Tuesday August 20 Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending August 18, 2024, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9% very short, 31% short, 56% adequate, and 4% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 10% very short, 32% short, 54% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 6% poor, 19% fair, 49% good, and 23% excellent. Corn dough was 76%, near 79% last year and 77% for the five-year average. Dented was 41%, near 37% last year, and ahead of 30% average. Mature was 6%, ahead of 1% both last year and average.

Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 4% poor, 20% fair, 55% good, and 19% excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 88%, ahead of 80% last year, and near 86% average. Dropping leaves was 3%, near 2% both last year and average.

Sorghum condition rated 0% very poor, 3% poor, 23% fair, 55% good, and 19% excellent. Sorghum headed was 94%, ahead of 84% last year and 85% average. Coloring was 20%, near 23% last year, and equal to average.

Oats harvested was 96%, near 93% last year, and equal to average.

Dry edible bean condition rated 5% very poor, 7% poor, 28% fair, 44% good, and 16% excellent. Dry edible beans blooming was 93%, equal to both last year and average. Setting pods was 82%, ahead of 64% last year and 74% average. Dropping leaves was 2%, near 3% both last year and average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 8% very poor, 17% poor, 31% fair, 29% good, and 15% excellent.



Iowa Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report

Iowa farmers averaged 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 18, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting and baling hay and preparing for the fall harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond reached 82 percent this week, 3 days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-eight percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage, 3 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of the five-year average. The corn crop has just begun to mature. Corn condition was rated at 77 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-six percent of soybeans were blooming with 83 percent setting pods, 1 week behind last year and 3 days behind average. Soybeans have just begun turning color. Soybean condition was 77 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-six percent of oats have been harvested for grain.

The State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 63 percent, 1 week behind last year but 4 days ahead of the five-year average. Hay condition rated 79 percent good to excellent.

Pasture condition rated 72 percent good to excellent.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report

National good-to-excellent ratings for both corn and soybeans were unchanged for the second week in a row last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.

NASS also reported that just 4% of winter wheat was left to harvest, while the spring wheat harvest was running 5 percentage points behind average last week.

CORN
-- Crop development: Corn silking was pegged at 97%, 1 percentage point behind both last year and the five-year average of 98%. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 74%, equal to last year's pace but 3 points ahead of the five-year average of 71%. Corn dented was estimated at 30%, equal to last year but 4 points ahead of the five-year average of 26%. Corn mature was pegged at 5%, 2 points ahead of both last year and the five-year average.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 67% of the crop was in good-to-excellent condition, unchanged for the second week in a row and holding above last year's 58%. Eleven percent of the crop was rated very poor to poor, up slightly from 10% the previous week but below 15% last year.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: Soybeans blooming were pegged at 95%, equal to both last year's pace and the five-year average. Soybeans setting pods were estimated at 81%, 3 points behind last year's 84% but 1 point ahead of the five-year average of 80%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 68% of soybeans were in good-to-excellent condition, also unchanged from the previous week for the second week in a row and still above last year's rating of 59% good to excellent.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Harvest inched ahead 3 percentage points to reach 96% complete nationwide as of Sunday. That was 1 point ahead of both last year and the five-year average pace of 95%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest maintained a steady pace last week, moving ahead another 13 percentage points to reach 31% complete as of Sunday. However, that was still 4 points behind last year's 35% and 5 points behind the five-year average of 36%.
-- Crop condition: NASS estimated that 73% of the crop remaining in fields was in good-to-excellent condition nationwide, up 1 point from 72% the previous week. That remains well ahead of last year's rating of 38% good to excellent.



ACE Elects Board of Directors During Annual Business Meeting

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) announced the re-election of several board members to the organization’s board of directors during its annual business meeting on August 14, 2024, prior to ACE’s 37th annual conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Re-elected to the board of directors for three-year terms:
    Dakota Ethanol – Ron Alverson
    Cardinal Ethanol – Bill Dartt
    Granite Falls Energy – Kenton Johnson
    Nebraska Public Power District – Brian Vasa
    Christianson PLLP – John Christianson
    RPMG – Doug Punke



Secretary Naig Announces Another Record Year for Conservation in Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, working with Iowa’s 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts and farmers and landowners, again shattered a record for conservation and water quality practice adoption within Iowa during the last fiscal year. Secretary Naig made the announcement today during remarks at the annual Conservation Districts of Iowa conference in Ames.

