Tuesday March 19 Ag News

 10 Nebraskans Attend NFU’s 122nd Anniversary Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona

Ten Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) members attended the National Farmers Union (NFU) Convention March 10 to March 12, 2024 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  NeFU President John Hansen, Graham Christensen of Lyons, and Lynn Belitz of Fullerton represented the NeFU Board.  Delegates representing membership were: Don Schuller, Wymore, Andrew Tonnies, North Bend, and Keith Dittrich, Tilden.  

Farmers Union Midwest Agency LLP General Manager Jeff Downing of Elkhorn, Farmers Union Midwest Agency Financial Services Manager Kevin Harrington of Lincoln, Tammy Dittrich of Meadow Grove, and Julie Schuller of Wymore also attended.

NeFU President John Hansen said, “Our members heard from a great set of leaders and experts on a wide range of issues facing family farm agriculture.”

Farmers Union members also participated in six workshops including: “Food Safety in the Southwest,” “Do Right-to-Farm Laws Benefit Farmers?”, “New Opportunities for Agriculture to Lead the Way in the Low Carbon World,” “Food Safety Continued,” Managing the Stress and Stressors of Agriculture,” and “Protecting Landowner Rights.”

A highlight of the convention was Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s one hour and thirty minutes give and take presentation that included two historic market reform announcements. The first was the “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity rule” that will go into effect May 6th that includes a wide range of livestock market reforms strongly supported by National and Nebraska Farmers Union.

Relative to the other historic NFU supported meat market reform announcement, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “This final rule will ensure that when consumers see ‘Product of USA’ they can trust the authenticity of that label and know that every step involved, from birth to processing, was done here in America.”

Farmers Union delegates from around the country re-elected Rob Larew President and Jeff Kippley Vice President without opposition, adopted NFU Policy, and approved six Special Orders of Business:
·         Fairness for Farmers
·         Family Farming and the 2024 Farm Bill
·         Family Farming and the Farm Safety Net
·         Family Farming and Conservation
·         Family Farming and Dairy Policy Reform
·         Support for the Cooperative Business Model and the International Year of Cooperatives

Full text of the adopted policy manual will be available soon at www.nfu.org.

The 2025 NFU’s 123rd Anniversary Convention will be held March 9-11, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.



Farm Rescue Offers Hay Hauling Relief to Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas Wildfire Victims

Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, is ramping up hay relief efforts in response to recent wildfires in the states of Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.

Farm Rescue is again activating "Operation Hay Lift" to haul much-needed livestock feed to ranchers affected by these natural disasters. In recent weeks, fire crews have worked tirelessly to gain control of the blazes, which have burned more than 70,000 acres of land in central Nebraska and over 1.5 million acres in the panhandle region of Texas and western Oklahoma. The organization is working to coordinate donated hay from surrounding states, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Initial funding for Operation Hay Lift is being provided by several major sponsors, including John Deere, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Anheuser-Busch. Farm Rescue is also calling for additional volunteer CDL drivers and monetary gifts to help support the campaign, which will last throughout the next several months, as funding and resources allow.

Affected ranchers are asked to fill out an application for hay hauling assistance, which can be obtained at farmrescue.org.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by these devastating wildfires," said Bill Gross, Founder & President, Farm Rescue. "Please consider donating funds, hay or other livestock feed so we may deliver hope to these families in the midst of the crisis."

Those wanting to apply for assistance, sign up to be a volunteer CDL driver or make a monetary donation can visit farmrescue.org or call 701-252-2017.



Iowa Pig Farmers Donate 4,200 Pounds Pork on National Ag Day

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) will donate 4,200 pounds of ground pork to the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines on Tuesday, in conjunction with the Sack Hunger partnership with the football team at Iowa State University in Ames.

IPPA, Farm Credit Services of America, and the Iowa Egg Council teamed up with Iowa State Cyclones football during the 2023 season. Each time the Cyclones defense tackled, or sacked, an opponent’s quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, the respective agricultural groups committed donations of 200 pounds of pork, $1,000, and 200 dozen eggs.

The Cyclones’ 21 sacks led to a total of 4,200 pounds of pork, $21,000, and 4,200 dozen eggs.

