Thursday April 18 Ag News

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund receives $7,500 gift from WK Kellogg Co

WK Kellogg Co recently demonstrated its belief in the power of regenerative agriculture when it made a $7,500 donation to the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund (DGSHF).

The gift is DGSHF’s largest corporate contribution to date and comes as part of WK Kellogg Co’s Feeding HappinessTM sustainable business strategy. Through Feeding Happiness, the company aims to positively impact people and the planet through three focus areas: Make Eating Well Easy, Help Kids Be Their Best and Better Our Communities.

“The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund strongly aligns with our Feeding Happiness efforts,” said Sarah Ludmer, Chief Wellbeing and Sustainable Business Officer, WK Kellogg Co. “This partnership aims to foster the well-being of both communities and our planet, with a special focus on supporting the growth of our young farmers.”

As an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, DGSHF honors Dan Gillespie, a life-long farmer and a long-time no-till farming practitioner and advocate. Following a courageous battle with ALS, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund was established to allow Gillespie’s family, friends and fellow soil health enthusiasts across the nation to carry on his work indefinitely.

DGSHF is focused on building an endowment to award grants twice per year that support education and programming for youth, current and future farmers, ranchers and others directly involved in agriculture in Nebraska and surrounding states. The contribution from WKKF supports this forward-thinking mission, which allows the farmers of today to make an invaluable impact on the farmers of tomorrow.

A volunteer fund advisory committee that determines grant awardees prioritizes projects supporting current and future growers (adults or youth) in adopting practices that address water quality and soil health, such as cover crops, reduced tillage, complex crop rotations and nutrient management to reduce soil erosion, nutrient run-off and greenhouse gas emissions.

Past DGSHF grants have supported organizations like No Till on the Plains, UNL Extension, Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, and youth centered projects and programs including City Sprouts which supports urban students with interests in agricultural careers, the Battle Creek FFA chapter and Central City High School for the benefit of a student’s scientific research program on the effect on land management technique on soil aggregation and the soil microbiome.



Major Trade Legislation Sponsored by Adrian Smith Advanced by Ways and Means Committee

Today, Ways and Means Committee Trade Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) released the following statements following the committee’s markup and passage of his bill, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Reform Act (H.R. 7986):

“GSP has been proven to benefit American manufacturers by increasing access to production components which are otherwise unavailable from domestic sources,” said Subcommittee Chair Adrian Smith. “The Biden administration’s inaction on trade matters has ceded ground to China in international markets and made reasserting congressional authority over trade policy all the more urgent. Considering the bipartisan support GSP renewal has traditionally enjoyed, it’s disappointing committee Democrats today chose partisan posturing rather than supporting legislation to strengthen American workers and industry. Reauthorizing GSP and passing the reforms in this bill will maximize the effectiveness of U.S. trade policy to counter China, boost trade relationships with our allies, and advance American leadership in rules-based trade. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure GSP reauthorization and reform, as well as a new Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, become law.”

“This legislation makes long overdue reforms to America’s largest trade preference program that allow us to use it as a tool to curb China’s influence across the developing world and to eliminate barriers to U.S. agriculture,” said Committee Chair Jason Smith. “We are creating new opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and workers, while countering the growing aggression of China and Russia. This is a necessary step to ensure that Congress leads on deepening relationships with trusted trading partners, while also holding them accountable to standards of importance to America’s growth and national security. I am thankful to Trade Subcommittee Chairman Smith for introducing this bill.”

The GSP Reform Act would:
    Renew the GSP trade program to December 31, 2030, and retroactively to when it expired on December 31, 2020.
    Include the first-ever GSP agriculture eligibility criteria which will insist beneficiary countries have science-based agricultural standards so American farmers and ranchers are no longer cut out of markets eager for their products.
    Reform Competitive Need Limitations and content requirements to improve usability for beneficiaries while limiting the ability of third-party nations to abuse the program.
    Allow GSP to be leveraged as a tool to counter China’s malign influence.
    Ensure foreign governments cannot easily tip the scales against U.S. innovators through discriminatory digital trade and tax policies.



House GSP Bill Supports Fair Market Access for U.S. Dairy Farmers

The U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, and Consortium for Common Food Names commended today’s House Ways and Means Committee markup of a bill that would renew the Generalized Systems of Preferences (GSP) trade program with new agriculture-specific eligibility criteria, giving U.S. dairy producers a fairer opportunity to sell their products in key markets. GSP has not been in effect since it expired at the end of 2020.

