Thursday April 25 Ag News

USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.

Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle
    Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
    Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
    Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.  
    As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.

Mandatory Reporting
    Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.
    Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS.  

USDA has identified spread between cows within the same herd, spread from cows to poultry, spread between dairies associated with cattle movements, and cows without clinical signs that have tested positive. On April 16, APHIS microbiologists identified a shift in an H5N1 sample from a cow in Kansas that could indicate that the virus has an adaptation to mammals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted further analysis of the specimen sequence, which did not change their overall risk assessment for the general public, because the substitution has been seen previously in other mammalian infections and does not impact viral transmission. Additionally, APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories found H5N1 in a lung tissue sample from an asymptomatic cull dairy cow that originated from an affected herd and did not enter the food supply.

The novel movement of H5N1 between wild birds and dairy cows requires further testing and time to develop a critical understanding to support any future courses of action. This Federal Order is critical to increasing the information available for USDA. Requiring positive test reporting will help USDA better under this disease and testing before interstate movement will limit its spread.  

While we are taking this action today, it is important to remember that thus far, we have not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans and between people. While cases among humans in direct contact with infected animals are possible, our partners at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that the current risk to the public remains low.

Additionally, we continue to see affected cows recover after supported care with little to no associated mortality. We also continue to work with our partners in the states and industry to emphasize the critical importance biosecurity plays in limiting disease spread for all livestock and poultry.

The Federal Order is effective on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Further, in an effort to maximize understanding and research on H5N1 in dairy cattle, on April 21, APHIS made publicly available 239 genetic sequences from the U.S. H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus recently found in samples associated with the ongoing HPAI outbreak in poultry and wild birds, and the recent H5N1 event in dairy cattle. APHIS has also offered virus samples to interested researchers to facilitate epidemiological study. Increasing our understanding of this disease and how it spreads is critical to stopping it. This is why APHIS is urging dairy cattle producers and those who work in or with the industry to share epidemiological information from affected farms, even if they are not planning to move cattle interstate. APHIS further urges producer participation in public health assessments to continue to confirm worker safety and monitor for any potential changes in the virus that could impact transmissibility.   

In addition, our partners in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released an update on the ongoing work to ensure continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system. It is important to emphasize that, based on the information and research available to us at this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and USDA believe that our commercial milk supply is safe because of both the pasteurization process and the required diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows. Pasteurization has continuously proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses in milk. The FDA and USDA continue to work closely to collect and evaluate additional data and information specific to avian influenza in dairy cattle and to support state counterparts as this emerging disease in dairy cattle is managed.  

As USDA continues to take steps to protect the health of livestock, the Department continues to work closely with federal partners at the CDC on protecting the health of people and FDA on protecting the safety of the food supply. The U.S. government is committed to addressing this situation with urgency.  

To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.  



Information from NE Dept. Of Ag Regarding H5N1 In Dairy Cattle
 
On Wednesday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a Federal Order that will take effect on Monday, April 29th to continue to monitor and understand the extent of the HPAI virus in livestock.  The order mandates testing for interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle as well as mandatory reporting of positive cases.
 
This federal order was announced via federal order:  https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/04/24/usda-actions-protect-livestock-health-highly-pathogenic-h5n1-avian
 
USDA APHIS is expected to release guidance documents today (April 25).  
 
NDA plans to host webinars to discuss the order and guidance document later this week and will be sending out webinar links soon.
 
For your planning purposes:
Thursday, April 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. webinar for accredited vets
Sign up to receive the webinar link directly from NDA here: https://forms.gle/d2zC8PxtEnCQj8oq7

Friday, April 26 from 12:15-1:15 p.m. webinar for dairy producers
Sign up to receive the webinar link directly from NDA here: https://forms.gle/KTK2KVh1XJQXfYid8



NMPF Statement on H5N1 and Federal Order on Lactating Cows
President & CEO Gregg Doud

Since this virus was first discovered in cows, H5N1 in dairy cattle has been primarily an animal health concern. Today’s announcements and actions underscore that continued concern and focus on the well-being of animals and those who care for them.

USDA, FDA and scientific research has established what accumulated science indicated all along: The consumer milk supply is safe. Pasteurization renders the H5N1 virus, like other viruses, inactive, an important reminder to consumers of its value as a basic safeguard for human health. We appreciate that these agencies are sharing this message, which will help alleviate any concerns consumers may have.

