Friday May 31 Ag News

 Is That Ag Technology Worth It? Ask These Questions To Be Sure

Swapping the  familiar pencil and notebook record-keeping system for a digital technology might feel intimidating. But due to increasingly tight margins, expensive inputs and overwhelming time demands, technology may offer a way to stay profitable.

Making technology decisions
Tom Field, director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, believes two important factors are foremost in technology decisions, aside from cost.

“First, since so much diversity in marketing methods of size and scale exist, (the technology) must provide data and information a producer can turn into decision-making tools,” Field says. “If it checks this box, I’d suggest taking a hard look.”

Some technologies offer data but not data that can be easily used to make decisions. If data doesn't translate into actionable insights, it's likely not right for an operation.

“Second, does a technology deliver market access due to improved and more detailed information?” Field says. “If it opens the door to an interesting supply chain opportunity for higher premiums or increased average prices, it may have the margins to validate the choice to bring on a new layer of management and data collection.”

 How the pieces fit together
New technology fitting these criteria must still make a positive difference on farm. Goals, management, labor and time should all be considered.

“Ultimately, a fit is determined by profit,” Field says. “If it positively affects my break-even, I need to seriously consider it. Admittedly, potential profit is hard to establish early on.”

Next, a technology’s ability to simplify or automate manual labor by simplifying or automating a multi-step paper process or removing repetitive manual data entries could add value.

“Time and frustration levels are major players,” Field says. “If we can complete one step instead of three, it makes my team’s lives better. It’s likely not immediate for return on investment, but there's something to be said for the value of stress reduction and added efficiency.”

Field recommends producers approach technology providers with three key questions:
    Can you demonstrate that it works?
    Is your technology better than what I'm using now and why?
    Will you outline the increased profitability and improved efficiency timeline?

Once you’re satisfied with the answers, Field suggests looking to trusted sources, including consultants, friends or peers with knowledge, expertise or experience.

Support and usability tied to success
“If it's not user-friendly, I'm not interested,” Field says. “A program requiring a ton of support or adding a boatload of complexity to an already complex environment isn’t the answer. As Einstein said, ‘Make things as simple as possible but no simpler’.”

Technology also must work without extra hours dedicated to refinement or solving problems.

“The frustrations of busy, time-constrained owners will happen quickly,” he warns. “If I need to invest extra time I don't have, it won’t be successful.”

Practical concerns
Karl Fox, Iowa custom cattle feeder outlines three honest questions to consider before investing:
    Do I have the cash available?
    Does it make tasks easier?
    Will it help me identify ways to make better decisions?

Fox was one of the original adopters of Performance Beef, a cattle management software. When reviewing available options, he was spending numerous hours per month invoicing up to 20 pens to six different customers.

“I decided on Performance Beef because it helped me do a better job of tracking and managing my numbers, improving my health records, and fine-tuning how I manage my cattle on an individual basis,” Fox says. “As we’re primarily grid sellers, it provides better information to predict harvest dates, maximize revenue per animal and avoid penalties.”

Another key factor was that company’s personnel proactively kickstarted his installation and onboarding process, yielding almost immediate results.

“The right technology will quickly confirm that we can't afford not to have it,” Fox adds. “Once we discover a technology or practice works with noticeable improvement in a short time, demonstrates a reduction in mistakes and quickly covers costs, it's an obvious choice.”

Field agrees. Technology’s ability to help reduce or eliminate repetitive and redundant tasks allows people to spend more time on other priorities.

“If it's accurate, works quickly, reduces labor, demonstrates a verifiable ROI, makes for better decision-making and takes away aggravation, give it serious consideration,” Field says.



Weston Svoboda Selected as the 2024 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar by the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation

The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) announced Mr. Weston Svoboda as the 2024 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar.  

Weston is a fifth-generation agriculturalist from Burwell, Nebraska. Being raised in the family business, he quickly developed a passion for the beef industry. While studying ag economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he continued learning and developing ag advocacy skills through involvement in various student organizations. A current law student, Weston ultimately plans to be involved on the family ranch while serving the legal needs of fellow agriculturalists focusing on estate planning and generational transitions of family farms and ranches.

Weston Svoboda said, “It is an incredible honor to be this year’s recipient of the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship. I try to live by the motto: honor the past, enrich the present, forge the future. I’m excited to apply this mentality as I seek to contribute to the continued success of our beef industry and the people who make it great.”

Loren Berger, President of the NCF stated, “Weston's experience in the beef industry, his communication skills and his desire to represent the beef industry in legal matters after graduation make him an outstanding advocate for the beef industry in the future.”

In addition to the Beef State Scholarship, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation awarded nearly $60,000 in scholarships to fifty-five students furthering their education in the 2024-2025 academic year. Weston Svoboda, along with all scholarship recipients, will be recognized at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in Ogallala on Thursday, June 13, during the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch.

To donate or for more information concerning the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, contact Lee Weide, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Secretary at (402) 475-2333 or Jana Jensen, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at (308) 588-6299.

Established in 2014, the Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship is the premier Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation scholarship providing a $10,000 award to an outstanding junior, senior, or graduate level Nebraska resident student enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry related degree.



USDA Now Accepting Applications for Available Funds to Help Cover Organic Certification Costs

Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. FSA is now accepting applications, and organic producers and handlers should apply for OCCSP by the Oct. 31, 2024, deadline for eligible expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. FSA will issue payments as applications are received and approved.

“Costs associated with obtaining organic certification can be a barrier for Nebraska producers wanting to get certified,” said Tim Divis, Acting FSA State Executive Director in Nebraska. “Through OCCSP assistance, FSA helps Nebraska organic producers obtain certification and leverage related benefits like premium prices for commodities and access to broader markets and additional technical assistance.”

OCCSP was part of a broader organic announcement made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 15, 2024, which also included the Organic Market Development Grant program and Organic Transition Initiative.

Eligible Applicants, Expenses and Categories
OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program. Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

Cost share assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments and postage. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, and processing/handling.

How to Apply
To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses. For more information, visit the OCCSP webpage.



Receive Instant Pest Alerts Directly to Your Cell Phone

Crop farmers and others involved with crop production can receive instant updates on the latest insect pest issues in Iowa.

The Iowa Pest Alert Network provides short, timely updates via text messaging to farmers and crop consultants, agronomists and extension who advise farmers. This free, user-friendly service provides timely scouting information about pests in your area.

The website provides links to information about key pests in the Midwest, degree day mapping, regional updates and supplemental publications. There is also an archive listing of past pest alerts.

All a user needs is a cell phone number. Sign up by visiting the Pest Alert Network website, at https://pestalerts.extension.iastate.edu.

“A needs assessment published by the North Central Soybean Research Program in 2021 determined that farmers and the industry are really interested in receiving real-time alerts about pests,” said Ashley Dean, extension specialist in entomology with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Farmers and the people who advise them are often out in the fields during the day, so text messages might be more efficient than emails.”

The user can customize the service to receive specific pest alerts based on specific pests, or per region of Iowa.

“These short bursts of information are meant to reach people wherever they are, and they can use links in the alerts to access relevant scouting information,” said Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist at Iowa State.

Recent pest alerts cover topics such as scouting for bean leaf beetle, black cutworm in emerged corn, as well as alfalfa weevil.

The service was created in 2022 and is free to subscribe with a mobile phone number.



U.S. Agricultural Exports in Fiscal Year 2024
Forecast Unchanged at $170.5 Billion; Imports revised upwards to $202.5 Billion

U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2024 are projected at $170.5 billion, unchanged from the February forecast. Higher exports of livestock and dairy, as well as increased ethanol sales largely offset reductions in grains and feeds, oilseeds, and horticultural products. Overall livestock, poultry, and dairy exports are forecast $800 million higher to $38.5 billion, led by increases in dairy and beef. Dairy exports are forecast up $300 million to $8.0 billion due to higher prospects of cheese exports to Southeast Asia. Beef exports are raised $200 million as global demand remains firm. Ethanol exports are forecast at $4.0 billion, $400 million higher than the February outlook as competitive U.S. prices facilitate a record volume projection. Grain and feed exports are forecast at $37.6 billion, down $600 million from the previous projection, largely on lower prices for corn and wheat. Oilseed and products are forecast at $35.8 billion, down $400 million from the February forecast, primarily due to lower soybean exports as a result of increased competition from Brazil. Horticultural product exports are down $500 million to $39.0 billion on lower miscellaneous product shipments. Cotton exports are unchanged at $6.0 billion.

At $27.7 billion, China is projected to fall below Mexico and Canada as the third largest U.S. agricultural market. The export forecast for China is cut by $1.0 billion from the previous quarter largely due to continued strong competition on soybeans and corn. Exports to Mexico are forecast to rise by $300 million to $28.7 billion, whereas exports to Canada are forecast up $400 million to $28.4 billion, both record highs.

U.S. agricultural imports in FY 2024 are forecast at $202.5 billion, a $1.5-billion increase from the February projection that is predominantly driven by higher horticultural products as well as livestock and dairy imports. Horticultural product imports are forecast up $1.5 billion to $99.6 billion, led by increases in fresh fruits and vegetables. Livestock, poultry, and dairy imports are up $600 million to $28.7 billion, buoyed by higher dairy and livestock projections.



