Monday February 05 Ag News

 Gov. Pillen Awards Prizes to Student Entrepreneurs through Inaugural New Venture Competition

On Thursday evening last week, Governor Jim Pillen awarded prizes to three teams of college entrepreneurs through the first-ever Nebraska Governor’s New Venture Competition. The contest, created to showcase and encourage student-led entrepreneurship, was overseen by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Invest Nebraska, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The winning teams were: 1st Place: Privy AI; 2nd Place: Cattle Kettle; 3rd Place: Dyslexico.

“Entrepreneurs are the bread and butter of our economy,” said Gov. Pillen. “They’re the innovators and job creators who help Nebraska grow. Entrepreneurs display remarkable courage in taking the risk of launching a new venture. I’m blown away by the ingenuity and grit of the young entrepreneurs who took part in the New Venture Competition. The contest was a great way to give visibility and support to homegrown Nebraska ideas with industry-transforming potential.”

“It’s incredibly energizing to see the next generation of entrepreneurs in action,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “Across Nebraska, economic opportunities are increasingly being created by local entrepreneurs. The State is intensifying our support of these homegrown entrepreneurs, through initiatives like the Governor’s New Venture Competition, as the most viable economic development strategy for sustained growth.”

Nineteen teams of students -- including both undergraduate and graduate students -- submitted proposals through the Governor’s New Venture Competition. Competitors participated from Doane University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Omaha, and Peru State College. All 19 teams pitched their idea virtually to a panel of judges representing the Nebraska Angels, Black Dog Ventures, Tech Nebraska, and NPPD. The judges provided valuable feedback to the student entrepreneurs and selected 11 teams as finalists.

Each finalist team was then assigned a mentor to help refine their presentation. The mentors were chosen from Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem based on their familiarity with tech startups and the art of pitching a business concept. After working with their mentor, the finalists pitched their business idea in person to a panel of judges during the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Feb. 1. These judges -- representing Hudl, NPPD, Fast Forward, Grit Road Partners, and Move Capital Fund – selected the awardees. Later in the evening, Gov. Pillen officially announced the winners.

First Place Award - $20,000 Prize - Privy AI
Samuel Ingledue - Tan Phan - UNL
PrivyAI empowers AI developers and companies by sourcing high-quality training data from data aggregators and selling them securely on its marketplace. The datasets on PrivyAI are also redacted to ensure privacy.

Second Place Award - $15,000 Prize - Cattle Kettle
Brooke Bode - Seth Daup - UNL
Cattle Kettle is a stock tank management company that simplifies managing cattle tanks, allowing ranchers to monitor and control their tanks remotely. Their products can save ranchers an average of 30 hours of work each week and thousands of dollars each year by reducing the need for manual checks and maintenance.

Third Place Award - $10,000 Prize - Dyslexico
Bridget Peterkin - Tristan Curd - UNL
Dyslexico is an assistive writing platform designed to meet the needs of people with dyslexia in a world of writing tools that were not made for them. Dyslexico uses AI-powered spelling and grammar corrections, dyslexia accessibility tools, and powerful analytics to help people with dyslexia grow as writers and communicate with confidence.

“Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem of founders, funders, private partners and public agencies continually seeks new collaborations to build the pipeline of young entrepreneurs in the state,” said Dan Hoffman, CEO of Invest Nebraska. “Governor Pillen’s vision of seeding and growing new ventures in Nebraska will have a long-term impact on the state’s economy.”

“We want to congratulate all of the students who competed in the Governor's inaugural New Venture Competition,” said Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “We're thrilled we were able to be a part of the event and get a glimpse into the future of Nebraska's business leaders and all they'll bring to our great state.”

The Governor’s Office would like to thank the participants, judges, and sponsors of the Governor’s New Venture Competition. Prize sponsors include Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District, the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Economic Developers’ Association, Nebraska Diplomats, NexTera Energy, and Invest Nebraska.

For more information about the Governor’s New Venture Competition, visit the contest’s website: https://negovnewventure.com.



TAPS: A Year of Surprising Results
Feb 8, 2024 12:00 PM
Matt Stockton, Professor, Agricultural Economics, UNL
Chuck Burr, Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator, UNL.

