Thursday May 16 Ag News

 Smith Statement on Census of Agriculture

Yesterday, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture published 2022 Census of Agriculture data showing Nebraska's Third District is the top-ranked congressional district for total market value of agricultural products sold.

"Once again, the data reflects the Third District is home to our nation’s most productive agriculture. This is owed to the generations of Nebraskans who have taken care to pass down land and work ethic to their children, a relentless drive to make the most of what we’ve been blessed with, and a willingness to do the right thing the right way. Innovation in recent decades has brought yields unprecedented in human history, and many signs point to even greater potential. I will continue fighting for sound farm policy and expanded markets to ensure our farmers and ranchers can provide the world with quality products for decades to come.”



I-29 Moo University webinar on June 13 to focus on dairy facility design in a changing climate

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, June 13 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT.

In this webinar, Nesli Akdeniz, assistant professor and extension specialist in Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will discuss how increasing temperatures and extreme weather events affect the design and ventilation of dairy buildings. She will also cover ventilation techniques that enhance airflow rates and considerations for energy efficiency and reducing ventilation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Akdeniz’s extension program focuses on livestock buildings, energy-efficient ventilation design, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. More information about her extension program is available on her website, https://controlledag.wisc.edu.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Register online at https://go.iastate.edu/DESIGN24.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.



Applications open for Iowa Farm Bureau's 'Grow Your Future' award

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, encourages young farmer entrepreneurs between 18-35 years old with an ag-related business to enter the Grow Your Future Award for a chance to win $10,000. This competition is focused on Farm Bureau members with unique business ventures that tap into niche production, agritourism and other specialty services.

“Our IFBF young farmer committee understands obstacles to farming and the need to diversify to break into agriculture and helped develop this program to recognize creative new businesses,” said Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm business development manager. We recognize the challenges that come with entrepreneurism and efforts to bring additional income to the farm, and this award is just one way we can help young farmers grow their businesses.”  

Interested entrepreneurs should apply at www.iowafarmbureau.com/growyourfuture by Sept. 1. A panel of judges will select up to six finalists to send to the online public vote.  The public vote will narrow the finalists to three. The top three finalists will compete in a live pitch-off during the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference on Jan. 17, 2025. Winners will be announced Jan 18.

First, second and third place finalists will receive $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Last year’s Grow Your Future Award winner grows more than 40 different crops in addition to raising meat birds and plans to use her winnings to expand direct-to-consumer marketing and farmers market presence.

“In addition to the Grow Your Future Award, Iowa Farm Bureau has a rich history of supporting rural entrepreneurs in the journey.   IFBF’s Renew Rural Iowa program has mentored nearly 4,000 rural entrepreneurs and business owners while creating more than $150 million in economic impact for rural Iowa communities,” says Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.  “The Grow Your Future Award is just one more way to highlight innovation in agriculture and support young, rural entrepreneurs. The crop of applicants are always diverse and impressive, and it’s exciting to see these young farmers’ willingness to explore new opportunities in farming that make Iowa agriculture and our rural communities even stronger.”



Lindsay Upgrades FieldNET Advisor to Improve Irrigation Management

Lindsay Corporation (NYSE: LNN), a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, today announced enhancements to FieldNET Advisor™, its award-winning irrigation management solution. FieldNET Advisor simplifies irrigation decisions for growers, and now through advanced technology also improves the product’s return on investment with real-time data upgrades, whole farm management, and simplified subscriptions.

With more than 50 years of crop and irrigation research, Lindsay is a leader in using technology to simplify the science of agronomic irrigation. FieldNET Advisor provides meaningful insights on how to help growers maximize yields. With additional data now available through these enhancements, growers have a powerful tool to help reduce input costs, conserve resources and apply the precise amount of water needed for a healthier crop.

“FieldNET Advisor has empowered growers to produce healthier crops and to develop more sustainable farming practices by providing recommendations on when, where and how much to irrigate,” said Kurtis Charling, vice president of AgTech Solutions for Lindsay. “We asked growers for their feedback and incorporated new features and technology to provide growers with additional insights to help get the best return in the field and their bottom line.”

FieldNET Advisor Enhancements
Growers around the world use FieldNET Advisor every day to monitor irrigation patterns and check soil moisture levels. The additional product benefits now available to growers are:
    Easy enrollment for the whole operation and customized recommendations to grower management preferences
    Satellite imagery estimates crop water usage providing up-to-date data that automatically tracks how conditions change through the growing season; wind, hail, disease, and other factors are all accounted for
    Manage the whole farm at a glance, including crop canopy development, crop water use, weather, and irrigation recommendations
    More easily review data and execute irrigation decisions on a mobile device
    Simplified, whole-farm pricing with only one subscription to manage
    Connect your on-farm Pessl weather station to FieldNET and incorporate local weather data into your irrigation recommendations

By combining FieldNET Advisor’s recommendations with the advanced agronomics of FieldNET and Zimmatic™ machine health features, Lindsay has transformed the way growers irrigate crops. Integrated pivots support healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices while reducing risk and operational downtime, significantly expanding the traditional capabilities of pivots.

