Monday April 1 Ag News (no foolin'!)

Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement recognizes Calkins, Rishel as 2024 honorees

The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement recognized two honorees and inducted eight new members during its annual banquet, held on the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s East Campus in March.

Founded in 1916, the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement is dedicated to preserving and improving Nebraska Agriculture. Each year, the group recognizes at least one honoree and elects new members. Honorees are recognized for their contributions to Nebraska agriculture.
Honorees celebrated at the 2024 event are:

Chris Calkins, Lincoln
Dr. Chris Calkins, a Meat Science Professor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has made significant contributions to the meat industry over his 40-year career, particularly in beef quality research. His efforts have led to the development of Beef Value Cuts such as the flat iron steak, with a financial impact estimated at $1.5 billion annually. As a technical advisor for the Nebraska Corn Fed Beef program and a key figure in industry advancements, his work has notably enhanced beef quality and industry standards.

Chris's pioneering research includes the development of an instrument capable of predicting beef tenderness, which has six awarded patents and addresses a potential U.S. market worth over $750 million annually. His focus on sustainability through projects like Wet Distiller's Grains and Beef Quality, along with his dedication to education, mentoring over 50 graduate students, and fostering international collaborations, underscores his commitment to improving both the industry's profitability and meat quality. Chris's contributions have been recognized globally, earning him numerous accolades and establishing his legacy in promoting Nebraska agriculture worldwide.

Bill Rishel, Lincoln
Bill Rishel's journey in the cattle industry began with his relocation to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1975, where he, along with his wife Barb, founded Rishel Livestock Services, Inc., and established Rishel Angus, a registered herd of Angus cattle. His vision propelled Rishel Angus to prominence, influencing major artificial breeding companies and revolutionizing Angus genetics within the industry. Bill's commitment extended beyond his ranch, holding significant leadership roles in organizations such as the American Angus Association, Certified Angus Beef, and the Nebraska Cattlemen, where he notably contributed to the advancement of the livestock industry and agricultural practices in Nebraska.

Rishel's ethos of servant leadership and dedication to superior Angus genetics have significantly enhanced profitability for his customers, added value to the beef cattle industry, and improved consumer experiences. His holistic approach to agriculture, emphasizing sustainable land management and ethical animal treatment, alongside his global outreach and contributions to genetic evaluation and livestock shows, have garnered him prestigious awards and international recognition. Bill Rishel's legacy is a testament to his impactful service to the land, animals, and the broader community, marking him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of agriculture and cattle industry.

During the ceremony, the NHAA inducted eight members for the 2024 year. New members of NHAA are:
    Aaron Berger, Kimball
    David Briggs, Alliance
    Tom Field, Raymond
    Kelly Heath, Lincoln
    Tom Hoegemeyer, Lincoln
    David Nielsen, Lincoln
    Loren Taylor, Broken Bow
    Wes Ulrich, Mitchell



FFA Members Explore Career Pathways at Expo and Career Fair

Nebraska FFA members will engage with over 110 booths at the Expo and Career Fair hosted by the Nebraska FFA Foundation during the 96th Nebraska FFA State Convention April 3-5 in Lincoln, NE.

The Expo is for commodity groups, associations, and colleges, while the Career Fair is for companies. Organizers expect 2,000+ FFA members will take part in both the Expo and Career Fair to explore future college and career opportunities.

“The Nebraska FFA Foundation Career Fair gave me the opportunity to expand my horizons,” said Braydon Binger, Nebraska FFA State Vice President, when reflecting on previous Career Fairs. “Between the Career Fair and Expo, I was exposed to a wide variety of agricultural organizations and businesses that have the potential to be a part of my future.”

The Nebraska FFA Foundation Expo will take place April 3, from 10:00 am -5:00 pm, and April 4, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm in Pinnacle Bank Arena. Then, the Nebraska FFA Foundation Career Fair will be held on April 5, from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Nebraska FFA sponsor Cooperative Producer’s Inc. (CPI) knows the value of investing in Nebraska FFA members and networking with them early because they could be speaking with their future employees or customers.

