Wednesday March 20 Ag News

Nebraska dairy producers urged to operate with strict biosecurity due to health concerns in Texas dairy cows

Nebraska dairy producers are being urged to strictly adhere to their operations’ biosecurity measures due to health concerns coming from lactating dairy cows in Texas.

The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture issued a statement on Tuesday to producers.

“Currently, we recommend adhering strictly to your biosecurity practices and quarantining new animals into the herd for 30 days if possible,” the statement read.  

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) said clinical signs of the health issues include:
    decreased herd level milk production
    acute sudden drop in production with some severely impacted cows experiencing thicker, concentrated, colostrum like milk
    decrease in feed consumption with a simultaneous drop in rumen motility
    abnormal tacky or loose feces
    Fever

NDA and NSDA said at this time, it appears the illness only affects lactating dairy cows and is not being seen in other segments of the cattle industry. Epidemiology and diagnostics are ongoing, but so far, no causative agent has been identified.

TAHC said impacted herds have reported older cows in mid-lactation may be more likely to be severely impacted than younger cows and fresh cows or heifers. Dry cows and heifers do not appear to be affected. In addition, some herds have reported pneumonia and clinical mastitis cases as secondary sequelae.

If you notice signs compatible with those listed, contact your herd veterinarian and Nebraska Department of Agriculture.



CAP Webinar: Pasture Lease Provisions in 2024
Mar 21, 2024 12:00 PM
With: Anastasia Meyer, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability
Aaron Berger, Livestock Systems Educator, Nebraska Extension

Soon it will be time to turn cattle out to pasture therefore it is a great time to evaluate your pasture lease.  This webinar will cover the lease provisions that you need to have in your pasture lease as well as information about beef cow share agreements.

Register for this webinar and get more information at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



IRFA Statement on Iowa Attorney General Ending E15 Lawsuit

Today, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced she would end her E15 lawsuit against the EPA as the Biden Administration granted Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for the sale of year-round E15 to take effect in 2025. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:

“IRFA members thank Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for holding the Biden Administration accountable on year-round E15. While the recent final rule approving year-round E15 in eight Midwest states beginning in 2025 was overdue, there is no doubt that Bird’s actions spurred the decision forward at critical moments. We appreciate her defending the clear rights of governors under the Clean Air Act. Now we will continue to work with Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Congressional delegation to find a solution for E15 during this summer. It’s unfortunate the rule’s implementation was delayed until 2025, but thanks to Reynolds and Bird, motorists and retailers have certainty moving forward after this year.”



MU institute releases new baseline food and agricultural outlook report

Farm commodity prices have tumbled from the peak levels they rose to during spring 2022 — and new projections suggest that downward pressure on prices could continue throughout 2024 and beyond.

The Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI) recently released its annual agricultural market baseline outlook, which provides projections for agricultural and biofuel markets and serves as a point of reference for evaluating alternative scenarios for food and agricultural policy.

Another key finding from the report is that net farm income is projected to fall to its lowest level since 2020. Despite an anticipated retreat from record levels in 2022, FAPRI director Pat Westhoff notes the importance of historical context.

“Despite a $30 billion drop in net farm income from 2022 to 2023, and another large projected decline in 2024, net farm income remains above annual levels from 2015 to 2020,” Westhoff said. “Still, there’s no question that farm finances are much tighter now than they were just two years ago.”

The price of crops — one component of the farm income equation — continues to decline; placing pressure on profitability for farmers.

“Our projections indicate that after near-record prices for several crops in the 2022-23 market year, we can expect a retreat,” FAPRI research economist Bob Maltsbarger said. “In 2023, we saw crops overcome challenging growing conditions and achieve significant production levels that caused a decline in prices. Another year of trend-line yields, and shifting of planted acreage for key crops, could continue the downward trend of prices.”

The baseline report also noted the following trends for farm inputs:
    Lower prices for farm inputs, such as fertilizer, partially offset lower prices but don’t offer enough relief to avoid declines in farmers’ net returns.
    Livestock producers can expect reduced feed costs due to lower corn and soybean prices, offsetting price and demand challenges faced in this sector.
    Demand-driven price declines for hogs, poultry and milk are expected to continue in 2023 and 2024.
    Cattle prices have been strengthened by drought and other factors and an upward trend is projected for 2024 and 2025.

