Friday August 30 Ag News

 Gov. Pillen and Dept. of Ag Take Action to Address Lab-Grown Meat Sales
 
Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced three initiatives that he, along with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) would be undertaking now and in the future, to protect the state’s agriculture industry, as well as consumers, from lab-grown meat. Standing before a group of producers at Oak Barn Beef in West Point, the Governor signed an executive order creating strict guidelines when it comes to state agencies and its contractors from obtaining lab-grown meat.
 
“Nebraska farmers and ranchers, like those here today, are committed to producing the best food products anywhere,” said Gov. Pillen “We feed the world and we save the planet more effectively and more efficiently than anybody else and I will defend those practices with my last breadth.”
 
Additionally, the Governor has directed the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to initiate a rulemaking process to make sure that any lab-grown meat products sold in stores are properly labeled and are not marketed next to natural meat on the same shelves.
 
“Nebraska consumers want to know and deserve to know that what they are purchasing is safe, wholesome meat and not a lab grown product,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. A public hearing has been scheduled Oct. 8, on those draft regulations.
 
Hannah Klitz owns Oak Barn Beef with her husband Eric. She said as a producer and retailer, she knows how important it is to educate consumers about where their food comes from.  
 
“We are 5th generation cattle producers and business owners with customers across Nebraska and in 49 other states, so transparency is something we value,” said Klitz. “Shoppers want to know that they are getting the best, naturally raised product available. That transparency is essential to maintaining our reputation in the marketplace and meeting consumer expectations.”
 
Cattle producer Jeanne Reigle said no one works harder to ensure the best treatment of their livestock and their food products, than Nebraska’s farm families.
 
"Nebraska ranchers engage in best practices when it comes to raising their animals. Our focus is on providing top quality products that are favored by consumers here and around the world,” said Reigle. “We need to support our state's top economic driver – agriculture. The uncertainties surrounding lab-grown meat need to be examined more closely and now is the time to put some guardrails in place, so people know what they are buying and consuming."
 
In addition to the Governor’s signed executive order and the drafting of rules and regulations through NDA, Governor Pillen announced that in the upcoming legislative session he would be working with senators to draft legislation banning lab-grown meat in Nebraska.
 
This year, Iowa became the third state to sign legislation aimed at regulating the sale of lab-grown meat. Florida and Alabama have already moved to outright ban the products.



Nebraska Extension Appoints New Educators to Enhance Rural Wellness

Nebraska Extension has appointed Beth Nacke and Hannah Guenther as Statewide Food, Nutrition, and Health Rural Health Educators, effective September 1. The focus and target audience is rural youth, adults, families, and the communities and environments in which they live and work. Health behavior change and translation of research will be the foundation of their program development, delivery, evaluation and assessment.

Rural health is a key priority for Nebraska Extension, which serves residents across the state, regardless of location. Nacke and Guenther are part of Extension Food, Nutrition and Health program, focusing on individual behavior patterns and environments that prevent/reduce chronic health conditions and improve human well-being, a safe and diverse food supply and system with choice and access for people focused on health, and rural health, safety, and wellbeing.

Nacke, a registered dietitian, has served as a SNAP-Ed educator in Dodge County since 2018 and has been with the Dodge office since 2016, working under contract with the Nutrition Education Program. She has been instrumental in delivering grant objectives for SNAP-Ed, school wellness, and school breakfast programs in partnership with DHHS and NDE-Team Nutrition. Nacke holds a master’s degree in nutrition science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I am thrilled to take on this new challenge—health and well-being are my passion,” Nacke said. “The Rural Health position opens an abundance of opportunities to make a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of rural communities, and I welcome the challenge. I aim to be a trusted resource for credible health information across the state and work with public health partners to address the complex health issues facing Nebraskans.”

Guenther has served in Extension for the past 5 years as the Food, Nutrition, and Health Educator in Cuming County with Accountability to Stanton and Colfax Counties. Key programs have included the creation of Health Food Fast and Food in the Field which is a nutrition education program that aims to help farmers, and their families make healthy eating choices during the busy seasons of life and farming. She earned her bachelor's degree in Dietetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is currently pursuing a master’s in public health from UC-Berkeley as a Rural Health Innovation Scholar.

“This truly feels like a dream job. I am eager to dedicate my time and energy to improving health outcomes in rural Nebraska and making a real difference in rural health,” Guenther said.

In her free time, Guenther enjoys experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen, which she shares on her social media account, @feedlotsofpeople.



PSC ISSUES HARVEST REMINDERS

With harvest season soon to get underway, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds producers of the need to familiarize themselves with Nebraska Grain Laws.

“Understanding the law and how it affects producers/sellers is key to protecting assets,” said Terri Fritz, PSC Grain Department Director.

Under the Grain Dealer Act if a producer/seller wants to ensure their transactions with a licensed grain dealer are covered by the grain dealer’s security posted with the PSC, they must demand payment within 15 days of completion of their contract with the dealer. Producers/sellers who  choose not to demand payment withing 15 days after completion of their contract will be unsecured creditors of that dealer and forfeit any protection from the grain dealer’s security.

Director Fritz said, “It the responsibility of the producer/seller to demand payment within a set timeframe to ensure they are covered.”

Grain Warehouse operators are also reminded by the PSC of the Emergency Storage Policy. In order to store grain on the ground, an Emergency Storage application form, must be filed with, and approved by the PSC.

A list of licensed Grain Dealers, along with the PSC Emergency Storage 2024 memo and Emergency Storage application form can be found on the Grain Department page of the PSC website https://psc.nebraska.gov/grain.



PRICING SILAGE
- Shannon Sand, NE Extension Educator

Silage is a cornerstone feed for Nebraska livestock producers, and its price is a critical factor in operation profitability. Determining a fair market value for silage involves several considerations.

UNL research has shown that corn silage priced standing in the field before harvest should be valued at 7.65 x the price per bushel of corn where a ton of corn silage is harvested at 60-65% moisture. This multiplier value is consistent regardless of corn price.  As of August 20, 2024, December, corn for the West Central part of Nebraska is estimated to be at $3.71 per bushel. Corn at $3.71x$7.65=$28.38 per ton. This accounts for harvest grain price, not having to combine or haul grain to market, increased grain price due to storage and the cost of silage storage.

When estimating costs in the silo, harvest, hauling and packing expenses can vary.  The 2024 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates publication showed an average custom rate of $15.13 per ton. At $28.38 per ton in the field plus $15.10 per ton for harvesting, hauling, and packing we come out to $43.48 per ton in the pile. When $3 per ton is added for storage expense, the price per ton is $46.48.

When valuing silage out of storage and into the bunk, remember the ensiling process will cause shrink and dry matter loss from 10-20% or more from when silage is packed into the silo until it is removed to be fed.  With 10% dry matter shrink, the value of silage delivered to the bunk would be $51.13 per ton.

Ultimately, the price of silage is a dynamic factor influenced by market conditions, production costs, and more. By utilizing some calculations, Nebraska producers can gain a greater understanding of their operation’s finances.



Nebraska Extension to Showcase Future-Focused Solutions at 2024 Husker Harvest Days

Nebraska Extension is set to participate in the 2024 Husker Harvest Days from September 10-12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Grand Island, Neb. This year’s event theme, “Forging Nebraska’s Tomorrow,” underscores the organization’s dedication to advancing Nebraska’s agricultural future through innovation, technology, and collaboration.

At the event, Nebraska Extension professionals will be at the Big Red Building on 8th Street.  to offer expert advice on a range of topics crucial to agricultural producers, families, and communities. Highlights include:
    Landscapes & Weather Resilience: Techniques for managing landscapes to withstand extreme weather, including plant selection, irrigation, pruning, and pest management. https://hles.unl.edu./
    Soil Health: Methods for enhancing soil productivity through cover crops, interseeding, and sustainable practices. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/.  
    Digital Agriculture & Technology: Insights into new digital tools and technologies that improve production and profitability, such as on-farm research and precision-ag software. https://on-farm-research.unl.edu/.
    Pest Management – Plant Health: Learn about advanced strategies for pest control that minimize environmental impact. https://pat.unl.edu/.
    Health & Wellness: Strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being amid the demands of farm life. https://ruralwellness.unl.edu/.
    Manure Management: Best practices for integrating manure into farming for better soil health and reduced use of synthetic fertilizers. https://manure.unl.edu/.  
    Water Management: Innovative techniques for conserving water resources, including irrigation management and soil water monitoring. https://water.unl.edu/.
    Livestock Health: Approaches to improving cattle herd productivity through disease prevention, early detection, and proper nutrition. http://beef.unl.edu/.
    Rural Prosperity: Support for community leaders and entrepreneurs to promote economic development and vibrant local food systems. http://ruralprosperityne.edu/.
    Agricultural Profitability: Resources from the Center for Agricultural Profitability to aid in financial decision-making for securing the future of farming operations. http://cap.unl.edu.
    Leadership Development: Information on the Nebraska LEAD Program, which prepares agricultural leaders for industry challenges. http://lead.unl.edu.
    Youth Education & Career Preparation: Interactive displays by Nebraska 4-H to help youth explore career paths and develop employability skills. http://4h.unl.edu.
    UNL TAPS Extension - Crop Skills Challenge: Located west on 8th street. Try out your agriculture skills and knowledge with this fun competition covering: drones, cover crop ID, insect feeding & herbicide Injury ID, and irrigation scheduling.
     . https://taps.unl.edu/.
    The Dairy Store Ice Cream Truck: Located across from the “Big Red Building.” https://dairystore.unl.edu/.
    Nebraska Women in Agriculture: The team will be in a tent next to the Big Red Building on Wednesday only. https://wia.unl.edu/.

Visit Nebraska Extension at Husker Harvest Days to connect with experts and discover how they can assist in building a more resilient and prosperous future for Nebraska. For free tickets, visit https://www.huskerharvestdays.com/en/home.html.



Conduit sponsors Heartland United Way food drive at 2024 Husker Harvest Days

Husker Harvest Days, in partnership with the Heartland United Way, will continue its tradition of supporting an annual food drive, sponsored by Conduit, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The event will be held Sept. 10-12, 2024.

For this year’s event, FFA members from across the state will donate at least five nonperishable food items and receive free entry to the show. In 2023, 112 FFA chapters participated in the food drive, resulting in enough food for about 12,500 meals.

"Food insecurity in rural Nebraska remains a significant challenge, with many families struggling to put meals on the table due to limited access to resources,” said Karen Rathke, Heartland United Way president. “The impact of hunger extends beyond just empty stomachs; it affects the well-being, health, and future potential of our communities. Supporting the Husker Harvest Days food drive is a vital way to ensure that our neighbors don't have to choose between paying bills and feeding their families."

The food drive will also extend to local grocery stores in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Howard counties during the show week. All Husker Harvest Days attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items at the show or at participating groceries stores.

“We are committed to creating a world free of hunger,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national events director. “Husker Harvest Days is an opportunity to support that mission locally in the state of Nebraska. We are honored to partner with the United Way, FFA and Conduit to serve the food insecure in rural America.”

To learn more about Heartland United Way and to donate funds, visit heartlandunitedway.org.

Husker Harvest Days will be held Sept. 10-12, 2024, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Gates are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register for complimentary three-day entry to the event and to learn more, please visit HuskerHarvestDays.com.  