USDA Announces $824 Million in New Funding to Protect Livestock Health; Launches Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced it is taking several additional actions to ensure the health and viability of the nation’s livestock and poultry. In the two months since the initial detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle, USDA has worked quickly and in concert with its federal and state partners to better understand the virus and contain the disease and remains committed to seeking additional ways to collect the data needed to better understand and mitigate the risk created by this outbreak. USDA is adding an additional $824 million in emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to bolster these efforts and is launching a new Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program to give dairy producers more options to monitor the health of their herds and move cows more quickly while providing on-going testing and expanding USDA’s understanding of the disease.

Emergency Funding to Build on Response Efforts
To help ensure the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) can continue to provide critical rapid response activities, Secretary Vilsack approved the transfer of $824 million from the CCC to APHIS to directly support the response efforts. This funding allows APHIS to continue its critical work with state and local partners to quickly identify and address cases of HPAI/H5N1 in poultry and livestock. The funding will support anticipated diagnostics, field response activities, pre-movement testing requirements, other necessary surveillance and control activities, surveillance in wildlife for APHIS, the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) work in developing vaccines for HPAI in cattle, turkeys, pigs, and goats, and ARS and the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s food safety studies.

The Secretary is authorized to transfer funding from available resources including the CCC to address emergency outbreaks of animal and plant pests and diseases. USDA previously approved the use of $1.3 billion in emergency funding to address nationwide HPAI detections in wild birds and commercial poultry operations. These additional funds will ensure our continued robust and rapid response to this outbreak.  

Voluntary Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program  
Continuing to build on the efforts to contain H5N1, APHIS is standing up a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program, which provides alternative testing and movement options to the Federal Order to increase USDA's monitoring capabilities to mitigate the spread of H5N1. The Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program aims to create additional testing options for producers with herds that have tested negative for three weeks in a row, further reduce H5N1 virus dissemination, provide for further opportunities to test herds that are not known to be affected with H5N1, increase surveillance and expand our knowledge of the disease, and support an overall national program to reduce the risk of H5N1 in dairy herds.

The main benefit for farmers who choose to enroll in the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program is that once they can demonstrate their herds are free of H5N1 with results from a National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) facility, they will then need to conduct weekly tests on bulk milk from that herd to confirm that status and will be able to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals.  

Dairy producers from States enrolled in the first phase of this program who choose to enroll their herds and who test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks using on-farm bulk tank milk samples or similar representative milk samples tested at a NAHLN laboratory will be able to move animals without additional pre-movement testing currently required under the Federal Order. Producers must also comply with continued regular weekly monitoring and testing of the herd for H5N1.  

APHIS is currently working with state animal health officials to identify states to participate in a pilot phase of the program. Producers from states participating in this pilot can start enrolling in the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program on the week of June 3, 2024, by contacting their APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge or State Veterinarian and signing a Herd Monitoring Plan agreement. USDA strongly encourages dairy producers to enroll in this new program. Beyond the benefits for their own operations, increased producer participation may help USDA to establish state and/or regional disease-free statuses that could further ease compliance with the current Federal Order. Those herds not enrolled in the pilot program will continue to follow the interstate testing and movement requirements published in the Federal Order. More specific guidance on the new program, including how to enroll and how to obtain and maintain a herd status, will be made available on the APHIS website in the coming days.

As additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that it will see an increase in testing and positive test results, which will add to our knowledge of the disease and how it may spread between herds. At the same time, this pilot program will help to gather additional information on how producers with affected herds can document elimination of the virus on their operations and steps they can take to maintain an H5N1 virus-free herd.

This new investment in risk mitigation augments the previously announced Federal Order on pre-movement testing of lactating dairy cattle, announced on April 24, as well as the tools to support biosecurity activities, announced on May 10, and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program funding availability, announced on May 23.

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 remains committed to addressing this situation with urgency.  

To learn more about USDA’s response to H5N1 in dairy cattle, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/24/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 24, ethanol production scaled up 4.8% to an 8-week high of 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to 44.86 million gallons daily. Output was 6.4% more than the same week last year and 8.6% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate increased 2.0% to 1.01 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.57 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks receded 4.2% to 23.2 million barrels, the lowest volume since mid-December 2023. Yet, stocks were 3.9% more than the same week last year and 5.6% above the five-year average. Inventories thinned across all regions except the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, relaxed 1.8% to 9.15 million b/d (140.62 bg annualized). Still, demand was 0.5% more than a year ago and 3.5% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol ticked 0.2% higher to 937,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.40 bg annualized and the largest level since early July 2021. Net inputs were 1.2% higher than year-ago levels and 6.1% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 212,000 b/d (8.9 million gallons/day). This is 155.4% above the prior week and the largest volume since the EIA began reporting weekly estimates last year. Total usage, including both net inputs and exports, was the highest on record (weekly exports were estimated from monthly data prior to EIA reporting). There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 36th consecutive week.



Summit Carbon Wins at ND Supreme Court

The North Dakota Supreme Court on Thursday ruled Summit Carbon Solutions has the right to enter private lands to conduct surveys and examinations in preparation for the construction of a segment of a Midwest carbon pipeline in the state. The ruling followed an appeal filed by a group of landowners.

As part of a lawsuit filed by Summit against property owners, a district court in North Dakota granted a motion for summary judgment to Summit to allow it to enter private lands in the state. A group of landowners appealed the ruling to the state's highest court.

The district court ruled the state's entry statute does not "constitute an unconstitutional per se taking" of land or property. The court also ruled Summit was a "common carrier" that is "authorized to exercise eminent domain."

The North Dakota Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the district court's judgement.

"We conclude the judgments do not expressly authorize any actions beyond the statute, and the statute does not authorize entry beyond the historical background principles of our property law," the court said in its 15-page opinion.

The ethanol industry is expected to play a large role as a feedstock provider in the production of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, so long as the ethanol industry can improve its carbon intensity score. That's why carbon capture and storage are important.

Generally, carbon pipelines connected to ethanol plants are seen as the only viable way to reduce carbon emissions low enough to attract SAF producers to using ethanol as a feedstock.

There is potential for another wave of economic expansion in rural communities similar to the early days of the Renewable Fuel Standard starting in 2005 if ethanol producers can become part of the SAF expansion.

The proposed Summit pipeline continues to face regulatory hurdles before construction can begin in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska.



Dig Into the Science of Soil with Latest Book from Feeding Minds Press

Young readers, garden enthusiasts and science educators alike have a new accurate agricultural adventure to dig into with the latest children’s book from Feeding Minds Press. “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” is a cumulative-style picture book that tells the story of Jackie and her garden friends as they discover the wonders of soil and how things grow.

Loaded with scientific facts about soil, plants, pollinators, decomposers, and more, “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” will engage readers ages six and up in becoming environmental stewards, learning how to care for a garden, understanding a plant-life cycle, discovering the power of pollinators and the importance of composting.

“The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” is written by award-winning nonfiction children’s book author Peggy Thomas and illustrated by accomplished artist and graphic designer Neely Daggett. Thomas is also the author of “Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car,” winner of the 2020 American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Book of the Year Award.

“‘The Soil in Jackie’s Garden’ is an excellent addition to our library of engaging, educational picture books at Feeding Minds Press,” said Julia Recko, Senior Director of Publishing & Education Outreach at the Foundation. “We are delighted to play a part in helping kids understand agriculture, stewardship and science.”

Educational materials on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile are included in the back of the book, with more resources soon to come from the Foundation for Agriculture, including an educator’s guide to help students learn about how their food is grown.

“The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” marks the 10th title from Feeding Minds Press, along with “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl,” published last fall, and “I LOVE Strawberries,” a winner of seven awards, including the Good Housekeeping 2022 Best Kids’ Book Award.

All books are available for purchase directly from Feeding Minds Press.

Thursday May 30 Ag News

 Parsons selected as new Center for Agricultural Profitability director

Jay Parsons was selected in April as the new director of the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, following the retirement of Larry Van Tassell, who served as the center’s director since its inception in July 2021.

Parsons, a professor and extension farm and ranch management specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, joined the university as an associate professor in 2014. He also serves as Nebraska Extension’s agricultural profitability program area leader.

The Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP) is based in the Department of Agricultural Economics. It facilitates interdisciplinary faculty research and outreach to serve agricultural producers and agribusiness professionals with educational programs and information to keep Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers financially healthy.

Parsons said he is looking forward to building on the momentum the center has achieved in the last three years by continuing to focus on reaching Nebraska’s agricultural stakeholders with information that helps keep the state’s farms and ranches on solid financial footing.

“The center is going to keep working to bring together resources from across the University of Nebraska, as well as outside agencies and other universities, to help producers and professionals who work with them to have more confidence and clarity in making the many important decisions impacting their farm or ranch business,” he said.

Parsons began his career as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at Colorado State University, where he earned a Ph. D in Agricultural and Resource Economics in 2003, moving to the same department that year. Between 2009 and 2014, he served as co-director of the Western Center for Integrated Resource Management at Colorado State. In 2002, helped co-found the RightRisk Education Team, a multi-state educational effort allowing him the opportunity to work with producers and colleagues throughout North America to better understand risk and decision-making in agriculture.

“In its first three years, the Center for Agricultural Profitability has fulfilled a critical role in providing current, research-based, holistic information that helps guide producers in making important decisions for their operations,” said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “Dr. Parsons is a talented economist who understands how important resources like the ones CAP provides are and will continue to be. I am thrilled he will serve as the next director of this center.”

Parsons noted that the center’s outreach, including weekly webinars, regular in-person workshops, decision tools, frequent publications and multimedia content, has already provided a solid foundation to build on.

“CAP is still relatively new, and we see opportunities to continue confronting modern challenges that agriculture is facing, helping producers find solutions to not only be successful now, but to ensure their operations are viable for generations to come,” he said. “We will continue to meet producers where they are to equip them with new education and tools to find that success.”

