Thursday September 12 Ag News

Pillen, Senators and Dept. of Ag Present Laws to Protect Nebraska from Foreign Adversaries

On the anniversary of 9/11 – the worst terror attack to occur on U.S. soil -- Governor Jim Pillen joined state senators in presenting three new laws aimed at enhancing security for the state and the nation. The bills, two of which address land ownership, were the focus of a news conference and ceremonial bill signing at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island.

While introduced separately, Gov. Pillen noted that collectively, the bills pack a significant punch in protecting the state from undue outside influence which could result in disruptions to the state’s economy and ultimately, its safety.

“We need to know more about who wants to purchase our land and for what purpose. We need to protect our military installations and we need to ensure that we are taking the appropriate actions when violations are noted, “said Gov. Pillen. “Agriculture drives our economy and there is nothing of greater consequence than ensuring our assets, including our crops and our animals, are protected from interference.”

Legislation addressing those issues are included in LB1120, LB1300 and LB1301.

Senator Barry DeKay introduced the Foreign-Owned Real Estate National Security Act at the Governor’s request.  LB1301 updates prior language regarding foreign land ownership in Nebraska, some of which went back to 1889. For purposes of this bill and others, foreign adversaries defined by the federal government currently include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and the Maduro Regime in Venezuela.

Sen. DeKay expressed his appreciation to the Governor and senators Brian Hardin, Elliot Bostar and Steve Halloran for working with him to modernize the state’s archaic foreign land ownership laws.
“Our state’s agricultural land should not be under the control of foreign governments who are adversarial to our nation,” said Sen. DeKay. “This bipartisan legislation helps protect agricultural land and critical infrastructure from those who intend to harm Nebraskans and others in our great nation. Nebraska has outstanding people, resources, land, and water that bring incredible value, not only to the state, but also to our country.”  

LB1301 also reduces the number of ownership exemptions available to foreign adversaries and stipulates that national security agreements be secured prior to land acquisition projects. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, also provides the Attorney General and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) with enforcement authority in these matters.

“We are committed to protecting and defending Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers and their ability to provide food, fiber and fuel for our state and nation,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “The department will receive, investigate and refer any potential foreign ownership violation complaints.”

Sen. Brian Hardin also brought legislation this year aimed at ensuring land purchases are not used for nefarious purposes. Already in effect, LB1120 requires buyers of real estate near military installations to attest they have no connections to federally identified foreign adversaries. Such documents are required for purchases made in Banner, Cheyenne, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and Sioux counties.

During his initial testimony on the bill, Sen. Hardin pointed out that Nebraska was home to 80 intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities and nine alert facilities, all of which were sensitive for national security purposes.  

“I deeply appreciate the steps the Legislature took, along with Gov. Pillen, for creating barriers to potential hostile states and actors against our people and freedom with LB1120 and LB1301,” noted Sen. Hardin. “We will continue to be vigilant as we work with our military and law enforcement agencies to keep Nebraska safe.”

Sen. Eliot Bostar took aim at identifying state and national security risks through passage of LB1300, which creates the Committee on Pacific Conflict. The bill also requires a threat assessment and production of an annual report as well as a prohibition on companies from certain identified countries from bidding on state and local procurement contracts.

“As global tensions in the Pacific continue to rise, Nebraska must be proactive in securing its critical infrastructure and protecting against threats to the economy and public safety,” said Sen. Bostar. “Nebraska’s leadership provides an example for other states and even for the federal government to follow. Since LB1300 became law, Arizona and Oklahoma have each enacted similar preparatory policies, and just this week, the House of Representatives passed HR554, the Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act, to impose penalties upon China if it invades Taiwan.”

Sen. Bostar also introduced legislation in 2023 on behalf of Gov. Pillen prohibiting telecommunications companies from using state funds if the company uses communications equipment or services deemed to be a threat to national security.

“All of these actions, taken together, provide much needed protections for our state. We need to button up loopholes that might allow foreign adversaries a foothold from within,” said Gov. Pillen. “Those are the threats that no one would see coming, until it was too late.”

During yesterday’s event, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of LB1120, LB1300 and LB1301, and presented them to each of the sponsoring senators.



Flood: America’s Land Security is Key to Our National Security

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood delivered remarks during debate on H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. Flood said...

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, as of 2022, foreign individuals held an interest in over 43 million acres of U.S. ag land. For context, 43 million acres is larger than the state of Florida and greater than the total land area of twenty-nine U.S. states.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, privately held foreign agriculture land increased by more than 3 million acres and now accounts for 3.4 percent of all privately held agriculture lands in the United States.