National Drought Summary for August 27, 2024
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A strong ridge of high pressure maintained its grip across the central part of the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) during this U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) week (August 21-27). It was responsible for warmer-than-normal temperatures that stretched across the Plains and into the Upper Midwest. Upper-level troughs of low pressure dominated the West and East coasts, keeping weekly temperatures cooler than normal on both ends of the country. Pacific weather systems spread above-normal precipitation over northern California to the Pacific Northwest as they moved through the western trough, then triggered bands of thunderstorms over the Rockies and central to northern Plains as they bumped up against the ridge. In between the West Coast and Rockies rain areas, the West was dry from southern California to northern Montana. Rain developed along a stationary front that was draped across Florida. But for most of the CONUS east of the Rockies, the week was drier than normal with little to no rain falling from western Texas to the Mid-Atlantic Coast. The ridge migrated eastward as the week ended, so warmer-than-normal temperatures spread into the Midwest and Southeast. Abnormal dryness and drought expanded and intensified across the southern Plains and Tennessee and Lower Mississippi Valleys in a rapidly developing flash drought situation, as well as parts of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, northern Plains, and Far West. Exceptional drought (D4) developed in parts of Ohio and West Virginia for the first time in the 25-year USDM history. Hurricane Hone’s rains brought improvement to most of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Midwest
Average weekly temperatures ranged from 6 to 8 degrees warmer than normal in northwestern parts of the region to 4 to 6 degrees cooler than normal in southeastern parts. Half of an inch to an inch of rain fell over western and northern parts of the Midwest, with locally 2 inches or more in Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan. The heaviest rain fell over drought-free areas. But states to the south and east, especially those in the Ohio Valley, received no rain. Abnormal dryness and moderate to extreme drought expanded in Ohio, with exceptional drought being added for the first time in the state’s USDM history. Abnormal dryness expanded in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois; abnormal dryness and moderate drought expanded in Missouri; abnormal dryness expanded and moderate drought developed in Indiana; and abnormal dryness and moderate to severe drought expanded in Kentucky. According to USGS data, the Hocking River at Enterprise, Ohio, measured the fifth lowest river level on record, and the lowest measurement ever (since 1997) at Hocking River at Athens. Other drought impact reports include pasture conditions rated poor to very poor with yields dropping to 36%, springs and private wells are running dry, creeks are dry with low ponds, soybeans are not filling pods, there is extensive tip-back in corn, and some farmers are chopping corn plants for feed or selling their cows. USDA statistics indicated that over 70% of the topsoil (75%) and subsoil (71%) was short or very short of moisture in Ohio, and over 40% was so rated in Indiana and Kentucky.

High Plains
Weekly temperatures were warmer than normal across most of the High Plains region, ranging from near to 2 degrees below normal in western Colorado to 6 to 10 degrees above normal in parts of Nebraska and the Dakotas. Thunderstorm complexes moved across parts of the region, dropping locally 2 to 3 inches of rain. In many cases, the storms were localized with one part of a county receiving rain and another part getting nothing – this was the case in other parts of the country as well. Drought or abnormal dryness contracted in a few areas of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, but expanded or intensified in parts of all of the High Plains states. USDA statistics indicate half or more of the topsoil is short or very short in Wyoming (73%), Colorado (52%), and Kansas (52%), and half or more of the subsoil is short or very short in Wyoming (81%) and Kansas (57%).

Looking Ahead
In the two days since the Tuesday valid time of this USDM, scattered showers and thunderstorms brought areas of rain to a few parts of the Southwest, northern Rockies, northern and southern Plains, Midwest, and Florida, but the rest of the CONUS was mostly dry. For August 29-September 3, an upper-level ridge will build over the West, bringing warmer- and drier-than-normal weather, while a weather system moves across the eastern CONUS and a weather disturbance lingers over the western Gulf of Mexico Coast. An inch or more of rain, with locally over 2 inches, is forecast for the southern Plains to Lower Mississippi Valley, Upper Mississippi Valley, and Carolinas to New York. Four or more inches could fall over parts of the southern Plains, New Mexico, and western Gulf Coast. The rain will help to improve drought conditions in the Deep South and central Appalachians, but won’t be enough to end the drought. The Rockies to West Coast, and western High Plains, are forecast to receive no precipitation during this period.

For much of the next 2 weeks, a ridge will remain anchored over the West with a trough along the East Coast, while a couple weather systems try to move through this upper-level blockade. The Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) 6-10 Day Outlook (valid September 3-7) and 8-14 Day Outlook (valid September 5-11) favor warmer-than-normal temperatures across the West, central and northern Plains, along the Gulf of Mexico Coast, and over the eastern half of Alaska, with near to cooler-than-normal temperatures expected over parts of the southern Plains and from the Ohio Valley to East Coast. Odds favor below-normal precipitation across most of the West, the northern tier states, the Midwest, the northern and central Plains, and Hawaii. Odds favor above-normal precipitation across the Gulf of Mexico Coast to the Carolinas, and over eastern Alaska.



Grains Council Demonstrates U.S. Biotechnology Quality To South Korean Stakeholders

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) sponsored a biotechnology legislation advisory team of South Korean scientists and governmental committee members to meet with U.S. regulators and leading biotechnology companies to learn about the development trends and quality-control systems of the U.S. genome editing technology.

“This program focused on technological development trends and regulatory systems for new breeding technologies, including gene editing, as part of the Council’s efforts to educate policymakers about deregulation of gene editing technology in South Korea and to help establish a rational and scientific review process for genetically edited products,” said Haksoo Kim, USGC director in South Korea.

Attendees touched down in Washington, D.C. to start the program with a meeting with Pairwise, a gene editing company that has multiple crop varieties being grown by U.S. farmers today.

Afterward, the group visited the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) headquarters to meet with staff from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The discussion focused on the science-based regulatory framework that allows startup companies to easily participate in technology development, and shared recent technological development trends and the benefits of gene editing technology development for humanity.

The team then traveled to Des Moines, IA, to learn about the practical development of genome editing technologies from Corteva, a biotechnology company and USGC member.

Iowa Corn Growers’ Association Director Dan Keitzer also welcomed the Council’s group at his farm, where he raises corn, soybeans and hogs with his son. Keitzer introduced the sustainable farming practices he uses, including no-till farming, and showed how biotechnology can bring value and benefit to crop production and the future of agriculture.

The program concluded in St. Louis, MO, where participants visited a research campus of Bayer, a biotechnology company and USGC member, to discuss the need for streamlining the biotech review system in South Korea and trends in genome editing technology. They then met with scientists from Benson Hill, a soybean and pea breeding and genome editing startup, to better understand business growth models for small and medium-sized startups.

“Learning about the regulatory framework and technological advancements for genome-editing technologies in the United States and seeing farmers’ awareness of the safety of biotechnologies and their sustainability efforts on the ground will be a great help to policymakers and stakeholders in Korea in understanding how biotechnologies are solutions that can provide abundant food for humanity in the era of growing climate change,” Kim said.

“The Council will continue to work to improve global buyer awareness and to encourage importing countries to adopt science-based, rational regulatory systems to ensure that biotechnology does not become a barrier to expanding U.S. agricultural exports.”



USDA Launches Online Debt Consolidation Tool to Increase Farmer and Rancher Financial Viability

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Debt Consolidation Tool, an innovative online tool available through farmers.gov that allows agricultural producers to enter their farm operating debt and evaluate the potential savings that might be provided by obtaining a debt consolidation loan with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) or a local lender.  

“Providing producers with options to structure their debt in a manner that affords them every opportunity to meet the goals of their agricultural operation is the best way to ensure the nation’s farmers and ranchers build financial equity and resilience,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.   

A debt consolidation loan is a new loan used to pay off other existing operating loans or lines of credit that might have unreasonable rates and terms. By combining multiple eligible debts into a single, larger loan, borrowers may obtain more favorable payment terms such as a lower interest rate or lower payments. Consolidating debt may also provide farmers and ranchers additional cash flow flexibilities.   

The Debt Consolidation Tool is a significant addition to FSA’s suite of improvements designed to modernize its Farm Loan Programs. The tool enhances customer service and increases opportunities for farmers and ranchers to achieve financial viability by helping them identify potential savings that could be reinvested in their farming and ranching operation, retirement accounts, or college savings accounts.   

Producers can access the Debt Consolidation Tool by visiting farmers.gov/debt-consolidation-tool. The tool is built to run on modern browsers including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or the Safari browser. Producers do not need to create a farmers.gov account or access the authenticated customer portal to use the tool.  



 USDA Announces $300,000 in Funding Available to Support U.S. Sheep Industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $300,000 in grant funding available through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP). Grant applications are currently being accepted through Sept. 30, 2024.

“The investments announced today are investments in the future of our nation’s sheep industry,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Projects funded by this program will help build and support the infrastructure needed to ensure sustainable sheep production and enhanced marketing of U.S. sheep products for years to come.”

In 2019, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a five-year grant for $1.9 million to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program to provide subawards to projects that develop solutions for practical problems and address the needs of the entire sheep industry, while focusing on measurable benefits for sheep producers, encouraging partnerships among other sheep industry organizations, and reducing duplication of effort among participating organizations. In 2024, Congress appropriated additional funds for this program.

More information about the grant and the application process is available on the AMS website. Applications must be submitted directly to the NSIIC and will be reviewed by their Board of Directors via a competitive process. The Board will then make funding recommendations to AMS for approval.

For more information about the Center, including previous awardees, visit the NSIIC website http://www.nsiic.org/.

Thursday August 29 Ag News

Thirty Nebraskans Selected for Nebraska LEAD Class 43

The Nebraska Leadership Education/Action Development (LEAD) Program is pleased to announce the selection of 30 outstanding individuals who will join the program as Fellows of Nebraska LEAD Class 43. These fellows were selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their communities.

Nebraska LEAD Class 43 Fellows represent a diverse group of professionals from across the state, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors of Nebraska’s agricultural industry. Over the next two years, they will participate in a rigorous curriculum designed to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their understanding of domestic and global agricultural issues, and prepare them for greater roles in their communities and industries.

“I’m excited to work alongside this talented group of LEAD Fellows committed to the future of agriculture in the state,” said Kurtis Harms, Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program. “The selection process was challenging this year, as we had many quality applicants. This serves a testament to the passionate, well-qualified people who will be serving our industry for many years to come. Keep an eye out for these individuals, as these are names we’ll be seeing a lot more of down the road.”

The Nebraska LEAD Program, which began in 1981, continues its legacy of developing leaders who are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in Nebraska and beyond. Through seminars, study travel and hands-on experiences, LEAD 43 Fellows will gain insights into the complex issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows by city/town are:
CALLAWAY: Lucy Kimball
CARLETON: Troy Kane
DENTON: Payton Schaneman
EDISON: Amy Warner
ERICSON: Neleigh Gehl
FREMONT: Chandler Maly
GOTHENBURG: MiKinley Harm
GRETNA: Brennan Costello
HASTINGS: Lily Ziehmer
HAY SPRINGS: Austin Weyers
HOWELLS: Tyler Morton
HUMPHREY: Eric Wemhoff
KEARNEY: Anthony Finke, Dustin Rohde, Trevor Spath
LINCOLN: Luke Baldridge, Jared Stauffer, Sally Welsh
LONG PINE: Spencer Shifflet
LOUP CITY: Cale Harrington
MINATARE: Austin Kniss
MULLEN: Kyle Phillips
NEHAWKA: Sophia Svanda
NORFOLK: Courtney Nelson, Jake Judge
ORD: Ben Edwards
OSCEOLA: Anthony Mestl
SUPERIOR: John Sullivan
WAYNE: Bobby Reifenrath
WAHOO: Jacobi Swanson

The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program or its mission, visit lead.unl.edu.



COVER CROPS FOLLOWING CORN SILAGE
- Jerry Volesky, Pasture & Range Specialist, Nebraska Extension

Following corn silage harvest, your ground can lay bare for seven to nine months.  Instead, let’s plant some crops to grow and cover it until next season.

After silage harvest, bare ground has three things working against it.  One is exposure to wind and water erosion.  Secondly, bare soils lack growing roots which are needed to feed the living soil building microbes.  Finally, bare soils represent a missed opportunity to grow cover crops that might help you overcome all these problems.

But what should you plant?  If you are hoping for some feed this fall, then oats, spring triticale and barley, annual ryegrass, and turnips might be a good choice because these plants have the greatest forage yield potential yet this fall.  Spring oats, triticale, and barleys also will die over winter so they won’t interfere with next year’s crop.  However, getting these non-winter hardy annuals seeded as early as possible in September is needed to have time to grow an adequate amount of fall forage.

Winter rye is the most common choice among the cereals.  And cereal rye can provide abundant grazable growth early next spring to get cows off of hay sooner.  Wheat and triticale also can be good cover crops.  Of course, wheat then can be harvested later for grain while triticale makes very good late spring forage.  The seeding date window for the winter cereals can extend well into October, but earlier seeding will allow for more fall growth.  Legumes like hairy vetch or winter peas could also be planted as part of a mixture with the winter annual cereals.