Parsons teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Agricultural Economics and conducts research in the areas of production economics, risk management, decision analysis, farm and ranch management and more. He has served on committees in the Agricultural Economics Department and the Center for Grassland Studies.

“Dr. Parsons has been a valued and active faculty member in the department for a decade now, effectively serving students on campus and ag producers and industry across the state through his extension work,” said Kate Brooks, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics. “CAP is a big part of the department and Dr. Parsons’ knowledge, skills and leadership abilities make him a great choice to lead the center going forward.”

More information about the Center for Agricultural Profitability is available on its website, https://cap.unl.edu.



Pillen Invites Nebraskans to Register for the One Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit

Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nebraskans to register for the One Nebraska Ag & Economic Development Summit. This year’s event will take place August 7-8, 2024, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney.

Registration for the Summit is now open at govsummit.nebraska.gov. Troy Dannen, Athletic Director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be the keynote speaker.

“The key to our success is working together as one Nebraska to grow our state,” said Gov. Pillen.  “At this summer’s Summit, we’ll unite around a shared vision to create great opportunities for our kids and grandkids. We have the most sustainable ag supply chain on the planet, and we’re sitting on our pot of gold—the Ogallala Aquifer. The potential is sky high for Nebraska to be a hub for advanced fermentation, biomanufacturing, and production of next-generation biofuels.”

The One Nebraska Summit convenes economic developers and industry leaders in agriculture and business to discuss how to best grow Nebraska. This year, breakout sessions will cover talent attraction, the emerging bioeconomy, housing and childcare solutions, stewardship of water resources, manufacturing, and much more.

“Nebraska is rapidly shifting from commodities-based to value-added agriculture,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “With our abundance of land and water, and strengths in ag tech and research, we’re leading the way in the nation’s new bioeconomy. At the upcoming Summit, we’ll explore the tremendous opportunities we have to multiply the value of our crops and livestock to grow our state’s top industry.”

UNL Athletic Director Troy Dannen is scheduled to provide remarks during lunch. Dannen is a leading voice in collegiate athletics with extensive experience as an athletic director and deep ties to the Midwest and Big Ten. He was announced as Nebraska’s Director of Athletics on March 20, 2024. Prior to coming to Nebraska, Dannen served as Director of Athletics at the University of Washington. Previously, he was AD at Tulane, and before that led athletics at his alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa. Dannen has Midwestern roots, having grown up on a farm just outside Marshalltown, Iowa.

“We’re revolutionizing our approach to economic development in Nebraska,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz. “We’re now competing for people, not only jobs. It’s critical that we retain more of our grads and recruit top talent to the state. At the same time, we’re redoubling our efforts to encourage homegrown entrepreneurship by supporting the businesses that give so much to our communities. It’s crucial that Nebraska’s leaders understand where we’re going and how we intend to get there. I encourage you to join us for the 2024 Summit in Kearney.”

The 2024 Summit officially kicks off on Wednesday night, August 7th, with a reception and banquet hosted by the Nebraska Diplomats. The evening event includes an awards ceremony to honor leaders, businesses, and communities who have made key contributions to the state’s economic success over the previous year.

Thursday, August 8th, is the primary day of the Summit. It features opening and closing remarks from Gov. Pillen, a keynote from Troy Dannen, and a full slate of breakout sessions—each led by a panel of subject matter experts.

To register for the Diplomats Banquet and Summit, visit govsummit.nebraska.gov. A full Summit agenda is also available through the website. For questions, contact Lori Shaal at lori.shaal@nebraska.gov or 402-890-4624.



Cash Rent Rates for Iowa Cropland Remain Unchanged for 2024

Cash rent for Iowa farm ground is mostly unchanged from 2023, according to the latest land rent survey from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c2-10.html.

The average rent is $279 per acre of corn and soybeans and is the first time rates have not increased in five years. In 2019, the statewide average declined to $219 per acre, a $3 decrease over the previous year. Recently emerged corn.

“Despite the increase in land values and farm operating costs, cash rents remained about the same as last year,” said Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and extension economist at Iowa State University.

Plastina attributes the flat rental rate to the tight profit margins farmers are facing for growing crops.

“From December 2022 to December of 2023, we’ve seen the rate of return to farmers decline from about 10% to 2%,” he said. “Unless we see an increase in commodity prices, I expect rents will stay the same or decrease.”

The survey also includes rent for hay and pastureland, as well as oat production. The state average for established alfalfa is $200 per acre, followed by $145 for grass hay and $198 per acre for oats. Pastureland ranges from $95 per acre for highly productive pasture, to $60 per acre for low-productivity pasture.

Cash Rents by District - $$/acre
District 1 (NW) - 2023 $302 - 2024 $304
District 4 (WC) - 2023 $298 - 2024 $297
District 7(SW) - 2023 $265 - 2024 $263

The complete survey and historical comparisons are available in the May edition of Ag Decision Maker https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/homepage.html. The survey includes nearly 1,300 responses from farm operators, landowners, professional farm managers and realtors, ag lenders and other professionals, representing 1.7 million cash-rented acres in Iowa.

The survey also provides rates for nine regions of the state, as well as individual counties. Six of the nine regions saw an increase, with the largest per-acre values reported in northwest ($304) and northeast ($309) Iowa, while the lowest reported values were in the south central district ($231).

Plastina reminds Iowans that the survey is meant to be one resource in the land rent discussion, and that each land rent contract should be decided by reviewing multiple sources of information, including the unique features of each farm.



Good biosecurity practices can help keep HPAI out of Iowa herds

Avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in dairy cattle in nine states to date. Yet, so far, there are no confirmed positive herds in Iowa. This specific virus has been found in wild birds which was the primary source of the virus in the Texas panhandle area. However, movement of dairy cattle is the most likely source of subsequent spread to other geographical areas.

Iowa State University extension beef veterinarian Grant Dewell said it is believed that the virus is transmitted from cow to cow during milking. As of now, beef cattle have not been identified with the disease, and this is most likely due to the mammary gland being the primary involved tissue.

"Clinical signs of affected cows are reduced appetite and milk production and thickened discolored milk," he said. "If you suspect HPAI in your cow herd, contact your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and testing."

There is no specific therapy for infected cattle, and most will recover on their own. Supportive care can be beneficial. There is no vaccine for HPAI in the U.S.

"The virus has been transmitted to cats and, in two cases, a dairy worker, but transmission to humans is considered a low health risk," he said. "General personal protection such as gloves, coveralls, and eye protection are recommended."

Dewell said good biosecurity practices should be implemented by beef producers to protect their herds.

"If possible, minimize access of wild birds to cattle, and do not utilize unpasteurized colostrum or milk from dairy farms in your beef herds," he said. "Isolate new animals for at least 21 days from your herd."



Mostly Lower Fertilizer Prices Continue

According to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the third week of May 2024, prices continue mostly lower. This was the third week in a row that most fertilizer prices were lower compared to last month. As has been the case for two weeks in a row now, just one fertilizer changed an ample amount in either direction. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Urea was 5% lower in price compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $555/ton. Five other fertilizers were slightly less expensive compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $829/ton, potash $509/ton, anhydrous $781/ton, UAN28 $359/ton and UAN32 $418/ton.

Two fertilizers were slightly higher in price compared to last month, but neither was up a substantial amount. DAP had an average price of $783/ton and 10-34-0 was at $642/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

All fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago. MAP is 1% lower, anhydrous is 2% less expensive, DAP is 6% lower, urea is 11% less expensive, 10-34-0 is 13% lower, UAN28 is 14% less expensive, UAN32 is 18% lower and potash is 19% lower compared to a year prior.



China Bans JBS Beef From US Plant

China has banned beef imports from JBS's Swift Beef Company plant in Greeley, Colorado, effective on May 27, 2024, after U.S. officials found traces of the feed additive ractopamine in meat from the plant set for export to China, according to information from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

China also blocked meat and poultry imports from the Cool Port Oakland in Oakland, California. The cold storage facility is used for holding perishables including food and medicine.

According to the USDA-FSIS website, the Greeley, Colorado, plant is the only JBS plant involved in the ban.



Rising Cutout Value and Fewer COF
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The wholesale beef market, as measured by the Choice beef cutout, has jumped more than $16 per cwt in the last two weeks. Most of the cutout’s underlying primal cuts (the rib, loin, chuck, round, and brisket) have increased in value. Weekly beef production has dipped from six weeks of above a year ago production.

We might think about the cutout value in the context of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report released on Friday, May 24th. For the first time in eight months, the total number of Cattle on Feed declined below last year’s level. The 11.5 million Cattle on Feed were the fewest since September 2023. The number of Cattle on Feed has been elevated in recent months by placing more heifers, placing available feeder cattle earlier, and placing more cattle from Mexico.

Compared to last year, when holidays and weekends occurred this Spring, there were two fewer slaughter days in March and two more days in April. This large swing in slaughter days has not happened since the mid-1990s. The two extra days in April meant feed yard marketings were more than 10 percent larger than in April last year. Almost six percent fewer cattle were placed in April and placements were the fewest since 2020.

The combination of large marketings and light placement numbers pulled down Cattle on Feed below a year ago. There remain more Cattle on Feed for longer than 90 and 120 days than a year ago so that should keep dressed weights high. But, overall, the trend of more Cattle on Feed has likely been broken for a long time.