This is a real problem, and it is growing.

Our nation’s land is linked to our national security, food supply, and energy resources. This rising trend of foreign ownership is highly concerning.

The USDA is responsible for collecting data and reporting to Congress on foreign-owned agricultural land, but that’s it. In its own words, the USDA does not have a role in reviewing the purchase or sale of agricultural land in the United States. Additionally, the USDA has failed to penalize improper filing of ag land transactions by foreign nationals – further emphasizing its lack of sufficient enforcement authority in this area.

Let me be clear, foreign agricultural land ownership is a national security issue and should be treated as such. Over the last several years, we’ve all experienced first-hand the detrimental impact food and energy supply chain disruptions can have on our communities. Therefore, it is simply common sense that we pass this bill to expand CFIUS and better address this ongoing threat.



Nebraska Beef Council September Board Meeting

The Nebraska Beef Council Board of Directors will have a virtual meeting at the NBC office in Kearney, NE located at 1319 Central Avenue on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 beginning at 12:00 p.m. CDT. The NBC Board of Directors will review a draft of the FY 2024-2025 Marketing Plan. For more information, please contact Pam Esslinger at pam@nebeef.org.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Launches New Health Plans to Lower Costs of Healthcare for Individuals and Families

Lower health insurance cost to Nebraska individuals and families is a high priority to Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB). As a result, NEFB has introduced a new product, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, that could be a game changer in lowering health insurance costs for all Nebraskans.

“The current health care insurance market discriminates against self-employed individuals and small business owners because they are not eligible for the discounted rates available under employer-sponsored plans. This includes farmers, ranchers, and nearly all small business owners in the state,” said Mark McHargue NEFB president. “Beginning, Oct. 1, 2024, Nebraska Farm Bureau will launch the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans, a new and exclusive health plan option providing significantly lower health costs than the federal marketplace,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to pass LB 1313 in the last legislative session. The bill allows health benefit plans to be sponsored by certain nonprofit agricultural organizations, such as Nebraska Farm Bureau. These plans are not considered insurance, but are medically underwritten and are individually rated, allowing them to be offered at significant savings when compared to ACA marketplace plans.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans provide coverages and services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care will also be covered,” said Kelsey Scheer, assistant director of NEFB Health Plans. “These plans are high-quality, dependable, and affordable health coverage plans for individuals and families, featuring a nationwide PPO network of providers, United HealthCare Choice Plus, which offers services across the state, and has various levels of deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” Scheer said.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans offer comprehensive, benefit-rich options at rates that can be 30% to 50% less than unsubsidized plans offered under the ACA.

“The Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans will provide these benefits under a self-funded arrangement administered by a licensed third-party administrator, which is Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee. The organization administers these types of health plans to six state Farm Bureaus across the U.S.,” said Billy Fields director of state alliance operations for Farm Bureau Health Plans of Tennessee.

While individuals who are self-employed or own a small business could benefit from these plans, anyone can apply. In addition, a Nebraska Farm Bureau membership is required to apply for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Health Plans. If approved for the health coverage, you must maintain your NEFB membership to keep your NEFB Health Plan active. Nebraska Farm Bureau members can apply for the NEFB Health Plans anytime of the year, and there is no re-enrollment period like other programs. Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) agents in Nebraska will exclusively sell these plans to NEFB members. For more information go to our website at www.nefbhp.com.



Nebraska Corn: Don’t Learn Safety by Accident

As harvest time nears, the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) recognize and understand the importance of National Farm Safety and Health Week by providing safety tips for agriculture and harvest. This year’s theme is Don’t Learn Safety by Accident.

Nebraska Corn looks to promote safety during National Farm and Safety Week Sept. 15-21.

With one in four jobs related to agriculture in Nebraska, agriculture continues to be a large portion of the state’s economy. It also is one of the most volatile and dangerous industries. With many accidents going unreported, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created an agriculture safety and health program to address the risk of injuries and illnesses experienced by agricultural workers and their families. With many generational farms, learning on the farm starts early and that includes safety when in and around equipment.

“This is an industry my grandfather was in, and my father, myself and hopefully someday the next generation, but it doesn’t go without risks,” said Michael Dibbern, NeCGA vice president. “I grew up in and around combines and tractors, but not without my father being next to me teaching safety and vigilance with equipment. As I teach my children about farming, we have safety measures that must be learned so it’s not learned by accident.”

Harvesting is a busy, stressful time for farmers as there is a short window for harvesting crops. Farmers must take time to rest and take care of themselves physically, emotionally and mentally to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Those traveling in rural areas must also be aware of their surroundings during harvest season. Nebraska Corn encourages patience and slowing down with increased farm traffic. Prevent an accident by knowing farm safety.