“We build solutions by farmers, for farmers,” said Gustavo Oberto, president of irrigation for Lindsay. “That’s why it is so important to us that the team building our products and technologies has first-hand knowledge of how those solutions are working in the field. With enhancements to FieldNET Advisor, we’re able to synthesize millions of data points to determine the best irrigation option from both a crop- and field-level point of view. Growers will continue to have peace of mind that their FieldNET remote irrigation solution gives them the power to monitor, control and manage their operation to help maximize yields and profitability.”

FieldNET Advisor’s smart recommendations are one part of the comprehensive FieldNET irrigation management platform. To learn more about all the ways FieldNET can increase profitability, please visit lindsay.com/fieldnetnextgen.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Mixed; More Are Lower Than Higher

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of May 2024 show more fertilizers were lower in price than higher in price compared to a month ago. This was the first time in three months, since the first week of February 2024, that more fertilizers were lower than higher.

For the first time in five weeks, a fertilizer moved a considerable amount in either direction. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more. Urea was 5% lower in price looking back to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $557/ton. Four fertilizers were slightly less expensive compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $789/ton, MAP $831/ton, potash $511/ton and anhydrous $792/ton.

Three fertilizers were slightly higher in price looking back a month. 10-34-0 had an average price of $642/ton, UAN28 $364/ton and UAN32 $418/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.61/lb.N, anhydrous $0.48/lb.N, UAN28 $0.65/lb.N and UAN32 $0.65/lb.N.

Most fertilizers are lower compared to one year ago, but one fertilizer is slightly higher. MAP is 1% higher looking back a year. The remaining fertilizers are lower. DAP is 5% less expensive, both 10-34-0 and anhydrous are now 13% lower, UAN28 is 14% less expensive, urea is 16% lower and both potash and UAN32 are now 19% less expensive compared to a year prior.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 5/10/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending May 10, ethanol production expanded 3.6% to a 5-week high of 1.00 million b/d, equivalent to 42.00 million gallons daily. Output was 1.3% more than the same week last year and 5.4% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate nudged up 0.5% to 977,000 b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.02 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose 1.2% to 24.5 million barrels. Stocks were 5.6% more than the same week last year and 7.9% above the five-year average. Inventories built across the Midwest (PADD 2) and West Coast (PADD 5) while the other regions thinned or remained flat.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, increased 0.9% to 8.88 million b/d (136.43 bg annualized). Demand was 0.4% less than a year ago but 2.3% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol strengthened 1.7% to a 37-week high of 920,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.14 bg annualized. Net inputs were 1.2% higher than year-ago levels and 5.2% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 92,000 b/d (3.9 million gallons/day), or 48.9% below the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 34th consecutive week.



Groups Urge Treasury to Promptly Complete §45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit Guidance

Today, 25 trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the §45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit as soon as possible. The new credit, adopted in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is designed to incentivize domestic production of low-carbon fuels on a technology-neutral basis. The value of the credit is based on the life-cycle greenhouse gas emission score of each fuel.

“With the Sec. 45Z credit set to take effect January 1, 2025, our member companies and organizations may face significant headwinds and business risk if this guidance is not published promptly,” the groups write. “Any extended delays in publication of guidance for the Sec. 45Z credit may disrupt project timelines, impede capital flows, and threaten existing production and demand for low carbon renewable fuels.”

Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance America, added, “U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are facing uncertainty as the transition from the biodiesel and renewable diesel blender credit to the producer credit. They are facing difficulties already as they try to negotiate feedstock and fuel offtake contracts for next year. The need for policy certainty is urgent.”

Joining Clean Fuels in signing the letter are Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Airlines for America, Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition, American Biogas Council, American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association, American Soybean Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, Association of American Railroads, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Cargo Airline Association, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Growth Energy, Methanol Institute, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, North American Renderers Association, Renewable Fuel Association, SAF Coalition, U.S. Canola Association, Vertical Aviation International, and Waste Gas Capture Initiative.



American, Mexican, and Canadian Cattle Producers Sign Joint Statement and Send Letter Raising Brazilian Beef Concerns

On Wednesday leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) signed a joint statement to continue advocating for greater oversight of emerging lab-grown proteins, protecting cattle from animal diseases, and promoting the sustainability of the cattle industry. This action builds on the recent statement signing with Cattle Australia and furthers the international partnerships between cattle producers.
 