Remember that the Cattle on Feed report is backward-looking. It contains marketings and placements in April and the number of Cattle on Feed on May 1. In the ensuing couple of weeks prices, including the cutout, fed cattle, and calves have jumped higher. Whether that increase in cutout value reflects some packer cutback in processing to try to boost prices, or some Memorial Day summer bump in buying, or fewer Cattle on Feed, or a combination of all three (most likely) the result is higher wholesale beef prices. Fewer Cattle on Feed promises to cut beef supplies that have been larger than last year over the last eight weeks. Tighter supplies will work to boost prices for calves, feeders, and feds.



Mike VanMaanen Elected President of Livestock Marketing Association

Mike VanMaanen married into a family of Livestock Marketing Association members in the 1980s, but never dreamed he’d one day lead the organization. Even though he immediately recognized the benefits of membership, he thought he was too busy to get involved or since his niche market wasn’t nationally known, he didn’t have a place. Soon enough, VanMaanen learned he was wrong on both accounts, and May 17, he was elected president.

VanMaanen, who grew up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Iowa, attended Missouri Western State University, where he graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy. It was there he met Lori Angell, a third-generation livestock marketer. The two married soon after graduation and joined her family’s auction market business in Columbia, Missouri, and bought into it in 1990. In 2000, the couple, along with two of her cousins, took over Eastern Missouri Commission Co., in Bowling Green. Last year, they became sole owners.

The World Livestock Auctioneer Championship was VanMaanen’s gateway to Livestock Marketing Association leadership, first serving as a judge in the Parsons, Kansas, qualifier in the fall of 2009 and at the finals in Oklahoma City the following summer. He joined the association’s government and industry affairs committee in 2014 and the board of directors in 2016. During his tenure on the board, he also chaired the membership services committee for two years. He said his time on the board has had many highlights, and he looks forward to what’s to come.

“I’ve had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Committee on Transportation, I worked alongside many others to get Dealer Statutory Trust signed into law and was a part of the producer profitability initiative we launched last fall,” VanMaanen said. “I’m extremely proud of the work LMA has done and look forward to continuing it.”

VanMaanen will take over the reins from Mark Barnett during the association’s annual convention in June. First up on his agenda? Having deep discussions with members and staff about how to protect the livestock auction market sector.

“We’re going to take a look at what it takes not only for the larger markets to survive, but what it takes for those small markets that are so important in their rural communities, to keep them alive and going,” VanMaanen said.

But the conversation won’t just be about markets. He said Livestock Marketing Association members will continue to push their producer profitability initiative, aimed at bringing the entire industry together for a common goal.

“By supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, we are supporting the future of livestock marketing, too,” VanMaanen said. “We know producer profitability is industry sustainability.”

The incoming president said he hopes all members will take the opportunity to get more involved this year, whether that means attending the convention, participating in the D.C. Fly-In, joining a committee — or even just staying in touch with their region executive officer.

“I think when people start getting involved, they find it really rewarding,” he said. “And you don’t have to be a big operator — I’m a good example of that. You just have to want to pitch in and do some work to improve your livelihood. If you can stay active and participate in conversations, we’d love to have you.”



Farmers Edge and National Sorghum Producers Join Forces to Empower Growers for Climate-Smart Commodities Grant

Farmers Edge™, a pure-play digital ag company, and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) are excited to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable farming practices for sorghum growers. This strategic partnership will support growers participating in NSP’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC) grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Together, Farmers Edge and NSP will help growers seamlessly integrate advanced technology solutions for capturing essential on-farm data, including Carbon Intensity (CI) scoring, thus contributing to broader environmental goals.

Using FarmCommand®, Farmers Edge’s end-to-end platform, growers can make more informed management decisions, monitor and improve their CI scores, and easily work with NSP to extract and export data verifying their environmental impact. With this data, growers have an opportunity to monetize their sustainability initiatives, solidifying sorghum as a climate-smart commodity and supporting their farms’ long-term financial viability.

“We're proud to partner with the National Sorghum Producers," said Vibhore Arora, CEO of Farmers Edge. "Through our customized technology solutions, we're committed to supporting NSP in simplifying sustainability reporting and assisting their growers in accessing new revenue streams for climate-smart farming practices."

"We are excited to collaborate with Farmers Edge to bring innovative solutions to sorghum farmers," NSP PCSC program Managing Director Matt Durler said. "This partnership underscores NSP’s commitment to driving sustainable agriculture forward and ensuring our growers have the resources they need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment."

Through this partnership, NSP is focused on increasing value for their members. Selecting Farmers Edge as a technology partner supports a pivotal data collection process for the climate-smart commodities-funded project, creating a pathway for all practices to be quantified, tracked, and monetized and enables broader farmer participation in climate-smart inset programs moving forward.



Announcing Fortiva: The next evolution of ingredients for the future of animal health

Fortiva is committed to advancing foundational ingredients for the future of animal health. The brand offers the swine, poultry, dairy and cattle industries a curated portfolio of non-medicated feed additives designed to work with an animal’s physiology to support animal resilience and customers’ operations.

“At Fortiva, we’re striving to build a better understanding of animal physiology and the mode of action for each technology so that every molecule in our products can have an impact on our customers’ animal productivity, help improve business efficiency and help deliver a strong return on their feed investment,” says Stacie Crowder, Ph.D., director of additive sales and technical innovation with Fortiva.

Fortiva, formerly PMI Additives, combines proven feed technologies, such as Ambitine®, FloMatrix® and Vitacy® FeedLock® with a commitment to proactively seek out new ingredients to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges, now and into the future. The company is also launching several new technologies within the monogastric and ruminant spaces, including Fortiva™ Amulet™, a unique feed technology designed to support gut health during times of stress for dairy calves and transition cows.

With a focus on optimizing gut health, pre and probiotics, phytogenics, rumen modifiers and more, Fortiva™ products help address the most challenging issues across all industry segments.

Reframing the role of feed additives
Feed additives have been a growing market in the livestock industry for decades, as reduced margins, pressure from government regulations and increased focus on sustainability have resulted in the need to do more with less to help ensure producers and businesses remain profitable.

“Every single ingredient in the ration must pull its weight and make a measurable difference in reaching producers’ production and business goals,” says Crowder. “Our aim is to help producers harness the transformative power of additive technology by working together to build solutions that drive animal resilience and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Fortiva’s innovation team, led by Crowder, works collaboratively with large integrators, producers, veterinarians, independent nutritionists, co-ops, dealers and feed manufacturers to identify issues and share the effects and impacts of how each ingredient can be applied to solve their unique business challenges and tackle the industry’s toughest issues.

“Collaborating with producers to make technology work for real-world challenges is what drives innovation,” says Crowder. “Together, we can make animals and producers’ businesses more resilient in the face of future challenges.”

For more information about the Fortiva™ brand and product line, visit fortivaimpact.com.

Wednesday May 29 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending May 26, 2024, there were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 2% very short, 13% short, 73% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 4% very short, 20% short, 66% adequate, and 10% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn planted was 91%, near 93% last year and 92% for the five-year average. Emerged was 61%, behind 75% last year and 68% average.

Soybeans planted was 80%, behind 87% last year, and near 81% average. Emerged was 41%, well behind 61% last year, and behind 49% average.

Winter wheat condition rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 24% fair, 51% good, and 20% excellent. Winter wheat headed was 52%, well ahead of 31% both last year and average.

Sorghum planted was 31%, equal to last year, and behind 39% average.

Oats condition rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 42% fair, 44% good, and 11% excellent. Oats emerged was 93%, equal to last year, and near 90% average. Headed was 16%, ahead of 3% last year and 6% average.

Dry edible beans planted was 10%, equal to last year.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 1% very poor, 4% poor, 32% fair, 51% good, and 12% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

Severe weather including heavy rains, tornadoes, and derecho conditions limited Iowa farmers to 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 26, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Planting corn and soybeans, and cutting hay was limited. Topsoil moisture condition rated 0 percent very short, 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 88 percent. Sixty-six percent of the corn crop has emerged. The first corn condition rating of the season was 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 54 good and 19 percent excellent.

Seventy-three percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, 10 days behind last year and 3 days behind the normal. Soybeans emerged reached 42 percent, 5 days behind last year.

Ninety-five percent of the expected oat crop has emerged. Oats headed reached 31 percent, 6 days ahead of last year and almost 2 weeks ahead of the average. Oat condition improved 5 percentage points to 81 percent good to excellent.

Alfalfa hay reached 20 percent complete. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent.  

Pasture condition rated 72 percent good to excellent. Reports of flooded fields were received throughout the State.  



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Periods of heavy rain across the country slowed corn planting last week, but overall, progress nationwide inched slightly ahead of the five-year average pace, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress on Tuesday. The report is normally released on Mondays but was delayed this week due to Memorial Day.

Soybean planting maintained a steady pace last week, and nationwide, progress remained ahead of the five-year average.

"Active weather continued last week, and heavy rain fell in periods across most of the country outside of the southwestern Plains, where dryness has been a concern for winter wheat," said DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick. "It wasn't a washout all week long, though, so some planting was able to be done anyway."

CORN
-- Planting progress: Corn planting moved ahead 13 percentage points last week, slower than the previous week's 21-percentage-point jump. Nevertheless, planting reached 83% complete nationwide as of Sunday, May 26, 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 82%. This year's progress continues to lag last year by 6 percentage points.
-- Crop development: 58% of corn had emerged as of Sunday, 8 points behind last year but equal to the five-year average.