Cover crops can preserve or even improve your soil and can be useful forages as well.  Consider them following your early harvests.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Endorses 17 Additional Candidates for Election to the Nebraska Legislature

Nebraska Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agriculture organization, has announced an additional list of endorsements for candidates seeking election to the Nebraska Legislature. Endorsements made by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) are based on the candidate’s positions on agricultural and rural issues and recommendations from district evaluation committees made up of farmer and rancher members.

“We are pleased to announce our endorsement for several candidates aspiring to serve in the Nebraska Legislature. Recognizing the vital contribution of farmers and ranchers in food production, as well as the significant impact of agriculture on our state's overall economy, it is essential that we elect leaders who possess a deep appreciation for and comprehension of these sectors.” said Katie Olson of Atkinson, chair of NEFB-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

NEFB-PAC endorsed candidates seeking election to the Legislature:
    District 3 – Felix Ungerman of Papillion
    District 5 – Gilbert Ayala of Omaha
    District 7 – Tim C. Pendrell of Omaha
    District 13 – Nick Batter of Omaha
    District 19 – Sen. Robert Dover of Norfolk and Jeanne M. Reigle of Madison
    District 21 – Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln
    District 25 – Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln
    District 27 – Dawn Liphardt of Lincoln and Jason Prokop of Lincoln
    District 31 – Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha
    District 33 – Dan Lonowski of Hastings
    District 35 – Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island
    District 39 – Tony Sorrentino of Elkhorn
    District 41 – Daniel D. McKeon of Amherst
    District 45 – Rita Sanders of Bellevue
    District 49 – Bob Andersen of Omaha

NEFB-PAC earlier endorsed candidates seeking election to the Legislature:
    District 1 – Dennis Schaardt of Steinauer
    District 15 – Roxie Kracl of Fremont
    District 17 – Mike Albrecht of Thurston and Glen Meyer of Pender
    District 23 – Dennis Fujan of Prague
    District 37 – Stanley Clouse of Kearney
    District 43 – Tanya Storer of Whitman
    District 47 – Paul Strommen of Sidney

“We look forward to supporting this slate of candidates in their election efforts. Each candidate brings unique leadership qualities and is committed to tackling Nebraska's property tax challenges and fostering economic growth in rural areas. We have confidence that the candidates vying for office in these races possess unique abilities to guide our state towards a prosperous future,” said Olson.



Insider’s Guide to 2024 Husker Harvest Days

Growers and producers are gearing up to network, connect and experience the latest farm technology when Husker Harvest Days reconvenes Sept. 10-12, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Over 10,000 attendees have preregistered for the event, with an average of 2,000 acres farmed per attendee.

Exhibitors are also enthusiastic about the world’s largest irrigated outdoor farm show, selling out nearly every single lot. Select spaces are still available in the BEEF Building at the time of publication. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact Farm Progress immediately if they would like to reserve a booth.

With hundreds of exhibitors, this year’s show will allow farmers to engage with cutting-edge agriculture products, equipment and ideas. They’ll also get to meet the people who design and develop them.

Here are FIVE must-sees for Husker Harvest Days 2024:

Field Demos: Gain priceless operational insights and see technology in action at field demos, including harvesting, haying and tillage. Get up close and personal with the latest and greatest the ag industry has to offer.

BEEF Showcase: Producers can find everything beef-related, including exhibitors, live cattle-handling demos, educational seminars and more in the BEEF Showcase, located in the Northwest Quadrant.

Autonomy Showcase: The Autonomy Showcase provides a "hands-off" demonstration experience beyond auto-steering. At least two autonomous machines will be operating each day of the show.

The Husker Harvest Days Stage: Take a seat by the Husker Harvest Days Stage, where industry experts share their insights. From Farm Futures market updates to question-and-answer sessions with Nebraska government officials, these speakers delve into the latest trends and innovations.

Women in the Field:  Visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Vice Chancellor’s Tent on lot 827 for a special programming series presented by Farm Progress in partnership with UNL The series will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and will feature an inspiring line-up of speakers.

Other exciting daily events include:
    Horse Training demonstrations
    Canine Stars
    Ride and Drive opportunities
    And much more! View the full schedule of events online here.

To register for complimentary three-day admission and more information, visit the official website at www.HuskerHarvestDays.com.



Legacy Beef Co-op Successfully Completes and Fills First Round of Available Co-op Units

After successfully completing and filling its first round of available units (i.e. shackle spaces), Legacy Beef Co-op announces the opening of its second round of unit availability in the co-op—inviting cattle producers to increase their share of the retail beef dollar.

“The completion of this first round, and the kick-off of the second round, reaffirms the demand and desire cattle producers have for a co-op based on a Boxed Beef Cutout pricing model—providing opportunity for a fair share of profits to go back to the cattle producer,” says Chad Tentinger, founder of the Legacy Beef Co-op. “We’re allowing producers to take more control over their market participation through a more favorable pricing model, including being awarded for carcass quality and having ownership stake in the processing side of the business.”

With the initial round closed on the first 60,000 units at $125 per unit, the next 60,000 units are available to second round producers at $150 per unit. At the close of round two, the cost of entry will increase to $175 per unit. Each unit corresponds to the delivery obligation of one head of cattle. Co-op ownership benefits including:
    Stable pricing model based on the Boxed Beef Cutout Price
    $25 delivery bonus per head
    Ownership stake in Cattlemen’s Heritage Beef Company

There will be a total of five rounds. The price-per-unit will increase with each proceeding round.

“Legacy Beef Co-op model is revolutionary; it’s founded on the idea that cattle producers are always better when we work together,” adds Tentinger. “Through the partnership between Legacy Beef Co-op and Cattlemen’s Heritage Beef Company, we can improve this industry and build a more sustainable future for cattle producers.”

All Legacy Beef Co-op producer-owners will have an ownership stake in the new Cattlemen’s Heritage processing plant, located near Council Bluffs, Iowa. The processing plant will source cattle from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota and is designed to process 2,000 cattle daily, totaling 525,000 annually. In addition to supporting family cattle producers, it will stimulate the local economy by creating 800 direct jobs and 3,400 indirect jobs.  

For more information and co-op inquiries, visit legacybeefcoop.com or call 712-229-8141.



Landus Expands its Service Offerings with the Acquisition of Wickman Chemical

Landus, an Iowa-based agriculture solutions company, today announced the purchase of Wickman Chemical, an independent Iowa-based agricultural chemicals provider, to expand its chemical products and services offerings. Wickman Chemical has been a reliable and trusted supplier of chemicals for farmers in the Southwest Iowa and Kansas regions for many years. Landus’ acquisition of this company represents its continued commitment to delivering innovation to the farm and empowering our farmers with the tools they need to succeed.

“Our purchase of Wickman Chemical reinforces our business strategy to bring the tools and innovation farmer-owners need to thrive,” said Matt Carstens, President & CEO of Landus and Conduit. “Erich and Tammy Wickman have built a tremendous operation that, like Landus, keeps the farmer in the center. We welcome both their team and customers from across Iowa and Kansas to Landus and look forward to building upon the great reputation of service Erich and Tammy established.”

Wickman Chemical, founded by Erich and Tammy Wickman in 1998, started from humble beginnings on a dirt floor machine shed and grew into one of the region’s prominent agricultural chemical suppliers. The company’s focus on building relationships with farmers and providing personalized service is what makes their operation unique. Their team consists of professionals with backgrounds in agronomy, sales, accounting, and technology, all dedicated to helping customers find the right chemicals for their farms.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work and many years to build this company alongside my wife Tammy, and we knew we didn’t want to sell our life’s work to just any company,” said Erich Wickman, Founder and CEO of Wickman Chemical. “When we met Matt Carstens and the Landus team, we could see this was a company that shares our focus on making farmers more economically productive. They understand the importance of building relationships with and serving the unique needs of farmers, making Landus the best choice for our team and customers into the future.”

The purchase agreement will go into effect on October 1, 2024, with Erich Wickman remaining with the company as a Chemical Marketing Specialist, while Tammy Wickman will exit to focus on family and the farm. Wickman Chemical employees will remain in their roles to continue providing premium service to farmers, only now as Landus employees. The company will experience no major operational changes other than Wickman Chemical customers having access to all services provided by Landus.



Biden-Harris Administration Partners with Farmers to Expand Innovative Domestic Fertilizer Production

At the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday that USDA is partnering with American business owners to expand innovative domestic fertilizer production, creating jobs in rural communities and strengthening local economies. The Department is awarding $35 million for seven projects in seven states through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP), which is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation. This program provides grants to independent business owners to help them modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants and more. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up.

“The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make innovative investments that bolster rural communities and support farmers, ranchers and small business owners,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The investments announced today will increase domestic fertilizer production and strengthen our supply chain, while creating good-paying jobs to benefit all Americans.”

To date, USDA has invested $286.6 million in 64 projects across 32 states through FPEP. These projects have created 768 new jobs in communities across the country and will increase domestic fertilizer production by over 5.6 million tons.

These investments will boost domestic fertilizer production and lower costs for U.S. farmers. For example:
    Dramm Corp. in Wisconsin will use a $776,000 grant to increase their production capacity and expand their network of customers and farmers while reducing their carbon footprint and increasing employee safety. Using fish offal collected from commercial and sport fishermen, Dramm produces a liquid fish fertilizer suitable for organic and traditional farming while keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills and fresh waterways.
    In Virginia, AdvanSix, an ammonium sulfate producer, will expand a facility with an almost $12 million grant. The company currently provides 31,400 ag producers with ammonium sulfate on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Through this project, AdvanSix will expand their operational capacity by 195,000 tons per year, increasing total production to more than 36,000 producers.

USDA is also making awards to facilities in California, Iowa, New York, Oregon and Tennessee.

Iowa - Quality Flow Environmental LLC - $4,669,600
This Rural Development investment will be used to construct a new thermochemical manufacturing facility for production of a fertilizer product made from dairy waste. Located in Maquoketa, Iowa, Quality Flow Environmental LLC, a leader in water quality and treatment, utilizes waste generated from a contiguous dairy into a carbon product through a thermochemical process called torrefaction. The process yields a high quality, viable fertilizer product from animal waste feedstock. This facility is expected to generate 540,66 tons of solid carbon-ready product annually which will be made available to local producers in the region

President Biden and USDA created FPEP to combat issues facing American farmers due to rising fertilizer prices, which more than doubled between 2021 and 2022 due to a variety of factors such as war in Ukraine and a lack of competition in the fertilizer industry. The Administration committed up to $900 million through the Commodity Credit Corporation for FPEP. Funding supports long-term investments that will strengthen supply chains, create new economic opportunities for American businesses, and support climate-smart innovation.

FPEP is part of a broader effort to help producers boost production and address global food insecurity. It is also one of many ways the Administration is promoting fair competition, innovation and resiliency across food and agriculture while combating the climate crisis.



IRFA Congratulates Verbio on Start of Commercial Ethanol Production in Iowa

Verbio’s Nevada, Iowa Biorefinery recently announced production has begun at its corn ethanol biorefinery. The 60-million-gallon corn ethanol plant utilizes assets acquired by Verbio when they bought the former DuPont location. Verbio has been producing renewable natural gas (RNG) from corn stover at the location since 2021.

“Verbio continues its unique innovations with combing digesters to produce RNG with more traditional ethanol production,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “It’s been amazing to watch them utilize every part of the preexisting facility while incorporating their novel RNG technology. Their Nevada location is truly a biorefinery adding value to every part of the corn plant.”

“The start of ethanol production, in addition to our RNG operations, is another important milestone for us,” said Greg Faith, Verbio Nevada plant President and General Manager. “At Verbio we see ourselves as innovators with a strong focus on our sustainable business model. Transitioning towards renewable and clean energy is essential to the economy. We are committed to contributing to this path by providing bioenergy for transportation fuels, as well as for industrial and commercial uses.”

Operating as a full biorefinery, Verbio combines both bioethanol and associated biomethane production from corn stillage, a by-product from ethanol production. The interaction of RNG and ethanol production incorporates advanced technology developed and successfully used for more than a decade at the company`s facilities in Germany.

