Friday March 01 Ag News

 Deadline approaching for UNL’s paid Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship

From genetics to feed and management, everything the beef industry works toward comes together in the feedyard.

Students in the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship see how all those things interact and ultimately produce the beef that feeds millions.

The Timmerman Feedyard Management Internship started in 1988 and gives several undergraduate students, or recently graduated students, the opportunity to learn from UNL faculty, along with hands-on experience at some of the most progressive feedyards in the country, said UNL Professor of Animal Nutrition Dr. Jim MacDonald. Students don’t have to be enrolled at UNL to apply for the internship.

Sawyer Starrett, Timmerman Feedyard Internship alumnus, is originally from Indiana, but came to UNL for this program. "Eventually I’d like to have my own operation," he said. "But working in a feedyard is definitely a place where you’re going to get a lot of hands-on experience and a lot of that knowledge. So coming here and working in a feedlot has helped me grow as a person and as a cattleman."

The internship starts in May and ends in December. It includes six weeks of on-campus seminar at UNL’s East Campus, five months on location at a feedyard, and two more weeks of seminar on campus to report back and integrate what they learned during the experience with what they studied before.

"The Feedyard Management Internship gives students intensive broad-based exposure to all areas of the feedyard," said Jeff Rudolph, Hi-Gain Feedyard, Inc. manager. "We structure the students’ time with us with the idea of giving them experience in every department. We participate in the internship to have access to bright young individuals who learn rapidly, and who will stay with us or will become long-term contacts in the industry."

Applications for the paid internship are due Monday, March 11. There is no direct cost to the students to participate in the internship, and tuition is paid by the Nebraska Cattlemen and the Timmerman Endowment Fund. Pay during the feedyard phase of the internship is agreed upon by the student and the yard in which they are placed. For more information go to www.go.unl.edu/2024feedyardinternship.



Midwest Dairy Announces the 2024 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors

In another move toward shaping future dairy champions, Midwest Dairy announced the 2024 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors during the 2024 Nebraska Dairy Convention held in West Point on February 27. This group of ten students will promote the dairy community and support Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at a variety of activities throughout the year.

The 2024 dairy ambassadors were selected from multiple applications. These students have a passion for dairy, are enrolled as high school and post-secondary school students and possess strong communication abilities.

The following Nebraska students will represent the dairy industry in a variety of activities, including interacting with consumers at local and state-wide events, youth educational presentations, and attendance at dairy industry trainings and meetings. The Dairy Ambassador program also provides students with leadership opportunities to connect with consumers and share their dairy story while networking with their peers and industry professionals.
    Jenna Albers of Randolph, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Clara Bates of Lincoln, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Allison Engelman of Jansen, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Tessa Haahr of Wynot, Nebraska, and attends Cedar Catholic High School
    Kaitlyn Hanson of Mead, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Joslyn Hochstein of Wynot, Nebraska, and attends Wynot High School
    Brianna Klabenes of Chambers, Nebraska, and attends Chambers Public School
    Jenna Muntz of Louisville, Nebraska, and attends Northeast Community College
    Ava Noecker of Hartington, Nebraska, and attends Cedar Catholic High School
    Emily Rempel of Beatrice, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Upon the successful completion of the one-year program, ambassadors are eligible for up to a $1,000 educational scholarship.

“At Midwest Dairy, we know that if we are truly committed to propelling the dairy industry forward, we must invest in the leadership of young dairy advocates,” said Molly Pelzer, CEO of Midwest Dairy. “We’re thrilled to welcome such a promising group of Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors in 2024 and who reflect the hard-working, innovative values that make the entire dairy community strong.”



Practical Farmers of Iowa is seeking farmers for on-farm research trials
Farmers across the Midwest can now get paid to put their soil health to the test

Farmers investing in soil health practices like cover crops, no-till, diversified crop rotations and integrated livestock grazing, among others, are invited to participate in two PFI on-farm research trials. The first explores whether these practices support using less nitrogen fertilizer. The second trial aims to find out if cover crops give farmers greater access to their fields over a season.

