Wednesday July 10 Ag News

The Nebraska Corn Board Kicks off New Fiscal Year with New Program Focuses

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) began the new fiscal year on July 1 which brings new programs funded by the checkoff for the 2024-2025 year. With a strategic plan in place through 2027, the goals of the checkoff rely on the main objectives of the plan aligning with the four main pillars of NCB including promotion, education, market development and research. A sample of funded programs in the four areas are outlined below.

Partnering with national cooperators including the National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council and U.S. Meat Export Federation will continue to support Nebraska corn farmers on national and international levels, ensuring demand and increasing the value of the corn grown in Nebraska.

Promotion and Education
Programs in the promotion and education pillars include promotion for youth development by partnering with the Ag in the Classroom Foundation, Nebraska FFA Foundation and Ag Sack Lunch Program. The Ag Sack Lunch Program is a supplemental program for fourth-grade students who come to Lincoln as a part of their Nebraska history curriculum. In partnership with other commodities, students receive an all-Nebraska lunch of a roast beef or chicken sandwich with cheese, corn Fritos and Rice Krispie treat, while learning in a 20-minute presentation about the direct connection to Nebraska agriculture. Promotion programs funded for the 2024-2025 year include the Big Ten Network promotion, a Nebraska-led Unleaded 88 ethanol promotion to educate viewers who watch the Big Ten Conference on television and streaming.

Market Development
Market development programs focus on the growth and expansion of corn demand, new uses, ethanol and livestock development both domestically and internationally. Programs for the 2024-2025 year include ethanol infrastructure as the organization looks to help build infrastructure within the state of Nebraska in addition to California for the growing demand for E85 ethanol. NCB partners with Pearson Fuels who promote the use of E85 in California. Market Development projects also include partnering with The Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) on projects to responsibly expand livestock in Nebraska.

Research
As research continues to be a key topic of conversation, many projects for the new year will revolve around sustainability and research areas. Research programs include the development of new corn varieties that may enable higher sugar and oil yields during bioprocessing of value-added products. This innovation may allow farmers to increase per-bushel value of corn. STEM education has two programs, the Innovative Youth Corn Challenge and Ag Literacy Festivals, reaching youth with a hands-on curriculum demonstrating the importance of agriculture, with the Baltzell Innovation Award supporting undergraduate career-based research in crop production. When looking for innovative opportunities for corn, new uses continues to be an important research piece.

“The Nebraska Corn Board is looking forward to the programs during this fiscal year,” said Jay Reiners, chairman of NCB. “Futuristic thinking is key in the next steps of the corn industry, and we take the program funding decisions extremely seriously. The goal is to continuously increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn in the areas of promotion, market development and research and we will  make them and Nebraska corn farmers top priority, ensuring a strong return on their investment in the checkoff.”

Learn more about the programs funded by the Nebraska Corn Board at nebraskacorn.gov.



DNR Director Riley Announces Departure from State Government

Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen announced that Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be leaving his position with the state and transitioning back to the private sector. Riley’s last day with the agency will be Aug. 2.

“I appreciate Director Riley’s public service to the state, and I wish him the best in all future endeavors,” said Gov. Pillen. Riley was appointed director of DNR in November 2020.

Further determinations about interim leadership and the pending appointment of an agency director will be announced at a future date.



I-29 Moo University webinar on July 25 to focus on Biosecurity Guidance for Dairy Operations

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues Thursday, July 25 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CDT.

Dr. Molly Lee and Dr. Delaine Quaresma of the Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) at Iowa State University will describe the guidance and resources available for planning and implementing daily and enhanced biosecurity practices on dairy operations.

Special emphasis will be placed on measures to prevent the introduction and/or spread of two diseases of current concern in the dairy industry – highly pathogenic avian influenza and foot and mouth disease.

Dr. Lee holds a B.S. in animal science from Michigan State University, a DVM from ISU, a master’s in public health from the University of Iowa, and is board certified in Veterinary Preventive Medicine. She practiced rural mixed animal medicine before beginning her current role at the Center for Food Security and Public Health at ISU’s College of Veterinary medicine. Dr. Lee's primary work focuses on veterinary educational capacity building, zoonotic disease prevention, biosecurity, and foreign animal disease preparedness and response. She is passionate about One Health and is actively involved in civic and leadership roles within public health and veterinary medicine in her community at a local, state, and national level.