To secure feedstock for RNG and ethanol production, Verbio collaborates with local growers in the region. By buying not only their ag residues, but as of now, also their corn, the company is able to provide Iowa growers with additional revenue streams for their businesses.

“Our goal is to bring added value to the region. The sustainable production cycle we use at Verbio allows us to sell back high-quality co-products from our production, such as humus, ammonia sulfate fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, and corn oil,” said Faith.

Verbio was the first RNG member of IRFA and sits on IRFA’s board of directors.



United States and Canadian Hog Inventory Up 1 Percent

United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2024 was 88.4 million head. This was up 1 percent from June 2023 and up 2 percent from June 2022. The breeding inventory, at 7.24 million head, was down 3 percent from a year ago, and down 3 percent from 2022. Market hog inventory, at 81.2 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 3 percent from 2022. The semi-annual pig crop, at 82.1 million head, was up 1 percent from 2023 and up 3 percent from 2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 7.06 million head, down 1 percent from last year and down 1 percent from 2022.

United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2024 was 74.5 million head. This was up 1 percent from June 1, 2023 and up slightly from March 1, 2024. The breeding inventory, at 6.01 million head, was down 3 percent from last year, and down slightly from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 68.5 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up slightly from last quarter. The pig crop, at 34.0 million head, was up 2 percent from 2023 and up 4 percent from 2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.94 million head, up slightly from 2023 but down 1 percent from 2022.  

Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on July 1, 2024 was 14.0 million head. This was up 1 percent from July 1, 2023 and up 1 percent from July 1, 2022. The breeding inventory, at 1.23 million head, was down 1 percent from last year and down 1 percent from 2022. Market hog inventory, at 12.8 million head, was up 2 percent from last year and up 1 percent from 2022. The semi-annual pig crop, at 14.9 million head, was down 1 percent from 2023, but up slightly from 2022. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 1.24 million head, down 1 percent from last year and down slightly from 2022.

This publication is a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication. This information was requested by the United States hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential hog supplies. United States inventory numbers were previously released on June 27, 2024. Canadian inventory numbers were released on August 23, 2024.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/23/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending August 23, ethanol production declined 2.5% to 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to 44.98 million gallons daily. Still, output was 6.4% more than the same week last year and 11.2% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate eased 0.9% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.56 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks were essentially unchanged from the prior week at 23.6 million barrels. Stocks were 9.1% more than the same week last year and 6.2% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5) but decreased in other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, strengthened 1.2% to 9.31 million b/d (143.07 bg annualized). Demand was 2.6% more than a year ago and 2.3% above the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 0.7% to 925,000 b/d, equivalent to 14.22 bg annualized. Net inputs were 0.5% more than year-ago levels and 1.3% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports increased to 145,000 b/d (6.1 million gallons/day), 77% more than the prior week. For the 49th consecutive week, no ethanol was imported.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue Slightly Lower

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly lower, according to prices tracked by DTN for the third full week of August 2024. One fertilizer was slightly higher compared to a month ago. For the fifth week in a row, no fertilizer price showed a substantial move in either direction. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Seven of the eight major fertilizers were slightly lower compared to last month. MAP had an average price of $816/ton, potash $493/ton, urea $492/ton, 10-34-0 $639/ton, anhydrous $668/ton, UAN28 $330/ton and UAN32 $373/ton. Potash dropped below the $500/ton level for the first time since the first week of July 2021 when the price was $491/ton. Meanwhile, urea was also sub-$500/ton for the first time since the fourth week of March 2021 when the price was $499/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly higher looking back to last month. DAP had an average price of $745/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

All fertilizers but three are lower in price compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% higher and both MAP and anhydrous are 7% higher looking back to last year. The remaining five fertilizers are lower. Both UAN28 and UAN32 are 7% lower, 10-34-0 is 9% less expensive, potash is 12% lower and urea is 14% less expensive in price compared to a year prior.



New vaccine protects cattle from deadly tick-borne disease  

University of Missouri researchers are working to develop the first-ever vaccine proven to protect cattle from a devastating tick-borne cattle disease known as bovine anaplasmosis. The research is vital to the state’s economy as it aims to protect Missouri’s $1.6 billion cattle industry.

Bovine anaplasmosis infects the red blood cells of cattle and causes hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses nationwide each year and nearly $1 billion in losses worldwide, primarily due to reduced cattle production, treatment costs and deaths.

Roman Ganta, a McKee endowed professor in Mizzou’s College of Veterinary Medicine and a Bond Life Sciences Center researcher, led the study that created the new vaccine. The work involved genetically modifying the pathogen Anaplasma marginale — which causes bovine anaplasmosis — in a lab. By deleting a specific gene and then injecting the modified pathogen into cattle, the vaccinated cattle were successfully immunized against the disease.

“I often receive calls from cattle producers who are excited about our research and want to know how soon they can get the vaccine,” Ganta said. “There is currently no effective, widely available, vaccine for the disease, and cattle farmers are very worried about the disease harming or killing their cattle. We want to help farmers in Missouri and around the world and are working hard to come up with a viable solution.”



USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation of Animal-Raising and Environment-Related Claims on Meat and Poultry Labels

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These updates will help to level the playing field for businesses who are truthfully using these claims and ensure people can trust the labels when they purchase meat and poultry products.”

Animal-raising claims, such as “Raised Without Antibiotics,” “Grass-Fed” and “Free-Range,” and environment-related claims, such as “Raised using Regenerative Agriculture Practices” and “Climate-Friendly,” are voluntary marketing claims that highlight certain aspects of how the source animals for meat and poultry products are raised or how the producer maintains or improves the land or otherwise implements environmentally sustainable practices. The documentation submitted by companies to support these claims is reviewed by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the claims can only be included on the labels of meat and poultry products sold to consumers after they are approved by the agency.

FSIS last updated its guideline on these claims in 2019.

In the updated guideline, FSIS strongly encourages the use of third-party certification to substantiate animal-raising or environment-related claims. Third-party certification of animal-raising or environment-related claims helps ensure that such claims are truthful and not misleading by having an independent organization verify that their standards are being met on the farm for the raising of animals and for environmental stewardship. The revised guideline also emphasizes more robust documentation for environment-related and animal-raising claims.

Additionally, the updated guideline recommends that establishments using “negative” antibiotic claims (e.g., “Raised Without Antibiotics” or “No Antibiotics Ever”) implement routine sampling and testing programs to detect antibiotic use in animals prior to slaughter or obtain third-party certification that includes testing. The revisions were informed by sampling data, petitions, public comments to those petitions and feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders.

In light of concerns about negative antibiotic claims, FSIS announced last year that the agency would be conducting a study in partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to assess the veracity of these claims. FSIS collected liver and kidney samples from 196 eligible cattle at 84 slaughter establishments in 34 states, and ARS analyzed the samples using a method that targeted more than 180 veterinary drugs including various major classes of antibiotics. The study found antibiotic residues in approximately 20% of samples tested from the “Raised Without Antibiotics” market.

The action FSIS is taking through the publishing of this guidance today addresses these concerning findings and makes clear that FSIS will take enforcement action against any establishments found to be making false or misleading negative antibiotic claims. Additionally, FSIS has informed the establishments with positive results from the ARS-FSIS study and advised them to conduct a root cause analysis and implement corrective actions. FSIS has also advised these establishments to determine how antibiotics were introduced into the animal and to take appropriate measures to ensure that future products are not misbranded. Further information on the study can be found in the Federal Register Notice announcing the availability of the updated guideline.

FSIS and ARS will be publishing a peer-reviewed paper with complete results from the study in the near future. The study findings underscore the need for more rigorous substantiation of such claims. These sampling results may lead to additional testing by the agency. FSIS has the authority to collect samples any time it believes a product is mislabeled with any claim covered by the guidance. Moreover, FSIS may consider future additional actions, including random sampling and rulemaking, to further strengthen the substantiation of animal-raising and environment-related claims.

USDA is committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement. For more information, please view the Federal Register notice. The updated guideline will be open for public comment for 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register.



Clean Fuels: CARB proposal will raise fuel prices, thwart decarbonization progress

A proposed cap on soy- and canola-based biodiesel and renewable diesel could raise prices of fuel and goods for California consumers and set back decarbonization efforts by years, said Clean Fuels Alliance America and the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA) in comments submitted to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The recently proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) would put a 20% cap on credits for vegetable-oil-based fuel, without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations.

In the comments, Clean Fuels Director of State Regulatory Affairs Cory-Ann Wind stated, “Substantially constraining the lowest cost feedstocks for these petroleum diesel replacements can raise the price of diesel fuel, increasing consumer prices of both the fuel and goods transported by trucking.”

Biodiesel and renewable diesel have displaced nearly 75% of all diesel sold in the state and are responsible for 45% of California’s progress under the LCFS so far. Capping the use of vegetable oils to power trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles will slow down California’s effort to decarbonize them.

Clean Fuels, CABA and other stakeholders are urging CARB to reconsider the proposed caps on vegetable oils in the LCFS in part because it will delay decarbonization and increase the cost to comply with California’s lofty greenhouse gas reduction goals. For every 5 years of delay, 13 times more emissions reductions will be required to have the same climate impact.

“Instead of penalizing fuels, CARB should be focusing on improving the robustness of the models and encouraging sustainable practices through targeted incentives that might provide a more effective balance between environmental protection, food security, and the promotion of renewable energy,” Wind said.



RFA Urges California to Adopt E15, Drop Unneeded LCFS Feedstock Tracking Requirements

The Renewable Fuels Association this week called on California to allow the lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 fuel blend, containing 15 percent ethanol, as part of its efforts to enhance the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

“E15 is a critical near-term strategy for decarbonizing liquid fuels, which will continue to dominate transportation in California for years, if not decades, to come,” wrote RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman in comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). “From a consumer perspective, E15 offers a unique opportunity to lower the cost of gasoline while cutting emissions of greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants.”

Richman cited a recent study indicating that E15 could shave 20 cents off the cost of a gallon of gasoline in California, which has the nation’s highest average fuel prices. This would equate to total statewide annual savings of $2.7 billion.

In the comments, submitted in response to modifications CARB proposed to California’s LCFS on August 12, RFA also pushed back on expanded feedstock tracking requirements as both unnecessary and overly burdensome.

These requirements were initially proposed primarily in response to the potential for rapid expansion of biomass-based diesel (BBD). However, Richman noted, in the changes to the proposed LCFS amendments issued on August 12, CARB “capped the generation of credits for BBD from ‘virgin soybean oil and canola oil’ at 20% of annual BBD volumes on a company-wide basis. Yet, CARB did not remove the sustainability requirements, even though they were intended to accomplish the same objective. Instead, CARB doubled down by making the requirements more onerous.”

RFA detailed the burdensome nature of these requirements, such as the need to maintain boundary coordinates of farms from which feedstocks are sourced, sign attestations about the specific land on which the feedstock was produced, and meet comprehensive chain-of-custody obligations. Instead, Richman wrote, “if California moves ahead with any feedstock certification program, there should be a provision to designate all U.S.-produced ethanol as already in compliance, so long as aggregate cropland area does not expand beyond a 2007 baseline. This would be consistent with the EPA’s approach under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.”



Clean Fuels Urges Treasury to Immediately Issue §45Z Guidance and Safe Harbors

Yesterday, Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging the agency to issue guidance, including safe harbors, to the §45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit by September 1. The new producer credit becomes available on January 1, 2025, as the existing blender credit expires. Clean Fuels’ letter emphasizes the difficulties that farmers, producers, and fuel marketers are facing in making the transition without guidance on the rules.

“We appreciate that Treasury understands the importance of having guidance for the section 45Z Clean Fuel Production credit well in advance of January 1, 2025, so farmers, producers and fuel customers have the certainty to continue to produce, sell, and use low-carbon biomass-based diesel,” Clean Fuels writes. “U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers are facing difficulties finalizing feedstock contracts, securing capital flows, and meeting project deadlines without knowing the value of the credit. The need for policy certainty is urgent.”