In 2023, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) program had some surprises with a local hail event and a declining corn market. With this advent and the volatile corn market, contestants’ insurance and marketing choices were critical to their profitability. Join us for a discussion on the effect of the many different strategies and decisions made in four of Nebraska’s contests: sprinkler irrigated corn, sub-surface irrigated corn, dryland/irrigated sorghum, and popcorn. Some questions will be answered such as: 1) How much did forward pricing pay off?, 2) How effective was crop insurance in covering losses?, 3) Does level and type of protection matter?, and 4) more.

Get more information about the webinar and register here:  https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Soybeans Set to Be Newest Nebraska TAPS Competition in 2024

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is adding soybean to the lineup of Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) farm management competitions for 2024.

TAPS is an innovative program fostering interactive real-life farm management competitions, uniting UNL researchers, extension professionals, producers, industry leaders, and agriculture students in a dynamic network aimed at advancing profitability and input-use efficiency. The inaugural soybean competition will take place at UNL's Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Nebraska, and will be supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

"We are excited to add soybeans to the TAPS farm management competitions we offer in Nebraska,” said Chuck Burr, UNL Extension Educator and TAPS team member. “Previous TAPS participants have indicated that they are adopting new technology and management strategies on their farms, and the soybean industry has made great strides in these areas over the past 15 to 20 years. We are excited to help take that to the next level with the new TAPS competition."

Participants in the soybean competition will make critical farm management decisions, including crop insurance, variety selection, seed treatment, seeding rate, planting date, fungicide, insecticide, micronutrient application, herbicide decisions and marketing. These decisions will be implemented on randomized plots within the field at ENREEC. Due to limitations of the irrigation equipment in 2024, the competition will not include irrigation decisions for participants, but will be fully irrigated at the discretion of the UNL team.

"I see this as a valuable opportunity to integrate new strategies into my soybean operation,” said Blake Johnson, NSB district 8 director and farmer interested in participating in the TAPS soybean program. “TAPS has a proven track record of driving innovation, and this kind of competition is a great way to get involved.”

Participants will be given the opportunity to test a wide range of ag management technologies and utilize a plethora of data throughout the growing season. Similar to other TAPS competitions, the soybean competitors will compete for three awards, which include greatest grain yield, highest input-use efficiency and most profitable.

"We look forward to highlighting information learned by the TAPS soybean competition participants as part of the Soybean Management Field Days, which will be a new aspect to the field days that have been around for 25 years," said Aaron Nygren, UNL Extension Educator and TAPS team member.

The TAPS team is looking for people interested in participating in the inaugural year of the soybean competition. They are also looking for participants from each of the eight Nebraska Soybean Board districts.

If you, or someone you may know, is interested, please contact Krystle Rhoades, TAPS Program Manager at krystle.rhoades@unl.edu.



2024 Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project Winter Meeting, Orchard Nebraska

On January 30, 2024, the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Project hosted their annual Winter Meeting at the Community Center in Orchard, Nebraska. In total there were 78 attendees consisting of NRD and NRCS employees, NRD Board Members, Sponsors, and most importantly, Producers (43 in all).

The event started with an educational presentation by Daniel Snow, Nebraska Water Center, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reviewing the ‘2021-2023 Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Vadose Zone Project’. The crowd was very engaged with this information and responded with many questions.

Lunch was served and all enjoyed the soup and sandwiches!

Immediately following lunch was an informal ‘Farmer-to-Farmer’ session. This session allowed producers the opportunity to share information about farming practices that work for them peer-to-peer. The session was led by Josh Stelling of Orchard, NE. Stelling showed seeding discs that he tried out for cover crop inter-seeding. These discs are compatible with many of the existing planters and do not require a huge new investment. Lower Elkhorn NRD board member, Mark Hall, (also a producer) spoke about the Reverse Osmosis Rebate Program offered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

The last presentation was a Soil Health and Rain Simulator Demonstration conducted by Marty Marx and Waylon Petsche of the NRCS. This was a very visual working demonstration of how soil health affects how rain infiltrates soil under different management systems.

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The BMGA Project is an ongoing joint effort of the Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara, Lower Elkhorn, Upper Elkhorn NRDs, and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, to curb the rise in nitrate concentrations. By offering educational opportunities, establishing demonstration sites, and offering cost-share on select Best Management Practices (BMPs), one of the Project’s goals is widespread adoption of BMPs across the area.  BMPs are designed to give the producer more efficient control over inputs while reducing the environmental impact. If anyone is interested in adding BMPs to their operations, contact BGMA Coordinator Lisa Lauver at 403-371-7313 or llauver@lenrd.org,  or your local NRCS office.



