Monday April 22 Ag News - Cattle on Feed - E15 Announcement - and more!

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED UP SLIGHTLY

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.54 million cattle on feed on April 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up slightly from last year. Placements during March totaled 450,000 head, down 6% from 2023. Fed cattle marketings for the month of March totaled 460,000 head, down 2% from last year. Other disappearance during March totaled 10,000 head, unchanged from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 660,000 head on April 1, 2024, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was up 2 percent from March and up 3 percent from April 1, 2023. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 545,000 head on feed, up 1 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,205,000 head, up 1 percent from last month and up 2 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March 2024 totaled 105,000 head, down 11 percent from February and down 4 percent from March 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 54,000 head, down 4 percent from February but up 4 percent from March 2023. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 159,000 head, down 9 percent from February and down 1 percent from March 2023.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during March 2024 totaled 93,000 head, down 12 percent from February and down 13 percent from March 2023. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 47,000 head, down 13 percent from February but up 18 percent from March 2023. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 140,000 head, down 13 percent from February and down 5 percent from March 2023. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent
    
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on April 1, 2024. The inventory was 1 percent above April 1, 2023. The inventory included 7.27 million steers and steer calves, up 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.56 million head, up 1 percent from 2023.

On Feed, by State (1,000 hd - % April 1 '23
Colorado ......:                 990            101             
Iowa .............:                660            103            
Kansas ..........:               2,400           99             
Nebraska ......:               2,540          100              
Texas ............:               2,840          101            

Placements in feedlots during March totaled 1.75 million head, 12 percent below 2023. Net placements were 1.69 million head. During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 330,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 260,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 460,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 466,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 170,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 60,000 head.

Placements by State (1,000 hd - % March '23
Colorado ......:                  135            87            
Iowa .............:                 105            96           
Kansas ..........:                  400            87             
Nebraska ......:                  450            94            
Texas ............:                  365            80            

Marketings of fed cattle during March totaled 1.71 million head, 14 percent below 2023. Other disappearance totaled 57,000 head during March, 8 percent above 2023.

Marketings by State (1,000 hd - % March '23
Colorado ......:                  160            89         
Iowa .............:                   93             87              
Kansas ..........:                  390            81            
Nebraska ......:                  460            98             
Texas ............:                  330            80             



Producer Imaging: National Finals Rodeo Brings Opportunity for Beef Councils

In 2023, the Nebraska Beef Council continued a digital outreach campaign aimed at showcasing the state's beef industry to local consumers. The campaign featured YouTube video ads starring real Nebraska farmers and ranchers, including Knobbe Feedyards from West Point, Ryan & June Loseke from Columbus, and Homer Buel from Shovel Dot Ranch in Bassett. The primary goal was to instill pride in the beef industry among Nebraskan consumers while emphasizing the dedication to producing safe and wholesome beef products.

The results of the campaign were impressive, with over 1,350,000 video views and more than 3.3 million consumer impressions. The ads, which had an average cost-per-completed-view of $0.01, garnered a 42% view rate, indicating high engagement from the targeted audience. These metrics demonstrated the effectiveness of the campaign in resonating with Nebraska consumers.

“While today’s consumers have become further and further removed from the farm or ranch, they still have a genuine interest in food production,” said Nebraska Beef Council Director of Marketing, Adam Wegner. “Listening to a rancher discuss their methods of caring for animals and preserving the environment offers people confidence in the food they choose to eat.”

Encouraged by the success of digital campaign initiatives, the Nebraska Beef Council plans to expand the producer imaging campaign in the summer of 2024. The upcoming campaign will include Connected TV platforms to further reach and engage with Nebraska consumers.

In addition to digital outreach efforts, the Nebraska Beef Council also explored other avenues to promote the industry, such as advertising during the Las Vegas National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this past December. The campaign utilized existing resources and donated time, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to maximizing the impact of their marketing initiatives.

“The NFR advertisement coincides with this big surge in the western lifestyle, I know they refer to it as the Yellowstone effect,” said Jeff Rudolph, Chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors. “But it was an opportunity for very few dollars to put beef in front of the public and promote our values and lifestyle to them.”

By leveraging digital platforms and strategic partnerships, the Nebraska Beef Council aims to further elevate the profile of Nebraska beef and solidify it as a trusted choice for consumers.