Many farmers have observed that using soil health practices long-term improves soil function. But most don’t have scientific data from their own fields. By taking part in these trials, farmers will have a chance to empirically test the impacts of those soil health investments on their own farms. The results will offer practical insights they can use to improve their operations, their land stewardship and their bottom lines.

To be eligible, participants must have been using soil health practices for at least five years. All farmers who sign up will receive a one-time payment for taking part.

Trial 1: “Can We Reduce N Rates to Corn and Improve ROI?”
In this study, now in its third year, corn farmers will compare their typical nitrogen fertilizer rate to a reduced rate of their choosing in randomized, replicated strips. For instance, if their typical nitrogen rate is 200 pounds per acre, their reduced rate could be 160 pounds per acre – a 40-unit reduction. The reduced rate is entirely up to the farmers. When, how and what form of nitrogen they apply is also their decision.

Trial 2: “Do Cover Crops Increase the Number of Days Suitable for Field Work?”
This new study seeks to find out if cover crops provide earlier field access, or greater access over a season. Farmers will observe their cover-cropped fields throughout the year and complete a short survey on a weekly basis that asks, “If you wanted to, could you have completed field activities this past week without compromising field integrity? On which days this past week could you have done so?”

Enrollment for both trials is now open and will close April 10, 2024. Full details and application forms are available at practicalfarmers.org/open-calls-for-on-farm-research-cooperators.

For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, contact Stefan Gailans at (515) 232-5661 or stefan.gailans@practicalfarmers.org.

This research is being conducted as part of PFI’s Cooperators’ Program, which empowers farmers to conduct on-farm research that answers questions they have about their farms.

This work is supported by Cargill, PepsiCo and The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.



Bill Northey Honored By Agribusiness Association of Iowa

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) Foundation is pleased to announce that its building will be named after Bill Northey and simply called “The Northey Building”.

“Bill was a giant in agriculture. While he wanted to be known first as a farmer and conservationist, he was actively involved in many facets of public service to agriculture. He served as a conservation district commissioner, Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa, the nation’s first Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at USDA, and as CEO for the Agribusiness Association of Iowa. And this list is not close to being inclusive for his other activities and achievements,” said Mark White, Board Chair of the AAI Foundation. “Just as another giant in Iowa agriculture, Henry Wallace, has a state ag building named after him, the Foundation board of directors felt that naming our building after Bill will ensure that he will never be forgotten.”

A “Northey Memorial Fund” has been established at the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation. Any memorials for Bill can be sent to the AAI Foundation, 900 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which promotes research projects, member education, stewardship and scholarships that benefit Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) members and their families. The charitable goals of the Foundation reflect the interests of the agribusiness industry and benefit AAI members by promoting research projects, member education, stewardship and higher education scholarships.



Radicle Growth Launches The Radical Corn Value Chain Challenge Sponsored by US Corn Farmers

Radicle Growth, a company-building platform investing in early-stage agriculture and food technologies, is delighted to announce, "The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge sponsored by US Corn Farmers." The Challenge sets out to invest a minimum of US $1.5M in start-up and growth companies from around the world whose innovative technologies and business models create new uses for corn and long-term sustainable demand for corn production. These companies are expected to be developing new uses of corn that result in replacements for fossil fuel-derived materials with plant-derived materials such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), drop-in chemicals and plastics, compostable materials, and as yet unidentified products and product categories that could be new areas for corn-derived products to be used.

“As the corn industry continues to expand in Iowa and around the country, the surplus of corn carryout is forecasted to increase. Through the Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge, we will be able to explore innovative uses for this surplus and have the potential to unlock new revenue streams for corn farmers,” said Stan Nelson, Iowa Corn Promotion Board President and a farmer from Middletown, Iowa. “By embracing innovation and demand growth, we can ensure the long-term profitability of all U.S. corn growers and contribute to the economic growth of the country.”

