Thursday December 05 Ag News

 Stowell Selected for USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has named Rick Stowell, a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to its Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research for 2024-2026. This prestigious appointment highlights Nebraska’s leadership in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and addressing pressing air quality challenges.

The task force, created by the 1996 Farm Bill, brings together experts from across the nation to guide research, recommend practices, and explore solutions to the complex intersection of agriculture and air quality. Members advise on topics ranging from greenhouse gas emissions and climate-smart agriculture to the impact of regulations on farming and ranching operations.

Stowell is a specialist in animal environment with Nebraska Extension with over twenty years of experience in enhancing livestock systems and environmental quality. As a member of the task force, he will provide critical insights into emissions management and sustainable solutions for livestock and poultry operations. His work at IANR emphasizes Nebraska's commitment to innovation in agriculture and natural resource stewardship.

"I am honored to be appointed to this task force and represent Nebraska and IANR,” Stowell said. “This is an opportunity to bring a Nebraska perspective to national conversations on agriculture and air quality, ensuring that solutions are both scientifically sound and practical for producers.”

The task force, chaired by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Terry Cosby, supports USDA's efforts to improve air quality while promoting environmental justice and sustainable agricultural practices.



Ricketts: "I’m Excited to Have A Change of Leadership at the EPA”

Wednesday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, reacted to his meeting with former Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Ricketts was encouraged by Zeldin’s plans to roll back the burdensome regulations of the Biden-Harris administration, provide transparency and certainty, and respect Nebraska priorities. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.

“The Biden-Harris EPA’s delusional and expensive regulations caused prices to rise for families and businesses,” Ricketts said. “They wasted millions of taxpayer dollars with grants to far-left, partisan organizations. They issued mandates that limited choice and hindered American innovation. They stonewalled Senators and kept important information from the American people. That’s just wrong.”

“Today, I met with former Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-Elect Trump’s nominee to lead the EPA,” Ricketts continued. “We discussed several issues critical to Nebraska and our country. I’m excited to have a change of leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency. Lee and I discussed the need for an EPA that provides relief, not regulation.”

“Former Congressman Lee Zeldin has a strong record of public service,” Ricketts closed. “I’m hopeful he will lead the EPA in a way that respects Nebraska’s priorities. I look forward to working with him to advance these policies that will benefit Nebraska and all Americans.”



CAP Webinar: Farm Transitions and Sweat Equity
Dec 12, 2024 12:00 PM
Jenn Krultz Sather, Master of Agribusiness Graduate, Kansas State University
Anastasia Meyer, Agricultural Economist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Approximately 84% of assets on U.S. farms are represented in land ownership. Land values have dramatically increased over the past 50 years, while commodity price trends have paled in comparison. As farmers look to retire and successfully transition their farms to the next generation, it may be necessary to rely on sweat equity to compensate a returning heir as sufficient cash may not be available in any given year.

In this webinar, Jenn Krultz Sather will share findings from her Kansas State University master’s thesis research on sweat equity arrangements in family farm succession planning. This research relied on Kansas Farm Management Association data regarding farm income, expenses, debt, and family living expenses to create three simulation farms.

Krultz Sather will discuss different transition arrangements to determine which arrangements provide the highest cash and sweat equity values to ensure the success of each farm for both the retiring generation and the returning heir. She will also cover the concept of “fair vs. equal” when multiple stakeholders are involved, and “risk vs. opportunities” when relying on sweat equity assessments.

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



Advancing Innovation: 2024-25 NCGA Research Ambassadors

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased to announce the eight Research Ambassadors that were selected for the 2024-2025 academic year:
Elliot Braun, Michigan State University
Jodi Callwood, Iowa State University
Sarah Fitzsimmons, University of Missouri at Columbia
Kathryn Koirtyohann, Florida State University
Sarah Lipps, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Morgan Molsbee, Texas A & M University
Karlene Negus, Iowa State University
Diana Ruggiero, Oregon State University  

Within the portfolio of NCGA’s Research and New Uses Action Team, the Research Ambassador program aims to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.