The GSP trade program helps developing countries use trade to grow their economies by eliminating U.S. duties for a wide range of products. GSP-eligible countries must meet certain conditions. Today’s bill will introduce new provisions for the agriculture industry, including requirements that beneficiary countries provide open and equitable market access to U.S. agriculture exports and protect the generic use of common food and beverage terms like “parmesan” and “feta.”

“The U.S. dairy community is grateful for these expanded criteria, which will enable America’s dairy farmers and producers to compete on a level playing field in these new and growing markets,” said Krysta Harden, USDEC president and CEO. “A special thank you to Representatives Adrian Smith, Jimmy Panetta, and Michelle Fischbach, who continue to be champions for the U.S. dairy industry. Now more than ever, our members count on exports to succeed, and we look forward to supporting this bill through to the finish line.”

“American dairy producers and cooperatives rely upon fair access to international markets,” said Gregg Doud, NMPF president and CEO. “We’re thankful for Representatives Smith, Panetta and Fischbach’s leadership on preserving market access for U.S. dairy exports and sending a message to competitors who try to create an unlevel playing field.”

As the European Union continues to try to monopolize common name foods and beverages by imposing overreaching geographical indication policies on countries worldwide, the new GSP eligibility requirements would provide a vital response on behalf of American cheesemakers.

“The European Union has expanded its protectionist and anti-competitive campaign to monopolize common name food and beverages well beyond its borders, to countries in every corner of the globe,” said Jaime Castaneda, CCFN executive director. “The U.S. government has the political and economic influence to fight back. We’re pleased to see that Congress is starting to utilize the tools at its disposal to secure producers’ common names rights.”



NEBRASKA HEMP ACREAGE

Industrial hemp grown in open areas in Nebraska in 2023 totaled 280 acres, down 7% from 2022, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Industrial hemp harvested in open areas totaled 270 acres, down 4% from last year.

IOWA: Iowa hemp growers planted 67.0 acres of hemp in open fields in 2023, down 48 acres from 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – National Hemp Report. Harvested acres for 2023 were estimated at 51.0, compared with 105 acres the previous year.

UNITED STATES HEMP
All industrial hemp: In 2023, the value of hemp production in the open and under protection for the United States totaled $291 million, up 18 percent from 2022.

Industrial hemp in the open: Planted area for the Nation in 2023 for all utilizations totaled 27,680 acres, down 2 percent from 2022. The value of hemp production in the open for the United States totaled $258 million, up 22 percent from last year. Area harvested for all purposes in the open totaled 21,079 acres, up 15 percent from 2022.

Floral hemp in the open: United States floral hemp production grown in the open for 2023 was estimated at 8.03 million pounds, up 18 percent from 2022. Area harvested for floral hemp in the open in the United States was estimated at 7,383 acres, up 4 percent from last season. The average yield for 2023 floral hemp in the open was estimated at 1,088 pounds per acre, up 134 pounds from last year. The value of floral hemp grown in the open totaled $241 million, up 35 percent from 2022.

Grain hemp in the open: National production of hemp grown in the open for grain in 2023 totaled 3.11 million pounds, up 28 percent from 2022. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for grain in the United States was estimated at 3,986 acres, down 26 percent from last season. The average yield for 2023 hemp grown in the open for grain was estimated at 779 pounds per acre, up 327 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for grain totaled $2.31 million, down 36 percent from 2022.

Fiber hemp in the open: In 2023, production of hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 49.1 million pounds, up 133 percent from 2022. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for fiber in the United States was estimated at 12,106 acres, up 77 percent from last season. The average yield for 2023 hemp grown in the open for fiber was estimated at 4,053 pounds per acre, up 983 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for fiber totaled $11.6 million, down 59 percent from 2022.

Seed hemp in the open: Production of hemp grown in the open for seed in 2023 was estimated at 751,000 pounds, up 414 percent from 2022. Area harvested for hemp grown in the open for seed in the United States was estimated at 1,344 acres, up 66 percent from last season. The average yield for 2023 hemp grown in the open for seed was estimated at 559 pounds per acre, up 379 pounds from last year. The value of hemp grown in the open for seed totaled $2.91 million, up 96 percent from 2022.

Hemp under protection: In 2023, hemp growers used 3.24 million square feet under protection for production, down 33 percent from 2022. The 2023 value of hemp production under protection in the United States totaled $32.9 million, down 3 percent from last year.