“Cooperative Producer’s Inc. (CPI) participates in the State FFA career fair to connect with promising young talents in the field of agriculture,” said Cyndi Vencill, Training and Development Administrator of CPI. “Recognizing the immense potential of FFA students, CPI finds fulfillment in engaging with and supporting them on their career journeys.”



CAP Webinar: Nebraska Climate Plan
Apr 4, 2024 12:00
With: Dave Aiken, Professor, Agricultural Law and Water Law Specialist, UNL.
 
In early March 2024, the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy submitted the Nebraska Priority Climate Action Plan to the US EPA.  The plan identifies agriculture as the largest source of Nebraska greenhouse gas emissions, with electricity generation the second largest source. In this webinar, UNL ag law specialist Dave Aiken will break down the Nebraska climate action plan, focusing on what the plan proposes to do to reduce agricultural climate pollution emissions in Nebraska.

Register at https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Skinny's Barbeque in Muscatine Wins Best Pulled Pork in Iowa
    
A Texas-style barbecue restaurant in Muscatine is where you’ll find the best pulled pork in Iowa, according to voters in a recent social media contest sponsored by the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Voting closed Friday morning on one of the tightest final matches in Pulled Pork Madness history, with Skinny’s Barbeque holding off Barrel Smoke BBQ of Templeton. The bracket-style competition, in its seventh year, starts with 16 contenders and follows a narrowing process similar to the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament. The public determines which restaurants advance to the next round.

At Skinny’s, pork butts are traditionally slathered with mustard to bind an equal mix of salt and pepper. Owner Cord Kleist uses a thick-cut pepper to grow a bark, the flavorful black crust that forms on the outside of the meat during the cooking process. He only recently began adding a special blend of seasonings.

The pork is then cooked on a gas-powered rotisserie smoker at a low temperature for about 14 to 15 hours, and gets wrapped for the last couple of hours to seal in the moisture and juices. Oak wood is added as the meat cooks, to enhance the taste.

Each sandwich is served on a shiny brioche toasted bun, with house-made pickles and onions on the side, along with a choice of one homemade side dish. Three flavors of house-made sauces are available — sweet, spicy, or Carolina tangy gold.

Customers will find pulled pork featured in other menu items, including the Grilled Mac Daddy, a sandwich that piles macaroni and cheese, pork, white cheddar, and smoked gouda on sourdough bread. Pulled pork is among the protein options for tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, and is available for purchase by the pound. Skinny’s, which offers catering, as well, goes through 250 to 350 pounds of pork each week.

The starting Pulled Pork Madness bracket was based on public nominations submitted earlier in March, and about 850 pork fans nominated nearly 70 Iowa restaurants for the top honor. The two restaurants with the most votes in each of IPPA’s eight districts made up the initial lineup.

Kleist, 29, opened Skinny’s in September 2019. The Muscatine native got started cooking meat on a Traeger grill his parents gave him for his 21st birthday, and he became inspired by Texas techniques after visiting a friend in Austin. He previously worked at his family’s restaurant and sports bar, Boonie’s on the Avenue in downtown Muscatine. Skinny’s is located about two blocks away, along the Mississippi River.  

Winning the title “brings a tear to my eye,” says Kleist, who will receive $250 and a Pulled Pork Madness plaque. “It’s crazy to see how far we’ve come and adapted and changed.”

Previous winners include The Flying Elbow, Marshalltown (2023); Starbeck's Smokehouse, which has since relocated to Waterloo (2022); Smokin’ Butt Barbeque, Davenport (2021); Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew, Luther (2020); Warehouse Barbecue Co. + Brewhouse, Ottumwa (2019); and the now-closed Moo’s BBQ, Newton (2018).