“For the third year in a row, we have set a record for conservation adoption in Iowa. I want to thank everyone who has said ‘yes’ to adding proven water quality practices on their land during the past year. Because public and private partners are joining together with farmers and landowners to add these practices, the pace of implementation continues to accelerate,” said Secretary Naig. “We have come a long way, and still have far to go, but Iowans continue to demonstrate that they are committed to conservation and water quality. Whether you live on a farm or in the city, we can all play a role in protecting our natural resources and I encourage all Iowans to add even more practices in the year ahead.”

During the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30, state cost-share leveraged $56.42 million in practice implementation, an increase of nearly $3.8 million over the previous record year. For every dollar the state contributed, farmers and landowners matched that with $1.15 in investment. A decade ago, state cost-share leveraged $34.12 million in conservation practice adoption, proving that the pace of implementation continues to accelerate.

Notably, these record totals do not consider all other conservation and water quality funding paid by farmers and landowners, other government entities, and other private partners. They also do not factor in other programs at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, including our wetlands program, batch and build projects that install saturated buffers and bioreactors, Abandoned Mine Land reclamation projects, among many others.

Highlights for Fiscal Year 2024

    Department-wide Summary:
        $26.26 million in total cost-share was paid, which leveraged a total spending of $56.42 million in practice implementation.
            In the previous fiscal year, which was also a record, $21.86 million and $52.67 million were the respective totals. This is an increase of nearly $3.8 million leveraged over the previous record year.
            Ten years ago, in FY14, the totals were $14.91 million and $34.12 million, respectively.
        In addition to the record number of cost share dollars spent, we are also processing more than 6,700 cost-share claims per year in each of the past two years.
            This is nearly 900 more than was paid in 2022, and nearly 2,000 more per year than we were paying ten years ago.
    Water Quality Initiative (WQI):
        Of the department-wide investment total, more than $16.38 million was paid through the Water Quality Initiative.
            This is up from $12.59 million last year, an increase of approximately $3.8 million.
        4,855 practices were funded this past year through WQI, a number that has grown significantly from approximately 1,000 practices a decade ago.
    The Iowa Financial Incentives Program (IFIP):
        Iowa was the first state to appropriate state cost-share funds for conservation practices back in 1973 through the Iowa Financial Incentive Program commonly known as “cost share.” Still going strong after 50 years, the IFIP program continues to see strong demand across all 100 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state.
        More than 90 percent of the IFIP funding is used for permanent structural practices, such as terraces and basins, grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures and more.
        IFIP provided financial assistance for 865 practices with cost share of $6.58 million.
    Additional Cost-Share Programs:
        Approximately $3 million of the department-wide funding total was provided by programs including the Resource Enhance and Protection Program (REAP), Watershed Protection Fund, District Buffer Initiative and others.

To keep the momentum building, Secretary Naig is encouraging farmers and landowners to utilize department cost-share funds to add even more proven practices this year.

Through WQI, farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible to receive $30 per acre. Those who are continuing the practice can receive $20 per acre. Farmers transitioning acres to no-till or strip-till for the first time are eligible for $10 per acre. A payment of $3 per acre is available to first-time users of a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall anhydrous ammonia fertilizer. WQI cost-share funding is available for up to 160 acres per farmer or landowner for each practice.

IFIP program funding is available as a continuous year-round signup and offers cost-share opportunities for a wide variety of conservation offerings. These include management practices such as cover crops as well as permanent structural practices such as terraces and grade stabilization structures.

Farmers and landowners should visit their local Soil and Water Conservation District office located in the USDA Service Center in their county to learn more about program eligibility and to sign-up to participate.



Nominate A Farmer or Ag Leader for an Iowa Soybean Association Leadership Award

Do you know a student passionate about supporting agriculture? How about a farmer dedicated to protecting natural resources? If so, now is the time to nominate deserving individuals for one of eight Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) Leadership Awards.
 
Nominations can be submitted on the ISA website and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 3. A committee comprised of ISA farmer leaders will review all nominees. Recipients will be recognized at the annual ISA Leadership Awards and Industry Celebration Banquet in December.
 
