Wednesday April 03 Ag News

NDA ISSUES RESTRICTIONS, PROVIDES UPDATE ON HPAI ILLNESS FOUND IN LIVESTOCK

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) continues to monitor the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in dairy cattle. HPAI has been detected in lactating dairy cattle in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Michigan, and Idaho. At this time, there have been no reported detections of HPAI in Nebraska dairy cattle or other livestock.

In an effort to protect the dairy herd in Nebraska, NDA is issuing an importation order effective immediately. The importation order will require all breeding female dairy cattle entering the state of Nebraska to obtain a permit issued by NDA prior to entry. To obtain a permit, producers will need to contact the NDA at 402-471-2351. The new importation order will be in place for 30 days (until April 30, 2024) and will be re-evaluated at that time. More information is available on NDA’s website at www.nda.nebraska.gov/animal/imports.

“Animal health and disease control are essential to the livestock industry and health of Nebraska’s economy,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NDA is closely monitoring this HPAI illness in livestock. We will do what’s right to advocate for Nebraska producers, to protect the health of Nebraska livestock, and to minimize the impact HPAI will have on dairy producers in the state.”

“The health and safety of livestock in Nebraska is top priority,” said State Veterinarian Roger Dudley, DMV. “At this time, it appears the HPAI illness found in dairy operations in some states only affects lactating dairy cows and is not being seen in other segments of the cattle industry. Now, more than ever, is the time to enhance biosecurity measures on farms and ranches to help protect livestock from illness.”

NDA recommends adhering to strict biosecurity practices in operations and quarantining new animals into herds for 30 days, if possible. If dairy producers notice symptoms - acute sudden drop in milk production, changes in milk color/consistency, decreased feed intake, and other clinical signs, they should contact their herd veterinarian and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture immediately at 402-471-2351. The herd veterinarian will assess these animals and consult with NDA for additional steps.

In the dairy industry, there are many safeguards in place to ensure that milk and dairy products are safe to consume, so HPAI in dairy cattle does not possess a known risk to the public’s health. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume due to routine testing and established protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, milk from ill cows is never allowed to enter the food supply.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption. Milk from impacted animals is diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply. In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk, and pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.

NDA is collaborating with producers, veterinarians, officials in other State Departments of Agriculture, the USDA, and industry partners like the Nebraska Dairy Association, and the Nebraska Cattlemen, to closely monitor the situation and put plans in place to protect Nebraska producers and their livestock.

“There are a lot of discussions on the national level about this outbreak, and Nebraska is a part of those discussions,” said Dr. Dudley. “Understanding the details surrounding the transfer of the HPAI virus to livestock is an important part of the epidemiological investigation. While troubling, this outbreak does not currently threaten the lives of dairy cattle, and the pasteurization process continues to keep the milk supply safe. In Nebraska, we have communicated with dairy producers and veterinarians with the information we know, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”

The HPAI virus detections in affected herds appears to have been introduced through exposure to infected wild birds. Further efforts to continue epidemiological investigations are underway to ensure a complete picture of the situation can be evaluated. The USDA has confirmed that HPAI does not seem to be passed cow-to-cow, but rather by wild birds carrying the disease and transmitting it and potential mechanical transmission of the virus.

While this new importation order prohibits breeding female dairy cattle from entering the state without a permit, individuals from Nebraska interested in transporting animals and animal products to other states and countries should contact the destination state/country to learn about their import requirements before transporting animals.

To learn more about biosecurity measures to implement on your operation, please visit: https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/diseases/hpai_livestock/index.html.



AFAN Announces the 2024 Nebraska Pork Expo  

Anyone involved in the pork industry is invited to the Nebraska Pork Expo set for July 17 in York, Neb.

The program will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. Registration is requested by July 5, 2024.

The day will begin with a tradeshow and free breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Attendees will hear sessions on the latest and greatest in swine research, information on bio and cyber security, and a much-anticipated discussion around gene editing. The Nebraska Pork Producers Annual Meeting will take place during lunch. A free social hour, with door prizes, will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to round out the day.  

The event is sponsored by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and York County Development Corporation.

"Pork production is a dynamic and evolving sector. We're thrilled to provide industry participants with a day dedicated to networking and learning about essential topics," stated Steve Martin, Executive Director of AFAN. "For producers exploring diversification opportunities within pork, our event offers valuable insights from vendors and informational sessions."