“As we enter the fourth year of the Research Ambassador Program, we remain committed to fostering deeper connections between the innovation happening in the lab and the expertise cultivated in the field,” said Kansas grower and Research & New Uses Action Team Chair Chad Epler. “Each new group of ambassadors brings fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration, further strengthening the essential link between academic research and practical agriculture, ensuring our industry's future remains both sustainable and innovative.”

Through the program, each NCGA Research Ambassador will receive the following:
    Financial award of $2,500 directly to the student.
    Up to $750 for registration and travel reimbursement for participation in scientific research conferences.
    Fully-funded travel to participate in NCGA events throughout the year, which could include grower research committee meetings, congressional visits at the state or federal level, Commodity Classic, Corn Congress, farm field days, etc.

To learn more, visit the NCGA Research Ambassador Program https://ncga.com/key-issues/other-topics/scholarship-programs/profile/ncga-research-ambassador-program.



Cattlemen Relieved by Court Decision to Halt Corporate Transparency Act

Yesterday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the issuance of a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced on January 1, 2025. This ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas protects millions of family farmers and ranchers from onerous reporting requirements imposed by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jailtime,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “Across the country, cattle producers are relieved that this mandate is on hold while the law is being considered by the courts. NCBA will continue working with Congress to provide a permanent fix to the Corporate Transparency Act that protects family farmers and ranchers.”
 
This preliminary injunction prevents the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect until the outcome of the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland is fully decided by the courts. This case was brought by a Texas small business that challenged the legality of the Corporate Transparency Act. For the time being, the injunction prevents FinCEN from enforcing the act and delays the deadline to file beneficial ownership reports. This is not the first constitutional challenge of the Corporate Transparency Act, and the difference in court decisions could lead to further consideration by higher courts.
 
While the preliminary injunction is a relief for cattle producers, we must continue fighting for a long-term solution. NCBA will continue working with policymakers to protect cattle producers from onerous reporting requirements like the Corporate Transparency Act.  
 
Every producers’ situation is different, and this information should not be construed as professional advice. Always consult your attorney and/or tax professional to determine how the Corporate Transparency Act impacts you.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 11/29/2024

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending November 29, ethanol production pared back 4.1% to a 7-week low of 1.07 million b/d, equivalent to 45.07 million gallons daily. Output was 0.3% less than the same week last year but 1.1% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production rate declined 0.7% to 1.10 million b/d, which is equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.97 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks rose for the fifth consecutive week, up 0.6% to 23.0 million barrels. Stocks were 7.3% more than the same week last year and 5.5% above the five-year average. Inventories built in the Midwest (PADD 2) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) but thinned across the other regions.

The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, strengthened by 2.7% to 8.74 million b/d (134.32 bg annualized). Demand was 3.2% more than a year ago and 3.4% above the five-year average.

However, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol slipped 1.9% to 873,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.42 bg annualized and the lowest volume since mid-March. Yet, net inputs were 1.0% more than year-ago levels and 4.3% above the five-year average.

Ethanol exports decreased 20.3% to an estimated 126,000 b/d (5.3 million gallons/day). It has been 63 weeks since imports of ethanol were recorded.



Most Fertilizer Prices Remain Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continue to be mostly higher than last month, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of November 2024. Seven of the eight major fertilizers were higher in price compared to a month ago. Once again, no fertilizer had a sizeable price increase or decline. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

The seven slightly higher fertilizers are DAP which had an average price of $740/ton, MAP $811/ton, 10-34-0 $611/ton, anhydrous $718/ton, UAN28 $323/ton and UAN32 $364/ton.

One fertilizer was slightly less expensive than a month ago. Potash had an average price of $443/ton compared to last month.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.

Two fertilizers are now higher in price compared to one year ago. 10-34-0 is 3% higher while DAP is 4% more expensive looking back to last year. The remaining six fertilizers are lower. MAP is 1% lower, UAN28 is 5% less expensive, urea is 10% lower, UAN32 is 11% less expensive and both potash and anhydrous are 15% lower compared to last year.



