Tuesday February 06 Ag News

 Beginning farmers wanted for conservation fellowship

Applications are now being accepted for the Center for Rural Affairs’ Beginning Farmer Conservation Fellowship program.

Beginning farmers who want to deepen their conservation knowledge are invited to apply. Fellows will complete coursework in conservation programs and practices, climate change adaptation and impacts, racial equity, and leadership.

“Across Nebraska, farmers and ranchers are working to implement working lands conservation practices, such as cover crops, rotational grazing, and pollinator habitats,” said Angelyn Wang, local foods associate with the Center. “These practices are vital to the health of our soil and environment while producing the food we need. Beginning farmer fellows will benefit from the curriculum we’ve developed with partners and experts on climate change mitigation and resource management.”

Fellows will attend classes and field days, design and implement a conservation project on their own farm or land they are farming, and present at the annual Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Conference. The program runs from March 2024 to March 2025.

Eligible beginning farmers must be actively farming in Nebraska and engaged in farming for fewer than 10 years.

The deadline to apply is March 1. For more information and to apply, visit cfra.org/beginning-farmer-conservation-fellowship-program.



Ag land management webinar to offer updates on cash rents, leasing for 2024

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will cover the latest trends in Nebraska cash rental rates, new leasing considerations, and more during its Land Management Quarterly webinar at noon Central time on Feb. 19.

Offered since 2019, the quarterly webinars address common management issues for Nebraska landowners, agricultural operators, and related stakeholders interested in the latest insight on trends in real estate, managing agricultural land, and solutions for addressing challenges in the upcoming growing season.

The February webinar will examine methods for setting cash rents, flex lease alternatives, and considerations for updating agricultural rental arrangements for 2024. It will include an “Ask the Experts” session, allowing participants to get answers to their land or lease questions.

The webinar will be led by Jim Jansen and Anastasia Meyer, both in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Jansen focuses on agricultural finance, land economics and the direction of the annual Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey and Report. Meyer is an agricultural economist focusing on rental negotiations and leasing arrangements.

“This webinar will help anyone with a vested interest in land to better understand the financial and human forces reshaping the rural agricultural landscape,” Jansen said.

The webinar is free and will be recorded. Past recordings can be viewed the day after each session, along with recordings from the entire series.

Registration is free at https://cap.unl.edu/landmanagement.  



Lexington Teacher Surprised with Teacher of the Year Award for Bringing Agriculture into the Classroom

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation surprised Sandoz Elementary School teacher Ivette Kinney with the 2024 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award at a school assembly on Feb. 5.  The award is given to outstanding teachers that incorporate agriculture into their classroom through innovative ideas and lessons.

“Ivette Kinney’s active participation and enthusiastic spirit make her a great fit to be awarded the 2024 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is so excited to honor Ivette Kinney,” said Courtney Shreve, senior director of outreach education.

Kinney, a second-grade teacher at Sandoz Elementary, incorporates agriculture in her classroom through a key Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation program, Classroom Visits. As a first-time participant, she signed herself up for classroom visits, and then recruited her entire second-grade team to participate. Every second-grade student, in eight classrooms at Sandoz Elementary, participated in a Classroom Visit this past year and learned about agriculture.

“Incorporating Agriculture in the Classroom has been helpful in teaching students the connection between the farm and their table.  Many of my students come from diverse backgrounds and many may not even have the background knowledge to know where their food or supplies come from,” said Kinney.

Kinney attended the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation conference, Making the Connection, in June 2023 and picked up new resources to enhance her summer school program.  “During Summer School, agriculture gave students an enrichment in fourth and fifth grade to learn more about the background of how energy plays a role in our lives. We used hands-on activities to really engage their learning.  I have learned a great deal myself as I am not from a farming background,” said Kinney.

Kinney will receive an expense-paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, an accurate agriculture book bundle, and a $250 Amazon gift card. The conference held June 24-27, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah, brings educators together from all over the United States to learn how to use agricultural concepts to effectively teach core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies. The conference features recognition for Teacher of the Year honorees, educational workshops, traveling workshops to agribusinesses and research facilities, and farm tours.



Secretary Naig Releases Statement on the Passing of Former Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following statement Monday following news of the passing of former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey:

“I am in shock at the news of Bill’s unexpected passing. Jaime and I send our deepest and sincerest condolences to Cindy and the entire Northey family.