Follow these and other safety tips this harvest and beyond:

Equipment Safety
    Be careful when approaching harvest equipment. Approach equipment from the front and get the operator’s attention.
    Ensure the harvesting equipment is fully stopped and disengaged before approaching.
    Do not go near any unguarded or otherwise running machinery.
    Avoid pinch points between equipment – such as tractors with grain wagons. Visibility can be limited, and serious injury can occur.

Entanglement Hazard
    Before unplugging any equipment, disengage power and remove energy from the equipment.
    Never pull or try to remove plugged plant material from an operating machine.
    Never remove shields. Keep in place to avoid entanglement when working around equipment.

Fall Hazard
    Be careful when climbing on or off equipment.
    Be alert and extremely careful when working in wet or slippery conditions.
    Keep all walkways and platforms open and free of tools, dust, debris or other hazardous obstacles. Clean all walkways and platforms before use.
    Wear clothing that is not baggy or loose.  Also wear proper non-slip, closed toed-shoes.
    Use grab bars when mounting or dismounting machinery. Face machinery when dismounting and never jump from equipment.
    Never dismount from a moving vehicle.

Fire Prevention
    Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle (A-B-C, 5 or 10 pounds).
    Check bearings regularly to prevent overheating and the chance of fire. Remove build-up or dust from equipment.

Grain Cart Safety
    Never exceed maximum weight limits on grain carts. As weight increases, grain carts can be more difficult to control.
    Load grain bins evenly to distribute weight and prevent weaving or instability across the grain bin.
    Inspect grain bin tires and replace any worn or cracked tires.

Grain Bin Safety
    Check the air quality before entering an enclosed space.
    If entering a bin, wear a harness attached to a secure rope.
    Never work alone.
    Never allow children to get too close or inside the bin.
    Wear a dust filter or respirator when working in bins.
    Stay out of bins when equipment is running.

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is a grassroots commodity organization that works to advance Nebraska corn farmers through leadership, policy and education. NeCGA has more than 2,400 dues-paying members in Nebraska. NeCGA is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 dues-paying members nationwide.



National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept 15-21

Agriculture is dangerous work.  The 2019 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.
National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council.

DAILY THEMES:
MONDAY - Equipment & Rural Roadway Safety
TUESDAY - Health and Wellness
WEDNESDAY - Generations of Farming
THURSDAY - Confined Spaces in Agriculture
FRIDAY - Reporting Ag Injuries

Register for the webinars and get more information here:  https://www.agrisafe.org/nfshw/.  



Weekly Ethanol Production for 9/6/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending September 6, ethanol production increased 1.8% to 1.08 million b/d, equivalent to 45.36 million gallons daily. Output was 3.9% more than the same week last year and 10.9% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate nudged up 0.2% to 1.08 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.57 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 1.5% to a 5-week high of 23.7 million barrels. Stocks were 12.0% more than the same week last year and 10.8% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) and West Coast (PADD 5).

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, dropped 5.1% to a 20-week low of 8.48 million b/d (130.32 bg annualized). Demand was 2.1% more than a year ago but 1.7% below the five-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol followed, scaling back 4.4% to 892,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.71 bg annualized and the lowest volume in two months. Net inputs were 0.8% less than year-ago levels but 0.4% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports were estimated at 177,000 b/d (7.4 million gallons/day), 94.5% more than the prior week. There were zero imports of ethanol recorded for the 51st consecutive week.



Most Retail Fertilizer Prices Lower Again in First Week of September

Average retail prices for seven of the eight major fertilizers continued to be slightly lower than last month during the first week of September 2024, according to sellers surveyed by DTN. For the seventh week in a row, no fertilizer price showed a substantial move in either direction. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The seven fertilizers that were lower in price compared to last month were DAP, with an average price of $739 per ton, MAP $813/ton, potash $486/ton, urea $490/ton, 10-34-0 $638/ton, UAN28 $327/ton and UAN32 $364/ton.

One fertilizer was just slightly more expensive. Anhydrous had an average price of $676/ton, up just $1 from last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.53/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Prices for three fertilizers are higher compared to one year ago. DAP is 1% higher, 10-34-0 is 4% more expensive and MAP is 9% higher than last year. Prices for the remaining five fertilizers are lower. Anhydrous is 2% lower, potash is 6% less expensive, UAN32 is 7% lower, UAN28 is 8% less expensive and urea is 13% lower compared to last year.