Corn is grown on nearly 100 million acres in the United States. Approximately 48% of corn production is used for animal feed, 30% is used for biofuels, and 22% is for exports and other uses. Corn production is typically responsible for more than $80B of annual value in the United States. Corn farmers across the Midwest produce the bulk of that corn, assuring the vitality of rural communities and driving this economy, and agricultural and downstream market trends are impacting that growth engine. In addition to new demand from new uses, more sustainable corn production systems overall will enhance the demand for any new bio-product in a highly competitive marketplace. With the continuing revolution in AI, biotechnology, and new business models throughout the corn value chain, we anticipate identifying companies able to modify the corn crop, biological and thermochemical processing of the corn crop, high-value health applications, sustainable fuels, and sustainable bioproducts.

“Driving new demand for U.S. corn is a top priority for NCGA and its state partners,” said Harold Wolle, National Corn Growers Association president. “We’re proud to partner with supporting states on this innovative challenge as another way NCGA is working to find new uses for corn and provide sustainable product solutions for consumers.”

Kirk Haney, Managing Partner of Radicle Growth, said: "Feeding and providing plant-based materials for our growing population is paramount. We recognize that to transform our agriculture system and advance solutions in the food and industrial value chains sustainably, we need to find new technologies working to create new uses for corn. We are excited about the opportunity to benefit US corn farmers by finding and funding the best entrepreneurs worldwide who solve these issues."

A minimum of US $1.5 million investment will be made in The Radicle Corn Value Chain Challenge to one or more winners to accelerate their growth. Apply now at https://radicle.vc/the-radicle-corn-value-chain-sponsored-by-us-corn-farmers/

Investment decisions will be made during a "Pitch Day" in the Fall of 2024. A judging panel of industry experts will hear from 4 finalists who will be chosen from the global applicant pool. In addition to the funding, the winners will also get access to advice from both corn industry experts and Radicle senior executives to help accelerate their company's business and technical efforts.



Spring Crop Insurance Projected Prices Settle at $4.66 for Corn, $11.55 for Soybeans

Revenue protection crop insurance policies won't cover the cost of production for many farmers in 2024, leaving many vulnerable to financial losses in the case of drought or severe declines in commodity prices.

The corn projected price for 2024 revenue protection policies is 27% lower than last year at $4.66 per bushel, while the soybean projected price is 16% lower at $11.55. Projected prices for spring wheat are $6.85, 30% lower than last year.

Last year, the corn projected price was $5.91 per acre, while soybeans were $13.76 per acre.

Revenue protection insurance products use the average daily closing price of new-crop futures contracts -- December for corn, November for soybeans and September for spring wheat -- to establish revenue guarantees. Farmers are paid an indemnity when prices or yields drop enough to cause calculated revenue to fall below the guarantee.

Farmers also select a coverage level between 70% and 85%. The higher the coverage level, the lower yield or price losses need to be to trigger a payment. Higher coverage levels also carry higher premiums.



EIA Data Indicate Ethanol Volumes Rose, Blend Rate Hit a Record High in 2023

Data released today by the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. ethanol production and consumption rose nearly 2 percent in 2023 to reach their highest levels since 2019, while the blend rate (i.e., the national average ethanol content of gasoline) hit a record 10.39 percent, pushing further above the hypothetical 10-percent “blend wall.” U.S. ethanol output grew to 15.62 billion gallons (bg), and domestic usage increased to 14.25 bg.

Once again, the ethanol blend rate exceeded 10% each month, twice approaching 10.70 percent. This progress is the result of continued expansion in the number of retail stations offering E15, a blend containing 15% ethanol that is typically priced at a significant discount to regular unleaded gasoline, together with waivers by the Biden administration allowing E15 to be sold year-round. Additionally, EIA’s estimate of E85 sales hit a record high, as ethanol flex fuels such as E85 have been especially popular in California under the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

“It is clear from the data that drivers are choosing mid- and high-level blends of ethanol where those fuels are offered. While American consumers still face elevated prices for many basic necessities, ethanol saves them money at the pump,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The administration needs to take action to allow sales of E15 this summer, when gasoline prices are often at their highest levels.”




Corn Congress Passes Consensus Encouraging Expanded Access to Foreign Markets

Saying U.S. farmers depend on the strong demand that comes with expanded market access, the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress today passed a consensus statement encouraging federal officials to pursue trade opportunities and invest in foreign market development to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in corn production and trade.

