Soybean Gall Midge Alert: Adults Emerge in Minnesota, White Larvae in East-Central Nebraska
More Information at: soybeangallmidge.org
Adult Emergence in Minnesota
Emergence of soybean gall midge adults is now underway in Minnesota. On June 4, one adult soybean gall midge was collected in a trap deployed in a field in southwest Minnesota. Most soybean fields in the area are not yet at the V2 growth stage, so are not susceptible to this pest. This is the earliest detection of soybean gall midge in Minnesota since monitoring began in 2019. No emergence has been reported in northeast Nebraska, Iowa, or South Dakota.
East-Central Nebraska
Emergence has now occurred at all sites in east-central Nebraska except for one of the three sites at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center. This includes locations in Saunders, Lancaster, Cass and Otoe counties. On June 5th, white larvae were found on early-planted soybean (April 9th) at ENREEC.
More information on management and scouting can be found at soybeangallmidge.org.
NDA ANNOUNCES DELEGATES ATTENDING 2024 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH INSTITUTE
High school students continue to show their passion for agriculture and their enthusiasm to attend Nebraska’s premier youth ag event, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) received a record number of applications from high school juniors and seniors across the state to attend NAYI this summer. NAYI brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities. This year, NAYI will be held July 8-12 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.
“We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the record number of applications we received from students interested in attending NAYI,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NAYI is an incredible opportunity for young leaders to expand their knowledge of agriculture and connect with peers and network with agricultural professionals from around the state. These students are the future leaders and innovators of Nebraska’s ag industry. They will be the ones working together in the future to strengthen our state’s number one industry.”
NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme, “Leading Your Legacy,” is appropriate because students participating in NAYI start a legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.
NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 21 college students selected by NDA for their passion, interest, and investment in the ag industry. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.
“The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council does a fantastic job showcasing the opportunities here in our state. It is our hope that after NAYI, the delegates will be better prepared for whatever path they choose in life and know that they will always have a part to play in Nebraska agriculture,” said Director Vinton.
2024 Participants include:
First Name Last Name Hometown
Aaron Fuchs Arlington
Libby Hegemann Arlington
Brooke Hilgenkamp Arlington
Emma Huntley Bennington
Kathryn Picton Blair
Somer Schultz Blair
Ava McFarland Bloomfield
Brianne Kuhr Clarkson
Raina Krebs Clearwater
Callen Jedlicka Columbus
Emma Klug Columbus
Luke Monson Craig
Gavin Hardeman Decatur
Keyton Kampa Decatur
Calie Cockburn Emerson
Rhyanne Mackling Emerson
Karli Bruning Hartington
Ava Noecker Hartington
Claire Rolfes Hartington
Klayton Hilbers Hooper
Kolton Kriete Hooper
Owen Meyer Hooper
Gavin Ruwe Hooper
Miles Wulf Hooper
Kason Stateler Hoskins
Deanna Fittje Humphrey
Miriel Brokaw Lyons
Colten Miller Lyons
Sydney Olsen Lyons
Ashlynn Whitley Lyons
Lauren Sousek Malmo
Cameron Woita Malmo
Clara Preister Monroe
Nolan Williams Morse Bluff
Isabella Benne Oakland
Brandi Helzer Oakland
Thomas Karnopp Oakland
Lillian Ehlers Oakland
Delana Harmon Pender
Morgan Havlovic Prague
Emilee Olson Randolph
Bela Jedlicka Schuyler
Abigail Reyna Schuyler
Addison Vavricek Schuyler
Allison Vavricek Schuyler
Gillian Hunke Scribner
Garrett Hansen Stanton
Isabella Roche Tekamah
Mason Bodlak Thurston
Ashlyn Boeckenhauer Wakefield
McKinley Morgan Walthill
Mayleigh Walvoord Waterloo
Jack Schlickbernd Wayne
Simon Kreikemeier West Point
Isaac Wooldrik West Point
Karl Steinmeyer Wisner
Trey Stewart Wisner
Chisum Wilson Yutan
Loganne Barta Yutan
NDA, agri-businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations sponsor NAYI so those selected to attend can do so free of charge. Anyone interested in helping sponsor NAYI is encouraged to reach out to NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov. For more information about the opportunities available to support the youth attending NAYI, potential sponsors can visit nda.nebraska.gov/NAYIsponsors/.
To learn more about NAYC or NAYI 2024, visit nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and on Instagram by following @the_nayc or #NAYI24.
SURVEY ILLUSTRATES INTERNET ACCESS DISPARITIES FOR NEBRASKANS
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln survey shows a majority of Nebraskans report mostly or very dependable internet access, but disparities persist between urban and rural residents.
In the latest Nebraska Snapshot from the Bureau of Sociological Research, 45% of statewide respondents said they have very dependable internet, with 41% of Nebraskans reporting mostly dependable access. Only 14% said their internet was somewhat dependable to not dependable at all. The Nebraska Snapshot is released every other month and shares data from the most recent Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey, conducted by the bureau.