That said, the presence of this virus in dairy herds, as well as dairy farmers’ own commitment to animal and human health, makes USDA’s actions on testing and interstate travel appropriate. Dairy farmers stand ready to take a proactive approach to ensuring that we better understand the spread of the virus, do what we can to limit that spread, and ensure the health of our animals and workers.  



Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen Signs Landmark SAF Legislation Into Law

Wednesday Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law LB937, which includes the establishment of a production tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Nebraska. The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) welcomes the passage and signage of LB937, which was introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar and was amended to include the SAF tax credit created by Sen. George Dungan’s LB1072.

“We are excited and encouraged by this landmark SAF legislation, and Gov. Pillen’s signing of the bill,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Reid Wagner said. “This bill creates a first-in-the-Midwest tax credit for SAF to be produced right here in Nebraska. We thank Sens. Dungan and Bostar for helping develop SAF production, which represents a tremendous opportunity for our state moving forward.”

Ethanol and oils from corn and soybean processing serve as low-carbon, low-cost feedstocks for the production of SAF, which can reduce emissions by more than 50% compared to conventional jet fuel. LB937 establishes an income tax credit for the production of SAF beginning in 2027.

“The potential of the SAF market in the coming years could be enormous,” Wagner said. “LB937 marks an important step in realizing that opportunity. As Nebraska looks to the future, this bill ensures our state is in prime position to be a leader in the SAF market.”



Growth Energy Cheers New SAF Credit in Nebraska

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, celebrated legislation signed today by Governor Jim Pillen that will speed investment in Nebraska’s production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Originally introduced by state Sen. George Dungan and incorporated into a broader bill by Sen. Eliot Bostar, LB937 will provide a $0.75 per gallon tax credit for the production of aviation fuel that reduces lifecycle emissions by at least 50 percent, which may be calculated based on the most recent version of Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model.

“We applaud Governor Pillen, Senator Dungan, Senator Bostar, and all the biofuel champions in Nebraska who worked hard to advance this exciting legislation,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “These incentives promise to propel Nebraska into a leadership position on SAF, which is the single most promising new market for low-carbon biofuels. With the right incentives and the best available science, as afforded by Argonne’s GREET model, this approach promises to fast-track investments in low-carbon aviation that will benefit our climate, our economy, and our rural communities.”



IOWA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES STATE LEGISLATIVE WINS

The Iowa Legislative Session adjourned in the early morning hours of Friday, April 19. The 103-day session resulted in several major legislative wins for Iowa cattlemen. And much like the cattle business, the relationships we maintain and develop helped us along the way. We especially want to thank Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislative leaders like Speaker Pat Grassley and Senate President Amy Sinclair for their leadership and support of cattlemen priorities. 

A cohort of livestock producers that serve as state legislators led important discussions related to ICA’s priorities with support from ICA’s contract lobbyist, Jake Swanson, and director of government relations, Cora Fox.  

“The active engagement by producers with their legislators–both in Des Moines and in district–reinforced ICA’s presence and resulted in outcomes that align with member-driven policies,” said ICA President Rob Medberry.

Legislation signed into law:
    S.F. 2204: Sen. Dan Zumbach (SD-34) and Rep. Derek Wulf (HD-76) managed legislation to enhance state laws by giving the Attorney General more oversight to investigate suspected violations of foreign ownership of agricultural land.

Legislation to be considered by Gov. Reynolds:
    S.F. 2391: Sen. Dawn Driscoll (SD-46) and Rep. Heather Hora (HD-92) successfully led legislation to protect against misbranding of fake meat products and keep experimental, lab-grown protein out of supplemental nutrition programs and schools. 
     
    H.F. 2465: Sen. Ken Rozenboom (SD-19) and Rep. Chad Ingels (HD-68) worked to include agriculture instruction as part of the science curriculum for grades nine through 12. 
     
    H.F. 572: Sen. Annette Sweeney (SD-27) advanced legislation to prohibit surveillance of homes and livestock facilities by use of drones from individuals that do not have consent from property owners. This legislation was first passed by Rep. Wulf and members of the Iowa House in 2023.

    H.F. 2649: Sen. Driscoll and Rep. Wulf initiated legislation to prevent a new tax on producers by reinstating the livestock capital gains deduction. Collectively, this will save livestock producers millions of dollars in taxes. 