For consumers, food price inflation slowed in 2023, and FAPRI’s report suggests that this trend could continue in 2024. The consumer price index for food is anticipated increase 2.1% in 2024, with the lion’s share of the increase coming from food away from home.

Westhoff emphasized the value of the baseline report as a data-driven source for informed decision-making.

“FAPRI’s spring baseline, and subsequent updates, offer an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural markets,” Westhoff said. “As producers and policymakers evaluate volatile market conditions, the analyses and projections we’ve shared can aid in risk mitigation.”

This annual report offers a summary of 10-year “baseline” projections for several economic indicators, including farm income, farm program spending and domestic commodity markets. FAPRI, a program of distinction in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, develops and publishes baseline reports to highlight the impact of current events on agricultural market trends and projections.



National Corn Growers Association Supports Congressional Letter Seeking to Open International Markets for Biofuels, Address Trade Barriers in Brazil

The National Corn Growers Association said today that it strongly supports the sentiments included in a letter from Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and 18 other members of Congress that was recently sent to President Biden and the U.S. Trade Representative. The letter urges action to remove trade barriers affecting ethanol and other biofuels, and open new export markets that would benefit farmers.

“Opening new markets and reducing barriers to existing markets for biofuels is crucial to growing demand for corn growers,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We are highly appreciative of Reps. Feenstra and LaHood for standing up for farmers, and we hope it will provide a roadmap for USTR as it works to address some high stakes trade issues like the current ethanol tariff in Brazil.”

In the letter, the members of Congress highlighted the economic benefits of free markets.

“The United States exports approximately 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol annually, utilizing 500 million bushels of corn that is predominantly supplied by American farmers,” the letter said. “The production and exportation of these biofuels provide an enormous boost to the rural communities that we represent. We urge you to actively support expanding market access for U.S. biofuels.”

The letter referenced several countries that have created roadblocks for U.S. exports, including Brazil, which has levied an 18% tariff on ethanol imported from the U.S. and India’s ban on the imports of fuel-grade ethanol.

“In the absence of enforceable [free trade agreements], we urge you to pursue an aggressive strategy to increase opportunities for market access through the reduction of trade barriers,” the letter said. “Specifically, some trading partners have implemented policies to restrict American biofuel imports, and we urge your continued attention to these matters.”
 
NCGA and corn grower leaders have been on the forefront of these issues, championing new market development through the farm bill and encouraging USTR to address trade barriers. In 2023, for example, NCGA successfully pushed for USTR to file a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement over Mexico’s decree banning biotech corn.



USDA Seeks Nominees for the American Egg Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominees for the American Egg Board to fill 10 member and nine alternate member vacancies. One appointed member will serve a one-year term due to a resignation and the remaining nine members and nine alternate members will serve two-year terms beginning March 2025 and ending March 2027. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2024.

Nomination forms, a list of the three areas and the certified eligible operations within each area are available on the AMS American Egg Board webpage.

The board is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates and administers the egg research and promotion program authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974. For more information, contact Barbara Josselyn at (202) 713-6918 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.



John Deere, Kinze and Ag Leader Announce Collaboration Agreement

John Deere, Kinze Manufacturing, and Ag Leader Technology today announced a collaboration agreement that will make it easier for farmers to integrate each company’s equipment and technology solutions into their farming operation.

The collaboration enables farmers to combine the quality equipment and digital solutions offered by John Deere, Kinze and Ag Leader. As part of the agreement, farmers operating Kinze and Ag Leader planting and display products will now have the option to seamlessly integrate their agronomic data into the John Deere Operations Center™. The companies have also agreed to resolve all outstanding litigation through an arrangement where John Deere will license planting technology to Kinze and Ag Leader, ensuring their customers continue to have access to the True Speed® and SureSpeed® technologies.

“At John Deere, we’re proud of the equipment and technology solutions we develop for farmers, but we also know our customers have choices when they make equipment purchase decisions,” said Aaron Wetzel, Vice President of Production & Precision Agriculture Production Systems. “We put our customers first with this agreement, which will result in a more seamless integration of Kinze planting solutions with John Deere equipment and our technology stack. We remain committed to helping all of our customers, including those with mixed fleets, be more productive, profitable, and sustainable in their operations.”