Retail Partnerships Drive Pork Demand

Hy-Vee grew pork sales by more than 20% from Feb. 5 to March 3 during their All Pork Mega Meat Sale. A variety of pork cuts were featured, including:  
    Ribs
    Shoulders
    Chops
    Brats
    Meal-Time Meatballs (*new product)

Six state pork associations (IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, WI) and the National Pork Board have been working with Hy-Vee to bring pork products to the forefront and entice consumers to purchase pork more often. The sale was promoted on Hy-Vee's social media, website and app, and a TV commercial.  



Readout of Meeting with Agricultural Stakeholders on the Port of Baltimore and Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

On Friday, senior leadership from the White House, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) convened a meeting of federal, state, agricultural, and food industry stakeholders to discuss impacts to the agriculture and food sectors from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and partial closure of the Port of Baltimore. The meeting included Alex Jacquez, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development and Industrial Strategy at the National Economic Council; Andrew Petrisin, Advisor for Multimodal Freight at DOT; and senior leadership from USDA.

The convening follows yesterday’s meeting convened by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg with ports, labor groups, and industry partners to discuss how to mitigate current and future supply chain disruptions stemming from the suspension of vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore, as well as a meeting earlier this week of the Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, where Task Force members shared analysis of sectors with significant activity through the Port of Baltimore.

During the meeting, representatives from White House, USDA, and DOT provided an update on the developing situation, reiterating the President’s commitment to move heaven and earth to reopen the port as soon as possible. They underscored the federal government’s continued close monitoring of impacts on local, regional, and national supply chains, particularly given the Port’s importance to agricultural commodities and machinery, as well as impacts on workers associated with activities at the Port. They noted ongoing preparations for wreckage cleanup and reopening operations, and provided a readout of Secretary Buttigieg’s meeting with ports, labor groups, and industry partners yesterday. In addition, they invited participants to share their perspectives and questions.

Participants from the Maryland state government emphasized the need to reopen the Port’s shipping lanes as soon as possible to minimize the impact on exports of local producers’ crops.

Participants from the food and agricultural sector noted they are working to collect further information from producers regarding direct and indirect impacts they have seen from the partial closure of the Port, as well as the need for the federal government to monitor operations at other East Coast ports as shipments are diverted.

The meeting included participants from the following organizations:
    American Farm Bureau Federation
    American Feed Industry Association
    American Soybean Association
    American Sugar Alliance
    American Sugar Refining (Domino)
    D.R. Schaal Agency, Inc.
    International Dairy Foods Association
    Lippy Brothers Farms
    Maryland Department of Agriculture
    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
    National Confectioners Association
    National Economic Council
    National Farmers Union
    National Grain & Feed Association
    National Grocers Association
    National Milk Producers Federation
    Office of the United States Trade Representative
    Perdue Farms
    The Fertilizer Institute
    U.S Ag Export Development Council/DTB AgriTrade
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    U.S. Department of Transportation



HPAI Detected in Michigan Dairy Herd

Friday, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd from Montcalm County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed this detection.

Further testing and investigation by state and federal officials have revealed the source of infection. The farm recently received cattle from an affected premises in Texas before that herd showed any sign of disease. When the cattle were moved from Texas to Michigan, the cattle were not symptomatic and did not appear ill. As this national situation continues to develop, it is essential for all producers to contact their veterinarian if they have any concerns regarding the health of their animals, regardless of species.

"We have well-trained staff responding to this situation and I have the utmost confidence in our team. We will continue working with our local, state, and national partners to protect animal and public health," said Director Boring. "Our highest priorities at MDARD remain protecting our food supply and ensuring animal health. As this situation evolves, we will provide critical updates to producers, industry, and all Michiganders.”

“This case does reflect a lot of what is already known about this virus—namely, that it is highly contagious, it continues to be primarily spread by wild birds and contact with infected animals, and mammals can contract the virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “MDARD is working diligently and in close collaboration with government partners, producer groups, and Michigan dairy farmers to address the situation and prevent the spread of disease. As more is learned, it is vitally important for producers to work with their veterinarian and isolate sick animals from others, minimize the number of visitors to their farms, prevent contact between their animals and wildlife, and continue to vigilantly monitor the health of their animals.”