SOYBEANS
-- Planting progress: Soybean planting moved ahead 16 points last week, close to the previous week's pace of 17 percentage points, to reach 68% complete as of Sunday. That was 10 percentage points behind last year's pace of 78% but 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 63%.
-- Crop development: 39% of soybeans had emerged as of Sunday, 11 points behind last year's 50% but 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 36%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Crop development: 77% of winter wheat was headed as of Sunday. That was 8 points ahead of 69% at this time last year and 8 points ahead of the five-year average of 69%.
-- Crop condition: 48% of the crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 from 49% the previous week but still up considerably from 34% a year ago. The percentage rated very poor to poor was up 1 point to 19% but still much less than last year's 35% at this time.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 88% of spring wheat was planted as of Sunday, 9 points ahead of 79% last year and 7 points ahead of the five-year average of 81%.
-- Crop development: 61% of spring wheat has emerged, 11 points ahead of 50% last year and 9 points ahead of the five-year average of 52%.



June Loseke Visits Japan and South Korea with USMEF

June Loseke, District 7 Representative of the Nebraska Beef Council, recently had the opportunity to travel to Seoul, South Korea, and Tokyo, Japan to see firsthand how beef is utilized by these markets. Loseke’s trip was in partnership with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, a contractor to the Nebraska Beef Council, and she was joined by other beef producers from across the country. This was not Loseke’s first trip to South Korea, but the first in a few decades.

“Having been in Seoul in the late ‘80s, it was most interesting to see how the culture is moving from a rice-based diet to a meat-based diet,” said Loseke. “Evidence of western influence is more common than what I had remembered.”

 Loseke said that while in Seoul and Tokyo, the group was able to visit with U.S. Embassy USDA representatives who summarized current trade status and some challenges relating to beef imports. They learned more about the buying habits of local consumers, interacted with the four major packers from these countries, and were able to see how U.S. beef is a main part of the meat counter in both local supermarkets as well as in COSTCO stores.

“Participating in live TV cooking shows, spending time in class with high school students and being part of a seminar for chefs gave us some direct promotional opportunities,” explained Loseke of their experiences. “We also got to meet several companies who are increasing US meat demand by efficiently moving boxed beef directly to the retailer or even developing novel sauces placed right in the meat counter to enhance beef sales.”

On returning to Nebraska with this new information and worldview of the beef export market, Loseke says she can use this knowledge in her own feedyard and veterinary practice to help others have awareness of how important of a market there is in Japan and South Korea that is continuing to see growth. She also added that USMEF and other beef export groups are working hard to find inroads to new international markets and expand channels that are well established.

“There have been multiple opportunities to talk to my clients and encourage them as local producers to continue working hard to raise such a nutrient dense and sought after protein,” said Loseke. “It can be overwhelming to think of the amount of people who daily count on agricultural producers to show up to work, keeping grocery shelves full. We can’t do this alone, but collectively we each play a part in the effort to feed the world.”



HPAI Detected in a Flock of Commercial Layer Chickens in Sioux County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Sioux County, Iowa. The affected site is a flock of commercial layer chickens.

HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.

Heightened Biosecurity
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has biosecurity recommendations for dairy herds to utilize. In addition, the Department has numerous other biosecurity resources for poultry producers and livestock farms to reference on its website. Farmers or farm workers who interact regularly with both dairy and poultry or who interact frequently with other farm workers in poultry or dairy, should take extra precautions to limit possible transmissions.

Suspected Cases in Poultry
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.

Clinical signs of HPAI in birds may include:
    Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
    Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
    Decrease in egg production
    Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
    Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
    Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
    Difficulty breathing
    Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
    Stumbling and/or falling down
    Diarrhea

Suspected Cases in Dairy
If dairy producers suspect cases of HPAI, they should contact their herd veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305. USDA’s federal order regulating the interstate movement of lactating dairy cattle remains in effect.

Clinical signs of HPAI in dairy may include:
    Decrease in food consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination
    Clear nasal discharge
    Drop in milk production
    Tacky or loose feces
    Lethargy
    Dehydration
    Fever
    Thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk

Food Safety
It remains safe to enjoy poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. It is a longstanding practice that only milk from healthy animals may enter the food supply. There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.



Celebrate June Dairy Month at Educational Open Houses

Iowans can learn more about the dairy industry and experience modern dairy farming methods as the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team celebrates National Dairy Month in June.

Two dairy open houses are planned, beginning June 12 with Roorda Dairy #2 in Granville; and Iowa’s Dairy Center June 22 in Calmar. (The Iowa State Dairy Farm open house in Ames has been canceled this year due to storm damage, but will return in 2025).

“These educational open houses provide everyone a chance at gaining a real-life experience of the dairy industry,” said Jenn Bentley, a dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Each venue has a unique twist, but conveys the same dairy message to people of all ages and backgrounds.” Holstein dairy cattle.

Dairy is the fifth largest agricultural business in Iowa, generating $5.6 billion a year in economic activity from farming to dairy processing, supplying 22,000 jobs with a labor income of $891 million. The annual economic impact of a single dairy cow is more than $25,400 per cow.

June Dairy Month was first established in 1937 as National Milk Month, with the aim of encouraging milk consumption. However, this observance has since been transformed into National Dairy Month. Initially dairy month was created to address the surplus of dairy production and stabilize demand; it has evolved into an annual tradition commemorating the dairy industry’s invaluable contributions to society.

Visit a Dairy Farm
The Western Iowa Dairy Alliance will hold an open house June 12 at the Roorda Dairy #2 in Granville from 4-8 p.m. Attendees have the opportunity to tour the farm, learn about modern dairy practices, and engage with experts to gain insights into dairy production, sustainability efforts and the importance of dairy in the local economy.

The event also features a free meal, educational exhibits, family-friendly activities and opportunities to enjoy dairy products, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of the dairy industry's vital role in the region.

On June 22, Iowans can enjoy Breakfast on the Farm, from 8 a.m. to noon at Iowa’s Dairy Center in northeast Iowa, south of Calmar.

Organizers will serve a wholesome breakfast complete with Dad’s Belgian Waffles, sausage and dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream – all locally produced and processed. Visitors can take a guided tram tour of the farm and there will be activities for all ages, including hand-milking a cow, a petting zoo, corn story time with a local dairy princess, cow inflatables and educational exhibits.

Event details
    June 12, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, at Roorda Dairy #2, at 4253 Oriole Ave., Granville.
    June 22, Breakfast on the Farm, at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 8 a.m. until noon, at 1527 Highway 150 S., Calmar. Breakfast on the Farm will be held rain or shine. Parking is available on site.

For more information, contact Gail Carpenter, state dairy extension specialist, at ajcarpen@iastate.edu

Extension field specialists are also available. In northwest Iowa, contact Fred Hall at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu. In northeast Iowa, Jenn Bentley is available at 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu. Larry Tranel is available at tranel@iastate.edu or 583-6496.



Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm Field Day Is June 27

The annual spring field day at Iowa State University’s Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm in Lewis, Iowa, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. The field day will feature Iowa State University Extension and Outreach experts, who will speak on a variety of current crop and planting practices in agriculture. The event is free to attend and open to the public, with registration requested https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcAFna9ltGuBrbQDlJFVXnhBd3ECepANXCDLBY7VfTUXpkgg/viewform.

Terry Gleaves, a cow/calf farmer in southwest Iowa, and Aaron Saeugling, a field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will begin the program by providing insights on setting up your planter for success in the fields. Following their talk, Ruth McCabe, Heartland Cooperative; Arthur Wisecup, precision agriculturist; and Terry Gleaves, will then discuss the alternative overwintering cover crop species of Camelina, Triticale and/or Barley.
 

Doug Houser, a digital agriculture extension specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will begin the afternoon session by providing insights on the drone technology of fungicide applications and cover crop seeding. Visitors will be able to see a live drone spray the research field, view the spray coverage and observe the aerial view provided via the drone, in the seeding of cover crops.

“This field day is a hands-on and an interactive workshop. The field day is not designed as a lecture demonstration, but rather we encourage participants to bring their questions,” said Aaron Saeugling, a field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The research farm will be open for visitors to observe the resource. Visitors can also ask a variety of questions about the farm as everyday farm staff will be in attendance.”

The program will conclude with a discussion led by Madelynn Wuestenberg, agricultural climatology specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, presenting the current weather outlook in southwest Iowa. This field day is free and open to the public.

This field day event is made possible due to support from the Southwest Iowa Soil Health, Armstrong Farm of Iowa State University Research Farms, the Wallace Foundation, ISU Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Soybean Association.



Elanco Announces FDA Has Completed Review of Bovaer®, First-in-Class Methane-Reducing Feed Ingredient, for U.S. Dairy Industry

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) Tuesday announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed its comprehensive, multi-year review of Bovaer® (3-NOP), a first-in-class methane-reducing feed ingredient, and determined the product meets safety and efficacy requirements for use in lactating dairy cattle.

“This monumental announcement has the ability to accelerate the opportunity for climate-neutral dairy farming while creating a new revenue stream for dairy farmers across the country,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We appreciate FDA’s commitment to maintaining high standards for science-based review, while balancing the need to quickly bring solutions to the market. Bovaer represents another example of Elanco being a partner of choice in animal health, where the capabilities of our talented R&D, regulatory and commercial teams are delivering significant value.

Simmons continued: “As global temperatures breach new thresholds, consumers demand more sustainable products and the farm economy battles profitability challenges, we are excited to bring Bovaer to the market as a potential solution. Bovaer will create value for farmers, while helping food companies meet consumer demands and deliver on their sustainability commitments. As animal, human and now environmental health continue to converge, Bovaer is one of the most significant innovations that considers this intersection and provides consumers, farmers and society what they want for our future.”