Farm and Ranch Employee Intake and Onboarding
Center for Ag Profitability Webinar
With: Shannon Sand, Extension Agricultural Economist, UNL Center for Agricultural Profitability

Farm and ranch employee intake and onboarding is important as it sets the tone of the relationship between the manager(s) and the worker(s). Whether they’re related or not, onboarding new employees is important as it allows them the opportunity to get an overview of the operation, learn about employment policies, introduce them to other employees, suppliers, etc., and job duties. Doing these things are key to helping create an understanding of duties and responsibilities in regard to the job, as well as foster open communication with employees and help with potential employee retention.

Register Here: https://unl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_728dH47oQGS2U5v3XSDnBg



EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for E-15 Sales 

Friday, April 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — to be sold during the summer driving season. 

This action will provide communities with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East by increasing fuel supply and offering a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose. This waiver will help consumers protect themselves against fuel supply shocks by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, continuing to bolster U.S. energy independence, all while supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. Current estimates indicate that on average, E15 is about $0.25 a gallon cheaper than E10. 

“Under President Biden’s leadership, EPA is taking action to protect Americans from fuel supply challenges resulting from ongoing conflict overseas by ensuring consumers have more choices at the pump,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply, while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy security, and providing relief to drivers across the country.”

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the Department of Energy, to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of ongoing issues with gasoline supplies Administrator Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available. As required by the Clean Air Act, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting the waiver was in the public interest. 

Currently, in approximately two-thirds of the country, E15 cannot be sold from terminals starting on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. EPA is providing relief by extending the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure waiver that currently applies to E10 gasoline to E15, which will enable E15 sales throughout the summer driving season in these areas, if necessary. This action only extends the 1-psi waiver to E15 in parts of the country where it already exists for E10. E15 can already be sold year-round in parts of the country that have a Reformulated Gasoline program. 

Because the RVP of E10 and E15 gasoline used by consumers will be the same, EPA does not expect any impact on air quality from this limited action. EPA’s research has shown no significant impact on evaporative emissions when the 1-psi waiver is extended to E15. With no significant impacts on emissions from cars and trucks, EPA expects consumers can continue to use E15 without concern that its use in the summer will impact air quality. 

EPA’s emergency fuel waiver will go into effect on May 1 when terminal operators would otherwise no longer be able to sell E15 in the affected regions of the country and will last through May 20 which is the statutory maximum of 20 days. EPA will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners, and the Agency expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East are no longer present.



EPA Issues Emergency Waiver for Summer E15 Sale

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency waiver that will allow the sale of E15 fuel nationwide during summer 2024. The waiver comes two months after the EPA approved a request from the governors of eight Midwest states, including Nebraska, that allows the year-round sale of E15 in the governors’ respective states beginning in 2025.

“We welcome and are thankful for the EPA’s announced emergency waiver,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Reid Wagner said. “These waivers will ensure consumer access this summer to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 amidst supply disruptions due to ongoing conflicts overseas.”

E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% ethanol, is safe and approved by the EPA to use in vehicles 2001 or newer and can save consumers about $.10 per gallon compared to E10. In Nebraska, E15 is available at around 110 fueling stations. If our nation moved to a fuel standard of E15, consumers would save $12.2 billion in fuel costs every single year, according to industry expert Growth Energy.

“The decision to issue emergency waivers allowing E15 to be sold this summer dovetails well with the EPA’s recent rule finalizing the petition submitted by Governor Pillen and his colleagues,” Wagner said. “When the governors’ request was approved, questions remained about our options for summer 2024. Today’s waiver answers those questions, and it marks another major step in the achievement of a long-term priority: securing permanent year-round access to E15 for Nebraska drivers.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding EPA Granting Wavier to Allow Use of E15 this Summer

"We are pleased to again see the EPA grant a waiver to allow for the use of E15 nationwide this summer. Friday's announcement comes on the heels of EPA's announcement earlier this year to grant a year-round E15 waiver for eight states including Nebraska beginning in 2025. We appreciate EPA's decision to provide consumers with an affordable and sustainable fuel option, however, it also highlights the need for a permanent solution.”

“It is well past time for Congress to take up and pass the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act introduced by Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer and Rep. Adrian Smith, which would permanently allow for the use of ethanol blends higher than E10 nationwide throughout the year. Nebraska Farm Bureau is again calling on Congress to move this vital piece of legislation through Congress and to the President's desk so that it can be signed into law, ending years of unnecessary regulatory uncertainty.”



Congressman Flood: It’s Time for E15 All Year Round

Friday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood issued a statement following news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had issued approval for E15 to be sold during the 2024 summer driving season.