Clean Fuels is requesting Treasury issue safe harbor provisions allowing taxpayers to rely on existing carbon life-cycle assessments – from the most recent R&D GREET model, or the federal RFS, or California’s LCFS – to calculate the §45Z credit until a final rule is in effect. Clean Fuels also asks for clarity on multiple issues, including climate smart ag practices and clean fuels used in home heating.

Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, “Farmers, fuel producers, and marketers need to know the new tax policy rules now to successfully navigate the transition at the start of the year. The industry must negotiate feedstock contracts and fuel offtake agreements at least a quarter year in advance. By September, the entire industry could come to a standstill without the ability to reliably calculate the tax credit value. Ongoing delays could undermine production of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, sacrificing jobs, economic opportunities for farmers, and near-term carbon reductions.”

Wednesday August 28 Ag News

The American consumer
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator

The business of producing a commodity such as beef, which Cuming County leads in Nebraska and the nation, relies on consumers who are satisfied by the value (wholesomeness, nutrition, and flavor) given price. The beef industry has responded to issues that were evident in the early findings by the National Beef Quality Audit. In 2022, the American consumer paid $7 per pound of beef at the retail level when beef production reached 28.2 billion pounds. In 2007, at similar production (28.1 billion pounds), the retail price for beef was only $3.77 per pound.

This begs two questions: what expenditures the American consumer spends money on? How might an average American consumer perceive expenditures on beef relative to other expenditures?

A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Consumer Expenditures in 2022 described what the average annual expenditures ($72,967) for an American consumer unit (household including 1.3 earners per household) were. Rather than spending time describing these in extreme detail, it may be wise to prioritize them based on expenditures dedicated for everyday living (survival) followed by expenditures on items that

contribute to our future living (insurance premiums), and lastly for quality of life (entertainment).

When thus categorized, one might say that food expense is a top priority followed by shelter. Yet, transportation expenses follow as most individuals must commute to participate in the workforce.

Food expenditures by American consumers in 2022 were the lowest of the three top expenditures for everyday living at 12.8% ($9,300). Shelter was the costliest at $24,200 or 33.3% of annual expenditures. That year, Americans spent $12,300 in transportation or 16.9% of annual expenditures.

Incidentally, annual beef expenditures for at home consumption were only $317 or 3.3% of total food expenditure. Perhaps this is the reason beef consumption is more resilient to changes in beef price than expected.

Overall, consumption of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs costs the average American consumer $1,215 annually or 13% of food expenditures. It makes an American consumer (and voter) wonder what significance, if any, a cap on food prices, particularly meat and poultry, will have on American consumer expenditures. On the other hand, this measure will likely have a greater effect on producers than on consumers.

In 2022, the average American consumer spent only 4.7% ($3,500) of their total expenditures on entertainment and a grand total of 1.3% (under $1,000) on alcohol and tobacco. Of the dollars spent on entertainment, expenditures on pets make up 22% of that total. Owning and caring for a pet is beneficial to those participating in their care.

In contrast, the average American consumer spent 12% ($8,742) of their annual expenditure preparing for the future by investing in pensions and social security. They also spent $3,800 (5.6% of expenditures) on health insurance.

If we were to base our assessment of the American consumer on how TV, radio, and social media commercials depict us, one might surmise that the American consumer is self-centered, irresponsible, and wasteful. Yet, this simple evaluation of data on American consumer expenditures reflects logic, moderation, and planning for their future.



KERNEL PROCESSING FOR QUALITY CORN SILAGE
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator

High value silage depends on maintaining chop quality throughout harvest. Do you know how to reliably monitor your silage quality?

Energy from corn silage comes in a large part from starch in the grain itself. After consuming however, the outer seed coat impedes starch digestion.  To counter act this, many modern choppers are fitted with a kernel processor, that physically crushes or damages the grain and stalks, improving digestibility.  Correctly setting these rollers is critical.  Too close and machine ware increases, too far apart and they kernels aren’t broken and digestibility is decreased.  

To achieve high quality silage, catching any problems with the processor as soon as possible is critical. To do this, grab a 32 oz. cup and at least once an hour during harvest, grab a sample from the pile.  

Next spread the sample out on a flat surface like a card table near the pile and go through the kernels.  Count all the kernels that are ½ or greater in size. You can also put the sample into a bucket of water.  The kernels will sink to the bottom and stalks and leaves will float.  Skim/drain off the top layer and again count any kernels that are ½ or greater in size.

For both methods, the goal is to have 2 or fewer whole or ½ size kernels in your count.  Anything over that and word can be passed to the chopper to adjust the processing.

For those who don’t have access to a kernel processer, keeping chop length short can help accomplish similar results.  Shortening chop length to 3/8 inch for machines without a processor will do more kernel damage and maintain similar fiber particle size.  For those who’s priority is not particle size, mostly beef producers, dropping down to ½ inch chop length will damage even more kernels and provide the additional benefit of helping get a better pack.



NDA AND AGRICULTURE MAKE THE STATE FAIR, A GREAT FAIR

From farm-friendly livestock competitions to favorite foods on a stick, state fairs are a beloved tradition centered around agriculture. The Nebraska State Fair runs through Sept. 2 at Fonner Park in Grand Island. Since Nebraska agriculture is at the core of the State Fair, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is on hand making sure that this year’s celebration will be a great one.

Raising Nebraska, an interactive experience for people wanting to learn more about agriculture and natural resources, is especially busy during the State Fair. During Nebraska’s Largest Classroom events at the Raising Nebraska building, NDA staff will share fun facts about Nebraska agriculture. NDA’s Food Safety staff will be in the Raising Nebraska building, too, showing students how important it is to fight germs by washing their hands the right way.

Throughout the State Fair, NDA Animal and Plant Health staff will be available to share program information and talk with Nebraskans about agriculture. NDA veterinarians and staff are helping at the birthing pavilion this year, teaching people about livestock care and the importance of biosecurity to help prevent animal diseases. A state veterinarian booth located on the south wall of the cattle barn will have NDA staff available to answer questions.
 
NDA staff with information from our Noxious Weeds program will be available at the Pinnacle Bank Expo building throughout the fair for several days, as well.

Youth organizations like 4-H and FFA continue to play a pivotal role at the State Fair, ensuring that the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders is actively involved in Nebraska’s ag industry. NDA staff will honor the 4-H and FFA members who entered our Poultry Photography contest by announcing the winners of the contest at the State Fair. Winning photos will be featured in a 2025 calendar that also includes biosecurity tips to keep poultry flocks healthy.

Livestock competitions, gardeners’ best produce selections, and baked goods competitions reinforce the importance of agriculture in feeding the nation. These events not only highlight the quality and diversity of Nebraska agriculture, but they also serve as educational opportunities for people to learn more about agriculture and where food comes from.

Agriculture produces the food, feed, and fuel that Nebraskans rely on every day. When you are enjoying your day at the State Fair, be sure to take time to experience the best agriculture that Nebraska has to offer.



Farm Athletes Is Creating Opportunities for College Athletes from Farm and Ranch Backgrounds

Tractor Tuesday, a new online auction platform for agriculture machinery, proudly presents Farm Athletes, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting NCAA college athletes from farm and ranch backgrounds. This initiative is set to provide NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals that will empower these hardworking student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom while honoring their agricultural roots.

Farm Athletes was established to create opportunities for college athletes who come from the farming and ranching communities, acknowledging their unique challenges and achievements. By leveraging the evolving NIL landscape, Farm Athletes offers these athletes the financial support they need to balance their academic and athletic commitments by alleviating some of their financial strain.

Tractor Tuesday, a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing how agricultural machinery is bought and sold, has launched Farm Athletes to make this vision a reality. Tractor Tuesday is committed to providing farmers and ranchers with the best auction platform to buy and sell agriculture machinery. Now, through its launch of Farm Athletes, it will help elevate the next generation of athletes who represent the heart and soul of rural America.

The sponsorship agreement will see Tractor Tuesday providing financial support to Farm Athletes, which will be used to create and manage NIL deals for selected athletes. These deals will not only offer monetary compensation but also include opportunities for personal branding, marketing collaborations, and community engagement initiatives. The partnership underscores Tractor Tuesday’s commitment to supporting the communities that are fundamental to its business.

“We’re excited to support Farm Athletes and contribute to the development of student-athletes who come from farm and ranch backgrounds,” said Zach Bosle, CEO of Tractor Tuesday. “Our platform’s mission is deeply rooted in agricultural excellence, and by backing Farm Athletes, we’re not just investing in these talented individuals but also in the future of agriculture.”

Jordan Carstens, a former 'farm kid' who was an ISU walk-on and then an NFL player, has endorsed the initiative. Carstens says, “Agriculture and athletics share several positive qualities, and both contain stories that interest many Americans.” He talks about how stories of farm athletes are “compelling and rare due to the dwindling number of family farms and the amount of time required to invest to reach the collegiate level.” Cartens says that “any time ag companies can support these farm kid athletes, both sides and the industry as a whole can benefit. FarmAthletes.com helping to facilitate this goal is an excellent idea.”

Farm Athletes is now accepting applications from eligible NCAA athletes, with a selection process that emphasizes athletic performance, academic achievement, and a demonstrated connection to agriculture. By highlighting the stories and achievements of these athletes, Farm Athletes hopes to inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams and succeed in both their academic and athletic endeavors. Please visit the Farm Athletes website https://farmathletes.com/ for more information and inquiries.



CAP Webinar: Determining What is Fair in Cow Leasing: Cash vs. Shares
Sep 5, 2024 12:00 PM  
With Aaron Berger, Livestock Systems Educator, Nebraska Extension

Fall is the time of year when cow-calf share or cash leasing agreements are often initiated or renegotiated. Understanding the value of what the cow owner and the person who cares for the cows provides in the production of weaned calves is critical to establishing a cow-calf share or cash lease agreement that is equitable. The advantages and disadvantages of both a cash lease and a cow-calf share agreement will be discussed. Common questions and key things that need to be talked about will be reviewed.

Register for the webinar here: https://cap.unl.edu/webinars.  



Grain Indemnity Fund Assessment to Continue for Additional Year

The assessment on grain sold to or deposited at Iowa-licensed grain dealers and warehouses as part of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund (Grain Indemnity Fund) will continue for an additional year. Barring any further claims made against the fund, the assessment is anticipated to cease on August 31, 2025, in accordance with Iowa law.

Due to claims made against the Fund following grain facility failures in 2021 and 2022, the balance of the Fund fell below the statutory threshold of $3 million. By law, this required the Grain Indemnity Fund Board to reinstate the participation fees for grain dealers and warehouses as well as a ¼ cent per bushel assessment. The assessment was reinstated on September 1, 2023. Under existing law, the assessment must remain in effect for at least one full year and must also remain active until the Board votes to suspend the collection of fees or the Fund reaches a balance of $8 million.

Prior to the start of the assessment, the balance of the Fund was $311,929.98. Assessment collection during the first three quarters, which occurred in December 2023, March of 2024 and June of 2024, has produced a balance now of $4,731,299.22. The final quarter of assessment for this current year will be collected in September of 2024. Based upon fourth quarter collection estimates, the fund balance is not expected to exceed $8 million at that time. Therefore, under law, the assessment must continue, and the Grain Indemnity Fund Board has authorized a second full year of assessment, which will now run through August 31, 2025.

Created by the Iowa Legislature in 1986 during the Farm Crisis to provide financial protection to farmers, the Grain Indemnity Fund covers farmers with grain on deposit in Iowa-licensed warehouses and grain sold on a cash basis to state-licensed grain dealers. In the case of a failure of a state-licensed grain warehouse or grain dealer, the Fund will pay farmers 90 percent of a loss on grain up to a maximum of $300,000 per claimant. Over the history of the Grain Indemnity Fund, more than $19 million in claims have been paid to more than 1,600 grain producers. The Fund has generated approximately $9 million in assessed fees, which were last collected in 1989. Since that time, the Fund was able to recover claim losses from defunct grain dealers and warehouses that when combined with interest earned on the Fund, provided enough additional revenue to prevent the reinstatement of the assessed fees.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Grain Warehouse Bureau regulates and examines the financial solvency of grain dealers and grain warehouse operators to protect Iowa farmers. The Grain Warehouse Bureau is responsible for administering the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund. Members of the Iowa Grain Depositors and Sellers Indemnity Fund are appointed by the Governor and are subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate. More information can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.