Hemp clones and transplants grown under protection in the Nation for 2023 totaled 934,000 plants, down 26 percent from 2022. The value of hemp clones and transplants grown under protection totaled $870,000, up 18 percent from last year. United States production of floral hemp grown under protection was estimated at 75,866 pounds, down 28 percent from 2022. The value of floral hemp grown under protection totaled $25.8 million, up 4 percent from last year. Hemp grown under protection for seed totaled 1,236 pounds, down 45 percent from 2022. The value of hemp grown under protection for seed totaled $6.25 million, down 26 percent from last year.



Organizations call on Congress to increase support for rural small businesses

As work begins on the 2025 federal budget, the Center for Rural Affairs and 26 partner organizations from across the country are asking Congress for continued support of rural small businesses through the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP).

Their letter—sent Tuesday to the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees—requests $8 million in funding for the program.

Supporters said RMAP provides much-needed support for the small businesses that strengthen our nation’s rural communities. Through the program, direct loans and grants are provided to Microentrepreneur Development Organizations (MDOs), such as the Center, who then offer technical assistance and distribute microloans of $50,000 or less.

“Rural entrepreneurs face the unique challenge of diminishing resources for loan capital and business training,” the letter said. “RMAP has proven its ability to fill this void in many communities”

Kalee Olson, senior policy associate with the Center, said the widespread use of RMAP demonstrates the program’s value and impact nationwide. Since the program was created in 2008, more than $40 million in grant funding and $103.6 million in loans have been distributed to MDOs in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Olson said.

“Providing resources to rural entrepreneurs allows them to reinvigorate main streets and attract individuals and families to rural areas,” she said. “Increased funding will help ensure business training and capital are available to more microentrepreneurs as they establish and grow their businesses.”

RMAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. For more information, visit rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program.



Acreage Living Newsletter Publishes Guide to Herd Bull Leasing and Rental

Working with other cattle owners to share the service of a bull can be an efficient way of growing the herd. Cattle producers can often find bulls close to home that will improve herd genetics, while those who own a bull can realize some profit by marketing the bull’s breeding service.

Whatever the arrangement, a detailed agreement between each party is essential.

In a recent article for the Acreage Living Newsletter https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/newsletters/202403, Patrick Wall, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, highlights five main points to consider when herd bull sharing or leasing, or when renting a bull to another cattle owner.

“The most important part of any agreement is trust,” according to Wall. “While a firm handshake often is enough for many cattle enthusiasts, keep in mind half of a herd’s genetics is hopping on the trailer when a lease is agreed upon.”

Listed in the article are steps with important outcomes to follow while going through bull sharing or leasing agreements. Each step lists the main goal, along with detailed follow-up information and precautions to consider.

Wall also advises cattle producers to consider the genetic value of the bull, and whether the bull offers enhanced growth or carcass merit. Likewise, he said it’s important to consider the quality of the cows being bred, and whether the lease agreement should involve a pick or percentage of the cows at weaning.

“All said, bull lease or rental agreements can be beneficial for both parties, as long as the terms and details are well understood in advance,” said Wall.

Other articles in the most recent Acreage Living edition cover topics on the “Private Well Stewardship Program,” “Biosecurity Your Way” and “Early Bud Development in Iowa.”

Acreage Living is published every other month by the Small Farm Sustainability team with the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program of ISU Extension and Outreach.



Meat Institute Recognizes 2023 Environmental Achievement Award Winners

The Meat Institute today recognized more than 200 meat and poultry plants at the 2024 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in New Orleans for their positive environmental impact efforts. Thirteen additional establishments that went above and beyond were granted Environmental Achievement Awards for their progress with emissions reduction, energy conservation, packaging/food waste reduction, technological innovation, and water conservation.

“The Meat Institute congratulates each of these establishments and their leadership for ensuring their products contribute to a sustainable food system,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Their hard work and innovation will ensure the meat and poultry industry continues to employ the highest standards and latest technology to produce wholesome, safe, nutritious products that consumers can be proud to put on their plates.”