“Seasonal waivers for E15 have been a welcome step forward, however, the Biden administration needs to make the next move and authorize year-round E15 for all states. As I’ve said before, E15 has had proven benefits for years, and it’s time to tear down remaining regulatory barriers, so every American can access this affordable fuel that helps clean up our air while growing our rural communities.”



Fischer Statement on E15 Emergency Waiver

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer driving season:

“Expanding the use of E15 is a win for everyone. It bolsters our domestic fuel supply, lowers costs for consumers, and promotes the environmental benefits of American biofuels and modern agriculture.

“While I appreciate the EPA’s decision to lift restrictions on E15 for the summer driving season, more needs to be done.

“This administration should get behind by legislation to deliver the only permanent, nationwide solution to allow the sale of E15 year-round.

“It’s time to end the uncertainty and ensure that families across this country have consistent access to a biofuel that will lower prices at the pump.”



Ricketts Comments on EPA Allowing Summer Sales of E15

Friday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, commented on the announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency would issue an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 this summer:

“E15 enjoys bipartisan support because it saves drivers money at the pump, cleans our environment, and supports Nebraska farmers and American agriculture. Today’s announcement is a step forward, but our producers shouldn’t have to rely on bureaucratic waivers. Let’s pass Senator Fischer’s Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and make year-round E15 permanent.”



Smith Statement on 2024 E15 Emergency Waiver

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an emergency waiver to allow E15 sales this summer:

“Restrictions on E15 are outdated and backwards, and the EPA has taken the right action to waive unnecessary red tape as we head into the summer months," said Rep. Smith. "As a renewable source of energy, ethanol blends help relieve costs for consumers, provide flexibility for producers, and boost American energy independence. While I appreciate the EPA’s announcement, ongoing emergency waivers are not a long-term solution, and I will continue working to advance a legislative solution such as my bill with Reps. Craig and Johnson, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, to provide permanent, year-round access to E15.”
 
BACKGROUND:
Congressman Smith first introduced a bill to approve year-round sale of E15 in 2015. On April 11, Smith joined a bipartisan group in leading a Biofuels Caucus letter urging President Biden to issue the necessary waiver for year-round sale of E15. On April 17, Smith joined Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) to introduce the Year-Round E15 Act, a bipartisan bill to expand the sale of E15 in 2024.



Consumers Will Have Uninterrupted Access to E15

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) applaud the EPA for their announcement of continued access throughout the summer months for E15. Using existing authority, this announcement gives consumers ongoing access to E15, a clean-burning, homegrown, lower-cost fuel choice at the pump.

“ICGA along with the National Corn Growers Association and other partners have worked with the Administration to ensure that homegrown, cleaner-burning E15 is accessible during the busy summer driving season,” said Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove and President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association. “We appreciate EPA’s timely action to save consumers up to 20 cents per gallon while also creating market access for Iowa’s corn farmers as the top ethanol and corn producing state.”

E15, also commonly marketed as Unleaded 88 at the pump, is approved for use in 2001 or newer vehicles accounting for over 95 percent of vehicles on the road today. Iowa is the top corn and ethanol producing state so access to the fuel market is vital for Iowa’s corn farmers.



Secretary Naig Welcomes E15 Emergency Waiver

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig welcomed Friday’s announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an emergency waiver for E15 during the summer driving season and released the following statement:

“While the announcement is welcome news, the Biden Administration should have never allowed this decision to get to the point of needing yet another emergency waiver. Iowa drivers and fuel retailers have been needlessly subjected to uncertainty about the availability of this more affordable option at a time when inflation is running hot, oil prices are rising and global events are producing turmoil. I am glad that Iowa consumers will be able to take full advantage of the savings E15 offers all year long, and with more pumps being added all the time, there has never been greater E15 access and momentum than we have today. Thanks to Governor Reynolds’ strong leadership on this issue, Iowa and seven other Midwest states will never again have to deal with this summertime E15 uncertainty. Ultimately, though, we continue to need a permanent federal solution that allows every driver, every day, in every state to save money with E15, and I will continue to work with the Governor and our delegation in Washington to push that plan forward.”

 

Biden Administration Grants Nationwide E15 Summer Sales Waiver for 2024

Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will issue emergency waivers to permit the nationwide sale of E15 for the 2024 summer driving season. Consumers and retailers in Iowa now have certainty both for this summer, and going forward as Iowa was one of eight Midwest states receiving approval for their request to allow year-round sales of E15 on a permanent basis. That approval was granted in February of 2024 but would not become effective until the summer of 2025. Today’s action removes the last uncertainty about E15 availability in the 8 Midwest states.