Landus Introduces New Farmer-Focused Health Coverage to Meet the Growing Needs of Farmers

Landus, an Iowa-based agriculture solutions company, today announced new farmer-focused health coverage options through Landus Health and Conduit Health. This unprecedented initiative, powered by Momentum Ag, a Division of Patriot Growth Insurance Services, LLC, will provide comprehensive coverage through a nationwide provider network, ensuring health care is affordable and accessible for thousands of farmers across the nation.

Historically, health programs have been overwhelmingly expensive, and coverage has been limited across the ag industry, with farmers paying the majority of their healthcare expenses out of pocket. Landus Health and Conduit Health make health coverage available for farming operations of any size and is specifically designed with rural families’ needs in mind.

Landus Health and Conduit Health offer:
⦁    Comprehensive Coverage: Program includes $0 preventative and telemedicine along with care coordination and disease management for chronic conditions.
⦁    At-Home Access to Care: All farmers who sign up for Landus Health or Conduit Health will receive a TytoCare kit for convenient, efficient at-home access to health providers and diagnoses regardless of proximity to provider locations.
⦁    Affordable Program Options: Multiple program options are offered to fit every budget with solutions for employee only, employee/spouse, employee/children, or family.
⦁    Nationwide Provider Network: Available options use the Cigna nationwide network, so it’s easy to find an in-network provider wherever you are.

“This is a gamechanger for farmers everywhere,” said Dee McCune, Health Program Project Lead at Landus. “As a farmer myself, I know first-hand the challenges that many face in this industry. Through Landus Health and Conduit Health, it will now be easier than ever for farmers to have affordable nationwide coverage for not just themselves, but their families and employees.”  

“We listened to our farmers. There have not been affordable health coverage options out there for them without a member of their family finding a job away from the farm. Landus Health and Conduit Health will change that,” said Matt Carstens, Landus and Conduit President & CEO. “Rural vitality is central to our mission here at Landus and affordable, high quality health coverage is a key part of that. I look forward to partnering with a farmer-focused company like Momentum Ag to get this critical support in the hands of farmers.”

“Working with companies like Landus who truly put the farmer at the center is one of the many reasons why I founded Momentum Ag,” said Lucas Strom, Founder & CEO of Momentum Ag. “Accessible and affordable health coverage is hard to come by in rural communities, and we are changing that. Everyone should have access to affordable health program options, from one person to one family to a company with over 100 employees and everything in between.”

Enrollment is available now. To apply, please visit landushealth.ag or conduithealth.ag. A representative will be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. CT to answer any questions, and can be reached at (877) 892-3303.



Growth Energy: California LCFS Updates Stack the Deck against American Biofuels

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, submitted new comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) today, criticizing the board’s latest updates to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) for unfairly singling out American biofuels in a way that will make it hard for them to generate credits under the program.

Specifically, Growth Energy objected to a proposed "sustainability certification" requirement, calling it "an unfair and unnecessary double penalty for corn starch bioethanol."  

“The [economic impact analysis] (EIA) acknowledges potential direct and indirect land use change (LUC) ‘is at least partially (and potentially fully) accounted for by the LUC scores added to crop-derived pathways,’” said Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley in the comments. “This acknowledgement renders the need for a sustainability certification moot as potential LUC concerns for crop-based feedstocks are addressed.”

Furthermore, farmers that produce corn and other crops used in the production of biofuels would be required to use climate smart agriculture practices to qualify for the “sustainability certification.” However, those same farmers would still not receive any credit for the emissions-reducing impact of deploying those practices under the LCFS.

"While the most recent proposal details the 'best environmental management practices' required for biomass used in fuel pathways, and those CSA practices result in the reduction of carbon emissions, CARB continues to disregard these and other practices when factoring carbon intensity (CI) scores," Bliley added. "The use of these practices for measured carbon reduction is not new. Other state agencies are using some of these same practices to reduce the release of soil carbon in the state’s natural and working lands.”

"CSA practices are an important component to bioethanol’s continued efforts to get to net-zero," Bliley added. "We urge CARB to recognize these practices and their carbon-reduction potential and allow CSA practices to be considered when determining a pathway’s CI."



EarthOptics, Pattern Ag Merge to Digitize Soil Health for Climate and Agriculture

EarthOptics and Pattern Ag have merged, creating a category leader in soil digitization to power advanced crop management and climate sustainability.

The newly combined soil intelligence company will be the authoritative source of soil insights and the leader in Predictive Agronomy. Its comprehensive data will enable farmers, ranchers and their advisors to know their soil’s exact physical, chemical, and biological properties, helping them plan their most impactful input and management decisions to maximize profitability and sustainability goals.

The combination pairs Pattern Ag’s cutting-edge lab-based analysis with proprietary field-based sensing technologies from EarthOptics, to create a high-resolution digital twin of the soil, giving farmers and ranchers insights into pests and pathogens, biofertility, nutrients, soil compaction, carbon levels, moisture and more.

“This merger will give farmers and ranchers the most comprehensive snapshot of the soil under their feet,” says Lars Dyrud, current EarthOptics CEO and the CEO of the merged companies. “Historically, soil measurement insights have been limited in scope and imprecise. We now have the technology to tell farmers what’s in their soil with a high level of precision, and with the addition of Pattern analytics, we can offer them insights into what to plant and how to manage their most impactful decisions throughout the growing season.”

“As the leader in Predictive Agronomy, our insights help farmers know their risks and opportunities before they plant in order to create the optimal plan for next season,” says Rob Hranac, CEO of Pattern Ag. “By pairing this with EarthOptics field-based technologies, we can increase the breadth of soil insights into exciting new categories while amplifying the resolution of most analytics by 100 times or more”.

The new company will operate under the EarthOptics name and aim to make it easy to turn soil insights into farm profitability and productivity. With this merger, one soil sample will generate more data and predictive power across physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. By integrating methods and technologies, the newly expanded company will deliver more data and agronomic insight to customers while rapidly scaling operations.

“Together, the new company will shape the future of soil agronomy, delivering unprecedented value and insights to farmers worldwide,” Dyrud says.



Soybean Seed Treatment Expands Protection Against Early-season Challenges

Corteva Agriscience™ continues to enhance its industry-leading LumiGEN® seed treatment portfolio, by introducing key upgrades to its soybean seed treatment offering to help growers confidently face early-season growing challenges. The LumiGEN® seed treatment portfolio for soybeans now includes Lumiante® fungicide seed treatment and Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment.

“This package gives growers more peace of mind, knowing the chances of getting their soybeans off to an excellent start are even better with this recipe,” said Brad Van Kooten, Seed Applied Technology Leader, Pioneer Seeds.

Lumiante® fungicide seed treatment
Lumiante® provides superior control of Pythium, and works against more strains of the soil-borne disease than previous LumiGEN® seed treatment offerings.

“Lumiante® fungicide seed treatment increases stand success rate in cold, wet conditions where Pythium is known to thrive,” Van Kooten noted, “which is critical as more farmers are planting earlier and in more difficult conditions.”

Lumiante® fungicide seed treatment brings another mode of action against Pythium and is effective against metalaxyl-resistant species. Lumiante fungicide seed treatment supplements the solid disease protection already included in the LumiGEN® package; LumiTreo™ fungicide seed treatment provides industry-leading protection against Phytophthora, widely regarded as the most significant disease affecting soybean yield in North America.

Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment
The 2025 LumiGEN® insecticide package will also be enhanced with the introduction of Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment, which will replace Gaucho® seed treatment.

“Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment is part of a proven family of chemistry and is labeled against more insect species than Gaucho®,” said Van Kooten. “Phalanx™ insecticide seed treatment has a water-based formulation, which improves its drying properties compared to Gaucho® seed treatment.”

For growers seeking even more robust seed protection, Corteva offers the option to add ILEVO® seed treatment and Lumiderm® insecticide seed treatment to the premium LumiGEN® seed treatment package. ILEVO seed treatment helps protect against soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS). When added to the package that already includes Phalanx insecticide seed treatment, Lumiderm® insecticide seed treatment provides an additional mode of action against key insect pests including seedcorn maggot, wireworm, white grub and bean leaf beetle.

This improved LumiGEN® soybean seed treatment package demonstrates a continued commitment from Corteva to help farmers protect their investment in high-yielding genetics, such as new Pioneer® brand Z-Series soybeans.

“With LumiGEN® seed treatments, farmers can rest assured they’ve protected against early-season stand losses in a broad range of conditions,” said Van Kooten. “When a farmer drives by their field and sees a healthy stand, they can feel good they’ve done the best they can to get the most out of their Pioneer genetics.”

The latest LumiGEN® soybean seed treatment package will be available this spring.

Tuesday August 27 Ag News - Crop Progress

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending August 25, 2024, there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the  SDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 30% short, 54% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 12% very short, 33% short, 52% adequate, and 3% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 5% very poor, 7% poor, 20% fair, 43% good, and 25% excellent. Corn dough was 87%, near 91% last year and 88% for the five-year average. Dented was 58%, near 54% last year, and ahead of 51% average. Mature was 17%, ahead of 8% last year and 5% average.

Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 21% fair, 52% good, and 19% excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 96%, ahead of 89% last year, and near 92% average. Dropping leaves was 8%, near 7% last year and 6% average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 4% poor, 19% fair, 49% good, and 28% excellent. Sorghum headed was 98%, near 94% last year, and ahead of 93% average. Coloring was 35%, near 39% last year and 36% average. Mature was 1%, equal to both last year and average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 4% very poor, 6% poor, 27% fair, 46% good, and 17% excellent. Dry edible beans blooming was 96%, near 95% last year and 97% average. Setting pods was 89%, ahead of 81% last year, and near 87% average. Dropping leaves was 10%, ahead of 4% last year, and near 9% average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 10% very poor, 19% poor, 31% fair, 29% good, and 11% excellent.



Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report

The State experienced mostly dry weather this week. These conditions allowed Iowa farmers 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 25, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Primary field activities continued to be cutting and baling hay and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 23 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 20 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond reached 90 percent this week, 6 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. Forty-five percent of the corn crop reached the dent stage or beyond, 3 days behind last year. Corn mature reached 4 percent. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 90 percent, 9 days behind last year and 3 days behind the five-year average. Soybeans coloring reached 5 percent, 4 days behind last year and 2 days behind the average. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent.  

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 79 percent, 6 days behind last year but 6 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition rated 65 percent good to excellent. As temperatures rose at the end of the week, stress became a concern for livestock.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

Corn and soybean good-to-excellent condition ratings fell at the national level last week following two weeks in a row of holding steady, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday. Both crops also appear to be reaching maturity slightly ahead of their five-year averages, NASS reported.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 84%, 1 percentage point behind last year's 85% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 83%. Corn dented was estimated at 46%, equal to last year but 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 42%. Corn mature was pegged at 11%, 3 points ahead of last year's 8% and 5 points ahead of the five-year average of 6%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 65% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, down 2 percentage points from 67% the previous week but still above last year's 56%. Thirteen percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up from 11% the previous week but below 17% last year.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 89%, 1 point behind last year's 90% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 88%. Soybeans dropping leaves were pegged at 6%, 2 points ahead of both last year and the five-year average of 4%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 point from 68% the previous week but still above last year's rating of 58% good to excellent.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest picked up speed last week, jumping ahead 20 percentage points to reach 51% complete as of Sunday. That brought this year's harvest progress to within 1 point of last year's 50% and 2 points of the five-year average of 53%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 69% of the crop remaining in fields was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, down 4 points from 73% the previous week. That remains well ahead of last year's rating of 37% good to excellent.



Pillen and University Leaders Recognize Inaugural Elite 11 Scholarship Recipients
 
Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined leaders from the University of Nebraska in recognizing the first cohort of students to qualify for a uniquely designed program aimed at increasing the number production animal veterinarians in Nebraska. Those veterinarians specialize in working with farmers and ranchers who raise cattle, swine, sheep and other forms of livestock and poultry.
 
Gov. Pillen and university leadership announced the creation of the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program in February, and the first applications were accepted in March. Nineteen students are currently enrolled. Each one receives the Nebraska Production Animal Health Scholarship, which covers 50% of their tuition for the first two years of study in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).  
 
