Ricketts Celebrates Agriculture on National Mall with Four Nebraska Employers
Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) attended the 2024 Celebration of Agriculture on the National Mall.
"Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska. To keep it that way, we need American innovation that continues to push the agriculture industry forward,” Ricketts said. “Nebraska employers featured in the Celebration of Agriculture on the National Mall this week play a critical role in that effort. I’ll always fight to support policies that ensure our farmers have the tools and support they need to compete and prosper. I’m thankful to Lindsay Corporation, Valley Irrigation, Case IH, and CLAAS for coming to Washington to share their technology."
The event showcased the advancements in technology and agriculture equipment. Four companies with major presences in Nebraska were featured at the exhibit:
Lindsay Corporation, which is headquartered in Omaha, NE
Valley Irrigation, which was founded in Valley, NE and is headquartered in Omaha, NE
Case IH, which manufactures its Case IH Axial-Flow Combines in Grand Island, NE
CLAAS, which assembles its CLAAS EXION combines in Omaha, NE
CVA Partners with Humphrey FFA Chapter
For the second year, Central Valley Ag (CVA) is partnering with the Humphrey FFA chapter on its 15-acre plot.
CVA's partnership with the Humphrey FFA chapter is not just about providing resources, but about fostering a unique learning experience. CVA has provided expertise in various areas of the project, including soil testing, weed control, fertilizer application, precision agriculture applications, harvest assistance, and grain marketing. However, it's the students who have the final say on the plot, allowing them to witness the real-world implications of their decisions. This hands-on approach is what sets this partnership apart, offering students a practical application of their agricultural knowledge.
"CVA's expertise is outstanding," said Humphrey FFA Advisor Robyn Graham. "They know what they're talking about in all aspects of this process. I'm grateful that they can share industry knowledge with the students."
Local farmer Bill Classen plays a crucial role in the project, working with the chapter to plant different populations of seeds in the field. This collaborative effort is designed to help members understand the impact of seed population on yields. In the 2023 crop year, the chapter experimented with three different seed populations, providing students with a valuable learning opportunity.
While students can learn in the classroom, FFA allows them to learn by doing.
"You can talk about things in a classroom until you're blue in the face, but it won't sink in as much as being able to go outside and see it in real life," said CVA Humphrey Location Manager, Kendal Bender. "These kids are making big decisions. They're farming it. If they make money, they did good. But they can lose money just as easily. This experience gives them a small taste of what life could be like later on, should they decide to become a farmer."
Many students in the agriculture classroom don't grow up around production agriculture despite being in a heavy corn and soybean production area. Those who do grow up on farms don't always see the variables and decisions that go into planting, harvesting, and everything in between.
"Any time I can provide my students with real-world applications, like this test plot, I think it's a huge opportunity to educate," said Graham. "If I can spark an interest in agronomy, grain marketing, or give them the tools to return home and be a better farmer, it's worth it."
The Humphrey FFA chapter, CVA, and Bill Classen will begin planting within the next month. CVA is proud to be a part of student's education on the different aspects of agriculture through this great opportunity provided by their advisor and school district.
USDA SEEKS FEEDBACK FROM PRODUCERS ABOUT 2024 CROPS, STOCKS, INVENTORIES, AND VALUES
During the next several weeks, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will contact producers across Nebraska to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2024.
“The June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey are two of the most important and well-known surveys NASS conducts,” explained NASS’ Northern Plains Regional Director, Nicholas Streff. “When producers respond to these surveys, they provide essential information that helps determine the expected acreage and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2024 crop year. The results are used by farmers and ranchers, USDA, businesses, exporters, researchers, economists, policymakers, and others who use the survey information in making a wide range of decisions that benefit the producer.”
Producers can respond to the June Agricultural Survey online at agcounts.usda.gov, by phone, or mail. They will be asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage, including acreage for biotech crops, and grain stocks. For the June Area Survey, agency representatives will conduct interviews with farm and ranch operators in randomly selected segments of land. Producers will be asked to provide information on crop acreage, grain stocks, livestock inventory, land values, and value of sales.
“NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents by keeping individual information confidential and publishing the data in aggregate form only. This ensures that no operation or producer can be identified,” said Streff. “We recognize this is a hectic time for farmers, but the information they provide is vital in support and promotion of U.S.
agriculture. I urge them to respond to these surveys and thank them for their cooperation.” NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports, to be released June 28, 2024. The survey data also contribute to NASS’ monthly and annual Crop Production reports, the annual Small Grains Summary, annual Farms and Land in Farms and Land Values reports, various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Hogs and Pigs, and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
These and all NASS reports are available at nass.usda.gov/Publications/. For more information, call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at 800-582-6443.
Dr. Milton Stokes Speaks at Nebraska Nutrition & Dietetics Conference
Sorting truth about food from fiction can be overwhelming to consumers, especially when information is driven by aggressive headlines generating nonstop competition for attention. As a result, Dr. Milton Stokes, a Registered Dietician who serves as the Senior Director for the International Food Council, addressed these issues while speaking at the 2024 Nebraska Nutrition and Dietetics Conference.
“I work at the intersection of food, agriculture, and nutrition,” said Stokes. “My session is more about communication and how to communicate contentious topics with patients and consumers.”
Through a partnership with the Nebraska Beef Council, Dr. Stokes shared an approach to engage in tough conversations to help build trust with consumers and other stakeholders on various topics of food and nutrition, including beef’s nutrient density and positive impact on environmental sustainability.
“I think it’s fair to say that consumers have never been more interested in food than they are today and have a lot of questions,” remarked Stokes. “There’s also never been a bigger gap between consumers and agriculture.”
The conference was attended by over 200 Registered Dietitians from Nebraska and was an opportunity for the Nebraska Beef Council to enhance connections and create engagement among an important health professional audience. Dr. Stokes was also featured on a Nebraska Beef Checkoff Update while he was in the state for the conference.
Nebraska Extension’s ‘Herd That!’ conference in North Platte to focus on beef cattle reproduction
The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, along with the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program, will host the fourth annual Herd That! Conference on June 10-11, in North Platte. The event will be held at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Road.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back the Herd That! Conference for women who raise livestock or work in the livestock sector,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of Nebraska Women in Agriculture. “Livestock production is vital to our state. This event will focus on giving women the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to be successful in this facet of the agricultural industry. More importantly, it will provide participants the opportunity to expand their network.”
This year’s event will kick off on June 10 with a tour of T/D Angus. Trey and Dayna Wasserburger operate this innovative and progressive seedstock operation in North Platte, selling 500 Angus bulls a year to over 30 states. They also sell and ship semen and embryos globally.
The tour will be followed by dinner and keynote speaker Terryn Drieling, who grew up on a small feed yard in northeast Nebraska. She now lives and works on a large ranch in the Sandhills with her husband and their three children. When she’s not ranching, Drieling helps fellow farmers and ranchers step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships and life in rural America through her Good Movement Trainings and coaching.
Sessions on June 11 will feature industry experts as well as Nebraska Extension professionals in several hands-on workshop opportunities that will focus on beef cattle reproduction. Topics will include safely handling hormones, bull selection, culling cows and more. During lunch, participants will have the opportunity to hear from Trust in Food to learn about the future of sustainability for livestock producers.
“The way we handle our animals is more important than ever to our industry. As caregivers, we need to be sure we are handling our animals in the lowest-stress environment possible,” said Jesse Fulton, director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance. “I hope every producer tries to join us for this exceptional opportunity.”
Registration for the event is open on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https://wia.unl.edu. The cost for a two-day registration is $125 for participants who register on or before May 31. The two-day registration fee increases to $150 on June 1. One-day registrations are also available.
The conference will be offering continuing education credits for veterinary medicine professionals.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2021-70027-34694.
New agriculture education workshops available in Iowa
Exciting news for Iowa educators! The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is rolling out tailored professional development workshops aimed at enriching curriculum with agricultural concepts. Here's what you need to know:
Workshop Details: Throughout the summer, educators can participate in two-day workshops held at various locations statewide. Led by IALF, these sessions will focus on leveraging agriculture to teach Iowa Core standards. Subjects covered include science, social studies, language arts, and math, providing teachers with innovative ways to engage students.