“On behalf of Iowa motorists, we thank the Biden Administration for granting the emergency E15 relief for this summer,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “IRFA members are so proud of all the Iowans who continued to push for this action, including Iowa fuel retailers, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and our entire federal congressional delegation. This is a victory for consumer choice at the pump and for saving families money during the busy summer driving season.”

Almost two years after the eight Midwest governors submitted their request, the EPA approved their year-round E15 solution in February 2024. Historically, the Biden administration issued emergency waivers for summer E15 use in 2022 and 2023.

“Retailers not currently offering E15 in these eight Midwest states can now move forward knowing E15 is a year-round fuel,” said Shaw. “We expect E15 adoption to happen quickly. But we’re not done. This is a great steppingstone to continue the fight to achieve year-round, nationwide E15,” said Shaw. “With E15 sales skyrocketing 47% over the last year in Iowa, it is crystal clear the demand for a cleaner-burning, cost-effective fuel is here today.”

E15, a blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, is typically 10 to 20 cents per gallon less than E10. Today’s emergency action overrides outdated regulations that made it difficult for retailers to sell E15 from June 1 through September 15 in some parts of the country. Retailers in the areas with bad air quality have always been allowed to offer E15 year-round.




Corn Growers Applaud EPA for Allowing Access to Higher Blends of Ethanol During Summer Months

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will use its existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn grower organizations, which have advocated for the move, praised the decision

“This waiver is good news for corn growers and those in rural America who will benefit economically from this decision and for consumers who will save money at the pump during a busy travel season,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We are deeply appreciative of EPA Administrator Regan, President Biden and our congressional allies for all their work on this issue.”

Under current policy, E15 cannot be sold at terminals beginning on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. But the Clean Air Act gives EPA authority to temporarily waive these requirements to address pressing concerns, such as fuel shortages.

The war in Ukraine, disruptions to key trade routes and inflation have raised concerns among many in the Biden administration and in Congress about high gas prices and energy security.

Higher blends of ethanol have been shown to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while lowering the price of fuels and the biofuels reduce America’s need for foreign oil.

In February, EPA approved a petition from eight Midwestern governors allowing their states to sell E15. But since that decision is not effective until summer 2025 and only impacts a handful of states, corn grower leaders had to quickly mobilize and work with EPA to get today’s waiver in motion.

NCGA is working with allies, including the petroleum industry, on federal legislation that would provide permanent, year-round access to E15.



AFBF Welcomes Summer Ethanol Blend Waiver

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Friday on the Biden administration’s emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol (E15).

“AFBF appreciates the Biden administration recognizing the important role biofuels play in meeting America’s energy needs. Families are struggling with stubbornly high prices everywhere, including at the pump. E15 gasoline gives families a more affordable choice and is part of a climate-smart solution to make America energy independent.”



NFU Statement on EPA E15 Announcement

Friday, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement on E15 summer blending:

“Heading into another summer travel season, today’s announcement from EPA helps consumers by reducing their costs and increasing their choices. It helps farmers and their communities by creating more market access. Summer E15 is a good step forward, and now we need full year-round sales and a move toward higher level blends of ethanol, such as E30, which greatly improves air quality.”   



Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team Host “Virtual Chat 2” to Discuss Latest Information On HPAI In Ruminants

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team is hosting another “Virtual Chat” to discuss the latest information on the mystery illness effecting dairy cows on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 pm.

The knowledge on the illness is growing almost hourly, so this program will discuss the latest information on the HPAI infection effecting dairy ruminant herds and poultry flocks. The agenda includes:
    Pat Gorden DVM, ISU Veterinary College Field Services:  History of the disease and practicing veterinarians’ perspective
    Drew Magstadt DVM, ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory:  Perspectives on diagnostic tests
    Yuko Sato DVM, ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory:  What is HPAIV?  What can the dairy industry learn from the poultry industry?
    Jeff Kaisand DVM, Iowa State Veterinarian:  State’s perspective on HPAIV in dairy ruminants.
    Danelle Bickett-Weddle DVM, owner of Preventalytics:  Protecting Your Dairy Herd
    Q&A

Producers, dairy consultants, and industry reps are encouraged to attend the free virtual chat at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 1. No registration is required.     