Dr. Quaresma joined CFSPH in January of 2022. Prior to working at CFSPH, Dr. Quaresma worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in California and Iowa. She possesses a lifetime of experience and knowledge of bovine veterinary and animal health practices from being born and raised on a 3rd generation dairy farm in the Central Valley of California. Dr. Quaresma earned a B.S. degree in Physiological Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2014, DVM from the University of California, Davis in 2018, and master’s in public health from the University of Iowa in 2021. Her passion for animal health, education and agriculture led her to pursue a career in public health and she found the perfect fit at CFSPH.

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/BIODAIRY.

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.



Cattle Producers Should Be Alert over HPAI, Not Alarmed

Announcements of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza should not cause alarm among cattlemen, although this should alert producers to examine their current biosecurity plan, according to a beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Denise Schwab said the announcements are reminders of how any disease can spread to cattle.

"Basic biosecurity practices are essential daily steps for the prevention of all diseases, and cattlemen should always be alert to the potential of disease spread," she said. "Diseases can be spread by aerosol, direct animal-to-animal contact, oral (through feed or water), reproduction, vector-born (biting or sucking insects), or by vehicles and fomites (shoes, clothes, contaminated feed, needles). Everything we do to prevent this spread reduces the risk of diseases."

Direct animal-to-animal contact is the most significant risk for disease spread. Here are some management practices to minimize this risk:
    Isolate any incoming animals such as new bulls, purchased replacement heifers, purchased feeder calves, or animals returning home from exhibitions for 30 days.
    Maintain good perimeter fences to prevent neighboring bulls from breeding your cows and keep them in their pasture.
    Prevent nose-to-nose contact between your cow herd and newly purchased cattle.
    Minimize contact with wildlife when possible, and especially control rodents.
    Obtain the health history of purchased cattle.
    Limit who can access pens, feed storage, mixing areas, feed bunks and treatment areas.
    Clean and disinfect all equipment before using it around healthy cattle.
    Keep a record of all visitors to the operation.

Humans also are disease vectors, Schwab said.

"We control many management practices that can reduce disease spread," she said. "Our shoes/boots and clothing can move bacteria and viruses, so having separate shoes/boots for the farm, changing after attending public livestock events such as fairs, auctions and field days before doing your chores, and preventing access to livestock areas by outside vehicles can help mitigate risk."

It's impossible to prevent all disease spread risks, but producers can minimize the impact by having and using sound management practices within their control. See information on biosecurity practices in the BQA Field Guide or work with your local veterinarian to identify disease risks in your area and mitigation practices to use.



Farmers Encouraged to Utilize, Update Iowa's Free Hay and Straw Directory

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging Iowans to take advantage of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s free, searchable online directory for hay and straw. This resource aims to facilitate connections between Iowa farmers looking to sell hay or straw and potential buyers interested in purchasing these products.

Secretary Naig is also urging sellers to update their listings at least annually or whenever they have new inventories available. Organizations involved in promoting and marketing hay and straw may also utilize this free online tool.

“The abundance of spring rain has brought a big boost to hay production, though it has also caused challenges for many trying to get it baled and stored. For buyers needing forage for their livestock or horses, many farmers will have ample inventory available to sell,” said Secretary Naig. “The free Hay and Straw Directory plays a role in linking Iowa sellers with buyers from within the state and beyond. I encourage hay and straw sellers to promptly and regularly update their free listings to ensure the directory remains an up-to-date and effective resource.”

To search by product and county, visit the online directory here: https://data.iowaagriculture.gov/haystraw/.

Anyone can view the hay and straw directory, but only Iowa sellers can be included on the list.

If you are an Iowan interested in selling hay or straw or need to update your information, you can do so by  creating an account in the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s online system. You may also contact Judy Allison at 515-281-8604 or judy.allison@iowaagriculture.gov.



Randall Named Program and Events Manager for Iowa Pork
    
Addison Randall is the newest member of the Iowa Pork Producers Association team. She was hired to fill the Program and Events Manager vacancy after Brielle Smeby’s promotion to Producer Outreach Director. Randall graduated from Iowa State University in May with a double major in Animal Science and Ag Communications.

Hailing from Letts, Iowa, Randall grew up on a diversified crop and livestock operation. She served as an intern with Elanco Animal Health, Iowa Corn Growers Association and Kent Nutrition Group prior to joining the staff at the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Randall’s passion for the pork industry began at a very young age when she would accompany her dad to the farrowing unit to catch a glimpse at the newborn piglets. From there her time spent showing livestock, helping manage her family’s cow-calf herd, and working in a wean-to-finish unit all encouraged her decision to pursue higher education in animal science and a future career in the livestock industry.