“These students are embarking on a challenging, yet hugely rewarding career path,” said Gov. Pillen, who also received his doctorate in veterinary medicine. “The demand for production animal veterinarians is high. This program is a leader in the United States. It will provide students the top-level training they need, and it will set them on a career path that will allow them to continue practicing, right here in Nebraska.”
 
Up to 25 students can take advantage of the initial scholarship. Following their second year of study, 13 are chosen for a continuation scholarship that covers 100% of their tuition during their third and fourth years. From there, the Elite 11 are selected from UNL’s Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM) to have all tuition and fees paid for while they attend UNL’s dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program with Iowa State University (ISU).
 
"The Elite 11 program is creating exactly the kind of impact we hoped it would,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president, University of Nebraska. “I'm so pleased to welcome this group of talented young women and men to the University of Nebraska, and I know they will achieve great things for Nebraska agriculture and the veterinary industry in the years to come. I want to thank Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss for her vision on this important effort and Governor Pillen for his leadership and support every step of the way."
 
One of the key requirements for consideration and participation in the Elite 11 program is that applicants must be residents of Nebraska. They must also demonstrate a strong interest in production animal health and a commitment to major in animal or veterinary science.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome these 19 scholarship recipients to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL,” said Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “These outstanding students had their choice of colleges, but I’m delighted to be able to say that all have committed to staying in our state both during college and after. This is a big win for Nebraska, our veterinary workforce, and the future of agriculture in our state.”
 
Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, also offered his congratulations to the inaugural students.
 
“It’s always a joy to be in room filled with so much passion for our state and its agriculture industry, its natural resources and the hardworking people that contribute to our state’s success,” said Boehm. “I’m grateful to these students for their commitment to Nebraska, to their families and communities for instilling in them the values that got them here today, and to state leaders, including Gov. Pillen, for championing this critical program.”
 
UNL Chancellor, Dr. Rodney Bennett, pointed to the program’s goal of meeting critical needs in a state for which the livestock industry contributes more than $6 billion annually to the economy.  
 
"The Elite 11 program exemplifies the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s dedication to academic excellence and community impact. By developing these exceptional students into future veterinarians, we are addressing a crucial need in the agricultural sector and ensuring that our university remains a leader in nurturing talent that supports Nebraska communities. This program is a reflection of our commitment to empowering students and advancing the welfare of our state."
 
Listed alphabetically by hometown, the 19 students recognized in today’s program include:
Dix: Hannah, Keilian
Dodge: Meg Anderson
Hastings: Lynsie Lancaster
Hershey: Peyton Fisher
Hooper: Klayton Hilbers
Keystone: Presley Nowak
Lincoln: Alannah Crabtree
Maywood: Haydn Farr
Naponee: Addison Pool
North Platte: Haylie Hoatson
O’Neill: Claire Stauth
Oakland: Bailey Denton
Palmyra: Jacob Wood
Phillips: Jack Steenson
St. Libory: Chloe Scheer
Weeping Water: Brooklyn Ahrens
Wellfleet: Chase Martin
West Point: Sydney Hutchinson
York: Emma Snider

As part of their participation in the Elite 11 program and upon graduation, students agree to stay in Nebraska for eight years as practicing production animal veterinarians or they must pay back their school scholarship. The application period for the next cohort of students will be announced this fall.
 


New Leadership Elected for the Nebraska Corn Board

The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) elected four farmers to serve in leadership roles at the recent board meeting on August 20. The leadership roles are effective immediately and are yearlong in duration, with the possibility of being reelected.

Brandon Hunnicutt, District 3 director, was elected as chair of NCB. Hunnicutt farms near Giltner with his father and brother. On his farm, Hunnicutt grows corn, white corn, non-GMO corn, popcorn and soybeans. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from UNL and has served on the board since 2014. Hunnicutt has also served on the National Corn Growers Association board of directors, Field to Market and in various national leadership roles.

Andy Groskopf, District 8 director, was elected vice chair of the board. Groskopf farms near Scottsbluff, where he farms irrigated corn and dry edible beans. He has been farming for over 20 years and is the fourth generation managing the family farm. He attended Western Nebraska Community College for automotive technologies. Groskopf has been with NCB since 2018.

Ted Schrock, District 5 director, was elected secretary/treasurer of the board. Schrock farms near Elm Creek where he farms with his father, brother, uncles, cousins and son where they grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and run a cow-calf operation. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Schrock has served on NCB since 2018.

Jay Reiners, At Large director, assumes the role of past chairman of the board after serving three consecutive terms as chairman. Reiners farms near Juniata, where he grows field corn, seed corn and soybeans. He has been farming for over 30 years and is the fourth generation managing the family farm. He graduated with an associate’s degree in general agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Reiners has been with NCB since 2017.

“I congratulate the board members elected to leadership positions this year,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, executive director of NCB. “Looking to the past, our leadership has been top tier, and this year is no exception. This year’s executive team will be leading the third largest corn-producing state in the nation and new programs that will benefit Nebraska’s corn producers. I’m looking forward to the year ahead with leadership.”

The full board is comprised of nine corn farmers from across the state. Eight members represent specific Nebraska districts and are appointed by the Governor of Nebraska. The Board elects a ninth at large member. Board members serve three-year terms with the possibility to be reappointed.  



Farm Bankruptcies on the Rise in Nebraska
NeFB Newsletter

The weakening farm economy is showing up in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies. Bankruptcy court statistics show 11 bankruptcies were filed in Nebraska during the first half of the year, already more than the 7 filed in all last year. Last year had the third-lowest number of bankruptcies filed since 2000 and was the fourth consecutive year filings had declined. So, filings were bound to increase at some point. Still, the uptick does indicate growing financial stress on farms. The increase in bankruptcy filings was not limited to Nebraska. Nationally, 116 bankruptcies were filed during the first six months compared to a total of 139 filed all last year. Filings last year were off 18% from 2022, a record low.

High commodity prices and farm incomes in 2022 led to the record low bankruptcy filings last year. This year, low prices, slow exports, higher interest rates, and higher costs are putting the squeeze on farm finances. Other signals also point to growing financial concerns in agriculture. The latest agricultural credit survey by the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank found farm loan repayment rates declined and repayment problems on farm loans rose slightly. The Bank also reported farm income in Nebraska showed the largest decline in the Tenth District. Given current market conditions, the deterioration in farm finances is likely to continue.



ACE 2024 Awards Honor Ethanol Industry Contributors

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) honored a select group of advocates for their contributions to the ethanol industry during its 37th annual conference this month in Omaha.

The Merle Anderson Award, named after the organization’s founder, went to John Christianson of Christianson PLLP this year. ACE CEO Brian Jennings, along with ACE board president Dave Sovereign, representing Golden Grain Energy, and ACE board member Ron Alverson, 2023 recipient of the Merle Anderson Award, representing Dakota Ethanol, presented the award to John.

As a young, certified public accountant in the early 1980s, John gained experience and made meaningful connections during the challenging farm crisis years. In the 1990s, he was approached by a group of local farmers wanting financial consulting to start an ethanol plant, one of the first in Minnesota, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company. The launch was a success. Soon Christianson & Associates was known as part of the ‘Minnesota Model’ and was supporting ethanol start-ups and clients across the nation. His company was instrumental in developing dozens of ethanol plants during the construction boom of the 2000s. John was influential in developing and delivering Biofuels Benchmarking™ for ethanol plants to access industry data, insights and reports.

“Receiving the American Coalition for Ethanol Merle Anderson Award is true honor,” Christianson said. “The majority of my career has been dedicated to supporting renewable energy and the future of farming. This award is a testament to the team I work with every day who are dedicated to making a difference. In the ethanol industry, where every drop represents a step towards a cleaner, greener planet, this honor is a reminder that the work we do today lays the foundation for a better tomorrow.”

John left his managing partner role at the firm to become a director in 2021. He is also the President at Beyond, A Christianson Company. Beyond offers software solutions connecting plant operations and accounting. Additionally, he is a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Biofuels Council and a current board member and Treasurer of ACE.

Prior to the retailer panel during the conference, Ron Lamberty, ACE Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), presented the Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award to Jeff Carpenter, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program Manager of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Carpenter’s work providing convenience store owners and operators of all sizes with hands-on assistance navigating the HBIIP application process has helped many of the small retailers ACE typically works with apply for grants to begin offering higher ethanol blends to their customers. In addition, Carpenter’s efforts promoting HBIIP and gathering feedback from prospective retailers at fuel industry events, along with ongoing conversations with ACE and other ethanol stakeholders about HBIIP challenges and opportunities, help him keep USDA updated on ways to make the program more accessible, particularly for single stores and small chains that own and operate 60% of the fuel retail sites in the U.S.

“As a federal employee we usually stay behind the scenes, so receiving this award is certainly unexpected and I’m honored,” Carpenter said. “There’s a lot of strong, bipartisan support for HBIIP, and I’m proud of the work USDA has done so far as a result of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. There is significant need for and interest in this program. USDA currently has nearly 900 applications requesting about 800 million in funding, and that’s just what has been submitted.”

ACE CMO Ron Lamberty presented the Grassroots Award to Randy Gard (COO, Bosselman Enterprises) during the same retailer panel. The strength of ACE is in our collective grassroots members and ACE provides this award to devoted individuals who work behind the scenes to advance the cause of ethanol. In addition to behind-the-scenes work with USDA on the HBIIP program and being involved in state legislation affecting ethanol and fuel marketers in Nebraska, Gard recently helped shape and pass legislation to incentivize Nebraska retailers who offer ethanol blends of 15% or higher.

“ACE and other organizations have been instrumental for a retailer like Bosselman to understand HBIIP and the benefits of offering higher ethanol blends,” Gard said. “At the end of the day, we’re in the business of making money. The cornerstone of any convenience store is fuel, and we chase pennies. Higher blends help us offer lower prices, attract new customers, sell more gallons, make more money on those gallons and we’re better off for it. Without HBIIP and Nebraska’s higher blend tax credit legislation that passed a few years ago, we probably wouldn’t be offering ethanol to the extent we do today.”

ACE also presented the 2024 Policy and Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (NE), for her strong leadership on biofuel issues, from her ongoing commitment to ensuring consumer access to E15 through the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 2707) to her staunch advocacy for farmers, keeping the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on track and recognizing the role ethanol plays in uplifting rural communities and decarbonizing our transportation sector.



'Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon' Promotion Returns for 2024 Season
    
The viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” promotion by the Iowa Pork Producers Association involving Iowa State Cyclone football players is back for the 2024 season, with more students joining the cast. The first in a series of episodic videos featuring Myles Purchase, Tyler Moore, Tommy Hamann and Caleb Bacon launched Monday, August 26. The players have renewed a NIL (name, image, likeness) agreement with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to encourage people to, well, purchase more ham and bacon.

The campaign debuted in September 2023 and quickly went viral across social media, earning millions of views and gaining widespread national attention. The Sports Business Journal named the partnership between Iowa Pork and Iowa State players the “Best NIL Deal of 2023”. Cyclones Alec Cook and Zach Lovett were later added to the campaign and return this year.

“The Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon promotion exceeded beyond our wildest dreams last year and we’re thrilled to partner with these student-athletes once again,” said Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, Iowa who also serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “This campaign is such a fun way to encourage people to buy pork, bring some more recognition to these players, and to provide meals to families in need.”

One change to this year’s promotion is Tommy Hamann’s decision to leave the Iowa State football program and focus on his engineering degree. The video episode released today, “Goodbye, Tommy” shows Hamann bidding farewell to the group, leaving Purchase, Moore, Bacon, Cook and Lovett wondering what happens next.

In a series of videos to be released every Monday at 10 a.m. for the next seven weeks, several other Cyclone students will participate in tryouts for the campaign to see if they fit into the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ mantra. The episodic series will conclude on Monday, October 7, just in time to celebrate National Pork Month, aka “Porktober”.