Susanne Veatch, President of Kinze said, “We are excited to have True Speed back on the market. A key component of technologies like True Speed is the creation and collection of data. This agreement will benefit our joint farmer customers who utilize John Deere Operations Center by ensuring they can seamlessly integrate their data generated by any Blue Vantage controlled equipment.”

“Ag Leader is excited SureSpeed is available to our customers again. Our focus has always been to provide tangible solutions to the market through quality precision products that fit the mixed fleet grower. Being able to connect with other platforms like John Deere Operations Center through AgFiniti gives our growers the ability to seamlessly map and analyze data in one place regardless of equipment color. This agreement allows us to take another step toward better serving our customers’ growing needs,” said Al Myers, President of Ag Leader.

In addition, Deere and Kinze announced plans to explore further technology collaborations, with details to be shared when they are available.



Corteva Launches Corteva Catalyst

Corteva, Inc. Tuesday announced the launch of Corteva Catalyst, a new investment and partnership platform focused on accessing and bringing to market agricultural innovations that advance the company’s R&D priorities and drive value creation. Corteva Catalyst will partner with entrepreneurs and innovators to accelerate the development of early-stage, disruptive technologies that enable farmers to sustainably produce more food and feed.

“Corteva has a long tradition of addressing the critical challenges farmers face around the world by advancing innovation in partnership with the global scientific community,” said Sam Eathington, EVP and Corteva Chief Technology and Digital Officer. “Through Corteva Catalyst, we will build upon that tradition by pairing our considerable expertise and resources with the agility of start-ups and universities to deliver new solutions for farmers globally. This initiative will expand our pipeline and accelerate growth.”

Leveraging Corteva’s expertise, recognized R&D capabilities, global footprint and go-to-market infrastructure, Corteva Catalyst is uniquely positioned to support the development and commercialization of groundbreaking technology and deliver it directly into farmers’ hands.  

Corteva Catalyst will initially focus on identifying opportunities across four strategic verticals aligned with the company’s R&D priorities: genome editing; biologicals and natural products; technology platforms; and decision science.   



Cargill Awards More Than $3 Million Grant to National FFA Organization

Cargill awarded a three-year grant of $3.15 million to the National FFA Organization in support of its commitment to shape future agriculture leaders.

The grant supports a variety of National FFA Organization programs and events during the three-year period (from 2023 to 2025), including the organization’s sustainability platform; the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) pathway; and the Living to Serve program. During the National FFA Convention & Expo, the grant supports a booth , the rodeo and travel grants for career development event (CDE) participants. In addition, the funding supports the American FFA Degree and the American Star Awards.

Cargill’s grant also supports programs that encourage the exploration of career pathways in agriculture. This includes AgExplorer and two career pathways – Food Products and Processing and Animal Systems. In 2024, the grant will also support the Next Gen Conference, which is focused on food, processing and products. The conference will be held June 25-29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

During its first year, the Cargill grant has significantly impacted FFA. In the fall 2023 semester, funding helped FFA members, non-FFA members and adults complete 77,678 hours of service through projects funded by yearlong Living to Serve Grants. It also supported 619 FFA members who participated in national competitive events related to the Food Products and Processing career pathway and 1,600 members who participated in Animal Systems competitive events. Additionally, funds provided 14 travel grants to CDE participants to enable them to compete at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo. The grant also helped fund the State Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Collaborative, which helps state FFA associations create and implement EDI plans. The 2022-23 cohort involved nine states, and 14 states are part of the 2023-24 cohort.

National FFA and Cargill look forward to continued partnership to ensure even greater impact in the remaining two years of the grant.

"We are honored to receive this grant from Cargill," said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. "Throughout our partnership, Cargill has been unwavering in its support and continues to see the potential leaders in our members and advisors. This grant allows us to reach more members and continue providing new opportunities that help feed the talent pipeline."