As we look back on a productive and successful legislative session marked by several wins for Iowa cattlemen, we recognize the importance of working with elected officials on both sides of the aisle and those who may be less familiar with beef cattle production. Each of the aforementioned bills were passed by the legislature with bipartisan support. The future of beef cattle production in Iowa depends on the relationships we maintain and seek to build, and we look forward to continuing this work in the interim. 



Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference Is May 15

Farm managers, rural appraisers, real estate brokers and others interested in the Iowa land market can receive timely updates at this year’s Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference May 15 in Ames.

Experts from across Iowa and the nation will examine current issues in rural property management, appraisal, the selling and buying of land as well as agricultural policy.

The annual conference – now in its 96th year – is the longest running at Iowa State University in research and extension.

This year’s conference will be held in person at the Scheman Building from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Rabail Chandio, conference chairperson, will review the attendees’ land values forecasts to start the day, followed by a discussion on the U.S. and Global Ag Economy in relation to the land markets by Jason Henderson, Iowa State's vice president for extension and outreach.

Alejandro Plastina, associate professor and extension economist at Iowa State, will join Hingli Feng, an assistant professor of economics at Iowa State, and Ruth McCabe, an agronomist with Heartland Cooperative, for a panel discussion on conservation and easement programs and their influence on land values and soil quality.

Neil Hamilton, former director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center, will follow the panel with a presentation called “Soil Health and Water Quality Concerns: Implications for Land Values and Marketability.”

After lunch, Eric Snodgrass, the principal atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, will present his weather outlook for the 2024 growing season; and Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist at Iowa State, will discuss the implication of recent warm winters and climate change for soil health, yields and land valuation.

The final two sessions will include a look at the legal developments that affect land purchases and sales, with Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State; and a look at how the crop and livestock market futures can influence farmland land markets, by Brian Grete, commodity analysis expert and editor of Pro Farmer.

Chandio, who is also an assistant professor and extension economist with ISU Extension and Outreach, said the conference continues to be an excellent educational venue for Iowans and beyond.

"The economic situation in agriculture and globally is not exactly clear right now,” said Chandio. “On top of that, the warm Iowa winters leave many to wonder about what to expect this year. With our agenda and the experts we have lined up, this is a great opportunity for attendees to gain a clearer understanding about several concerns, quite unique to this year, as we head into another crop season.”

Registration for the Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference is $150.

For more information, visit the conference website at https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/smlv/.

Or reach out to Rabail Chandio at 515-294-6181 or rchandio@iastate.edu.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 4/19/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending April 19, ethanol production declined 3.0% to a 13-week low of 954,000 b/d, equivalent to 40.07 million gallons daily. Output was 1.3% less than the same week last year but 7.5% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate decreased 2.4% to 1.02 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.59 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks eased 1.3% to a 9-week low of 25.7 million barrels. Yet, stocks were 5.9% more than the same week last year and 9.9% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, shrank 2.8% to a 9-week low of 8.42 million b/d (129.12 bg annualized). Demand was 11.4% less than a year ago and 0.2% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol were unchanged at 899,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.78 bg annualized. Net inputs were consistent with year-ago levels but 7.7% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 134,000 b/d (5.6 million gallons/day), or 23.4% below the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 31st consecutive week.



All Major Fertilizer Prices Continue Higher for Fourth Consecutive Week

Average retail prices for all eight major fertilizers were up from last month in the third week of April 2024, marking the fourth consecutive week all prices have been higher, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. Despite the increases, no fertilizer price was up significantly, which DTN designates as anything 5% or more.

The average price for DAP was $780 per ton, MAP $830/ton, potash $513/ton, urea $585/ton, 10-34-0 $641/ton, anhydrous $794/ton, UAN28 $364/ton and UAN32 $418/ton.

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

Most fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago, but one fertilizer is slightly higher. MAP is 2% higher looking back a year. The remaining fertilizers are lower. DAP is 6% less expensive, urea is 7% lower, 10-34-0 13% less expensive, UAN28 is 14% lower, UAN32 is 18% less expensive and both potash and anhydrous are now 20% lower compared to a year prior.



USDA Cold Storage March 2024 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2024 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 12 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 10 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 1 percent from the previous month but down 13 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 18 percent from last month but down 2 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2024 were up slightly from the previous month but down 6 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 11 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 7 percent from last month and up 5 percent from March 31, 2023.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2024 were up slightly from the previous month but down slightly from March 31, 2023. Butter stocks were up 6 percent from last month and up 2 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks on March 31, 2024 were down 6 percent from last month but up 6 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month and down 2 percent from a year ago.