Interactive Learning: Expect interactive sessions with hands-on activities and farm tours. Gain instructional strategies, ready-to-implement lessons, and resources to enhance classroom teaching.
Workshop Schedule: Mark your calendars for dates in June, July, and August. Each workshop is themed differently, offering diverse learning opportunities. Workshop locations range across Iowa, ensuring accessibility for educators statewide.
Supporters: These workshops are made possible by the support of various organizations, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and others.
Registration: Workshops are free to attend, with options for license renewal and graduate-level credit at an additional fee. Secure your spot by visiting the IALF website for detailed descriptions and registration information.
Don't miss this chance to enhance your teaching skills and enrich your curriculum with agricultural education. For more information, visit www.IowaAgLiteracy.org or email info@iowaagliteracy.org. Join us in shaping the future of agriculture education in Iowa!
Wanted: Backyard chefs to ‘bring the heat’ at Iowa Farm Bureau’s 60th Cookout Contest
The Iowa Farm Bureau is seeking to crown its 60th Cookout Contest “Grand Champion” on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the 2024 Iowa State Fair.
The event, held annually on the Grand Concourse during Farm Bureau Day at the fair, hosts up to 60 backyard chefs vying for the champion title and $4,500 in cash prizes.
The contest is a celebration of Iowa-raised meats and the farmers who provide them with animal care and sustainability as a top priority. Entry categories include pork, beef, turkey, lamb, poultry and a youth division.
“Iowa agriculture is incredibly diverse,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “The cookout contest sheds light on that diversity and the incredible efforts of Iowa’s family farms in harnessing the latest research, technology and innovation to raise an abundant protein supply with fewer natural resources than ever before.”
Backyard chefs named the overall winner of a county Farm Bureau Cookout Contest receive an automatic bid to the state competition. Those unable to make a qualifying event can sign up online for a chance to compete in the lamb, turkey, poultry or youth competition.
Each first-place category winner receives $400. The Grand Champion takes home an additional $1,000 prize. The winner of the youth division receives $300 and a gas grill valued at $1,000, courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association.
For rules, county contest locations or specialty category sign ups, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/CookoutContest.
Where the Pork World Comes Together
The 2024 World Pork Expo, hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), invites attendees to engage with the latest insights across all facets of the pork industry. This year’s event features a new two-day schedule and the return of the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. Other highlights include the return of free educational seminars and the introduction of the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
"In a constantly changing industry like this, it's important to stay informed and innovative," said NPPC President Lori Stevermer. "This is especially true as we welcome young people eager to make a difference. The 2024 World Pork Expo is all about improving knowledge for all professionals and supporting young talent through events like the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet."
New for 2024! Introducing the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet
World Pork Expo is excited to introduce a new competitive speaking event for young adults passionate about the future of the pork industry! Sponsored by Novus and NutraBlend, the Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet is designed for pork enthusiasts aged 17-22 to engage with real-world industry challenges. Participants will research, problem-solve, discuss, and draft mock motions, gaining valuable experience in NPPC's policy development process.
The competition will be held during the Expo and kicks off with an orientation, followed by round robin discussions on Day 1. Day 2 features the final round and culminates in the exciting results announcement. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 and a trip to the NPPC Legislative Action Conference await the top winners. Visit WorldPork.org for details.
Attendees to Gain Industry Insights at Business Seminars
A fresh lineup of Business Seminars awaits attendees this year. These seminars will focus on key industry pillars such as sustainability, technological advancements, and other pressing issues shaping today’s pork production. They will be held in the Varied Industries Building and will feature comprehensive panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with leading experts.