Bill was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a farmer. He loved Iowa and he loved Iowa agriculture. His curiosity, care for others, and love of learning made him a leader that everyone could admire. Bill brought a farmer’s work ethic to every aspect of his life, and he was tireless in promoting our state, its people and our agriculture.

As Secretary, he had a tremendously positive impact on our state and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, but his influence went well beyond our borders. Whether it was on issues like soil conservation, water quality, renewable energy, foreign animal disease preparedness or trade, Bill was respected nationally and internationally. Bill was smart and people looked toward his leadership on every issue he focused on.

Bill was a friend and mentor to so many people here in Iowa and across the country, including me. This is an incredible loss for our state, for agriculture, and for everybody who knew and loved Bill.”



ISA Leadership Release Statement on the Passing of Former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey
 
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) leadership have released the following statements Monday following news of the passing of former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey:
 
“I join with so many Iowans in mourning the loss today of a good friend, colleague and mentor with the sudden passing of Bill Northey. I was fortunate to get to work alongside Bill over the years on a host of issues of importance to Iowa agriculture and the farmers we both served. In every case, Bill brought his passion for production agriculture and his love of the State of Iowa. He had an incredible ability to tell the story of modern agriculture in a way that allowed him to personally connect with audiences domestically and around the world. Our prayers are with Cindy and the entire family.” – Kirk Leeds, ISA chief executive officer
 
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Bill was a proud farmer, public servant and passionate promoter of Iowa agriculture. His leadership and deep understanding of the issues have had an enormously positive impact on the lives of Iowa farmers and their communities. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Northey family.” – Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president and soybean farmer from Farmersburg



IRFA Statement on Bill Northey

The entire agriculture community was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“As a farmer, president of both National and Iowa Corn Growers, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, USDA Undersecretary, and Agribusiness Association of Iowa CEO, Bill has always been a thoughtful but forceful leader for farmers and rural America. He was an incredible friend to ethanol and biodiesel producers because he saw the big picture. This wasn’t just about turning a profit – this was about preserving a way of rural life.

“Others can talk more about that. My favorite meetings with Bill and Cindy weren’t at his official office, but rather at church. Bill was just a great human being. The few times I met his kids you just knew instantly that they had great parents. My heart goes out to Cindy and the entire family. I hope they can take some small measure of solace from knowing that Bill left an impact, not just on farm policy and practices, but on the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him."



Iowa Farm Bureau statement on passing of former Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey

"The Iowa Farm Bureau is saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Northey – a tireless champion, defender and promoter of farmers and agriculture at both the state and federal levels. His steadfast dedication and life’s work to ensuring agriculture thrives will continue to impact farm families here in Iowa and across the nation for years to come. On behalf of Farm Bureau members across the state, we extend our sincerest condolences to Bill’s family during this difficult time."



Farm Business Courses Available for Iowa Women This Winter

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management team will offer a collection of Annie’s Project and Annie’s-Inspired farm business management course across the state this winter.

The farm management team’s women in ag program strives to improve the quality of life in Iowa by providing research-based educational programs that expand agricultural businesses, improve natural resource management and support the community of women in agriculture. Courses are offered through a network of ISU Extension and Outreach educators, including statewide specialists and county-based professionals.

Four different courses will be offered this winter
Annie’s Project: Farm Business Management is a six-session course designed to help women develop their management and decision-making skills. Participants learn about the five areas of agriculture risk management: financial, human resources, legal, marketing and production. Registration is open for classes in Oakland beginning Feb. 5; Altoona beginning Feb. 6; Sioux City beginning Feb. 20; Rockwell City beginning Feb. 26; and a Virtual class beginning Feb. 13. Cost is $75.

Women Managing Farmland is a three-session course created to give women the knowledge and confidence to improve farmland leasing practices, adopt new conservation systems, and design more efficient land transitions to next generation farmers. Registration is open for the class in West Burlington beginning Feb. 22. Cost is $75.

Women Managing Farm Finances is a four-session course created to help women discover their attitudes toward money and compare farm record keeping systems. Women will learn how balance sheets, income statements and cash flow budgets are put together. Registration is open for the class in Fort Dodge beginning Feb. 29. This course can be accessed in person or virtually. Cost is $75.