Total Red Meat Production Down 2 Percent in 2023

Total red meat production for the United States totaled 54.5 billion pounds in 2023, 2 percent lower than the previous year. Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton. Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 54.4 billion pounds. On-farm slaughter totaled 91.6 million pounds.

Beef production totaled 27.0 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year. Veal production totaled 52.8 million pounds, down 10 percent from last year. Pork production, at 27.3 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year. Lamb and mutton production totaled 135.1 million pounds, down 1 percent from 2022.

Commercial cattle slaughter during 2023 totaled 32.8 million head, down 4 percent from 2022, with federal inspection comprising 98.1 percent of the total. The average live weight was 1,365 pounds, down 4 pounds from a year ago. Steers comprised 46.8 percent of the total federally inspected cattle slaughter, heifers 31.1 percent, dairy cows 9.5 percent, other cows 10.9 percent, and bulls 1.6 percent.

Commercial calf slaughter totaled 293,600 head, 20 percent lower than a year ago with 97.3 percent under federal inspection. The average live weight was 280 pounds, up 27 pounds from a year earlier.

Commercial hog slaughter totaled 128.0 million head, 2 percent higher than 2022 with 99.5 percent of the hogs slaughtered under federal inspection. The average live weight was down 2 pounds from last year, at 287 pounds. Barrows and gilts comprised 97.3 percent of the total federally inspected hog slaughter.

Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter, at 2.17 million head, was up 5 percent from the previous year with federal inspection comprising 84.8 percent of the total. The average live weight was down 7 pounds from 2022 at 119 pounds. Lambs and yearlings comprised 93.6 percent of the total federally inspected sheep slaughter.

Commercial Red Meat Production by State
   million lbs   -   2023     -    2022
Nebraska ....:    7,637.2  -  7,983.8
Iowa ...........:    8,954.8  -  8,563.2
Kansas ........:    5,806.3  -  6,090.0

There were 1,012 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2024 compared with 946 last year. Of these, 835 plants slaughtered at least one head of cattle during 2023 with the 11 largest plants slaughtering 46 percent of the total cattle killed. Hogs were slaughtered at 718 plants, with the 14 largest plants accounting for 60 percent of the total. For calves, 2 of the 148 plants accounted for 36 percent of the total and 4 of the 601 plants that slaughtered sheep or lambs in 2023 comprised 39 percent of the total head.    

Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas accounted for 49 percent of the United States commercial red meat production in 2023, down 1 percent from 2022.



USDA's Agricultural Research Service Honors Scientists of the Year

For pioneering studies on Influenza A Viruses in swine, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist Amy L. Baker is the agency's Distinguished Senior Research Scientist of the Year for 2024. Baker, a research veterinary medical officer at the ARS National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, Iowa, is one of 12 total ARS researchers who were honored April 23 for their scientific achievements.

“We’re so proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these 12 scientists. They exemplify the scientific excellence and innovation that our agency seeks in delivering solutions to agricultural challenges nationally and abroad,” said ARS Administrator Simon Liu.

Baker joined the NADC in 2004 and today serves as lead scientist in the center’s Virus and Prion Research Unit in Ames. Among her accomplishments, Baker’s research on the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus in pigs helped the swine industry address food-safety concerns in export markets. Baker went on to draw national and international acclaim for her sustained research excellence investigating the pathogenesis, diagnostics, vaccinology and interspecies transmission of Influenza A Viruses (IAV) in swine.

Baker’s systematic genetic and antigenic characterization of IAV revealed previously unrecognized diversity and established a baseline in the United States for monitoring ongoing evolutionary changes in the viruses, as well as the relatedness of U.S. isolates to those found in swine in other parts of the world. This information has also been pivotal to the improvement of commercial swine influenza vaccines.

Baker’s expertise in IAV and interspecies transmission has led to numerous speaking invitations, advisory positions and collaborations, including with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—particularly in response to the ongoing exchange of IAV between people and pigs. Under Baker’s leadership, the NADC’s Virus and Prion Research Unit directly contributes swine IAV genetic and antigenic data to the World Health Organization’s influenza vaccine composition meetings, which are held twice annually to inform decisions on strain selection for future human influenza vaccine production.