Business Seminars Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, June 5
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Kent - A Partner in Continuous Improvement
Sponsored by Kent Feeds
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B
Speakers: Dr. Jim Smith, Dr. Michael Edmonds, Kale Causemaker
Join Kent to learn about the latest in swine nutrition, including new developments in their NexGex® Advanced line-up and the introduction of EFFICOR™, a new swine origin probiotic.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
The Impact of Clean Feed on Endemic Swine Disease
Sponsored by Anitox
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room D
Discover the benefits of clean feed in reducing endemic swine disease with Dr. Francisco Domingues, exploring the effectiveness of feed sanitizers and strategies for optimal biosecurity in your feed mill.
Thursday, June 6
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Challenging Health and Productivity - How does the U.S. lead the world in sustainable, profitable pork production?
Sponsored by Alltech
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room D
Dr. Mark Lyons of Alltech leads a discussion on the U.S. pork industry's role in global trade, animal health, and sustainability, aimed at enhancing economic and environmental outcomes for producers and consumers alike.
Network and Learn at the Pork Academy
The Pork Academy, presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, returns with interactive sessions featuring expert analysis and engaging discussions. Set within the Varied Industries Building, attendees can gain invaluable insights and enter for a chance to win exclusive pork-related prizes. Entrance to the Pork Academy sessions is included with your World Pork Expo admission.
Pork Academy Schedule of Events:
Wednesday, June 5
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
An Economic Outlook for the Pork Industry
Location: Varied Industries Building Upper Meeting Room
Join Steve Meyer and Joe Kerns as they discuss the international and domestic demand for pork, pricing impacts, and market consumption in an interactive economic session.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Building Public Trust in Pork
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
Speakers: Nicholas Gabler, Iowa State University; Pedro Urriola, University of Minnesota; Katie Sanders, North Carolina State University, Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia
Explore strategies to bridge the gap between the public and farm practices with the Real Pork Trust Consortium, focusing on building consumer trust.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
How Pork Powers Your Plate and the Industry
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
Discover the latest in pork nutrition research and learn how collaborations with nutrition experts are enhancing pork's appeal, in this informative panel discussion.
Thursday, June 6
9:00 –10:30 a.m.
Endemic Diseases, Biosecurity and Other Hot Topics in Swine Health
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B
Moderator: Dr. Brent Pepin, National Pork Board Speakers: Deb Murray, New Fashion Pork; Lisa Becton, Swine Health Improvement Center (SHIC), Guilherme Cezar, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine, Laura Dalquist, Swine Vet Center
Address your swine health concerns with leading experts, focusing on diseases and biosecurity in an engaging discussion.
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Positioning Pork For Success: Meeting Consumers Where They Are
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
Learn how understanding consumer behavior can drive pork’s relevance and demand, utilizing insights from the NPB Consumer Connect.
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
The Future of Everything Pork
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room C
Explore the future of pig farming with experts on gene editing, AI, and other advanced technologies, discussing opportunities and challenges.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Carbon Markets, CSAs, ROI and More
Location: Varied Industries Building, Meeting Room B
Moderator: Jill Brokaw, National Pork Board
Get the latest updates on Climate Smart Grants, sustainability funding opportunities, and how they affect on-farm practices.
Register Today
Don’t miss the opportunity to join thousands of pork industry professionals at World Pork Expo 2024! Online registration closes on May 30. For registration details, event updates, hotel information, and more, visit WorldPork.org.
NGFA urges Canadian leaders to avoid rail strike
The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and 19 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group urged Canadian leaders to take action to avoid a rail strike that could begin as soon as May 22.
The Teamsters Canada union, which represents 9,000 workers at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), has threatened to strike as they negotiate labor agreements.
In a May 9 letter to Minister of Labour Seamus Regan, NGFA and other stakeholders said rail in Canada should be designated as an essential service. “A rail stoppage would lead to shutdowns or slowdowns of rail-dependent facilities resulting in devastating consequences to national and global food security,” the letter noted.
“Our memberships rely on freight rail to move essential products across Canada and the U.S. and a disruption to CN and CPKC’s rail service could ripple across North America,” NGFA and the other groups stated. “The impact of a strike would be particularly severe as trucking is not a viable option for many shippers due to their high-volume needs and the long distances for many of the movements.”
No comments:
Post a Comment