Farm credit shares $357M dividends with Midwest farmers

In an exciting announcement for the agricultural community, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is set to return $357 million in cash-back dividends to its customer-owners in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This gesture underscores FCSAmerica's enduring commitment to the cooperative business model and its members' financial well-being.

Mark Jensen, FCSAmerica's president and CEO, highlighted the significance of the dividends as both a reward for the cooperative's members and a means to foster investment in agricultural operations and rural communities. "Our 20-year streak of cash-back dividends showcases our financial resilience and dedication to adding value for our customer-owners," Jensen stated.

The 2024 cash-back dividends represent a 1% return based on the eligible average daily loan balance for each customer with FCSAmerica. This initiative not only rewards loyal members but also strengthens the agricultural economy in the cooperative's four-state service area.

The FCSAmerica Board of Directors has green-lighted a dividend from the 2024 net earnings, the specifics of which will be decided in December. Since initiating its program in 2004, FCSAmerica has given back over $3.3 billion to its members, enhancing its role as a crucial supporter of the agricultural sector.

The distributions are part of a larger effort to sustain agriculture and rural areas, with county-level details accessible through an interactive map. This year's distribution continues a proud tradition, reflecting FCSAmerica's solid financial position and its commitment to the communities it serves.



Iowa Biodiesel Production Steady in 2023

In 2023, Iowa biodiesel production kept steady at 350 million gallons, nearly the same as the 349 million gallons produced in 2022. Even in a changing biofuels space with increased soybean crush and renewable diesel production and talk of sustainable aviation fuel, Iowa biodiesel producers were able to maintain their production.

“During a time of great change, Iowa biodiesel producers were able to maintain their production and markets,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Looking forward, we see a wide range of markets that offer growth opportunities for biodiesel, including home-heating oil, rail, and marine. IRFA will continue to focus on equity in biofuels policy that account for the role that biodiesel can and should play going forward.”

Reflecting the expansion of soybean crush capacity nationally and in Iowa, soybean oil increased to 77 percent of the feedstock for Iowa biodiesel production. Animal fats followed at just over 7 percent. Corn oil just barely exceeded canola oil with both near 6 percent. Used cooking oil provided 3 percent of the feedstock.

Iowa plants have the capacity to produce 400 million gallons of biodiesel annually. The IRFA compiled production information from an industry survey.



TOTAL U.S. SOY EXPORTS ADD $39.8 BILLION TO U.S. ECONOMY IN MARKETING YEAR 22/23

U.S. Soy complex exports (whole soybean, soybean meal and soybean oil) added $39.8 billion to the U.S. economy in marketing year (MY) 22/23 on a volume of 67.6 million metric tons (MMT). The shining star: U.S. soybean meal exports broke records for both volume and value at 13.2 MMT and $6.91 billion, respectively.

"U.S. Soy exports in marketing year 22/23 were nothing short of extraordinary. A standout achievement was the record-breaking performance of soybean meal exports, reaching unprecedented volume and value levels,” said Steve Reinhard, United Soybean Board Chair and Ohio farmer. “As we strive to meet the growing international demand and address global food security challenges, sustainability remains at the forefront of our mission, ensuring that our products nourish and uphold environmental responsibility. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, U.S. Soy continues to lead as a global force in agriculture, providing quality, reliability, and a vision for a better tomorrow."

U.S. soybean meal exports
While U.S. processors increased domestic soybean crush capacity, soybean meal has been at the forefront of many conversations. Increased demand in the last five years from both Colombia and Ecuador boosted U.S. soybean meal exports by 15% and 36% respectively above their five-year averages. Meanwhile, increased volume and higher prices saw U.S. soybean meal exports increase in value by 39% over the five-year average from MY 17/18 - MY 21/22.

“As we look out 10 years, soybean production is forecast to follow the rising productivity curve, continuing to increase on the same amount of land as new innovations, technologies and improved plant varieties become available to U.S. Soy farmers. This will allow the U.S. Soy industry to continue to meet the need of international (excluding-U.S.) whole soybean export demand, and U.S. domestic soybean crush demand,” says Jim Sutter, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

The top five markets by volume for U.S. soybean meal exports in MY22/23 were: Philippines (2.15 MMT), Mexico (1.66 MMT), Colombia (1.45 MMT), Canada (1.2 MMT) and European Union (EU) (0.816 MMT) with Ecuador, Venezuela and Guatemala following closely.