ARS also named four 2024 Area Senior Research Scientists of the Year. They are—
    Scott M. Geib, with ARS’s Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit in Hilo, Hawaii (Pacific West Area), for his leadership and contributions to the advancement of insect genomics research and national-level initiatives such as the USDA Ag100Pests and Beenome100.
    Brian E. Scheffler, with ARS’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Research in Stoneville, Mississippi (Southeast Area), for scientific leadership and innovation ranging from herbicide mode-of-action discoveries to high-quality crop genomes and contributions to SCINet, Ag100Pest and Beeome100.
    Curtis P. Van Tassell, with ARS’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland (Northeast Area), for leadership in livestock genomics employing a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve unprecedented advances for the U.S. dairy and beef cattle industries.
    Gayle M. Volk, with ARS’s Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research in Fort Collins, Colorado (Plains Area), for leadership on the clonal cryopreservation of critical plant germplasm, collections assessment and training of aspiring plant scientists and genebankers.

ARS is also honored scientists who are in the early phases of their careers. The early-career awards recognize the achievements of ARS researchers with the agency for seven years or less.

This year, the top award in this category, the Herbert L. Rothbart Outstanding Early Career Research Scientist of 2024, goes to Revathi Shanmugasundaram (“Reva Shan”), a research biologist at ARS’s Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit in Athens, Georgia (Southeast Area). Shan is being recognized for her groundbreaking work in evaluating mycotoxin levels in feed, which significantly impacts poultry-related food safety along with poultry health and productivity. Additionally, Shan is recognized for her innovative approach in developing nanoparticle vaccines to neutralize multiple mycotoxins in animal feed.

ARS honored four other Area Early Career Research Scientists. They are—
    Mohamed Alburaki, with ARS’s Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland (Northeast Area), for incorporating epidemiological modeling and other scientific innovations to create faster, more accurate diagnoses of bee diseases and other health issues, benefiting beekeepers and regulatory agencies alike.  
    Matthew S. Crouse, with ARS’s Nutrition, Growth and Physiology Unit in Clay Center, Nebraska (Plains Area), for advancing the understanding of how maternal nutrient restriction during early pregnancy in cattle negatively impacts the embryos and for developing a supplementation program based on targeting the one-carbon metabolism pathway, a key function of all cellular growth.
    Brittany E. Davis, with ARS’s Forage-Animal Production Research Unit in Lexington, Kentucky (Midwest Area), for pioneering studies on the nutritional microbiology of grazing ruminants and for research demonstrating the potential of isoflavones naturally found in red clover to help abate symptoms of fescue toxicosis in grazing cattle.
    Karen Poh, with ARS’s Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Washington (Pacific West Area), for innovative studies at the intersection of ticks, hosts, pathogens, and the environment to implement methods of predicting, preventing and controlling tick infestations and tickborne diseases in livestock.

The agency also announced its 2024 ARS Technology Transfer Award winner. This Award recognizes individuals or groups who have done outstanding work in transferring technology to the marketplace.

This year’s winner is the Phosphorous Transport Reduction App Team, consisting of Jim R. Frankenberger and Chad J. Penn—both at ARS’s National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory in West Lafayette, Indiana. Phosphorus that leaves agricultural fields in runoff or drainage water can end up in water bodies like lakes and streams, compromising water quality and causing harm to aquatic life.

The team developed a software application named the P-Trap that makes it easier for users to select, design, build and evaluate phosphorus removal systems that would work best with a specific farm operation. The team’s push to expand awareness and adoption of phosphorus removal systems also extended to furnishing content for a series of training modules and providing consultations and on-site demonstrations, including on how to recycle captured phosphorus from runoff.

Penn also lent his technical expertise to the American Society of Agronomy and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, which developed the training modules with support from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Together with NRCS, Penn worked to devise a national standard allowing for cost-sharing of the removal systems under the agency’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program.



Administration Announces New School Meal Standards to Strengthen Child Nutrition

Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced major steps to promote the health of America’s children through school meals. Nutrition standards for school meals will be gradually updated to include less sugar and flexibility with menu planning between Fall 2025 and Fall 2027. The Department arrived at these changes after listening closely to public feedback and considering the latest science-based recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new rule continues the work of the Biden-Harris Administration to address both food and nutrition security.

K-12 schools serve nutritious breakfasts and lunches to nearly 30 million children every school day. These meals are the main source of nutrition for more than half of these children and help improve child health.