Bovaer represents another blockbuster potential innovation in Elanco’s portfolio and further accelerates livestock sustainability, the next billion-dollar plus market in animal health. This innovation is expected to accelerate market development and increase innovation in this space.

Bovaer works by suppressing the enzyme in the cow’s rumen that forms methane. Feeding one tablespoon of Bovaer per lactating dairy cow per day can reduce methane emissions about 30% or about 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions annually, while creating opportunity for dairy farmers to be financially rewarded for reducing their dairy’s carbon footprint.1 Feeding one million cows Bovaer would reduce emissions equivalent to removing more than 285,000 cars from the road for a year.2 Feeding Bovaer to cattle has proven to be safe for animals, producers and consumers.

Expanding Access Across North America
Elanco and dsm-firmenich have agreed to expand Elanco’s commercialization of Bovaer across North America. In addition to the U.S., Elanco will also now have the right to market Bovaer in Canada and Mexico, where the product is already available for use in beef and dairy cattle. This expanded agreement can accelerate the opportunity to make climate-neutral cattle farming in North America a reality this decade.

“We congratulate Elanco and the U.S. dairy sector, on this important milestone, and will support Elanco by providing initial supplies from Europe,” said Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO at dsm-firmenich. “This strategic collaboration exemplifies how we can accelerate the expansion and adoption of Bovaer in North America to significantly decrease methane emissions on a large scale, and thereby support global efforts to combat climate change. Bovaer holds the key to a transformative shift in the global dairy sector, and launching this feed ingredient in the U.S. after years of dedicated research, trials, and industry collaboration is a testament to its global potential.”

Simmons said, “We appreciate the work dsm-firmenich has invested in this revolutionary product and are pleased they’ve recognized Elanco as the global farm animal health leader and the right partner to bring this solution to farmers across North America.”

Why Methane Matters
This announcement comes at a pivotal time. According to the United Nations, the world's population has until the year 2030 to curb greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) or deal with irreversible impacts to the planet.3 In response, about two-thirds of all Fortune 500 companies have set significant climate commitment goals.4 Reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle—naturally generated through the enteric fermentation process—represents a key opportunity. Methane lasts about a decade in the atmosphere and is 27x more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat—so smaller reductions create greater impact on temperature.5 By mitigating methane, the livestock industry can reduce the rate of climate warming and allow food companies and retailers to make meaningful progress toward their Scope 3 emissions goals.

“Reducing enteric methane is critical if we are to reach our climate goals,” said Dr. Frank Mitloehner, CLEAR Center Director and University California Davis Professor and Cooperative Extension Air Quality Specialist. “It’s exciting our farmers will have an important tool to do that, in Bovaer.”

Creating New Revenue Streams for Farmers
Feeding Bovaer to cows provides a scalable and credible way for dairy farmers to benefit from being good stewards of the environment by being financially rewarded for implementing on-farm sustainability interventions.

“At an added cost of a few cents a gallon of milk, Bovaer can help food companies meet their climate commitments and consumer desire for more sustainable dairy products,” said Katie Cook, Vice President, Livestock Sustainability and Farm Animal Marketing at Elanco. “Meanwhile, by engaging in voluntary carbon markets and securing USDA and state conservation programming, dairy producers have a scalable sustainability practice with the potential to create an annual return of $20 or more per lactating cow by feeding Bovaer6. Our goal is to make this opportunity a reality starting this summer, while creating a self-sustaining carbon inset market for American agriculture.”

Dairy farmers incorporate Bovaer into their rations and quantify the effect using carbon market-friendly tools like UpLook™ by Elanco, an insights-based engine designed to quantify greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The tool utilizes on-farm data and peer-reviewed science to identify key drivers of an operation’s carbon footprint and track the progress of sustainability efforts. UpLook connects seamlessly to Athian, the first-of-its-kind livestock carbon inset marketplace. This seamless process allows farmers to quantify their emissions reduction efforts and certify carbon credits for sale. In addition to the carbon marketplace, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $89 million in funding to support farms using technologies like Bovaer to reduce their methane emissions.7

“Products like Elanco’s Bovaer will allow U.S. farmers to be rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability efforts,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. “Consumers around the world are demanding lower-carbon foods. Bovaer is an innovation that can help U.S. dairy farmers remain globally competitive and maintain their role as leaders in more sustainable dairy production.”

Greg Bethard, a dairy farmer from Kansas who has used UpLook to quantify his greenhouse gas emissions, expressed his excitement around today’s announcement.

“Dairy producers have made great strides improving the sustainability of our operations,” said Bethard, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy. “Today’s announcement provides access to a product that has been extensively studied and shown to reduce emissions from dairy cows. Bovaer is a value-creation opportunity for dairies—it’s about helping us provide product in a manner most of our consumers are wanting—a lower carbon footprint food.”



NMPF Lauds FDA’s Approval of Bovaer
Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“FDA approval of Elanco’s Bovaer is another important step on U.S. dairy’s journey toward a net-zero future, one in which dairy farmers have already made great progress. Bovaer and other new technologies that reduce enteric emissions will help U.S. farmers be rewarded for participating in voluntary, producer-led sustainability initiatives, which is critical for the success of such efforts.
 
“Consumers around the world are demanding lower-carbon foods. Innovations such as Bovaer will help U.S. dairy farmers remain globally competitive and maintain their role as leaders in more sustainable dairy production. We thank FDA for its recognition of and support for these efforts.”
 
“We also commend Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and his team at USDA for supporting dairy farmers as they prepare to use Bovaer on their own operations. We are grateful to the department for awarding more than $90 million to dairy farmer-owned cooperatives and partner organizations for innovative feed management under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program for fiscal year 2023. FDA’s approval of Bovaer now enables these key resources to move forward, and sets the stage for dairy to build on this first round in fiscal year 2024.”



Statement of NCFC President Chuck Conner on FDA Approval of Bovaer
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

"I would like to applaud the action by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced today that would allow sales and marketing of Bovaer, an animal drug developed by Elanco Animal Health to help reduce enteric methane production in dairy cows. Today’s action is long overdue, as the product is one of the most tested and trusted enteric methane emission solutions and available to farmers in nearly 50 countries around the world, including Europe, Australia and Canada. Today, American farmers are able to share in opportunities to create a new value stream on the farm that had previously been beyond their reach.

“At the same time, the fact that this process has taken over two years shows that the system is in dire need of reform. That is why NCFC strongly supports passage of the IFEED Act and other legislation that would modernize the approval process and further innovation in American agriculture.”



Central Stockyards Adds Team Members, Prepares for Canadian Expansion

Central Stockyards, LLC, a livestock marketing service that hosts the Fed Cattle Exchange, the cattle industry’s only weekly fed cattle online auction, has expanded its team in preparation for the addition of Canadian feedyard and packer participation in its weekly sales.

Brent Difley has been named Business Development Director for Canada. In this role, he will be responsible for working with Canadian feedyards and packers to market fed cattle on the Fed Cattle Exchange.

Difley grew up on a ranch in Saskatchewan and has spent his career in the animal health industry, working across all Canadian provinces. With a degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Difley currently lives in Calgary and volunteers with the Calgary Stampede International Agriculture and Agrifood Committee where he serves as a Past Chair. He has also served as a mentor for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Canadian Young Leaders Program.

Cassidee Rogers has also joined Central Stockyards as Business Operations Coordinator, responsible for coordinating customer relations and daily Fed Cattle Exchange auctions. A cattle feeding industry veteran, Rogers brings a wealth of experience to the Central Stockyards team. Her knowledge and experience in the Northern Plains will help Central Stockyards expand into additional cattle feeding regions.

The addition of Difley and Rogers to the Central Stockyards team is being made in advance of the Fed Cattle Exchange’s forthcoming expansion into the Canadian market. While the Canadian fed cattle market is smaller than its United States counterpart, the basic principles and demand for transparent, real-time price discovery are still vital to the long-term profitability of the Canadian beef industry.

Forrest Roberts, President & CEO of Central Stockyards, LLC, noted: “The Fed Cattle Exchange has been approached many times by Canadian feedyards looking for a better way to enhance fed cattle price discovery. We are responding to this interest by modifying the Fed Cattle Exchange platform and setting aside a portion of our weekly auctions for Canadian fed cattle listings.”

The first Canadian cattle will be featured on the Fed Cattle Exchange on June 5, 2024. The Fed Cattle Exchange platform will reflect the terms used in Canadian fed cattle sales, including currency, weight, yield, and quality grade differences.

Tuesday May 28 Ag News

Senator Ricketts: Happy Beef Month, Nebraska!

Nebraska is the Beef State. Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do. Our farmers and ranchers lead the way in agricultural production, innovation, and conservation. Beef production is the backbone of our state economy. It’s also essential to our national security. As we finish celebrating Beef Month this week, we recognize the grit and determination of the women and men who feed America and the world.

Protecting and growing Nebraska beef is essential to our state’s survival and growth. Last year, we led the nation with $1.78 billion in beef and veal exports. Nebraska also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with 6.8 million head. Our 20,000 beef cow operations have a $12.1 billion impact on our state’s economy. We have the top three cow producing counties in the nation in Cherry, Custer, and Holt counties. Beef production is critical to our state economy and our nation. Global supply chain disruptions have reinforced the need to prioritize food production at home. Nothing is more important to our national security than the ability to feed our people.

As U.S. Senator, I’m also fighting to ensure our ranchers have what they need to be successful. That includes passing a comprehensive Farm Bill and pushing back on burdensome mandates.