U.S. whole soybeans
Despite persistent global challenges to international business (COVID, climate, conflict, and currency), the volume of U.S. whole soybean exports at 54.2 MMT kept pace with the previous five-year average of 54.4 MMT.

“The consistency of whole soybean demand is impressive given the challenges our international food, feed and retail customers continue to face,” Sutter indicates. “I believe it is in recognition of the superior value of U.S. Soy, including its optimal nutritional bundle and refining value, lowest carbon footprint[3], low damage, and reliability — all of which help our customers deliver high quality food and feed products, while improving their bottom lines and advancing sustainability.”

U.S. soybean oil
Following U.S. investment and demand for sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable fuels, naturally U.S. soybean oil exports dipped 82% from the five-year average to 171,500 MT.

“This was not a surprise and reflects the investment in renewable fuels we see increasing in the United States,” says Sutter.

International market development strategy continues to drive customer satisfaction and growth
Josh Gackle, American Soybean Association president and soy farmer from North Dakota, noted the importance of the groundwork done at home to cultivate international demand, saying “Our industry has created a robust and well-oiled network for collaboration among our national soybean associations to create, develop, and protect international markets for U.S. beans, meal, and oil. For us at the American Soybean Association, that means protecting trade and market development interests from a policy perspective, and then we have the similarly vital roles of the United Soybean Board and U.S. Soybean Export Council in spearheading the actual development of those markets, ensuring the quality and reputation of our products is known, and continuing to pursue pathways whereby our farmers can efficiently get U.S. Soy into those global markets and meet the increasing level of international demand.”

Looking at the total U.S. Soy complex, the top 5 markets during MY 22/23 were China (31 MMT), Mexico (6.6 MMT), EU (6.4 MMT), Japan (2.7 MMT) and the Philippines (2.3 MMT).

A market that saw significant growth from the previous MY was Vietnam with total U.S. Soy complex imports up 40% at 1 MMT. Markets demonstrating moderate growth year over year are EU (15%), Indonesia (9%), South Korea (7%), and China (5%). Morocco, Philippines, and Ecuador were also up slightly.

With export volumes keeping pace with the previous five-year average, higher prices drove an increase in value of the U.S. Soy complex exports which were 35.9% above the previous 5-year average (2018/19 to 2022/23).

“The U.S. Soy export value chain is the best in the world. Our ability to meet the needs of consumers, companies and countries around the world due to our expansive and robust infrastructure and logistics despite challenges, has been proven time and time again,” explains Sutter. “The U.S. export infrastructure has some valuable options which in times of challenge give us reliable flexibility. The U.S.’ ability to utilize a multimodal approach allows for agility when necessary. U.S. Soy delivers whether it be by bulk vessel, rail, or container – U.S. East, West of Gulf Coasts, the Great Lakes, or the Pacific Northwest corridor so we can meet our customers’ needs.”

Every day around the world, United Soybean Board partners with USSEC who has experts on the ground working to attain market access, differentiate and elevate a preference for U.S. Soy in the animal protein, aquaculture, soy foods and oil sectors. Recent initiatives include U.S. Soy marketing in 14 languages, investing in animal nutrition and aquaculture performance research, developing the Soybean Value Calculator, and collaborating with customers around the world to maximize the value from U.S. Soy products (beans, meal, oil) as well as advance sustainability leveraging our U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) certificates or Sustainable U.S. Soy on-pack labels.

Due in part to these recent efforts, and those of the USB, the American Soybean Association, State Soybean Boards and other USSEC members, U.S. Soy continues to be the United States’ No. 1 leading agricultural export both in value and volume.



Soybean Request for Referendum to Begin May 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct the Soybean Request for Referendum May 6 through May 31, 2024, in county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.

The Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act requires USDA to conduct a Request for Referendum every five years to determine if producers want to vote on continuation of the Soybean Checkoff Program. The last Request for Referendum was conducted in 2019.

Individual producers and other producer entities may request a referendum at the county FSA office where their administrative farm records are maintained. Producers who do not participate in FSA programs may request a referendum through the county FSA office where they own or rent land.