“Many people are driven to deliver for Iowa soybean farmers,” said Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president and soybean farmer from Farmersburg. “As a farmer-led organization, it’s important to recognize the meaningful contributions advancing our industry and positioning growers for success.”
 
Nominations are sought for:
 
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ISA farmer member advancing the goals of the association and demonstrating a passion and longstanding commitment for growing the soybean industry in Iowa, nationally and internationally.
 
RISING STAR: High school senior or college student taking an active role in promoting Iowa agriculture and intends to remain involved in the industry through future personal or professional activities. The award includes a $2,000 educational stipend to educational expenses. This award requires an application, which can be found under the “Programs” tab.
 
NEW LEADER: ISA farmer member who has deepened their involvement in ISA programming while enhancing their commitment and service to the industry and their community.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER: ISA farmer member improving on-farm environmental performance and leadership in the use of precision agriculture tools and technology. Must be an ISA member with current or past participation with ISA’s Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI), Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance or the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.
 
INNOVATOR IN PRODUCTION RESEARCH: Individual, organization or company that has shown outstanding leadership in the use of precision agriculture and has worked to validate and effectively manage practices to improve profitability. Nominees with active involvement in ISA’s RCFI are preferred for this award.
 
FRIEND OF THE IOWA SOYBEAN FARMER: Elected leader or ISA partner who has shown a deep understanding of issues facing Iowa soybean farmers and has supported them through their actions and efforts.
 
POLICY CHAMPION: Recognizes an ISA farmer and/or advocate member who works to advance policy and regulatory issues benefiting the soybean industry. Nominees have a proven track record of engaging with elected leaders as a knowledgeable and trusted resource on soybean industry policy.
 
ADVOCATE FOR IOWA AGRICULTURE: ISA member, individual, organization or company who effectively and accurately shares the story of modern agriculture and actively builds bridges between Iowa farmers and consumers.
 
To nominate a deserving individual or learn more about past recipients, visit iasoybeans.com/awards.



South Dakota animal health company affirms readiness to address critical disease challenges  

Animal health vaccine manufacturer Medgene announces that it is ready to address critical disease challenges facing the animal health industry - Avian Influenza virus H5N1, Porcine Circovirus PCV-4 and Avian Metapneumovirus aMPV.

As a background, in 2018 the USDA created a regulatory pathway* for animal health companies to address critical disease challenges through vaccination. Medgene’s proprietary model of production was developed to take advantage of important advances in vaccine science. The category of vaccines created under USDA’s regulatory pathway is called “prescription platform.”

Medgene’s proprietary system of prescription platform vaccines (ISPrime) involves a carefully managed system and process that begins with field work, is heavily supported by advanced bioinformatic science (Spice™) and managed by continuous surveillance of the disease environment - from farm to lab to production.

Veterinarians are involved in every critical step, including the most important, prescribing and supervising the vaccine.

Medgene has been successful in prescription platform vaccine production in the swine, cattle, rabbit and deer industries, both in the United States and internationally.

Utilizing its production platform process, Medgene has unlocked the genetic information needed to create vaccines to address H5N1 in dairy cattle, PCV-4 in swine and aMPV in turkey production.

As with all licensed veterinary vaccines, Medgene only needs USDA permission to add H5N1, PCV-4 and aMPV to its list of products and begin distribution.”

Medgene’s technology was invented by Basel Institute and Harvard-trained scientist, Dr. Alan Young. Dr. Young is also a professor of veterinary medicine at South Dakota State University.



USDA Accepts More Than 2.2 Million Acres Through 2024 Grassland, General and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Offers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 2.2 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Grassland, General, and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signups administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). With these accepted acres, enrollment is very near the 27 million CRP acreage cap.   

“The popularity of our suite of Conservation Reserve Programs, including the significant success of Grassland Conservation Reserve Program and the fact that we are nearing the Conservation Reserve Program acreage cap, is a testament to the commitments made by the farmers, ranchers and landowners we serve to mitigate the impacts of climate change by conserving, protecting and enhancing our natural resources,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “It’s through all FSA’s conservation programs that we are able to work directly with agricultural producers to implement climate smart conservation practices that ultimately benefit everyone.”   

Grassland CRP  
Including the nearly 1.44 million acres recently accepted in Grassland CRP for offers received in 2024, producers will have enrolled more than 10 million acres in this popular working-lands program.   