“We all share the goal of helping children reach their full potential,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Like teachers, classrooms, books, and computers, nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, and when we raise the bar for school meals, it empowers our kids to achieve greater success inside and outside of the classroom. Expanding on this major milestone, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to partner with schools, districts, states and industry to build on the extraordinary progress made to strengthen school meals.”

The final rule previewed today, is a significant step toward advancing the Administration’s national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by 2030 set forth at the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September 2022.

“The new standards build on the great progress that school meals have made already and address remaining challenges - including reducing sugar in school breakfasts. These updates also make it easier for schools to access locally sourced products, benefiting both schools and the local economy,” said USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long.

Key updates to the nutrition standards to support healthy kids include:

Added Sugars
    For the first time, added sugars will be limited in school meals nationwide, with small changes happening by Fall 2025 and full implementation by Fall 2027. USDA heard concerns from parents and teachers about excessive amounts of added sugars in some foods, which factored into this new limit. Research shows that these added sugars are most commonly found in typical school breakfast items. Child care operators will also begin limiting added sugars in cereals and yogurts – rather than total sugars – by Fall 2025.

Milk
    Schools can continue to offer flavored and unflavored milk, which provide essential nutrients that children need, such as calcium, vitamin D and potassium. There will be a new limit on added sugars in flavored milk served at breakfast and lunch by Fall 2025. Thirty-seven school milk processors – representing more than 90% of the school milk volume nationwide – have already committed to providing nutritious school milk options that meet this limit on added sugars.

Sodium
    Schools will need to slightly reduce sodium content in their meals by Fall 2027. In response to public comments, USDA is only requiring one sodium reduction, and not the three incremental reductions that were proposed last year. This change still moves our children in the right direction and gives schools and industry the lead time they need to prepare. The sodium limits in this final rule will be familiar to schools, as they were supported by leading school nutrition and industry stakeholders during previous rulemaking activities in 2017 and 2018.

Whole Grains
    Current nutrition standards for whole grains will not change. Schools will continue to offer students a variety of nutrient-rich whole grains and have the option to offer some enriched grains to meet students’ cultural and taste preferences.

Supporting Other Food Preferences
    While not a new requirement, starting in Fall 2024 it will be easier for schools to serve protein-rich breakfast foods such as yogurt, tofu, eggs, nuts, and seeds, which can help reduce sugary food options, while also supporting vegetarian diets and other food preferences.

Supporting Local Food Purchases
    Also starting in Fall 2024, schools have the option to require unprocessed agricultural products to be locally grown, raised or caught when making purchases for school meal programs, making it easier for schools to buy local foods.

Additionally, starting in Fall 2025, schools will have limits on the percentage of non-domestic grown and produced foods they can purchase, which will enhance the role of American farmers, producers, fishers, and ranchers in providing nutritious foods to schools.



Industry Leaders Share Sustainable Aviation Priorities for Farm Bill

Amid the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Farm Bill, industry stakeholders representing nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – including seven major airlines – called on Agriculture Committee leaders in the House and Senate to boost the role of American farms in fueling low-carbon aviation.

“SAF, which can be produced from renewable biomass and agriculture-based feedstocks, presents an opportunity to expand U.S. markets for agricultural goods, bolster our nation’s rural economy and provide a renewable, low-emission domestic energy supply for the aviation sector,” wrote the Aerospace Industries Association,  Airlines for America, Airbus, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, the American Soybean Association, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Boeing, the Cargo Airline Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, Fuels America, GE Aerospace, US, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Gevo, Inc., Growth Energy, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Association, the Kansas Soybean Association, Marquis Sustainable Aviation Fuel, the National Air Carrier Association, the National Air Transportation Association, the National Business Aviation Association, the National Corn Growers Association, Novonesis, the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, the Ohio Soybean Association, POET, LLC, the Renewable Fuels Association, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, United Parcel Service, and  Vertical Aviation International.

“Due to wide bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, as well as benefits to U.S. farmers, biofuel producers and the aviation industry, we ask that you include meaningful SAF provisions, such as the Farm to Fly Act, in the Farm Bill to strengthen American agriculture and help leverage this key resource,” they added.

The Farm to Fly Act (H.R. 6271 and S. 3637) would affirm eligibility for SAF within current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bio-Energy Programs, facilitate greater collaboration on SAF, and affirm a common “GREET” definition of SAF for USDA purposes to ensure accurate measurements of emissions reductions from climate-smart farming practices and low-carbon aviation fuel.