To be eligible to participate, producers must certify and provide documentation that they produced soybeans and paid an assessment(s) on their soybeans during the period of January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. Producers may obtain Form LP–51–1, Soybean Promotion and Research Order Request for Referendum, by postal mail, fax or in person from their FSA county office. The form will be available on the United Soybean Board page of the AMS website, from May 6, 2024, to May 31, 2024.

Completed forms and supporting documentation must be returned to the appropriate county FSA office by fax or in person no later than close of business May 31, 2024. Mailed forms must be postmarked by midnight May 31, 2024, and received in the county FSA office by close of business, June 7, 2024.

USDA will conduct a referendum if a least 10 percent of the nation’s 413,358 soybean producers support a referendum. Not more than one-fifth of the producers who support having a referendum can be from any one state.

Notice of the opportunity to request a referendum was published in the Federal Register Feb. 2, 2024.

The soybean checkoff program is administered by a 77-member producer board and is designed to expand uses of soybeans and soybean products in domestic and foreign markets. The national program is financed by a mandatory assessment of one-half of 1 percent of the net market price of soybeans.



CattleFax Forecasts Continued Producer Profitability with Herd Expansion on the Horizon

The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, shared expert market and weather analysis.

The smallest beef cow inventory in the last 50 years, coupled with historically strong demand, led to the highest average fed cattle and calf prices in 2023. As reduced cattle numbers and beef production continue over the next three years, leverage and profitability will continue to favor cattle producers.
 
Despite record prices, expansion will likely be delayed once again. Lingering drought, high input costs, limited labor availability, high interest rates, and market uncertainty all serve as headwinds against growing the cowherd. The current cattle cycle anticipates slower and more prolonged expansion, with heifer retention causing a supply decline with expected lows in fed slaughter by 2026. Higher cattle prices and reduced feeding costs will continue to improve margins for cow-calf producers for the next several years, a much-needed improvement to drive expansion as weather patterns allow, according to CattleFax.
 
After several months watching El Niño’s influence on the global weather pattern, Meteorologist Matt Makens said the El Niño event that placed moisture on the South and Southeast is fading away and La Niña is showing signs of making a rapid return.

“During the next several weeks, we will continue to see strong and wet storm systems move across the central and southern states. Increased odds for snow and cold as far south as Texas will mean possible impacts on calving and wheat,” he said. “Take this moisture now and make the most of it; look for a good start to this grazing season overall but be mindful that drought conditions will increase for the Southern Plains during summer and fall as we see our pattern change quickly.”

As La Niña’s influence grows, increased heat and drought-related issues are expected for the Central and Southern Plains. The moisture pattern will favor the northern tier of states and the Ohio to Tennessee Valleys.

Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, reported that U.S. beef cow herd declined 2% with inventories at 28.2 million head at the beginning of this year.

“Though drought conditions did improve in many regions, over a third of the cow herd was affected by drought in 2023, causing limited heifer retention and more liquidation in some regions. This will limit growth to the cow herd near-term,” Good said.

Cow and bull slaughter is forecast to be 6.5 million head in 2024, down around 800,000 head, from 2023. CattleFax predicted feeder cattle and calf supplies outside of feedyards will be 1 million head smaller than 2023 at 24.1 million head. Commercial fed slaughter in 2024 is forecast to decline by 750,000 to 24.8 million head.

Cattle on feed inventories began 2024 up about 2% at 11.9 million head. Good noted, “Though inventories may remain somewhat elevated for a few months, they are expected to decline significantly through the second half of the year.”

After about a 1.3-billion-pound decline in 2023, beef production is expected to be down another billion pounds in 2024 to total about 25.9 billion pounds. The decline in production in 2024 will lead to a 1.7-pound decline in net beef supply to 56 pounds per person.

Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer, forecasted the average 2024 fed steer price at $184/cwt., up $9/cwt. from 2023. All cattle classes are expected to trade higher, and prices are expected to continue to trend upward. The 800-lb. steer price is expected to average $240/cwt., and the 550-lb. steer price is expected to average $290/cwt. Utility cows are expected to average $115/cwt., with bred cows at an average of $2,600/cwt.

“When thinking about what demand looks like, we need to think about what our consumer looks like with the U.S. economy being the driving factor going into 2024,” Good said. “Though inflation has moderated, consumer debt and interest rates, cheaper alternative proteins, and economic uncertainty may limit spending and impact purchasing decisions.”