“Building demand for U.S. corn is a top priority for NCGA and its state affiliates,” said Harold Wolle, NCGA president. “International markets are crucial to the overall demand for U.S. corn, and  actions that restrict access to foreign markets will hurt both U.S. farmers and the broader U.S. economy.”
 
The full text of the consensus is as follows:
"Whereas, market access is critical for U.S. farmers to be successful and support the nation’s economy.

Whereas, market access could be negatively impacted by retaliation that targets U.S. farmers.

Whereas, U.S. farmers depend on robust and expanded market access for exporting food and agricultural products in order to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in corn production.

"Therefore, we the assembled voting delegates of the National Corn Growers Association, support improved market access including the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers so that U.S. corn growers have many opportunities to increase demand from foreign trading partners.”



World Agricultural Production, Resource Use, and Productivity, 1961–2020  
USDA Economic Research Service

World agriculture has undergone significant transformation over the past six decades. Over this period, most regions of the world transitioned from a natural resource-dependent to a productivity-led growth path, made possible by the development and adoption of new technologies and farming practices.

A new report issued today by USDA’s Economic Research Service, World Agricultural Production, Resource Use, and Productivity, 1961–2020, documents those changes, providing insights into shifting patterns of agricultural production and resource use world-wide. It also shows the evolution of agricultural growth over time and discusses the implications of these dynamics for sustainable use of natural resources and global food security.

Here are a few findings from the report:
    Over the past 60 years (1961–2020), world production of crop, livestock, and aquaculture commodities grew fourfold, from a gross value of $1.1 trillion to $4.3 trillion dollars (at constant 2015 commodity prices).
    Land in global agriculture increased by 8%, from 4.43 billion hectares to 4.76 billion hectares. Agricultural land in the Global North declined by 260 million hectares, whereas it increased by 597 million hectares in the Global South, for a net gain of 336 million hectares.
    Irrigated area grew by a factor of 2.3 times between 1961 and 2020 to 343 million hectares; water use in agriculture now accounts for about 70% of total global freshwater withdrawals.
    Labor employed on farms worldwide peaked at 1.06 billion people in 2003 but subsequently declined to 841 million people by 2020, working on approximately 600 million farms.

For more information, please refer to the full report... https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/108650/eib-268.pdf?v=5236.7.  



New York sues JBS over ‘misleading’ climate claims

JBS was sued by New York’s attorney general on Wednesday, who accused the meatpacker of misleading consumers about its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The suit, filed in a New York state court by Attorney General Letitia James, alleges JBS has “no viable plan” to meet its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The meat giant has touted its environmental commitments in major advertising campaigns, deceiving consumers, James claims.

The suit seeks to require JBS to halt its “Net Zero by 2040” advertising campaign in addition to a $5,000 penalty for each violation of the state’s business laws. JBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment but has told other media outlets it disagrees with the suit.

The suit is the latest setback for the Brazil-based conglomerate as it prepares to list on the New York Stock Exchange, a plan that has already attracted substantial backlash from environmental groups.

New York’s attorney general alleges JBS made several misleading claims about the sustainability of its beef products, and that plans to hit net-zero is “not feasible” given the company’s intentions to increase production. JBS’ environmental calculations also do not account for emissions resulting from deforestation, the suit says.

“When companies falsely advertise their commitment to sustainability, they are misleading consumers and endangering our planet,” James said in a statement. “JBS USA’s greenwashing exploits the pocketbooks of everyday Americans and the promise of a healthy planet for future generations.”

JBS last June agreed to pull advertisements that made “aspirational” claims about its climate initiatives after the National Advertising Review Board found the company did not have a “formulated or vetted plan” to address emissions. However, the lawsuit says the meatpacker has continued to tout its net-zero plan on its website as recently as February 2024.

“The New York Attorney General’s action today not only holds JBS accountable for its unsubstantiated net-zero claim but also sends a strong signal to other companies that empty promises do not pass for climate action,” Ben Lilliston, director of climate strategies at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, said in a statement.