“I’ve done a bit of it all,” Randall said. “from sorting pigs and vaccination days to hanging heat lamps and daily walkthroughs. I think my experiences both in the barn and the classroom have given me a respect for the knowledge and hard work people in our industry do daily. Livestock have always held my interest but it’s the people that work every day to feed the world that are my passion, and I am proud to start my career serving and supporting them.”

A recent study abroad trip to Japan and Thailand gave Randall some unique perspectives on the pork industry, and she’s anxious to put her experiences and education to use in her new role with the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

 “Addison has a good background in production agriculture. Her enthusiasm and passion to help the organization and the industry will be big benefits to the team,” CEO Pat McGonegle said.



NEW INDEPENDENT STUDY FINDS EACH NATIONAL BEEF CHECKOFF DOLLAR RETURNS $13.41 TO PRODUCERS & IMPORTERS

A recent economic analysis of the national Beef Checkoff program found that each dollar invested in its demand-driving activities for the most recent five-year period (2019–2023) positively impacted domestic beef demand and U.S. beef exports, creating a total financial benefit of $13.41 for the producers and importers who pay into the program.

This spring, the Beef Checkoff commissioned an independent economic analysis to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and additional financial benefits produced by the program’s demand-driving activities. Conducted by Dr. Harry M. Kaiser of Cornell University, this study’s objectives were to measure:
    Whether national Beef Checkoff demand-driving activities increased demand for beef products (domestically and abroad)
    The combined benefits of those activities in terms of their incremental financial impact to beef producers and importers
    The indirect benefits of national Beef Checkoff demand-driving activities to the broader macroeconomy

“We’re extremely pleased with the results of this latest study,” said Cheryl DeVuyst of Morrison, Oklahoma, chair of the Beef Checkoff Evaluation Committee and current secretary-treasurer of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB). “The Beef Checkoff’s primary goal is to increase beef demand here in the U.S. and worldwide. The statistics uncovered by this study tell us that we’re achieving that goal and providing producers and importers with an excellent return on their national Checkoff investments.”  

Beef Checkoff’s Return-on-Investment (ROI):
In addition to calculating a ROI of $13.41, the ROI analysis enabled the study to simulate market conditions for beef demand in the absence of national Beef Checkoff investments. For the most recent five-year period, 2019-2023, had there not been any investments in national Beef Checkoff demand-driving activities:
    Total domestic beef demand would have been 2.4 billion pounds (8.5%) lower per year than actual results.
    The steer price would have been 7.8% lower per year than actual results.
    U.S. export beef demand would have been 372 million pounds (11.5%) lower than actual results in the seven major importing countries included in the study.

Beef Checkoff’s Broader Economic Impact:
The study also evaluated the national Beef Checkoff’s direct effect on the beef industry (i.e. producers and importers that pay into the program) and its indirect effects on the broader U.S. economy. To quantify the total revenue impact of the national Beef Checkoff on the beef industry sector, the study utilized the beef demand (8.5%) and U.S. beef export (11.5%) percentages derived from the ROI market simulation analysis.   Applying these percentages indicated that the national Beef Checkoff added an incremental $3.3 billion to the beef industry in 2023.

The direct effect of the national Beef Checkoff adding an incremental $3.3 billion to the beef industry sector had positive indirect effects on the broader U.S. economy, including increases in:
    U.S. employment by almost 47,000 people
    U.S. employment income by $2 billion
    Total value added to the U.S. economy of $4.1 billion
    U.S. GDP by nearly $9.5 billion

Furthermore, the national Beef Checkoff contributed to increased tax revenue at the federal, state, and local levels, amounting to a grand total of $743 million in 2023, distributed as follows:
    $34 million in county tax revenue
    $205 million in state tax revenue
    $504 million in federal tax revenue

“While we’re pleased Beef Checkoff programs are having a positive impact, we know there’s always room for improvement,” DeVuyst said. “The CBB is dedicated to making the best possible decisions on behalf of beef producers and importers. As we head into the remainder of FY24, we’ll take what we’ve learned from this study and continue moving the needle forward.”

All commodity boards conduct an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of their programs every five years, as outlined by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) guidelines for commodity research and promotion programs. To view the complete study,  executive summary or to get more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs – promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and producer communications – visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.

*This study only pertains to the funds collected for the national Beef Checkoff program. It does not assess the impacts of Beef Checkoff program dollars invested by Qualified State Beef Councils for state-level efforts.