2024 USDA All-Fresh Retail Beef prices are expected to average $7.90/pound and, while higher beef prices may soften consumer purchasing habits, Good predicted the consumer preference for the quality, consistency and safety of U.S. beef will continue to support relatively strong demand. “Premiums for higher quality beef should remain as consumers have shown a willingness to pay for Choice grade or better beef.”
 
Global protein demand has continued to rise around the world and tighter global protein supplies should broadly support prices in 2024. U.S. beef exports saw large declines in 2023, down about 13% and another 5% decline is expected in 2024, driven by smaller U.S. production and higher prices. Japan and South Korea remain the top U.S. beef export destinations.

Troy Bockelmann, CattleFax director of protein and grain analysis, said National Dec. 1 on-farm hay stocks were up 6.9% from a year-ago at 76.7 million tons with hay prices averaging $220/ton in 2023. “Another good hay crop needs to be seen in 2024, to help rebuild stocks from the lows in 2022 and return prices to a more historically normal range. The first half of 2024 will likely see prices supported at more elevated levels before dropping by roughly $30/ton following harvest.”

He noted that corn stocks-to-use are at just under 15% and should keep the market below $5.50/bu. with a yearly average price of $5.00/bu. expected. “Overall, when thinking about watch items for 2024, look at March perspectives planting report, soybean exports, and the total principal crop acres.”

On the energy front, Bockelmann said that, for 2024, not much will change. He said crude oil is expected to average around $80/barrel and noted that the geopolitical environment will be the driver of price relative to oil markets.

Randy Blach, CattleFax chief executive officer, concluded the session with an overall positive outlook, and noted that the current cattle cycle will be much slower and prolonged compared to the last as heifer retention has not yet started on a nationwide basis. He expects the peak in cattle prices is likely to occur in 2025-2026 and, in the meantime, industry profitability will continue to swing in favor of the cow-calf producer as excess feeding and packing capacity chases a declining supply of feeder cattle and calves.



CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AT 2024 WINTER MEETINGS

Cattle producers Andy Bishop of Kentucky, Ryan Moorhouse of Texas and Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst of Oklahoma are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB). This officer team is responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2024.

Bishop, Moorhouse and DeVuyst were elected by their fellow Beef Board members during their Winter Meetings, held during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando, Florida. Bishop, the 2023 vice chair, will now serve as the CBB’s chair, while Moorhouse will transition from his role as the 2023 secretary-treasurer to become the 2024 vice chair. DeVuyst is the newest member of the officer team, taking on Moorhouse’s former responsibilities as secretary-treasurer.

2024 Chair Andy Bishop and his wife Meagan of Coxs Creek, Kentucky are raising their four children on their registered Angus seed stock operation, Fairfield Farm. Bishop began his career teaching agriculture and moved into the field of agriculture lending in 2007. Bishop is the former chair of the Kentucky Beef Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Bishop also served as a member of the Long Range Planning Task Force and as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Young Producers Council and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Young Producers group.

“The beef industry is in a unique situation as 2024 gets underway,” Bishop said. “Producers have been dealing with adverse weather and production cost conditions over the past few years, leading to herd liquidation. While things do seem to be improving, the Beef Checkoff must continue to be vigilant, developing the right programs and messaging to keep beef demand high. I’m excited to lead the CBB as we navigate the opportunities and challenges this year sends our way.”

Vice Chair Moorhouse grew up in North Central Texas on his family’s cow/calf and stocker operation. After graduating from Texas A & M University, Moorhouse went to work for Continental Grain Cattle Feeding (now Five Rivers). He currently serves as the general manager for Hartley Feeders, a Five Rivers Cattle Feeding operation. A resident of Amarillo, Texas, Moorhouse, his wife Colette and their two sons also operate a stocker operation back home on part of the family ranch.

Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst and her husband, Eric, own DeVuyst Ranch, a cow-calf and stocker operation. DeVuyst is also a professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and head of its Ag Econ department. DeVuyst is involved with numerous agricultural organizations, including Oklahoma CattleWomen, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Pawnee County CattleWomen, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and American National CattleWomen. She’s also a faculty advisor for the Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen and is a past board member of the Western Agricultural Economics Association.