Women Marketing Grain is a four-session course developed to help women learn how to manage price risk using tools like forward contracts and crop insurance. The program helps women understand the cost of production and storage, where to access market information and how to develop a marketing plan. Registration is open for a class in Marshalltown beginning March 5. Cost is $75.

Cost for most courses includes meals and course materials. To find a course near you, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag. Select the class location for details and registration. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Farm Credit Services of America is a statewide sponsor for Annie’s Project and Annie’s Inspired courses in Iowa.



Application Deadline Extended for Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced today that the deadline to apply for Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program has been extended by two weeks, from February 9 at 12:00 p.m. to February 23 at 12:00 p.m. Initial interest in the grant program has been strong, however industry feedback expressed that a two week extension will provide more dairies with additional time to gather information to complete the application on ChooseIowa.com.

The Iowa Legislature authorized the grant program during the 2023 legislative session with the intent of helping smaller dairies and farmers increase on-farm dairy processing, reduce labor costs, and expand the selection of Iowa dairy products. The highly competitive grant will match up to $100,000 per project. The concept builds off the success of other recent Iowa cost-share grant programs, including the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant and the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, both of which are also aimed at increasing the availability of local food and boosting local processing capacity. The program has an initial overall budget of $750,000.

“The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program will help Iowa dairy farms cost-share the addition of new on-farm processing equipment or labor-saving technology, both of which will ultimately lead to the availability of more Iowa dairy products for consumers to enjoy,” said Secretary Naig. “Because this highly competitive grant will create more markets, more consumer choice, and more economic opportunities in rural Iowa, it should come as no surprise that the initial interest from dairy farmers has been very promising. This two-week deadline extension will ensure more farmers can gather the information they need to get a strong application submitted by February 23.”

The cost-share grants could, for example, help dairies invest in pasteurization equipment, processing vats, packaging and labeling products, robots, health monitoring, automated feeding systems or cleaning assistance. The program funds are not eligible to cover start-up costs, advertising, public relations, salary/benefits/wages, existing debt or any expenses incurred prior to awarding the grant.

The following are example scenarios that would be eligible for the cost-share grants:
    Farmer A wants to purchase a $120,000 rotary cup filling machine to fill yogurt. Farmer A requests $60,000. Farmer A must have $60,000 of his own funding with either personal cash or financing to match.
    Farmer B is purchasing health monitoring equipment for his herd for $65,000. Farmer B is requesting $32,500. Farmer B must have $32,500 in funding with cash or financing for the match.
    Farmer C is purchasing two robotic milkers for $380,000. Farmer C can apply for up to $100,000. Farmer C must provide the remaining $280,000 to receive $100,000.

Successful applicants must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 50 employees, and be in good standing with pertinent regulatory agencies. Only dairies permitted and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship are eligible. Full details about the cost-share grant program, including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility and scoring are available on the Choose Iowa website.

Applications should be submitted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website and are due by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2024. Questions about the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund Grant Program may be directed to Choose Iowa Director Beth Romer at chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.




December DMC Margin Reverses Trend, Drops to $8.44/cwt
NMPF

The December margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program bucked the trend that began in August of improving milk prices and margins, sliding $1.14/cwt to $8.44/cwt and matching the margin last seen in September. The renewed weakness was due almost entirely to a $1.10/cwt fall in the December all-milk price from November. The December DMC feed cost rose by 4 cents a hundredweight to $12.16/cwt of milk, with higher corn and premium alfalfa hay prices almost offset by a lower soybean meal price.

The average margin for all months of 2023 was $6.70/cwt, effectively tying last year with 2021 for the lowest average calendar-year margin under both the DMC and its predecessor, the Margin Protection Program (MPP). End-of-January futures-based forecasts indicated DMC margins averaging between $10.20/cwt and $11.00/cwt in 2024.



NMPF Creates Task Force to Develop CWT Renewal Plan

The National Milk Producers Federation established in January a team of cooperative leaders and farmers to develop ideas for the next era of Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) after the current membership funding commitment expires at the end of this year.

This task force, chaired by NMPF Treasurer Pete Kappelman of Land O’Lakes, will focus on identifying and advancing strategies that will enable CWT to maximize its positive affect on farmers’ milk checks while growing U.S. dairy exports. Task force members will re-examine CWT’s role in dairy exports and define what’s needed to expand U.S. dairy sales growth overseas without duplicating existing export efforts.

