidance on administering tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and next week's Iowa Caucuses.

On the bioeconomy:
“The bioeconomy is our entire mission at Growth Energy: cultivating it, expanding it, accelerating its growth by breaking down barriers and securing policies that recognize our innovations and advancements. We are making sure our members get the attention and the credit they deserve for investing in science and talent—for producing an endless variety of renewable, plant-based fuels and products.”

On the RFS:
“Opponents are challenging us with all kinds of litigation — from endangered species to refinery exemptions to blending obligations. Fortunately, after years of our hard work, the EPA has largely taken our side. But those decisions need to stand up in court. The RFS will need a clear and accurate defense. And we are there, alongside the agency — marshalling facts, presenting research, and deploying legal arguments — until this fight is won. Alongside allies like Iowa RFA, we will ensure that America’s most successful clean energy policy keeps delivering the market access we need to expand the bioeconomy.”

On E15:
“Last summer, E15 saved drivers an average of 15 cents per gallon compared to standard E10 fuel choices. In some states, drivers saw savings reach 40 to 60 cents per gallon. As you well know, continuing this momentum depends on federal decisions to let consumers access E15 year-round.

“Midwestern states – led by your own Governor Reynolds and Attorney General Bird – have stepped up to show real leadership on this issue. Over nearly two years, they have demanded EPA act on a rule that would allow year-round E15 in eight states, including Iowa.”

On the IRA tax incentives:
“We need the Treasury Department to implement tax credits in ways that allow bioethanol producers to accelerate our climate progress while expanding economic opportunity across rural America. We cannot let the tax code put agriculture on the sidelines.”

On the Presidential campaign:
“We’re working to cultivate allies and maximize the number of office holders who make firm commitments to bioethanol. The proof is right here on this stage, where major candidates—Governor Hutchinson, Ambassador Haley, Governor DeSantis—are presenting detailed, nuanced agendas for expanding the bioeconomy. And I’m confident they will continue supporting the bioeconomy regardless of whether they capture their party’s nomination.

"To that end, I am especially grateful for those of you who have opened your doors to candidates as they barnstormed Iowa. You showed them the full potential of the bioeconomy. And Iowa is just the tip of the spear. Growth Energy members will continue the push in other states over the next 10 months.”



 FY 24 Market Development Program Funds Announced By USDA

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA’s FAS) announced its market development program investments for the 2024 fiscal year (FY). The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) was one of the nearly 70 agricultural organizations to receive funding through the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program.

“Over the years, we have seen the tremendous impact both MAP and FMD have on expanding U.S. exports to markets across the globe,” said FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley in Monday’s announcement. “For each $1 invested in export market development, U.S. agricultural exports have increased by more than $24. These programs provide a significant boost to the U.S. agricultural industry, which in turn helps strengthen the economy not just in rural communities but across the entire United States.”

The Council was awarded approximately $13 million of MAP and FMD funding for FY 2024. In addition, the Council is also applying for additional funding through the newly created Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which will provide $1.2 billion to assist exporters in reaching non-traditional markets and building on relationships in existing markets.

“These grants are a culmination of a year’s long effort by our staff and our members through their role in Advisory Teams to identify program priorities for our various commodity groups and build program strategies to capture grant funding,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies. “We are a member-driven organization, and we will begin meeting with our members in February at our annual international marketing conference to start planning our strategy for 2025 and beyond.”

MAP reaches virtually every corner of the globe, helping build markets for a wide variety of U.S. farm and food products. FAS provides cost-share assistance to eligible U.S. organizations for activities such as consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, participation in trade fairs and exhibits, market research and technical assistance. When MAP funds are used for generic marketing and promotion, participants must contribute a minimum 10 percent match. For the promotion of branded products, a dollar-for-dollar match is required.

Additionally, the FMD program focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities rather than consumer-oriented promotion of branded products. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. FMD-funded projects generally address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities.



USDA to Distribute $203M In MAP, FMD Funding for Trade Promotion

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service this week announced it will award more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products through the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.

Through MAP, FAS will provide $174.3 million for fiscal year 2024 to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. Organizations use the funds on consumer promotion, including brand promotion for small companies and cooperatives. These dollars are used extensively by organizations promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products and bulk and intermediate commodities. According to FAS, the average MAP participant provides more than $2.50 in contributions for every $1 in federal funding it receives through the program.

FAS will allocate $27 million for fiscal year 2024 under the FMD program to 20 trade organizations. FAS focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities rather than consumer-oriented promotion of branded products. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. According to FAS, organizations that contribute on average more than $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding they receive through the program will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas.

As the cooperator of record for the U.S. Soybean Export Council, ASA is receiving $5.6 million in MAP funding and $7.4 million in FMD.

MAP and FMD are vital to U.S. soybean farmers, as they provide opportunities to develop new markets and grow demand for U.S. products in foreign markets. Utilizing MAP and FMD funds, ASA—through WISHH and USSEC—has leveraged those dollars to increase market access, address technical barriers to entry and create on-the-ground capacity and demand for U.S. soy.