More information for attendees and vendors can be found by visiting www.becomeafan.org. Specific questions can be sent to mindyr@a-fan.org or by calling the office at 402.421.4472.  



Collegiate Farm Bureau Leaders Receive Ron Hanson Scholarship

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded the Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship to three members of Collegiate Farm Bureau at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) who are pursuing degrees from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).

Emily Eilers, a senior from Wayne, Abygail Streff, a junior from Pierce, and Caleb Burnside, a freshman from Stapleton, each received a $1,500 scholarship.

Dr. Ron Hanson, professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, established the scholarship to reward students who prioritize leadership building activities while on campus.

“Dr. Hanson chose to continue his legacy of service through this scholarship, and we are so proud to steward his generous gift,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “Dr. Hanson is a longtime Farm Bureau member who recognizes the value of getting involved to make a difference, and this scholarship encourages the next generation of leaders who will make their voices heard and better their communities.”

This year’s recipients rose to the top of a strong candidate pool. Applicants were judged based on their involvement with UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, volunteer and leadership activities, and their goals for the future.

Eilers is pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Studies Communications with minors in Agricultural Leadership and Grazing. She is involved in volunteer organizations including UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau, where she served as the vice president of communications and public relations, 4-H, where she helps youth learn concepts they can apply to their 4-H project, and FFA, where she assists with the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event at State FFA Convention. After graduation, Eilers plans to pursue a position in agriculture communications, working with farmers and ranchers to share their story with consumers in a purposeful way.

Streff is earning a degree in agricultural economics. Currently serving as president of UNL’s Collegiate Farm Bureau, Streff has immersed herself in all things Farm Bureau and agricultural advocacy. In addition to her education, Streff is currently serving as an intern for Governor Pillen’s office and recently represented Nebraska Farm Bureau at the American Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet. Upon her graduation, Streff plans to pursue a career that allows her to advocate for agriculture, sharing her passion for the industry.

Burnside is studying agribusiness during his time at UNL. While only a freshman, Burnside has been involved in the UNL Collegiate Farm Bureau; attending conferences and meetings to expand his network and knowledge. Burnside is actively involved in various agricultural organizations on campus including Alpha Gamma Sigma, Nebraska Agriculture Youth Council, and the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program. After Burnside earns his degree, he plans to return to the family farm as the fourth generation to work the land.

“My congratulations to Emily, Abygail, and Caleb as recipients of the 2024 Ron Hanson Collegiate Leader Scholarship. It is my privilege to help recognize their outstanding leadership contributions and campus involvement to the Nebraska Farm Bureau and its collegiate chapter.  I applaud their efforts and goals as young agriculture leaders to be difference makers for the future of agriculture,” said Schafer.



New Report: Iowa Hit Record E15 Sales in 2023

The Retailers Motor Fuel Gallons Annual Report, just released by the Iowa Department of Revenue, found E15 sales increased 47 percent year-on-year to a record 178 million gallons. The report also found a record 68 million gallons of biodiesel was blended into Iowa diesel for 2023.

For the first time, E15 sales accounted for more than 10 percent of Iowa gasoline sales in 2023, hitting 13.3 percent according to the report. Today, one in four Iowa fuel stations offers E15.

“Increased access coupled with its low price led more Iowans than ever to choose E15 at Iowa fuel stations in 2023,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “A nearly 50 percent increase in E15 sales in one year is remarkable. We expect to keep setting records as Iowa Governor Kim Reynold’s E15 Access Standard legislation is fully implemented in 2026. When given a choice, Iowa consumers have shown they want E15 at the pump.”

For only the second time, the report found that sales of on-road B11 and higher biodiesel blends eclipsed 60 percent of the market. The average percentage of biodiesel in on-road blended gallons hit a record 14.4 percent. In off-road diesel, usually used in farm and construction equipment, the report found a 5-fold increase in B20 and higher blends.

“Setting a record blend level in 2023 sends a strong message about the staying power of biodiesel,” said Shaw. “IRFA members have worked hard to expand biodiesel use in off-road markets, so seeing progress there was very encouraging. Overall, 2023 was a great year for biofuel use in Iowa and we’re not taking our foot off the accelerator pedal."

The Iowa Department of Revenue identified retailers for the report using information from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s motor fuel license database and from internal records.