USDA Dairy Products October 2024 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.23 billion pounds, 1.0 percent above October 2023 and 5.6 percent above September 2024. Italian type cheese production totaled 512 million pounds, 0.5 percent above October 2023 and 4.9 percent above September 2024. American type cheese production totaled 486 million pounds, 0.2 percent below October 2023 but 6.6 percent above September 2024. Butter production was 167 million pounds, 3.1 percent above October 2023 and 4.4 percent above September 2024.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with October 2023)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 125 million pounds, down 2.7 percent.
Skim milk powder - 41.0 million pounds, down 24.1 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with October 2023)
Dry whey, total - 66.3 million pounds, down 11.9 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 91.7 million pounds, up 1.8 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 40.6 million pounds, up 2.3 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with October 2023)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 62.5 million gallons, up 11.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 31.5 million gallons, down 15.4 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 1.58 million gallons, down 3.6 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.32 million gallons, down slightly.



October DMC Margin Recedes $0.40/cwt from September Record
NMPF

The monthly margin under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program decreased by $0.40/cwt from September’s record level to $15.17/cwt. The October all-milk price was down $0.30/cwt from September to $25.20/cwt, while the DMC feed cost formula rose again from September, by $0.10/cwt of milk, mostly on a higher price for premium alfalfa hay.

The end of November dairy and grain futures indicated the DMC margin would average around $11.85/cwt for all of 2024.

November CWT-Assisted Export Sales Nearly 27.6 Million Pounds
CWT member cooperatives secured 121 contracts in November, adding 27.6 million pounds of product to CWT-assisted sales in 2024. This is equal to 273.8 million pounds of milk in milk equivalent on a milkfat basis. These products will go to customers in Asia, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Central America, the Caribbean and South America and will be shipped from November 2024 through May 2025.

Exporting dairy products is critical to the viability of dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the country. Whether or not a cooperative is actively engaged in exporting cheese, butter, anhydrous milkfat, cream cheese, or whole milk powder, moving products into world markets is essential. CWT provides a means to move domestic dairy products to overseas markets by helping to overcome U.S. dairy’s trade disadvantages.  



Dairy Farmers Invited to Apply for $7 Million Incentive Pool to Implement Climate-Smart Practices

Dairy farmers across 15 states can apply for considerable financial support to adopt climate-smart manure management practices through a new initiative aimed at enhancing soil health, increasing herd productivity and minimizing environmental impact. That's according to Transforming the Farmer to Consumer Supply Chain project leaders.

The Dairy Manure Management Incentive Program, part of the USDA-backed $70 million Transforming the Farmer to Consumer Supply Chain (Transform F2C) project, provides competitive funding to help farmers integrate sustainable manure and nutrient management methods that suit their unique operation's needs.

This program offers implementation support for practices such as waste storage, waste separation, composting and nutrient management. Farmers can receive up to $1 million per farm entity.

"Many manure management practices require capital-heavy infrastructure investments, a challenge for the average dairy farmer, yet the business and environmental returns are phenomenal," said Nick Goeser, co-Founder of Carbon A List, the company administering the grant. "This project is creating real impact. We expect a reduction equivalent of over 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide throughout the five-year program."

Priority access will be given to small-scale and historically underserved farmers, helping more producers participate in climate-resilient practices.

Applications opened December 2, 2024, and the deadline to apply is January 30, 2025. Program Details are as follows:
    Eligibility: Dairy farmers in California, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin who meet Farm Service Agency (FSA) requirements.
    Incentive Payment: Funding is awarded based on the environmental impact of practice adoption, assessed in metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) reduction. Selected farmers may receive up to 100% of the proposed project budget.

The Dairy Manure Management Incentive Program simplifies the enrollment process with a 6-step guide, from confirming eligibility to submitting an online application, making it easier for farmers to obtain competitive funding that supports sustainability on their farms. Visit TransformF2C.com/dairy-manure-management for details.

Funded by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and led by Carbon A List, Transform F2C collaborates with industry leaders to create sustainable, end-to-end supply chain partnerships for climate-smart commodities. The initiative focuses on empowering farmers, boosting climate resilience, and delivering climate-smart products to consumers. For more visit TransformF2C.com.