One of ASA’s top priorities for a new farm bill is expanding trade promotion programs to help grow and diversify agricultural markets as tensions continue with U.S. agriculture’s largest export market—China. Support is also important for proposals that ensure in-kind food aid remains the foundation of international food assistance programs.



USDA to Reopen Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup on Jan. 12, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners. Additionally, producers participating in CRP can apply to re-enroll beginning Jan. 12, 2024 if their contracts will expire this year.   

“We are pleased to announce we are now accepting Continuous CRP offers,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Continuous CRP is one of the best conservation tools we can provide producers and landowners. Whether a producer wants to focus on water quality benefits or work with one of our partners to address a natural resource concern in their area, the program offers many options to help you meet your resource conservation goals.”  

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

To submit an offer, producers should contact the FSA at their local USDA Service Center by July 31, 2024, in order to have an offer effective by Oct. 1, 2024. To ensure enrollment acreages do not exceed the statutory cap, FSA will accept offers from producers on a first-come, first-served basis and will return offers for approval in batches throughout the year.  

Additionally, producers with acres enrolled in Continuous CRP set to expire Sept. 30, 2024, can offer acres for re-enrollment beginning Jan.12, 2024. A producer can both enroll new acres into Continuous CRP and re-enroll any acres expiring Sept.30, 2024.   

FSA water quality practices, such as riparian buffers, prairie strips, grassed waterways, and wetlands, will receive an additional 20% incentive. Buffer practices have a positive impact on water quality. Additionally, the Climate-Smart Practice Incentive launched in 2021 is also available in the Continuous signup.     

There are several enrollment options within Continuous CRP, including:  
    CREP: Working with conservation partners, CREP leverages federal and non-federal funds to target specific state, regional, tribal, or nationally significant conservation concerns.
    State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE): The initiative restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals.
    Highly Erodible Lands Initiative (HELI): Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index (EI) greater than or equal to 20.
    Farmable Wetlands Program: Producers and landowners can enroll land in CRP to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffers, improving both vegetation and water flow.   
    Clean Lake Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative and CLEAR30: This initiative prioritizes and offers additional incentives for water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings and harmful algal blooms. Through CLEAR30, a component of this initiative, these additional incentives for adoption of water quality practices can be accessed in 30-year contracts.  

More Information   
The water quality practice incentive builds on other improvements to Continuous CRP that were made in 2021, including expanding CLEAR30 from two pilot areas to nationwide availability and repositioning SAFE within Continuous CRP to give producers and landowners more opportunities to participate. Additionally, FSA has improved CREP by creating flexibilities within CREP for partners to provide matching funds in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or technical assistance, adding staff to work directly with partners, and expanding opportunities for Tribal Nations to participate, beginning with three Tribal Nations in the Great Plains, the Cheyenne River, Oglala, and Rosebud Sioux Tribes, for the first time ever, to help conserve, maintain, and improve grassland productivity while reducing soil erosion and enhancing wildlife habitat.  



Let's Raise a Glass on National Milk Day to the Power of Agriculture Research
Krysta Harden, President and CEO, US Dairy Export Council

Today is National Milk Day. Nearly 150 years ago, milk was delivered to American homes for the very first time using glass bottles. As more people moved to urban areas, the milkman became an important part of daily life, the link between local farms and families.

An innovation in 1878 – the glass bottle – made it all possible.

It’s mind boggling to think how far we have come as an industry since then. Ultimately, milk delivery changed with the times as other technological advances like pasteurization (documented in the 1860s but not broadly used until much later) and refrigeration made it safer and easier for people to enjoy milk products at home. This annual celebration of milk is a reminder of how the dairy industry continues to adapt to consumer needs and remain at the forefront of innovation.

Research like the work made possible by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is helping dairy stay on the cutting edge of what’s good, both for people and for the planet. One example is the Greener Cattle Initiative, which unites stakeholders across the dairy and beef value chains with a common goal of reducing methane emissions.

The U.S. dairy industry has a bold vision as being an environmental solution and has set accelerated sustainability goals to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality, optimize water usage and improve water quality by 2050. Research funded by FFAR directly supports the dairy industry’s Net Zero Initiative by producing up-to-date data and scaling technologies that ultimately could open up new market opportunities related to carbon, water quality and soil health.

Research is absolutely crucial to addressing the unprecedented challenges facing food production today. That’s why it is so concerning that the U.S. is falling behind other countries like China in investing in public agricultural research. It’s easy to see why FFAR’s collaborative public-private partnerships have never been more important.

In my travels on trade missions around the globe, one consistent theme I hear time and time again is that people want and need U.S. dairy products. That is because dairy provides more than just calories: it delivers nutrition that can change lives. And the U.S. is a reliable, committed supplier of high-quality dairy products.

I am proud to sit on the FFAR Board of Directors on behalf of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Research helps U.S. dairy remain competitive in international markets, which are a critical part of the dairy supply chain. Over the last 25 years, U.S. dairy exports have grown from representing less than 5% of U.S. milk produced annually to around 17%.