Others on the task force include:
    Catherine De Ronde, Agri-Mark
    Tom Beringer and Scott Tomes, Bongards
    Rob Vandenheuvel, CDI
    Monty Schilter, Darigold
    Michael Lichte and Chris Kraft, DFA
    Darin Hanson, Foremost Farms
    Mike John, Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association
    Chris Hoeger, Prairie Farms
    Ashley Ellixson and Robert Chesler, United Dairymen of Arizona
    Steve Patience, Tillamook

The task force will share preliminary recommendations with NMPF’s Board later this spring, assembling a series of actions for the program after 2024, with the expectation that individual cooperatives will vote to renew their support of CWT (or join the program if they are not currently contributing) by the end of this year.



Dairy Products December 2023 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.21 billion pounds, 0.9 percent above December 2022 and 4.4 percent above November 2023. Italian type cheese production totaled 510 million pounds, 0.3 percent above December 2022 and 4.9 percent above November 2023. American type cheese production totaled 488 million pounds, 0.5 percent above December 2022 and 5.9 percent above November 2023. Butter production was 196 million pounds, 4.4 percent above December 2022 and 18.4 percent above November 2023.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with December 2022)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 146 million pounds, down 12.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 48.3 million pounds, down 24.3 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with December 2022)
Dry whey, total - 70.4 million pounds, down 6.1 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 90.9 million pounds, up 1.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.1 million pounds, up 1.0 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with December 2022)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 47.7 million gallons, down 11.1 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 24.0 million gallons, down 11.8 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.26 million gallons, down 25.1 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.70 million gallons, up 0.7 percent.



Students Across the Country to Celebrate Agriculture

This month, FFA members across the country, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will celebrate agriculture and FFA. It's all part of National FFA Week.

National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders in agriculture and the importance of agricultural education.

FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the nation's top school-based youth leadership development organization, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by encouraging members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in various career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, food suppliers, innovators and more!

National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday, encompassing Feb. 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on Feb. 17 and culminates on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, to recognize Washington's legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations to believe that agriculture is planting and harvesting — and involves science, business, and more.

"National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we celebrate an organization that is welcoming to all and crucial to developing the next generation of leaders and those who will fill the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline," said National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park. "Not only is it an opportunity to share our message with a broader audience, but it's also an opportunity for our FFA chapters and members to celebrate agriculture and agricultural education while thanking their supporters — their local alumni and supporters chapters, agriculture teachers, or local businesses."

National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to share agriculture with their fellow students and communities. During the week, chapters also give back to their communities through various service projects.

The six National FFA Officers will connect with chapters nationwide throughout the week — delivering keynotes, greetings, workshops and more.

President Amara Jackson will visit with FFA members in Texas and Arkansas. Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett will see FFA members in Florida and Georgia. Eastern Region Vice President Morgan Anderson will visit with FFA members in Iowa and Colorado. Central Region Vice President Kanyon Huntington will visit with FFA members in Kentucky and Virginia. Southern Region Vice President Carter Howell will visit with FFA members in Connecticut and Maryland. Secretary Grant Norfleet will visit with FFA members in Idaho and Alaska.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Highlights From An Interesting Cattle Report
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

USDA released its much anticipated Cattle inventory report on January 31st. The report revealed an expected decline of 1.9 percent in the total number of cattle in the US on January 1, 2024. The 87.2 million head was the fewest since 82 million in 1951.

While the total number of cattle gets a lot of headlines, some of the other categories are more meaningful for the direction of cattle markets in coming years. The report indicated that there were 28.2 million beef cows in the US on January 1. That is the fewest number of beef cows since 27.3 million head in 1961. The 2.5 percent decline was pretty much in line with pre-report expectations. The beef cow inventory was even smaller than following the drought of 2010-2013. Cow numbers hit their previous low of 28.96 million on January 1, 2014. While the national beef cow numbers were fewer than those following the drought that was not the case in Texas. Texas’ cowherd did decline by 4.3 percent, a larger percent decline than the national herd, to 4.115 million head the herd remains larger than following the drought.