“Cargill is grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the FFA, which spans more than 60 years,” said Rob Stewart, director of Growth Ventures and Emerging Markets for Cargill’s North American Protein business. “Together, we‘re able to convene the best and brightest young minds to create awareness and enthusiasm for diversity, equity and inclusion as well as sustainability programming to ensure a stronger future for the agriculture industry and our world.”  

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national 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.



Budweiser maker first to adopt new ‘US Farmed’ consumer label

Bud Light brewer Anheuser-Busch will begin rolling out beer bottles and cans emblazoned with “U.S. Farmed” product seals, becoming the first to adopt a voluntary label designed for the consumer packaged goods industry.

The beer giant said Tuesday that it has obtained the American Farmland Trust’s new U.S. Farmed certification and will begin using the seal on some of its biggest brands. The certification highlights products where at least 95% of agricultural ingredients are from domestic farms.

The seal will first appear on Busch Light beer this May, and the company has also obtained the certification for Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra. The AFT looks to expand use of the label within the CPG industry, noting that funds raised through certification will go toward services protecting U.S. farmland.

The AFT’s label provides CPGs with a new value-add for their food products as consumers become more aware of the social and environmental impacts of their purchases. At the same time, the certification is set to help U.S. farmers by funding efforts to keep their operations running.

“With the launch of the U.S. Farmed certification, we’re taking a bold step to help secure the future of American agriculture and create both a movement and a market niche that celebrates and supports our nation’s farmers,” Acting AFT President Beth Sauerhaft said in a statement.

AFT plans to use the funds raised to provide growers with direct support to maintain farmland or to transition operations to the next generation of farmers. By being a “first mover” in adopting the label, Anheuser-Busch hopes to spur additional CPGs into undergoing the certification process for the seal.

“The U.S. Farmed certification takes our commitment to the next level, and we are proud to lead the industry in rallying behind American farmers to ensure the future of U.S. agriculture, which is crucial to our country’s economy,” Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth said in a statement.

Anheuser-Busch is additionally planning to roll out a “Choose Beer Grown Here” marketing campaign along with an effort to encourage consumers to seek out the label. The marketing push, which speaks to issues in America’s farming heartland, comes as the beer giant tries to recover from conservative-led backlash over an advertising partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.



USDA Researchers Use an Edible Blue-Green Algae to Protect Honey Bees Against Viruses

Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed an edible antiviral treatment that can be used to protect honey bees against Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and other viruses, according to a recent study published in Sustainable Agriculture.

Honey bees are important agricultural pollinators. However, viruses, including DWV, are linked to the deaths of millions of colonies worldwide. DWV, like other viruses, is most often spread by Varroa mites who carry the disease inside them and infect bee colonies. Infection typically causes deformity and death in bees, especially in the pupae and brood. These colony losses devastate beekeeping industries and pose a major risk to agriculture and the global food supply.

While there are medicines for other bee diseases and parasites, there is currently no treatment available to help beekeepers reduce viruses in their colonies. Nearly all colonies have DWV and can often be infected with multiple viruses at any given time. Effective antiviral treatments could help to improve colony health and survival as well as crop pollination efficiency.

"We found that engineered algae diets suppressed DWV infection and improved survival in honey bees," said Vincent Ricigliano, research scientist at the ARS Honey Bee Laboratory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "When mixed into bee food, the engineered algae boost the bee’s immune system to fight off the targeted virus."

According to Ricigliano, blue-green algae is the "bee’s knees" of bee food additives. Ricigliano and other ARS researchers previously studied blue-green microscopic algae, also known as microalgae, as a potential food source for honey bees. The algae showed promise since it has a nutritional profile that resembles pollen and is scalable to the level of commercial beekeeping.

"In addition to the nutritional benefits and immune-boosting effects, engineered algae strains have the potential to protect bees against a wide variety of pathogens," said Ricigliano.

Blue-green algae grow via photosynthesis and can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it an ecologically friendly approach to improve the health of honey bees.

"This technology represents a potential new class of treatments for honey bees that is highly sustainable and scalable," said Ricigliano.

"It can be added directly to supplemental feed without additional processing and easily integrated into beekeepers’ existing management practices. However, there are regulatory considerations that must be addressed before these applications can be fully realized."

The researchers filed a patent application for the technology and plan to use variations of it to target additional bee viruses and other pathogens in future studies.