In conjunction with the NIL partnership, the Iowa Pork Producers Association will donate $1,000 worth of pork to a food pantry chosen by every student that appears in the ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ videos. The donations from the “Goodbye, Tommy” video will go to:  
    Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, Colo., in the name of Myles Purchase
    DMARC in Des Moines, Iowa, in the name of Tyler Moore
    Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners in Plymouth, Minn., in the name of Tommy Hamann
    Lake Mills Food Shelf in Lake Mills, Iowa, in the name of Caleb Bacon
    Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha, Neb., in the name of Alec Cook
    Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, in the name of Zach Lovett

The Iowa Pork Producers Association donated a total of $13,000 worth of pork to those students’ food pantries of choice last year.

Although none of the players in the initial photo were widely known a year ago, that quickly changed as ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ skyrocketed across social media, local news, sports talk radio, and prominent national outlets like USA Today and ESPN.

“Since we did the first ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ photo almost a year ago, there’s a lot more publicity to all our names and I feel like we’re mainly known for that moment,” Caleb Bacon said. “Anytime that I mention my last name to someone, that’s the first thing they bring up.”

However, Caleb Bacon’s on-field performances also speak volumes. The Lake Mills, Iowa native is a former walk-on to the Cyclone football team who earned a scholarship following a strong sophomore season and is now one of the team’s leaders.

Bacon will wear jersey number 26 this football season in honor of former Cyclone wide receiver Jack Whitver who is battling brain cancer. The ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ photos and videos were shot prior to the jersey switch.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association worked with We Will Collective to arrange the NIL deals with Cyclone students.

"We are thrilled to continue to partner with Iowa Pork on this campaign,” said Brent Blum, executive director of We Will Collective. “The feedback this has received for our entire state and the work of the pork producers has been incredible and we are grateful to show the positive impact of NIL through this effort."

The ‘Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon’ videos can be found on the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube channels.



Grants Announced for 137 Iowa Schools to Purchase Local Food

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will provide $2,000 grants to 137 participating school districts or schools to purchase meat, eggs, produce, dairy and other local foods from area farmers. Launched in 2022, Local Food for Schools (LFS) pairs school lunch programs with a local food hub to connect to area farmers.

This latest and final round of Iowa LFS will run from August through December of 2024. The 137 public school districts or private schools are all participants in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. 17 schools are new to LFS for this round of funding. Through the first two rounds, more than $1.7 million has been awarded to 162 Iowa schools, and more than 110 farms and food businesses have sold products to schools through the program.

“With another school year off and running, I’m excited to see more connections being made between school lunch programs and local farmers,” said Secretary Naig. “These grants provide yet another way that we can assist our schools with providing fresh and nutritious meals while also fortifying supply chains and building market demand for Iowa farmers. Because of Choose Iowa and programs like Local Food for Schools, many Iowa farmers are building long-term capacity to serve larger buyers like schools. As a result, these established connections between schools, food hubs and farmers can continue on well into the future.”

Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, the program facilitates direct relationships between schools, food hubs and farmers. To find out more information about LFS or how to participate as a vendor, visit the Farm to School and Early Care Network website.

The Iowa LFS program is managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship with strategic contributions from the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development. It is funded in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Marketing Service.



NPPC Announces New Strategic Investment Program for Young Pork Advocates
 
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) unveiled a new Strategic Investment Program, “Young Pork Advocates,” for young individuals ages 18-22. This initiative expands on NPPC’s Strategic Investment Program and aims to empower young advocates within the pork industry.
 
At the 2024 World Pork Expo, NPPC hosted the inaugural Young Pork Advocates Issues Meet contest, which fostered lively discussions on key industry topics. Emma Kuhns of Illinois emerged as the winner of the meet, underscoring the program’s role in promoting active participation among young advocates.
 
“The top reason students should get involved is because of the invaluable network connections being made that are a launch pad for a successful career,” Kuhns said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with fellow students and industry professionals who share my passion for the pork industry and for making a difference.”
 
For an annual investment of $50, member benefits include:
    Regular communications on critical pork industry policy and regulatory issues
    Investor alerts, updates, webinars, and opportunities to apply for scholarships
    Communications and advocacy training
    Eligibility to attend NPPC Legislative Action Conferences in Washington, DC
    Complimentary registration and parking at the World Pork Expo
    NPPC-branded gear

“Leveraging the passion and potential of our youth is crucial for the future of the pork industry,” said Lori Stevermer, President of NPPC and pork producer from Easton, MN. "The Young Pork Advocates Strategic Investment Program underscores NPPC’s dedication to equipping young leaders with the skills and connections needed to drive positive change within our industry.”
 
NPPC’s commitment to shaping the future leaders of the U.S. pork industry is by investing in young advocates, equipping them with knowledge of current issues, career readiness skills, and expanding professional networks with peers, industry experts and policymakers. Young individuals interested in joining the Young Pork Advocates Strategic Investment Program can visit nppc.org/youngporkadvocates to sign up.



August USDA Cattle on Feed Report Assessment
Stephen R. Koontz, Ph.D., Professor, Colorado State University

The USDA Cattle on Feed Report was released on Friday, August 23 and contains information on inventories at the beginning of the month and flows of animals into and out of feedlots for the prior month. Placements, marketings, and on-feed numbers were within the ranges of the pre-report expectations but the report does have a bullish tone. Placements are the most important piece of information in the Cattle on Feed report. Marketings can be assessed through daily and weekly slaughter information, and on-feed inventories are largely the net changes due to these marketings and placements.

Placements were very strong and 105.8% of the prior year. Pre-report expectations suggested that placements would be 104.1% of the prior year with a range of 101.9% to 105.9%. Actual placements during the month of July were at 1.702 million head. This is at the top end of the range but the majority of those participating in the trade survey were also towards the top end of the range. Regardless these are heavy placements compared to the prior year and suggest early placement of animals from regions with drought pressure forage. This also suggests early placement and perhaps tighter numbers later into the fall. Thus, the heavy placements are actually a bit bullish. The futures for feeder cattle reacted strongly with up moves on the fall run contracts.

Fed cattle marketings were slower than anticipated. Pre-report expectations anticipated that marketings would be 108.3% of the prior year with a range of 107.8% to 109.0%. Actual marketings during the month of July were at 1.855 million head. These were strong marketings into the summer and likely some of the cause of the downward pressure on fed cattle prices. Likewise, better packer margins and reasonably strong beef product prices have not incentivized packers to run hours and shifts.

The weakening feed grain market through this spring and summer incentivized feedlots to grow larger animals – costs of gain were dropping, and prices remained strong. And feedlots responded. I do not recall observing counter-seasonal changes in slaughter weights to that degree. And on-fed numbers persist when weights are increased.

The beginning of August saw an inventory of 11.095 million and modestly smaller than beginning of July inventory of 11.304 million head. This was modestly larger than the inventory for the beginning of August the prior year. The pre-report survey suggested that the on-feed inventory would be 100.1% of last year with a range of 99.8% to 100.5%. Actual inventories were 100.3% of the prior year.

However, market-ready inventories are the main driver of price in the coming month. The inventory of cattle on feed over 150 days was down in the month of July but only modestly and remained larger than that of the prior four years. This long-feed inventory of animals will impact the fed cattle through the third quarter. However, cattle on feed over 120 days was sharply lower. All of these on feed over days are calculated and not in the report. However the inventory-based outlook appears rather bearish in the third quarter and bullish after that.



Formidable Yeasts Stop Bacterial Bullying in Ethanol Plants

Ever on the lookout for new ways to improve the fermentation of corn sugars into ethanol fuel, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have devised an approach for using genetically modified baker’s yeast to prevent a top cause of costly ethanol plant shutdowns—namely, contamination by unwelcome bacteria.

Scientists modified the yeast’s genetic makeup with “coding” to make an enzyme on its outer surface that kills or inhibits the growth of the bacteria—microbial rivals whose release of acetic and lactic acids can keep the fermentation process from achieving its peak ethanol production capacity.

“These bacteria are found everywhere in the environment, especially on plant material. They are actually responsible for the fermentation of vegetables to make products like sauerkraut and pickles,” explained Shao-Yeh Lu, a research microbiologist with ARS’ National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois. “Unfortunately, the acetic acid and lactic acid produced by these same bacteria in a bioethanol fermentation facility will cause stress and inhibit the growth of the baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which is responsible for the production of ethanol.”

Ethanol is considered a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels such as gasoline because its greenhouse gas emissions are 40 percent lower, by some estimates. Unlike fossil fuels, ethanol can be derived from renewable resources, namely, plant-based sources of sugar (e.g., corn) and cellulosic fiber (e.g., miscanthus grass). Estimates vary, but there are between 187 and 198 ethanol biorefinery plants nationwide with a total production capacity of more than 17 billion gallons annually. However, meeting the demand for renewable fuels such as ethanol necessitates that the systems in place for producing them be as efficient as possible.

Bacteria that infiltrate these fermentation systems primarily feed on glucose sugars in the corn mash—the same ones the yeast helps convert into ethanol. However, this bacterial “bullying” can diminish the yeast’s conversion of glucose into ethanol by an estimated 16 to 42 percent. In biorefinery plants, this can necessitate a shutdown for cleaning and the use of antibiotics to kill the bacteria at an approximate cost of $4.5 million annually in lost revenues for a facility with a 100-million-gallons-per-year capacity.

“Current methods for eliminating bacterial contaminants in bioethanol production heavily rely on the prophylactic use of antibiotics,” Lu said. “However, this approach is not sustainable in the long term, as prolonged antibiotic use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

So, Lu and colleagues decided to even the microbial playing field.

They did this by modifying a baker’s yeast strain with a gene they discovered for making endolysin, a specialized enzyme that kills the bacteria on contact.

In lab-scale trials, use of the endolysin-making yeasts reduced the presence of the bacteria by 85 percent compared to a control group of the yeasts that hadn’t been genetically modified. On average, this reduced acetic and lactic acid levels in the mash by as much as 40 percent and 71 percent, respectively. Ethanol production increased by as much as 40 percent.

According to Lu, modifying yeast to produce endolysin—either on their surface or secreted—is likely to be more cost-effective than adding bulk amounts of the enzyme to contaminated corn mash. Additional research is needed to fully ascertain its potential commercial use, but if validated through larger-scale trials, the endolysin-wielding yeasts could offer an alternative to antibiotics or other costly chemical cleansers.

Lu published a paper detailing the advance in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology together with co-authors Siqing Liu, Kristina Glenzinski and Christopher Skory—all with the ARS Center in Peoria—and Maulik Patel, with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.



USDA Announces Almost $10 million in Organic Market Development Grants, Resulting in $85 million Invested to Expand Markets for U.S. Organic Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded an additional $9.7 million for 13 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program, bringing the total amount awarded through the program to $85 million. These projects will support the development of new and existing organic markets to increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural products. The projects funded through this program, are anticipated to benefit over 119 million producers, buyers, and consumers.

“This final round of awards through the Organic Market Development Grant program marks an unprecedented investment into our nation’s organic industry and we will see the impacts of this funding for years to come,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The projects awarded through this program are making great strides in expanding market opportunities for organic businesses and ensuring producers and processors have the infrastructure to meet the growing consumer demand for organic products.”

Consumer demand for organically produced goods surpassed $69 billion in the U.S. in 2023, accounting for about 4% of total U.S. food sales. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes how crucial the organic agricultural industry is to the nation’s economy and the investments needed to meet this incredible consumer demand. There are more than 27,800 organic farms and businesses across the nation producing and handling delicious organic food and products of all kinds. There are more than 47,000 such businesses around the world, providing vital ingredients and fresh foods not produced in the U.S. With this final award announcement, AMS has now awarded nearly $85 million to 106 projects in 36 states across the nation and the District of Columbia through the Organic Market Development Grant program, supporting these organic farmers and investing in the capacity of this growing sector. AMS previously announced awards through this program in January, March,  and May 2024. This final round of awards and all OMDG grants, which are supporting development of new and existing organic markets, is made available through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

This round of awards includes projects for the market development and promotion, simplified equipment-only, and processing capacity expansion project types. The funded projects will increase the availability and demand for domestically produced organic agricultural products and address the need for additional market paths.

AMS gave priority consideration to projects addressing specific pinpointed market needs for organic grains and livestock feed, organic dairy, organic fibers, organic legumes and other rotational crops, and organic ingredients currently unavailable in organic form.