Grassland CRP allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP’s impacts. Grassland CRP leverages working lands practices to improve biodiversity and conserve environmentally sensitive land.     

Enrolled acres help sequester carbon in vegetation and soil, while enhancing resilience to drought and wildfire. Meanwhile, producers can still conduct common grazing practices, such as haying, mowing or harvesting seed from the enrolled land, which supports agricultural production.         

Top states for this year’s Grassland CRP signup include:     
    Nebraska with 237,853 acres accepted  
    Colorado with 218,145 acres accepted  
    New Mexico with 185,619 acres accepted  

Additionally, to target conservation in key geographies, USDA prioritizes land within two National Priority Zones: The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Dust Bowl area. The 2024 Grassland CRP enrollment has added more than 560,000 acres in the Priority Zones, bringing the total acres to 3.8 million. By conserving working grasslands and other lands that underpin iconic big game migrations, land enrolled in these zones contributes to broader USDA conservation efforts through Working Lands for Wildlife.      

General and Continuous CRP   
FSA also has accepted nearly 200,000 acres through the General signup, bringing total acres enrolled in General CRP to 7.9 million acres. As one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers and landowners. It has been an especially strong opportunity for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat.     

In January 2024, FSA opened enrollment for Continuous CRP. Under this enrollment, producers and landowners can enroll in CRP throughout the year. Offers are automatically accepted provided the producer and land meet the eligibility requirements and the enrollment levels do not exceed the statutory cap. To date, in 2024, more than 565,000 acres have been offered through Continuous CRP bringing the total acres enrolled to 8.5 million.  

Producers can still make an offer to participate in CRP through the Continuous CRP signup, which is ongoing, by contacting FSA at their local USDA Service Center.       



Cost Changes
Matthew Diersen, Ph.D., Risk & Business Management Specialist, South Dakota State University

Cow prices have garnered attention in recent weeks. Price forecasts and projections specific to cull cows are uncommon. However, the Economic Research Service (ERS) provides a quarterly forecast for cutter cow prices at the national level on a live equivalent level (per cwt). The projected price is generally available for one year ahead. The projections for the rest of 2024 are $132 and $122 for the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Then, the projections are $118 and $130 for the first and second quarters of 2025. The forecasts are higher than the observed prices for the past year. The forecasts are not fixed percents of the steer price forecasts, suggesting the ERS is credibly incorporating additional factors or different seasonality assumptions when preparing these forecasts.

The ERS also maintains cost and returns data for a typical cow-calf operation. The largest cost categories have fluctuated in recent years. Purchased feed and harvested feed costs peaked in 2022. Purchased and raised feed prices (mainly corn and hay) have fallen and are expected to stay lower through 2024. From the August WASDE report, corn production is expected to exceed use for the second year in row, leading to higher ending stocks and lower prices. There is perhaps a little less of an increase in the eastern corn belt. Most other areas are expected to follow the national lead or higher corn yields.

The August Crop Production report confirmed higher hay production levels in 2024 compared to 2023. Acres were unchanged from the June Acreage report, so the new information was tied to yields. In aggregate the yields for alfalfa and other hay were both up from 2023 and above the 10-year average yields. The total production at 126.9 million tons is up from 118.8 million tons in 2023. Alfalfa hay production is down sharply in Idaho and in Kansas compared to a year earlier. Other hay production is down sharply in Oklahoma compared to a year earlier. However, production is up sharply in neighboring Kansas and Texas. Hay prices nationally are sharply lower compared to a year ago.

Grazed feed continues to steadily increase. The latest indication of this comes from NASS data on pasture rental rates. The national rate for 2024 is $15.50 per acre, an increase of 3.3% from a year earlier. The highest state-level rate is from Iowa, where pasture rent of $63.50 per acre was up 5.0%. For the curious, Maryland had the next highest rent of $50.50 per acre. Several states in the southwest had lower pasture rents for the year. The rest of the western states and several states in the southeast had pasture rents with larger percentage increases for 2024. In general, major cow-calf states continue to see pressure from higher pasture rental rents.



NGFA urges Prime Minister Trudeau to maintain rail operations

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) led members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group in asking Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to maintain railroad operations to “prevent serious damage to the Canadian and U.S. economies.”

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) recently cleared the way for a potential rail strike that could begin as soon as Aug. 22 if the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railways fail to reach an agreement with unions represented by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference.