I’ve heard directly from ranchers across Nebraska about the importance of a comprehensive Farm Bill. Nebraska ranchers rely on the certainty and stability of these programs to make decisions to sustain and grow their operations. I proudly supported the one-year extension passed in November to avoid a lapse in funding for critical programs. However, our ranchers deserve the certainty of a full, five-year Farm Bill reauthorization. I’m working with my colleagues to get it done as soon as possible. It’s important the Farm Bill maintain risk management tools such as Price Loss Coverage and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). We need to protect funding for the USDA Vaccine Bank and voluntary, working lands-based conservation programs that protect our natural resources while protecting private property rights.

I’m also pushing back on burdensome mandates that threaten our way of life and private property rights from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. As Governor, I led the fight against the Biden administration’s 30x30 land grab. We successfully fought President Biden’s Waters of the United States rule which sought to regulate drainage ditches and farm ponds. I’m continuing to fight this kind of overreach in the Senate. I’m also leading bipartisan Congressional Review Act legislation to block the Biden administration’s delusional electric vehicle (EV) mandate. EVs just aren’t practical when you’re hauling livestock. Trucks can’t just pull over on the side of the road to charge for two hours in zero-degree or ninety-degree temperatures with a full trailer.

Producers executing critical needs like beef production deserve relief, not regulation. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill. I’ll also keep fighting the Biden administration’s unworkable, delusional mandates with every tool I have.

You too can play an important role in supporting Nebraska’s beef industry this Beef Month and all summer long. The Nebraska Beef Passport organized by the Nebraska Beef Council features a list of restaurants and meat processors from across the state that offer outstanding beef. Nebraskans purchase beef products and collect points at each participating location then redeem points for prizes and exclusive offers at participating locations.

Happy Beef Month, Nebraska!



UNL contributes to the identification of new genetic defects in cattle

University of Nebraska — Lincoln researchers have recently identified two new genetic mutations, delayed blindness in Herefords, and bovine familial convulsions and ataxia (BFCA) in Angus cattle.

Understanding and identifying genetic mutations allows beef producers to make breeding decisions that avoid producing cattle affected by those mutations. Working toward that goal, UNL researchers have spent years studying genomics, identifying mutations and developing tests to help producers make those decisions.

The two most recently identified genetic mutations and the tools to address them will help producers make breeding decisions to reduce the health issues caused by delayed blindness and BFCA. These issues were identified because producers either reported to their breed associations or their local university, who then contacted UNL. That communication between breed associations and researchers is important for identifying genetic problems quickly and finding a solution to minimize the impact on the industry.

Herefords: Delayed Blindness
Work between UNL researchers and the American Hereford Association led to a recently announced commercial test for a new genetic condition, delayed blindness.

The investigation began after several American Herefords were reported blind in both eyes, with presumed onset around 12 months of age. The cattle were normal as calves and had no obvious eye injuries. All the blind cattle shared a common ancestor that appeared in each parent’s pedigree, leading to a suspected novel recessive mutation that causes the condition.

To find the recessive mutation, DNA samples from the affected cattle, their dams and sires were collected with cooperation from the American Hereford Association. Samples from unaffected and unrelated cattle were used as controls. The DNA samples were sequenced to look for mutations shared among the affected cattle, but that were not present in unrelated, normal cattle.

UNL researchers found a recessive mutation fitting the criteria in a gene associated with a condition that causes progressive blindness in humans (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses; JNCL). The Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center and collaborating board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists performed eye exams and histopathology that determined the retinas of these cattle were degenerating similarly to human JNCL.

Importantly, the investigation also determined that carriers of the delayed blindness mutation appeared normal. DNA samples from additional cattle (Hereford, Angus, Simmental, and crossbred cattle) confirmed that only Herefords that descended from the identified common ancestor carried the mutation. Since the mutation is recessive, it was spread unknowingly by unaffected carriers until affected cattle were produced by carrier matings.

With enough evidence that the novel mutation is causing delayed blindness, a genetic test was developed for commercial use. This test allows producers to help manage the delayed blindness mutation within their herd to prevent mating of carriers.

Angus: Bovine Familial Convulsions and Ataxia
Not all novel cattle mutations become prevalent in a breed. Nevertheless, genetic analyses can help detect and understand the issue. Through a collaboration with Dr. Tom Hairgrove, professor and extension veterinary specialist at Texas A&M, and Dr. Jon Beever, professor and director of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee, UNL researchers identified a dominant mutation that causes bovine familial convulsions and ataxia (BFCA) in a single Angus herd. The founder had a single copy that he passed on to half of his offspring.

The calves that inherited the mutation experienced seizures and were unable to thrive. Through genetic investigation, researchers discovered that the mutation was only in the affected calves and their sire, though the sire was seemingly unaffected himself. Sometimes dominant mutations cause a less severe condition or none in some animals but can be detrimental to their offspring. It is also possible the sire may have “outgrown” issues he had as a calf, which would be unknown to the owners who purchased him after weaning.

Dominant conditions such as BFCA are often detected sooner than recessive ones such as delayed blindness due to their notable effect in the first generation. Although the sire was culled early on due to the frequency of affected calves he was producing, the investigation provided answers for the owner as to why this occurred.

Importance of Genetics to Beef Producers
Genetic research like the cases studied by UNL helps producers avoid matings that may result in calves that fail to thrive or have other issues detrimental to their wellbeing or productivity. As in the BFCA example, genetics can also provide answers for producers when many calves from a single calf crop have a similar, detrimental condition.

It’s important to note that these issues can be investigated only when reported. Reporting possible issues to a breed association is a good practice. The breed association can track reports to identify an emerging issue. Many breed associations work with UNL to look into these reports, using the expertise at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center to determine if the issue can be attributed to an environmental cause such as exposure to a toxin, viral infection, or a nutritional deficiency. If an environmental cause is not identified, the UNL Animal Genetics and Genomics Lab in the Department of Animal Science considers genetic conditions, as in the case of delayed blindness and BCFA. By using genetics, these detrimental mutations can be managed to continue improving herd performance while avoiding unfavorable genetic conditions.



Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Finalize Decision to Provide Support for City of Wayne Prairie Park Project

At the May 23rd LENRD Board Meeting, Directors Approved a motion to provide $150,000 in financial support for the City of Wayne Prairie Park Project. The funds will be distributed in $50,000 increments over a three-year period. Jill Brodersen, Wayne City Council President, and Jason Karsky, Wayne City Council member, were present to answer questions directors may have about the project. Brodersen and Karsky explained that the funds are needed for a bathhouse/bathroom for the project. Currently, the only bathrooms available in the park are located near the ballfields and not accessible 24/7 or ADA compliant.

The Prairie Park project is a Community Redevelopment project that allowed the City to decommission an old sewage lagoon and turn it into a recreational area with the possibility of the addition of workforce housing in the future. Once completed, the park will not only be the largest recreational area in City history, but also the largest public recreational facility in Wayne County. The project is approximately 40% completed and will include a lake feature and camper pads as well as native prairie grasses and numerous trees.

Along with approving the financial support, Directors also approved entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the City. The memorandum will contain the terms and payment schedule and will state that the City is responsible for the ownership and upkeep of the park.

Update provided on North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Plan
Directors were given an update on the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan. Andrea Gebhart, Project Manager, and Ann Nissen, Water Resources Engineer, with JEO Consulting Group were present to provide the update.

Gebhart provided a project overview and recap of how much has been accomplished on the plan since work first began in fall 2023. The group only has 18 months to put together a plan whereas the typical timeframe is 24 months. She also talked about the existing flooding conditions in the communities of Pierce and Osmond as well as alternatives that are currently being evaluated by the group and Study Advisory Team.

Nissen explained the alternatives consist of both structural and non-structural (building modification) options. Screening criteria for each option being considered are purpose and need, feasibility, practicality, effectiveness, impacts, permitting, local input, cost, and benefit/cost ratio. Alternatives currently being explored for each community include:
    Osmond
        Structural – Levees/berms
        Non-structural
    Pierce
        Structural – Channel modifications, detention cells, levees/berms, and bridge/culvert improvements
        Non-structural

A major focus for both JEO and the LENRD is including more engagement in the decision-making process. To achieve this, a Study Advisory Team consisting of stakeholders within the watershed was established at the beginning of the project, and an additional opportunity to attend an open house and provide input was scheduled for the middle of the project.

The first round of open houses for the North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO were held on November 6th and November 8th 2023 in Osmond and Pierce respectively. The next round of open houses are planned for the evenings of Tuesday, June 25th in Pierce and Wednesday, June 26th in Osmond. Currently, the group is on track to submit a draft plan to the State late this summer.

Certification of Acres Hearing and Action
A public hearing was held to certify irrigated acres. Approximately 125 fields were approved for certification by the Board. Certification is not only necessary to best conserve, protect, develop, and manage natural resources within the District but also to recognize landowners’ abilities to irrigate Certified Irrigated Acres.

Other Happenings in the Lower Elkhorn NRD
    The deadline to renew a chemigation permit is June 1st. After that date, it will be considered a new chemigation permit. The cost to renew is $20.
    Practical Farmers of Iowa is hosting a Field Day with Junior & Katelyn and Gene & Julie Pfanstiel on Thursday, June 27th from 10:00-noon. A flyer with more information is available on our website.
    Stars, Strolls & Smores is back for 2024! Mark your calendars and plan to join us on the following evenings:
        Wednesday, June 19th @ 7:30 p.m. – Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Norfolk
            Learn about the Elkhorn River with Julie Wragge, LENRD Education Coordinator, and The Sound of Summer: The Cicada Song with T.J. Prochaska, UNL Associate Extension Educator
        Wednesday, July 17th @ 7:30 p.m. – Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, Stanton
            Discover the many uses of wild plants that most people call “weeds” with Rachel Lynn Liester, Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center and enjoy Telescope 101 – Stargazing App with Todd Young, Wayne State College Professor of Physics & Astronomy
        Wednesday, August 14th @ 7:30 p.m. – Willow Creek State Recreation Area, Pierce
            More information to come! Find us on social media or check out our website for more information.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of the Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, June 27th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.