Please click this URL to join.
https://go.iastate.edu/BOVINEA
password: 904903

For more information, contact Dr. Phillip Jardon, Iowa State Extension Dairy Veterinary at  515.294.7424 or pjardon@iastate.edu; or Dr. Gail Carpenter, at 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.



NPPC’s Dr. Johnson Represents U.S. Pork at Codex Meeting on Contaminants in Foods
 
National Pork Producers Council Director of Food Policy Dr. Ashley Johnson represented the U.S. pork industry at the 17th session of the Codex Alimentarius Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF). Overseen by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Codex is the international food safety standards-setting body.
 
The contaminants committee met to:
    • Establish or endorse permitted maximum levels or guideline levels for contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed.
    • Prepare priority lists of contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants for risk assessment by the Joint FAO-WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.
    • Consider methods of analysis and sampling for determining contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed.
    • Consider and elaborate standards or codes of practice for related subjects.
    • Consider other matters assigned to it by Codex in relation to contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed.
 
Maximum levels for lead, aflatoxin contamination, alkaloids in foods, and emerging issues in food and feed safety, such as PFAS, were debated and discussed.  Recognizing the importance of current and emerging issues facing pork and pork products, Dr. Johnson represented NPPC in the organization’s first time participating in the CCCF meeting. She discussed with delegates the pork industry’s commitment to producing a safe product and advocated for science-based decisions to continue to support and expand our export market.
 
NPPC supports the work of and is actively engaged in Codex, which provides the U.S. pork industry opportunities to weigh in on standards affecting the safety of food, food production, and international trade. NPPC also collaborates with food and agriculture groups in several countries to gather consensus on the Codex’s international standards and guidelines.
 
Codex Alimentarius helps protect the health of consumers, facilitate international trade, and ensure fair practices in international food trade. Standards adopted by the commission have wide-ranging applications, as they are used throughout international trade negotiations as baselines for trade text.



NCBA Concludes Successful Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

Friday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) concluded another successful Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The three-day event brings cattle producers from across the country to Washington to meet with federal agencies and elected members of Congress.

“This Legislative Conference was a great opportunity to meet with our representatives in Congress and discuss issues with agencies like USDA, EPA, and the Fish and Wildlife Service,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher. “I am thankful for the work that NCBA’s team does every day in Washington, and meetings like this are so valuable for showing policymakers how the decisions they make here in Washington impact our farms and ranches thousands of miles away.”

This year, more than 300 cattle producers traveled to Washington and participated in 170 meetings on Capitol Hill. Attendees also met with officials from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Farm Service Agency. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also shared valuable updates on the inspections that occur at ports of entry to prevent diseases and pests from entering the United States.

“The Legislative Conference is a testament to NCBA’s grassroots leadership and role as a member-driven organization,” said Idaho rancher and NCBA Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett. “Unlike activist-led groups that are little more than a fundraising website and a lobbyist, NCBA represents real farming and ranching families across the country. We showed that to members of Congress and agency staff, and delivered the message that policymakers need to listen to real cattle producers when making decisions that impact our livelihood. I have seen firsthand how NCBA’s work in Washington benefits our industry and I encourage you to join us and support that work too.”

During the event, NCBA members discussed their priorities for the next Farm Bill, including the need for animal health, disaster relief, risk management, and voluntary conservation programs. Producers also urged policymakers to reduce red tape on farms and ranches by reeling in overreaching regulations from federal agencies. Additionally, members discussed the need to protect the cattle industry from the threat of a foreign animal disease and defend the Beef Checkoff from animal rights activist attacks.



‘Forever Chemical’ Rule Creates Uncertainty for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Friday on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule to designate perfluorooctnoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), the two most common per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), as hazardous materials under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

“America’s farmers and ranchers share the goal of protecting the nation’s water supplies and they believe those responsible for PFAS contamination should be held accountable. Unfortunately, farmers could be unfairly targeted even though they do not create or use any PFAS in their operations, but may have passively received the chemicals. We acknowledge that EPA is saying it does not want farmers and ranchers to be penalized for a situation they did not create, but without those assurances being expressly written into the rule, future enforcement is uncertain.

“This is a problem facing all of us. Our members, like all families in America, are completely unaware of the PFAS levels on their property until it’s too late because these chemicals are coming from outside sources. As mitigation efforts move forward, it’s important that farmers are not held responsible for the presence of PFAS chemicals, which they did not produce or intentionally use.”