Tuesday January 30 Ag News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



HUSKER RESEARCHERS USING METABOLIC MODEL TO STUDY TEMPERATURE STRESS ON CORN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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



USDA Releases 2022 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary

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

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

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

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



Novel Discovery Could Fortify Farmers’ Defenses Against SCN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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