USMEF Members Examine Consumer Trends, Promotion of Underutilized Cuts

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) wrapped up its Spring Conference Friday with a closing general session focused on red meat industry efforts to build demand in international markets for beef and pork cuts that have limited domestic use. USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer moderated a panel of USMEF representatives working in Mexico, South America, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, who highlighted marketing efforts showcasing the attributes of underutilized U.S. cuts.

Spreitzer discussed USMEF strategies to develop demand for cuts specifically from the pork loin and beef round primals, pointing to estimates that loin exports now account for about 20% of U.S. production, up from roughly 10% five years ago. On export demand for underutilized beef cuts, she noted that export markets account for 42% of the total U.S. production of the gooseneck round, 30% of the chuck shoulder clod and 18% of top inside round.

“The export side adds pricing competition, potential customers and ultimately brings added value to these underutilized cuts,” said Spreitzer.

Lorenzo Elizalde, USMEF’s director of trade and marketing in Mexico, highlighted USMEF’s mobile training program, which utilizes a variety of U.S. meat promotional vehicles to educate importers and distributors, and their customers, on underutilized cuts. Elizalde described how USMEF is also utilizing these vehicles for month-long promotional campaigns for specific cuts such as U.S. pork loin, beef knuckle and outside round. The U.S. meat trucks also park outside major supermarket outlets, sampling and promoting the cuts that are displayed inside the stores.

USMEF Latin America Director Homero Recio focused his comments on merchandising of underutilized cuts in Colombia, Peru and Chile, and how USMEF is working to promote new uses for U.S. pork and beef in these markets. Recio highlighted a USMEF research effort in Chile designed to promote rotisserie pork, using loin rib-end. In Colombia, where beef liver is popular, USMEF is promoting new dishes such as beef liver brochettes with pineapple.

“For U.S. pork as an example, we’re working to move the trade beyond simply offering ‘pork chops’ to packaging and merchandising U.S. pork ribeyes and cowboy steaks,” said Recio. “We’re also encouraging the trade and their customers to utilize pork in new products such as pulled pork in a waffle cone and Boston butt in a ground pork burger.”

Japan Marketing Manager Taichi Uemura explained that the majority of Japan’s chilled pork imports are loins, mostly sold thinly sliced at retail for use in popular Japanese dishes. Uemara described USMEF’s new roast pork initiative in which USMEF is working to expand consumers’ usage of the U.S. loin. Explaining that many Japanese households do not have ovens, he said the new marketing program works to teach consumers how to create a roast pork dish using U.S. pork loin slices.

Taiwan’s beef import market is traditionally competitive and price-sensitive, and USMEF has been aggressively promoting a range of alternative U.S. beef cuts for about 10 years. Alex Sun, USMEF’s senior marketing manager, said the strategic focus for the foodservice sector in 2024 is on the outside round flat and the top round. Sun explained that importers are typically not familiar with the versatility of these cuts, so USMEF conducts educational seminars showing them how to fabricate them for foodservice. The importers’ foodservice customers are then presented with ideas for new dishes utilizing the cuts.

Elly Sung, senior marketing manager in Korea, reported that USMEF is working to expand U.S. pork’s usage by comparing its quality and versatility alongside domestic product for importers, distributors and their customers. USMEF is also promoting usage of U.S. pork with home meal replacement and restaurant meal replacement companies, pointing out a recent product development success in which U.S. pork is utilized in a crispy, cheesy pork cutlet that is gaining popularity with Korean consumers.

Insights from consumer experts, at home and overseas
Thursday’s general session featured U.S. consumer insights from Anne-Marie Roerink, meat consumer expert and author of the Power of Meat report. Joining her for a panel discussion were USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror and USMEF representatives from Japan, Central America and South Korea who shared market observations and described how consumer trends guide market development strategies and tactics.

A common theme through Roerink’s presentation and the ensuing panel discussion was how consumer behaviors, domestic and international, have changed due to inflation and the sharp rise in food prices since 2019. At the end of the day, said Roerink, people are simply adjusting their household budgets and trying to do more with less.

“We see some massive differences in where people are getting their meal inspiration ideas. Gen Z, it's all about the visual and it’s all about the digital – Tik Tok, YouTube and Instagram,” said Roerink. “Then you look at some of the older generations and you'll see it's all about routine. So the big question is, how can we make meat a routine in those younger generations as well?”

Lucia Ruano, USMEF representative in Central America and the Dominican Republic, brought up a recent survey in Guatemala showing that family, friends and social media are the top three influences in consumers’ food purchasing decisions. Ruano described how USMEF utilizes social media in the region to establish itself as a trusted resource for consumers on nutrition, food handling and safety, sustainability and how to properly prepare pork and beef to get the best eating experience.

Taz Hijikata, USMEF’s senior director of consumer affairs in Japan, discussed the country’s overall awareness about protein’s importance, especially in the aging population but also among younger generations. USMEF targets Japanese consumers through social media, often with content from influencers that includes messaging about how U.S. beef and pork can meet their daily protein needs.

Jihae Yang, who is based in Korea and serves as USMEF’s vice president of the Asia Pacific, said it is critical for the red meat industry to monitor and understand the evolving purchasing behavior of younger generations and to evolve along with them.

“Across all markets, younger consumers are looking for convenience, nutrition, quality and to reduce food waste and save money,” Yang said. “And there are foodies who are also looking for professional information about cooking. We are increasingly using social media influencers, which is a cost-effective way for us to reach younger audiences with relevant information and the right messaging about U.S. beef and pork.”

Thursday’s program also included meetings of USMEF’s standing committees, examining issues of specific interest to the pork, beef, feedgrains and oilseeds and exporter sectors. Highlights from the opening day of the conference are available in this USMEF press release.

USMEF members will next meet at the organization’s Strategic Planning Conference, which is set for Nov. 6-8 in Tucson, Ariz.



Masters of Beef Advocacy Program Celebrates 25,000 Graduates

Two years ago the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, hit 20,000 graduates. Today, the program celebrates an additional 5,000 graduates – reaching a new milestone for advocacy in the beef industry.

“It feels like yesterday that we were celebrating 20,000 graduates,” said Paul Dybedahl, Associate Director of Communications for the Masters of Beef Advocacy Program. “Just two years later, it’s incredible to see an additional 5,000 graduates, all willing to dedicate their time to learn more about, and advocate for, the beef industry.”

Created in 2009, the MBA program is a free, self-guided online course that provides members of the beef community – from farmers and ranchers to students, supply chain members and consumers – with the tools and resources needed to become a strong advocate for the beef community.

In 2021, the MBA program launched MBA NextGen – which updated training modules, splitting the course into five online lessons:
    The Beef Community – Context of raising beef from pasture to plate with a focus on the community of people involved throughout the beef lifecycle.
    Raising Cattle on Grass – An introduction to the first step in the beef lifecycle and the many benefits of raising cattle on our country’s vast grass pasture resources.
    Life in the Feedyard – A discussion on the role of feedyards, including animal care, nutrition and environmental stewardship, at this important step in the beef lifecycle.
    From Cattle to Beef – An in-depth look at the slaughter process and the humane handling and safety measures in place at today’s beef processing facilities.
    Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. – A primer on choosing and cooking the right cuts of beef and the important role of beef in a healthful diet.

After completing NextGen, MBA graduates can enroll in MBA Continuing Education where graduates can continue their education with more lessons on beef’s nutrition, sustainability and animal welfare among more. Graduates can also access monthly newsletters and join the program’s Facebook community where updates are given on the latest consumer trends.

Anyone interested in learning about beef’s journey from pasture to plate is invited to enroll today.



USTR Urged to Press South Africa to Lift Pork Import Restrictions
 
In a letter circulated by the National Pork Producers Council membership as a priority during our Spring Legislative Action Conference, members of Congress urged the Biden administration to pressure South Africa to live up to its obligations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods to the United States duty-free but requires beneficiaries of the trade program to provide “reasonable and equitable treatment” for U.S. imports.
 
South Africa has several unwarranted, non-scientific provisions that limit imports of pork from the United States. The country bans pork offal and restricts pork because of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), for example, even though there is no documented scientific case of PRRS being transmitted to domestic livestock through imported pork. In 2023, South Africa imported just 313 metric tons of U.S. pork, representing less than 1.3% of its pork imports.
 
In a letter sent Wednesday to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), 29 members of the U.S. House of Representatives asked USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai to raise the import restrictions during discussions with the South African government and consider them as USTR conducts its annual review of the AGOA program.
 
NPPC supports the renewal of AGOA, which is set to expire next year, but wants the Biden administration to press beneficiary countries to provide “reasonable and equitable treatment” for U.S. imports, a program requirement. NPPC previously asked USTR to remove South Africa from AGOA, pointing out that the country is reaping the program benefits but providing “significantly limited” market access for U.S. pork.
 
AGOA’s objectives are to expand U.S. trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa, stimulate economic growth in the region, and facilitate African nations’ integration into the global economy. In many AGOA countries, pork is an important source of protein, making them potentially significant markets for U.S. pork.