“Our CBB members and staff are incredibly fortunate to have three strong beef industry leaders and advocates like Andy, Ryan and Cheryl at the helm of this organization,” said Greg Hanes, CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “Each has unique experience and perspective to share, representing producers from across the U.S. As we begin our journey through 2024, I’m looking forward to working with this leadership team to launch programs and initiatives that drive beef demand and benefit producers nationwide.”

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



Wyoming Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President

Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher, ascended to the role of NCBA president during the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention, held last week in Orlando, Florida. Eisele, along with his wife, Trudy, and their children, operate the historic King Ranch near Cheyenne, Wyoming, grazing both public and private lands.
 
The 2024 NCBA officer team, approved by the NCBA Board of Directors, took office at the end of this year’s convention. Buck Wehrbein of Nebraska was named president-elect and Gene Copenhaver of Virginia was elected vice president. Kim Brackett of Idaho was elected chair of the NCBA Policy Division and Skye Krebs of Oregon was elected policy vice chair. Dan Gattis of Texas and Nancy Jackson of Mississippi were elected as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the NCBA Federation division. Brad Hastings of Texas will continue to serve as NCBA treasurer.
 
Eisele’s focus during his time as president is to advocate for opportunities to strengthen the industry for future generations and for producers’ freedom to operate. Protecting property rights and reinforcing the cattle industry’s position as an ally in preserving open spaces and wildlife habitat through managed grazing practices will be a top priority.
 
“I manage both public and private lands and am often asked why protecting public land ranching is important. Aside from it being a part of how we raise cattle in the West, it’s also an important place to draw a line in the sand. If public lands are closed to cattle, or we’re regulated to the point that we can’t run cattle on public lands, it will only be a matter of time before activists end up on the doorstep of every farmer and rancher in the country, looking to restrict private property and water rights. I want NCBA to make sure that can’t happen,” he said. “Grazing is good and beef is a valuable protein. We need flexibility in the way we produce it. Those are the simple messages I want to get across to decision makers.”
 
During the year ahead, Eisele also expects to tackle ongoing Farm Bill negotiations as NCBA works to secure reauthorization of animal health provisions, expand the accessibility and funding of risk management and disaster relief programs, and protect voluntary conservation programs. The significant challenge posed by federal government tax policies, particularly the Death Tax, will also be top of mind.
 
He expressed his commitment to advocating for producers in all segments of the industry. Eisele sees the year ahead as an opportunity to pay back the efforts of those who came before him. Acknowledging the influence of past leaders, Eisele explained that it’s critical for cattle and beef industry leaders to step up and lead while taking on the challenges of the future. “I believe in this industry. I believe in its people. I want to meet as many members as I can and hear stories about good things that have happened. I also want to hear stories about bad things that are occurring so we can find ways that NCBA can support our members and help solve the problems they face. In the year ahead, I plan to focus on these priorities while also opening opportunities for young leaders."
 
“For me, one of the most meaningful things in my whole world is to have my family, my kids, my grandkids on the ranch with me. One of the reasons I want to serve, and do what I'm doing, is for my family. I also want to repay the mentors who gave me a leg up in the industry. And I’d like to do something significant with my time here on the planet. The agricultural landscape is evolving, and I am confident that with the same spirit that has carried our association through the last 125 years, we will continue to thrive, innovate and lead,” Eisele said.



NGFA commends FDA regulatory decision to encourage the development of novel feed products

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) last week commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for issuing a decision to revoke a decades-old regulatory policy that has kept innovative feed ingredients from being available to American agriculture.

“CVM’s decision is an important step toward facilitating progress in the development of safe, novel feed ingredients that provide animal health, food safety and production benefits,” said NGFA Senior Vice President of Feed David Fairfield. “A 25-year-old FDA policy has prevented animal food manufacturers from making substantiated production claims on their product labels unless they go through the FDA’s drug approval process, which can take more than 10 years. The decision announced by the FDA today will promote the introduction of innovative animal food products with production benefits that will help keep American agriculture competitive. Notably, our global competitors in Europe, Asia, and South America already have updated their policies to allow feed products on the market that demonstrate increased efficiency in meat production as well as byproduct and waste reduction.

“We continue to encourage Congress to pass the bipartisan Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act (H.R.6687 and S. 1842), which would establish legislative language for a new category of animal food additives that could improve animal production and well-being, diminish pre-harvest food safety concerns, and boost sustainability opportunities.”