The number of heifers held for beef cow replacement declined again, down 1.4 percent. As a percent of the cow herd, it does not appear to be a large enough number to suggest herd expansion. There were some significant revisions to heifer replacements in the previous year’s report but, the revisions don’t change the overall picture of herd numbers.

The report includes an estimate of the number of stocker cattle out on small grain pastures, like wheat pasture. The data includes the states on Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It indicated that there were 1.59 million head on small grain pastures. That was the fewest since 1.5 million in 2018. The number of stockers on wheat pasture over the last decade has totaled 1.73 million, so this year’s figure is smaller than average. This number certainly fits with more cattle on feed than a year ago as cattle were likely placed earlier rather than put on pastures. Fewer stockers on winter grain pastures combined with data on calves still on farms and ranches gives an estimate of the number of feeder cattle outside feedlots, adding to our information on available feeder cattle supplies. Feeder cattle supplies outside of feedlots was calculated to be 24.2 million head, 4.2 percent fewer than last year and the fewest in decades.

This report can be thought of as longer term in nature. The number of cows gives a better estimate of calves to be born and future beef production. The small number of feeder cattle outside of feedlots indicates tighter supplies ahead and even higher prices once expansion starts.  




Are Record High Beef Prices on the Horizon?

America’s families might soon see record-high beef prices at the grocery store, thanks to the lowest cattle inventory in more than 70 years. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the USDA inventory report in the latest Market Intel.

There were 87.2 million cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 2, 2024, 2% lower than the same time in 2023. It’s the lowest inventory since 1951. Just four years ago, there were almost 95 million cattle in the U.S.

Farmers have been driven to sell off cattle because of severe drought conditions and the rising cost of supplies needed to support their herds. There are now fewer female cattle available for breeding, which means it will take time to restock the cattle population.

“The latest cattle numbers are a stark reminder of the challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Severe weather, high inflation and geopolitical uncertainty are taking a toll on farmers across the country, and families will see the effects in their grocery bills.”

“Fortunately, America has one of the most robust food supplies in the world, thanks in part to strong agricultural policies outlined in the farm bill. We encourage lawmakers to pass a new farm bill to ensure farmers can survive the tough times and continue to stock the pantries of America’s families.”

There are currently enough cattle in the supply chain for processing, which will help to stabilize prices in the short term. However, the Market Intel explains that as the cattle on feed supply begins to shrink based on fewer calves, processors will have to compete for cattle, which could lead to higher costs, especially in the second half of 2024. Consumers could see record high beef prices toward the end of the year and into 2025.

Read the full Market Intel here https://www.fb.org/market-intel/u-s-cattle-inventory-smallest-in-73-years.



Farm Action Calls for FTC Rulemaking on Right to Repair

Farm Action submitted a public comment on Friday requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiate a rulemaking process on consumers’ right to repair. Farm Action’s comment explored the anticompetitive nature of repair restrictions “in the context of the harms inflicted by consolidated farm equipment manufacturers on farmers, independent farm equipment repair shops, and rural economies.”

Farm Action’s comment illustrated how farm equipment manufacturers use repair restrictions to extend their excessive market power over the original equipment manufacture market to the repair market. The comment was submitted in support of a petition, put forth by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund (U.S. PIRG) and iFixit, calling for a rulemaking under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

“FTC has the authority and the responsibility to regulate this conduct under existing antitrust law,” Farm Action’s comment said. After documenting how repair restrictions violate Section 5, the comment stated that the conduct of farm equipment manufacturers like John Deere, “is clearly coercive, exploitative, and abusive.”

“[M]anufacturers put farmers in [an] impossible position — wait days or even weeks to have the equipment repaired at any cost because of the control the equipment manufacturer has over the repair business, or replace an otherwise-functioning and costly asset,” the comment said.

“By preventing anyone but authorized dealerships from working on the equipment, equipment manufacturers are also obstructing independent competitors’ access to the market for aftermarket repairs,” the comment continued. “This has led to the widespread shuttering of independent repair shops in rural communities, dealing an additional blow to economies already decimated by decades of concentration and disinvestment.

Noting FTC’s recent commitment to enforcing violations under Section 5 as expressed in its November 2022 policy statement, Farm Action said, “we are respectfully encouraging the Commission to act in accordance with its founding statutes and carry out its publicly-expressed intention to exercise its authority against unfair conduct.”