When accounting for place of residence, only 26% of Nebraskans living on a farm or in open country each reported having very dependable internet. Further, 46% of those living on a farm reported mostly dependable internet, and 28% reported having somewhat to not dependable internet. For those in open country, 52% reported mostly dependable internet, compared to 22% reporting somewhat to not dependable internet.
In contrast, 50% of those who lived in a town or city reported having very dependable internet, with 39% rating their internet mostly dependable and only 11% reporting somewhat to not dependable internet.
Internet speed also varied by place of residence. Statewide, 33% reported very fast internet, and 56% reported somewhat fast internet. In towns and cities, 37% said they had very fast internet, in contrast to only 16% of those living on a farm and 17% of those in open country. Additionally, 37% of those living on farms reported having somewhat or very slow internet, compared to 20% living in open country and only 8% of those living in a city or town. A majority of those living in towns and cities, on farms and in open country reported having somewhat fast internet — 55%, 48% and 64%, respectively.
Noteworthy differences among age groups, income levels and education level were also found.
Internet access, and specifically broadband, has been a priority in Nebraska for several years, and gains are being made to connect more of the state's residents. Among the efforts is the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program, created by the Legislature in 2021. It allocated $20 million to be distributed as grants to telecommunications companies for expansion of broadband service to areas of Nebraska that were unserved or underserved by slower internet speeds. The state also received federal funding for increasing broadband access through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the bipartisan infrastructure act passed in 2023. In the last quarter of 2023, the Nebraska Broadband Office estimated there was $1.9 billion in funding to expand access across the state.
The Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey is used by researchers, state entities and policymakers, but also includes a core questionnaire that delves into demographics, quality of life measures, educational attainment and community satisfaction, among other variables. These core questions will inform most of the Nebraska Snapshot series.
Nebraska Snapshots are available at https://bosr.unl.edu/nebraska-snapshot-series.
IRFA Statement on Iowa Sierra Club Report Over Carbon Capture Project Water Use
Thursday, the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter released an erroneous report on water use by carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
“Today's ‘so-called’ study from the Iowa Sierra Club is no more based in reality than the report they released a few weeks ago claiming that CCS does not lower the carbon intensity of Iowa ethanol production. There is simply no basis in fact for the numbers they are throwing around.
It appears they have exaggerated the potential water usage by at least a factor of four. To put it in context, one inch of rain across Chickasaw county alone equates to 8.8 billion gallons of water, roughly 10 times what is needed for all CCS projects across the state annually. According to Iowa State University, Chickasaw county averages roughly 2.7 inches of rain per month over the last 123 years.
The Iowa Sierra Club’s selective concern over water use is more proof of how unserious they have become. If they truly believe Iowa is in the middle of a water crisis, maybe they should start crunching the numbers on how much water it takes to keep an 18-hole golf course green in August. This is nothing more than another baseless attempt at scaring people."
USDA to Host Educational Events at USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host in-person educational events for cattle producers and interested stakeholders at the USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers (CCTC) at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, on July 30-31, 2024, and at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., on August 14, 2024. While anyone can attend these events, they are targeted to cattle producers, feeders, and other stakeholders who want a better understanding of factors that contribute to the market value of cattle, and how these factors can inform marketing and production decisions.
The WTAMU event will focus on fed cattle grading and evaluation, the CME Group’s Live Cattle contract delivery specifications, carcass valuation, and USDA Market News reports and data visualization tools. The CSU event will focus on feeder cattle grading and evaluation and on USDA Market News reports and feeder cattle data visualization tools. At both events attendees will hear from USDA and industry experts and participate in live cattle evaluation demonstrations.
USDA is focused on building more resilient markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers, and ensuring they have the resources they need to be competitive in today’s marketplace. The USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers are designed to support producers’ understanding of the cattle industry and USDA live animal standards. Participants in these engaging events will gain an understanding of, and greater appreciation for, the interconnected processes that support the production and marketing of high-quality U.S. beef all over the world.
Pre-registration is required for the events, which are free and open to the public. Information about the events, including how to pre-register, is on the AMS website https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/beef/cattle-carcass-training-centers.
April U.S. Ethanol Exports Jump; DDGS Global Shipments Show Mixed Trends
RFA
In April, U.S. ethanol exports exceeded the 200-million-gallon (mg) mark for only the second time in history, driven by robust demand from major markets and several record highs. Exports rallied by 34% to 214.2 mg, the highest volume since the record set in March 2018. Canada continued to be the largest importer for the 37th consecutive month, taking in 62.3 mg, a 31% increase and six-month high. The United Kingdom saw an 80% surge to a record 34.2 mg. Conversely, exports to India and the European Union decreased to 18.3 mg (-15%) and 13.9 mg (-31%), respectively. Several other larger markets reached multiyear highs, including Oman (12.4 mg), Brazil (11.9 mg), Nigeria (10.1 mg), Mexico (9.8 mg), and the Philippines (8.8 mg). Notably, April was the first time since May 2022 that significant volumes landed in Brazil. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports totaled 662.5 mg, up 38% from the same period last year and marking the highest volume in six years.