Farmer Sentiment Improves As Interest Rate Expectations Shift

U.S. farmers’ perspective on the future improved in March helping to push the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer up 3 points from February to a reading of 114. The Index of Current Conditions at 101 was 2 points below a month earlier while the Index of Future Expectations reached 120, 5 points higher than in February. The split between the current and future indices was driven primarily by farmers’ perception that their financial condition has deteriorated over the last year while they expect their financial situation to improve modestly in the next 12 months. The March Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from March 11-15, 2024.

Producers’ expectations for interest rates have shifted which could help explain why producers look for financial conditions to improve. This month nearly one-half (48%) of respondents said they look for the U.S. prime interest rate to decline over the next year. That’s up from 35% of farmers who said they expect rates to decline the last time this question was posed in December 2023. And just one-third (32%) of respondents in March said they expect interest rates to increase in the next 12 months compared to 43% of respondents who were looking for rates to rise in the upcoming year when polled in December. Just 20% of respondents this month said the risk of rising interest rates was a top concern, down from 24% who chose it as a top concern in December. Producers remain focused on high input costs as their number one concern, chosen by 36% of respondents in this month’s survey.

The Farm Capital Investment Index rose 7 points in March to a reading of 41 as the percentage of producers who said it’s a good time for large investment rose to 15%, up from 11% in the last 2 months. Among producers who said it’s a good time for large investments, 17% pointed to strong cash flows as a primary reason which was lower than recent months while higher dealer inventories for farm machinery was cited by 26% of respondents. Producers who feel it’s a bad time to invest continue to point to high machinery and construction costs along with high interest rates as the top two reasons for feeling it’s a bad time to invest.

Producers’ short-run outlook on farmland values improved in March as the Short-Term Farmland Values Index rose to a reading of 124, 9 points higher than in February. This month 38% of respondents said they look for farmland values to increase in the year ahead compared to 31% of farmers who said they expected values to rise in both the January and February surveys. The shift in producers’ interest rate outlook might have been a contributing factor to the improved outlook for farmland values although that was not reflected in the follow-up question posed to respondents who said they expect values to increase. When asked why they expect farmland values to increase more producers this month pointed to inflation expectations as a supporting factor than last month (24% of respondents in March vs. 18% of respondents in February). There was also a small increase in the percentage of respondents choosing strong cash flows (8% of respondents in March vs. 6% of respondents in February) as a supportive factor. There was a modest decline in the percentage of producers who pointed to non-farm investor demand as a key factor affecting the farmland market, although with 57% of producers citing it as a key factor it was by far and away the number one reason cited for their bullish outlook on farmland values.

Interest on the part of companies desiring to use farmland for either sequestering carbon or solar energy production appears to be rising. This month’s survey asked respondents if either they or one of their landowners have been approached about possible Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (also referred to as CCUS) on farmland and nearly one out of five (18%) of respondents responded yes. In a follow-up to a question posed in the February survey, 12% of this month’s respondents said that, in the last six months, they have engaged in discussions with companies interested in leasing farmland for a solar energy project. That percentage compares to 10% of respondents in February who reported solar energy project discussions taking place recently. When asked about the long-term farmland lease rates offered by solar energy companies, 54% of respondents this month said they were offered a lease rate of $1,000 or more per acre and just over one-fourth of respondents (27%) said they were offered a lease rate of $1,250 or more per acre.

The March barometer survey included several questions focused on farmers’ policy expectations following the fall 2024 elections. Eighty percent of this month’s respondents said they are concerned that, following the fall 2024 elections, there will be government policy changes affecting their farms in the years ahead. Forty-three percent of respondents said they think regulations impacting agriculture will be more restrictive following the elections while just 18% said they expect a less restrictive operating environment. Four out of ten producers (39%) said they think taxes impacting agriculture will rise following the fall 2024 election while half of respondents said they expect no change in agriculture’s tax environment.

Wrapping Up
Farmer sentiment improved modestly in March with the rise primarily attributable to producers expecting financial conditions on their farms to improve in the year ahead. The improvement in farmers’ financial outlook was buttressed by an improved interest outlook with nearly half of this month’s respondents saying they expect interest rates to decline over the next 12 months. Consistent with expectations for an improvement in financial conditions on their farms, more producers said this is a good time to make large investments helping to push the Farm Capital Investment Index up 7 points compared to a month earlier. Farmers’ short-run outlook for farmland values also improved this month as the short-run farmland index climbed 9 points above its February reading. Interest in using farmland for solar energy production and sequestering carbon appears to be on the rise with 12% of respondents discussing solar energy leases and 18% saying they or their landowners were approached about possible Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage on farmland.