NGFA urged the Canadian government to prevent a rail strike or lockout as it would lead to shutdowns of rail-dependent facilities, “resulting in harmful consequences for Canadian and American agricultural producers, the industry, and both domestic and global food security,” notes the Aug. 19 letter.

The livestock industry depends on rail for the timely delivery of feed grains and ingredients, while many facilities, such as biofuels operations, flour mills and other grain processors, require uninterrupted rail service, the groups noted.

“Operational railroads are essential on both sides of the border for the integrated North American supply chain,” states the letter. “While we believe a negotiated solution is always the preferred outcome, the government should be prepared to move quickly if negotiations fail.”

While Aug. 22 is the first potential official start date of a strike or lockout, railroads have already begun altering their operations and halting shipments of many products to ensure people or trains are not stranded once a strike begins.

NGFA sent similar letters warning of the economic and food security consequences of a rail stoppage on Aug. 2 to the chairman of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in the Canadian House of Commons and to the CIRB on May 21.



CattleCon 2025 Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 4-6. This annual event is “where the beef industry meets” to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers and enjoy family fun.

“CattleCon is the industry’s biggest event of the year,” said Mark Eisele, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn and have some fun.”

For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, Feb. 3. This pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies.

CattleCon 2025 officially kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.

CattleCon attendees can look forward to a variety of educational opportunities including the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, weather and industry updates, sustainability forum and the 32nd annual Cattlemen’s College. Cattlemen’s College will include two days of classroom sessions followed by a full day of live animal demonstrations in the NCBA Trade Show arena.

Industry leaders will be recognized during the Environmental Stewardship Award Program reception, Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance Awards program and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet. More than nine acres of the NCBA Trade Show will provide plenty of room to engage with exhibitors, listen to educational sessions, and enjoy entertainment and daily receptions.

Wednesday night’s event will be the Big TX Fest at Smoke Skybar featuring Texas-inspired food and entertainment by Paul Bogart. Thursday evening is Cowboy’s Night at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and Friday includes a special post-convention tour of the King Ranch.

Getting to San Antonio is made easier with discounted flights on United, a registration payment plan, and free Thursday trade show registration for FFA and 4-H members. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2025 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.

A variety of registration options are available, including super saver rates for those who register early. For more information and to register and reserve housing, visit convention.ncba.org.



The Andersons, Inc. Names Bill Krueger as CEO Effective October 1

The Andersons, Inc. announces Bill Krueger, the company's current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will succeed Pat Bowe as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective October 1, 2024. Mr. Krueger also will be appointed to The Andersons Board of Directors. Mr. Bowe will remain as the company's Chairman of the Board.

"Bill has been integral to our strategic growth during his tenure with The Andersons, helping to position the business to take advantage of new opportunities across the agriculture supply chain," said Bowe. "As COO, he has been immersed in our core operating segments, and has demonstrated exceptional leadership with a proven track record for creating value for shareholders. After nearly a decade as CEO, I am proud to pass the baton to Bill."

Pat Bowe joined The Andersons in 2015 as the company's first non-family member CEO. Under his leadership the company completed its largest acquisition, achieved record revenue approaching nearly $17 billion in 2022, grew adjusted EBITDA from approximately $120 million to over $400 million by 2023, and steadily increased dividend payments, retaining the company's track record of 112 consecutive dividends.

"I am honored to succeed Pat as CEO of The Andersons," said Krueger. "The Andersons continues to excel by leveraging its deep expertise in the agricultural supply chain, strong customer relationships, and consistent delivery of strong results for all our stakeholders. Leading a company with such a rich culture and foundational principles is truly a privilege. I am eager to explore new opportunities to further strengthen the legacy and leadership that have driven the company's growth for over 77 years."

Bill Krueger joined The Andersons in 2019 as part of its acquisition of Lansing Trade Group, where he served as president and CEO for nearly 14 years. Prior to serving as The Andersons COO, Krueger was president of the company's trade and processing business. He began his career as a grain merchant, where he honed his expertise in the commodity industry, with a strong focus on business development, energy markets, risk management, and corporate finance. Krueger earned his Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Master of Business Administration in finance from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management. He currently serves on the executive committee of the National Grain & Feed Association (NGFA) board of directors, as well as on the board of Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.