The Meat Institute Environmental Achievement Awards are given to its member companies that go beyond environmental compliance by designing and successfully implementing an innovative plant upgrade or environmental program. The Environmental Achievement Award winners represent establishments operated by JBS USA, Smithfield Foods, and Tyson Foods. The winners are as follows:
Category
    
Emissions Reduction
Smithfield – Sioux Falls, SD
Smithfield – Junction City, KS
Tyson Farms – Ringgold, VA

Energy Conservation
Smithfield – Salt Lake City, UT
    
Packaging and/or Food Waste Reduction
Smithfield – Denison, IA
Smithfield – Clinton, NC
Smithfield – Tar Heel, NC

Technological Innovation
Smithfield – Lincoln, NE
JBS USA – Ottumwa, IA
Tyson Foods – Vicksburg, MS

Water Conservation
Smithfield – Wilson, NC
Smithfield – Smithfield, VA
Smithfield – Peru, IN

The Environmental Recognition Awards honor a company's dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems. The Environmental Recognition Award winners include establishments throughout North America operated by: American Foods Group, Caviness Beef Packers, Clemens Food Group, CS Beef Packers, FPL Foods, Golden State Foods, JBS/Pilgrim’s, Land O’ Frost, Maple Leaf Foods, OSI Group, Smithfield Foods, SugarCreek Packing, Triumph Foods, and Tyson Foods.

Companies that earned these awards also reported data in 2023 for The Protein PACT, which is uniting the largest-ever industry effort to strengthen animal protein’s contributions to healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.



All Fertilizer Prices Higher for Third Straight Week

Average retail prices for all eight fertilizers were up from last month in the second week of April 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. This marks the third straight week retail prices for all fertilizers were higher.

Despite the increases, though, only one fertilizer saw a significant price jump, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more. UAN32 was 5% higher in price compared to last month with an average price of $417 per ton. The remaining seven fertilizers were just slightly more expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $791 per ton, MAP $831/ton, potash $514/ton, urea $587/ton, 10-34-0 $640/ton, anhydrous $795/ton and UAN28 $363/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.64/lb.N, anhydrous was $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 was $0.65/lb.N and UAN32 was $0.65/lb.N.

The price of one fertilizer is now slightly higher than it was a year ago. MAP is 3% higher than it was a year ago. Prices for the remaining seven fertilizers are lower. DAP is 4% less expensive, urea is 6% lower, 10-34-0 is 14% less expensive, UAN28 is 15% lower, UAN32 is 18% less expensive, potash is 20% lower and anhydrous is 21% less expensive compared to a year ago.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/12/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 12, ethanol production slowed 6.9% to a 12-week low of 983,000 b/d, equivalent to 41.29 million gallons daily. Output was 4.0% less than the same week last year but 8.7% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 1.4% to 1.04 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks tightened 0.5% to 26.1 million barrels. Still, stocks were 3.1% more than the same week last year and 8.2% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the East Coast (PADD 1) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, rose 0.6% to 8.66 million b/d (132.79 bg annualized). Demand was 1.7% more than a year ago and 5.1% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol climbed 1.5% to a 16-week high of 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.78 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.9% more than a year ago and 9.4% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 175,000 b/d (7.4 million gallons/day), or 12.2% above the prior week and the largest weekly volume since mid-December. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 30th consecutive week.



NPPC Announces New Hire and Staff Promotions
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is pleased to announce several staff updates to enhance the organization’s advocacy efforts.
 
Andy Curliss will join the organization as vice president of strategic engagement, effective April 22, 2024. In this new role, Curliss will lead a range of efforts focused on expanding the reach and influence of the U.S. pork industry.
 
“As our industry evolves due to changing policies and economic challenges, we are excited to welcome Andy back to Team Pork,” said Bryan Humphreys, NPPC CEO. “With his in-depth approach and strategic insight, we are confident in his ability to help advance the industry.”
 
Curliss, a pork industry veteran, brings a wealth of agriculture business experience to this new role. He previously held senior-level positions at the North Carolina Pork Council and Smithfield Foods. Most recently, he was director of external affairs at the SAS Institute, where he provided executive-level counsel across a range of subjects, including agriculture and life sciences. Curliss was also a longtime investigative reporter and state government editor at the Raleigh News & Observer, focusing on government affairs.
 
Curliss holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Toledo and a master’s in business administration from East Carolina University. He will be based in Washington, D.C.
 
Two NPPC staff members were recently promoted.
 
Having demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as interim vice president of domestic policy, Maria C. Zieba has been officially appointed vice president of government affairs. In this new role, Zieba will oversee NPPC’s international affairs and domestic policy teams, leveraging her extensive expertise to advance the organization's goals here and abroad.
 