The U.S. did not log any meaningful imports of foreign ethanol in April (Brazil shipped 70,204 gallons of undenatured fuel ethanol). Year-to-date imports stand at 1.1 mg.
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, decreased 8% to 970,164 metric tons (mt) despite growth across most larger markets. Shipments to Mexico rebounded by 36% to 233,715 mt, maintaining its position as our top DDGS customer for the fourth straight month. Indonesia set a record with a 14% increase to 126,042 mt, surpassing South Korea, which saw imports fall by 14% to a five-month low of 123,357 mt. Other larger markets showed growth, including Vietnam (99,862 mt, +10%), Canada (60,801 mt, +9%), the European Union (47,541 mt, +69%), Ireland (47,343 mt, +122%), and Morocco (40,597 mt, 150%). The remaining 20% of U.S. DDGS exports were spread across 29 countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports reached 3.91 million mt, up 22% compared to the previous year.
U.S. Grains Council Leaders Travel To Mexico To Strengthen Corn Trade
U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Chairman Brent Boydston and USGC Past Chairman Josh Miller went south of the border last week for meetings with major stakeholders in the U.S.- Mexico corn trade market to maintain positive communication and relationships with one of U.S. agriculture’s most valuable customers.
Boydston and Miller arrived in Monterrey, Mexico on May 28 to join USGC Director in Mexico Heidi Bringenberg and USGC Senior Marketing Specialist Javier Chavez. That evening, the group met with staff from the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Monterrey to coordinate future collaboration efforts in the country. The ATO works with private industry and government officials in both the U.S. and Mexico to serve as a center for U.S. export promotion and a point of contact for Mexican importers looking to purchase feed grains and other products.
“With recent political obstacles and challenges to rail transport logistics affecting grain imports to Mexico, it’s vital for the Council to work in tandem with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service in Mexico to keep shipments moving,” Boydston said. “U.S. producers and Mexican importers and end-users alike are looking for reassurance that trade will continue operating smoothly, and it’s the Council’s duty to facilitate that goal as much as possible.”
The delegation also met with staff from a leading global food production company that offers products in 112 countries to discuss how U.S. producers can meet the company’s demand. The agenda then shifted to Mexico City for an extended discussion with the National Chamber of Industrialized Corn (CANAMI), an important ally to the entire U.S. agriculture industry during the ongoing process of ensuring food security and normalizing agricultural trade while complying with Mexican regulations.
The program concluded in Jalisco, the largest livestock-producing state in Mexico and headquarters of the National Association of Feed Manufacturers for Animal Consumption (ANFACA), an invaluable partner to the Council for more than 30 years. The Council’s group participated in its annual industry luncheon - where attending representatives constituted 90 percent of U.S. corn exports to Mexico - to show the Council’s continuing commitment to collaboration with ANFACA and Mexican importers and producers.
“The Council’s relationship with ANFACA over the decades has been very important both for the Council’s strategy in Mexico and for raising demand for U.S. corn to the level we see today,” Bringenberg said. “I sincerely look forward to continued successes with ANFACA and to building deeper relationships with other associations that will keep U.S. agriculture as the premier option for Mexican importers.”
Smithfield Foods to Purchase Dry Sausage Facility from Cargill
Smithfield Foods, an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a premier dry sausage production facility in Nashville, Tennessee, from Cargill. The transaction will fuel Smithfield’s strategy of continued growth in the value-added packaged meats segment, enhancing its ability to serve growing demand for high-quality pepperoni, deli, charcuterie and other dry sausage products.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
“This transaction is a testament to our continued focus on growing our packaged meats business by staying ahead of and delivering on our customers’ preferences. Dry sausage is one of our fastest-growing categories, and acquiring this facility from Cargill will better position us to improve sales, drive volume and increase our capacity to bring high-quality dry sausage products to the foodservice, industrial and retail sectors,” said Steve France, president of packaged meats for Smithfield Foods. “We look forward to serving this facility’s existing customers and welcoming a new group of team members to Smithfield Foods,” France added.
Production from the Nashville facility will support Smithfield’s existing portfolio of dry sausage brands, including Margherita, Carando and Armour, adding dry sausage production capacity of 50 million pounds per year. The U.S. retail/deli dry sausage segment is projected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2023 to $6.9 by 2030. In the foodservice segment, 65% of pizzeria operators expect gross annual sales to be up over the next 12 months, with 44% expecting sales to be up 5% or more.
Smithfield will make formal offers of employment to the approximately 160 active Cargill Nashville employees for the same positions they currently hold, with no changes to their current base pay, and provide a benefits package that includes comprehensive medical coverage, a free-tuition program and other benefits.
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