“The signing of this joint statement is an important step that unites cattle producers across North America and around the world to promote and protect efficient cattle production,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele.
 
Following the joint statement signing, NCBA, CNOG, and CCA also signed a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Secretaria de Economía Raquel Buenrostro Sanchez, and Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng urging the U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments to re-engage in opening markets for beef exports and provide stronger science-based oversight of beef imports. Unfortunately, the three governments have expanded market access for beef imports while providing little opportunities for beef exports. If this continues, it will place North American cattle producers at a competitive disadvantage to other beef producers, including South America.

“I am also pleased that American, Mexican, and Canadian cattle producers are standing together to hold our trade partners accountable. For the United States, we have significant concerns that Brazil continues to have access to the U.S. market even though they have a repeated history of failing to disclose animal health concerns, including cases of atypical BSE,” Eisele added. “We continue urging our respective governments to protect the beef supply by blocking Brazilian imports. We are pleased to be partners on these issues and act as the voice of cattle farmers and ranchers to our respective governments.”
 
NCBA has previously raised concerns with Brazil’s access to the American market due to the country’s failure to report cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a timely manner to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). These atypical cases occur spontaneously, but countries are required to report any cases within 24 hours to WOAH. The United States has upheld the 24 hour requirement continuously, but Brazil has often delayed reporting cases from anywhere between 35 days and nearly 2 years. That lack of transparency increases the risk to food safety and makes Brazil an unreputable trading partner.  
 
The letter and joint statement were signed at the CNOG 2024 convention in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico by NCBA President Mark Eisele, CNOG President Sr. Homero García de la Llata, and CCA President Nathan Phinney.



BEEF CHECKOFF CALLS FOR ELIGIBLE BEEF INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT ANNUAL PROGRAM FUNDING REQUESTS

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) invites all eligible beef industry organizations to submit funding requests for programs and projects for the upcoming fiscal year 2025, which begins October 1, 2024. Requests must be in the form of an Authorization Request (AR). Multiple program areas are eligible for funding.

By law, the Beef Checkoff – through its administrative body, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board - contracts with national, non-profit, beef industry-governed organizations to carry out promotion, research and education work as directed in the Beef Promotion & Research Act and Order.

As outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Order, eligible groups that may contract with the Beef Checkoff are established national nonprofit industry-governed organizations that:
    are nonprofit organizations pursuant to sections 501(c) (3), (5) or (6) of the Internal Revenue
    Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3), (5) and (6)); and
    are governed by a national board of directors representing the cattle or beef industry; and
    have been active and ongoing for at least two years.

Organizations must submit a first-round draft of an Authorization Request to the CBB by Monday, June 3, 2024. At the 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California, July 8-10, organizations will have the opportunity to present their specific plans and funding requests to various Beef Checkoff Program Committees. This valuable process allows producers and importers to provide input on Checkoff-funded programs, build programs free of redundancy, and achieve the strategies outlined in the Beef Industry Long Range Plan (LRP).

The number of Beef Checkoff contracting organizations changes from year to year, as does the available amount of funding, which is based on the annual Checkoff collection. As an example, for the current fiscal year 2024, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved eight contractors to conduct Beef Checkoff work.

If your qualified organization is interested in submitting an Authorization Request to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year, contact Sara Arp, CBB Sr. Director of Operations, by Monday, May 20, 2024 at 303-220-9890 or sarp@beefboard.org.
The deadline for first-draft Authorization Requests is Monday, June 3, 2024.
Final-draft Authorization Requests must be received by the CBB office by Monday, July 22, 2024, to be considered by the BPOC.

Learn more about the funding process and the Beef Checkoff at DrivingDemandforBeef.com.



Ranking Member David Scott, Chair Debbie Stabenow Statement on Farm Bill Process

On Wednesday House Agriculture Ranking Member David Scott and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released the below statement following a meeting with House Agriculture Committee Democrats and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

“House and Senate Democrats remain committed to passing a strong, bipartisan farm bill that strengthens the farm and family safety nets and invests in our rural communities. America’s farmers, families, workers, and rural communities deserve the certainty of a five-year farm bill, and everyone knows it must be bipartisan to pass.

“House Republicans are undermining this goal by proposing policies that split the broad, bipartisan coalition that has always been the foundation of a successful farm bill.

“We need a farm bill that holds the coalition together and upholds the historic tradition of providing food assistance to our most vulnerable Americans while keeping our commitment to our farmers battling the effects of the climate crisis every day. Democrats remain ready and willing to work with Republicans on a truly bipartisan farm bill to keep farmers farming, families fed, and rural communities strong.”