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can be spread directly by infected wild birds/animals or indirectly through any item that has been exposed to the virus—such as equipment, feed, or the clothing and shoes of caretakers. The virus has been detected in various species of mammals—presumably after the animals come into contact with infected birds. To limit the spread of the disease, the affected premises voluntarily stopped movement.

Producers who have concerns about the health of their animals and/or questions regarding how to improve the measures they take to protect animal health on their farm should contact their veterinarian. Also, if cattle producers notice decreased lactation, low appetite, and/or other symptoms in their herds, please contact your veterinarian to determine the next appropriate steps to take.

Analysis of the virus from this case and the other cases of affected cattle has not shown any significant new adaptation to make the virus more transmissible between mammals. Therefore, the public health risk associated with HPAI remains low.

According to the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease and Prevention, the commercial milk supply remains safe due to both federal animal health requirements and pasteurization.



Clean Fuels Expresses Disappointment in EPA’s GHG Standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles

Friday, Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed extreme disappointment in the Environmental Protection Agency’s final Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3. In the rule, EPA adopts new standards that are designed expressly to incentivize electric vehicles for model year 2027-2032 heavy duty vehicles. The standards are part of GHG emission regulations for trucks and buses.

EPA did not evaluate use of biodiesel and renewable diesel as part of engine systems to meet the new standards, focusing primarily on tailpipe emissions. However, the agency considered a range of alternative fuel and engine configurations, such as natural gas and hydrogen. EPA did recognize that equipment makers will continue to have the option to use biodiesel and renewable in their compliance strategies.

“EPA’s rule flatly dismisses the benefits of biodiesel and renewable diesel as the lowest-cost and most widely available options to kickstart decarbonization of the heavy-duty vehicle sector,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs with Clean Fuels. “There should be no uncertainty that biodiesel and renewable diesel also reduce criteria pollutants from heavy-duty vehicles, which will continue to be manufactured and used during the timeframe of this rule. EPA should recognize that biodiesel and renewable diesel merit a role in meeting these emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles.”



RFA Seeks to Intervene in Legal Challenge to EU Maritime Fuel Regulation

The Renewable Fuels Association on Thursday filed a petition to intervene in support of a legal challenge brought by European ethanol producers against the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation. By arbitrarily assuming crop-based biofuels like ethanol have the same lifecycle carbon emissions as the dirtiest fossil-based marine fuels, the EU regulation effectively bans the use of renewable, crop-based marine fuels as a tool for decarbonizing the maritime sector.

RFA’s application to intervene in the proceedings supports the challenge brought by ePURE, a trade association representing European ethanol producers, and Pannonia Bio, one of Europe’s largest ethanol producers. Their application seeks to annul the relevant provisions of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which was adopted by the EU in 2023 and is set to take effect in 2025.

“The FuelEU Maritime regulation is unlawfully biased against crop-based biofuels and it harms ethanol producers around the world by denying them access to an emerging low-carbon fuel market,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “In addition, the EU’s maritime regulation is entirely inconsistent with other programs, like the Renewable Energy Directive, in which the EU has confirmed the low-carbon benefits and sustainability of crop-based biofuels.”

In addition to interfering with biofuel trade opportunities with European partners, Cooper said the regulation would even hamper the ability of U.S. producers to sell low-carbon fuels to maritime shippers in the United States. “Because the regulation also applies to ships arriving at EU ports, it will affect the fuel choices made by EU-bound ship operators when they refuel outside the EU,” he said. “In this way, the regulation directly discourages development and use of low-carbon marine fuels here in the U.S.”