“Maria’s promotion is well deserved and reflects her leadership and expertise over many years at NPPC and in the pork industry,” said Humphreys.
 
Prior to joining NPPC in 2015, Zieba was a trade policy manager for the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, where she worked on various non-technical trade issues affecting the dairy industry. Prior to those roles, she worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, managing capacity-building projects to increase U.S. agricultural exports to emerging markets.
 
Chase Adams has been promoted from senior director to assistant vice president of domestic policy. In this role, Adams will lead NPPC's congressional advocacy and engagement, ensuring that the pork industry's interests are effectively represented and championed on Capitol Hill.
 
“With Chase’s proven ability to navigate the complex political landscape in Washington, I am confident that in this elevated role he will continue to be an invaluable asset to drive our advocacy initiatives and build strong relationships on Capitol Hill,” said Humphreys.
 
Before joining NPPC in 2022, Adams was senior policy and information director for the American Sheep Industry Association. From October 2012 to November 2016, he was director of communications for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He began his career in agriculture as a farm director for the radio station KBHB in Sturgis, South Dakota. He also practiced law for several years. Adams serves on the board of directors for the Western Resources Legal Center — a non-profit educational organization that provides law students with quality instruction to develop their legal skills in natural resources and environmental laws — and formerly served on the USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products. He also is an alumnus of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program.



Synovex Choice® Receives Additional Label Indication for Dry Lot Cattle

Zoetis announced today it has received an expanded label approval from the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for Synovex Choice® to increase rate of weight gain in growing beef steers or heifers in the dry lot production phase. Also approved is a new implant from Zoetis, Synovex® Primer™ that will be available for the dry lot market later in 2024.

“This approval provides beef producers with dry lot operations another tool to help them meet their production and profitability goals,” said John Hallberg, DVM, PhD, U.S. director of regulatory affairs, Zoetis. “As the first trenbolone acetate (TBA) implants approved for dry lot production, steers and heifers have the opportunity to gain additional weight with the appropriate nutritional inputs.”

Effective immediately, existing packages of Synovex Choice can be used in the dry lot production phase. Animal health product suppliers and cattle producers will begin seeing packaging for Synovex Choice with the updated indications by the end of 2024.

“This provides an opportunity for cattle producers with dry lot operations to incorporate a TBA implant in their program to help the cattle grow frame and put on lean muscle,” said Bryan Bernhard, PhD, nutritionist with Zoetis beef strategic technical services. “Dry lot operations have two main goals: get cattle healthy and get cattle growing. By adding Synovex Choice in the dry lot phase, cattle can gain more pounds before they go to the next phase, whether it is grazing or confined feeding.”

For more information on how the expanded label could fit your operation, please visit with your Zoetis sales representative. You also can visit www.Synovex.com to learn more.

Refer to individual labels for complete directions for use, precautions, and warnings. Reimplant only if and as directed in labeling.



Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford featured in TIME100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world

    Wednesday, TIME named Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO, to the 2024 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The list recognizes the impact, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.

    "I am honored to be mentioned among this impressive group of people. The list recognizes influence is most critical on issues that affect everyone, like the global food supply,” Beth Ford commented. “Our farmers, cooperatives and ag retailers carry the most risk in the food system. Without investment in rural America ­– its communities, its businesses, and its families ­– the interconnected global food chain is vulnerable. We all owe so much to the grit, determination and resilience of the people who feed us all.”

    Beth Ford has served as President and CEO of Land O’Lakes, Inc. since 2018. Land O’Lakes operates in all 50 states and more than 60 countries, touches half the harvested acres and over 10,000 rural communities in the U.S.

    Ford, who has held senior positions in seven companies in six industries, leads not only by delivering financial performance, but also by addressing the important global issues and structural changes that can improve areas directly impacted by food and agriculture. During her tenure, Land O’Lakes has focused on its members, the technology that enables them, and on ensuring the vibrance and connection of the communities in which they live and work. Working to close the digital divide, she convened the American Connection Project and contributed to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which included $65 billion for rural connectivity. She regularly addresses issues around global food security, noting food security is national security.

    Ford’s acknowledgement in TIME, available here, was authored by Larry Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock.

    The full list and related tributes appear in the April 29, 2024 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, April 19, and now at time.com/time100.  

    For more information on how Beth Ford and Land O’Lakes are working alongside our farmers, cooperatives and ag retailers to invest in rural communities and address issues that affect everyone, like the global food supply, please visit www.landolakesinc.com.