IPPA President Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, will help present the pork donation, along with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

“Sack Hunger is just one of many ways that Iowa’s pork producers care for their communities,” Gent said. “Especially in today’s economy with extremely high food prices, pork is an economical source of protein, a good quality meat, and a great way to feed a family. Whenever Iowa’s pork producers have the opportunity to help fight food insecurity, we’re ready to step up.”

Tuesday is also National Ag Day, a celebration of the contributions of American farmers to feed the world. Activities across the county are dedicated to increasing public awareness about agriculture's vital role in providing a sustainable food supply, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the nation's overall economic stability.

Iowa leads the nation in pork production. One out of every 10 jobs in the state is connected to Iowa’s pork industry, according to a 2020 industry study.



19th Annual Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
 
The number of Americans who describe themselves as meat eaters (80%) and the number of households that purchase meat (98%) remain steady from 2023, while the number seeking to decrease meat consumption has fallen by 20% since 2020, according to the 19th annual Power of Meat report released today by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

Overall household penetration averages above 97% for all incomes, ethnicities, household sizes and ages. Generation X (the smallest of the generations) accounts for the greatest proportion of sales (32%), while Boomers buy meat most frequently (53 times per year), and Millennials spend the most money per meat purchase (nearly $17).

Economic conditions continue to impact Americans’ shopping and meal choices, with 43% of Americans cutting back on restaurant meals. Of meat eaters who are buying restaurant meals less often, 75% try to recreate restaurant-type meals at home.

At the grocery store, 73% of Americans are making one or more changes to meat purchases to save money - with the most common strategy being to adjust the quantity of meat purchased. Among meat purchasers changing quantities to save money, 30% buy smaller packages to save money immediately, and 42% buy larger bulk packs to save money over time. On the other hand, more than nine in 10 shoppers say they would spend extra on occasion, with holidays, special celebrations and entertaining the top reasons.

Rick Stein, Vice President of Fresh Foods for FMI—The Food Industry Association, commented:
“As price conscious shoppers look for ways to continue enjoying their favorite proteins, they are cooking more at home and including meat in everything from new recipes found online to their favorite comfort meals and holiday feasts. With shoppers including meat in nearly 87% of home-cooked meals every week and looking to meat to make occasions special, the opportunities to provide great choice, taste, and value continue to grow.”

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts added:
“When shoppers hear ‘protein,’ they think ‘meat,’ and the Meat Institute is actively working to maintain and grow Americans’ confidence about meat’s role in healthy, balanced diets. Our Protein PACT initiative drives progress and provides transparent information about how meat contributes to the health of people, animals, and the planet - which 83% of consumers are looking for when they make meat purchases.”

The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI—The Food Industry Association and the Meat Institute’s Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education.



National Biodiesel Day: Industry Celebrates Feedstock Innovation

On National Biodiesel Day, March 18, the clean fuels industry celebrates a milestone in renewable fuel history while honoring the legacy of Rudolf Diesel, the visionary behind the diesel engine. Diesel originally designed his engine to operate on peanut oil, recognizing the potential of vegetable oils as a renewable fuel source. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire advancements in the modern-day clean fuels industry.

Soybean oil contributed to roughly half of the feedstock for the 4 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel produced in the U.S. in 2023. The clean fuels industry uses one billion pounds of soybean oil every month, helping Clean Fuels achieve its vision of producing 6 billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.

Emerging markets are increasing demand for clean fuels driving innovation in feedstock development. Winter cover crops and other annual oilseeds, such as pennycress and Brassica carinata, are being explored as alternative feedstocks to help meet rising demand. These developments signify a momentous step forward in sustainable agricultural practices as farmers introduce new crops into their rotations to contribute to renewable fuels.

“Demand is better than ever, as organizations continue to seek the lowest cost option to decarbonize using domestically produced feedstocks,” said Clean Fuels COO Doug Whitehead. “The benefits include cleaner air, economic growth for our rural communities, immediate cost savings and overall better engine performance.”

The celebration of National Biodiesel Day underscores the importance of feedstock innovation and sustainable practices within the clean fuels industry. As new markets such as rail, marine and home heating oil continue toward decarbonization, low carbon fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions now, rather than waiting for future technology.

Join us in commemorating National Biodiesel Day as we honor Rudolf Diesel's legacy and celebrate the ongoing advancements in feedstock innovation and renewable fuels.