RFA noted that in recent years the global shipping industry has identified ethanol, green methanol, and other renewable fuels as highly promising alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector. RFA’s member producers have pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions for ethanol by 2050 or sooner, and a 2023 survey shows they are on the way to reaching that goal. U.S. grain-based ethanol currently cuts greenhouse gas emissions significantly—often by 50 percent or more compared to gasoline, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory.



Seaboard Foods names Chad Groves as president and CEO to succeed Peter Brown after retirement

Seaboard Corporation (NYSE American: SEB) announces it has named Chad Groves as the next president and chief executive officer of its Pork Segment, Seaboard Foods LLC (Seaboard Foods), to succeed current President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Brown, who announced he will be retiring effective June 30, 2024.

Peter Brown joined Seaboard Foods in January 2021 after more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the protein industry, including leadership positions with Butterball and High Liner Foods.  Seaboard would like to thank Peter for his leadership of the organization over the past three years.

“Peter was a key leader on Seaboard’s executive management team, and we wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement,” said Seaboard Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Steer.

Groves has served as senior vice president of global sales, marketing, & innovation at Seaboard Foods since July 2021, where he has led the retail, food service, export, processor sales, marketing, sustainability, and innovation teams.  Before joining Seaboard Foods, Groves was most recently the vice president of sales – retail & foodservice at Trilliant Food & Nutrition LLC and, prior to that vice president of field sales – food service at High Liner Foods.

Groves holds a Bachelor of Science in selling and sales management from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He is a member of the board of directors and treasurer for the National Pork Board.



CeraMax® Receives Section 2(ee) for the Suppression of Red Crown Rot in Soybeans

Ceradis Crop Protection B.V., a global developer and marketer of environmentally friendly plant nutrition and crop protection solutions, has been granted a Section 2(ee) label for the use of CeraMax® biological seed treatment for the suppression of Red Crown Rot in soybeans.

First confirmed in Illinois in 2018, Red Crown Rot has grown into an emerging threat for Midwest soybean growers with seed treatments like CeraMax serving as the only immediate disease prevention solutions to the problem.

CeraMax is a biological seed treatment proven to deliver superior protection against soil-borne diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome and Red Crown Rot. With a first-of-its-kind technology, CeraMax provides stewardship and seed safety attributes not offered with most synthetic seed treatments, plus a higher return on investment.

Widely used across US soybean growing regions since 2019, CeraMax helps growers maximize the genetic potential of their crops with unprecedented early-season root and shoot mass for strong, uniform plant emergence.

“As farmers get ready to head to the field for 2024 planting, there are Midwest pockets primed for Red Crown Rot to take hold,” says Jan Stechmann, Vice President of Marketing and Sales with Ceradis. “Unfortunately, once this disease lands in a field, there isn’t a foliar solution available to reverse the effects of plant damage or yield loss. The only way to get ahead of a potential risk is with a seed treatment like CeraMax.”

Know the symptoms
Red Crown Rot is one of the most difficult soybean diseases to identify even after symptoms appear. That’s because Red Crown Rot mimics physical characteristics similar to diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome.

According to Stechman, the first thing for growers to recognize is that Red Crown Rot tends to infect seedlings in warmer soils, while sudden Death Syndrome tends to thrive in cooler, wetter soil conditions.

“And because both diseases have physical similarities in foliar scorch, the best way to know for sure which disease you’re dealing with is to look closely at plant stem symptoms,” he says. “Red Crown Rot has a maroon stem discoloration along with the of presence of perithecia, which are tiny red balls on the crown and roots just below the soil line. SDS-infected soybean stems have a normal white pith with tan or light brown discoloration of the upper roots and lower stems.”

Additionally, Stechman says soybeans exhibiting symptoms of Red Crown Rot will have curled and dead leaves that remain attached to the plant. Soybeans exhibiting Sudden Death Syndrome symptoms will hold their leaves until the yellowed, dead leaf material drops off, leaving only the petiole attached to the stem.

States where CeraMax Section 2(ee) labeling applies are Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The Section 2(ee) recommendation for CeraMax should be in the possession of the user at the time of application.