At USDEC, we use research to identify and seize market opportunities and tell U.S. dairy’s story to customers around the world.
    Sustainability research lets us explain the world-leading strides U.S. dairy has taken toward greenhouse gas reduction and charts our path forward to enhance the productivity of more nutritious dairy products with less environmental impact.
    Nutrition research provides the scientific foundation to communicate how dairy proteins help support health and wellness, including muscle maintenance, exercise recovery, healthy aging and weight management.
    Market research helps us better understand consumer and food safety trends, what is driving purchasing decisions and how U.S. dairy suppliers can deliver to the varied preferences and needs of global customers and consumers.
    Product research helps us understand how our dairy products and ingredients function and perform in food and beverage applications that are culturally appropriate, which helps spur customer success with new U.S. dairy-containing menus and products overseas.

We have come a long way since the days when glass bottles of milk were ubiquitous. What innovation will shake up the dairy aisle next? Research keeps us on the cutting edge of sustainability, nutrition and new product development.

Today, let’s raise a glass to the power of agricultural research on National Milk Day. By working together, we can ensure that the U.S. remains on the forefront of innovation that will protect our planet, nourish the world and change lives.



USDA to kick off the National Agricultural Classification Survey

Already preparing for the 2027 Census of Agriculture, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) starting Jan. 24. The survey, an important step in determining who should receive a 2027 Census of Agriculture questionnaire, will go to approximately 250,000 recipients to ask if they conduct agricultural activity. The results of the survey will ensure that every U.S. producer, no matter how large or small their operation, has a voice and is counted in the highly anticipated and influential agricultural census data.  

“This survey helps illustrate the breadth of American agriculture and enables USDA to get a complete count of all farmers and ranchers,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “Every response matters. Even if a recipient believes that the survey does not apply to them, we ask that they respond to the few screening questions.”   

NASS encourages recipients to respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, using the unique survey code mailed with the survey. Completed questionnaires may also be mailed back in the prepaid envelope provided. NASS requests that each person who receives the survey respond promptly.

“The NACS ensures that everyone who produces and sells, or normally would sell, $1000 or more of agricultural products in a calendar year are represented in these vital data," said Hamer.

Referenced by countless national, state, and local decision-makers, researchers, farm organizations, and more, the once-every-five-year Census of Agriculture remains the most comprehensive source of data on American agriculture. The data tell the story of American farmers, ranchers, and growers over time, and inform agricultural policies and programs that impact operations across America. USDA will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data in February 2024.

If a producer did not receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture or the NACS, NASS encourages them to sign up to be counted at www.agcounts.usda.gov/getcounted. All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. For more information about the NACS, visit www.nass.usda.gov/go/nacs. For assistance with the survey, call 888-424-7828.  



Concept AgriTek Announces Strategic Expansion with Appointment of Ethan Jones as District Sales Manager

Missouri headquartered Concept AgriTek is pleased to announce the further expansion of the sales team with the recent addition of Ethan Jones who will serve as district sales manager for customers and dealers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and the northwest corner of Iowa.

“I’m working to learn Concept AgriTek’s extensive product portfolio and be able to apply the Concept AgriTek “A,B,C’s”, Jones says. “I thought that I knew agronomy, but I have realized in these past few weeks that I have a lot to learn. Concept AgriTek has opened my eyes to assessing agronomy, biology, and chemistry; how important it is to start off knowing what a plant or the soil actually needs and using all of that information to help the grower. It isn’t just selling a product.”

With a degree in Prescision Technology from Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, S.D., Jones has served in sales and agronomy roles for agriculture and seed companies throughout the region. Armed with nearly a decade of experience and an ambition to help growers in his territory, Jones shares that the Concept AgriTek team is a good fit for him personally and professionally.

“I’m so impressed with the Concept AgriTek team. My first week was the annual dealer meeting. The team brought in Dr. James White to talk about biology and root exudates and sitting in the meeting, listening to the conversation, I felt like I was getting back to honest agronomy. Trey (Concept AgriTek’s founder and owner) and Daniel are both so agronomically sound—Daniel is an agronomist and now leads the company. It’s a good change and a nice challenge for me to build my skills. I’m excited for it,” he says.

Jones is also excited about the support he’s already seeing from the rest of the Concept AgriTek team members, who he says, have gone out above and beyond to answer questions and make sure he feels like a part of the team. From phone calls from different regions to personal invitations for one-on-one learning, Jones says that it’s a true family feel.

“We’re as excited as Ethan is to have him on the team,” says Concept AgriTek President, Daniel Hensley. “We grew significantly in 2023 and we have plans to continue that growth in 2024. But we aren’t growing faster than we can manage. Qualifications add up to more than experience and background, our team is cohesive and wants to learn, that’s what it takes to serve the growers we work with. We hire people who truly want to be a part of something that’s a different approach to agronomic sales. Ethan has that drive and is already a valuable member of our team.”

Currently, Jones resides with his wife in Watertown, S.D. and can be reached at ethan.jones@conceptagritek.com. Jones began his role on December 11, 2023.